Written by: Amr Adel

MENA region tourism revenues advanced 3.9% to record nearly $49 billion in 2014, said Taleb Al-Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization.

"The growth was mainly steamed from the GCC," said Al-Rifai on the side line of a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

"Tourism figures have witnessed remarkable growth in 2014, in the face of the political instability and the deterioration of the security conditions in some MENA's countries," said Al-Rifai.

Tourism revenues surged although of the world economic growth slowdown and many other challenges, added Al-Rifai.

Export earnings from international tourism and passenger transport registered nearly $1.5 trillion in 2014, which proves the sector’s capacity to stimulate economic growth, boost exports and create jobs, noted Al-Rifai.