Yemen, a country located on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, has a rich history and unique geographic features that make it a fascinating study. Despite its challenging economic situation and political instability, Yemenis have shown a resilient spirit in exploring opportunities for outbound tourism. As of August 2024, Yemenis can travel to 33 countries visa free, reflecting a significant improvement in their global mobility. This article delves into Yemen’s historical and geographical context, its standing in the Henley Passport Index, its economic landscape, and the dynamics of its outbound tourism.
Yemen boasts a deep historical heritage, dating back to ancient times with civilizations like the Sabaeans and Himyarites. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Old City of Sana’a and the Historic Town of Zabid. Geographically, Yemen is characterized by its diverse landscapes, from arid deserts to lush highlands and a lengthy coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.
TTW Editor-in-Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan stated, “This initiative marks a monumental shift for Yemen’s outbound travel industry, enabling Yemeni citizens to explore the world with unprecedented ease. By offering visa-free access to 33 countries as of August 2024, including popular destinations like Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia, Turkiye is not only enhancing global mobility but also strengthening its cultural and economic ties with these nations. This move is set to inspire more Yemeni travelers to embark on international journeys, enriching their experiences and fostering global connections.”
Henley Passport Index
In the Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, Yemen’s passport is relatively weak. As of the latest ranking, Yemen is placed near the bottom, with its citizens having visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 33 countries. This limited access underscores the difficulties Yemeni travelers face in global mobility.
Yemen Outbound Tourism Dynamics
The 2023 Economic Impact report by the World Travel & Tourism Council underscores the significant role of travel and tourism in Yemen’s economic landscape. Despite global challenges, such as inflation, economic uncertainty, labor shortages, and the climate crisis, the sector has shown remarkable resilience and potential for growth. In 2022, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Yemen’s GDP was YER 201.3 billion, representing 2.2% of the total GDP. This figure is expected to grow by 1.8% annually, reaching YER 245.2 billion by 2033. Employment in the sector also showed promising trends, with 99,477 jobs directly generated in 2022, accounting for 1.6% of total employment. By 2033, this number is projected to increase to 116,330 jobs.
Additionally, international visitor spending in Yemen was YER 44.6 billion in 2022, with a forecasted rise to YER 65.3 billion by 2033. The report highlights that, despite the setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel and tourism sector is on a robust recovery path, contributing significantly to the global economy and job creation.
The continued investment and focus on sustainability and capacity-building are crucial for maintaining this positive trajectory in Yemen’s travel and tourism industry.