Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Tourism spending across the Middle East is forecast to reach US$350 billion annually by 2030, marking a 50% increase from 2024 levels, according to the newly released ATM Travel Trends Report 2025. Produced by Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in partnership with Tourism Economics, the report provides in-depth analysis of the macroeconomic and sectoral trends propelling the Middle East’s ascent as a global tourism and business hub.
According to the report, the region is on track to grow travel spending by more than 7% annually from 2025 to 2030, reflecting unprecedented demand for leisure, business, luxury, and sports tourism. This projection places the Middle East among the fastest-growing travel markets worldwide and underlines the region’s strategic efforts to diversify its economies and build world-class infrastructure.
The surge is in line with national policy initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, both of which aim to increase the contribution of tourism to GDP while improving international connectivity and enhancing destination appeal.
Inbound Travel Set for Rapid Expansion
Inbound tourism to the Middle East is expected to grow 13% annually through 2030, powered by improved connectivity, high-profile events, and rising demand from key source markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
European travelers currently account for 50% of all international leisure arrivals, with India and the United Kingdom emerging as the top two source markets by volume. China, ranked third in terms of value, is projected to increase its regional leisure travel spending by 130% by 2030, according to Tourism Economics.
Visitor nights from Asia Pacific and African markets are also expected to more than double over the next five years, driven by improved air routes, expanded visa policies, and targeted marketing campaigns from national tourism boards.
This growing international demand aligns with the region’s expanding air transport capabilities.
The region’s four flagship carriers — Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Saudia — have collectively placed nearly 780 aircraft orders with Airbus and Boeing to meet the increasing demand for both short- and long-haul travel, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Business Travel: A Key Driver of Growth
One of the standout trends in the report is the accelerated rise of business travel, forecast to grow 1.5 times faster than the global average over the next five years. The Middle East’s strategic geography — positioned at the nexus of Europe, Asia, and Africa — has enabled the region to emerge as a top-tier location for international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events.
As per the UAE’s National Tourism Strategy 2031, business travel is essential to expanding the country’s tourism economy beyond leisure, and investment in ‘bleisure’ travel (business + leisure) is rising steadily.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at Arabian Travel Market, commented:
“Business travel is no longer a niche segment. With new venues, smart cities, and integrated hospitality offerings, the region is redefining how global companies and event organizers view the Middle East.”
The region’s role as a host of mega-events, including Expo 2020 Dubai and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2034 in Saudi Arabia, is enhancing its global standing and accelerating business-related inbound traffic.
Luxury Travel Surges With High-Net-Worth Visitors
Luxury travel continues to outperform other sectors, with Middle East destinations attracting a growing number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking personalized, high-end experiences. According to the ATM report, 60% of travelers to the Middle East spend significantly more on luxury experiences, compared to under 40% among travelers to other regions.
Luxury hospitality investment is a key pillar of national development programs. For example:
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi host nearly 100 of the Middle East’s 170 luxury hotels, with 22 more in the pipeline.
- Saudi Arabia’s Giga Projects — including NEOM, Red Sea Global, and Diriyah Gate — aim to redefine experiential luxury on a global scale, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism goals.
Globally, spending on luxury leisure hospitality is projected to reach US$390 billion by 2028, according to the report, with the Middle East capturing an increasingly larger share of that market.
Sports Tourism Expected to Grow 63% by 2030
A major catalyst for the region’s tourism momentum is the sports and entertainment industry. Following the global success of events like Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup, the region is leveraging its expertise and infrastructure to become a hub for international sporting events, including Formula 1, golf championships, tennis tournaments, and esports leagues.
According to the report, sports tourism in the Middle East will grow 63% by 2030, contributing directly to hotel bookings, flight demand, and ancillary services such as dining, retail, and event management.
Key highlights include:
- The 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia
- Motorsport and esports tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh
- Expansion of cycling and golf events across the GCC
As a result, governments across the Gulf are investing heavily in sports infrastructure, supported by regional economic diversification strategies and national tourism plans.
Innovation and Investment at ATM 2025
At the 2025 edition of Arabian Travel Market, held at Dubai World Trade Centre, more than 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries convened to shape the future of global travel. The event saw 16% year-on-year growth and debuted two key zones: IBTM@ATM, focused on meetings and events, and the Innovation Zone, highlighting next-gen travel tech.
Curtis noted:
“This year’s ATM demonstrated the region’s hunger for innovation and its ability to deliver high-value tourism. With the right infrastructure and strategic vision, the Middle East is not just participating in global travel—it is helping to define it.”
The next ATM will take place from 4–7 May 2026, continuing to support the region’s emergence as a powerhouse in global tourism investment, innovation, and sustainability.
Conclusion: A Region on the Rise
The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 confirms what regional leaders have long predicted: the Middle East is not just a transit point — it is rapidly becoming a destination in its own right. With strategic investments, sustainability focus, and global partnerships, the region is well-positioned to achieve US$350 billion in tourism spending by 2030—and possibly beyond.
