A new report released by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) forecasts a dramatic surge in tourism spending across the Middle East, with total expenditure projected to climb nearly 50 percent by 2030 compared to 2024 levels — reaching almost $350 billion annually.
Unveiled in the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, the findings highlight the transformative shifts redefining regional and global travel — from luxury and business travel booms to the growing momentum of sports tourism.
The report estimates that Middle East travel spending in 2025 will exceed pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 54 percent, with a sustained growth trajectory of 7 percent annually from 2025 to 2030.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The report’s findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7 percent through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.”
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Strong regional growth across key travel segments
The Middle East is fast solidifying its status as a global tourism and aviation powerhouse. Inbound travel from outside the region is set to grow 13 percent annually, while outbound business travel is forecast to rise by 9 percent each year through 2030 — outpacing global averages.
Europe remains the primary feeder region for leisure travel, accounting for half of all visitors.
India and the United Kingdom top the list of inbound international leisure markets, followed by China, which is expected to see a 130 percent increase in leisure travel spending by 2030.
Tourism nights from Asia Pacific and African visitors are also expected to more than double during the same period.
On the outbound front, Saudi Arabia and Egypt lead regional travel flows, with Thailand and the UK ranking as top long-haul destinations.
“Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60 percent habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling compared to under 40 percent among travellers who favour other destinations,” added Curtis.
Airlines and infrastructure powering growth
The region’s aviation sector is preparing for this surge with major fleet expansions. The four largest Middle Eastern carriers — Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Saudia — have collectively ordered nearly 780 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, signaling long-term investments in capacity and service excellence.
This growth aligns with the region’s broader ambition to become a global aviation and business travel hub, thanks to its geographic advantage at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Business travel and ‘bleisure’ on the rise
Business travel is poised to be a standout sector, with the report projecting that Middle East business travel spending will grow 1.5 times faster than the global average through 2030. The region is now recognized as one of the fastest-growing markets for ‘bleisure’ — the blend of business and leisure travel — as companies and event organizers increasingly choose Middle Eastern destinations for conferences, expos, and summits.
Luxury tourism booms with new demand and developments
The report also underscores the Middle East’s emergence as a luxury tourism hotspot, driven by high-net-worth travelers seeking premium experiences, cultural depth, and the region’s signature hospitality.
Global luxury leisure spending is forecast to reach $390 billion by 2028, with the Middle East capturing a growing share.
Currently, over 170 luxury hotels operate in the region, nearly 100 of them in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with another 22 under development.
Saudi Arabia is also stepping into the luxury spotlight with high-profile giga projects, positioning the kingdom as a future magnet for affluent travelers.
Sports tourism: A key growth engine
Following the success of global events like Expo 2020 Dubai and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, sports tourism is surging, with the region projected to experience a 63 percent growth in this segment in the coming years. The upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia is expected to accelerate this trajectory.
High investment and rising international attention in golf, motorsports, football, cycling, and esports are fueling increased demand for flights, accommodations, and event-related services, creating a ripple effect throughout the wider tourism economy.
ATM’s role in shaping the future of travel
Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Center, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the Middle East’s leading travel and tourism exhibition. The 2025 edition drew over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, marking a 16 percent increase in attendance year over year.
Curtis commented: “At ATM 2025, we recognized the industry’s hunger for innovation in travel technology as well as the rising demand for business travel across the region. In response, we launched two dynamic new zones, IBTM@ATM and the Innovation Zone, designed to empower our growing audience to shape the future of travel with the speed and scale our exciting industry demands.”
The next edition of ATM will take place from May 4–7, 2026, continuing to serve as a vital platform for global collaboration and innovation in travel and tourism.
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