Middle East Tourism Spending to Hit $350 Billion by 2030

A newly released report by Tourism Economics, commissioned by Arabian Travel Market (ATM), forecasts a major leap in tourism expenditure across the Middle East. By 2030, the region is expected to generate nearly $350 billion in tourism spending, marking a 50% increase from 2024 levels.

Emerging Trends Redefining Middle Eastern Travel

The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 outlines several transformative trends shaping the travel landscape in the Middle East and globally. Notable among these are the rapid expansion of business travel, the rise of luxury tourism, and a marked uptick in sports-related tourism. Spending in the Middle East’s travel sector is projected to grow by over 7% annually from 2025 through 2030, surpassing pre-pandemic (2019) levels by an impressive 54% this year alone.

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% through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.”

Global Inflows and Outflows Show Strong Momentum

The region is strengthening its global tourism standing with inbound travel from outside the Middle East set to rise at a rate of 13% per year until 2030. Outbound business travel is also projected to grow at 9% annually, underscoring the Middle East’s evolving role as both a source and destination market in global tourism.

Key Source Markets Driving Leisure Tourism

Europe remains the largest contributor to leisure travel to the Middle East, accounting for half of all arrivals. India and the UK lead as top international leisure source markets, followed closely by China, where spending is expected to surge by 130% by the end of the decade. The report also forecasts a doubling of overnight stays from Asia Pacific and African tourists, highlighting the growing appeal of the region across diverse geographies.

Outbound Travel Trends and Destination Preferences

On the outbound front, Saudi Arabia and Egypt remain dominant in driving regional travel flows. Among long-haul destinations, Thailand and the United Kingdom continue to attract Middle Eastern travellers, reflecting a mix of cultural appeal, connectivity, and leisure infrastructure.

Massive Aircraft Orders Signal Aviation Growth

Four of the region’s largest airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Saudia - have collectively ordered nearly 780 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus. These orders reflect the Middle East’s strategic push to expand its aviation sector and accommodate surging demand, further bolstering its status as a major global air travel hub.

Curtis commented: “At ATM 2025, we recognised 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.”

Business Events Fuelling Economic Expansion

The report highlights the Middle East’s accelerating role in the business events industry. Business travel spending in the region is expected to grow 1.5 times faster than the global average by 2030. Its geographic location - bridging Asia, Africa, and Europe—makes it an ideal hub for international events, and positions the region strongly in the growing trend of blended travel for work and leisure, commonly referred to as "bleisure".

“Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60% habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling compared to under 40% among travellers who favour other destinations,” added Curtis.

Luxury Travel Redefined in the Middle East

Luxury and lifestyle tourism are experiencing a sharp rise, attracting affluent travellers drawn to bespoke experiences and world-class hospitality. The report estimates global luxury leisure spending to exceed $390 billion by 2028. In the Middle East, Abu Dhabi and Dubai lead the way with nearly 100 luxury hotels already operational and 22 more in development. Saudi Arabia is also emerging as a luxury hotspot, especially with its Giga project initiatives.

The Sports Tourism Boom

The region’s capability to host mega-events has been proven through global showcases such as Expo 2020 Dubai and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Looking ahead, the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia is expected to fuel even greater growth. Sports tourism in the region is forecasted to rise by 63% in the years ahead, supported by events in football, motorsports, golf, esports, and cycling.

A Ripple Effect on Travel and Hospitality Services

This surge in sports and entertainment activities is creating a strong multiplier effect across the tourism ecosystem. Increased demand for flights, accommodations, and services linked to these events is stimulating broader economic growth and positioning the Middle East as a premier destination for integrated tourism experiences.

ATM: A Catalyst for Global Travel Innovation

Arabian Travel Market continues to be a cornerstone event for the travel and tourism sector. Held annually in Dubai at the World Trade Centre, the 2025 edition welcomed more than 55,000 industry participants from 166 countries, reflecting a 16% year-on-year increase. The next edition is scheduled from May 4 to 7, 2026, where new insights and partnerships will continue shaping the future of global tourism.