Middle East tourism spend to surge 50% to nearly US$350B by 2030 – ATM

MIDDLE EAST – A new report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) forecasts that total tourism spending in the Middle East will increase by 50% by 2030, reaching nearly US$350 billion annually.

The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 highlights the transformative trends reshaping the region’s travel sector, including a surge in business travel, rapid growth in the luxury segment, and a booming sports tourism market.

The report reveals that Middle East travel spending is projected to exceed pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 54% this year (2025), with an anticipated annual growth rate of over 7% from 2025 to 2030.

This sustained momentum positions the Middle East as one of the fastest-growing travel markets globally, supported by bold national visions, major infrastructure developments, and enhanced global connectivity.

Inbound travel to the region is expected to grow by 13% annually through 2030, fueled by rising demand from key source markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Europe remains the largest feeder region for leisure travel, accounting for 50% of all international leisure arrivals, with India and the United Kingdom as the top two source markets.

Notably, China ranks third by value, with leisure travel spending projected to increase by 130% by 2030. Visitor nights from Asia Pacific and African markets are also expected to more than double over the next five years.

Business travel is a standout sector, forecast to grow 1.5 times faster than the global average over the next five years.

The Middle East’s strategic geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa has helped it emerge as a premier destination for international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events.

Luxury tourism is booming, driven by high-net-worth travelers seeking premium experiences and cultural depth.

The Middle East currently hosts over 170 luxury hotels, with nearly 100 located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and another 22 under development.

Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as a luxury tourism hotspot through high-profile giga projects designed to attract affluent visitors.

Sports tourism is another key growth engine, with the region projected to see a 63% increase in this segment in the coming years.

Major events such as Expo 2020 Dubai, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia are fueling demand for flights, accommodations, and event-related services, creating a ripple effect across the tourism economy.

Supporting this growth, the Middle East’s aviation sector is undergoing major expansion. The four largest regional carriers, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Saudia, have collectively ordered nearly 780 new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus to meet rising passenger demand and enhance connectivity.

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