By 2030, total spending in the Middle East would have been 50% higher than 2024, generating about $350 billion in spending, according to a new report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).
The ATM Travel Trend Report 2025 unveils insights into trends and transformations that redefine the travel sector in the Middle East and around the world, including a surge in business trips, the growth of the luxury segment, and the boom in sports tourism in the region. The report highlights exceptional growth in travel spending in the Middle East, with forecasts to exceed 54% this year in 2019, with annual growth rates exceeding 7% from 2025 to 2030.
Daniel Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabia's travel market, said: “The report's findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is extremely strong, with annual growth averaged over 7% until 2030.
It highlights the Middle East's strong position in global tourism, so inbound travel from outside the region will grow to 13% per year with business travel forecasts forecasts at 9% per year.
The European sauce market accounts for 50% of all leisure trips to the Middle East, with India and the UK being the top two international leisure sauce markets. China is also a key market, ranked third in leisure spending, which will increase by 130% by 2030. Furthermore, tourist nights by visitors from Asia Pacific and Africa are expected to exceed 100% between now and 2030.
For outbound travel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt dominate regional flows, while Thailand and the UK lead as preferred long-distance destinations.
The region's four largest airlines (Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Saudia) have placed orders of 780 aircraft with Boeing and Airbus, representing major expansions to existing fleets. This important investment highlights the strategic focus of becoming the region's global aviation hub and meeting the growing demand for passengers over the next decade.
The rise as a global hub for business events in the Middle East is another important highlight of the report, saying spending on Middle East business trips will grow 1.5 times faster than the global average to 2030.
The sector plays an important role in enhancing the region's reputation in hosting major events. It is expected to experience the second fastest business trip growth rate in all global regions, highlighting an increased likelihood of combining business and leisure travel, or “Blaishure.”
Curtis commented: “At ATM 2025, we recognized the industry's hunger for travel technology innovation and the growing demand for business travel across the region. In response, we launched two dynamic new zones: IBTM@ATM and the Innovation Zone.
The region also witnesses unprecedented growth in luxury and lifestyle tourism, attracting a new generation of high-net travelers who are drawn to extraordinary Middle Eastern hospitality, curated experiences and premium cultural events. According to the report, global spending on luxury leisure hospitality is expected to continue to grow actively at over USD 390 billion by 2028.
“Trades attracted to the Middle East tend to spend more on their entire trip, and are more likely to spend nearly 60% on luxury experiences while traveling, compared to less than 40% of travellers who support other destinations,” Curtis added.
Of the over 170 luxury hotel properties in the Middle East, nearly 100 are located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with 22 currently in development. With several luxurious facilities in the pipeline between Saudi Arabia's Giga Projects, the area will continue to serve as a favourable destination for luxury and leisure travelers.
Following in the footsteps of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and the Dubai Expo 2020, the Middle East region has a proven track record of successful high-profile entertainment and sporting events. According to the ATM Travels Trends report, a strong appetite for sports tourism in the region will lead to a potential growth rate of 63% over the next few years, with the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia expected to continue this momentum.
Golf, motorsports, soccer, cycling and esports all benefit from increased visibility and investment in the region, according to the report. This surge in sporting and entertainment events has greatly increased the travel industry, fostering an increase in demand for hotel stays, flights and related services, and creating ripple effects that support the growth of wider tourism.
ATMs are the annual international travel and tourism event in Dubai. It plays an important role in shaping the future of global travel. The 2025 edition, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, welcomed over 55,000 industry experts from 166 countries, achieving 16% year-over-year growth. The next edition will be held from May 4th to 7th, 2026.
