Tourism spending in the Middle East is expected to surge by 50% to hit $350 billion by 2030, according to the newly released ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, compiled by Tourism Economics for Arabian Travel Market (ATM).
The report highlights the region’s remarkable post-pandemic recovery and strong long-term outlook, fueled by rising demand for luxury travel, major business events, and a growing sports tourism sector. By the end of this year, Middle East tourism spending is already projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 54%.
Between 2025 and 2030, the sector is forecast to expand at an annual rate exceeding 7%. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at Arabian Travel Market, commented:
“These findings reaffirm the strength of the Middle East’s travel growth, with momentum sustained by bold national visions, transformative developments, and improved connectivity.”
Key highlights from the report include:
Inbound tourism to the Middle East is set to grow by 13% annually, with India, the UK, and China identified as top source markets.
Chinese leisure travel expenditure alone is expected to increase by 130% by 2030.
Overnight stays from Asia-Pacific and Africa will more than double.
Business travel is poised to grow 1.5 times faster than the global average, positioning the region as a leading “bleisure” (business + leisure) destination.
Nearly 60% of tourists are opting for premium experiences, contributing to the rise of luxury travel. The region already hosts over 170 luxury hotels, with many more under development, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Sports tourism is projected to grow by 63%, driven by events like the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia and heightened interest in motorsports, golf, cycling, and esports.
Regional airlines are scaling up rapidly: Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Saudia have collectively ordered nearly 780 new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, reinforcing the Middle East’s role as a global aviation hub.
As the region continues to attract affluent travelers and host world-class events, it is solidifying its status as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic tourism destinations worldwide.
Source: ArabianBusiness.com
