According to insights shared in the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, the Middle East is heading toward a dramatic surge in tourism spending. By the year 2030, overall expenditure in the travel sector across the region is expected to climb by 50% compared to 2024 levels, ultimately reaching around $350 billion
. This upward trend reflects the result of ambitious national visions, innovative development projects, and enhanced regional and global connectivity that are reshaping how the world engages with the Middle East as a destination.A Consistent and Strong Growth Forecast
Between 2025 and 2030, the travel market in the region is projected to grow at an annual rate of over 7%. If this pace is sustained, 2024’s travel spend will have already surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 54%, signaling not just a recovery but a substantial leap forward. This consistent rise demonstrates that the Middle East isn’t merely rebounding — it’s redefining its place in the global tourism landscape.
Key Markets Fueling Regional Tourism
Much of this growth is being powered by inbound travel from outside the region. Forecasts estimate a 13% increase per year in international arrivals until 2030. Currently, European countries account for half of all leisure travel into the Middle East, with India and the United Kingdom serving as the most dominant source markets. These nations are sending a steady stream of leisure travelers, drawn by the region’s evolving attractions and enhanced accessibility.
Meanwhile, China is expected to make a major leap, with its leisure travel expenditure set to climb by an impressive 130% by 2030. Simultaneously, the number of tourism nights from Asia Pacific and Africa is forecasted to more than double, revealing a sharp uptick in engagement from these emerging markets. This diversification is likely to enrich the cultural mix and demand across regional destinations.
Outbound Travel and Preferred Long-Haul Spots
Within the region, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have emerged as leading sources of outbound tourism, driving a significant portion of Middle Eastern travelers abroad. As for preferred destinations, Thailand and the United Kingdom continue to attract these tourists for long-haul vacations, highlighting the strengthening ties between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
These patterns show how travel flows are becoming more dynamic, with the Middle East both sending and receiving more travelers than ever before.
Aviation: Preparing for a Boom
A critical piece of this transformation lies in the skies. The region’s top four airlines have placed collective orders for approximately 780 new aircraft, signaling a robust expansion of aviation capabilities. This move is not just about capacity — it’s part of a strategic vision to position the Middle East as a global aviation hub.
With an increase in aircraft comes increased flight frequencies, new international routes, and improved travel experiences, which together will make the Middle East more accessible than ever for both leisure and business travelers. This push also reflects a broader effort to control a greater share of global air travel traffic.
Becoming a Powerhouse for Business Events
The report also highlights the Middle East’s rise as a preferred destination for business events. Spending on business-related travel is projected to grow 1.5 times faster than the global average between now and 2030. This rapid growth supports the region’s growing reputation for hosting major international conferences, exhibitions, and trade fairs.
This surge in corporate travel is expected to boost ‘bleisure’ trips — a mix of business and leisure travel. This hybrid approach encourages longer stays, additional spending, and a more relaxed engagement with host cities, offering opportunities for cultural exploration beyond boardrooms.
Global Implications for the Travel Industry
This anticipated transformation in the Middle East’s tourism ecosystem is not just a regional story — it carries global consequences. As more people travel in and out of the region, international airlines, hotels, tour operators, and hospitality providers worldwide will need to adjust.
Areas where changes are expected include:
- Redesigning flight routes to accommodate increased demand
- Scaling hotel capacities to meet rising traveler numbers
- Expanding cultural tourism offerings to engage diverse travelers
- Upgrading tourism infrastructure in response to new traffic flows
This evolution will push global travel brands to remain agile and responsive to the shifting center of gravity in international tourism.
Ushering in a New Era for Travel
The Middle East is no longer just a stopover or a secondary destination. It is becoming a primary hub for global tourism, business events, and aviation activity. Through deliberate planning, large-scale investments, and a strong focus on building world-class connectivity, the region is setting itself up as a central figure in the future of global travel.
The years between 2025 and 2030 will be crucial. Governments, investors, and travel professionals alike will be watching closely as the region continues to roll out initiatives that support sustainable tourism, attract diverse international markets, and foster economic growth tied directly to travel.
In sum, the Middle East is transforming the way the world travels — and by 2030, it may well be one of the most pivotal players in the entire industry.