ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 highlights exceptional growth in Middle East travel spending
A report by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) predicts that total tourism receipts in the Middle East in 2030 will be 50 pc higher than in 2024, reachint nearly USD 350 billion.
The report, ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, highlights exceptional growth in Middle East travel spending, projected to exceed 2019 levels by 54 pc this year and predicts an annual growth rate of over 7 pc from 2025 to 2030.
Danielle Curtis
“The report’s findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7 pc through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum,” says Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.
According to the report, inbound travel from outside the region is set to grow by 13 pc annually up to 2030 and outbound business travel forecast to surge at 9 pc per year. It adds that European source markets make up 50 pc of all leisure travel to the Middle East, with India and the United Kingdom the top two inbound international leisure source markets.
China is also a critical market, ranking third by value with leisure spend expected to increase by 130 pc by 2030. Total night stays by visitors from Asia Pacific and Africa, are expected to increase by over 100 pc between now and 2030.
The report adds that four largest airlines in the region, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Saudia, have placed nearly 780 orders for aircraft QQwith Boeing and Airbus, representing major expansions to their existing fleets, says the report. The Middle East’s rise as a global hub for business events is another key highlight of\ the report, which states that spending on Middle East business travel will grow 1.5 times faster than the global average through to 2030.
“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,” adds Curtis.
According to the report global spending on luxury leisure hospitality is expected to continue growing briskly reaching over USD 390 billion by 2028. Of the more than 170 luxury hotel properties in the Middle East, nearly 100 are situated Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with 22 currently in development.
“Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60 pc habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling compared to under 40 pc among travellers who favour other destinations,” says Curtis.
According to the report, golf, motorsports, football, cycling and esports are all benefiting from heightened visibility and investment in the region. This surge in sporting and entertainment events is significantly boosting the travel industry, driving increased demand for hotel stays, flights, and related services, creating a ripple effect that supports broader tourism growth.
The next addition of ATM is set to take place from May 4-7 2026.
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