Middle East’s Tourism Expenditure Set to Reach $350 Billion by 2030

Projected Growth of Middle Eastern Tourism

A recent report conducted by Tourism Economics for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) outlines a stunning forecast for the Middle Eastern tourism sector. By the year 2030, total tourism expenditure in this region is expected to reach a staggering $350 billion, marking a 50% increase compared to figures from 2024.

Insights from the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025

The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals key trends that are transforming travel in both the Middle East and globally. Significant shifts include a rise in business travel, growing demand for luxury experiences, and a remarkable increase in regional sports tourism. Notably, travel spending in the Middle East is projected to exceed 2019 levels by 54% this year, with an anticipated annual growth rate surpassing 7% from 2025 to 2030.

I principali fattori di crescita

According to Danielle Curtis, the Exhibition Director ME at ATM, the findings underline robust growth in Middle Eastern travel, with an average annual increase exceeding 7% through 2030. Some pivotal factors contributing to this momentum include:

• Strategic national initiatives aiming for tourism enhancement.
• Innovative developments in hospitality and infrastructure.
• Improved connectivity through airlines and transportation services.

Inbound and Outbound Travel Trends

The Middle East is expected to experience notable increases in inbound travel, growth estimated at 13% annually until 2030. Outbound business travel is also forecast to surge at 9% per year. This pattern highlights the region’s significance within the global tourism framework. European markets comprise nearly 50% of the leisure travel to the Middle East, with India and the United Kingdom leading as top inbound sources. Furthermore, spending from Chinese visitors is projected to rise 130% by 2030.

Emerging Markets for Outbound Travel

As for outbound travel, countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt are at the forefront, with Thailand and the UK emerging as favored long-haul destinations.

Airline Investments and Market Expansion

Regional giants like Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Saudia have made significant investments, placing nearly 780 aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus. This extensive investment highlights a strategic initiative to position the Middle East as a global aviation hub, catering to the rising demand for air travel in the coming decade.

Growth of Business Tourism

A noteworthy highlight of the report indicates that spending on business travel in the Middle East is expected to grow 1.5 times faster than the global average through 2030. The region’s unique geographical position facilitates both business and leisure travel, showcasing a steady demand for the combined experience known as bleisure travel.

Luxury and Lifestyle Tourism Trends

Luxury tourism is witnessing unprecedented growth, appealing to a new wave of high-net-worth travelers keen on exceptional service and curated experiences. It is estimated that global spending on luxury leisure hospitality could exceed $390 billion by 2028. In the Middle East, travelers typically spend more on luxury experiences—60%, compared to under 40% in other destinations.

Sports Tourism Momentum

The regional appetite for sports tourism is significant, with the potential growth rate of life in this field estimated at 63% in the upcoming years. Major global events like the FIFA World Cup scheduled in Saudi Arabia for 2034 could further propel this trend, as various sports receive heightened visibility and investment.

Conclusione

The ATM serves as a pivotal platform for the international travel and tourism industry, playing a substantial role in shaping the future of global travel. This growth trajectory not only elevates tourism significantly in the Middle East but also opens the door for improved travel services, including taxi and transfer options. Utilizing a service like GetTransfer.com can enhance your travel experience, offering the opportunity to choose specific vehicles based on personal preferences, receive full transparency of travel information, and hire a driver from verified providers—all at reasonable prices.

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