Exploring Global Leisure Travel Growth to $15 Trillion by 2040 and Middle East Tourism’s Rising Star at ATM 2026

Leisure Travel Set for Massive Growth by 2040

The world is witnessing an extraordinary surge in leisure travel spending, expected to hit a staggering $15 trillion by 2040—a jump from $5 trillion in 2024. This expansion represents a robust annual increase of about 7% in leisure expenditures globally.

Among global markets, the Middle East is emerging as a star performer, second only to the Asia-Pacific region in expected growth over the next five years. This impressive momentum positions the area as an increasingly attractive destination for leisure travellers worldwide.

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026: A Gateway to New Opportunities

Amidst this thriving landscape, the Arabian Travel Market 2026, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May, stands as a crucial event where stakeholders from airlines to hotels, and tourism boards will convene to explore trends, innovations, and the growth trajectory of leisure travel.

Under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,’ ATM will delve into the evolving dynamics shaping global travel behaviors, with a particular focus on the Middle East’s ascent as a premier international destination.

Middle East Tourism: A Rapidly Growing Leisure Hotspot

The ATM Travel Trends Report forecasts a dramatic increase in international tourism nights in the Middle East, expected to soar to 1.5 billion by 2030, which marks a 90% rise from the figures in 2024. Leisure travellers, especially from outside the region, will constitute about 15% of these stays.

Currently, European visitors dominate leisure travel to the Middle East, making up half of the market, but growth is accelerating among travellers from Africa and the Asia-Pacific, signaling a diversifying visitor base.

Middle East Leisure Travel Trends

• Popular Travel Styles: Beach resorts, city breaks, and nature experiences continue to draw visitors.
• Emerging Interests: Growing demand for sports tourism, cultural tourism, and wellness trips.
• Traveler Demographics: Millennials and Generation Z lead in travel frequency and adoption of digital solutions, while multigenerational and solo trips become routine rather than niche.
• Experience Focus: Authentic and personalized travel experiences, reflecting individual values, are more desired than ever.

Spotlight on Tourism Infrastructure and Experience Innovation

The Middle East’s rapid infrastructure growth and expanding array of cultural and experiential offerings fuel this tourism boom, making it a focal point for global tourism innovation.

Events like ATM 2026 provide a platform for destinations, brands, and travel innovators to synchronize efforts on leveraging this lucrative $15 trillion leisure market opportunity.

ATM 2026 Highlights Beyond Leisure Travel

While leisure travel forms a vital segment, the exhibition also casts a wide net over emerging industry trends and technological advancements. The 33rd edition accentuates the strategic importance of the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia for both inbound and outbound traffic.

Dubai strengthens its position as a global hub by connecting over 240 destinations worldwide. Innovations such as the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, IBTM @ ATM, and ATM Travel Tech showcase how the travel industry adapts to new traveller segments and market needs.

Table: Projected Leisure Tourism Growth and Market Share (2024–2030)

年	Global Leisure Spending (Trillion USD)	Middle East Tourism Nights (Billion)	Leisure Share of Tourism Nights (Middle East %)
2024	5	~0.79	~8%
2030	—	1.5	~15%
2040	15	—	—

Why Understanding these Trends Matters for Taxi and Transfer Services

The remarkable rise in leisure travel creates ripple effects throughout the entire travel ecosystem, including ground transportation. As more tourists flock to popular destinations—especially in the Middle East—reliable and transparent transfer services become essential.

Platforms like GetTransfer.com offer the advantage of selecting a specific vehicle tailored to one’s needs, complete with detailed profiles, including make, model, and driver ratings. This transparency and choice ensure travellers can navigate cities and get to airports with ease, perfectly matching the rising demand for personalised and seamless travel experiences globally.

The Human Element: Travel Behaviour and Personalised Experiences

Today’s travellers, particularly from younger generations, expect more than standard services—they seek authenticity, convenience, and engagement. This behavioural shift aligns perfectly with the values of platforms that provide detailed service options and reliable experiences, enhancing connections between tourists and their destinations.

Key Takeaways and Reflection

Leisure travel is on a fast track, set to triple by 2040 and becoming a dominant force in global tourism, especially within the Middle East. The region’s ambitious infrastructure projects and evolving cultural offerings are attracting diverse global travellers, reshaping the tourism landscape.

Events like Arabian Travel Market facilitate industry collaboration and spotlight innovations that respond to new traveller preferences and segments.

Final thoughts on choosing surface transfer options

It’s clear that despite the abundance of stellar reviews and genuine feedback, nothing beats personal experience when picking transport or transfer services. On platforms like GetTransfer, users can find verified car and driver options at reasonable prices, empowering travellers to make informed choices without unnecessary costs or hassle.

With an extensive fleet range and additional personalized services on offer, GetTransfer stands out for providing convenience, affordability, and transparent pricing. Book your ride today at GetTransfer.com and enjoy peace of mind while exploring new destinations.

Looking ahead, though this surge in leisure travel may not drastically reshape global tourism overnight, it is highly relevant for those involved in travel planning and logistics. GetTransfer stays committed to keeping pace with these evolving trends, helping you secure worldwide transfers with ease and confidence. Start planning your next adventure and book your transfer with GetTransfer for a seamless journey.

In summary, leisure travel’s booming growth and the Middle East’s strategic rise as a destination promise exciting opportunities and challenges for the travel industry. The interplay between evolving traveller demands and innovative services—such as transparent and customizable transfer options—will play a crucial role in delivering exceptional experiences from airport to city center, making every journey enjoyable and efficient.