In a region once traversed by camel caravans and spice traders, the Middle East is now rocketing toward a tourism boom that would make even Marco Polo blush. According to the newly released ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, the region’s travel sector is expected to rack up a staggering US$350 billion by the year 2030 — a fifty per cent surge from 2024 levels.
Yes, you read that right. If this forecast had a seatbelt, you’d want it firmly buckled. Compiled by Tourism Economics in partnership with Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the report paints a picture of a future where the Middle East becomes not only the world’s crossroads but also its travel cash register.
The Golden Crescent of Growth
At the heart of this projected leap is a solid 7% annual growth rate in travel spend between 2025 and 2030. According to Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at ATM, “The findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong… Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.”
That’s corporate-speak for “we’re on fire”, and rightly so. From Riyadh to Ras Al Khaimah, the region is being reshaped by sprawling airports, shimmering resorts, mega-malls, and enough air-conditioned ambition to cool the Sahara.
Inbound Invasion and Outbound Escapes
The report predicts that inbound travel — visitors flying in from abroad — will grow by an eye-popping 13% annually through 2030. And these aren’t just any tourists. Europeans currently account for half of all leisure travel into the region, with India and the UK leading the charge. China, never one to be left behind, is tipped to leap 130% in value over the next five years.
On the flip side, outbound travel — that is, Middle Easterners taking holidays of their own — is being led by the Saudis and Egyptians. The most popular getaways? Thailand and the UK. It seems the allure of spicy street food and a pint in a proper pub hasn’t lost its charm.
Business and Bleisure: The Power Combo
Of course, it’s not all about hammams and henna. The report reveals that business travel in the Middle East is growing at a pace 1.5 times faster than the global average. And with more bleisure travellers (that’s business-meets-leisure for the uninitiated) on the move, conference rooms are now gateways to cultural tours and rooftop cocktails.
The region’s location — slap bang in the middle of Europe, Asia, and Africa — makes it a strategic sweet spot for corporate jet-setters. It’s no wonder the report flags the Middle East as the world’s second-fastest-growing region for business travel.
Big Birds, Bigger Ambitions
Aviation, naturally, is playing its part. Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Saudia — the region’s four aviation titans — have collectively placed nearly 780 new aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus. That’s not an airline upgrade; it’s an airborne arms race.
Each shiny new jet is a brick in the towering ambition to make the Middle East a global aviation hub, not just a layover stop. With capacity ballooning and passenger demand soaring, the skies over Dubai and Doha are only getting busier.
Luxury Gets Louder
The report also dives deep into the booming luxury sector — and it’s not just gold-plated taps and pillow menus. Global spending on luxury leisure hospitality is projected to top US$390 billion by 2028. And where is this money heading? Straight to the Middle East.
Why? Because 60% of travellers to the region are already splashing out on luxury experiences, compared to under 40% heading elsewhere. And with nearly 100 of the Middle East’s 170 luxury hotel properties packed into Abu Dhabi and Dubai — plus dozens more in development thanks to Saudi Arabia’s Giga Projects — the appeal is obvious.
“Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more,” said Curtis. “They’re seeking curated experiences, premium hospitality, and culture on a grand scale.” Translation: they want five-star comfort with a side of falconry and Formula 1.
Sports Tourism: The Dark Horse
Who’d have thought the Middle East would become a magnet for sports tourism? Yet here we are. From the adrenaline of motorsport to the elegance of golf and the global frenzy of football, the region is hosting more high-profile events than ever before.
The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup set the tone, and with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 edition, the trend is only heating up. According to the ATM report, sports tourism in the region is on track to grow by 63% over the coming years — a blistering pace driven by marquee events, eye-watering investment, and sheer enthusiasm.
Even esports and cycling are gaining traction, helping fill hotel rooms and flight manifests, and offering fans more reasons than ever to get off the couch and onto a plane.
The Role of ATM: Shaping the Future
ATM, of course, isn’t just a forum for small talk and lanyards. The 2025 edition, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, drew over 55,000 professionals from 166 countries — a 16% year-on-year increase. That’s not a conference, that’s a small city.
Recognising the surging interest in business travel and travel tech, the event unveiled two new zones — IBTM@ATM and the Innovation Zone. These aren’t just flashy titles; they’re signs that the Middle East is putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to future-focused travel.
As Curtis put it, “Our goal is to empower our growing audience to shape the future of travel with the speed and scale our industry demands.”
Now there’s a mission statement that doesn’t pull its punches.
What Does This All Mean
In plain English, the Middle East isn’t just dipping its toes into global tourism — it’s diving in head-first, with pockets deep enough to make a splash heard around the world.
With strategic vision, serious investment, and a talent for turning desert dreams into skyscraping realities, the region is cementing its role as one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing tourism powerhouses.
If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, now might be the time to book a seat — ideally in business class.
By Jason Smith
