Middle East tourism spending by international visitors is forecast to rise by US$116 billion, or 57%, between 2025 and 2030, while MENASA travel is projected to rebound strongly in 2027.
DUBAI: Middle East tourism spending is heading for substantial growth over the rest of the decade, with international visitors forecast to spend US$116 billion more in 2030 than in 2025, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2026.
The report, produced by Arabian Travel Market in association with Tourism Economics, forecasts a 57% increase in international visitor spending across the Middle East between 2025 and 2030. The findings were presented at Arabian Travel Market 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre on September 16.
The outlook follows a record year for global tourism. In 2025, international arrivals exceeded 1.5 billion for the first time, while total visitor nights reached 24 billion. In-destination spending climbed to US$7.2 trillion, 26% above 2019 levels.
Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, collectively referred to as MENASA in the report, has been expanding particularly quickly. Travel volumes across the region in 2025 were almost 50% above 2019 levels, around three times the growth recorded globally.
While geopolitical disruption is expected to affect regional travel during 2026, Tourism Economics forecasts a strong recovery in 2027. International travel across MENASA is projected to grow by 17% next year, compared with 8% globally.
The longer-term numbers are equally significant. By 2030, MENASA could welcome 316 million international arrivals and record 2.3 billion visitor nights, generating US$408 billion in spending. Those figures would represent increases of 36%, 46% and 55%, respectively, compared with 2025.
Long-haul travellers are expected to contribute significantly. Leisure nights from China to the Middle East are forecast to increase by 160% by 2030, highlighting the growing importance of Asian source markets.
Technology is also reshaping tourism. Research cited by the report found that 91% of Middle East travel businesses are piloting or already operating artificial intelligence, while 85% reported measurable cost savings. Meanwhile, 28% of prospective Middle East visitors have used an AI chatbot for travel planning, compared with 12% among travellers considering other regions.
Middle East tourism spending growth is therefore being supported by several factors, including rising travel demand, expanding capacity, long-haul markets and greater adoption of AI across the tourism industry.
Impact to expect
Continued tourism growth could mean more visitors, hotel demand and travel investment across destinations such as the UAE and wider Middle East, while creating further opportunities for airlines, hospitality businesses, attractions and the region’s growing tourism workforce.
