ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 forecasts a 50% rise in Middle East tourism spending by 2030, driven by luxury, business, and sports travel.
Dubai: Tourism spending in the Middle East is projected to soar to US$350 billion by 2030, marking a 50% increase from 2024 levels, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, released by Arabian Travel Market in partnership with Tourism Economics.
The report highlights robust growth across multiple travel segments, with overall regional tourism spend set to grow by over 7% annually. Inbound travel to the region is forecast to rise 13% each year from 2025 to 2030, powered by source markets such as Asia and Africa. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, ATM, noted, “Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and improved connectivity are key growth drivers.”
Business travel in the Middle East is projected to grow 1.5 times faster than the global average, supporting the region’s rise as a hub for international events. European travellers account for half of all inbound leisure visitors, with India, the UK, and China ranking as top spenders. Leisure spend by Chinese travellers alone is expected to increase by 130% by 2030.
Luxury travel is also booming, with Middle East visitors spending significantly more on premium experiences. Nearly 60% of those visiting the region opt for luxury travel, compared to less than 40% globally. With over 170 luxury hotels already operating—nearly 100 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai—and 22 more under development, the region continues to attract affluent travellers.
Major sporting and entertainment events such as the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia and regional motorsports and esports tournaments are expected to drive a 63% rise in sports tourism. The ripple effect supports growth in hotel occupancy, air travel, and related services.
The region’s four major airlines—Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Saudia—have together placed orders for nearly 780 aircraft, reinforcing aviation’s role in tourism expansion.
ATM 2025 responded to the sector’s evolution with two new zones: IBTM@ATM for business events and the Innovation Zone focused on travel tech. The annual event welcomed over 55,000 professionals from 166 countries and returns from 4–7 May 2026.
