Middle East Travel Spending to Hit $350bn by 2030 as Tourism Grows 50%
Driven by robust inbound tourism, expanding luxury and business travel, and mounting investment in sports and entertainment, the region is projected to outpace global travel growth. Inbound travel is expected to grow 13% annually through 2030, with Asia, Africa, the UK, and India emerging as key source markets. 'Travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7 per cent through 2030,'
said Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME at Arabian Travel Market. She pointed to national visions, major development projects, and enhanced connectivity as central to this rise.
By the end of 2024, regional travel spending is forecast to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 54%. Business travel, in particular, is growing at 1.5 times the global rate, positioning the Middle East as the world's second-fastest-growing region for corporate tourism.
Aviation and hospitality are also playing pivotal roles. Regional carriers—Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Saudia—have collectively placed orders for nearly 780 aircraft, underscoring long-term ambitions to cement the region's status as a global aviation hub.
Luxury tourism continues to thrive, with nearly 60% of visitors opting for high-end experiences—far above the global average. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia's giga projects are at the forefront of this trend.
Sports tourism is emerging as another powerful growth engine. With the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Dubai Expo setting the stage, the sector is expected to grow 63% by 2030, boosted by events like Saudi Arabia's upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup and increasing investment in motorsports, golf, and esports.
News Source: Gulf Businesss
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