Latest news with #ATMTravelTrendsReport2025
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Middle East Travel Spending to Hit $350bn by 2030 as Tourism Grows 50%
Travel spending in the Middle East is set to soar 50% by 2030, reaching nearly $350 billion, according to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 released by Arabian Travel Market in partnership with Tourism Economics. 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
Biz Bahrain
3 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Tourism spending in the Middle East is projected to reach $350bln by 2030, according to a new travel industry report
A new report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) predicts that by 2030, total tourism spend in the Middle East will be 50% higher than in 2024, generating expenditure of nearly US$350 billion. The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals insights into the trends and transformations redefining the travel sector in the Middle East and worldwide, including the surge of business travel, the growth of the luxury segment, and the boom in regional sports tourism. The report highlights exceptional growth in Middle East travel spending, projected to exceed 2019 levels by 54% this year and anticipates an annual growth rate of over 7% from 2025 to 2030. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'The report's findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7% through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.' Underscoring the Middle East's strong position in global tourism, inbound travel from outside the region is set to grow by 13% annually up to 2030 and outbound business travel forecast to surge at 9% per year. European source markets make up 50% of all leisure travel to the Middle East, with India and the United Kingdom the top two inbound international leisure source markets. China is also a critical market, ranking third by value with leisure spend expected to increase by 130% by 2030. Furthermore, tourism nights by visitors from Asia Pacific and Africa, are expected to increase by over 100% between now and 2030. For outbound travel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt dominate regional flows, while Thailand and the United Kingdom lead as preferred long-haul destinations. The four largest airlines in the region – Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Saudia – have placed nearly 780 aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus, representing major expansions to their existing fleets. This significant investment underscores the region's strategic focus on becoming a global aviation hub and meeting rising passenger demand over the coming decade. The Middle East's rise as a global hub for business events is another key highlight of the report, which states that spending on Middle East business travel will grow 1.5 times faster than the global average through to 2030. The region's strategic location at the centre of Asia, Africa, and Europe supports business and leisure travel, with the latter on a particularly strong trajectory for growth. The sector plays a vital role in developing the region's reputation for hosting major events. It is expected to experience the second-fastest rate of business travel growth among all global regions, underscoring the increased potential for combining business and leisure travel, or 'bleisure'. Curtis commented: 'At ATM 2025, we recognised the industry's hunger for innovation in travel technology as well as the rising demand for business travel across the region. In response, we launched two dynamic new zones, IBTM@ATM and the Innovation Zone, designed to empower our growing audience to shape the future of travel with the speed and scale our exciting industry demands.' The region is also witnessing unprecedented growth in luxury and lifestyle tourism, attracting a new generation of high-net-worth travellers, drawn to exceptional Middle East hospitality, curated experiences and premium cultural events. According to the report global spending on luxury leisure hospitality is expected to continue growing briskly reaching over US$390 billion by 2028. 'Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60% habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling compared to under 40% among travellers who favour other destinations,' added Curtis. Of the more than 170 luxury hotel properties in the Middle East, nearly 100 are situated Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with 22 currently in development. With several luxury properties in the pipeline among Saudi Arabia's Giga projects, the region will continue to serve as a preferred destination for luxury and leisure travellers. Following in the footsteps of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and Dubai Expo 2020, the Middle East region has a proven track record for successfully hosting high-profile entertainment and sports events. According to the ATM Travel Trends report, the strong appetite for sports tourism in the region will lead to a potential growth rate of 63% in the coming years, with the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia set to continue this momentum. According to the report, golf, motorsports, football, cycling, and esports are all benefiting from heightened visibility and investment in the region. This surge in sporting and entertainment events is significantly boosting the travel industry, driving increased demand for hotel stays, flights, and related services, creating a ripple effect that supports broader tourism growth. ATM is the leading international travel and tourism event held annually in Dubai. It plays a vital role in shaping the future of global travel. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 2025 edition welcomed over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, achieving year-on-year growth of 16%. The next edition will take place from 4-7 May 2026. To view the report, please click here.
Tourism Breaking News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Middle East travel spending set to soar 50% by 2030, driven by inbound tourism, luxury, and business travel boom
Post Views: 35 Travel spending in the Middle East is on course to surge by 50% by the end of the decade, reaching nearly USD 350 billion by 2030, according to the newly released ATM Travel Trends Report 2025. The report, developed by Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in partnership with Tourism Economics, highlights that the inbound travel to the Middle East is forecast to rise by 13% annually between 2025 and 2030, with Asia and Africa emerging as key source markets and outbound business travel forecast to surge at 9% per year. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'The report's findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7% through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.' Leisure travel from Europe continues to dominate, accounting for half of all visitors, with India and the UK leading as top international source markets. China is also a rising force, with Chinese leisure spending projected to increase by an impressive 130% by 2030.
Mid East Info
03-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Tourism spending in the Middle East is projected to reach US$350 billion by 2030, according to a new travel industry report
The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, developed by Arabian Travel Market in partnership with Tourism Economics, predicts that travel spending in the Middle East will be 50% higher by 2030 According to the report, inbound travel to the region will increase by 13% annually from 2025 to 2030, with key source markets including Asia and Africa Business travel and luxury travel are also on the rise, as the Middle East becomes a key global hub for sports and entertainment Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 2025: A new report compiled by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) predicts that by 2030, total tourism spend in the Middle East will be 50% higher than in 2024, generating expenditure of nearly US$350 billion. The ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 reveals insights into the trends and transformations redefining the travel sector in the Middle East and worldwide, including the surge of business travel, the growth of the luxury segment, and the boom in regional sports tourism. The report highlights exceptional growth in Middle East travel spending, projected to exceed 2019 levels by 54% this year and anticipates an annual growth rate of over 7% from 2025 to 2030. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market , said: 'The report's findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7% through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum.' Underscoring the Middle East's strong position in global tourism, inbound travel from outside the region is set to grow by 13% annually up to 2030 and outbound business travel forecast to surge at 9% per year. European source markets make up 50% of all leisure travel to the Middle East, with India and the United Kingdom the top two inbound international leisure source markets. China is also a critical market, ranking third by value with leisure spend expected to increase by 130% by 2030. Furthermore, tourism nights by visitors from Asia Pacific and Africa, are expected to increase by over 100% between now and 2030. For outbound travel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt dominate regional flows, while Thailand and the United Kingdom lead as preferred long-haul destinations. The four largest airlines in the region – Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Saudia – have placed nearly 780 aircraft orders with Boeing and Airbus, representing major expansions to their existing fleets. This significant investment underscores the region's strategic focus on becoming a global aviation hub and meeting rising passenger demand over the coming decade. The Middle East's rise as a global hub for business events is another key highlight of the report, which states that spending on Middle East business travel will grow 1.5 times faster than the global average through to 2030. The region's strategic location at the centre of Asia, Africa, and Europe supports business and leisure travel, with the latter on a particularly strong trajectory for growth. The sector plays a vital role in developing the region's reputation for hosting major events. It is expected to experience the second-fastest rate of business travel growth among all global regions, underscoring the increased potential for combining business and leisure travel, or 'bleisure'. Curtis commented: ' At ATM 2025, we recognised the industry's hunger for innovation in travel technology as well as the rising demand for business travel across the region. In response, we launched two dynamic new zones, IBTM@ATM and the Innovation Zone, designed to empower our growing audience to shape the future of travel with the speed and scale our exciting industry demands.' The region is also witnessing unprecedented growth in luxury and lifestyle tourism, attracting a new generation of high-net-worth travellers, drawn to exceptional Middle East hospitality, curated experiences and premium cultural events. According to the report global spending on luxury leisure hospitality is expected to continue growing briskly reaching over US$390 billion by 2028. 'Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60% habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling compared to under 40% among travellers who favour other destinations,' added Curtis. Of the more than 170 luxury hotel properties in the Middle East, nearly 100 are situated Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with 22 currently in development. With several luxury properties in the pipeline among Saudi Arabia's Giga projects, the region will continue to serve as a preferred destination for luxury and leisure travellers. Following in the footsteps of the Qatar 2022 World Cup and Dubai Expo 2020, the Middle East region has a proven track record for successfully hosting high-profile entertainment and sports events. According to the ATM Travel Trends report, the strong appetite for sports tourism in the region will lead to a potential growth rate of 63% in the coming years, with the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia set to continue this momentum. According to the report, golf, motorsports, football, cycling, and esports are all benefiting from heightened visibility and investment in the region. This surge in sporting and entertainment events is significantly boosting the travel industry, driving increased demand for hotel stays, flights, and related services, creating a ripple effect that supports broader tourism growth. ATM is the leading international travel and tourism event held annually in Dubai. It plays a vital role in shaping the future of global travel. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 2025 edition welcomed over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, achieving year-on-year growth of 16%. The next edition will take place from 4-7 May 2026. Now in its 33 rd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading global platform driving growth and innovation across every sector of travel and tourism. Held annually in Dubai – the gateway to global travel and tourism with its unmatched connectivity – ATM is where the energy of opportunity comes to life. More than just an event, ATM is a dynamic hub for industry communities, with forums, experiences, and networking that continue well beyond the show floor over the week. Now in a period of rapid expansion, ATM has grown 16% year on year, attracting over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries. About RX: RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. About RELX: RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are: WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes. WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022. WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019. About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology. WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.
Al Etihad
03-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE tourism set for major expansion amid regional travel boom
4 June 2025 00:21 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI) The UAE's tourism industry is poised to see unprecedented growth, with new data from the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 predicting robust gains across key areas, including luxury travel, business tourism, and regional sports-driven segments. Released this week in Dubai, the report presents a rosy outlook for the nation's travel sector, backed by strategic investments, rising visitor numbers, and an expanding international in partnership with Tourism Economics, the report forecasts that tourism spending across the Middle East will reach $350 billion by 2030, a 50% increase from 2024 levels. The UAE, home to two of the region's most dynamic tourism hubs, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, is expected to play a central role in this surge.'The report's findings confirm that travel growth in the Middle East is incredibly strong, with annual growth averaging more than 7% through 2030. Bold national visions, game-changing developments, and enhanced connectivity are some of the key factors driving this momentum,' said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market. Total tourism nights in the UAE are expected to grow by 10% in 2025 and an annualised rate of 6% to 2030, with Dubai alone projected to see a 14% increase, the report said. While Abu Dhabi's tourism nights dipped by 1% in 2024, the capital is still investing heavily in infrastructure, experiences, and luxury properties to reverse the travel to the UAE is on a strong trajectory, growing by 11% annually, while outbound travel is also rising, particularly to the UK, Thailand, and report found that visitors to the UAE are increasingly drawn by leisure (35%) and business (25%) travel, supported by improved connectivity and bold national visions. The country is also embracing travel technology: 60% of UAE travellers now trust AI to plan their trips, compared to a global average of 48%. Top Choice for Wealthy Visitors Tourism Economics found that luxury tourism remains a core driver of the UAE's appeal. The report reveals that nearly 100 out of the Middle East's over 170 luxury hotels are located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with 22 more currently under development. Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, for example, was highlighted as an emerging key destination for affluent travellers. The rise of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth visitors to the UAE is set to fuel a broader shift in regional hospitality. The Middle East, and the UAE in particular, is attracting travellers who are not only spending more but also seeking immersive, curated experiences.'Travellers drawn to the Middle East tend to spend more on travel overall, nearly 60% habitually spending on luxury experiences while travelling compared to under 40% among travellers who favour other destinations,' added Curtis. 'Bleisure' and Sports Business travel is also booming in the UAE, with the report expecting the segment to grow 1.5 times faster than the global average through 2030. The nation's central location between Asia, Africa, and Europe, coupled with state-of-the-art infrastructure, is positioning it as a global hub for business events and has led to the emergence of the 'bleisure' trend where business trips are extended to include leisure time — especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where shopping, entertainment, and beach resorts offer seamless transitions between work and relaxation, the report said. Moreover, with Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the entire Gulf region — including the UAE — is expected to benefit from a 63% surge in sports tourism. Golf, motorsports, football, cycling, and esports are all gaining traction across the UAE, bolstered by new venues and global tournaments. This influx is driving demand for hotels, air travel, and on-ground services, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi at the forefront of event-driven tourism.
