Leisure Travel Spending to Hit $15 Trillion by 2040 with Middle East Tourism Booming Ahead of ATM 2026

Leisure Travel Spending Set for Tremendous Growth

Global leisure travel expenditures are projected to reach $15 trillion by the year 2040, showing a remarkable increase from an estimated $5 trillion in 2024. This massive growth is driven by a steady annual rise of around 7% in leisure travel spending worldwide. Among all regions, the Middle East is expected to be one of the fastest-growing markets, second only to Asia Pacific in performance over the next half-decade.

Arabian Travel Market 2026: A Hub for Industry Innovation

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 is set to take place from May 4th to 7th at the Dubai World Trade Centre, serving as a vital gathering for destinations, airlines, hotels, and travel stakeholders globally. The event’s theme, “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” reflects the focus on emerging trends reshaping the travel industry. A significant portion of the program will address leisure travel, spotlighting shifting traveller behaviors and the Middle East’s ascent as a prime destination choice for tourists.

Projected Tourism Growth in the Middle East

According to the ATM Travel Trends Report, developed with Tourism Economics, the Middle East is expected to experience an extraordinary surge in tourist activity. By 2030, international tourism nights in the region are anticipated to reach 1.5 billion, representing a 90% rise from 2024 figures. Notably, about 15% of these nights will be booked by leisure travellers from outside the region. Currently, European markets contribute about half of all leisure travel arrivals, but growth from African and Asia Pacific markets is forecast to accelerate significantly.

ATM 2026’s Role in Facilitating Industry Growth

With over 2,600 exhibitors from 161 countries and more than 47,000 attendees expected at ATM 2026, the event will be a comprehensive platform to capitalize on rising leisure travel demand. It will unite the driving forces behind tourism innovation, destination development, and experience enhancement for the emerging $15 trillion leisure market.

Emerging Traveller Profiles and Trends

Millennials and Generation Z are leading the charge with increased trip planning and avid adoption of digital tools in tourism. What was once niche—like solo and multigenerational travel—has now gone mainstream. Leisure events rank as prime growth prospects, according to surveyed industry experts. Popular Middle Eastern tourism styles include beach vacations, city breaks, and nature experiences, alongside fast-growing interest in sports tourism, cultural trips, and health and wellness journeys.

The Shift to Personalized, Authentic Experiences

Modern leisure travellers favor experiences that are authentic and tailored to their values, moving beyond traditional one-size-fits-all trips. This rising demand fits the Middle East’s expanding infrastructure and rich cultural offerings perfectly, positioning the region as a key player for global tourism’s future.

Industry Innovations Highlighted at ATM 2026

Aside from leisure travel, ATM 2026 will showcase the latest industry trends and technological advances. The event’s focus on the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region aligns with Dubai’s role as a global gateway connecting 240+ destinations across six continents. Special features like the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, IBTM @ ATM, and the ATM Travel Tech event—spread over two dedicated halls—will demonstrate how the sector adapts to new traveller needs and fosters stronger partnerships.

Leisure Travel Growth and Transfer Services

Clearly, the surge in leisure travel translates into increased demand for reliable, personalized transfer services—from airport pickups to city tours—making taxi and transfer options vital for travellers’ seamless journeys. Providers who allow travellers to select specific vehicle types and check driver credentials upfront can significantly enhance travel satisfaction.

Why Transparency Matters for Transfers

Platforms like LocalsRide.com shine by offering travelers the ability to pick their exact car make and model, view ratings, and know fare prices before booking. This transparent approach is a game-changer, especially when compared to traditional booking systems that often obscure such details, helping tourists make informed decisions and enjoy stress-free trips.

Highlights and Personal Experience

Understanding these trends offers valuable insights: the leisure travel market is booming, the Middle East is growing as an increasingly sought-after destination, and traveller expectations are evolving towards authenticity and personalization. However, even the most transparent reviews and detailed market data can’t fully replace personal experience. On LocalsRide, users can hire verified drivers for a broad selection of vehicles at reasonable prices, making it easy to avoid hidden fees or disappointments.

With LocalsRide’s convenience, affordability, and variety of options, travellers can ensure their rides match their preferences perfectly, enhancing every city and airport transfer along the way. Book your Ride at LocalsRide.com.

Looking Ahead: Tourism’s Impact on Transfers and Travel

While the leisurely travel boom and Middle East tourism expansion may not drastically shift global tourism overnight, these developments are highly relevant for the regional market and those interested in future travel innovations. LocalsRide stays alert to these evolving trends, ready to support travellers with seamless, transparent bookings no matter where the road ahead leads.

Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide.

Summary

Leisure travel is set for extraordinary growth, reaching $15 trillion globally by 2040, with the Middle East standing out as a vibrant and rapidly expanding tourist hub. This growth fuels demand for a wide range of travel services, including efficient airport and city transfers. Emerging traveller preferences—driven by younger generations and a desire for personalized experiences—are influencing this evolution. Platforms like LocalsRide provide an unmatched booking experience by enabling travellers to choose their exact vehicle, see driver credentials and user ratings, and know prices upfront. This transparency ensures convenience and peace of mind, vital in a fast-paced and growing travel market. By connecting users to verified providers worldwide, LocalsRide makes it easy to book the best taxi, limousine, or private transfer at the exact fare tailored to your journey. Whether heading to the airport or exploring a new city, having reliable service at your fingertips helps make every trip a smooth ride from start to finish.