Middle East Tourism Spending Projected to Reach $350B by 2030

Overview of Projected Growth

A recent report by Tourism Economics, commissioned by the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), paints a promising picture for tourism in the Middle East. By the year 2030, the total tourism expenditure within the region is expected to soar to approximately $350 billion, indicating a significant increase of 50% from what is anticipated in 2024.

Trends Reshaping the Travel Landscape

De ATM Travel Trends Report 2025 offers insights into the evolving patterns in both regional and global travel sectors. It highlights a notable shift toward an increase in business travel, an expansion in luxury tourism, and a rise in regional sports-oriented tourism. Interestingly, projected travel spending in the Middle East is forecasted to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 54% this year and is on track for a robust annual growth rate exceeding 7% between 2025 and 2030.

Key Factors Driving Growth

Danielle Curtis, the Exhibition Director ME at ATM, emphasizes that this phenomenal growth is fueled by several pivotal factors:

• Strong national visions and strategies
• Groundbreaking infrastructure developments
• Enhanced connectivity to global destinations

Inbound and Outbound Travel Insights

The report also indicates a robust trajectory for inbound travel, predicting an annual growth rate of 13% up until 2030, while out-bound business travel is expected to increase by 9% each year. European markets account for about 50% of leisure travel to the Middle East, with India and the United Kingdom ranking as the top two sources of international visitors. Interestingly, China is foreseen as a crucial market, with expenditures from its tourists expected to see a remarkable growth of 130% by 2030.

Luxury and Lifestyle Tourism Trends

The region is also experiencing a surge in luxury and lifestyle tourism, catering to a new affluent demographic interested in high-end services and exclusive experiences. According to the report, global spending on luxury leisure hospitality is anticipated to grow robustly, reaching over $390 billion by 2028.

Luxury travelers, who are more inclined to invest in unique experiences, tend to spend significantly more compared to those vacationing in other regions. For instance, almost 60% of these travelers prefer luxury experiences, compared to less than 40% among other vacationers.

Expanding Hospitality Infrastructure

The Middle East boasts a burgeoning luxury hotel segment, with nearly 100 of the 170 luxury properties located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai alone, and 22 more currently under development. These developments aren’t just limited to traditional accommodations; luxury properties are also emerging amid Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Giga projects, aiming to position the region as a premier destination for discerning travelers.

Sporting Events and Their Impact on Travel

The momentum established through events like the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar and Dubai Expo 2020 continues to influence the region. Anticipated growth in sports tourism could reach as high as 63% in the coming years, significantly benefitting hotel stays, flights, and related services, creating a ripple effect that supports broader tourism growth across the sector.

Regional Air Travel Advancements

The four leading airlines in the region—Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, en Saudia—have placed substantial orders to expand their fleets, leveraging nearly 780 aircraft orders through Boeing and Airbus. This investment underscores the strategic aim to turn the Middle East into a prominent global aviation hub, meeting the rising demand for air travel.

Conclusion and the Role of LocalsRide

The projections for tourism in the Middle East depict a vibrant future, with anticipated spending likely to reshape the travel dynamics significantly. This growth presents excellent opportunities for companies offering travel services, including LocalsRide, which enables users to book personalized transfers with a transparent pricing model. As more travelers flock to the region, LocalsRide’s platform ensures that users can choose their preferred vehicle, view comprehensive vehicle details like make, model, and ratings, and enjoy unmatched transparency compared to traditional booking methods.

Ultimately, even though reviews and feedback can provide insights into travel experiences, personal experiences often hold the most weight. On LocalsRide, you can easily hire a car with a driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make informed decisions, maximizing your travel enjoyment while minimizing unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Experience the convenience and affordability of diverse vehicle choices and flexible options curated for life’s journeys. Book your ride today at LocalsRide.com.