The Arab tourism market has faced significant challenges due to geopolitical and economic developments in 2026. These conditions have led to a sharp decline in visitor numbers, air capacity, and hotel bookings in the region. However, a new report released at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai indicates signs of recovery in this industry.
Projected Growth in International Travel
The travel trends report at ATM Dubai predicts that international travel in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) will increase by 17% in 2027, which is more than double the global forecasted growth rate of 8%. Additionally, international visitor spending in the Middle East is expected to rise by $116 billion (€100.58 billion) between 2025 and 2030.
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New Trends in Travel
Dave Goodger, CEO of EMEA at Tourism Economics, expressed hope that the tourism industry would move towards structural growth at this event. He stated, "International travel has never been as important as it is this year. This year has been disrupted due to an unclear economic and geopolitical backdrop, but consumers view travel as a necessary need."
One of the new trends in travel is "premiumization," which relates to travelers' increasing willingness to spend more on specific elements of their trips. For example, 35% of travelers have reported seeking more luxury experiences compared to two years ago.
Moreover, travelers are looking for value and unique experiences and are willing to spend less on accommodation to allocate more for significant experiences.
Additionally, 56% of travelers have shown a greater inclination to explore new destinations, with this tendency reaching 68% among potential visitors to MENASA. This presents an opportunity for secondary cities and regions.
Considering the negative impacts of mass tourism, many travelers are now seeking to travel outside of peak months to enjoy their experiences without crowding.
Finally, the increasing use of artificial intelligence in discovering and planning trips is one of the main developments in this field that could significantly change how travelers travel and plan.
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