ATM Travel Trends: Middle East tourism to reach $116B by 2030
The ATM Travel Trends Report, published in partnership with Tourism Economics, forecasts a $116 billion increase in international visitor spending in the Middle East from 2025 to 2030, signaling faster growth than global averages. The report focuses on travel activity across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia and notes that regional expenditure is rising as international travel recovers.
Key facts from the forecast
Forecasts show a 57 percent rise in regional travel expenditure over five years (2025–2030).
Researchers say the MENASA (Middle East, North Africa, South Asia) region accounted for more than half of the global increase in cross-border trips during the same period.
Who is affected
The forecast touches several groups: international travelers who may spend more in the region; governments and tourism boards aiming to attract visitors; airlines, hotels. Service sectors that benefit from higher tourism receipts; and local businesses that cater to travelers.
Implications vary by country within the MENASA region, with potential shifts in demand for air routes, hotel capacity, and travel services as spending grows toward the 2030 target.
Practical next steps for travelers and planners
Travelers:plan trips with awareness that regional tourism is expanding, which may affect prices and availability. Compare routes and adapt travel dates to secure better deals, and stay updated on visa and entry requirements for Middle East destinations.
Tourism and business planners:consider aligning offerings with typical traveler spend patterns forecasted through 2030, invest in hospitality capacity and service quality, and coordinate with regional tourism boards to ensure sustainable growth.
Limits and questions
The report is a forecast based on partnerships between a travel market event organizer and an economic research firm. As with all projections, actual results can be affected by geopolitical changes, economic shifts, or policy changes. Readers should treat figures as directional, not guaranteed outcomes.
Which sources did Setup in Bahrain review?
Setup in Bahrain reviewed the following source material before preparing this explanatory article.
The links remain visible so readers can inspect the evidence, compare dates and context, and confirm current requirements with the relevant authority.
- saudishopper.com.sa — evidence source reviewed for this article.
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