7 powerful shifts driving the Middle East’s travel boom

Phocuswright’s latest Middle East Travel Market Report 2025 reveals a dynamic region on the move. From bold national investments to a surge in intra-regional travel, these seven insights show how the Middle East is reinventing tourism for the decade ahead.

National vision-led investment: Unprecedented government spending—especially Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and similar GCC plans—is channeling oil wealth into tourism giga-projects, infrastructure and global marketing.

The digital booking revolution: Rapid migration to online and mobile channels is reshaping distribution, strengthening supplier-direct sales and challenging OTAs to add value beyond transactions.

The luxury experience economy: The region is transforming into a global hub for ultra-luxury, culture-rich and adventure travel aimed at high-spending visitors.

Sustainable tourism imperative: National net-zero goals and eco-minded travelers are driving investment in green aviation fuels, low-impact resorts and other sustainability initiatives.

Rise of the mega-event economy: Landmark spectacles like Expo Dubai and the Qatar World Cup prove large-scale events can accelerate infrastructure growth and international visibility.

Cultural and regulatory modernization: Expanded women’s rights and easier visas are opening domestic markets and making the region more inviting to global travelers.

Intra-regional growth: Economic expansion, rising affluence and stronger air links are powering new tourism flows within the Middle East and from emerging Asian and African markets.

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