Global Leisure Travel Spending to Reach Fifteen Trillion Dollars by 2040, Driven by Seven Percent Annual Growth in Middle East Tourism

Published on November 25, 2025

The global leisure travel industry is poised for unprecedented growth, with global spending projected to surpass $15 trillion by 2040. This surge represents a substantial increase from the estimated $5 trillion in leisure travel spending in 2024. The growth is expected to be driven by several factors, including shifting consumer behaviors and regional market shifts, particularly within the Middle East. As a result, the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, taking place in Dubai from May 4-7, 2026, will spotlight these emerging trends and the vast opportunities arising from the rapid expansion of the global travel sector.

Middle East: A Fast-Growing Tourism Market

According to Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Tourism Economics, the Middle East is set to outperform most other global regions, with leisure spending in the Middle East projected to grow at an impressive 7% annually between 2025 and 2030. This makes the region the second fastest-growing tourism market in the world, behind only Asia Pacific. These figures highlight the region’s increasing importance in the global tourism landscape, positioning it as a pivotal player in shaping the future of leisure travel.

The Middle East’s growth is largely driven by rapid infrastructure development, increased investments in tourism, and an expanding array of experiential and cultural offerings that cater to a diverse range of travelers. The region is increasingly attracting international tourists who are seeking unique and personalized travel experiences. As a result, leisure nights in the region are projected to grow by 87% by 2030, with an expected 1.5 billion international tourism nights in the Middle East by that time—a 90% increase from 2024.

A Focus on Innovation and Technology at ATM 2026

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will be held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, highlighting how technological advancements are reshaping the global tourism industry. The event will bring together key stakeholders from destinations, airlines, hotels, and other industry sectors to explore new opportunities and challenges in the tourism market. At the heart of these discussions will be the changing behaviors of leisure travelers, especially how they are utilizing digital tools to enhance their travel experiences.

In addition to focusing on leisure travel, ATM 2026 will examine broader industry trends, particularly the growth of experiential tourism. The Middle East’s shift towards offering more diverse cultural, nature-based, and sports tourism options has made it a prime destination for global travelers seeking unique experiences that align with their values and interests.

Emerging Travel Trends: The Rise of New Demographics

At ATM 2026, discussions will center around how global traveler trends are evolving. Millennials and Gen Z are planning more trips and are increasingly adopting digital tourism tools. These generations are embracing technology to plan their journeys and are placing a greater emphasis on authentic, personalized experiences that align with their values. Additionally, multigenerational and solo travel are no longer niche trends but are becoming mainstream, reshaping the types of travel experiences being offered globally.

Leisure events, such as festivals, sporting events, and cultural celebrations, have emerged as the strongest opportunity for tourism growth, according to a recent ATM Travel Trends Report developed with Tourism Economics. The report indicates that leisure events are viewed as a critical sector for tourism growth, with half of the surveyed industry experts citing them as a priority. In the Middle East, demand for beach getaways, city breaks, and nature-based travel remains strong, while sports tourism, cultural tourism, and health and wellness tourism are rapidly expanding.

Global Growth and the Middle East’s Role

The global tourism landscape is expected to undergo significant changes in the coming years. Tourism nights worldwide are forecasted to increase, with nearly 30 billion tourism nights anticipated globally by 2030. The Middle East is expected to account for about 8% of these global tourism nights. As the region’s infrastructure continues to grow, its offerings will increasingly attract tourists from around the world, reinforcing its position as a major global tourism hub.

The projected rise in international leisure travel nights in the Middle East is reflective of the region’s expanding infrastructure, which includes world-class hotels, attractions, and entertainment options. This is supported by major developments in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, all of which are investing heavily in tourism infrastructure to meet growing demand.

ATM 2026: A Platform for Global Collaboration

ATM 2026 is set to bring together more than 2,600 exhibitors from 161 countries, along with over 47,000 attendees from across the globe. The event will provide an invaluable platform for stakeholders from all areas of the travel and tourism industry to collaborate, share insights, and explore new business opportunities. For both exhibitors and buyers, the event will underscore the immense growth potential of the leisure tourism segment, particularly as the Middle East continues to experience strong demand from emerging markets, including Africa and Asia Pacific.

In addition to leisure travel, ATM 2026 will showcase the rapidly expanding Travel Tech sector, which will feature over 180 exhibitors from 30 countries. ATM Travel Tech will span two dedicated halls and include a Tech & Innovation Hub, featuring cutting-edge demonstrations of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and sustainability technologies. The event will also highlight how emerging technologies are transforming the travel experience, offering new tools to enhance customer service, streamline operations, and reduce environmental impact.

The Future of Global Tourism

With the Middle East at the forefront of these developments, ATM 2026 will explore how the region is positioning itself to play a defining role in the future of global tourism. The growing demand for more personalized, authentic travel experiences, combined with advancements in travel technology and a rapidly developing infrastructure, will ensure that the Middle East remains a central player in shaping the future of leisure travel.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for ATM, noted that leisure tourism can no longer be defined by a single demographic or travel style. Today’s travelers are seeking experiential travel that reflects their personal values and interests. This shift in traveler behavior makes the Middle East ideally positioned to capitalize on the rising global demand for innovative and sustainable tourism offerings.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Tourism at ATM 2026

The Arabian Travel Market 2026 will be a crucial event for stakeholders in the global tourism industry, offering a glimpse into the future of leisure travel and the role of the Middle East in shaping it. As the region’s tourism infrastructure continues to grow and diversify, ATM 2026 will provide an opportunity for the travel industry to explore new trends, technologies, and opportunities that will shape the next chapter of global tourism. The event will be a defining moment for the tourism industry as it prepares for a $15 trillion leisure travel economy by 2040.

[Image Credit: WTB Global Hub]