Saudi Arabia Joins Qatar, South Korea, Oman, Japan and More as Leading Destinations for Explosive Growth in Global Travel Demand in 2026

Written By: Bishal Deb

Bishal Deb

I am pursuing a career in travel journalism with Travel And Tour World, focusing on global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination developments. Passionate about uncovering stories that shape the future of travel, I specialise in researching and reporting on airline expansions, airport growth, tourism trends, and emerging destinations. Through detailed analysis and engaging storytelling, I aim to deliver informative and impactful travel news to global audiences while exploring the evolving dynamics of the worldwide tourism industry.

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January 31, 2026 20:31 GMT+5:30

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Saudi Arabia has been recognized as one of the leading destinations driving explosive growth in global travel demand in 2026, alongside other top countries such as Qatar, South Korea, Oman, and Japan. According to global travel intelligence firm Mabrian, Saudi cities like Jeddah and Riyadh are experiencing a significant surge in international travel intent, placing the Kingdom among the top global destinations for tourism growth. This rise is due to increased air capacity, a growing influx of international travelers, and the GCC region’s strengthening position in the global tourism landscape. Saudi Arabia’s rapid growth is in line with the broader upward trend across Western Asia, making it a key player in the tourism boom of 2026.

The Gulf region is experiencing a remarkable upswing in international travel demand, with Jeddah, Riyadh, and Doha now among the world’s top 10 cities for travel intent growth in 2026. This surge highlights Western Asia’s growing dominance in global tourism, according to a recent analysis by global travel intelligence firm Mabrian.

Mabrian’s research, which assesses air capacity and flight search data from the top 50 airports worldwide, reveals that Western Asia, including the Gulf states, is set to capture 8.9% of global travel demand during the first half of 2026. This marks the strongest growth of any region, underlining the significant momentum in the Gulf’s tourism sector.

Jeddah, Doha, and Riyadh Leading the Charge

Jeddah has emerged as one of the standout destinations, ranking fifth globally for growth in travel demand, while Doha follows in ninth and Riyadh rounds out the top 10. These cities are experiencing a “substantial increase” in market share, reflecting their rising importance on the international tourism stage. In addition, Muscat (Oman) and Kuwait City have also posted impressive increases, contributing to the Gulf region’s dominance in the global tourism landscape.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are further reinforcing this growth by expanding international air capacity. Over the next six months, air capacity in the region is set to rise by 3.6% compared to the same period last year, signaling airlines’ confidence in the continued demand for Gulf destinations. Key source markets such as the UK (up 5.6%), the US (up 3.3%), and Germany and Russia (both up 7.2%) are driving this upward trend, pointing to the region’s growing appeal to travelers worldwide.

Resilience Amid Regional Challenges

Despite ongoing challenges in some parts of the region, such as protests in Iran, global travel intent towards Gulf destinations remains strong. Mabrian’s analysis indicates a brief dip in market share in February 2026, followed by a quick recovery in March, surpassing the levels seen in the previous year. This swift rebound underscores the resilience of Gulf cities in attracting international visitors, even in the face of regional instability.

Emerging and Established Destinations in the GCC

The growth of Gulf cities goes beyond the well-established tourism hubs of Dubai and Doha, with emerging destinations such as Riyadh, Muscat, and Jeddah playing an increasingly vital role. These cities are now considered key gateways for international travelers, drawing attention from Europe, North America, and Asia. As GCC countries diversify their tourism offerings, these emerging destinations are becoming essential stops for tourists seeking new experiences in the Gulf.

Asia Remains a Key Driver of Global Travel Demand

While the Gulf region is making significant strides, Asia remains the leading driver of global travel inspiration. Eastern and Southeast Asia together account for 31.7% of global travel demand, showcasing the region’s dominant position in the international tourism market. In comparison, regions such as Southern Europe, North America, and the Caribbean are seeing more stable or declining demand trends, while Western Asia continues to rise in prominence.

Top 10 Destinations for Growth in International Travel Intent (2026 vs. 2025)

1. Jakarta (Indonesia) +0.17
2. Hanoi (Vietnam) +0.16
3. Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) +0.16
4. Seoul (South Korea) +0.15
5. Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) +0.11
6. Moscow (Russia) +0.11
7. Manila (Philippines) +0.11
8. Tokyo (Japan) +0.10
9. Doha (Qatar) +0.10
10. Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) +0.10

Gulf’s Booming Tourism Economy

This surge in travel demand is mirrored in the region’s booming tourism economy. Over the past five years, international tourism revenues in the GCC have skyrocketed by almost 40%. In 2024, the region’s tourism receipts reached a record US$120.2 billion, underscoring the Gulf’s increasing role in the global travel economy. With a rising share of global tourism receipts now at 7.5%, the Gulf states are firmly establishing themselves as influential players in international travel.

Saudi Arabia is emerging as a top destination for explosive growth in global travel demand in 2026, joining Qatar, South Korea, Oman, and Japan, driven by increasing air capacity and rising international interest.

The ascent of Jeddah, Riyadh, and Doha as key growth cities for international travel in 2026 reflects the Gulf region’s dynamic and resilient tourism sector. With a combination of increasing air capacity, expanding international demand, and the emergence of new destinations, the Gulf is cementing its position as a major hub for global tourism. As demand for these destinations continues to rise, the Gulf states are set to shape the future of international travel for years to come.