How much is Middle East tourism expected to grow by 2030, and what is driving the surge?

Tourism spending in the Middle East is forecast to rise 57 per cent between 2025 and 2030, reaching $408 billion, while international arrivals are expected to hit 316 million. The growth is being supported by rising traveller demand, greater tourism investment and a growing focus on experiences, with Chinese visitors’ leisure nights projected to increase by 160 per cent by 2030. Artificial intelligence is also reshaping the sector, with 91 per cent of Middle East travel businesses reportedly piloting or using AI, while 28 per cent of travellers considering the region have used AI chatbots for trip planning. The figures point to a rapidly evolving tourism landscape across the region.