MIDDLE EAST TRAVEL AND TOURISM RISE WHILE SAUDI ARABIA GROWTH NEARLY TWICE AS GLOBAL RATE | News
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced that the Middle East is experiencing strong growth in travel and tourism, with the sector set to grow by 5.3% by 2025, surpassing the global average of 4.1% and strengthening the region’s position as one of the most dynamic travel markets in the world.
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), a leading global survey of travel and tourism performance, highlights the region’s strong performance across key indicators including international visitor spending, domestic travel and business travel.
The Middle East is showing strong growth momentum
Travel and tourism in the Middle East continues to perform strongly, with growth exceeding the global average and also outpacing the broader regional economy. International visitor spending increased by 5.2%, compared to 3.2% globally, due to strong demand and increasing global connectivity.
The region’s travel and tourism sector contributed $385.8 billion to GDP in 2025, supporting 7.1 million jobs, underscoring its growing economic importance.
Saudi Arabia is driving regional momentum
At the heart of this growth is Saudi Arabia, the largest travel and tourism economy in the region, accounting for $178 billion in GDP and 46% of the total travel and tourism economy in the Middle East.
The Kingdom continues to deliver excellent performance, with travel and tourism sector GDP growing by 7.4% in 2025, almost double the global sector growth of 4.1%, and around 40% higher than the Middle East regional average of 5.3%.
International visitor expenditure also increased by 8.2%, significantly outperforming the global average of 3.2%, further underlining Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as a leading global destination and its position as a leader in the region.
Business travel has been a particularly strong driver, with spending increasing by more than 55%, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global hub for business, events and investment.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, other markets in the region are also performing strongly. The UAE’s travel and tourism sector reached $68.5 billion in GDP in 2025, with international visitor spending reaching $56.9 billion, reflecting the UAE’s position as a major global hub. Jordan recorded 5.5% growth in travel and tourism GDP, with international visitor expenditure reaching US$8.5 billion, while Oman also saw strong growth of 5.5%, alongside international visitor expenditure of US$4.0 billion, highlighting continued momentum into 2025 in key GCC and regional markets.
Business travel drives growth
Across the Middle East, business travel is accelerating rapidly, with spending set to increase by 23% by 2025, making it one of the best-performing segments in industry growth.
This growth reflects the increased demand for personal involvement, in addition to the region’s growing role in organizing major international events, conferences and investment activities.
Against the backdrop of recent regional challenges, the Middle East travel and tourism sector continues to demonstrate exceptional resilience, with recovery expected to be rapid once long-term stability returns to the region. Backed by strong fundamentals, sustainable investments and its strategic role in global connectivity, the region remains well positioned to continue its growth trajectory.
Unlocking sustained long-term growth
WTTC’s research highlights that sustainable investments in infrastructure, connectivity and destination development, alongside a focus on high-end travel and business tourism, will be key to maintaining this momentum over time.
By continuing to strengthen public-private partnerships and improve the overall travel ecosystem, countries in the region are well positioned to further increase visitor spending, create jobs and drive long-term economic growth.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “The Middle East continued to deliver strong growth in travel and tourism in 2025, with Saudi Arabia playing a central role in driving this success and emerging as a leader in the region, with growth nearly double the global average.
The Middle East’s 2025 performance underlined the strength and long-term potential of Travel and Tourism, with the sector continuing to act as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and international connectivity across the region.”
