The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the way in the Middle East, with expectations of 33 million leisure travellers in 2023, as revealed by the WTM Global Travel Report.
This impressive growth marks a significant recovery from the pandemic for the Middle East’s tourism industry, surpassing the 2019 figure of 29 million leisure travellers by 13%.
In terms of dollar spend, the Middle East is outpacing all other regions, with a 46% increase compared to 2019. Domestic travel in the region has seen remarkable growth, surging by 176% since 2019, albeit starting from a lower base.
Diversifying Economies: Saudi and UAE Invest in Tourism
Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s commitment to tourism development and infrastructure investment is a key driver of this success, helping diversify their economies away from hydrocarbons.
Both countries have fully recovered in terms of inbound and domestic tourism, with Saudi Arabia standing out with a 66% increase in inbound spending compared to 2019, according to Arabian Business.
The future looks promising for the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia expected to lead growth, benefiting from new visa arrangements and continued capacity development. Dubai’s capacity to host large-scale events is also a significant advantage.
Looking ahead, the region’s inbound leisure tourism value is set to increase by 74% over the next decade, aligning with established markets like Spain and France.
Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Market London, highlights the Middle East’s exciting and dynamic tourism potential, underlining the positive impact of initial investments in tourism infrastructure.
