The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that the Middle East is experiencing strong travel & tourism growth, with the sector expanding by 5.3 percent in 2025, outpacing the global average of 4.1 percent and reinforcing the region’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic travel markets.
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), a leading global study of travel & tourism performance, highlights the region’s strong performance across key indicators, including international visitor spending, domestic travel, and business travel.
Middle East Shows Strong Growth Momentum
Travel & tourism in the Middle East continues to outperform, with growth exceeding the global average and also surpassing the wider regional economy. International visitor spending rose 5.2 percent, compared to 3.2 percent globally, reflecting strong demand and increasing global connectivity.
The sector contributed $385.8 billion to the region’s GDP in 2025, supporting 7.1 million jobs and underlining its growing economic importance.
Saudi Arabia Drives Regional Momentum
At the heart of this growth is Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest tourism economy, accounting for $178 billion in GDP and 46 percent of the Middle East’s total.
The Kingdom continues to deliver standout performance, with travel & tourism GDP growing 7.4 percent in 2025, nearly double the global sector growth rate of 4.1 percent, and around 40 percent higher than the regional Middle East average of 5.3 percent.
International visitor spending also rose 8.2 percent, significantly outperforming the global average of 3.2 percent, 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 over 55 percent, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global hub for business, events, and investment.
Alongside Saudi Arabia, other markets across the region are also delivering strong performance. In UAE, the sector reached $68.5 billion in GDP in 2025, with international visitor spending of $56.9 billion, reflecting its position as a major global hub. Jordan recorded 5.5 percent growth in travel & tourism GDP, with international visitor spending reaching $8.5 billion, while Oman also saw strong growth of 5.5 percent, alongside international visitor spending of $4.0 billion, highlighting continued momentum in 2025 across key GCC and regional markets.
Business Travel Powers Growth
Across the Middle East, business travel is accelerating rapidly, with spending rising 23 percent in 2025, making it one of the strongest-performing segments in the sector’s growth.
This growth reflects increased demand for in-person engagement, alongside the region’s expanding role in hosting major international events, conferences, and investment activity.
Against the backdrop of recent regional challenges, the Middle East’s travel & tourism sector continues to demonstrate exceptional resilience, with recovery expected to be swift once long-term stability returns to the region. Supported by strong fundamentals, sustained investment, and its strategic role in global connectivity, the region remains well positioned to maintain its growth trajectory.
Unlocking Continued Long-Term Growth
WTTC’s research highlights that sustained investment in infrastructure, connectivity, and destination development, alongside a focus on high-value travel and business tourism, will be critical to maintaining this momentum over time.
By continuing to strengthen public-private collaboration and enhance the overall travel ecosystem, countries across the region are well positioned to further increase visitor spending, create jobs, and drive long-term economic growth.
Gloria Guevara, president & CEO, WTTC, said: “The Middle East continued to deliver strong travel & tourism growth 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 performance in 2025 highlighted the strength and long-term potential of travel & tourism, with the sector continuing to act as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and international connectivity across the region.”
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