Travel and tourism to the Middle East is surging ahead, reinforcing the region’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic travel markets.
New data from the World Travel & Tourism Council shows the sector expanding by 5.3% in 2025, outpacing the global average of 4.1%.
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) highlights the region’s strong performance across key indicators, including international visitor spending, domestic travel and business travel.
International visitor spending rose 5.2%, compared to 3.2% globally, reflecting strong demand and increasing global connectivity.
The region’s travel and tourism sector contributed $US385.8 billion to GDP in 2025, supporting 7.1 million jobs, underlining its growing economic importance.
At the heart of this growth is Saudi Arabia, the largest travel and tourism economy in the region, accounting for $US178 billion in GDP and 46% of the Middle East’s total travel and tourism economy.
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.
“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,” said Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC.
