Global leisure travel spending is projected to reach $15 trillion by 2040, up from $5 trillion in 2024, with the Middle East expected to see strong growth, second only to Asia Pacific.
These trends will be a key focus at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May.
Leisure travel growth
The ATM Travel Trends Report, developed with Tourism Economics, predicts international tourism nights in the Middle East will hit 1.5 billion by 2030, a 90% increase from 2024.
Around 15% of these nights are expected to come from leisure travellers outside the region. Europe currently accounts for half of leisure arrivals, but growth from African and Asia Pacific markets is expected to accelerate over the next five years.
ATM 2026 focus
Under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” ATM 2026 will explore evolving traveller behaviours, emerging destinations, and opportunities in the leisure segment.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at ATM, said: “By 2030, there are expected to be nearly 30 billion tourism nights globally, with the Middle East accounting for around 8% of tourism nights. During the same period, leisure nights in the region are expected to grow by 87%, reflecting the region’s rapid infrastructure development, and its expanding experiential and cultural offerings. ATM 2026 will bring together the destinations, attractions, brands and innovators shaping this $15 trillion opportunity.”
Traveller trends
ATM and Tourism Economics research highlights that Millennials and Gen Z are taking more trips and adopting digital tourism solutions, while multigenerational and solo travel have become mainstream. In the Middle East, beach holidays, city breaks and nature experiences remain popular, alongside rising demand for sports, cultural, and wellness tourism.
Curtis added: “Leisure tourism can no longer be defined by a single demographic or travel style. Today’s travellers are seeking authentic, personalised experiences that reflect their values. For this reason, the Middle East is ideally positioned to play a defining role in the coming era of global tourism, and we look forward to welcoming the international travel industry to Dubai in May to explore related opportunities together.”
Industry showcase
ATM 2026 will feature more than 2,600 exhibitors from 161 countries and attract over 47,000 attendees. The event will spotlight inbound and outbound travel across the MENASA region, with dedicated zones including the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, IBTM @ ATM, and ATM Travel Tech, highlighting innovations and opportunities shaping the future of global travel.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
