Fresh insights into travel trends and market growth opportunities across the Middle East were unveiled at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), held from April 28 to May 1, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event featured research from Tourism Economics, Trip.com Group, and VIDEC Consultants, highlighting accelerated growth in the leisure, luxury, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and online travel sectors.
Tourism Economics, part of Oxford Economics, shared findings from its ATM Trends Report, which underscored strong performance indicators such as increased visitor numbers, longer overnight stays, and higher traveler spending in the region.
“Global travel is set to reach record levels this year, rebounding to match pre-pandemic trends,” said Dave Goodger, Managing Director EMEA at Tourism Economics. “Travelers are prioritizing trips over other discretionary spending, and the Middle East—particularly the GCC—is benefiting from this shift.”
Goodger noted that over 85% of the projected growth in the region’s accommodation demand will come from international travelers, with GCC countries outpacing global averages.
