The Middle East’s travel and tourism sector is experiencing a significant surge in 2025, with Saudi Arabia at the forefront, outperforming global averages in both its contribution to GDP and international visitor spending. This is according to a recent report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Regional Tourism Growth Outpaces Global Average
The WTTC’s Economic Impact Research (EIR) reveals that the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector expanded by an impressive 5.3% in 2025, significantly exceeding the global average of 4.1%. This robust growth firmly establishes the region as a pivotal player in the international tourism market. The EIR highlights strong performance across key indicators, including international visitor spending, domestic travel, and business travel. In 2025, the sector contributed a substantial $385.8 billion to the region’s GDP and supported 7.1 million jobs. International visitor spending saw a 5.2% increase, notably higher than the global average of 3.2%, reflecting strong demand and enhanced global connectivity.
Saudi Arabia’s Central Role in Regional Momentum
Saudi Arabia remains the driving force behind the Middle East’s tourism expansion. The Kingdom alone accounted for $178 billion in GDP from travel and tourism, representing a commanding 46% of the region’s total sector output. Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism GDP surged by 7.4% in 2025, nearly double the global sector growth rate and approximately 40% higher than the Middle East’s regional average. International visitor spending in Saudi Arabia climbed by an impressive 8.2%, significantly above the global average. Furthermore, business travel spending within the Kingdom soared by over 55%, underscoring its escalating status as a hub for business, events, and investment. These figures indicate that Saudi Arabia is not only attracting more leisure tourists but is also rapidly becoming a primary destination for business travel in the region.
Performance of Other Regional Markets
Other Middle Eastern markets also demonstrated remarkable growth. The United Arab Emirates’ travel and tourism sector reached $68.5 billion in GDP in 2025, with international visitor spending totaling $56.9 billion. Jordan experienced a healthy 5.5% growth in travel and tourism GDP, with international visitor spending reaching $8.5 billion. Oman also reported a 5.5% increase in sector GDP and $4.0 billion in international visitor spending. These consistent figures signal sustained momentum across key Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and broader regional markets.
Business Travel as a Key Growth Driver
Across the Middle East, business travel is a significant catalyst for sector growth. Business travel spending increased by a robust 23% in 2025, making it one of the fastest-growing segments. This rise is attributed to heightened demand for in-person meetings and the region’s expanding capacity to host major international events, conferences, and investment activities.
Outlook and Long-Term Strategies
Despite recent regional challenges, the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience. The WTTC emphasizes that continued investment in infrastructure, connectivity, and destination development will be crucial for sustaining this growth. Prioritizing high-value travel and business tourism, alongside strengthening public-private collaboration, are identified as essential strategies for boosting visitor spending, creating jobs, and ensuring long-term economic prosperity. The WTTC’s research concludes that the Middle East, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, is well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory in travel and tourism through a focus on sustainable investment and strategic development. The sector is expected to remain a vital engine of economic growth and international connectivity throughout the region.
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