The Middle East’s travel and tourism sector grew by 5.3 per cent in 2025, exceeding the global average of 4.1 per cent, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research shows gains across international visitor spending, domestic travel and business travel. International visitor spending in the region increased by 5.2 per cent, compared with 3.2 per cent globally.
The sector contributed US$385.8 billion to regional GDP in 2025 and supported 7.1 million jobs.
Saudi Arabia remained the largest market in the region, accounting for US$178 billion, or 46 per cent of total travel and tourism GDP. The country recorded growth of 7.4 per cent in 2025, compared with the regional average of 5.3 per cent and the global rate of 4.1 per cent. International visitor spending in Saudi Arabia rose by 8.2 per cent.
Business travel was a key driver of growth, with spending in Saudi Arabia increasing by more than 55 per cent. Across the Middle East, business travel spending rose by 23 per cent in 2025.
Other markets also recorded growth. The UAE reached US$68.5 billion in travel and tourism GDP, with international visitor spending of US$56.9 billion. Jordan and Oman each recorded growth of 5.5 per cent, with international visitor spending reaching US$8.5 billion and US$4.0 billion respectively.
WTTC noted that continued investment in infrastructure, connectivity and destination development will be important to sustain growth, alongside efforts to support business travel and higher-value tourism.
“The Middle East continued to deliver strong travel and 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,” said Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of WTTC.
“The Middle East’s performance in 2025 highlighted the strength and long-term potential of travel and tourism, with the sector continuing to act as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and international connectivity across the region.”
