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Middle East Leads Global Travel Surge in 2025

The Middle East region is at the forefront of the global travel boom in 2025, driven by live tourism experiences and the growing experience economy.

JTM Editorial TeamDecember 26, 20250 viewsSource: Skift
Middle East Leads Global Travel Surge in 2025
Middle East Leads Global Travel Surge in 2025

Global travel is expected to end 2025 on a high note, growing 4% year-on-year as of November, with the Middle East leading the charge in this remarkable tourism surge.

According to industry analysts, the growth is fueled by a significant shift toward the "experience economy" where travelers increasingly prioritize unique, immersive experiences over traditional tourism offerings.

The Middle East's tourism sector is projected to contribute $367 billion to the region's economy and support 7.7 million jobs in 2025 alone. This unprecedented growth has spurred a new era of resort investment across the region.

Key factors driving the Middle East's tourism success include world-class infrastructure and attractions, major entertainment events and festivals, strategic airline partnerships and expanded connectivity, and government investment in tourism development.

Leisure travel spending is projected to climb from $5 trillion in 2024 to a staggering $15 trillion by 2034, with the Middle East positioned to capture a significant share of this growth.

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