Middle East outbound travel to surpass $60bn by 2030, ATM Dubai sparks global interest
Egypt and Morocco lead regional tourism development initiatives
DUBAI’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is set to welcome an unprecedented wave of international exhibitors as Middle East outbound travel spending is projected to top US$60 billion by 2030, according to the latest ATM Travel Trends Report.
The 33rd edition, running from 4-7 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, arrives amid a surge in demand for exhibition space, fuelled by rapid growth in tourism infrastructure, enhanced air connectivity, and rising interest in sustainable and ultra-luxury travel offerings.
Operating under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, ATM 2026 offers visitors the chance to explore global tourism trends, from technological advancements in travel to expanding luxury and experiential offerings. Year-on-year growth in exhibition space is forecast at 10%, reflecting growing international participation across all core markets.
ATM expansion
The period from 2024 to 2026 has witnessed substantial growth in exhibition engagement. Participants from Africa and Asia recorded compound annual growth rates (CAGR) of 31.99% and 13.95% respectively, while Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East showed robust increases of 8.75%, 8.25%, and 8.04%.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at ATM, noted: “International participation continues to grow in step with remarkable shifts in global tourism. From Africa’s investment in infrastructure and sustainable luxury to Asia’s rapid air connectivity and travel-tech growth, engagement with the Middle East market is unprecedented.”
North Africa focus
Egypt is emerging as a key destination for Middle East travellers, with outbound leisure nights from the region expected to rise by 21% by 2030. The country is investing heavily in its visitor economy, with high-profile projects including the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, New Alamein City, Ras al-Hekma, the Great Transfiguration Project, and Marassi Red Sea resort.
Several major exhibitors will showcase Egypt’s tourism offerings at ATM 2026, including the Egyptian Tourism Authority, Rixos Premium Seagate Hotel, Sunrise Resorts and Cruises, and Classic for Touristic Resorts & Hotel Management.
Morocco is pursuing similarly ambitious strategies, launching extensive rail expansion projects and opening 200 new air routes between 2024 and 2025, including the Atlanta-Marrakech connection. The nation is preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain, aiming to add 150,000 hotel beds and attract 26 million annual visitors. Exhibitors such as Visit Morocco, along with investors and project partners, will highlight the country’s growing tourism infrastructure at ATM 2026.
Türkiye and Asia
Türkiye remains a key destination for Gulf travellers, accounting for 8% of outbound nights in 2025. Exhibitors at ATM 2026 include Mercan DMC, Regnum Hotels, Atas Group Hotels, Ajet Airlines, Bursa Culture & Tourism Promotion Union, and Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA). Türkiye is projected to increase its role as a source market for international leisure tourism nights in the Middle East by 96% by 2030.
China is set to return to ATM 2026, capitalising on renewed outbound travel momentum to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Chinese participation will include the China Cultural Centre in UAE, The Garden Hotel Company LTD Guangzhou, and China Highlights International Travel Services Co LTD. Expanded visa-free arrangements with 76 countries, including GCC nations, alongside simplified entry procedures, enhanced consumption experiences, and streamlined tax refund policies, are supporting this resurgence.
Industry innovations
ATM 2026 will place a strong emphasis on innovations shaping the global tourism sector. With a spotlight on MENASA (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia) and Eastern Europe, the event reinforces Dubai’s status as a global travel gateway connecting more than 274 destinations across six continents.
Key features at the event will include the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, IBTM @ ATM, and the co-located ATM Travel Tech, which occupies two dedicated halls. These platforms will highlight evolving travel trends, cater to emerging traveller segments, and facilitate critical connections between destinations, buyers, and brands influencing the future of global travel.