In 2023, inbound visitor numbers to the Middle East grew by almost 40 percent. The Middle East is witnessing a robust recovery in tourism, indicating a positive trend following the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent travel restrictions.

MENA tourism types

Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached approximately six percent of the total worldwide tourist arrivals in 2018 according to United Nations World Tourism Organization. The number of tourism arrivals in the MENA region in 2018 exceeded 60 million, of which 15.8 million were received in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Tourism is one of the main pillars on which the MENA economies depend on. The efforts to diversify their oil-based economies have placed further importance on the tourism industry. Tourism in the MENA region includes business, leisure, health and wellness, religious, cultural, and shopping tourism. Morocco was the leading country in wellness tourism in 2015 with about 2.5 million visitors.

The MENA region has a variety of natural, cultural, heritage, and religious assets such as the Giza Pyramids in Egypt and the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. In addition to the MENA region’s UNESCO World Heritage Lists’ ancient monuments and archaeological sites, they also have world-leading man-made attractions such as the Burg Khalifa and Atlantis City in Dubai, as well as lavish malls and shopping centers. The UAE was rated the most competitive tourism destination in the MENA region in 2018 with a score of 4.4 out of seven points according to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index.

MENA tourism trends

The emirate of Dubai in the UAE had the highest value of international tourist receipts of more than 21 billion U.S. dollars in 2018. The total value for the entire MENA region was 73 billion U.S. dollars. The most popular online travel company among MENA region tourists in 2018 was booking.com. Tourism arrivals in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries were expected to surpass 64.3 million tourists by 2020.

The contribution of the industry to the MENA job market was projected to reach 7.2 million jobs by 2028. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic affected the travel and tourism sector significantly. More than 60 percent of business owners in the Gulf Cooperation Council in that year reported their businesses being impacted by travel difficulties and restrictions).

Saudi Arabia was among the top Middle Eastern countries with the most international tourist arrivals, receiving above **** million arrivals in 2023. The Middle East is witnessing a robust recovery in tourist arrivals, indicating a positive trend following the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent travel restrictions. MENA tourism types Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region grew by about *** percent in 2018, reaching approximately *** percent of the world’s tourist arrivals. Tourism is a major pillar of the economy, especially with the efforts to diversify from the oil-based economies in the region. The UAE was the most competitive travel and tourism destination in the MENA region in 2018 according to the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index at a score of *** points out of seve. There is a wide variety of types of tourism offered in the MENA region. The region has a variety of natural, cultural, heritage, and religious assets. The region is home to ancient monuments and archaeological sites which were named in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The MENA region possesses a unique cultural landscape that consists of Arab architecture and a mix of British, French, Ottoman, and Spanish influences from its historical colonial legacy. The region also has a favorable sunny climate with access to different seas, cruises, shopping venues, and man-made attractions. The leading country in the region in 2015 in wellness tourism was Morocco with about *** million visitors. MENA tourism trends The leading travel company according to tourists in the MENA region was booking.com. The emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was leading in the MENA region in terms of the value of international tourist receipts which exceeded ** billion U.S. dollars in 2018. The projected tourism arrival in the Gulf Cooperation Council region was estimated to exceed **** million tourists in 2020. The contribution of travel and tourism to the MENA job market was expected to increase from about *** million jobs in 2018 to exceed *** million jobs in 2028.

Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data was reported at 19,550,000.000 USD in Jun 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 20,100,000.000 USD for Mar 2017. Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data is updated quarterly, averaging 7,775,000.000 USD from Mar 2005 (Median) to Jun 2017, with 50 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 35,180,000.000 USD in Sep 2016 and a record low of 670,000.000 USD in Jun 2005. Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by TAT Inteligence Center. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.Q014: Tourism Statistics: from International Tourist Arrivals.

Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Israel data was reported at 88,420,000.000 USD in Jun 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 120,350,000.000 USD for Mar 2017. Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Israel data is updated quarterly, averaging 54,495,000.000 USD from Mar 2005 (Median) to Jun 2017, with 50 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 127,740,000.000 USD in Dec 2016 and a record low of 17,980,000.000 USD in Jun 2005. Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Israel data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by TAT Inteligence Center. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.Q014: Tourism Statistics: from International Tourist Arrivals.

In 2023, international tourism receipts to the Middle East region were valued at nearly ***** billion U.S. dollars. During this period, the number of tourists to the region topped ** million visitors, far surpassing pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

Thailand Per Capita Spending: Middle East: Israel data was reported at 149.680 USD/Day in Jun 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 151.020 USD/Day for Mar 2017. Thailand Per Capita Spending: Middle East: Israel data is updated quarterly, averaging 128.160 USD/Day from Mar 2005 (Median) to Jun 2017, with 50 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 162.930 USD/Day in Mar 2013 and a record low of 77.680 USD/Day in Dec 2005. Thailand Per Capita Spending: Middle East: Israel data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by TAT Inteligence Center. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.Q014: Tourism Statistics: from International Tourist Arrivals.

In 2023, outbound visitor numbers from the Middle East were expected to increase by about 28.1 percent, compared to about 140 percent in the previous year.

Thailand Length of Stay: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data was reported at 11.810 Day in Jun 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 11.010 Day for Mar 2017. Thailand Length of Stay: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data is updated quarterly, averaging 9.890 Day from Mar 2005 (Median) to Jun 2017, with 50 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 12.630 Day in Mar 2005 and a record low of 3.170 Day in Jun 2005. Thailand Length of Stay: Middle East: Saudi Arabia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by TAT Inteligence Center. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.Q014: Tourism Statistics: from International Tourist Arrivals.

Middle East medical tourism market size reached USD 6,392.6 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 13,158.6 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 8.35% during 2025-2033. The increasing advances in transportation and communication, which have made it easier for patients to travel for medical purposes, are driving the market.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the regional and country level for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on treatment type and service provider.

Thailand Number of Arrivals: Middle East: Israel data was reported at 32,019.000 Person in Jun 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 45,881.000 Person for Mar 2017. Thailand Number of Arrivals: Middle East: Israel data is updated quarterly, averaging 32,626.500 Person from Mar 2005 (Median) to Jun 2017, with 50 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 49,675.000 Person in Dec 2016 and a record low of 14,873.000 Person in Jun 2005. Thailand Number of Arrivals: Middle East: Israel data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by TAT Inteligence Center. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.Q014: Tourism Statistics: from International Tourist Arrivals.

This statistic describes the total contribution of travel and tourism to gross domestic product (GDP) across the Middle East from 2012 to 2017, with an estimate for 2018 and a forecast for 2028. According to forecasts, the total contribution of travel and tourism to the GDP of Middle Eastern countries will amount to around 486.1 billion U.S. dollars by 2028.

As of 2023, the United Arab Emirates led the Middle East region with international tourism receipts worth nearly ** billion U.S. dollars. The entire Middle East region's international tourism receipts were valued at over ***** billion U.S. dollars. UAE tourism   The average daily fee of hotels in the emirate of Dubai in 2020 was *** U.S. dollars, while that in Abu Dhabi was ** U.S. dollars. Dubai is the emirate with the highest number of international visitors in the country. It is well-known for its high-end shopping, vibrant nightlife, and modern architecture. It is home to numerous world-class man-made attractions, including the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, Atlantis City, and the Palm resort. The UAE was classified as the most competitive tourist destination in the MENA area in 2018 by the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI). After adjusting for the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector's gross domestic product share in the UAE was predicted to be about **** percent by 2025 with more than ** million tourists expected to visit the country. UAE economy The UAE's economy saw a severe drop in real GDP growth in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, although it was projected to recover gradually over the next few years. The country has taken a significant hit as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This is attributable not just to the impact of low oil prices, but also to significant losses in non-oil economic areas such as tourism. The wholesale and retail business will be the greatest contributor to Dubai's GDP in 2021. The central bank predicted that the economy will fully recover in 2022. Greenfield projects accounted for the biggest share of announced foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the emirate of Dubai in 2020.

Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Kuwait data was reported at 48,840,000.000 USD in Jun 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 45,630,000.000 USD for Mar 2017. Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Kuwait data is updated quarterly, averaging 18,025,000.000 USD from Mar 2005 (Median) to Jun 2017, with 50 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 70,820,000.000 USD in Sep 2016 and a record low of 5,180,000.000 USD in Mar 2006. Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Kuwait data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by TAT Inteligence Center. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.Q014: Tourism Statistics: from International Tourist Arrivals.

The number of international tourist arrivals worldwide increased across all regions in 2024 over the previous year. While inbound tourist arrivals in the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas remained below pre-pandemic levels, they surpassed the figure from 2019 in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Over the period considered, Europe reported the highest volume of inbound travelers, with almost 759 million arrivals in 2024. What are the most visited countries by inbound travelers? With Europe being the most visited region by inbound travelers, it comes as no surprise that two European destinations top the ranking of the countries with the highest number of inbound tourist arrivals worldwide. Both before and after the impact of COVID-19, France and Spain reported the most inbound tourist arrivals in the world, ahead of the United States. That said, the United States was the country with the highest international tourism receipts worldwide over the same period. What is the global economic impact of travel and tourism? According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the total contribution of travel and tourism to the gross domestic product worldwide reached just under 11 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024. This figure refers to the direct, indirect, and induced impact of the global travel and tourism sector. Meanwhile, the total number of travel and tourism jobs worldwide exceeded 350 million that year.

In 2023, Middle East Travel Insurance Market reached a value of USD 225.4 million, and it is projected to surge to USD 573.0 million by 2030

Tourism Spend (Expenditure under taken on Travel and Tourism related commodities by a tourist within a country. This expenditure is categorized in to accommodation, sightseeing and entertainment, food service, retail, transport, travel intermediation, and others, which includes travel insurance and equipment rental) have seen steady trend in the recent years globally and is projected to do the same in the near future. The report Middle East & Africa Tourism Spend Analytics to 2020: Accommodation, Entertainment & Sightseeing, Foodservice, Retail, Transportation, Travel Intermediation, Others provides deep dive data analytics on wide ranging expenditure incurred on Travel and Tourism related commodities by a tourist in a country. Furthermore, the report also details out spends by different Tourist type i.e., Inbound Tourist, Outbound Tourist, National Tourist and Domestic Tourist for the period 2011 to 2020 along with Total Expenditure incurred and year on year growth. The report acts as an essential tool for companies active or plans to venture in to the Middle East & Africa’s Travel and Tourism business. The comprehensive statistics within the report provides insight into the operating environment of the market and also ensures right business decision making based on historical trends and industry model based forecasting. This is an on-demand report and will be delivered within 2 working days (excluding weekends) of the purchase. Read More

This statistic describes the total contribution of travel and tourism to employment across the Middle East from 2012 to 2017, with an estimate for 2018 and a forecast for 2028. According to forecasts, the total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in Middle Eastern countries will amount to around 7.22 million jobs by 2028.

Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Egypt data was reported at 8,470,000.000 USD in Jun 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 10,470,000.000 USD for Mar 2017. Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Egypt data is updated quarterly, averaging 5,010,000.000 USD from Mar 2005 (Median) to Jun 2017, with 50 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 18,730,000.000 USD in Sep 2016 and a record low of 800,000.000 USD in Jun 2005. Thailand Tourism Receipts: Middle East: Egypt data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by TAT Inteligence Center. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Thailand – Table TH.Q014: Tourism Statistics: from International Tourist Arrivals.

Success.ai’s Tourism Data for the Global Hospitality Sector offers a robust and reliable dataset tailored for businesses aiming to connect with professionals and organizations in the global tourism and hospitality industry. Covering roles such as hotel managers, travel consultants, tour operators, and decision-makers, this dataset provides verified profiles, business insights, and actionable data.

With access to over 700 million verified profiles globally, Success.ai ensures your marketing, outreach, and strategic initiatives are powered by accurate, continuously updated, and AI-validated data. Backed by our Best Price Guarantee, this solution is ideal for thriving in the competitive and dynamic global hospitality market.

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This statistic describes the economic contribution of government collective spending on tourism across the Middle East from 2012 to 2017, with an estimate for 2018 and a forecast for 2028. According to forecasts, the contribution of government collective spending on tourism to the gross domestic product (GDP) of Middle Eastern countries will amount to around 17.7 billion U.S. dollars by 2028.