ATM 2026 to examine $15tn leisure travel opportunity, as the Middle East emerges as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets

Global leisure travel spending is projected to reach $15 trillion in 2040, up from $5 trillion in 2024. With an anticipated 7% annual uptick in leisure spending, the Middle East is expected to outperform all markets except Asia Pacific during the next five years. Destinations, airlines, hotels and industry stakeholders from around the world will gather to explore these unprecedented opportunities at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May.

Under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, the event will explore the factors and trends redefining the global travel landscape. Leisure travel will form a key part of the programme at ATM, where the event will spotlight the changing behaviours of leisure travellers globally, and the Middle East’s ever-growing status as a destination of choice for international tourists.

The ATM Travel Trends Report, developed in collaboration with Tourism Economics, forecasts that international tourism nights in the Middle East will reach 1.5 billion by 2030, representing a 90% surge from 2024. Approximately 15% of these nights are expected to be among leisure travellers from outside of the region. According to the report, European source markets currently account for 50% of leisure travel into the Middle East, although faster growth is expected for African and Asia Pacific markets in the next five years.

For exhibitors and buyers at ATM 2026, these projections underscore the strong growth potential of the leisure segment. With more than 2,600 exhibitors from 161 countries and over 47,000 attendees expected, the event will provide a comprehensive platform for the travel industry to leverage this rising demand.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “By 2030, there are expected to be nearly 30 billion tourism nights globally, with the Middle East accounting for around 8% of tourism nights. During the same period, leisure nights in the region are expected to grow by 87%, reflecting the region’s rapid infrastructure development, and its expanding experiential and cultural offerings. ATM 2026 will bring together the destinations, attractions, brands and innovators shaping this $15 trillion opportunity.”

The ATM and Tourism Economics analysis found that Millennials and Gen Z travellers are planning more trips and embracing digital tourism innovations, while multigenerational and solo travel have moved from niche to mainstream pursuits. Leisure events were considered the top opportunity for tourism growth, mentioned by half of the industry experts surveyed by the researchers. In the Middle East, beach getaways, city breaks and nature experiences remain popular, while demand for sports tourism, cultural travel, and health and wellness trips is accelerating rapidly.

“Leisure tourism can no longer be defined by a single demographic or travel style. Today's travellers are seeking authentic, personalised experiences that reflect their values,” added Curtis. “For this reason, the Middle East is ideally positioned to play a defining role in the coming era of global tourism, and we look forward to welcoming the international travel industry to Dubai in May to explore related opportunities together.”

In addition to leisure travel, ATM 2026 will highlight a broad array of industry trends, innovations and opportunities. With a spotlight on the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) for both inbound and outbound travel, the 33rd edition will reinforce Dubai’s position as a global gateway, connecting over 240 destinations across six continents.

Through features such as the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, IBTM @ ATM and co-located event, ATM Travel Tech, which will have two dedicated halls, the show will showcase how the industry is evolving to meet the needs of new traveller segments, while strengthening connections between destinations, buyers and brands that are shaping the next chapter of global travel.