ATM 2026 to Spotlight USD 15 Trillion Global Leisure Travel Opportunity
Global leisure travel spending is on track to reach USD 15 trillion by 2040, up from USD 5 trillion in 2024, according to analysis by Boston Consulting Group (BCG). As the leisure travel economy expands at an unprecedented pace, the Middle East is emerging as one of the fastest-growing regions worldwide, positioning itself at the forefront of the next phase of global tourism growth.
Joint forecasts by Arabian Travel Market (ATM) and Tourism Economics indicate that leisure travel spending in the Middle East is expected to grow at an average rate of 7 per cent per year between 2025 and 2030, second only to Asia Pacific. This strong performance reflects sustained investment in infrastructure, enhanced air connectivity, and the region’s increasingly diverse leisure offerings.
These developments will take centre stage at the 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2026), scheduled to be held from 4 to 7 May 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where global destinations, airlines, hotels and tourism stakeholders will convene to explore emerging opportunities in the leisure travel sector.
Leisure Travel in Focus at ATM 2026
Held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” ATM 2026 will examine the forces reshaping the global travel landscape. Leisure travel will form a core pillar of the event’s programme, with discussions centred on evolving traveller behaviour, technological innovation and the Middle East’s growing stature as a destination of choice for international tourists.
According to the ATM Travel Trends Report, developed in collaboration with Tourism Economics, international tourism nights in the Middle East are projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030, representing a 90 per cent increasecompared to 2024 levels. Leisure travel is expected to be a major contributor to this growth, with leisure tourism nights forecast to rise by 87 per cent over the same period.
Approximately 15 per cent of these tourism nights are anticipated to come from leisure travellers originating outside the region. While Europe currently accounts for around 50 per cent of inbound leisure travel to the Middle East, the fastest growth over the next five years is expected from Africa and Asia Pacific, driven by expanding middle-class populations and improved connectivity.
Commercial Opportunities for the Travel Industry
For exhibitors and buyers attending ATM 2026, these projections underline the strong commercial potential of the leisure segment. The event is expected to host more than 2,600 exhibitors from 161 countries and attract over 47,000 industry professionals, providing a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to engage with rising demand and form strategic partnerships.
“By 2030, there are expected to be nearly 30 billion tourism nights globally, with the Middle East accounting for approximately 8 per cent of that total,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market. “During the same period, leisure nights in the region are projected to grow by 87 per cent, reflecting rapid infrastructure development and expanding experiential and cultural offerings. ATM 2026 will bring together the destinations, attractions, brands and innovators shaping this USD 15 trillion opportunity.”
Shifting Traveller Profiles and Experiences
The ATM and Tourism Economics analysis also highlights significant shifts in traveller demographics and preferences. Millennials and Gen Z travellers are planning more frequent trips and actively adopting digital tourism innovations, while multigenerational and solo travel have transitioned from niche segments to mainstream travel behaviours.
Industry experts surveyed for the report identified leisure events as the leading opportunity for tourism growth. In the Middle East, established leisure segments such as beach holidays, city breaks and nature-based travel remain strong, while demand for sports tourism, cultural travel, and health and wellness experiences is growing rapidly.
“Leisure tourism can no longer be defined by a single demographic or travel style,” Curtis added. “Today’s travellers are seeking authentic, personalised experiences that reflect their values. The Middle East is ideally positioned to play a defining role in the next era of global tourism, and we look forward to welcoming the international travel community to Dubai in May to explore these opportunities together.”
A Global Gateway for the Future of Travel
Beyond leisure travel, ATM 2026 will showcase a broad spectrum of industry trends, innovations and investment opportunities. With a strong focus on Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) markets for both inbound and outbound travel, the event will further reinforce Dubai’s role as a global gateway, connecting more than 240 destinations across six continents.
Key features of the 2026 edition will include the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, IBTM @ ATM for business events and corporate travel, and the co-located ATM Travel Tech, which will span two dedicated halls. Together, these platforms will highlight how the travel industry is evolving to meet the needs of new traveller segments while strengthening collaboration between destinations, buyers and brands shaping the future of global travel.
As the leisure travel economy moves toward the USD 15 trillion mark, ATM 2026 is set to provide a timely and strategic forum for industry leaders to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the decades ahead.
