With food festivals, Dubai, Doha are giving tourists a taste of what they want

The travel industry is in for an era of transformative trends shaped by sustainability, technology, and shifting flier preferences. The Middle East, a rising star in global tourism, is no exception, with new dynamics influencing how residents and tourists experience travel.

‘Experiential’ travel

In a departure from material tourism, 2025 will see a surge in cultural and experiential travel. According to a Booking.com survey, 78% of travelers in the Middle East plan to prioritize ‘local, authentic experiences’ over luxury in the coming year.

Oman is focusing on eco-tourism with community-led initiatives, while Jordan is revamping its cultural heritage sites, such as Petra, with enhanced visitor experiences.

This focus on immersive travel also extends to culinary tourism. Food experiences are becoming a key motivator for travelers, with destinations like Qatar offering curated food festivals to showcase local cuisines. A study by Allied Market Research projects that culinary tourism in the Middle East will grow by 18% annually, generating $25 billion by 2025.

Short-haul destinations

The lingering impact of economic fluctuations has fueled demand for budget-friendly, short-haul trips. In 2023, a staggering 70% of Middle Eastern travelers opted for destinations less than 5 hours away, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. Armenia, Georgia, and Cyprus are poised to become hot favourites in 2025, catering to families and millennials seeking hassle-free vacations.

These destinations are capitalizing on visa-free or simplified entry policies, making short getaways more accessible.

Finally, but definitely not surprisingly, technology will revolutionize travel planning and experiences. AI, augmented reality, and biometric systems are already making their mark. A Skift report predicts that by 2025, 75% of Middle Eastern travelers will use AI-powered platforms for personalized trip recommendations.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in seamless travel experiences, from biometric boarding at airports to virtual reality tours that help customers ‘experience’ destinations before booking.

Sustainable tourism

Sustainability is no longer a niche concern but a primary driver for travellers. A report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) indicates that 64% of tourists globally are prioritizing eco-friendly options for their vacations. Destinations such as Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Project and the UAE's carbon-neutral hotels are anticipated to redefine the region's tourism narrative in 2025.

These initiatives are expected to contribute significantly to the $100 billion that sustainable tourism could generate for the Middle East by 2030, according to UNWTO projections.

‘Bleisure’ travel

The fusion of business and leisure continues to gain momentum, especially where hybrid work models dominate. The Middle East, with its growing reputation as a hub for global business events, is poised to benefit. Dubai alone hosted over 1.3 million international business travelers in 2023, and with expansions in conference infrastructure, the numbers are expected to rise.

Research shows that 60% of business travelers in the region plan to extend work trips into leisure holidays in 2025, with Ras Al Khaimah and Muscat leveraging this trend by offering curated ‘bleisure’ experiences.

The Middle East's travel landscape reflects a microcosm of global shifts: a commitment to sustainability, a preference for deeper cultural experiences, and a seamless integration of technology. These trends indicate a responsive industry set to redefine how people travel in and out of the region. With governments, stakeholders, and travelers aligning their priorities, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for the Middle East's tourism sector.