“Leisure travel will triple in value to $15 trillion by 2040, powered by emerging middle classes, rising Asian outbound demand and the Middle East’s expanding leisure economy”
jobs. India and the UK are among the strongest growth markets, up 29% and 17% respectively in 2025. On Yas Island, visitation rose 15% for the full year, with theme park attendance up 9% and international attendance surging 50% during the summer. QATAR AND OMAN: FOCUSED GROWTH Qatar is another strong leisure travel contender. It welcomed 5.1 million international visitors in 2025, with tourism contributing QAR 124.2 billion ($34 billion) to the economy. Room nights reached 10.8 million, and revenues rose 12%. Arrivals from China and Australia recorded particularly strong growth, while digital systems such as the Hayya platform enhance visitor experience and processing efficiency to support growth. Oman, a destination focused on quality tourism over quantity, reported approximately 3.9 million international visitors and up to 14 million domestic visits in 2025. European and US arrivals recorded strong growth, and cruise
tourism reached 137,000 visitors. Under its Vision 2040, the Sultanate is investing $31 billion to diversify the economy, aiming for tourism to contribute 6-10% of GDP. Key developments linked to this include an OMR 230 million ($598 million) integrated complex in Bausher, the carbon-neutral Yeti Sustainable City, and new resorts in Dhofar and Jabal Shams. Early this year (2026), Oman was ranked #1 in Asia and 4th globally in the Quality of Life Index, noted for its safety and urban wellbeing, adding to its tourism appeal. CAPTURING THE OPPORTUNITY TO 2040 By 2040, the date anchoring ATM’s future-looking theme, leisure travel will be larger, more geographically diverse and more digitally integrated than ever before. India and China will dominate outbound growth, regional corridors across Asia
and the GCC will intensify, and domestic tourism in fast-growing economies will provide foundational volume. The Middle East is positioned to capture a significant share of this expansion through infrastructure, visa reform, entertainment districts, cultural investment and aviation connectivity. Long-stay policies, immersive attractions and premium hospitality offerings align closely with the global shift toward deeper, experience-led travel. For industry stakeholders, success will depend on aligning with high-growth outbound markets, building ecosystems that encourage extended stays, investing in immersive digital marketing and ensuring AI-ready distribution systems. Those that adapt early to evolving demand patterns will be best placed to secure their share of a $15 trillion leisure economy over the next 14 years.
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