GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Overview
Market Size in 2024: USD 70.46 Billion
Market Size in 2033: USD 138.06 Billion
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033: 7.1%
According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, "GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Tourism Type, Spending Type, Age Group, Booking Method, and Country, 2025-2033", the GCC outbound travel and tourism market size was valued at USD 70.46 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 138.06 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025-2033.
How AI is Reshaping the Future of GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market
- AI-powered chatbots in the GCC help travelers instantly plan complete trips by suggesting flights, hotels, and activities, improving booking convenience and satisfaction.
- About 60% of UAE travelers now trust AI to organize every part of their trips, showcasing rising confidence in AI-driven travel solutions.
- Saudi Arabia integrates AI with augmented and virtual reality in flagship tourism projects, enhancing immersive visitor experiences and personalized trip planning.
- Airlines and hotels across the GCC use AI for dynamic pricing and personalized loyalty programs, tailoring offers to changing consumer demands effectively.
- AI’s role in sustainable tourism grows as it optimizes travel routes and energy use, reducing environmental impact while attracting eco-conscious GCC travelers.
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GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Trends & Drivers:
Rising disposable incomes and greater spending power across the GCC are major factors driving outbound travel growth. More families and individuals can now afford multiple international trips annually, with budgets expanding for premium accommodation, dining, and experiences abroad. Higher discretionary expenditure is propelling demand for luxury travel and unique leisure experiences. For example, the UAE saw a 10.5% rise in hotel guest stays, with millions choosing international destinations for holidays. The increasing wealth within the region is transforming travel from an occasional luxury into a lifestyle choice, fueling steady market expansion and enhancing global tourism connections.
Government policies play a critical role in boosting outbound tourism from the GCC. Several countries have eased visa restrictions with multiple-entry visas, visa waivers, and streamlined e-visa processes that simplify international travel. Saudi Arabia’s removal of tourist visa requirements for 49 countries alone has significantly increased outbound trips. Investments in airport infrastructure, such as world-class terminals and extended flight networks by airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, have drastically improved connectivity. These initiatives make international travel more accessible and convenient, enhancing GCC nationals’ mobility and encouraging more frequent and diverse travel choices.
Technological advances and shifting traveler preferences are reshaping the outbound travel landscape in the GCC. High smartphone penetration and social media influence boost awareness and bookings via digital platforms, with around 67% of GCC travelers using AI-driven tools for trip planning. Demand for experiential travel is rising, with travelers seeking authentic cultural, culinary, and adventure experiences rather than just sightseeing. Seasonal weather patterns also drive residents to escape harsh summers abroad. Sustainable tourism gains traction as GCC tourists increasingly prefer eco-conscious options, prompting travel providers to incorporate green accommodations and carbon offset initiatives in their offerings.
The GCC outbound travel and tourism market forecast offers insights into future opportunities and challenges, drawing on historical data and predictive modeling.
GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Industry Segmentation:
The report has segmented the market into the following categories:
Analysis by Tourism Type:
- Leisure
- Religious
- Cultural Tourism
- Medical Tourism
- Sports and Adventure
- MICE Tourism
- Others
Analysis by Spending Type:
- Air Tickets
- Hotels
- Insurance
- Others
Analysis by Age Group:
- Generation Z
- Millennials
- Generation X
- Baby Boomers
Analysis by Booking Method:
- Online
- Offline
Country Analysis:
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
Recent News and Developments in GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market
- July 2025: Dubai introduced robotaxi services, letting travelers book autonomous taxis from their smartphones, making airport-to-hotel transfers faster and more seamless than ever before.
- June 2025: Over 67% of GCC travelers now use AI tools for personalized trip planning, driving a surge in app-based bookings and tailored holiday experiences across the region.
- May 2025: GCC governments expanded e-visa agreements with top European and Asian destinations, letting travelers enjoy instant visa approval and opening up more routes for summer vacations.
Competitive Landscape:
The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.
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