A new report following this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) shows that the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is poised for significant tourism growth.
Key Findings:
- APAC spending on international travel is poised to hit US$2.5 trillion while domestic travel may reach US$4.3 trillion by 2029.
- Outbound travel from APAC is projected to grow at a CAGR of seven percent, with intra-regional journeys expected to account for 61 percent of all trips by the end of this year.
- By 2029, one in three trips is anticipated to be outside the APAC region, with 75 percent of bookings made online.
Panel Highlights: A significant discussion at ATM 2025 involved industry leaders exploring travel’s future in the APAC region, moderated by Mingie Wang from China Daily. The panel, which included experts such as Alhasan Aldabbagh and Gary Bowerman, discussed:
- Shifts in traveler behavior and purchasing decisions.
- The importance of experiential travel and cultural immersion.
Influences on Travel Decisions: Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for ATM, noted that 60 percent of travelers are now booking trips around concerts and sporting events, while over 40 percent are influenced by digital platforms like TikTok.
Future Strategies: Dubai’s tourism approaches focus on market segmentation and storytelling tailored to platforms like Bilibili, while Saudi Arabia adopts a localized method, studying each of its 49 distinct markets closely to ensure offerings resonate with travelers.
