Overview

International travel demand is predicted to rise in early 2026, particularly in Western Asia, where the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are expected to capture a larger market share. According to insights from Mabrian, a global travel intelligence firm, major cities such as Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, along with Doha in Qatar, are amongst the top ten global destinations seeing a surge in travel intent.

Key Findings

• Western Asia now represents 8.9% of all international travel demand, marking a notable increase from the previous year and exhibiting the strongest upward trend of any region worldwide.
• International air capacity in the GCC is projected to increase by 3.6% in the next six months, supported by key markets including the UK, US, Germany, and Russia.
• Carlos Cendra emphasizes the importance of established hubs like Dubai and Doha in attracting travelers from Europe, Asia, and North America.

Despite ongoing unrest in Iran, interest in travel to Western Asia remains resilient, showcasing the area’s robust tourism sector. Meanwhile, Asia continues to dominate global travel demand, with significant interest in Eastern and Southeast Asia. Conversely, traditional destinations in Southern Europe and North America are witnessing a slight decline, as lesser-known regions expand their appeal, driven by competitive pricing and new opportunities for travelers.