by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 10:15 AM ET, Fri August 7, 2026
Amid wars in Iran and Israel and Palestine affecting the entire Arabian and Levantine regions, findings from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) that tourism to the “Middle East” has plummeted are to be expected. According to the newly released Economic Impact Research (EIR): Global Trends Report from the WTTC, the region is the only one in the world expected to see a decrease in tourism dollars from last year to this — forecasted to fall 14.5 percent, from $386 billion in 2025 to $330 billion.
But the forecast also expects this to be a temporary slump in an overall trend of growth. “The Middle East is facing a challenging period, and Travel & Tourism is often among the first sectors to feel the impact of geopolitical disruption,” says Gloria, President & CEO, WTTC. “But history repeatedly shows that our sector is remarkably resilient, and few regions have demonstrated that resilience more clearly than the Middle East."
Long-term projections show strong tourism growth, driven mainly by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar. Altogether, the region is forecast to have the fastest-growing Travel & Tourism destinations in the world between 2026 and 2036, with sector GDP expected to expand at an annual rate of 6.3 percent, reaching $605 billion by 2036.
The report points out that across these markets, governments are investing heavily in “tourism infrastructure, connectivity, visitor experiences and destination development as part of broader economic diversification strategies” and that long-term outlook for tourism in the region is supported by lessons learned from previous crises and that a strong recovery is not just possible, but likely.. “Evidence from past conflicts and global disruptions shows that recovery can be both strong and rapid when supported by clear policy responses, close coordination between governments and the private sector, effective communication and sustained investment.”
Guevara points to government commitments to tourism investments via connectivity, infrastructure, and economic diversification. “Those foundations remain firmly in place,” she says. “While the short-term outlook reflects current realities, the long-term picture is clear: the Middle East is set to be the world's fastest-growing Travel & Tourism region. Recovery will require continued leadership, coordination, and public-private collaboration, but the region has consistently shown its ability to adapt, recover, and emerge stronger."
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