Dubai: The travel sector in 2025 is witnessing unprecedented growth, with customer spending on travel showing significant increases in passenger traffic, according to the latest global report from the Mastercard Economic Institute. The 'Travel Trends 2024' report provides comprehensive insights into the evolving landscape of the travel industry across multiple markets.
UAE ranks 9 in global trending destinations
Despite fluctuating exchange rates and varying levels of affordability, the desire to travel remains stronger than ever. The United Arab Emirates ranked ninth in the top trending destinations globally over the past 12 months. Notably, Dubai set a new visitor record in 2023, with an 11% increase in tourism numbers in Q1 2024.
Middle Eastern travel trends
Travelers leaving the Middle East are increasingly strategic about their destinations and timing, often spending closer to home within the region. Key highlights from the region include:
Saudi Arabia: Exceeded three million inbound visits per month for the first time in its history, maintaining this record for three consecutive months (January to March 2024).
Egypt: Recorded a 27% year-on-year growth in visitors in 2023.
Morocco: Saw tourist arrivals reach 3.3 million by the end of Q1 2024, a 12.8% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
Natalia Lechmanova, Chief Economist EEMEA at Mastercard Economics Institute, commented on the strong performance of the travel sector in the Middle East, noting the positive impact on local economies due to extended stays and increased spending on authentic experiences.
Leisure trends: longer stays and increased spending
Tourists in Africa and the Middle East are spending more time on vacation, averaging an extra three days compared to pre-pandemic stays. Visitors to the UAE are staying about a day longer, while in Morocco, tourists are extending their trips by about four days. This trend highlights an inverse relationship between the price of the destination and the length of stay, with longer stays generally translating to higher spending per trip, thus benefiting local economies.
Experiential spending on the rise
Consumers are prioritizing meaningful experiences over material goods when traveling. Spending on experiences now constitutes 12% of tourism sales, the highest point in at least five years as of March 2024. In the UAE, spending on casual dining has increased by approximately 21% compared to the previous year. Memorable events, such as concerts and sporting events, continue to drive travel trends.
The cruise industry gains momentum
With the widening price difference between cruises and hotels, cruises have become a more budget-friendly option for travelers. Global cruise passenger transactions were roughly 16% above 2019 levels in Q1 2024. In March, the Cruise Arabia alliance was formed by Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Oman’s maritime and tourism authorities to position the Arabian Gulf as an international cruise destination.
Mastercard's commitment to the travel sector
Mastercard remains dedicated to supporting the global tourism sector through a range of services, including market analysis, high-frequency data insights, and customer engagement strategies. These efforts aim to enhance travel experiences and foster brand loyalty among travelers.
For more detailed insights, the full 'Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries' report is available online. Additional reports and insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute can be found on their official website.