Tag Archives: Africa

Global leisure travel spending is projected to reach $15 trillion in 2040, up from $5 trillion in 2024. With an anticipated 7% annual uptick in leisure spending, the Middle East is expected to outperform all markets except Asia Pacific during the next five years. Destinations, airlines, hotels and industry stakeholders from around the world will gather to explore these unprecedented opportunities at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-7 May. Under the theme ‘Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology’, the event will explore the factors and trends redefining the global travel landscape. Leisure travel will form a key part of the programme at ATM, where the event will spotlight the changing behaviours of leisure travellers globally, and the Middle East’s ever-growing status as a destination of choice for international tourists. The ATM Travel Trends Report, developed in collaboration with Tourism Economics, forecasts that international tourism nights in the Middle East will reach 1.5 billion by 2030, representing a 90% surge from 2024. Approximately 15% of these nights are expected to be among leisure travellers from outside of the region. According to the report, European source markets currently account for 50% of leisure travel into the Middle East, although faster growth is expected for African and Asia Pacific markets in the next five years. For exhibitors and buyers at ATM 2026, these projections underscore the strong growth potential of the leisure segment. With more than 2,600 exhibitors from 161 countries and over 47,000 attendees expected, the event will provide a comprehensive platform for the travel industry to leverage this rising demand. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, …

Dubai will host the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 on 27 October at Madinat Jumeirah, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Part of FHS World 2025, the summit will bring together over 350 leaders, ministers, investors, and entrepreneurs from the UAE and 53 African countries to explore sustainable tourism development and investment  opportunities. Organised by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and The Bench, the summit aims to strengthen UAE-Africa tourism ties and open avenues for investment in hospitality, infrastructure, and innovative tourism projects. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, will lead discussions focused on sustainable and digitally driven tourism growth. The agenda features six panel discussions highlighting investment opportunities, public-private collaboration, fintech integration, and enhanced logistical connectivity to boost cross-border travel. A high-level ministerial roundtable will also convene more than 20 African ministers to explore ways tourism can drive economic growth and sustainable development. With Africa’s tourism sector expanding over 13% annually and attracting more than 74 million international visitors, the summit underscores the UAE’s role as a strategic partner in fostering sustainable, innovative, and high-impact tourism investment across the continent.