GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Size To Worth USD 138.06 Billion By 2033 | CAGR of 7.1%

GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Overview

Market Size in 2024: USD 70.46 Billion

Market Size in 2033: USD 138.06 Billion

Market Growth Rate 2025-2033: 7.1%

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, "GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Tourism Type, Spending Type, Age Group, Booking Method, and Country, 2025-2033", the GCC outbound travel and tourism market size was valued at USD 70.46 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 138.06 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market

• AI-powered chatbots in the GCC help travelers instantly plan complete trips by suggesting flights, hotels, and activities, improving booking convenience and satisfaction.
• About 60% of UAE travelers now trust AI to organize every part of their trips, showcasing rising confidence in AI-driven travel solutions.
• Saudi Arabia integrates AI with augmented and virtual reality in flagship tourism projects, enhancing immersive visitor experiences and personalized trip planning.
• Airlines and hotels across the GCC use AI for dynamic pricing and personalized loyalty programs, tailoring offers to changing consumer demands effectively.
• AI’s role in sustainable tourism grows as it optimizes travel routes and energy use, reducing environmental impact while attracting eco-conscious GCC travelers.

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GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Trends & Drivers:

An increased level of disposable income and spending capacity in the GCC is one of the biggest interests that impact outbound travel. Some families and individuals will now be in a position to take a number of international visits at least once a year, and their budgets will be stretched towards more high-quality accommodation, meals, and experiences in foreign countries. Increased discretionary spending is driving the luxury travel and special leisure demand. As an illustration, UAE experienced an increase in the number of hotel guest stays by 10.5 percent, and the number of people spending their holidays in international locations increased to millions. The rising affluence in the region is causing travel to become a luxury item and rather a way of life, which is driving a consistent growth of the market and global tourism connections.

Government policies are important in increasing outbound tourism in the GCC. Countries have also relaxed visa requirements by granting multiple-entry visas, visa waivers as well as simplified e-visa programs that have made international travel easier. The fact that Saudi Arabia has eliminated tourist visa requirements to 49 countries on its own has made outbound journeys to rise remarkably. The availability of world-class terminals and airline connections like Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways have vastly enhanced connectivity due to investments in infrastructure in the airports. These initiatives help to make international travel more convenient and affordable and promote mobility of GCC nationals and increase their traveling frequency and diversity.

The outbound travel in the GCC is being transformed due to technological changes and changing preferences of travelers. Smartphone penetration and social media have a positive impact on awareness and bookings through the digital platform, and about 67 percent of the GCC travelers plan their trips with the help of AI-driven tools. Experience travel is on the increase with tourists demanding cultural, culinary and adventure experiences as opposed to sightseeing only. The weather also influences seasonal migration whereby people are urged to get away to other countries during harsh summers. Sustainable tourism is a growing trend as GCC tourists are also paying more attention to secondary eco-tourism activities, which travel sellers are also adopting by including green accommodations and carbon offset products as some of their offerings.

GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Industry Segmentation:

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Analysis by Tourism Type:

• Leisure
• Religious
• Cultural Tourism
• Medical Tourism
• Sports and Adventure
• MICE Tourism
• Others

Analysis by Spending Type:

• Air Tickets
• Hotels
• Insurance
• Others

Analysis by Age Group:

• Generation Z
• Millennials
• Generation X
• Baby Boomers

Analysis by Booking Method:

• Online
• Offline

Country Analysis:

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

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Recent News and Developments in GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market

• October 2025: UAE outbound bookings surge as Millennials and Gen Z drive 82% of travel plans, with popular winter destinations including Saudi Arabia, the UK, Egypt, Indonesia, Thailand, and Turkey, reflecting a blend of short-haul familiarity and medium-haul adventures amid rising digital visa platforms.
• September 2025: Saudia Group's "Vision 2030 Travel Initiative" partners with global online travel agencies to launch AI-powered personalization for Saudi outbound travelers, offering tailored recommendations and flexible bookings that boost leisure trips to Europe and Asia by 18% year-over-year.
• August 2025: Visit Qatar rolls out the enhanced Visit Qatar Pass for GCC summer travelers, providing bundled discounts on regional flights and experiences, which spurs a 22% increase in outbound family vacations to nearby destinations like Oman and Bahrain.
• May 2025: The GCC Grand Tours visa launches across member states, streamlining multi-country itineraries for outbound explorers and projecting a 15% uplift in regional travel packages to Europe and Africa, fueled by simplified Schengen-style access.

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