GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market

Market Overview:

The GCC outbound travel and tourism market size reached USD 70.5 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 138.1 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% during 2025-2033. The increasing preferences for sustainable travel options, such as eco-friendly accommodations and low-impact activities, rising inclination for studying in overseas countries, and the growing popularity of culinary shows and food-centric media represent some of the key factors driving the market.

Outbound travel and tourism refer to an activity wherein residents of a certain country are traveling to and spending time in different countries primarily for leisure, business, educational tours, medical tourism, or other purposes. It offers an opportunity to explore new cultures, landscapes, and traditions. It also provides a break from routine, which rejuvenates the mind and body. It can facilitate international collaborations and market expansions. It is a revenue stream for travel agencies, airlines, and the hospitality sector. It fosters personal development by exposing individuals to different cultures, languages, and lifestyles. It enhances adaptability, problem-solving skills, and overall openness to new experiences. It opens up opportunities to meet people from diverse backgrounds, which creates avenues for international networking that can be beneficial personally and professionally.

GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Trends:

The shifting individual preferences towards sustainable travel options, such as eco-friendly accommodations and low-impact activities, due to the increasing environmental consciousness among individuals, represent one of the major factors driving the demand for outbound travel and tourism in the GCC region. Moreover, the expansion of international business ties is propelling GCC professionals to explore outbound travel for networking, attending conferences, and exploring potential markets. In addition, the rising inclination towards studying in overseas countries among individuals to shape their careers is favoring the growth of the market in the region. Apart from this, the growing popularity of culinary shows and food-centric media that inspires travelers to explore international cuisines is influencing the market positively in the region. Furthermore, the increasing participation of individuals in adventure-based travel experiences, including hiking, trekking, and water sports, is contributing to the market growth in the region. Travelers are seeking unique travel experiences tailored to their interests, such as art retreats, photography tours, and wildlife conservation expeditions, contributing to a diverse travel landscape. Besides this, there is a rise in language immersion trips, combining travel with the opportunity to learn new languages in native environments. This, coupled with the growing popularity of visiting historical and cultural heritage sites, is creating a positive outlook for the market in the region. Additionally, the ease in visa processes and increased visa-on-arrival options in various countries are encouraging more GCC residents to explore international destinations. This, along with the increasing number of online booking platforms and travel aggregators that have made planning and executing travel easier than ever before, is strengthening the growth of the market in the region.

GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the GCC outbound travel and tourism market report, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on tourism type, spending type, age group, and booking method.

Tourism Type Insights:

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

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the tourism type. This includes leisure, religious, cultural tourism, medical tourism, sports and adventure, MICE tourism, and others.

Spending Type Insights:

• Air Tickets
• Hotels
• Insurance
• Others
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the spending type has also been provided in the report. This includes air tickets, hotels, insurance, and others.

Age Group Insights:

• Generation Z
• Millennials
• Generation X
• Baby Boomers
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the age group. This includes generation Z, millennials, generation X, and baby boomers.

Booking Method Insights:

• Online
• Offline
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the booking method has also been provided in the report. This includes online and offline.

Country Insights:

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

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

GCC Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the GCC outbound travel and tourism market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the GCC outbound travel and tourism market?
• What is the breakup of the GCC outbound travel and tourism market on the basis of tourism type?
• What is the breakup of the GCC outbound travel and tourism market on the basis of spending type?
• What is the breakup of the GCC outbound travel and tourism market on the basis of age group?
• What is the breakup of the GCC outbound travel and tourism market on the basis of booking method?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the GCC outbound travel and tourism market?
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the GCC outbound travel and tourism market?
• What is the structure of the GCC outbound travel and tourism market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the GCC outbound travel and tourism market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the GCC outbound travel and tourism market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the GCC outbound travel and tourism market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the GCC outbound travel and tourism industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.