The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is on course for a tourism surge, with international and domestic travel spending expected to reach a combined US$6.8 trillion by 2029, according to new research by Euromonitor International.
Outbound travel from the region is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%, with intra-regional travel set to comprise 61% of all trips by the end of 2025. By 2029, nearly one-third of all APAC-originating trips are predicted to be intercontinental, as 75% of bookings move online.
The projections were a key topic during a high-impact panel at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. Moderated by Mingie Wang of China Daily, the session featured travel leaders from across the APAC region, including Alhasan Aldabbagh (Saudi Tourism Authority), Gary Bowerman (Check-in Asia), Boon Sian Chai (Trip.com Group), and Shahab Shayan (Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism).
Panelists explored evolving consumer behaviour, with rising demand for experiential travel, cultural immersion, and digitally driven bookings. Speaking at the session, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at ATM, said more than 60% of APAC travellers now plan trips around concerts and sporting events, while over 40% are influenced by platforms like TikTok.
Curtis added: “The popularity of shows like The White Lotus has spurred a sharp uptick in bookings to destinations like Thailand, demonstrating how media plays a growing role in travel decisions.”
According to a report by Tourism Economics, tourism nights from APAC and Africa are expected to more than double between 2025 and 2030, with travel from China to the Middle East projected to rise by 189%. Business travel from APAC markets will also dominate the region, with India gaining strategic prominence.
Crucially, APAC travellers continue to spend the most per capita globally, with an average of US$300 per person per day across accommodation, food, and retail sectors. Much of this is attributed to Chinese tourists, whose purchasing power shapes international tourism trends.
While Dubai leverages the D33 economic agenda and airlines like Emirates and flydubai to boost market share, Saudi Arabia has taken a localised approach. The Kingdom is tailoring experiences for each APAC source market based on in-depth cultural research, dietary needs, and consumer behaviour.
“Technology is now central to every stage of the travel journey in APAC,” said Curtis. “From mobile-first trip planning to AI-driven personalisation, the region’s travellers are highly engaged online—but trust in peer-generated content remains critical.”
Sustainability was another key theme, with 30–40% of Gen Y and millennial travellers in the region reportedly willing to pay more for eco-conscious options. For these groups, sustainability spans environmental protection, cultural preservation, and ethical travel experiences.
Arabian Travel Market, which facilitates over US$2.5 billion in business deals annually, will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 4–7 May 2026.
