Gcc Outbound Tourism Market Size and Trends

The GCC outbound tourism market is estimated to be valued at USD 81.89 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 139.53 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2025 to 2032.

GCC Outbound Tourism Market Key Factors

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Several GCC countries have high disposable incomes and their citizens have emerged as an important consumer segment for global travel destinations.

Market Driver - Increasing disposable incomes

With the steady economic growth seen across the GCC region in recent years, disposable incomes have risen considerably. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E, and Qatar have heavily invested in diversifying their economies away from oil, with sectors such as real estate, tourism, and financial services seeing sizable investment. This has led to significant job creation and a growing middle-class population with far greater purchasing power than before. As wages have increased and unemployment has fallen, residents of GCC nations now have considerably more discretionary funds available after paying for necessities.

This surge in disposable incomes has fueled increased consumer spending on luxury and leisure activities. International travel has become much more affordable and accessible for the average GCC national. Five-star resorts, theme parks, ski resorts, and natural attractions around the world are top destinations for those looking to make the most of their higher spendable earnings. The tourism industry understands that more GCC travelers now have the means and desire to embark on lavish vacations outside of their home countries. Areas like Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, and East Africa have captured much of this outbound tourism market from the GCC.

As the GCC middle class expands further and consumer wealth rises even higher in the coming years, outbound tourism from the region is positioned to grow substantially. More families and individuals will be able to afford not just one international trip per year but multiple holidays. Higher disposable incomes also mean travelers have larger budgets for premium accommodation, dining experiences, and activities when traveling abroad. The tourism sector in destinations worldwide will continue catering to these wealthy Gulf visitors looking to maximize their leisure spending. Overall, increased discretionary purchasing power is a major driver propelling the GCC outbound tourism industry upwards.