5 megatrends shaping tourism in the Middle East
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Layla Nour
- . May 1, 2025
- . Update: May 1, 2025 10:38 pm
There are some important tourism trends these days – such as ancestral trips and sleep tourism. But since these are trends or micro-trends, there is a possibility that they might not remain popular for a long time. You need to rely on megatrends.
Megatrends are nothing but trends shaping the tourism industry. In the Middle East region, there are at least 5 megatrends shaping the industry and considerably influencing the type of journeys people are most likely to take on. Let us take a look.
1. Experiential tourism
This is nothing but looking for authentic experiences. Experiential tourism is becoming really popular in the Middle East these days. People are looking for local ingredients, local cuisine, local experiences and, essentially, things you might not find in any other location.
2. Social media and artificial intelligence
Social media and artificial intelligence are influencing the global tourism industry. People are making a lot of planning using modern technology. Social media trends are fuelling certain kinds of journeys. They are not just sources of inspiration anymore.
3. Gig tourism
More tourists across the globe are planning trips that come alongside major concerts. Think Coldplay and other important celebrities. Gig tourism is becoming more and more popular in the Middle East, letting many parts of the region experience an economic boom.
4. Cruises
Cruises are a big thing in the Middle East region. But things are going to become busier day by day. Middle East ports are expected to record 300,000 cruise visits this year alone, and cruise capacity is rising to build regional connections.
5. Multi-generational tourism
It appears that for the first time, at least technically, 7 generations can go on tours together. This comprises the Silent Generation and the babies of Generation Beta, too. This is particularly true in the Middle East as family values underpin daily life here.
