Why GCC Travelers Are Flocking to Southeast Asia: Discover the Hottest Destinations at ATM 2026 in Dubai!

Why GCC Travelers Are Flocking to Southeast Asia: Discover the Hottest Destinations at ATM 2026 in Dubai!

Why GCC Travelers Are Flocking to Southeast Asia: Discover the Hottest Destinations at ATM 2026 in Dubai!

The upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 4-7, promises to showcase a significant shift in the tourism sector. With a notable 13.95% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in participation from Asia-Pacific exhibitors from 2024 to 2026, the event is set to reflect the strong and continued growth of outbound travel from the GCC to the Asia-Pacific region. This rise in Asian exhibitors runs in parallel with the increasing travel demand from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to destinations in Asia, particularly Southeast Asia.

The Rise of Asian Tourism at ATM 2026

The participation of Asian destinations at ATM 2026 is expected to see a remarkable increase, further strengthening the tourism relationship between the GCC and Asia. Destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan remain among the top choices for Gulf travelers. Robust air connectivity and competitive airfare options have played a significant role in this growing demand, making these destinations even more accessible for travelers from the Gulf.

Southeast Asia is expected to experience significant growth in passenger traffic, contributing to an anticipated 5.9% increase in Middle East air passenger traffic in 2025, according to the Airports Council International (ACI) World’s 2025 global air traffic forecast. This surge in air traffic highlights the increasing importance of the Asia-Pacific region as a key air travel market for the GCC, which is expected to fuel even higher growth in tourism between the regions.

Thailand: A Leading Destination for GCC Travelers

According to the 2025 ATM Travel Trends Report, developed in collaboration with Tourism Economics, Thailand is projected to be the standout performer for GCC travelers over the next decade. The report highlights that Thailand is set to attract more travelers from the Middle East, with the country projected to gain over ten million additional tourism nights by 2030 compared to current levels. The country’s growing appeal is driven by its rich cultural offerings, luxury resorts, and world-class hospitality services, making it one of the most in-demand destinations for Gulf tourists.

Thailand’s strong position as a top travel destination for GCC nationals is evident in the increasing number of outbound leisure nights forecasted for the period between 2025 and 2030. In fact, Thailand is expected to capture the second-largest volume of outbound leisure nights, with 33% of the market share during this period. This growth further cements Thailand’s place as a primary destination for Gulf travelers seeking a diverse mix of cultural, culinary, and natural experiences.

The Importance of GCC Tourism Spending

The booming participation of Asian countries at ATM 2026 is a direct result of the increasing demand for travel from the GCC, where residents are known for their high-spending habits. According to research from Reso, GCC nationals are among the highest-value tourists in the world, spending an average of 11 times more than the global average when traveling to Asia. This immense spending power makes GCC travelers a key target demographic for Asian destinations and hospitality brands, which are eager to cater to their luxury and leisure needs.

The growing number of high-value tourists from the GCC is further supported by strengthened economic ties between the Gulf and Asia. According to Asia House, trade between the two regions is projected to reach $802 billion by 2030, with Asia expected to become the Gulf’s largest trading bloc by 2028. This deepening economic relationship is creating new opportunities for collaboration in tourism and travel, as more Gulf residents look to explore Asia’s diverse and vibrant destinations.

A Closer Look at ATM 2026 Exhibitors

ATM 2026 is set to welcome a diverse range of exhibitors from Asia, including major tourism boards and hospitality brands. Confirmed exhibitors from Asia include the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, to name just a few. The event will also feature prominent hotels and resorts, such as Hilton Hotels of Malaysia, Conrad Singapore Orchard, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, and Ayana Hospitality, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest offerings in the tourism and hospitality sector.

These exhibitors will showcase their offerings to a global audience of industry professionals, allowing them to forge valuable partnerships and gain insights into the latest trends shaping the tourism market. The growing presence of Asian destinations at ATM 2026 underscores the importance of the Gulf as a key market for the region and reflects the increasingly sophisticated travel preferences of GCC nationals.

The “Asia–GCC Corridor: The Next Great Growth Engine” Panel

A highlight of ATM 2026 will be the panel discussion on the Global Stage titled “Asia–GCC Corridor: The Next Great Growth Engine.” This session will bring together industry experts to explore how the GCC’s premium spenders are fueling one of the world’s most lucrative travel corridors. Panelists will discuss the factors driving this growth, such as increased air connectivity, more affordable travel options, and a growing demand for cultural and leisure experiences in Asia. The discussion will provide valuable insights for travel professionals seeking to tap into the Asia–GCC corridor and unlock new opportunities for business growth.

“ATM supports the wider travel and tourism industry by analyzing emerging trends, addressing sector-wide challenges, and equipping stakeholders with strategic insights to strengthen existing revenue streams and unlock new ones,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.

A Content-Rich ATM 2026

ATM 2026 will also deliver an extensive content programme across the Global Stage, Future Stage, and Experience Stage, providing attendees with a comprehensive exploration of global travel trends, innovations, and growth opportunities. The event will feature expert panels, market outlooks, technology showcases, and destination briefings, all designed to help industry professionals stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive market.

As the tourism sector continues to recover and grow, ATM 2026 is poised to be a key event for stakeholders looking to explore new opportunities and deepen their understanding of the evolving Asia–GCC travel corridor. With growing participation from Asian destinations and a strong focus on the Gulf’s high-value travelers, ATM 2026 promises to be an essential platform for showcasing the future of global travel.

Conclusion

The increasing presence of Asian destinations at ATM 2026 reflects the continued strength of GCC tourism, with Southeast Asia in particular experiencing significant growth in demand. As air connectivity improves and travel becomes more affordable, Gulf travelers are increasingly turning to Asia for diverse cultural and leisure experiences. With Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and other destinations set to capture a growing share of the Middle Eastern tourism market, ATM 2026 will provide a vital platform for showcasing the opportunities and challenges within this lucrative travel corridor.

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