"Arab Travel Market" It highlights the growth paths of the aviation and cruise sectors in the region
Dubai, February 25 / WAM / The Arabian Travel Market 2026 exhibition, which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Center from May 4 to 7, highlights the aviation and cruise sectors in the Middle East, at a time when they are witnessing a global expansion phase, which strengthens the region’s position as a major center for international travel.
According to the Arabian Travel Market’s 2025 Travel Trends Report, which was prepared in collaboration with Tourism Economics, a subsidiary of Oxford Economics, demand for air travel in the Middle East is expected to grow by 23% between 2025 and 2030, driven by ambitious national tourism strategies, record airport performance, and unprecedented investments in aircraft across the GCC.
Together, Middle Eastern airlines account for 12% of the total undelivered new aircraft orders globally, with airlines in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries accounting for 93% of these orders, according to the report.
Danielle Curtis, Director of the Middle East Exhibition at the Arabian Travel Market, said that airlines in the Middle East connect hundreds of destinations across six continents, consolidating the region’s position as one of the most strategically connected aviation hubs in the world. This unique connection will accelerate the growth of inbound and outbound tourism, enhance global trade corridors, support business events, and deepen cultural exchange between markets.
She added that the full scope of this global network will be showcased during the Arabian Travel Market 2026, providing an ideal platform for aviation sector leaders to chart the features of the next phase of fleet expansion, smart mobility, and sustainable growth, expressing her aspiration to a new era of travel.
The outlook for the aviation sector will be analyzed in depth during a session titled: “Aviation Forecast 2030: Networks, the Future of Fleets and Mobility” on the global stage, along with a session titled: “The State of Travel: Inflation, Multiple Crises, and the New Travel Reality.”
On the Future Stage, sessions such as “Automated Flight: Smarter Skies, More Advanced Cabins and Lounges” and “The Business Case for Flexible Booking” will address how AI, biometrics and next-generation aircraft are changing the traveler experience.
According to the exhibition organizers, the cruise sector is witnessing remarkable growth. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the number of cruise passengers globally is expected to reach 42 million passengers by 2028, compared to 34.6 million passengers in 2024.
The cruise industry insights will be showcased on the global stage during the event “Cruise Insights: Implications for the Blue Economy” and the panel session “Cruise Leaders: Putting Cruises on the Map”, with participation from Oxford Economics, Ian Consulting, Celestial Cruises, Inchcape Shipping Services and TUI Cruises.
Arabian Travel Market 2026 is expected to witness the participation of more than 55,000 travel professionals and more than 2,800 exhibiting companies from 166 countries. Arabian Travel Market 2026 will explore the future of travel under the slogan: “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” highlighting the growth trends and innovations that shape the next chapter of the sector.
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