Travel Behavior in MENA

Key Highlights

47% of MENA travelers prefer arranging trips independently.

Middle East is the top destination for MENA travelers in 2025.

Relaxation trips are favored by over half of the MENA travelers.

Internet booking dominates travel arrangements in the MENA region.

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MENA Traveler Insights Report

MENA Traveler Insights Report

MENA Traveler Insights Report

Discover all you need to know about Travelers in MENA with TGM StatBox. Get the comprehensive Travel report, featuring graphs and tables for insights.

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Topic Overview

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Travel Planning Is Now Independent and Digital

Nearly half of MENA travelers (47%) prefer to arrange their travel independently, a clear shift toward autonomy, enabled by travel apps, online platforms, and easily accessible digital content. To stay relevant, businesses should offer modular travel products: customizable packages, self-guided tours, or bookable add-ons that give travelers more control, with expert support available when needed.

At the same time, 64% of MENA respondents book travel online. For these travelers, the entire planning process, from research to reservation, happens digitally. This reinforces the need for strong digital infrastructure, seamless UX, and persuasive digital marketing.

Brands that invest in mobile-first platforms, instant booking features, and AI-powered personalization will be better equipped to convert today’s digitally native travelers. In a crowded digital marketplace, even strong names risk irrelevance without an optimized digital presence.

Regional Destinations Take Priority

The Middle East is the most popular destination for MENA air travelers this summer (34%), significantly ahead of Europe or Asia. This points to the growing appeal of shorter, closer, and culturally aligned trips. Travel businesses should double down on short-haul escapes and localized luxury. Meanwhile, long-distance destinations can earn their place by delivering emotional depth, richer storytelling, or once-in-a-lifetime value that outweighs the logistical effort.

Wellness and Rest Are Driving Motivations

More than half of MENA respondents prefer relaxation-focused trips, followed by wellness travel and sports/adventure travel. People are seeking space to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. Travel brands should go beyond generic beach breaks. Instead, design experiences that combine rest with intentional enrichment, such as desert retreats with guided meditation, coastal stays with integrated wellness services, or nature escapes that include light movement and digital detox.

*Disclaimer: The information provided by TGM StatBox is intended for general informational purposes only. TGM StatBox does not assume liability for the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Due to frequent updates, statistics may be more current than mentioned in the text. Please independently verify the information and consult experts as needed.

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