The travel preferences of Middle Eastern travelers are shaped highly by their cultural preferences, high spending power, and their desire for quality experiences. With the help of recent data, we will break down the key travel tendencies of Middle Eastern travelers and explain how Leamigo can help travel agents serve this clientele.
Preferred Destinations and Timing
Middle Eastern tourists prefer destinations like Europe and Southeast Asia, especially during the hot summer months. Destinations like London, Paris, and Athens remain perennial favorites, while Thailand’s beach destinations such as Phuket and Pattaya have seen a steady increase in popularity.
A growing trend is traveling to countries hosting international football matches, such as Germany during UEFA Euro 2024. These travelers are also exploring new regions — Japan and South Korea have emerged as top-trending destinations over the past year.
Closer to home, regional travel is still very strong. Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Cairo attract a significant number of travelers during Eid holidays or short breaks. These destinations are favored for their cultural familiarity, shopping options, and luxury offerings.
Understanding these preferences is key to scaling a travel agency with targeted offerings and travel marketing strategies that match seasonal demand and traveler interests.
Long Vacations and Family-Centric Travel – What Every B2B Travel Agent Should Know
Trips are rarely short. Most Middle Eastern travelers prefer longer vacations, with stays ranging from 10 to 14 days or more. It’s not uncommon for families to spend several weeks abroad, especially during school summer breaks.
Family travel dominates this market. Around 60% to 73% of travelers from the region travel with their families, often including grandparents, children, and extended relatives. Group sizes are usually large, which means more planning, more luggage, and a greater need for customized arrangements.
Solo travel is still limited, especially among women, due to cultural norms. However, the trend is shifting — there has been a 230% increase in female-focused tour companies over the last few years. Still, most solo female travelers prefer women-only groups or guided tours for safety and comfort.
B2B travel agencies that understand these travel patterns can offer better solutions and boost travel agency growth through well-matched services.
Last-Minute Booking Habits – Use Travel Marketing Strategies to Capture Demand
Despite taking longer vacations, Middle Eastern travelers often plan at the last minute. About 78% of bookings are made within two months of the departure date. Many start planning after Ramadan, aligning with the summer school holidays.
Decisions are heavily influenced by family recommendations and social media, especially Instagram. Visual appeal, trust in service, and convenience all play major roles.
They also travel with plenty of luggage. Gulf airlines like Emirates and Etihad accommodate this with 30–50 kg baggage allowances, reflecting the traveler’s tendency to shop abroad or pack generously for extended stays.
To keep up, agents should adopt flexible travel marketing strategies and digital booking tools that allow for quick, high-converting responses — key for scaling a travel agency efficiently.
Luxury Spending Habits – Fueling Travel Business Scaling in the Premium Segment
Travelers from the Middle East are among the highest spenders in the world:
- Qatari tourists spend around $4,000 per trip
- Kuwaiti travelers average $3,000
- This is much higher than the global average of under $1,000 per trip
Spending is focused on luxury and quality. Over two-thirds of GCC travelers prioritize exclusive experiences, such as:
- Private villas
- Luxury hotels
- Chauffeur-driven cars
Their expectations are high — they value cleanliness, personalized service, Arabic-speaking staff, and halal food availability.
While they’re willing to spend, they also appreciate value:
- 57% of Saudis
- 51% of Emiratis
say they would book a trip if the price or package offered good value. That means deals, special offers, and perks are important for closing the sale.
These insights can help fuel B2B travel growth for agents and DMCs who specialize in high-end experiences and luxury tours, unlocking new revenue streams and opportunities for travel agency growth.
Dining, Shopping & Experiences – Keys to Scaling a Travel Agency Through Personalization
Fine dining is a major part of the travel experience. Many plan their trips around well-known restaurants — be it a Michelin-starred venue, celebrity chef restaurant, or local fine dining spots. In the UAE, tourist spending on food and dining was up 21% year-on-year in early 2024.
Shopping is the top activity, especially in:
- London
- Paris
- Milan
- Bangkok
From designer fashion to luxury watches and cosmetics, retail therapy is part of the journey.
They also seek memorable and unique experiences. Recent data shows:
- 80% of young Middle Eastern travelers feel “braver” abroad and are more open to trying new things
- Nearly 50% have participated in adventure activities like zip-lining, scuba diving, mountain coasters, and theme park rides
They are also keen on cultural and heritage experiences:
- Visiting historical sites
- Exploring museums
- Learning about local traditions
This is especially popular with families, where education and entertainment go hand in hand.
By building personalized itineraries that combine these preferences, agents can unlock smart travel marketing strategies that drive both travel business scaling and client satisfaction.
How Leamigo Powers B2B Travel Success and Travel Agency Growth
To meet the expectations of Middle Eastern travelers, travel agents need seamless tools and trusted services. Leamigo’s B2B platform is designed to make this easy — covering everything from arrival to departure.
Reliable Airport Transfers & Chauffeur Rentals
Leamigo allows agents to book:
- Private, comfortable vehicles for large families
- Chauffeur rentals for privacy and convenience
A must-have for scaling B2B travel services.
eSIM Services for Always-On Connectivity
Middle Eastern travelers value instant connectivity. Leamigo provides:
- Regional eSIMs that activate upon landing
- Always-on connection from arrival to return
Unique Tours and Activities Across Destinations
From desert safaris to fine dining cruises, Leamigo offers:
- Customizable, family-friendly
- Adventurous
- Luxury experiences
Land Packages and Ferry Bookings
Agents can also book:
- Land tours
- Ferry tickets
Perfect for families seeking long, multi-stop vacations.
All-in-one Dashboard & 24/7 Agent Support
Everything is managed through a single dashboard:
- Bundle pickups, tours, and eSIMs
- Transparent B2B pricing
- 24/7 agent support
- Verified local partners
- Digital wallet access
- Reward points per booking
- Smooth transaction management
This simplifies service delivery, enabling faster travel business scaling.
Final Thoughts
Middle Eastern travelers are high-spending, family-focused, and experience-loving. They expect convenience, personalization, and premium service throughout their journey.
Leamigo empowers travel agents to deliver just that — with:
- Reliable airport transfers
- Chauffeur services
- Family-friendly tours
- eSIMs
- Premium experiences in over 190+ countries
If you're a travel agent looking to tap into this booming market, Leamigo is your all-in-one solution for unforgettable experiences and sustainable B2B travel growth.
Sign up today at www.leamigo.com