Home » TRAVEL EVENT NEWS » Vietnam Joins Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan Lead Tourism Growth at Arabian Travel Market 2026 as GCC Outbound Travel Reaches New Heights Published on
February 13, 2026As Arabian Travel Market 2026 approaches, Vietnam is stepping into the spotlight alongside Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan, marking a new era of Asia-Pacific growth at the event. With outbound travel from the Gulf reaching unprecedented levels, these countries are strategically positioning themselves to attract high-spending GCC travellers. As air connectivity improves and tailored travel experiences gain traction, the demand for Asia’s diverse destinations continues to soar, highlighting the region’s growing influence in shaping global tourism trends.Participation from Asia-Pacific exhibitors has climbed at a compound annual growth rate of 13.95 percent between 2024 and 2026. This is not a short-term spike. It reflects a calculated, long-term investment in the Middle East market by tourism boards, hotel groups, airlines, and destination marketing organisations across Asia.The reason is clear. Travellers from the UAE and wider GCC are reshaping international tourism demand. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Japan continue to dominate booking trends among Gulf residents. These destinations blend luxury retail, culinary depth, beach escapes, wellness retreats, and vibrant city life—an attractive combination for families, couples, and high-spending leisure travellers.Connectivity has accelerated the movement. Forecasts show Southeast Asia contributing significantly to a projected 5.9 percent rise in Middle East passenger traffic in 2025. Airlines are responding with expanded schedules, stronger hub connections, and competitive fare structures. Direct routes between Gulf cities and Asian capitals are becoming more frequent, shortening travel time and encouraging repeat visits.Advertisement AdvertisementThailand stands at the centre of this surge. By 2030, the country is expected to generate more than ten million additional tourism nights from Middle East visitors compared with today’s figures. Between 2025 and 2030, it is forecast to secure one of the largest shares of outbound leisure nights from the Gulf, excluding intra-Middle East travel. Double-digit annual growth from GCC markets confirms that the relationship is deepening rather than plateauing.ATM 2026 reflects this momentum in its exhibitor line-up. Tourism authorities from Thailand, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Korea, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Maldives are confirm …
