logo
Mena business travel grows 50% in the first quarter

Mena business travel grows 50% in the first quarter

Khaleej Times08-04-2025
Business travel in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region surged by 50 per cent in Q1 2025, reaching $159.5 billion in revenue in 2024, recent data showed.
According to Tumodo, an online business travel platform, the business travel market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is expected to reach a projected revenue of $270.8 billion by 2030 and a compound annual growth rate of 8.3 per cent from 2025 to 2030. 'This growth reflects the region's economic resurgence and the increasing demand for seamless corporate travel solutions,' a statement said.
As global markets stabilise and corporate ties strengthen, the Mena region is witnessing a dynamic shift in business travel patterns. The company reports that China leads as the top business travel destination from the Mena region, accounting for 25 per cent of trips, followed by the UAE (13 per cent), Saudi Arabia (five per cent), India (four per cent), and the UK (3.5 per cent). France and Germany each hold a three per cent share.
Dubai remains a key transit hub, with high-frequency flights to Guangzhou and Seoul, while Riyadh, Cairo, and Doha are witnessing increased business travel due to large-scale infrastructure investments.
Hospitality
The Mena hospitality market was valued at $286.06 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $487.36 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 6.67 per cent. Corporate travellers are demonstrating a preference for premium accommodations. Tumodo reports that four-star hotels lead bookings at 45 per cent, with five-star hotels gaining traction at 20 per cent, indicating a rise in demand for high-end stays.
Moreover, luxury hotels in the Middle East saw a 145 per cent year-over-year increase in bookings during Ramadan 2025 as travellers opted for premium experiences. Three-star hotels account for 15 per cent of reservations, while apartments and budget hotels make up 15 per cent.
Sustainability
The sustainability focus is reshaping business travel practices worldwide. The company contributes to the UAE Environment Vision 2030 goals and promotes environmentally conscious choices. Tumodo's AI-driven solutions promote a sustainable approach to corporate travel by optimising eco-friendly routes and accommodations. This technology enables businesses to minimise environmental impact while ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness throughout travel. This shift highlights the growing role of AI in optimising corporate travel management and ensuring policy compliance.
'With business travel demand accelerating across Mena, organisations are prioritising efficiency, compliance, and sustainability in their travel strategies,' said Stan Klyuy, CCO at Tumodo. 'Our AI-powered platform streamlines travel management, reducing policy violations from 60 per cent to just 4 per cent, optimising budgets, and helping companies adopt more sustainable travel practices by recommending eco-friendly routes and accommodations, ultimately enhancing the overall travel experience for corporate clients.'
Bleisure
The evolving travel landscape also reflects the growing trend of 'bleisure' travel, combining business trips with leisure experiences. The average business trip duration has extended to 10 days, mirroring pre-pandemic norms, while room rates have increased by 10 per cent to an average of $160 per night.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Middle East business travel surges to $18.1bn in 2024 with 6.1% growth forecast for 2025
Middle East business travel surges to $18.1bn in 2024 with 6.1% growth forecast for 2025

Arabian Business

time30-06-2025

  • Arabian Business

Middle East business travel surges to $18.1bn in 2024 with 6.1% growth forecast for 2025

The business travel sector in the Middle East is expanding at a faster pace than the global average, with the market reaching $18.1bn in 2024 and projected to grow by 6.1 per cent year-on-year into 2025, according to new research by Tumodo. Compared to late 2024, the volume of business travel bookings across the region rose by 40 per cent, underscoring renewed demand for corporate mobility and technologically advanced travel services. Tumodo attributes the rise to digital innovation, improved travel infrastructure, and post-Ramadan business momentum—April and May were the busiest months in H1 2025. Middle East business travel The broader MENA corporate travel market is expected to grow significantly, reaching $270.8bn by 2030, driven by economic diversification efforts, infrastructure investments, and cross-border business activity. Saudi Arabia emerged as the most travelled-to destination in the MENA region, accounting for 20 per cent of all trips. Other key destinations included: United Kingdom: 15 per cent France and India: 10 per cent each Oman: 5 per cent These trends reflect deepening trade and investment ties between the Middle East and major European and Asian markets. Regional carriers dominated the skies, with Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways ranked as the top airlines among business travellers. India remained the most affordable route, while the United Kingdom topped the list for premium travel—both in airfare and accommodation costs. Dubai continues to serve as a vital travel hub with frequent routes to global business centres such as Riyadh, London, and Guangzhou. Demand for additional corporate travel services is also rising: Visa support increased by 15 per cent Ground transfers grew by 11 per cent Corporate event bookings rose by 7.25 per cent The average trip duration remained short—just two days—but more travellers are now blending work with leisure, fuelling the rise of 'bleisure' travel. Premium stays remain popular, with 75 per cent of bookings in four- and five-star hotels. Thanks to AI-powered features, Tumodo clients experienced a 12 per cent drop in average airfare costs in H1 2025. Meanwhile, overall booking values rose by just 2 per cent, compared to a 10 per cent industry average. Tools such as customisable travel policies, approval workflows, real-time analytics, and CO₂ emissions tracking enabled clients to optimise travel while supporting UAE's Environment Vision 2030. Stan Klyuy, CCO of Tumodo, said: 'The impressive 50 per cent year-on-year growth we've seen this year signals a shift from recovery to reinvention. With average airfares down by 12 per cent and hotel bookings up only by 2 per cent, we're helping businesses travel more efficiently by lowering emissions, saving time, and optimising cost using our AI tools and deep data. 'We're focused on growing throughout the GCC and Europe in the future, as well as improving the platform with more intricate integrations and predictive capabilities'. As global corporate travel rebounds, industry analysts project worldwide spending to exceed $1tn in 2025. The Middle East is expected to lead growth, with a regional expansion rate of 6.19 per cent—among the highest globally.

Business travel in MENA reaches $18bln in H1 2025
Business travel in MENA reaches $18bln in H1 2025

Zawya

time30-06-2025

  • Zawya

Business travel in MENA reaches $18bln in H1 2025

​​Tumodo, the UAE-based online business travel platform, reports a 50% year-on-year growth in business travel across MENA in H1 2025, driven by AI tools and rising demand for premium and bleisure travel. The broader Middle East business travel market reached $18.1B in 2024 and is expected to grow 6.1% in 2025. United Arab Emirates – The business travel sector in the Middle East is growing faster than the global average. The market reached $18.1 billion in 2024, while forecasts indicate a 6.1% year-on-year growth into 2025. According to Tumodo's research, compared to late 2024, the volume of bookings in the region grew by 40%. The broader MENA market is expected to hit $270.8 billion by 2030, propelled by strong infrastructure development and digital innovation. This indicates a higher demand for technologically advanced travel services and expanding business activity within the region. Notably, April and May were the busiest months in the first half of the year – largely due to the return of business travel after Ramadan. Travel Patterns Across MENA: Major Destinations Tumodo reports that Saudi Arabia was the most travelled destination in the MENA region, accounting for 20% of all travel, followed by the United Kingdom (15%), France and India (10% each). Finally, trips to Oman amounted to 5% of all travel. These numbers are consistent with global trends reflecting stronger economic ties between MENA countries and European and Asian markets. Favourite Airlines In terms of airline preferences, regional players came at the top of the charts. Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways were the most frequently chosen by business travellers. Tumodo also pointed out that, on average, India remains the most affordable route, while the United Kingdom is the most premium destination – both in terms of airfares and accommodation. Dubai remains a major hub in the region, with frequent flights to business capitals like Riyadh, London, and Guangzhou. Tumodo has also seen an increase in usage of additional services throughout 2024 and the start of 2025. Specifically, visa support rose by 15%, ground transfers by 11%, and corporate event bookings by 7.25% – all of which signal a growing demand for full-service travel management. Developments in Corporate Travel: Bleisure, AI Analytics, Sustainability Internal data from Tumodo shows that in H1 2025, the average trip duration remained at just two days, yet many travellers began incorporating leisure elements into their itineraries, reflecting the ongoing rise of "bleisure" travel. Demand for premium accommodation remained strong, with four- and five-star hotels accounting for over 75% of bookings. At the same time, Tumodo's clients reported a 12% decrease in average airfare costs and only a modest 2% increase in booking value as opposed to an average 10% growth across different platforms. This was possible thanks to advanced platform features such as customisable travel policies, approval workflows, and real-time analytics. Additionally, integrated tools for CO2 emissions tracking and eco-friendly route selection are helping businesses align with the UAE's Environment Vision 2030. 'The impressive 50% year-on-year growth we've seen this year signals a shift from recovery to reinvention,' Stan Klyuy, CCO of Tumodo, stated. 'With average airfares down by 12% and hotel bookings up only by 2%, we're helping businesses travel more efficiently by lowering emissions, saving time, and optimising cost using our AI tools and deep data. We're focused on growing throughout the GCC and Europe in the future, as well as improving the platform with more intricate integrations and predictive capabilities'. As global business travel rebounds, industry forecasts project corporate travel spending will surpass $1 trillion in 2025, with the Middle East seeing one of the highest growth rates globally at 6.19%. In this ever-changing environment, Tumodo helps the region transition to smoother, more technologically advanced business travel. About Tumodo Based in the UAE, Tumodo is an online B2B travel platform that assists businesses in optimising corporate travel. Tumodo offers cutting-edge AI algorithms, a user-friendly interface, and round-the-clock assistance that allow customers to plan and organise their travel in a matter of minutes while saving up to 35% on associated costs.

Business travel in Mena reaches $18 billion in H1 2025
Business travel in Mena reaches $18 billion in H1 2025

Khaleej Times

time29-06-2025

  • Khaleej Times

Business travel in Mena reaches $18 billion in H1 2025

The business travel sector in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) is growing faster than the global average. The market reached $18.1 billion in 2024, while forecasts indicate a 6.1 per cent year-on-year growth into 2025, a study showed. According to research by Tumodo, the UAE-based online business travel platform, the volume of bookings in the region grew by 40 per cent compared to late 2024. The broader Mena market is expected to hit $270.8 billion by 2030, propelled by strong infrastructure development and digital innovation. This indicates a higher demand for technologically advanced travel services and expanding business activity within the region. Notably, April and May were the busiest months in the first half of the year – largely due to the return of business travel after Ramadan. Saudi Arabia was the most travelled destination in the Mena region, accounting for 20 per cent of all travel, followed by the United Kingdom (15 per cent), France and India (10 per cent each). Finally, trips to Oman amounted to 5 per cent of all travel. These numbers are consistent with global trends reflecting stronger economic ties between Mena countries and European and Asian markets. Favourite airlines In terms of airline preferences, regional players came at the top of the charts. Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways were the most frequently chosen by business travellers. Tumodo also pointed out that, on average, India remains the most affordable route, while the United Kingdom is the most premium destination – both in terms of airfares and accommodation. Dubai remains a major hub in the region, with frequent flights to business capitals like Riyadh, London, and Guangzhou. Tumodo has also seen an increase in usage of additional services throughout 2024 and the start of 2025. Specifically, visa support rose by 15 per cent, ground transfers by 11 per cent, and corporate event bookings by 7.25 per cent – all of which signal a growing demand for full-service travel management. In H1 2025, the average trip duration remained at just two days, yet many travellers began incorporating leisure elements into their itineraries, reflecting the ongoing rise of 'bleisure' travel. Demand for premium accommodation remained strong, with four- and five-star hotels accounting for over 75 per cent of bookings. At the same time, Tumodo 's clients reported a 12 per cent decrease in average airfare costs and only a modest 2 per cent increase in booking value as opposed to an average 10 per cent growth across different platforms. This was possible thanks to advanced platform features such as customisable travel policies, approval workflows, and real-time analytics. Additionally, integrated tools for CO2 emissions tracking and eco-friendly route selection are helping businesses align with the UAE's Environment Vision 2030. 'The 50 per cent year-on-year growth we've seen this year signals a shift from recovery to reinvention,' Stan Klyuy, CCO of Tumodo, stated. 'We're focused on growing throughout the GCC and Europe in the future, as well as improving the platform with more intricate integrations and predictive capabilities'. As global business travel rebounds, industry forecasts project corporate travel spending will surpass $1 trillion in 2025, with the Middle East seeing one of the highest growth rates globally at 6.19 per cent.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store