The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) tourism industry is preparing for the gradual return of Chinese visitors as outbound travel from China continues to strengthen despite recent geopolitical disruption. According to new research from Dragon Trail International, an Official Research Partner of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), destinations across the region are now focusing on rebuilding traveller confidence and positioning themselves for recovery.
The latest findings show that Chinese outbound travel remains robust. Seventy-seven per cent of surveyed travel agents reported higher demand for outbound travel during the first half of 2026 compared with the previous year, while 70% said demand for outbound summer travel had increased year-on-year. Official data from China’s National Immigration Administration also showed that border crossings by mainland Chinese citizens increased by 10.7% in the first half of 2026, underscoring the continued strength of outbound demand.