UN Hails Middle East as Leader in Luxury, Wellness & Sports Tourism

The Middle East is cementing its position as a global leader in luxury, wellness, and sports tourism, according to the latest session of the UN Tourism’s Regional Commission in Doha.

During the 51st session, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised the region’s progress, driven by investments and education programs. “The Middle East is one of the most exciting places for tourism right now. It's leading the way in luxury, wellness, and sports tourism and is also focusing on essential workforce development,”Pololikashvili said.

Today, the Middle East is a central hub for global sports, with events like the Formula 1 in Bahrain, the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, and the UAE’s growing sports infrastructure making waves on the world stage.

Beyond sports tourism, the Middle East is also leading the global wellness tourism sector, with an increasing focus on holistic experiences and health retreats. Gastronomy tourism, particularly in rural areas, is also being recognized for its role in preserving cultural heritage while driving regional development

The Middle East’s dedication to expanding education and training in the tourism industry is equally clear. The UN Tourism Online Academy now serves 30,000 students—more than half of whom are women—while new e-learning courses, developed in partnership with Saudi Arabia, help equip workers for the industry’s continued growth.