Middle East & Africa Travel Accessories Market Outlook, 2029

The travel accessories market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is evolving rapidly, propelled by several factors including increasing disposable incomes, a growing middle class, and the rising popularity of both domestic and international travel. This growth is accompanied by a notable shift towards innovative products that enhance the travel experience, driven by the demand for practicality, style, and technological integration. Recent innovations in this sector include smart luggage with built-in GPS tracking, RFID-blocking wallets, and eco-friendly travel products made from sustainable materials.

For instance, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on creating lightweight, durable items such as portable chargers, compact travel pillows, and multifunctional packing cubes that cater to the needs of modern travelers. The MEA region, known for its diverse cultures and landscapes, is also seeing a surge in travel-related policies aimed at promoting tourism and ensuring traveler safety. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and South Africa are enhancing their infrastructure to accommodate the growing influx of tourists, which directly influences the demand for travel accessories.

Regulatory bodies are instituting guidelines to ensure product safety and quality, while also encouraging the use of environmentally friendly materials in production. Furthermore, policies promoting local manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports are becoming more prevalent, encouraging domestic brands to innovate and compete effectively. The rise of e-commerce platforms has significantly transformed the travel accessories landscape in MEA, allowing consumers to access a wider range of products conveniently.

This shift has also prompted brands to adapt to online sales channels, employing digital marketing strategies to reach tech-savvy travelers. Additionally, changing travel behaviors due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an increased emphasis on hygiene and safety, resulting in the introduction of travel accessories like sanitizing kits, UV sterilizers, and personal protective equipment designed specifically for travelers.

According to the research report, "Middle East and Africa Travel Accessories Market Outlook, 2029,", the Middle East and Africa Travel Accessories market is anticipated to add to more than USD 930 Million by 2024-29. The growth of the travel accessories market in the MEA region can be attributed to several factors. The region has witnessed a surge in both leisure and business travel, driven by government initiatives to promote tourism and improve infrastructure. For example, the UAE is investing heavily in its tourism sector, aiming to attract millions of visitors annually, which subsequently increases the demand for travel-related products.

Major global brands such as Samsonite, Targus, and American Tourister have established a strong presence in the MEA region, offering a wide range of products from luggage and backpacks to travel organizers and personal care items. Additionally, local companies like Luggage Point, which specializes in high-quality travel bags, and Zafiro, known for its stylish travel accessories, are gaining traction by focusing on the unique preferences of regional consumers. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce has transformed the retail landscape, enabling consumers to access a broader selection of travel accessories online.

This shift has encouraged brands to innovate and enhance their product offerings to meet the growing expectations of tech-savvy consumers. Specific brands are making notable strides in the MEA market by introducing innovative and functional travel accessories. For instance, brands like Tripp and Eastpak offer a range of stylish yet practical luggage options that appeal to younger travelers, while companies like Travelon focus on security features, producing anti-theft bags and travel wallets. Additionally, emerging brands are tapping into the sustainability trend, creating eco-friendly products from recycled materials to cater to environmentally conscious consumers.

Market Drivers

• Rising Travel and Tourism Activities: The MEA region has seen a notable increase in travel and tourism, driven by factors such as enhanced air connectivity, the growth of low-cost carriers, and government initiatives aimed at promoting tourism. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are investing heavily in their tourism sectors, aiming to attract international travelers. This influx of tourists creates a corresponding demand for travel accessories, including luggage, organizers, and personal care items.
• E-commerce Growth and Technological Advancements: The rapid growth of e-commerce in the MEA region has transformed the retail landscape for travel accessories. With increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage, consumers are now more inclined to shop online for convenience and variety. This trend has prompted brands to enhance their digital presence, invest in online marketing strategies, and offer innovative products that cater to tech-savvy travelers.

Market Challenges

• Regulatory and Safety Compliance: The MEA travel accessories market faces challenges related to regulatory compliance and safety standards. Countries in the region have varying regulations regarding product safety, materials, and manufacturing processes. Ensuring that travel accessories meet these regulations can pose a challenge for manufacturers and retailers, especially those operating across multiple countries.
• Economic and Political Instability: Economic fluctuations and political instability in certain regions of the MEA can adversely affect consumer spending on non-essential items, including travel accessories. For example, fluctuating oil prices can impact economies reliant on oil exports, influencing consumer confidence and discretionary spending. Additionally, political unrest or security concerns in some areas may deter travel, leading to decreased demand for travel accessories.

Market Trends

• Eco-friendly Products: As global awareness of environmental issues rises, there is an increasing trend toward sustainable and eco-friendly travel accessories. Consumers in the MEA region are becoming more environmentally conscious, prompting brands to develop products made from recycled materials or those that promote sustainable practices. For instance, brands are introducing biodegradable luggage tags, eco-friendly packing cubes, and bags made from recycled plastics.
• Customization and Personalization: The demand for personalized and customizable travel accessories is on the rise, particularly among younger consumers. Brands are responding by offering products that allow for individual expression, such as customizable luggage tags, monogrammed bags, and unique travel organizers. This trend is fueled by the desire for products that reflect personal style and enhance the travel experience.

The growing reliance on digital devices during travel, coupled with the increasing number of tech-savvy travelers in the Middle East and Africa, is driving the demand for portable chargers in the travel accessories industry.

In recent years, the travel accessories industry in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) has experienced a significant surge in the demand for portable chargers, a trend driven primarily by the pervasive reliance on digital devices among travelers. As smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic gadgets become integral to the travel experience, ensuring these devices remain charged has become a critical concern for modern travelers. The MEA region, with its diverse landscapes, bustling urban centers, and a burgeoning tourism sector, presents unique challenges and opportunities for keeping devices powered.

One of the foremost reasons for the rise in portable charger usage is the increasing number of tech-savvy travelers who depend on their devices for navigation, communication, photography, and entertainment while on the go. With many travelers using apps for flight bookings, hotel reservations, and local guides, the demand for a reliable power source has intensified.

Additionally, social media plays a significant role in the travel experience, with individuals eager to share their journeys in real time. This necessitates a reliable power source, making portable chargers essential travel companions. The MEA region’s unique geographical and cultural attributes also contribute to the growing demand for portable chargers.

Many travelers, particularly those exploring remote or rural areas, may find themselves far from traditional power outlets. The increasing popularity of adventure tourism, which often involves activities such as hiking, camping, and safaris, creates a scenario where access to power can be limited. In these situations, portable chargers provide a vital solution, enabling travelers to keep their devices operational regardless of their location.

Brands are increasingly highlighting the importance of staying connected while traveling, utilizing social media platforms and influencers to reach potential customers. Campaigns that emphasize the practicality and convenience of portable chargers resonate with the tech-savvy audience, particularly younger travelers who prioritize connectivity and digital engagement.

The rapid growth of e-commerce infrastructure and increased internet penetration across the Middle East and Africa are driving the expansion of online channels in the travel accessories industry, as consumers seek convenience, variety, and competitive pricing.

The growth of online channels in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) travel accessories market can be attributed to the significant advancements in e-commerce infrastructure and the widespread accessibility of the internet, which have transformed how consumers shop for travel-related products. Over the past decade, the MEA region has experienced a remarkable rise in digital connectivity, with increasing internet penetration rates and smartphone usage enabling a broader demographic to engage in online shopping. Online channels allow consumers to shop from home or on-the-go without needing to visit multiple physical stores to find specific travel accessories.

Moreover, the e-commerce landscape in the MEA region has evolved to offer a wide array of products tailored to the needs of travelers, including portable chargers, luggage, travel organizers, and security-focused items. This diversity of options attracts consumers who can quickly compare prices, read reviews, and select products that best fit their preferences. Competitive pricing has become a significant draw for MEA consumers who are increasingly price-sensitive. Online platforms often provide discounts, bundle offers, and seasonal sales that are less common in brick-and-mortar stores, allowing consumers to find high-quality products at more affordable rates.

This has encouraged many to shift from traditional retail to online channels, especially as economic factors influence purchasing behavior. The proliferation of online marketplaces such as Noon, Souq (now part of Amazon), and Jumia, as well as specialized travel accessory sites, has introduced an unprecedented level of competition. The rise of social media and digital marketing has also played an instrumental role in the growth of online channels. MEA consumers, particularly younger demographics, are highly engaged on social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where influencers and brands frequently showcase travel accessories. These platforms act as powerful marketing tools, raising awareness about new and trending products and encouraging online purchases.

The UAE's leadership in the Middle East and Africa travel accessories industry is driven by its status as a global travel hub, its high level of disposable income, and its strategic emphasis on tourism and retail.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a dominant force in the Middle East and Africa travel accessories market, propelled by a blend of strategic advantages and unique market dynamics. The country’s position as a global transit and tourism hub makes it one of the busiest destinations in the world, attracting millions of travelers who, in turn, drive demand for a range of travel accessories. Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s airports are consistently ranked among the world’s busiest, with Dubai International Airport alone handling over 80 million passengers annually before the COVID-19 pandemic.

This steady influx of international travelers provides an immense customer base for travel accessories, from premium luggage and portable chargers to travel pillows and personal care items. The high volume of transit and leisure passengers translates to an ongoing demand for products that cater to their varied needs. The UAE has one of the highest levels of disposable income in the MEA region, with a consumer base that values premium and high-quality products. UAE residents, including both locals and expatriates, tend to have significant purchasing power, enabling them to invest in branded and often luxury travel accessories that promise durability, style, and convenience.

Many consumers in the UAE also prioritize convenience and quality, creating a thriving market for travel accessories that offer innovative features like anti-theft technology, smart tracking, and lightweight materials. The UAE government’s strategic focus on developing tourism and retail infrastructure has further bolstered the travel accessories market. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are known for their world-class shopping experiences, including luxury malls, duty-free outlets, and sprawling retail districts that offer a vast array of travel accessories.

These retail spaces not only serve local consumers but also cater to international travelers who frequently make purchases at duty-free stores, a major retail segment in UAE airports. The country’s tax-free shopping environment and regular promotional events, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, also enhance the attractiveness of purchasing travel accessories in the UAE, making it a shopping destination in its own right.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Travel Accessories market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type

• Travel Bags
• Travel Pillow And Blanket
• Portable charger
• Pet Travel Accessories
• Travel Toiletry
• Travel Safety kit
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Speciality Stores
• Factory Outlets
• Online Stores
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Travel Accessories industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.