Several countries in West asia have well-established tourist destinations that attract a large number of visitors. For example, Egypt is renowned for its ancient pyramids, historical sites, and the Nile River. Jordan is famous for the ancient city of Petra and the Dead Sea. The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has emerged as a major tourist hub with iconic landmarks, luxury resorts, and entertainment attractions. Turkey, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, is a popular destination as well. West Asia is home to significant religious sites that attract millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. Saudi Arabia, for instance, welcomes millions of Muslims for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. Iran attracts Shia Muslims to important religious sites such as Mashhad and Qom. Iraq also receives pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. Religious tourism plays a significant role in the region's tourism industry and contributes to its overall economic growth.

Some West asian countries have developed medical tourism as a thriving sector. Countries like Jordan, Israel, and the United arab emirates offer advanced medical facilities and expertise, attracting patients from around the world seeking specialized medical treatments, surgeries, and wellness services. Medical tourism contributes to the region's tourism industry and helps generate revenue. West Asia is home to diverse landscapes and natural attractions. Countries like Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates offer opportunities for desert safaris, dune bashing, and outdoor adventures. Oman's mountains, wadis, and beaches attract nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. These countries are developing nature-based tourism to diversify their offerings and attract visitors interested in ecotourism and outdoor activities.

Three countries, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Morocco, ranked first among the Arab countries in the region in attracting tourists. The total number of foreign tourists in the Middle east in 2012 was reported at 52 million, a decrease of 5% due to tensions and unrest in the region. Egypt was able to re-establish itself among the tourist countries in 2012 with an 18% growth rate, after overcoming the turbulent period that led to the fall of the "Hosni Mubarak" regime and the overall security situation in the country.

The tourism industry in West Asia, also known as the Middle East, has experienced significant growth and has become an important sector for many countries in the region. The level of the tourism industry varies across countries, with some nations having well-established tourism sectors while others are still developing their tourism infrastructure. It's important to note that the tourism industry in West Asia has faced challenges due to geopolitical conflicts, security concerns, and regional instability. However, many countries are actively working to enhance their tourism infrastructure, promote their unique attractions, improve visa processes, and enhance visitor experiences to attract more tourists and diversify their economies.

West Asia, with its modern infrastructure and business-friendly environments, has become a popular destination for business and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh host international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events, attracting business travelers from around the world.

West Asia boasts a rich cultural heritage and historical sites that draw tourists interested in archaeology, ancient civilizations, and cultural experiences. Countries such as Iran, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq have numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Persepolis, Luxor, Petra, Baalbek, and Babylon, respectively. These attractions contribute to the tourism industry and help promote cultural understanding and heritage preservation. The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, has positioned itself as a global entertainment and shopping destination. The city offers luxury shopping malls, theme parks, world-class hotels, and entertainment venues. It hosts international events, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Expo, attracting tourists seeking leisure, entertainment, and shopping experiences.