Danielle Curtis, exhibition director for the Middle East, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) highlights the event’s growth in the Middle East’s tourism sector, and its position as a key platform for introducing travel innovations, addressing challenges and leveraging successes as well as engaging stakeholders to shape the industry in the years to come.
Your theme this year focuses on enhancing global travel through connectivity. Can you elaborate on how you see this playing out in the industry for all stakeholders – from travelers to service providers?
Each year, ATM highlights specific aspects of travel that will shape the sector’s future, and this year’s theme: ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’ will explore how the future of tourism is defined by connectivity across borders, industries and communities. We will focus on how connectivity enables a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally integrated travel experience during the event.
Greater connectivity offers significant advantages to the travel industry. It enables travelers to explore a broader array of destinations and experiences, while hospitality brands and tourism authorities can appeal to a more diverse audience. A well-connected industry boosts international arrivals, generates employment opportunities, and strengthens the economy.
A connected travel ecosystem also encourages responsible tourism development, investment in local communities and cultural preservation. As we navigate an era of unprecedented growth in the global travel and tourism industry, connectivity is a crucial pillar in shaping its future.
The show has been around for three decades – what do you consider to be its biggest milestones and moments? What new features will ATM showcase in this year’s edition?
ATM was launched in 1994 with 52 countries, 300 exhibitors and 7,000 trade visitors. Thirty-one years later, ATM now facilitates $2.5 billion in industry deals and will welcome more than 55,000 attendees and over 2,800 exhibitors from 161 countries.
Following the unveiling of ATM’s dedicated sustainability pledge in 2023, we continue to work to make the event even more sustainable while mapping out the future of the industry and exploring new trends, opportunities for growth and innovation.
Attendees at ATM 2025 can expect to engage with a range of new features. The event will include specialized sessions focusing on key source markets such as India, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and Latin America (LATAM). We are excited to debut IBTM@ATM, a dedicated zone for business event suppliers to showcase their offerings and establish connections with potential buyers – with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) as one of our key partners. Additionally, as part of IBTM@ATM, we have introduced the new Business Events Stage, designed to highlight the latest updates and industry insights.
The ATM Travel Tech Zone is on track to grow by 23 percent year-on-year, reflecting the increasing global reliance on innovation and digital transformation. This zone, which also introduces our brand-new Start-Up and Innovation Zone, offers attendees an immersive experience to explore cutting-edge travel technology and gain valuable insights into the latest innovations from industry leaders, entrepreneurs and tech developers.
What’s in store for the global travel industry this year in terms of both challenges and opportunities?
It is an exciting time for the travel industry, which will see continued growth driven by markets such as Asia and the Middle East. In line with this industry trend, Asia is the fastest-growing region at ATM 2025, with a projected 27 percent year-on-year increase in exhibitors this year. This growth is primarily attributed to enhanced regional connectivity and stronger links with international markets. Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) will continue transforming the travel experience, from smart airports and digital passports to AI-powered travel assistants. Sustainable and responsible tourism will continue to be a priority for travelers, and regional tourism will go from strength to strength due to improved connectivity.
Balancing tourism growth with sustainability remains a challenge, and training and retaining skilled workers in a fast-growing industry is critical to maintaining high service levels. An increased reliance on technology means mitigating cybersecurity threats and data breaches should also be a priority. By adapting to evolving consumer expectations while addressing these risks, the industry will be poised to thrive in the yearsahead.
Which destinations will be in the spotlight, and which trends will likely emerge in 2025?
The dedicated sessions on key source markets (APAC, LATAM and India) reflect the growing travel potential of these regions. Euromonitor will present the APAC session, which will explore the leading trends influencing the region. Meanwhile, YouGov will share fascinating insights into the LATAM region as it emerges as a tourism hotspot. India’s booming tourism market will also be the topic of a dedicated market session outlining key strategies for capitalizing on the world’s fastest-growing tourism market.
Trends likely to emerge from ATM 2025 include the rebound of business travel and MICE tourism, the growing appetite for sustainable and experience-driven tourism and, of course, how AI and digital innovations are reshaping the travel experience.
Tell us a bit more about your conference programs, focusing on the more significant topics that will be discussed and important speakers who will attend and share their insights.
The ATM Conference program, featuring 68 sessions, is designed to equip travel professionals with actionable insights, the latest information on emerging trends and practical strategies to seize opportunities and address industry challenges. Topics will cover groundbreaking advancements in connectivity, the transformative impact of technology on travel, sustainability and global market trends.
Our conference sessions across the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the new Business Events Stage will be led by 185 industry experts. This includes Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council; HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, chairman, SCTDA; Ahmed Al-Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Dubai Economy and Tourism; Alhasan Aldabbagh, president APAC, Saudi Tourism Authority; Abdulaziz Al-Mawlawi, CEO, Visit Qatar; Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, DCT Abu Dhabi; Iyad Rasbey, VP – Destination Tourism Development, RAKTDA; Haitham Mattar, managing director, India, Middle East, and Africa, IHG Hotels and Resorts; and John Bevan, CEO of dnata Travel Group, among others. Additionally, our Ministerial Debate will return, bringing together ministers from around the world to discuss ‘Unlocking Tourism Growth Through Connectivity’.
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