With three weeks to go until the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, the event is set to attract a record number of high-value visitors, with registrations rising 104 percent compared to the same period last year. This surge reinforces its status as a crucial platform for travel trade professionals globally.
International markets and global appeal
International markets represent a significant 52 percent of total visitor registrations, emphasizing the event’s worldwide appeal and highlighting the necessity of fostering cross-cultural connections and collaborations. Meanwhile, attendees from the UAE and GCC play a vital role, accounting for 48 percent of overall registrations.
Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME of the Arabian Travel Market, stated: “Increased international attendance strengthens the global profile of ATM, providing a vital boost to the local economy and driving revenue in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and travel, thereby demonstrating the impact and strength of business events.”
“This year’s edition is expected to see notable growth in participation from key regions, reflecting demand from across the global tourism industry.”
The top five countries registered for the Arabian Travel Market 2025 so far include the UAE, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the U.K. India continues to be a crucial source of demand for the travel industry, thanks to its flourishing outbound travel market and growing aviation sector. Egypt’s tourism revenues reached $15.3 billion in 2024, signifying over a 100 percent rise in the last decade, with the government aiming for 30 million tourists by 2032. Major investments in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives, have established the Kingdom as a formidable player in the global travel market. The U.K. remains essential for both inbound and outbound tourism, boasting a significant presence in business travel and among tour operators.
Impressive year-on-year increases
Last year, ATM 2024 experienced a noteworthy rise in visitors from Africa, the Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, achieving remarkable year-on-year increases of 51 percent, 53 percent, 40 percent, and 26 percent, respectively. This growth trend is expected to continue during this year’s edition. Regionally, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait recorded some of the most substantial visitor increases, up 48 percent, 40 percent, 39 percent, 28 percent, and 37 percent, respectively.
Anticipated attendance and showcase
With over 55,000 attendees anticipated, around 37,000 are expected to be visitors, including more than 7,000 distinguished buyers. The event will showcase more than 2,800 companies, representing a vast array of over 161 global destinations.
Theme of connectivity
ATM 2025 will focus on the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” emphasizing how connectivity shapes the thriving tourism industry. Beyond technology, the theme will highlight the necessity of industry-wide collaboration and spotlight the communities that serve as vital centers for trade and tourism.
Growth of ATM Travel Tech
ATM Travel Tech has grown by 23 percent year-over-year, showcasing innovative technologies that are propelling the travel and hospitality sectors and attracting decision-makers from around the world. This segment will also feature the Future Stage, where experts from industry leaders such as Booking.com, TripAdvisor, dnata Travel Group, Agoda, and Skyscanner will share insights into the evolving landscape of travel and discuss the technologies advancing the industry.
Read more: ATM 2025 to highlight luxury travel as industry set to reach $391 billion by 2028
New features at ATM 2025
New features at ATM 2025 include the Start-up and Innovation Zone, which will offer an immersive VR experience to enhance visitor engagement. This dedicated area aims to nurture the next generation of travel innovators and pioneers. It will provide a unique platform for emerging companies to present their groundbreaking ideas and showcase their cutting-edge solutions to a global audience.
Several companies will be highlighted within this zone, including Biyiy Electric Bikes, which offers e-bike rentals for exploring Dubai in an enjoyable and eco-friendly manner; Ztexa Global, a travel connectivity partner providing secure eSIMs and SIM cards in over 175 countries; Traveln.ai, a cutting-edge AI-driven technology transforming trip planning for travelers and businesses; and Z-Ocean Tours, alongside Penny Inc, which offers virtual travel payment solutions that enable OTAs, travel agents, and travel companies to reduce costs on international transactions and streamline their accounting processes.
Strategic partnerships
Held in conjunction with the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025 benefits from strategic partnerships with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner; Emirates as Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner.
