Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), recently stated that Dubai tourism has enjoyed a 3 percent year-on-year growth during Q1 2025.
“We have already come back in 2023 with record numbers, and it was a great year for us. 2024 saw a 9 percent growth in terms of visitation. We had about 18.72 million overnight visitors who came into Dubai. And so far, the first quarter of this year is 3 percent ahead, which means we keep raising the benchmark,’’ Kazim told a press conference organized by RX Global, the organizers of Arabian Travel Market (ATM).
RX Global held the conference, in collaboration with the event’s strategic partners, to unveil plans for the upcoming edition of ATM2025, which will take place next week, from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Center.
ATM 2025 key to driving Dubai’s tourism strategy
“Dubai is proud to continue its long-term strategic collaboration with the internationally renowned Arabian Travel Market (ATM) as its host destination, highlighting our commitment to advancing Dubai’s position as one of the leading global cities for business and leisure, a goal central to the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33,” he said.
Kazim added that the success of Dubai’s tourism sector is a testament to the visionary leadership and the strength of longstanding public-private partnerships, a model that continues to propel Dubai forward.
Major events like ATM 2025 are pivotal to the city’s tourism strategy as it looks beyond traditional tourism pathways by driving innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability and new economic opportunities.
“This year’s ATM theme resonates with our vision for sustainable growth, reflecting our physical connectivity, as well as the digital and human connections that fuel progress in our industry,” he added.
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ATM 2025 to host 55,000 attendees from 161 countries
Bringing together professionals and leaders from all travel sectors and verticals including leisure, business events (MICE), luxury and corporate travel sectors, ATM 2025 is where entrepreneurs and industry leaders from high growth and emerging markets across MENA, Asia and Africa unite with professionals from the world’s most established and mature markets to drive innovation, investment and partnerships.
“The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism will be joined by more than 125 stakeholders at ATM 2025, showcasing our dynamic ecosystem and the collaborative spirit that defines our city’s approach to tourism. Through our robust Hosted Buyers Program, we will also welcome over 300 buyers from 39 countries to experience Dubai’s unparalleled hospitality first-hand,” added Kazim.
Securing $2.5 billion in industry deals, the event enables participants to forge global networks and discover emerging opportunities and innovations in the travel and tourism ecosystem.
ATM 2025 will showcase over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 17 percent from the Middle East and 83 percent from the rest of the world, and is set to welcome 55,000 attendees from 161 countries. The event has achieved a near 12 percent year-on-year increase in exhibitor participation, making it the largest edition to date, now spanning 14 halls.
Surrounded by the world’s fastest-growing travel markets, Dubai is the ideal location to explore the power of connectivity. Renowned for its world-leading aviation sector, a vast array of attractions, and a favorable business environment, Dubai is a global center for industry leaders to collaborate, innovate and unlock new opportunities in travel and tourism.
