The 32nd Arabian Travel Market kicks off today in Dubai with 2,800 exhibitors. More than 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries will attend this prestigious event, where international exhibitors make up 67% of all participants. Asia leads the growth at ATM this year with a 20% increase in exhibitor numbers compared to last year. India’s expanded presence shows a 30% growth that includes regional tourism boards and airline carriers.
Travel professionals will connect on three interactive content stages during the four-day event, which is expected to generate USD 2.5 billion in industry deals. India, Egypt, the UK, Türkiye, and the USA top the list of registered countries, with international markets representing 52% of all visitor registrations. The event features over 200 industry experts who will share their knowledge across 70 conference sessions. ATM Travel Tech has grown significantly with a 23% rise in showcased products this year.
ATM 2025 opens today bringing together over 2,800 exhibitors
Image Source: Travels Dubai
The Dubai World Trade Center opens its doors to the 32nd Arabian Travel Market (ATM) today. This milestone event shows a remarkable 12% year-on-year increase in exhibitor numbers, making it bigger than ever before. The exhibition now fills 14 halls with more than 2,800 companies that represent over 161 destinations worldwide.
Record-breaking attendance expected
The numbers for ATM 2025 look incredible. Visitor registrations have jumped by an amazing 104% compared to the same period last year. More than 55,000 people will attend the event, including 37,000 visitors and 7,000 buyers.
“ATM 2025 is on track to break records in terms of both attendance and exhibitor participation,” noted Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for the Middle East, Arabian Travel Market. These numbers prove ATM’s role as a key platform for travel professionals worldwide.
The event draws a balanced mix of attendees. People from outside the Middle East make up 52% of registrations, while visitors from the UAE and GCC account for 48%. This mix creates unique opportunities for businesses to build relationships across borders.
Global participation highlights Dubai’s influence
ATM 2025 brings together exhibitors from 166 countries, which shows Dubai’s key role in global tourism. Companies from around the world make up 67% of exhibitors, while Middle Eastern businesses represent 33%.
His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, shared his thoughts: “Dubai is proud to continue its long-term strategic collaboration with the internationally renowned Arabian Travel Market as its host destination, highlighting our commitment to advancing Dubai’s position as one of the leading global cities for business and leisure”.
The event focuses on “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity.” It looks at how connectivity between borders, industries, and communities shapes tourism’s future. This theme fits perfectly with Dubai’s vision. The city sits at the heart of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets, making it the ideal place to explore connectivity’s potential.
The growing international attendance boosts ATM’s worldwide reputation. It helps the local economy and drives revenue in hospitality, retail, and travel sectors. This shows how business events positively affect Dubai’s economic growth.
Asia drives momentum as ATM 2025 sees 20% exhibitor growth
Image Source: ZAWYA
Asian exhibitors have become a major force at ATM 2025. Their participation has grown by 20% compared to last year. This remarkable growth shows how Asia’s influence continues to shape the global travel industry and its importance to Middle Eastern mutually beneficial alliances.
Key Asian destinations showcased
The exhibition showcases a rich variety of Asian tourism offerings. Japan, Macao, the Maldives, Mauritius, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines have set up impressive displays. These destinations showcase everything from luxury island getaways to immersive cultural experiences and city adventures.
Tourism boards from across the region have expanded their footprint. Representatives from Phuket Tourist Association, Hong Kong Tourism Board, and Jakarta Provincial Government now actively showcase their unique local experiences. This enhanced participation demonstrates Asia’s growing confidence in outbound travel markets and its aim to build stronger ties with international partners.
India’s tourism surge at ATM 2025
India leads the Asian nations with an impressive 30% larger presence at ATM 2025. Regional tourism boards from Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh have joined forces with national carriers Air India and Air India Express to create this expanded presence.
India’s tourism sector shows remarkable momentum. Rising disposable incomes, a growing middle class, and better global connections drive this growth. Future Market Insights projects India’s outbound tourism market will reach USD55 billion by 2034, with an 11.4% compound annual growth rate over the next decade.
Regional tourism numbers already reflect this impressive growth. Dubai attracted 3.14 million overnight visitors from South Asia in 2024, with India contributing heavily to these numbers. India has emerged as one of the world’s most sought-after source markets. Many destinations now focus their efforts on attracting Indian travelers, especially millennials who seek varied international experiences.
ATM Travel Tech transforms the future of tourism
Image Source: The Integrator
Technology dominates ATM 2025 with the Travel Tech exhibition showing remarkable growth. Exhibitor numbers grew by 25% while the exhibition space expanded by 22%. This growth shows the global travel technology market’s current valuation at AED 39.29 billion and its significant effect on tourism development.
Start-Up and Innovation Zone debuts
ATM 2025 introduces the Start-Up and Innovation Zone in Za’abeel Hall 3. This space showcases how the travel industry has become a tech-powered sector. New companies can present their game-changing ideas and new solutions to a global audience. The popular ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle returns through collaboration with Intelak for its fourth consecutive year. Regional entrepreneurs now have a platform to shape travel’s future.
“ATM’s main goal is to realize the potential of the travel and tourism industry, and entrepreneurs are vital to the sector’s future,” explains Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME. Shortlisted start-ups will receive free pod space in the new zone. They can network with industry leaders and build valuable connections.
AI and VR redefine travel experiences
Visitors can explore a fully immersive virtual reality experience in the Start-Up and Innovation Zone that offers a fresh view of future industry possibilities. Travel professionals can learn about emerging AI and VR trends this year and discover strategies to realize new opportunities.
Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, opens the event with a session titled ‘AI adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy’. Future Stage sessions will explore:
- ‘Generative Trends Influencing Hyper-personalisation in Luxury’
- ‘Travel Technology: Get Ahead or Get Left Behind’
- ‘AI: Everywhere All At Once’
- ‘Data-Driven Travel: The Next Frontier of Destination Transformations’
Leading companies like Amadeus, Huawei, Saber, Expedia, Travelport, Dida Travel, Hotelbeds, WebBeds and Moonline Travel showcase their solutions at the exhibition. These innovative technologies enable uninterrupted, frictionless travel experiences.
IBTM@ATM connects business event buyers with global suppliers
ATM 2025 features the debut of IBTM@ATM, a specialized zone that aids strategic connections between business event buyers and global suppliers. The meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector shows sustained growth. Market projections indicate the global events market will exceed AED 9.18 trillion by 2035. More than 7,000 attendees, 1,500 buyers, and 400 exhibitors participated in last year’s business events sector at ATM.
Business Events Stage hosts strategic sessions
IBTM@ATM’s centerpiece, the Business Events Stage, features expert-led sessions throughout the event. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), will welcome attendees on opening day. The welcome address leads into a discussion about global events and festivals’ role in socio-economic growth. Representatives from several organizations will join the panel: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and International Association of Professional Congress Organizers.
The Arabia China Tourism (MICE) Forum stands out as another key program. Panelists from China’s outbound travel businesses and MENA DMCs will get into the latest trends in Chinese outbound travel and Middle East interest. These sessions line up with ATM 2025’s theme of developing tourism through continuous connection.
New opportunities for MICE industry
Dubai’s MICE industry shows remarkable momentum with 25% growth in 2023. IBTM@ATM creates new opportunities through its exclusive Full Hosted Buyer Program that offers:
- International round-trip flights to Dubai
- Four nights accommodation at an IHG hotel with daily breakfast
- Daily transfers between hotels and exhibition venue
- Early access to online meeting platforms for appointment scheduling
Buyers receive invitations to exclusive events and access to the dedicated Buyers’ Lounge, a professional space for high-value meetings. The program demonstrates IBTM@ATM’s understanding that “the business events industry runs on strategic connections, influential collaboration, and analytical insights”. The program wants to reshape business event approaches in this ever-changing industry.
ATM 2025: Shaping the Future of Global Tourism Through Connectivity
ATM 2025 has established itself as the world’s leading global tourism platform with unmatched scale and diversity. The event brings together more than 2,800 exhibitors from 166 countries, showcasing Dubai’s strategic role at the heart of global tourism.
The four-day event features over 70 conference sessions where 200+ industry experts share their knowledge. Visitor registrations have doubled compared to last year, showing the industry’s renewed vigor and drive for growth after tough times.
Asia’s story at ATM 2025 stands out with a 20% jump in exhibitor numbers. India leads this growth with a remarkable 30% increase, showing its growing power in global tourism. The numbers tell an interesting story – India’s outbound tourism market could reach USD55 billion by 2034.
Advanced technology takes the spotlight through an expanded ATM Travel Tech exhibition and the new Start-Up and Innovation Zone. While traditional tourism still matters, AI and VR innovations are changing how people experience destinations. IBTM@ATM’s debut adds more value by connecting business event buyers with suppliers worldwide, helping the fast-growing MICE sector.
“Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity” captures this year’s event spirit perfectly. Technology plays a vital role, but ATM 2025 also values human connections across borders, industries, and communities. This mix of tech and human elements will shape global tourism’s path in our connected world.
