Arabian Travel Market Opens in Dubai, Showcasing Tourism Innovation with India, Egypt, and the UK in Focus All You Need to Know

Published on April 27, 2025

From April 28 to May 1, 2025, the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) at the Dubai World Trade Centre is set to become the largest edition in its 32-year history, attracting over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries. This year’s event underscores the growing importance of the Middle East in the global tourism landscape, with international exhibitors accounting for 67% of the showcase.​

Global Participation and Record-Breaking Attendance

ATM 2025 is poised to break records with more than 2,800 exhibitors and over 55,000 visitors, marking a significant increase from previous years. The event’s theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” reflects the industry’s emphasis on interconnectedness across borders, industries, and communities. This focus aims to foster a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally integrated travel sector.​

Expansion of ATM Travel Tech and IBTM@ATM

In response to the industry’s growing reliance on technology, ATM Travel Tech has expanded by over 23%, featuring a new Start-Up and Innovation Zone. This area showcases emerging travel technologies and offers immersive virtual reality experiences. Additionally, IBTM@ATM makes its debut as a dedicated business events zone, connecting buyers with exhibitors in venues, hotels, and tourism boards, and hosting the Business Events Stage for insightful sessions.​

Asia’s Surge in Exhibitor Participation

Asia stands out as the fastest-growing region at ATM, with exhibitor participation rising by an impressive 20% year-on-year. This growth is driven by enhanced regional connectivity and strengthened ties with international markets. Destinations such as Japan, Macao, the Maldives, Mauritius, South Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines highlight the region’s increasing influence in global travel.​

India’s Enhanced Presence at ATM

India’s tourism industry has achieved notable growth, leading to a 30% increase in the country’s presence at ATM 2025. The participation includes regional tourism boards from Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as major airline carriers. This expanded presence underscores India’s growing role in the global tourism market.​

International Visitor Registrations

International markets account for over 52% of visitor registrations, with UAE and GCC visitors contributing significantly to the total figures, accounting for 48%. The top five registered international markets for ATM 2025 are India, Egypt, the UK, Türkiye, and the USA, highlighting the event’s wide-reaching appeal across key global markets.​

Focus on Technology and Innovation

Reflecting the travel industry’s convergence with technology, ATM Travel Tech has expanded to include over 23% more products this year. The segment offers insights into innovative technologies shaping the travel and hospitality sector, featuring thought-provoking discussions on the Future Stage and spanning both Hall 1 and Za’abeel Hall 3 at this year’s event.​

Launch of IBTM@ATM

A significant highlight of ATM 2025 is the launch of IBTM@ATM, a dedicated zone to connect business event buyers with a wide range of exhibitors, including venues and hotels, convention bureaus, tourism boards, and airlines. At the heart of this new feature is the Business Events Stage, which will host a series of insightful sessions throughout the show, exploring strategies to unlock growth and opportunities in business events and corporate travel.​

Comprehensive ATM Conference Programme

The renowned ATM Conference will deliver the latest industry insights from over 200 experts across three content stages: the Global Stage, the Future Stage, and the Business Events Stage. These sessions will cover topics such as the role of global events and festivals in driving socio-economic growth, microtrends redefining travel, and how top hoteliers are transforming their brands to deliver meaningful, immersive experiences.​

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Support

Strategic partners for ATM 2025 include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), serving as the Destination Partner; Emirates, the Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, the Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, the Official DMC Partner. These partnerships reflect the collaborative efforts within the industry to support and enhance the event’s success.​

Impact on the Travel Industry

The expansion of ATM and its focus on technology and connectivity are set to have a significant impact on the travel industry. The increased participation from international exhibitors and visitors highlights the growing importance of the Middle East as a hub for global tourism. The emphasis on technology and innovation underscores the industry’s commitment to adapting to changing consumer demands and enhancing the travel experience. The launch of IBTM@ATM and the expanded ATM Travel Tech segment demonstrate the industry’s focus on business events and technological advancements as key drivers of growth.​