Arabian Travel Market sees 16% surge in international attendance

Source: Supplied

Organised by RX Global, ATM 2025 centred around the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, focusing on how cross-border, cross-industry, and community connectivity is shaping the future of global tourism.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, visited the exhibition and was briefed on this year’s key themes and innovations.

ATM 2025 to set new attendance records with 55,000 global attendees in Dubai

25 Apr 2025

The event also drew several prominent dignitaries, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group, who officially inaugurated the event, as well as His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who toured the show floor and engaged with exhibitors.

Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME, Arabian Travel Market, says: "My colleagues at RX Global and I are proud to have welcomed a vibrant and engaged community of travel professionals to ATM 2025. This year's theme has resonated strongly throughout the show floor, emphasising how collaboration across borders and sectors creates new opportunities for inclusive and resilient tourism growth.

"The outstanding turnout and record-breaking number of exhibitors are clear indicators of ATM's crucial role in shaping the future of global tourism and connectivity."

Strong growth across global regions

Growth has been observed across all show verticals, with regional year-on-year increases in the following areas: the Middle East (19%), Asia (20%), Europe (17%), and Africa (21%).

Notably, Asia is the fastest-growing region at ATM 2025, with exhibitor participation rising an impressive 20% year-on-year. This growth has been fueled by enhanced regional connectivity and strengthened relationships with international markets.

Outside of the UAE and wider GCC markets, the top ten registered international markets for ATM 2025 are as follows: India (6%), Türkiye (3.2%), United Kingdom (3%), Egypt (3%), United States (2%), China (1.5%), Sri Lanka (1%), Spain (1%), Maldives (1%) and Pakistan (1%).

ATM Travel Tech has grown by over 26% this year, reflecting the sector's increasing integration with technology. A newly launched Start-Up and Innovation Zone showcased 21 groundbreaking companies redefining travel and an immersive VR experience for visitors to explore transformative solutions in the industry.

Source: Supplied

Hospitality sector and business events thrive

The hotel segment at ATM 2025 has experienced a 12% year-on-year growth, with all major international hotel chains represented, while the ATM conference featured over 70 sessions and showcased insights from more than 200 esteemed speakers on the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the new Business Events Stage, which is part of IBTM@ATM.

The IBTM@ATM event was officially launched, with a dedicated zone for business event professionals. It featured insights from prominent organisations such as the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), and the World Energy Council, along with contributions from tourism and event industry leaders from around the globe.