ATM 2025 Attracts Over 55,000 Attendees With Significant Growth In Global Travel Sector

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 has attracted over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, marking a 16% rise compared to last year. This event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featured more than 2,800 exhibitors. Of these, 19% were from the Middle East, while the remaining 81% came from other regions worldwide.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the exhibition and was briefed on its key themes and innovations. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also explored the show floor to see highlights of this year's edition. The event's theme, "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity," was central throughout.

The ATM 2025 theme emphasised how connectivity across borders and industries will shape tourism's future. Organised by RX Global, the event ran from April 28 to May 1. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at Arabian Travel Market, noted that collaboration across sectors creates new opportunities for inclusive tourism growth.

Growth was evident across all show verticals with notable increases in participation from various regions: Middle East (19%), Asia (20%), Europe (17%), and Africa (21%). Asia emerged as the fastest-growing region with a remarkable 20% increase in exhibitor participation year-on-year.

This year saw ATM Travel Tech grow by over 26%, highlighting technology's increasing role in travel. A new Start-Up and Innovation Zone introduced visitors to 21 pioneering companies offering transformative solutions through immersive VR experiences.

The hotel segment experienced a 12% growth compared to last year, with all major international hotel chains participating. The ATM Conference included over 70 sessions featuring insights from more than 200 speakers on various stages like the Global Stage and Future Stage.

International Participation and Key Markets

Outside the UAE and GCC markets, top international markets registered for ATM 2025 included 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%).

The IBTM@ATM event launched with a dedicated zone for business event professionals. It featured insights from organisations such as ICCA, GBTA, and World Energy Council alongside contributions from global tourism leaders.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum officially inaugurated ATM 2025. He is President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Airline Group. Several dignitaries attended throughout the four-day event to witness its success firsthand.

The outstanding turnout at ATM underscores its vital role in shaping global tourism's future through enhanced connectivity. The record-breaking number of exhibitors reflects this significance as well as the industry's resilience amid evolving challenges.

With inputs from WAM