Dubai Tourism Reports 3% Year-on-Year Growth During First Quarter Of 2025

Dubai's tourism sector has seen a 3% increase in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing. This growth follows a significant 9% rise in visitor numbers in 2024, with approximately 18.72 million overnight visitors recorded. Kazim shared these insights during a press conference organised by RX Global, ahead of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) event.

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is set to take place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event will feature over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with participants from 161 countries. This year's edition marks a nearly 12% increase in exhibitor participation, making it the largest ATM to date. The theme for this year is "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity," focusing on how connectivity will shape the future of tourism.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for the Middle East at ATM, highlighted that connectivity is crucial for the future of travel and tourism. She emphasised that collaboration among stakeholders like governments, airlines, and hospitality leaders is essential for a sustainable industry. The show anticipates increased participation from regions such as Asia and the Middle East, reflecting growing global demand.

Dubai continues its strategic partnership with ATM as its host destination, underscoring its commitment to being a leading global city for business and leisure. This aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33's goals. Major events like ATM are vital to Dubai's tourism strategy as they promote innovation and new economic opportunities beyond traditional pathways.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism will be joined by over 125 stakeholders at ATM 2025. They aim to showcase Dubai's dynamic ecosystem and collaborative spirit in tourism. Through their Hosted Buyers Programme, more than 300 buyers from 39 countries will experience Dubai's hospitality firsthand.

Participants at ATM can expect to engage with global leaders and industry experts while exploring transformative trends in travel and tourism. The event serves as a platform for forming new partnerships that will shape the industry's future.

Dubai: A Hub for Global Travel

Dubai's position as a hub for global travel is reinforced by its world-class aviation sector and diverse attractions. Its favourable business environment makes it an ideal location for industry leaders to collaborate and innovate in travel and tourism.

The Arabian Travel Market enables participants to secure deals worth USD2.5 billion while discovering emerging opportunities within the travel ecosystem. It brings together professionals from various sectors including leisure, business events (MICE), luxury, and corporate travel.

This year's ATM expects notable growth in participation from key regions such as Asia, which is projected to see a 20% increase in exhibitors. The Middle East has grown by over 15%, Europe by over 12%, while Africa and the Americas continue steady growth.

The success of Dubai’s tourism sector reflects visionary leadership and strong public-private partnerships that drive progress forward. As one of the fastest-growing travel markets globally, Dubai remains an ideal location for exploring connectivity's power within this thriving industry.

With inputs from WAM