Arabian Travel Market 2025: Spotlight on connectivity in tourism
ATM serves not only as a marketplace for business opportunities but also as a platform for knowledge sharing and networking among industry professionals.
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is set to return to the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1, 2025, under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity.”
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for Arabian Travel Market, emphasizes that connectivity transcends technology. “It also involves creating communities that serve as important centres for trade and tourism,” she states. This approach aims to foster collaboration and innovation, ensuring that tourism in the coming years is sustainable and inclusive.
With over 47,000 attendees expected from more than 161 countries, this event will feature an extensive conference programme with regional and international experts sharing insights on emerging trends.
This annual event, now in its 32nd year, has established itself as the leading international travel and tourism platform in the Middle East, uniting industry leaders and professionals from various sectors, including leisure, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), luxury, and corporate travel.
Dubai’s booming tourism landscape
Dubai's allure as a travel destination continues to grow, having welcomed a record 9.31 million international overnight visitors in the first half of 2024, representing a 9% increase from the previous year.
The city's strategic initiatives, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aim to position Dubai as a top urban economy and a premier destination for business and leisure.
The government’s commitment to enhancing urban living through smart city initiatives further solidifies Dubai's status as a tourism hub.
With its world-class attractions and renowned hospitality, Dubai attracts a diverse international audience, contributing significantly to its economic growth and global standing.
Global tourism recovery on the horizon
On a broader scale, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) anticipates a robust recovery for the global travel and tourism industry, predicting an economic contribution of USD 11.1 trillion and 348 million jobs worldwide.
By 2034, this sector is expected to employ 449 million people globally. These projections highlight the increasing economic impact of travel and underscore the importance of connectivity, global collaboration, and sustainable practices.
Curtis adds, “These figures underscore the increasing economic influence of travel and tourism and signify strong industry recovery and growth. In the coming years, connectivity, global collaboration, and the increase in sustainable travel practices are expected to shape the industry's trajectory. Topics that will be high on the agenda at ATM 2025.”
Strategic partner
Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.