Dubai gears up for ATM 2025 with over 2,600 exhibitors from 161 nations
Asia leads growth as global tourism hits 1.4 billion arrivals
DUBAI: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 is set to welcome a record-breaking international presence as the travel and tourism sector continues its upward trajectory.
Scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May, this year’s edition will see participation from over 2,600 exhibitors representing more than 161 countries.
According to the latest World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, global international tourist arrivals surged to 1.4 billion in 2024, marking an 11 percent increase from the previous year. The industry also saw record export revenues of USD1.9 trillion, highlighting its growing economic impact. The Middle East led the global recovery, with international arrivals soaring 32 percent above pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Projections indicate further growth in 2025, with international arrivals expected to rise by three to five percent.
Asia’s expanding presence
Asia has emerged as the fastest-growing region at ATM 2025, with participation increasing by 27 percent compared to last year. India leads the charge with a remarkable 41 percent surge in participation, reflecting the rapid expansion of its tourism industry. The Indian Ministry of Tourism, alongside major airline carriers and regional tourism boards from Rajasthan, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh, will showcase the country’s diverse travel offerings.
Other Asian destinations making a strong impact at ATM include Japan, Macao, the Maldives, Mauritius, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Cambodia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Exhibition Director ME of ATM, Danielle Curtis, attributed this growth to improved regional connectivity and enhanced collaboration with international markets.
Middle East and Europe strengthen footprint
The Middle East continues to solidify its standing as a global tourism hub, with exhibitor participation growing by 17 percent. Saudi Arabia’s presence remains strong, featuring its ambitious giga projects and contributions from key private sector players. The Kingdom’s tourism sector has been expanding at an unprecedented rate, with Vision 2030 driving major developments in leisure, hospitality, and cultural tourism.
Europe is also showing steady growth, with a 12 percent increase in participation. Leading European destinations and hospitality brands will be engaging with industry professionals at ATM, highlighting the continent’s evolving tourism trends. Meanwhile, exhibitor participation from Africa and the Americas remains consistent with last year’s figures.
Arabian Travel Market 2025
This year’s theme, Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity, will explore the future of travel through expanded regional and international cooperation. Over 47,000 attendees are expected to gather at the event, where discussions will focus on industry trends, investment opportunities, and the evolving traveller landscape.
ATM 2025 will feature three dedicated stages: the Global Stage, the Future Stage, and the newly introduced Business Events Stage. More than 200 high-profile speakers will participate across 60 conference sessions, covering diverse topics including Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), and India as key source markets. Euromonitor International will present an in-depth session on APAC travel trends, while industry experts will provide insights into opportunities within LATAM and India’s emerging traveller demographics.
Arabian Travel Market 2025 is organised in conjunction with the Dubai World Trade Centre and supported by key strategic partners. These include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.
Now in its 32nd year, ATM continues to be the premier platform for global travel and tourism professionals, driving innovation, partnerships, and industry growth. As part of Arabian Travel Week, the event will also host dedicated forums on MICE, travel technology, influencer marketing, and start-up innovations, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global tourism and business hub.