DUBAI: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 is set to highlight the surging luxury tourism sector as it returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May.
The event, a premier gathering for the global travel industry, will bring together leading hospitality brands, tourism boards, and industry experts to explore the evolving trends shaping high-end travel.
With demand for luxury travel on the rise, new research from McKinsey and Company indicates that the industry is projected to grow from USD239 billion in 2023 to USD391 billion by 2028. This surge is driven by the increasing number of high-net-worth individuals worldwide and a growing group of affluent travellers prioritising premium experiences.
Rising demand
The luxury tourism boom is particularly evident in the GCC region, which recorded international tourism revenues of USD110.4 billion in 2023. Recent data from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf highlights that 38 percent of tourists to the region originated from Asia-Pacific, followed by the Middle East (25.1 percent), Europe (22.9 percent), Africa (8.8 percent), and the Americas (4.3 percent).
Reflecting this trend, ATM 2025 will see a 27 percent rise in exhibitors from Asia, as National Tourism Organisations from countries such as Japan, Maldives, South Korea, India, and Thailand expand their presence. In addition, regional tourism boards from destinations like Goa, Phuket, Hong Kong, and Jakarta are set to showcase their luxury offerings.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “The surge in inbound tourism from Asia presents a significant opportunity for the Middle East, particularly in the luxury segment. ATM 2025 will feature key Asian destinations and brands looking to capitalise on this growing demand.”
Luxury growth
To accommodate high-net-worth travellers, the GCC region continues to expand its hospitality infrastructure, with 400,000 new hotel rooms expected by 2030. The past decade alone saw an addition of 35,000 rooms across the region, reinforcing its position as a global luxury travel hub.
ATM 2025 will feature leading high-end hospitality brands, including Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Mandarin Oriental, One&Only, Kempinski Hotels, The Address Hotels & Resorts, and Jumeirah International. The event will also welcome Peru, marking its return to ATM after a decade, with highlights such as luxury glamping in the Ica Desert, Amazon cruises, and luxury train journeys through the Andes.
Luxury travel is evolving beyond opulent accommodations, with travellers now seeking cultural, artistic, and adventure-driven experiences. Hospitality brands are responding by integrating exclusive and immersive elements into their offerings, while sustainability is becoming a key focus. In the GCC, hotels are increasingly adopting eco-friendly initiatives to align with the growing preference for responsible luxury travel.
Enhanced connectivity
Improved accessibility is further driving luxury tourism, with emerging destinations benefitting from expanded flight routes and the development of boutique hotels, eco-resorts, and private retreats. This aligns with ATM 2025’s central theme, "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity," which will explore how better transport links are fostering a more integrated and sustainable travel industry.
Mastercard’s Affluent Travel Report, unveiled at last year’s ATM, identified the Middle East and North Africa as the leading market for luxury outbound travel, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia emerging as key source markets. Separate research from Mastercard in 2023 highlighted that GCC travellers are among the highest spenders globally, with Kuwaiti visitors to Paris spending five times more than their American counterparts.
Curtis added, “Luxury outbound travel remains a major focus for the MENA region, and ATM 2025 will offer invaluable insights, networking opportunities, and expert-led sessions on emerging trends. For those looking to tap into this high-value market, ATM 2025 is an essential event.”
The ATM 2025 Conference Programme will feature top hospitality executives and industry experts discussing key trends in luxury travel. Sessions include "Generational Trends Influencing Hyper-Personalisation in Luxury," led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, alongside Fairmont and Minor Hotels. Another key session, "Retaining High-Net-Worth Travellers by Redesigning Their Experience," will feature speakers from Kempinski, Banyan Tree Holdings, GSIQ, and Matter of Form.
As the leading global event for the Middle East’s inbound and outbound travel industry, ATM is expected to welcome over 47,000 attendees this year. Generating Dh2.5 billion in annual deals, the event remains a cornerstone of the global travel and tourism industry, connecting destinations and hospitality brands with travel trade professionals from around the world.
Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner, Emirates as Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner.