ATM 2025 in Dubai: What to expect from the largest edition yet with new zones and bigger ideas
Over 55,000 attendees expected from 161 countries at DWTC event
DUBAI: With just days to go, the global tourism industry is setting its sights on Dubai for the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), returning to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 28 April to 1 May 2025.
This landmark event, organised by RX Global, is poised to be the largest in ATM history – both in scale and impact.
Over 55,000 attendees are expected from 161 countries, including high-value buyers, exhibitors, government representatives, and travel professionals from across all tourism verticals. The event will host more than 2,800 exhibiting companies, a 12% increase from last year, and now spans 14 halls – a clear sign of its growing influence on the global tourism landscape.
Global travel
Held under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, ATM 2025 puts the spotlight on the vital role of connectivity — not only in physical travel but also in digital and human connections that drive industry innovation and resilience.
This year’s show sees significant growth across every major region. Asia leads with a 20% year-on-year increase in exhibitors, followed by the Middle East with 15%, Europe at 12%, and steady growth from Africa and the Americas. These surges reflect the rising demand for enhanced regional and international collaboration.
Dubai, strategically located at the crossroads of global travel, continues to reinforce its position as a gateway to the world's fastest-growing tourism markets. Its world-renowned aviation sector, coupled with its diverse experiences and favourable business environment, make it the ideal backdrop for an event of this scale.
Strategic collaboration
During a press conference hosted at voco Dubai by IHG, ATM’s strategic partners – the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Al Rais Travel – provided updates on what promises to be a dynamic and game-changing edition of ATM.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Dubai is proud to continue its strategic collaboration with ATM. The theme this year reflects Dubai’s vision under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, with tourism as a key pillar. Our participation includes over 125 stakeholders and a robust Hosted Buyers Programme with over 300 buyers from 39 countries.”
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, said the airline is aligned with this year’s theme. “ATM continues to be an important platform for Emirates. Since last year, our global network and partnerships have expanded significantly, and ATM gives us the ideal opportunity to showcase this momentum.”
New zones and features
One of the most anticipated additions to ATM this year is IBTM@ATM, a new zone focused exclusively on the business events sector. This area will feature prescheduled appointments and a dedicated Business Events Stage where industry experts will share insights on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) growth strategies.
Also expanding this year is ATM Travel Tech, which sees a 26% rise in the number of featured products. A new Start-Up and Innovation Zone will spotlight emerging travel technology and offer attendees an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience – a peek into the future of tech-powered tourism.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Connectivity sits at the heart of our growth strategy. ATM is a platform for us to demonstrate not only our expanding portfolio, but also how we’re elevating guest experiences through innovation and partnership.”
Industry insights
With over 200 speakers across more than 70 sessions, ATM’s three main content hubs – the Global Stage, the Future Stage and the Business Events Stage – will offer expert-led panels, keynote addresses, and deep dives into travel’s most pressing trends.
Topics on the agenda include climate-conscious travel, artificial intelligence in tourism, hospitality innovation, future aviation developments, and sustainability-driven strategies. These discussions will help shape a more connected, responsible, and adaptable industry.
Mohamed Al Rais, Executive Director of Al Rais Travel, noted that the event’s theme perfectly reflects the travel industry’s forward-looking direction. “We are proud to be the Official DMC Partner once again. Through enhanced connectivity, we aim to foster more seamless, meaningful, and innovative travel experiences.”
Arabian Travel Week
Held as part of Arabian Travel Week, which runs from 28 April to 4 May, ATM 2025 also features a week-long calendar of events, including the Start-Up Competition, GBTA Business Travel Forums, ATM Buyer Networking, and influencers' gatherings.
The ATM platform has become a key annual calendar highlight not only for travel professionals but also for governments and private-sector entities aiming to strengthen regional and international partnerships. It enables deals, builds trust, and identifies fresh market opportunities, with previous editions generating over USD 2.5 billion in industry agreements.
Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director – Travel Sector at RX Global, expressed excitement at the scale of the upcoming event. “As a fast-moving, cosmopolitan crossroads linking high-growth markets with world-class infrastructure, Dubai offers the perfect setting for ATM to reflect the pace and pulse of the global travel industry.”
With the stage set and the industry poised for what promises to be a transformative four days, ATM 2025 is not just a trade event – it's a global meeting point where the future of travel and tourism takes shape.