Arabian Travel Market 2025 to Attract 55,000 Visitors, Focus on Connectivity

DUBAI – Organisers of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) expect more than 55,000 attendees from 161 countries at the 32nd edition of the event, which opens next week at Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity.”

RX Global, the organiser, held a press conference on Wednesday alongside strategic partners — the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Al Rais Travel — to preview key features of ATM 2025, which runs from April 28 to May 1.

This year’s edition is set to be the largest in the event’s history, with over 2,800 exhibiting companies, a 12% rise from 2024. International participation makes up 83% of exhibitors, while 17% are from the Middle East. Fourteen halls will host business leaders from across the travel ecosystem, including sectors such as MICE, leisure, luxury, and corporate travel.

ATM 2025 will also feature expanded conference programming across three stages, with more than 200 speakers in 70 sessions discussing topics such as aviation, hospitality trends, climate action, and the role of AI in tourism.

“Connectivity is the driving force behind the future of tourism,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for the Middle East. “This year, we’re seeing record growth in participation from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.”

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism will showcase over 125 partners at the event, while its Hosted Buyers Programme is set to bring 300 buyers from 39 countries to experience the city’s tourism offerings firsthand.

His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said Dubai’s collaboration with ATM supports the city’s broader economic agenda and vision for sustainable tourism growth. “Our participation this year will highlight not only physical connectivity but the digital and human links that continue to shape the future of travel,” he said.

New additions to this year’s event include IBTM@ATM, a dedicated business events zone featuring prescheduled appointments, networking sessions, and a new Business Events Stage. ATM Travel Tech will also expand, with a 26% increase in showcased products and the introduction of a Startup and Innovation zone focused on tech-driven solutions for the travel industry.

Emirates, the event’s Official Airline Partner, will use the show to highlight its global network and expansion strategy. “ATM remains a cornerstone in our calendar,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer. “It provides an excellent platform for partnerships, innovation, and collaboration.”

IHG Hotels & Resorts, ATM’s Official Hotel Partner, echoed the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of hospitality. “Connectivity is central to creating memorable guest experiences and driving sustainable growth,” said Haitham Mattar, IHG Managing Director.

As the Official DMC Partner, Al Rais Travel emphasised the value of partnerships in promoting regional tourism. “Our role goes beyond facilitating travel — we’re building lasting connections that power the future of tourism,” said Executive Director Mohamed Al Rais.

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director at RX Global, said the growth of ATM reflects Dubai’s position as a global hub for travel and business. “We look forward to welcoming the world to Dubai next week to explore the next chapter of global tourism.