Arabian Travel Market (ATM), an event attended by more than 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, representing a 16% increase on last year’s edition, has taken place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The event showcased over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19% from the Middle East and 81% from the rest of the world and was attended by dignitaries including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.
For 2025, the Market’s theme was centred on connectivity and how it will shape the future of tourism across borders, industries and communities. The topic “resonated strongly throughout the show floor, emphasising how collaboration across borders and sectors creates new opportunities for inclusive and resilient tourism growth,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, who added: “ The outstanding turnout and record-breaking number of exhibitors are clear indicators of ATM’s crucial role in shaping the future of global tourism and connectivity.”
Attendees by region
When it comes to attendee provenance, regional year-on-year increases were recorded in the Middle East (19%), Asia (20%), Europe (17%), and Africa (21%). Notably, Asia is the fastest-growing region at ATM 2025, with exhibitor participation boosted by 20% year-on-year. The growth has been “fueled by enhanced regional connectivity and strengthened relationships with international markets,” a press release said.
Africa | ██████████████████████ 21%
Asia | ████████████████████ 20%
Middle East | ███████████████████ 19%
Europe | █████████████████ 17%
Day 1 of #ATMDubai25 was packed with bold ideas and inspiring moments!
— ATM Dubai (@ATMDubai) April 28, 2025
Register now to join us for the remaining days and be part of shaping the future of travel! ➡️https://t.co/QGzWCbFSWv pic.twitter.com/5R3MpO4Dqu
Beyond the UAE and wider GCC markets, the top ten registered international markets for ATM 2025 were:
India | █████████████████████████████ 6.0%
Türkiye | ██████████████████ 3.2%
United Kingdom | █████████████████ 3.0%
Egypt | █████████████████ 3.0%
United States | ████████████ 2.0%
China | █████████ 1.5%
Sri Lanka | ████████ 1.0%
Spain | ████████ 1.0%
Maldives | ████████ 1.0%
Pakistan | ████████ 1.0%
Hoteliers
Meanwhile the hotel segment at ATM 2025 saw 12% year-on-year growth, with all major international hotel chains represented. The ATM Conference featured over 70 sessions and showcased insights from more than 200 speakers on the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the new Business Events Stage, which is part of IBTM@ATM.
Guy Hutchinson, President MEA at Hilton, said: “The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions for Hilton in the world and is a blueprint for how to develop a sustainable tourism infrastructure. The UAE has gone from developing a tourism industry to exporting its strategy to the world.”
Travel Tech and Business Zone
Travel Tech grew by over 26% this year, a figure which ATM claims is a reflection of “the sector’s increasing integration with technology.” A newly-launched Start-Up and Innovation Zone showcased 21 companies and an immersive VR experience for visitors to explore “transformative solutions” in the industry.
What’s more, the “IBTM@ATM” event was officially launched, described as “a dedicated zone for business event professionals.” It featured insights from prominent organisations such as the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), and the World Energy Council, along with contributions from tourism and event industry leaders from around the globe.
