The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, a leading global event for the travel and tourism sector, has successfully drawn more than 55 000 professionals from 166 countries. This attendance reflects a significant 16 percent increase compared to the previous year. The event showcased over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19 percent from the Middle East and 81 percent from other regions of the world.

This year’s ATM was themed “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity.” The focus was on how tourism’s future will be shaped by improved connectivity across borders, industries, and communities. The event took place from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The exhibition was graced by high-profile attendees, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. He received a detailed overview of the key themes and innovations presented. Other dignitaries, such as His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, were also actively involved in exploring the event’s highlights.

Danielle Curtis, the exhibition director for the Middle East at Arabian Travel Market, expressed pride in welcoming a dynamic community of travel professionals. She noted that this year’s theme resonated strongly, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across borders and sectors for promoting inclusive and resilient tourism growth. The record turnout and number of exhibitors were highlighted as clear indicators of ATM’s vital role in shaping the future of global tourism and connectivity.

Significant growth was seen across all show verticals, particularly in the Middle East, which recorded a 19 percent year-on-year increase. Other regions also showed impressive growth, including Asia at 20 percent, Europe at 17 percent, and Africa at 21 percent. Asia was noted as the fastest-growing region at ATM 2025, benefiting from enhanced regional connectivity and stronger international market ties.

The top ten registered international markets for ATM 2025 included India at 6 percent, Türkiye at 3.2 percent, and the United Kingdom at 3 percent, among others.

Additionally, ATM Travel Tech grew by over 26 percent this year, highlighting the sector’s increasing integration with technology. A newly introduced Start-Up and Innovation Zone featured 21 innovative companies, offering an immersive VR experience for visitors to explore transformative solutions in the industry.

The hotel segment at ATM 2025 experienced a 12 percent year-on-year growth, with all major international hotel chains represented. The ATM Conference included over 70 sessions with insights from more than 200 esteemed speakers across various stages, including the new Business Events Stage part of IBTM@ATM.

IBTM@ATM was officially launched to create a dedicated zone for business event professionals, featuring insights from organizations like the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), among other industry leaders.