The 32nd edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) opens today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring over 2,800 exhibitors and attracting more than 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries.
Global representation at ATM 2025
International exhibitors make up 67% of the event, highlighting ATM’s growing global significance. Meanwhile, 33% of exhibitors are from the Middle East, underlining the region’s vital role in the travel industry.
This year’s theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, explores how connectivity across borders and industries is shaping a more sustainable and inclusive travel industry.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for ATM Middle East, stated, “ATM 2025 is on track to break records in both attendance and exhibitor participation.” She added, “This week, we look forward to welcoming travel professionals from all sectors, including leisure, business events, luxury, and corporate travel.”
Expansion and new features
To accommodate growing interest, ATM 2025 has added two new halls and introduced three content stages: the Global Stage, Future Stage, and Business Events Stage. Key new features include IBTM@ATM, a business events zone, and ATM Travel Tech, focusing on technology’s role in the travel industry.
Asia has seen a 20% year-on-year increase in exhibitor participation, driven by enhanced regional connectivity. Featured destinations include Japan, the Maldives, South Korea, India, Thailand, and more, reflecting Asia’s rising global influence.
India’s growing presence
India’s participation has surged by 30%, with exhibitors from key regions like Goa, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, as well as airlines such as Air India.
Over 52% of ATM visitors are from international markets. The top five international markets are India, Egypt, the UK, Türkiye, and the USA. UAE and GCC visitors contribute 48% of the total attendance.
Philip M. Barnes, CEO of Rotana, shared, “As the official registration partner, Rotana is thrilled to showcase the region and our strong industry partnerships at ATM.”
ATM Travel Tech has grown by 23%, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in travel technology. It features thought-leadership discussions, including a session by Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr, on AI adoption in business strategies.
Start-up and innovation zone
A new Start-Up and Innovation Zone will highlight the next wave of travel pioneers, featuring an immersive VR experience. The Start-Up Pitch Battle will return for the fourth year, spotlighting the most innovative minds in the Middle East.
IBTM@ATM, a new zone dedicated to business events, will connect buyers with a wide range of exhibitors including venues, airlines, and tourism boards. The Business Events Stage will host insightful sessions on strategies for growth in corporate travel.
The renowned ATM Conference will feature over 200 experts across three stages. Notable sessions include one from Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, on the impact of global events on socio-economic growth, and discussions on microtrends in travel from leaders at Booking.com, dnata Travel, and Airbnb.
ATM 2025 is supported by strategic partners: the Dubai 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.
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tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
