UKinbound, a leading travel trade association, has returned to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 to host the official UK tourism stand, in collaboration with 16 tourism businesses from across the United Kingdom.
The four-day event is being held in Dubai, where UKinbound and VisitBritain are working together to promote the UK as a top destination for travellers from the Middle East, India, and Africa.
Delegates visiting the UK stand will learn why 2025 is a landmark year for the country, with several major cultural milestones and new tourism launches. Highlights include:
The 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, celebrated with immersive events.
The 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
Bradford named as the UK City of Culture.
Hosting of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Launch of new hotels, food halls, tours, and attractions across the country.
‘Starring GREAT Britain’
VisitBritain recently launched its global ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ campaign across major visitor markets, including the GCC. The campaign promotes the UK as a filming destination and encourages travel through film-inspired itineraries. These cover genres from romance to fantasy, helping tourists explore more regional areas and extend their stays.
GCC nationals can now travel more easily to the UK, following the 2024 launch of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA allows unlimited visits over two years for £16, streamlining entry and lowering costs for Middle Eastern travellers.
VisitBritain projects 1.4 million GCC visits to the UK in 2025, generating £3.5 billion in spending—a 25% increase compared to 2024.
Joss Croft OBE, CEO of UKinbound, said: “It is fantastic to be back again in Dubai, showcasing the depth and breadth of UK tourism product to international visitors. We have a brilliant selection of UK tourism companies exhibiting on the UK stand, ready to do business with the Middle East, India and African markets.
“The UK is the perfect place to visit in 2025. The roll-out of our ETA also means a visit to the UK is now smoother, more cost effective and even easier for Middle Eastern visitors.”
Gary Robson, Director for Middle East, India and Europe at VisitBritain, added: “We’re proud to once again be partnering with UKinbound at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, showcasing Britain’s fantastic tourism offer to buyers from across the GCC.”
“From exploring our vibrant cities, world-class attractions and stunning countryside, to enjoying our exciting contemporary culture and hospitality, ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ inspires visitors to put themselves in the picture, discover more and book a trip to Britain right now.”
UKinbound and its partners are exhibiting in European Hall 5, Stand EU6129 at ATM 2025, which runs from 28 April to 1 May at Dubai World Trade Centre.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
