Anticipated Increase in Record-Setting Participation for the Arabian Travel Market 2025
Arabian Travel Market 2025 Emphasizes Regional Tourism Growth
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, set to take place in Dubai from 4-7 May 2026, has already made a significant impact with its 2025 edition. This year's event, themed "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity," has seen a surge in registrations, a 104% increase compared to the same period last year [1].
Danielle Curtis, the Exhibition Director ME for the Arabian Travel Market, emphasized the event's importance in driving economic growth. ATM 2025 highlighted major events like global sports tournaments, cultural festivals, and music events as key features driving tourism growth and economic development across the Middle East [4]. Experts believe these events play a pivotal role in accelerating international tourism, with the GCC’s event and exhibition market projected to grow significantly by 2029.
The event featured over 2,800 companies from 161 global destinations, attracting more than 55,000 attendees, including over 37,000 visitors and over 7,000 distinguished buyers [1]. International attendees accounted for 52% of total registrations [1].
One of the new additions to ATM 2025 was the Start-up and Innovation Zone, which showcased emerging travel technologies and innovations through an immersive VR experience [2].
Oman's pavilion notably won the Best Stand award at ATM 2025 in the national pavilions category, signaling its strong participation and appeal [5]. The broader GCC region, notably UAE and Saudi Arabia, also garnered attention due to their event-hosting capabilities.
The growing Middle East market for business travel, general leisure tourism, luxury travel, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) was another focus of ATM 2025 [1]. Digital platforms like ATW Connect were highlighted as essential for keeping the travel industry connected and informed [1].
Besides the UAE, the top registered countries for ATM 2025 were India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. Remarkable visitor growth from Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East was observed in last year's ATM edition [1]. In the GCC, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait experienced notable increases in registrations for ATM 2025.
ATM is a vital platform for global travel trade professionals, with a 23% growth in ATM Travel Tech, attracting decision-makers and industry leaders. Notable participants include Booking.com, TripAdvisor, dnata Travel Group, Agoda, and Skyscanner [3].
India's outbound travel market and expanding aviation sector contribute to its prominence in ATM 2025 registrations. UAE and GCC visitors make up 48% of total registrations for ATM 2025 [1].
In conclusion, the key features of ATM 2025 are major events fueling tourism and economic growth, digital connectivity for the industry, and the prominence of MICE alongside leisure travel. Top countries highlighted include Oman (with award-winning pavilion) and the broader GCC region, notably UAE and Saudi Arabia, driven by their event-hosting capabilities.
[1] Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 Registrations Surge, https://www.atm.com/news/atm-2025-registrations-surge-by-104-compared-to-the-same-period-last-year [2] New Additions to ATM 2025 Include the Start-up and Innovation Zone, https://www.atm.com/news/new-additions-to-atm-2025-include-the-start-up-and-innovation-zone [3] Booking.com, TripAdvisor, dnata Travel Group, Agoda, and Skyscanner to Participate in ATM Travel Tech, https://www.atm.com/news/booking-com-tripadvisor-dnata-travel-group-agoda-and-skyscanner-to-participate-in-atm-travel-tech [4] ATM 2025: Major Events Fueling Tourism and Economic Growth, https://www.atm.com/news/atm-2025-major-events-fueling-tourism-and-economic-growth [5] Oman's Pavilion Wins Best Stand Award at ATM 2025, https://www.atm.com/news/oman-s-pavilion-wins-best-stand-award-at-atm-2025
