Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) to enhance its focus on business events.
As the official Business Events Partner for ATM 2025, ICCA will lead sessions on industry trends, sustainability, digital transformation, and AI integration. The partnership aims to attract international association buyers and showcase the Middle East’s capacity for hosting large-scale congresses.
ICCA will also launch an exclusive government meeting ranking report at ATM, highlighting the region’s growing influence in the business events arena. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been recognised as top cities for association meetings in recent years.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Our partnership with ICCA reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional value to the business events sector, which has always been a cornerstone of ATM. We look forward to leveraging ICCA’s global network and insights to deliver unparalleled value to our exhibitors and attendees as we explore the future of business events, particularly in the rapidly expanding international market.”
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts a strong recovery in the business events sector, with spending expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024. Dubai has already secured 175 international business events in the first half of 2024, showcasing its growing importance as a key destination.
Dr Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, added: “We are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership between ICCA and ATM. ICCA will create enhanced value with regard to business and knowledge at Arabian Travel Market. This collaboration represents a significant step toward driving meaningful business engagements, with dedicated sessions, research reports, and networking opportunities for key stakeholders.
“Together, we aim to bring the best of the Business Events to ATM, fostering connections that will leave a lasting impact. The strategic partnership also highlights ICCA’s commitment to sharing exclusive insights on the global meetings industry and future best practices. We look forward to an exciting and productive journey ahead.”
IBTM @ ATM, a dedicated zone for business events suppliers, will debut at ATM 2025. This initiative will feature a conference programme tailored to the industry’s latest trends and developments.
The 32nd edition of ATM will focus on “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity.” The event brings together professionals from the leisure, MICE, luxury, and corporate travel sectors to network, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities.