As global tourism continues its upward trajectory, upcoming edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is poised to be our largest and most diverse edition yet, reflecting the growing momentum of the travel and tourism industry.
The latest figures from UN Tourism’s World Tourism Barometer underscore this positive trend. Last year, global international arrivals reached 1.4 billion, marking an 11 per cent increase over 2023 and tourism-generated export revenues, including passenger transport, hit a record $1.9 trillion. One of the major highlights of ATM 2025 is the remarkable growth of Asian participation, which I’m pleased to report has increased by 27 per cent year-on-year. This surge is largely fuelled by improved regional connectivity, new air routes and stronger cross-border collaborations. To provide some specifics, India has seen an impressive 41 per cent rise in participation, reflecting the country’s booming travel sector. Participating Asian destinations such as Japan, Macao, the Maldives, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India, along with India’s Ministry of Tourism and leading airline carriers, also play an important role in Asia’s expanded presence at the event. Participation from the Middle East has increased by 17 per cent this year, a region where tourism is flourishing due to strategic investments, government initiatives and the development of large-scale projects, some of which, including Qiddiya and Dubai Expo City, will be showcased at the event. Meanwhile, Europe's participation in ATM has grown by 12 per cent, driven by its rich cultural diversity and increasing focus on sustainable tourism. Participation from Africa and the Americas is also up by 21 per cent and 18 per cent, respectively, showing steady engagement from key stakeholders across both regions. This year, ATM will focus on the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, exploring how infrastructure, technology and partnerships are shaping the future of the industry. The event is expected to attract over 47,000 attendees and will feature three key content platforms, the Global Stage, Future Stage and the all-new Business Events Stage. With over 180 speakers across 68 conference sessions, the ATM Conference Programme will explore a wide range of topics, from AI and market trends to groundbreaking advancements in connectivity. The programme will also spotlight high-growth regions such as Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), and India. As ATM continues to expand its global reach, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity for industry leaders to forge new partnerships, discover market trends, and drive innovation. With global tourism on an upward trajectory, Dubai is once again set to host an event that not only reflects the industry’s resilience but also sets the stage for its continued evolution in the years to come. ATM 2025 is more than just an exhibition, it is a platform to elevate the global travel and tourism industries to new heights. * Danielle is Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market