Arabian Travel Market 2025 To Focus On Global Connectivity, Expects Record Participation

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is preparing to host a diverse international audience at its upcoming event, scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1.

ATM 2025 will focus on the theme "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity," emphasizing the role of connectivity in shaping the future of travel, WAM reported.

The event is projected to welcome over 47,000 visitors and feature more than 2,600 exhibitors representing 161 destinations worldwide. This year's edition is expected to see increased participation from major regions such as Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

This growth highlights the ongoing recovery and rising interest in the global tourism industry. Recent data from the World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism shows that around 1.4 billion international tourists traveled worldwide in 2024, marking an 11% rise compared to the previous year.

Furthermore, total earnings from tourism, including passenger transport, hit a record high of $1.9 trillion. The report also highlighted that the Middle East experienced the strongest growth compared to 2019, with international arrivals increasing by 32% from pre-pandemic levels.

Looking ahead, global tourism is expected to continue growing, with international arrivals projected to rise by 3% to 5% in 2025.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said that Asia is experiencing the fastest growth at ATM 2025, with the number of exhibitors expected to increase by 27% compared to the previous year.

This expansion is mainly due to improved regional connections and stronger ties with international markets, creating more business opportunities. The growth is driven not only by national tourism organizations but also by regional and city-level destinations, along with increased participation from the private sector.

ATM 2025, organized in partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre, has several key strategic partners. These include Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as the Official Destination Management Company (DMC) Partner.

Last week, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and Spain's Air Europa are set to enter into a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing their business operations. Beginning in the summer of 2025, Etihad will increase its daily flights to Madrid, Air Europa's primary hub, offering two flights per day.