Dubai's Tourism Industry Registers Q1 Growth in Preparation for the Record-Breaking Arabian Travel Market in 2025
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is gearing up for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, an event that underscores the city's role as a hub for tourism investment and a global hub for tourism innovation. Scheduled to run from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this year's edition is expected to be the largest yet, hosting over 2,800 exhibitors and welcoming more than 55,000 attendees from 161 countries.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, shared this update during a press conference ahead of the event. He emphasized that the theme of ATM 2025, "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity," aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a leading destination for both business and leisure.
The theme explores how digital, physical, and human connections are shaping the future of the tourism industry. ATM 2025 is surrounded by some of the world's fastest-growing travel markets, making it a key platform for global travel and tourism professionals.
One of the key aspects of this year's ATM is the focus on the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, which is becoming a powerhouse in international travel spending and digital adoption. With APAC outbound travel projected to grow at 7% annually and 75% of bookings expected to be made online by 2029, focusing on this region aligns Dubai’s tourism development with emerging global trends.
In addition, the event underlines the importance of digital transformation in tourism, including the surge in online bookings and traveler expectations for immersive experiences. This is vital for Dubai’s strategy to remain a tech-forward, sustainable tourism hub.
Exhibitors like DANAT Bahrain will showcase heritage tourism at ATM 2025, demonstrating how connections made at the event enhance cultural tourism offerings and diversify destination appeal. Discussions at the event will also emphasize localization and catering to traveler preferences in specific markets, particularly from APAC, supporting Dubai’s aim to attract diverse international visitors through personalized and authentic experiences.
ATM 2025 also highlights Dubai's world-class infrastructure, underscoring its role as a hub for tourism investment. The event is projected to see a 12% year-on-year increase in exhibitor participation, with 300 international buyers from 39 countries and over 125 Dubai-based stakeholders participating.
The growth in Dubai's tourism sector reinforces its upward trajectory following a record-breaking 2023 and a 9% surge in visitors throughout 2024. Dubai's continued collaboration with ATM is part of the city's broader strategy to strengthen its position as a leading destination for both business and leisure.
With the theme of "Transforming Travel Through Connections" at ATM 2025, Dubai is positioning itself as a global leader in tourism innovation, leveraging digital technology, focusing on high-growth markets like Asia-Pacific, fostering cultural exchange, and enhancing sustainability—all critical for maintaining Dubai’s status as a global travel hub.
- The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, underscores Dubai's role as a global hub for tourism innovation and investment.
- The theme of ATM 2025, "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity," aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a leading destination for both business and leisure.
- The 2025 edition of ATM is expected to be the largest yet, hosting over 2,800 exhibitors and welcoming more than 55,000 attendees from 161 countries, emphasizing its importance in the global travel and tourism industry.
- The focus on the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region at the event underscores the importance of catering to emerging global trends, with APAC outbound travel projected to grow at 7% annually and 75% of bookings expected to be made online by 2029.
- Exhibitors like DANAT Bahrain will showcase heritage tourism at ATM 2025, emphasizing the importance of cultural tourism offerings and diversifying destination appeal.
- The growth in Dubai's tourism sector, as reflected by a record-breaking 2023 and a 9% surge in visitors throughout 2024, reinforces its position as a global hub for tourism, business, and lifestyle.
