• ATM 2025 opens today with a record 55,000 global attendees.
  • 2,800+ exhibitors from 161 countries showcase tourism innovations.
  • New IBTM@ATM and expanded Travel Tech zone steal the spotlight.
  • 70+ sessions and 200 speakers dive into travel’s future trends.

The 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) officially opened its doors today at Dubai World Trade Centre, welcoming a staggering 55,000 attendees from around the world. Organised by RX Global, and backed by key strategic partners – Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Al Rais Travel – ATM 2025 is already shaping up to be the largest and most dynamic event in its history.

This year’s theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, sets the tone for a packed four-day programme focused on how cross-border, cross-sector, and community connections are shaping the future of travel and tourism.

During an official press conference held earlier this week at voco Dubai, ATM’s partners outlined the event’s major highlights. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, emphasised the critical role of connectivity in today’s travel landscape, stating, “Tourism evolves as the world connects — and today, collaboration among governments, airlines, travel agencies, hospitality leaders, and local communities has never been more crucial to building a sustainable and thriving industry.”

ATM 2025 isn’t just about big numbers — though the numbers are impressive. With over 2,800 exhibiting companies representing 161 countries, a 12% year-on-year increase in exhibitors, and an expanded footprint across 14 halls, the event has truly scaled up. Strategic regions are seeing major growth too, with Asia leading at a 20% exhibitor increase, followed by strong performances from the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Speaking on Dubai’s role as host, His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), highlighted how Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, dynamic business environment, and thriving tourism sector make it the perfect backdrop for an event that champions global connectivity. “Events like ATM are pivotal to our strategy of driving innovation, sustainability, and new economic opportunities as part of Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda,” he noted.

The momentum continues across the show floor with exciting new launches like IBTM@ATM, a dedicated space for business event suppliers and buyers to connect, and an expanded ATM Travel Tech zone, which grew by 26% this year to highlight the latest tech innovations reshaping travel — including a new Start-Up and Innovation Zone and a fully immersive VR experience.

Industry heavyweights from Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Al Rais Travel also underscored the relevance of ATM’s theme. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and CCO of Emirates, reflected on how the airline’s growth strategy is deeply intertwined with global connectivity, while Haitham Mattar of IHG called the event a critical platform for showcasing how digital and human connections can redefine guest experiences. Mohamed Al Rais of Al Rais Travel reinforced the importance of partnerships and smarter integration for the future of tourism.

Over the next four days, attendees will dive into over 70 conference sessions across three main stages — the Global Stage, Future Stage, and Business Events Stage — featuring 200+ high-profile speakers tackling major industry topics, from the future of aviation to AI innovations and climate action.

As Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director – Travel Sector at RX Global, summed it up, “ATM has always been about more than deals and showcases — it’s where the next chapters of global travel are written.”

With its unbeatable mix of innovation, collaboration, and world-class networking, ATM 2025 promises to spark the ideas and partnerships that will define the next era of travel.

For the latest updates, visit ATM’s official news hub.