Latest news with #IBTM@ATM
Hi Dubai
02-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Arabian Travel Market 2025 Draws Record-Breaking Global Attendance in Dubai
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 has wrapped up in Dubai with record numbers, drawing over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries—marking a 16% increase from last year and solidifying its position as the leading global event for the travel and tourism industry. Held from April 28 to May 1 at Dubai World Trade Centre, the event welcomed more than 2,800 exhibitors, with 81% representing international markets. Organised by RX Global, this year's edition revolved around the theme 'Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,' focusing on cross-border collaboration and the future of tourism. The exhibition was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and visited by key UAE leaders, including H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who reviewed highlights of the 2025 edition. ATM 2025 saw strong regional growth, particularly from Asia, which posted a 20% year-on-year rise in participation. Other regions also showed gains, with Africa up 21%, the Middle East 19%, and Europe 17%. Top international visitor markets included India, Türkiye, the UK, and Egypt. Technology and innovation took center stage with a 26% expansion in ATM Travel Tech and the debut of a Start-Up and Innovation Zone featuring 21 pioneering companies. The hotel sector also grew by 12%, showcasing all major international chains. The expanded conference program featured over 70 sessions and more than 200 speakers, including a newly launched Business Events Stage as part of the IBTM@ATM zone, reflecting the growing role of business tourism in the global travel ecosystem. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
02-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ATM 2025 records 55,000 attendees, 16% growth
UAE - Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading global event for the travel and tourism sector which concluded in Dubai on Thursday, welcomed more than 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, representing a 16% increase on last year's edition. The event has showcased over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19% from the Middle East and 81% from the rest of the world. Organised by RX Global, ATM 2025 was based on the theme of "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity," exploring how the future of tourism will be shaped by connectivity across borders, industries and communities. The theme was a central element throughout the event, which ran from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the exhibition and received an overview of this year's key themes and innovations. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'My colleagues at RX Global and I are proud to have welcomed a vibrant and engaged community of travel professionals to ATM 2025. This year's theme has resonated strongly throughout the show floor, emphasising how collaboration across borders and sectors creates new opportunities for inclusive and resilient tourism growth. The outstanding turnout and record-breaking number of exhibitors are clear indicators of ATM's crucial role in shaping the future of global tourism and connectivity.' Growth has been observed across all show verticals, with regional year-on-year increases in the following areas: the Middle East (19%), Asia (20%), Europe (17%), and Africa (21%). Notably, Asia is the fastest-growing region at ATM 2025, with exhibitor participation rising an impressive 20% year-on-year. This growth has been fueled by enhanced regional connectivity and strengthened relationships with international markets. Outside of the UAE and wider GCC markets, the top 10 registered international markets for ATM 2025 are as follows: India (6%), Türkiye (3.2%), United Kingdom (3%), Egypt (3%), United States (2%), China (1.5%), Sri Lanka (1%), Spain (1%), Maldives (1%) and Pakistan (1%). ATM Travel Tech has grown by over 26% this year, reflecting the sector's increasing integration with technology. A newly launched Start-Up and Innovation Zone showcased 21 groundbreaking companies redefining travel and an immersive VR experience for visitors to explore transformative solutions in the industry. The hotel segment at ATM 2025 has experienced a 12% year-on-year growth, with all major international hotel chains represented, while the ATM Conference featured over 70 sessions and showcased insights from more than 200 esteemed speakers on the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the new Business Events Stage, which is part of IBTM@ATM. The IBTM@ATM event was officially launched, a dedicated zone for business event professionals. It featured insights from prominent organisations such as the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), and the World Energy Council, along with contributions from tourism and event industry leaders from around the globe. – TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
29-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
ATM ‘reinforces Dubai's leadership in global tourism'
The strong turnout at this year's Arabian Travel Market reflects Dubai's position as a leading global hub for tourism, travel and hospitality, and underscores the emirate's growing role in shaping the future of the global tourism sector, said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, inaugurating the event. The 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), a leading global event for the travel and tourism industry, is being held from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Bringing together professionals and leaders from across the global travel sector, including leisure, business events (MICE), luxury, and corporate travel, this year's event features a record 2,800 exhibitors from 166 countries and is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees. 'Guided by the vision of our leadership, Dubai continues to consolidate its position as a leading global destination for tourism and a key meeting point for industry stakeholders, bringing together investors, decision-makers, experts and leading travel agencies from around the world. The longstanding success of Arabian Travel Market highlights Dubai's pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships that drive the growth and advancement of the global tourism industry,' he said. 'The events and exhibitions sector remain a vital driver of Dubai's economic growth. The success of Arabian Travel Market, along with other major events hosted by the city throughout the year, reflects our steady progress towards achieving a key objective of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which is to position Dubai among the world's top three cities for business and specialised tourism by 2033.' Following the official inauguration, Sheikh Ahmed toured the exhibition halls, accompanied by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority; and Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai. Key Highlights Sheikh Ahmed was briefed on key highlights of the event, which has recorded a significant increase in international exhibitor participation, with a 20% rise from Asia, a 15% increase from the Middle East, more than 12% growth from Europe, and continued growth from Africa and the Americas. ATM 2025 is being held under the theme 'Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow's Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity', underlining the vital role of cross-border collaboration, industry partnerships, and community engagement in reshaping the future of tourism and advancing sustainable practices. Several new features are debuting at ATM 2025. Responding to growing demand for a dedicated platform for business events, IBTM@ATM has been launched this year. The new sector provides a specialist zone for business events suppliers to connect with buyers through pre-scheduled appointments and business exchanges. IBTM@ATM will also host a dedicated conference exploring key industry trends, staged on the new Business Events Stage. ATM Travel Tech has expanded by more than 26% this year, reflecting the sector's increasing integration with technology and innovation. A new Start-Up and Innovation Zone has been introduced, showcasing 21 pioneering companies reshaping the future of travel. The zone also offers an immersive VR experience, allowing visitors to explore new possibilities and transformative solutions within the travel ecosystem. Commenting on the opening of ATM 2025, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: 'From next-generation technologies and the rise of travel start-ups to the introduction of IBTM@ATM, this year's edition of ATM highlights an industry that is more connected, innovative and resilient than ever before. We are proud to offer a platform that fosters global collaboration, drives impactful business opportunities, and helps shape the future of travel.' ATM Conference Sheikh Ahmed was also briefed on the renowned ATM Conference, which returns this year with more than 200 speakers leading over 70 sessions across the Global Stage, Future Stage, and the newly launched Business Events Stage. The conference programme will explore emerging trends, share global best practices, and discuss strategies to unlock new opportunities while addressing key industry challenges. This year's programme covers a diverse range of topics, including the future of aviation, emerging trends in hospitality, climate action initiatives, and the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the sector. On the first day, Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr, a leading international expert in AI and Google's first Chief Decision Scientist, hosted the opening session on the Future Stage on how the travel industry can lead in AI adoption. The second day of the ATM Conference will feature the annual Ministerial Session, which will explore how tourism growth can be unlocked through enhanced connectivity. The session will bring together the Ministers of Tourism from Bahrain and Lebanon, alongside the CEO of to discuss how infrastructure, innovation and inclusion can build robust tourism frameworks that empower communities and enhance cross-border accessibility. On day three, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, will address the Global Stage to examine the future of aviation in an era of transformation and global disruption. Meanwhile, key findings from the IBTM World Trends Report will be shared on the Business Events Stage. The final day will feature in-depth market insight sessions on Asia Pacific, as well as a dedicated spotlight on India's burgeoning tourism sector. A major highlight on closing day will be the ATM Start-Up Competition, offering a platform for emerging entrepreneurs and innovators to pitch their ideas and redefine the future of travel. ATM 2025 forms part of Arabian Travel Week, a ten-day festival of travel and tourism events held annually in Dubai. Over its three-decade history, ATM has played a pivotal role in facilitating over $2.5 billion in industry deals and advancing the Middle East's tourism landscape.
Arabian Business
29-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Middle East business travel spending set for 6.1% growth in 2025, say experts at Arabian Travel Market
Business travel spending from the Middle East is expected to grow by 6.1 per cent this year as changing global economic conditions and the increasing impact of regional economic strategies continue to reshape the sector, experts said. Speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, Catherine Logan, Regional Senior Vice President EMEA and APAC, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), said the argument for business travel in 2025 is strong, but transformational change will continue to influence how people travel for work around the world. 'These include economic stability, budget factors, how and where we work, implications of technology, the evolution of sustainability in business travel and the focus on the traveller,' she said. Logan also highlighted that sustainably managed travel is a force for good, driving progress for businesses, governments, economies and people. Middle East travel outlook According to the 2024 GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook report, the Middle East accounts for 1.2 per cent of global business travel spend and has performed better than any other region post-COVID with spend reaching 19.4 per cent higher than pre-COVID levels. The region's estimated spending on work trips was to the tune of $18.1 billion in 2024, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1 per cent in 2025, the report said. Ciaran Kelly, Managing Director of Middle East & Africa, FCM Travel, said there is a positive outlook for business travel in the region, as per trends seen from the company's customers, surveys, and forecasts. 'A lot of the growth is due to the public and private projects taking place – it is almost impossible to get a seat on a plane from Dubai to Riyadh, for example, and once you land, hotel availability is limited,' Kelly said. Hotel occupancy across the region is the highest globally, around 70-80 per cent, putting a lot of pressure on hotels, but in general, everything is positive, the FCM Travels top executive said. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said understanding the shifts in work trips spending is essential for companies that want to remain competitive and resilient in a fast-evolving market. 'Sessions like this at IBTM@ATM are crucial for providing our attendees with actionable insights and real-world analysis, empowering them to navigate shifting travel patterns and discover new opportunities in the Middle East and beyond,' he said. The Business Events Stage at IBTM@ATM will continue to explore emerging trends across business travel, MICE, and corporate events until April 30. The sessions will cover various topics, including the integration of AI and future-proofing strategies for business travel, the human connection versus AI in event experiences, new trends in Chinese outbound MICE travel, achieving net zero carbon emissions in the events industry, and advancing climate action through strategic partnerships in business travel, among other topics.
Mid East Info
29-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Business events and festivals set the stage for socio-economic growth, according to experts at Arabian Travel Market
Representatives from Dubai Economy and Tourism, the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority discussed the impact of events, festivals and conferences on the UAE's growth Speaking during IBTM@ATM, the discussion launched four days of insightful sessions which will explore the thriving business events industry Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 2025: On the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) today, tourism leaders from the UAE were joined by representatives from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) on the Business Events Stage, to examine how major events and festivals are driving socio-economic growth in the UAE. Moderated by Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA, the panel featured Ahmed Al-Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Dubai Economy and Tourism; Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Department of Culture and Tourism; Iyad Rasbey, VP – Destination Tourism Development, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; and Martin Thomas Boyle, CEO, International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO). Together, they explored howevents are fostering socioeconomic growth and enhancing destination appeal across the Middle East region. Opening the session, Al-Khaja elaborated on the pivotal role that festivals in Dubai have played in shaping the city's cultural and economic landscape. Notably, he highlighted the Dubai Shopping Festival, which was launched in 1996, as a particularly influential event that not only attracts local residents but also draws tourists from around the world each year. Commenting on the events strategy for Abu Dhabi, Al Shamsi said: 'In recent years, Abu Dhabi has achieved remarkable success in hosting major exhibitions, conferences, and events, delivering clear economic benefits. However, our strategy extends beyond numbers and is focused on creating a long-lasting legacy that aligns with Vision 2030, with a focus on advancing key sectors including healthcare, innovation, sustainability and energy.' According to Rasbey , events have been key to Ras Al Khaimah's rising prominence: 'Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) is an important segment and has contributed significantly to our growth. Last year, Ras Al Khaimah achieved 40% growth, with MICE being the fourth largest segment contributing to this. 'It is vital for us to secure events that contribute to our growth and development. Examples of past events include the Global Citizen Forum, which attracted investors and high-net-worth individuals to the Emirate. In terms of tourism growth, hosting the Arab Aviation Summit enabled us to connect Ras Al Khaimah International Airport with 11 cities globally.' Elsewhere today, Fouad Talat, Regional Manager, John Bevan, CEO, dnata Travel Group and Amani O'Neill, Senior Public Policy Manager, Middle East, Airbnb, discussed the microtrends redefining travel. During the engaging session, the speakers covered trends including sleep tourism, dark tourism and coffee tourism, outlining how these trends are impacting global travel behaviours and shaping the way destinations evolve and adapt. During the discussion, the speakers discussed how tourism providers should adjust their marketing strategies to align with these trends and provided practical applications for incorporating microtrends into long-term planning. Tomorrow at ATM, the Business Events Stage will host an exclusive networking session where participants will have the opportunity to engage with prominent international and regional associations to foster strategic relationships, unlock collaboration opportunities and exchange high-value business leads. This week, ATM will showcase 2,800 exhibitors and the event is expected to host 55,000 attendees from around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights from over 200 high-profile speakers across more than 70 conference sessions on the Global Stage, Future Stage and the new Business Events Stage and connect with industry professionals from over 161 countries. Now in its 32nd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. With over 48,000 attendees and more than 35,000 visitors, including over 2,550 exhibitors and representatives from over 161 countries during last year's show, ATM remains a pivotal gathering for the global travel and tourism industry. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai Arabian Travel Week is a week-long festival of events from 28 April to 4 May, alongside Arabian Travel Market 2025. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East's travel and tourism sector, it includes the all-New Business Events @ATM focusing on MICE, Start-Up Competition, influencers' events, GBTA Business Travel Forums, and ATM Travel Tech. It also features ATM Buyer Networking and a series of country forums. About RX: RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. About RELX: RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are: WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes. WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022. WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019. About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology. WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.
