Dubai's Arabian Travel Market sees...

ATM reports 41% increase in participants from India

With an estimated 1.445 billion international tourists in 2024, according to the UN Tourism Data Dashboard, 2025 could be the year that the industry completes its bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Back in 2019, there were 1.490 billion international tourists, and the Middle East is leading the recovery, with arrivals up a staggering 32% last year compared to pre-pandemic levels. Not only that, but tourism receipts reached a record high in 2024, hitting US$1.54 trillion.

This resurgence is reflected in participation in the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will host more than 47,000 attendees and 2,600 exhibitors from 161 countries at Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May 2025.

The annual gathering will see notable growth in participation from key regions, including Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME at Arabian Travel Market, said Asia is the “fastest-growing region” at ATM 2025, with a projected 27% year-on-year increase in exhibitors this year.

“It’s not only national tourism organisations that are contributing to this growth but also regional and city-level destinations, with private sector participation on the rise.”

Countries such as Japan, Macao, the Maldives, Mauritius, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka are all playing a pivotal role, while India is set to see a 41% increase in participation at ATM, including from the Ministry of Tourism and major airlines.

Saudi area at ATM 2024

Regional tourist boards including Rajasthan Tourism, the Government of Goa, Andhra Pradesh Tourism, the Phuket Tourist Association, Hong Kong and the Jakarta Provincial Government are also contributing to the continent's growing presence.

Middle East exhibitors are up 17%, with a notable presence from Saudi Arabia as it showcases tourism giga projects and private sector travel companies to a global audience.

Europe is also on the up, showing a 12% rise in exhibitors for 2025 highlighting the continent’s rich history and diverse culture.

ATM 2025 has the theme Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity and will have three main stages, including a new Business Events stage.

For more information, visit hub.wtm.com; to arrange a meeting with Connecting Travel at our ATM 2025 stand, email nadine.bridi@connectingtravel.com

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