The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is expected to attract a record number of high-value visitors, with registrations up 104% compared to last year, bolstering its position as a platform for travel trade professionals worldwide.

 

International markets account for a substantial 52% of total visitor registrations, highlighting the event’s global appeal and underscoring the importance of fostering cross-cultural connections and collaborations. Meanwhile, visitors from the UAE and GCC contribute significantly to the total figures, accounting for 48% of registrations. 

 

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Increased international attendance strengthens the global profile of ATM, providing a vital boost to the local economy and driving revenue in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and travel, thereby demonstrating the impact and strength of business events.” 

 

“This year’s edition is expected to see notable growth in participation from key regions, reflecting demand from across the global tourism industry.”  

 

The top five registered countries for ATM 2025 to date include the UAE, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UK. India, with its thriving outbound travel market and expanding aviation sector, remains a significant source of demand for the travel industry. Egypt’s tourism revenues reached US$15.3 billion in 2024, representing a more than 100% increase over the last decade, with the government setting a target of 30 million tourists by 2032. Major tourism investments in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives, have positioned the Kingdom as a strong player in the global travel market. The UK remains a crucial hub for both inbound and outbound tourism, with a significant presence in business travel and among tour operators. 

 

Last year, ATM 2024 saw a significant increase in visitors from Africa, the Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, notching impressive year-on-year increases of 51%, 53%, 40%, and 26%, respectively, with indications that the growth trend will be replicated during this year’s edition. Regionally, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait saw some of the most significant visitor increases, up 48%, 40%, 39%, 28%, and 37%, respectively.

 

With over 55,000 attendees anticipated, approximately 37,000 are expected to be visitors, including more than 7,000 distinguished buyers. The event will serve as a platform to showcase more than 2,800 companies, representing an extensive array of over 161 global destinations. 

 

ATM 2025 will centre on the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, highlighting how connectivity is shaping the thriving tourism industry. Looking beyond technology, the theme will emphasise the importance of industry-wide collaboration and shine a spotlight on the communities that serve as important centres for trade and tourism. 

 

ATM Travel Tech has grown by 23% year-over-year, showcasing innovative technologies that are driving the travel and hospitality sector and attracting decision-makers from around the globe.  ATM Travel Tech will also feature the Future Stage, where experts from industry leaders such as Booking.com, TripAdvisor, dnata Travel Group, Agoda, and Skyscanner will share insights into the transforming landscape of travel and explore the technologies driving the industry forward.

 

New event features at ATM 2025 include the Start-up and Innovation Zone, which will feature a fully immersive VR experience to further enhance the visitor experience. The dedicated area is focused on nurturing the next generation of travel pioneers and innovators. This dynamic space offers a unique platform for emerging companies to present their groundbreaking ideas and showcase their cutting-edge solutions to a global audience.

 

Several companies will be featured within the zone, and include, amongst others, Biyiy Electric Bikes, who offer E-bike rentals to explore Dubai in a fun and eco-friendly way; Ztexa Global, a travel connectivity partner that offers secure eSIMs and SIM cards in over 175 countries; Traveln.ai, a cutting edge AI driven technology revolutionising trip planning for travelers and businesses in the travel industry; and Z-Ocean Tours; and Penny Inc, a virtual travel payment solutions enabling OTAs, travel agents, and travel companies to cut costs on international transactions and streamline accounting processes.

 

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner. -TradeArabia News Service

 

Saudi Arabia's travel and tourism sector has seen a 9.5 per cent increase in international visitors in 2024, marking a significant growth. The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will showcase the country's latest tourism milestones, new projects, and vision to become a premier destination.

 

ATM 2025 will feature several prominent exhibitors from the Kingdom. In addition to the Saudi Tourism Authority, returning exhibitors include SAUDIA, flynas, Qiddiya Investment Company, Sixth Gulf Travel Company, Taiba Investment, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Fairmont Hotel, Cruise Saudi, and L'azure Hospitality.

 

First-time exhibitors this year include flyadeal, Riyadh Air, Diriyah Company, Aseer, BAAN Holding Group, Makkah Hotel & Towers, Alhussam Tourism, and StayKSA.

 

These exhibitors, along with many others, will be highlighted in a dedicated Saudi Land hall, an expanded version of last year’s ATM Saudi Village, which will be representative of the Saudi Arabian culture, heritage and tourism, while reflecting the upward trajectory of the Kingdom’s travel industry, which has seen Saudi Arabian exhibitor presence increase by 16% this year.

 

Recent research conducted by VIDEC highlights Saudi Arabia's status as the largest and fastest-growing economy within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

 

In 2023, Saudi Arabia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached an impressive $1.1 trillion, with a per capita GDP of $32,500.

 

The non-oil sector contributed significantly to the GDP, reaching 63 per cent in 2021, indicating a strategic diversification of the economy away from oil revenues.

 

Inbound leisure tourists in 2023 increased from 1.12 million in 2019 to 6.2 million, while domestic travel grew from 48 million to 78 million.

 

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Saudi Tourism Authority’s unwavering commitment to the event highlights the Kingdom’s rapid progress in establishing itself as a world-class tourism hub and reflects the broader momentum of investment, innovation and ambition that is driving the region’s travel sector forward. This year, ATM 2025 will have one of the strongest Saudi presences to date, with leading airlines, hospitality brands and cruise representation taking centre stage.”

 

VIDEC estimates that Saudi Arabia's Total Air Market (TAM) will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.2 per cent, reaching $11.3 billion by 2028. With 40,000 hotels under development and 320,000 rooms, the Kingdom's hotel market is set to accelerate further.

 

The ATM Conference Programme will explore Saudi Arabia's growing importance in the global travel industry, featuring 68 sessions led by 185 high-profile speakers.

 

On 28 April, Turky Kari, Executive Director of Marketing, AROYA Cruises, will join a distinguished panel on the Global Stage to discuss the Considerations and Implications of Involving Communities in Destination Revitalisation.

 

ATM 2025 is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees and serve as a platform to showcase over 2,800 exhibitors from more than 161 global destinations.

 

The event will centre on the transformative power of connectivity as part of the theme "Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity." -TradeArabia News Service

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is expanding its global network yet further with the launch of flights to Peshawar, Pakistan, starting September 29.

 

The new route will connect Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH) with Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW) in Peshawar, offering seamless connections to Etihad’s growing list of dots on its route map.

 

Peshawar, a city rich in history and culture, is a vital hub for both domestic and international travel. Its well-connected airport supports business and leisure passengers alike. It joins Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore as Etihad’s fourth nonstop route to Pakistan.

 

Etihad will operate the route using its modern Airbus A320 family aircraft, featuring eight seats in Business Class and 150 in Economy, ensuring passengers enjoy Etihad’s award-winning service onboard. Initially operating five times a week, with daily flights beginning on 22 November 2025.

 

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways said: "We are thrilled to further expand our presence in Pakistan with the launch of our daily service between Abu Dhabi and Peshawar. This new route reflects our commitment to providing vital connectivity for travellers between Pakistan and the Gulf, Africa, Europe, and North America. In addition to new flights to Peshawar, we are boosting our frequency to Karachi to 17 flights a week from 1 October."

 

This expansion follows the recent addition of Addis Ababa to Etihad’s network and marks the airline’s sixteenth new destination in 2025. Alongside Peshawar, Etihad has announced new routes to Prague, Warsaw, Algiers, Tunis, and Atlanta, while also increasing frequencies to key European cities, including Paris, Milan, Manchester, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Madrid.

 

With this growing network, Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme provides travellers with even more opportunities to experience the city—offering up to two complimentary nights at premium hotels, turning layovers into unforgettable stays. -TradeArabia News Service