The Arabian Travel Market (ATM), one of the leading events for the tourism industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council, has announced a partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) for its 2025 edition. 

According to a press statement by the organisers, this collaboration marks a significant boost for the business events sector, which continues to grow in the Middle East, driven by demand for international meetings and congresses.

The statement adds that ICCA will serve as the official Business Events Partner at ATM 2025, spearheading multiple sessions addressing emerging trends in global business events. 

It says that key topics will include sustainability, digital transformation, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve event experiences. 

Senthil Gopinath

“We are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership between ICCA and ATM. ICCA will create enhanced value with regard to business and knowledge at Arabian Travel Market. This collaboration represents a significant step toward driving meaningful business engagements, with dedicated sessions, research reports, and networking opportunities for key stakeholders,” says Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA.

“Together, we aim to bring the best of the business events to ATM, fostering connections that will leave a lasting impact. The strategic partnership also highlights ICCA’s commitment to sharing exclusive insights on the global meetings industry and future best practices. We look forward to an exciting and productive journey ahead,” Gopinath adds.

The sessions will provide insights into the future of the sector while engaging industry leaders. ICCA will facilitate the attendance of key international association buyers at the event, presenting the Middle East as a hub for large-scale congresses and conferences. 

The statement adds that collaboration is expected to strengthen the region’s position as a prime destination for business events, contributing to long-term economic development.

Claudia Hall

“As the global platform for the business events industry, IBTM is excited to be part of the collaboration with ATM and our long-standing strategic partner ICCA to deliver a tailored experience for event planners and suppliers in the region. With substantial growth anticipated for the business events sector in the Middle East, and increasing demand from suppliers and buyers at ATM wanting to connect, do business and share knowledge and insights, it feels like an opportune moment to use our expertise to support this growth,” says Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director, IBTM World.

In a significant announcement, ICCA will also unveil an exclusive government meeting ranking report during ATM 2025, offering data on the increasing prominence of the Middle East in the business events sector. 

Danielle Curtis

“Our partnership with ICCA reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional value to the business events sector, which has always been a cornerstone of ATM. We look forward to leveraging ICCA’s global network and insights to deliver unparalleled value to our exhibitors and attendees as we explore the future of business events, particularly in the rapidly expanding international market,” says Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.

The statement adds that Dubai and Abu Dhabi have already been recognised as leading cities for association meetings in 2023 and 2022, respectively, underscoring the region’s growing influence.

According to the statement, business travel is experiencing robust recovery, as highlighted by the latest World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) insights. 

Global business travel spending is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2024, reaching a record-breaking USD 1.5 trillion. Dubai alone has secured 175 international business events in the first half of 2024, a 24 pc rise from the previous year.

The statement adds that a notable feature of ATM 2025 will be the launch of IBTM @ ATM, a specialised zone dedicated to the business events industry. 

A conference programme tailored to the latest trends in the business events industry will also be presented, the organisers say.

They add that ATM 2025 will carry the theme Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity, exploring the importance of connectivity in shaping the future of tourism. 

The event will gather professionals from various sectors, including leisure, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), luxury and corporate travel, offering a platform for networking, knowledge exchange and business opportunities.

The organisers say that with the increasing demand from both visitors and exhibitors, the focus on business events at ATM continues to grow. 

In 2024, over 7,000 attendees and 1,500 buyers expressed interest in this sector, and 400 exhibitors highlighted its importance in their offerings.

The statement adds that 2025 edition aims to further this momentum, positioning the Middle East as a key player in the global business events arena.