ATM has seen a 27 pc increase in exhibitors from Asia, with national tourism organisations from Japan, Maldives, South Korea, India and Thailand participating
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the biggest tourism and trade event in the Gulf Cooperation Council and Middle East region, scheduled for April 28 to May 1, will put a spotlight on the booming luxury tourism sector, that is projected to reach USD 391 billion by 2028.
In a press statement, the organisers of ATM say that with a 27 pc increase in Asian exhibitors and participation from key tourism destinations, ATM 2025 promises to offer valuable insights into luxury travel trends, consumer preferences, and networking opportunities.
The statement adds that ATM has seen a 27 pc increase in exhibitors from Asia, with national tourism organisations from Japan, Maldives, South Korea, India and Thailand participating.
It adds that regional tourist boards from Rajasthan, Goa, Phuket, Hong Kong, and Jakarta will also be present and the event will showcase destinations such as the Maldives, Mauritius, and Peru, which is returning to ATM after a decade.
ATM is expected to attract over 47,000 attendees and generate substantial business deals
ATM says that the Asia-Pacific region is a key contributor to this growth. According to the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf, 38 pc of international tourists in the GCC in 2023 came from Asia, making it the largest source market.
It adds that luxury tourism market saw a surge in demand, especially from the Asia-Pacific region, which has become a major source of tourists for the GCC.
The statement adds that as the luxury travel market grows, the GCC is well-positioned to cater to high-net-worth travellers, with plans to add 400,000 hotel rooms by 2030.
ATM says that this expansion follows the addition of 35,000 rooms in the last decade. Key luxury hospitality brands like Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, One & Only, and Jumeirah International will be part of the exhibition.
It adds that the shift in consumer preferences within the luxury segment also reflects growing demand for cultural, artistic, and adventure-driven experiences.
It further adds that sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority in the region, with hotels adopting eco-friendly initiatives to align with global trends in responsible tourism. Additionally, improved connectivity is reshaping luxury travel, enabling emerging destinations and boutique hotels to flourish.
According to the statement, ATM 2025 will offer key insights into these trends, with sessions such as Generational Trends Influencing Hyper-Personalisation in Luxury and Retaining High-Net-Worth Travellers by Redesigning Their Experience.
Danielle Curtis
It adds that the event is expected to attract over 47,000 attendees and generate substantial business deals, further underscoring the Middle East’s position as a leader in luxury outbound travel.
“The increase in inbound tourism from Asia and the growing wealth in this region create a major opportunity for Middle Eastern tourism, especially in the luxury sector. At ATM, Asia is among our fastest-growing markets for exhibitors, boasting a 27 pc increase in exhibitors from the region this year. National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) from destinations like Japan, Maldives, South Korea, India and Thailand are driving this growth, alongside regional tourist boards such as Rajasthan Tourism, Goa, Phuket, Hong Kong and Jakarta, all contributing to Asia’s expanding presence at ATM 2025 and the growing focus on luxury travel,” says Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Markets.
“The MENA region continues to set the pace for luxury outbound travel, making it a priority market for high-end travel and tourism providers. ATM 2025 will offer in-depth insights into luxury travel preferences, networking opportunities with key stakeholders, and presentations on emerging destinations. For anyone looking to capitalise on this lucrative market, ATM 2025 is an unmissable event,” adds Curtis.
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