The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is gearing up for a blockbuster 2025 edition, with Asia leading the charge in participation growth.

A remarkable 27% surge in Asian exhibitors is expected, with India’s participation skyrocketing by 41%. Other countries such as Countries such as Japan, Macao, the Maldives, Mauritius, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka are also playing a pivotal role in this growth.

With over 2,600 exhibitors from more than 161 countries set to converge at ATM 2025 taking place from 28 April to 1 May, this year’s event promises to be the ultimate global gathering for the travel and tourism industry.

According to recent data from the World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2024, an 11% increase from the previous year. The Middle East was the best-performing region, with international arrivals rising by 32% last year from pre-pandemic levels. The outlook for international tourist arrivals in 2025 is promising, with anticipated growth of 3% – 5%.

“Asia is the fastest-growing region at ATM 2025, with a projected 27% year-on-year increase in exhibitors this year. This growth is largely attributed to enhanced regional connectivity and stronger links with international markets, driving expansion opportunities. 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.” – Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.

Asia’s presence at ATM will be bolstered by regional tourist boards, including Rajasthan Tourism, Goa, Andhra Pradesh Tourism, Phuket Tourist Association, Hong Kong, and Jakarta Provincial Government. The Middle East is seeing a 17% increase in exhibitor participation, especially Saudi Arabia with its giga projects and prominent private sector companies. Europe is expected to see a 12% growth, while Africa and the Americas will maintain their presence with the participation level as last year.

The event will centre on the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” highlighting the importance of connectivity in shaping the industry’s future.

Across three main stages, which include the Global Stage, Future Stage and the all-new Business Events stage, attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights from more than 200 high-profile speakers across 60 conference sessions. The ATM Conference programme will explore key international regions, including specialised sessions on important source markets such as Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM) and India.

Euromonitor International will lead the Global Market Insights: APAC session, revealing the latest trends influencing travel in the region and providing insights on the profiles of travellers in the APAC market. Attendees can discover market insights, investment opportunities, and strategies to tap into the high-potential LATAM region during the session on Score Global Growth in LATAM. Meanwhile, a regional expert will discuss India’s Next Gen Traveller and the country’s rising tourism market.   

No doubt the significant increase in Asian exhibitors at ATM 2025 is expected to bring numerous benefits to local Middle Eastern travel providers. With Asia’s growing middle class and increasing appetite for international travel, there is a fertile opportunity for Middle Eastern providers to tap into this lucrative market.

With more Asian exhibitors, Middle Eastern providers have even more opportunities to establish partnerships and learn about the latest Asian market trends to develop tailored offerings that better cater to Asian visitors’ tastes and preferences. Ultimately, local providers will be encouraged to increase their competitiveness, expand their customer base, and capitalise on the vast potential of the Asian tourism market.

Also read: ATM sees 25% jump in travel tech exhibitors as industry soars to $10.7B