The 2025 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place from 28 April to 1 May will be shining the spotlight on the booming luxury tourism sector.

The event will bring together elite hospitality brands, industry thought leaders, and innovative destinations to showcase the latest trends and insights driving high-end travel.

According to McKinsey & Company, luxury tourism and hospitality are poised for rapid growth, outpacing other industries. This surge is fuelled by the increasing number of high-net-worth individuals worldwide, and a growing segment of aspirational luxury travellers willing to invest in premium experiences.

The luxury tourism market is projected to reach USD 391 billion by 2028, up from USD 239 billion in 2023, with Asia emerging as a significant player. Recent data from the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf revealed that GCC states generated USD 110.4 billion in international tourism revenues in 2023, with the Asia-Pacific region accounting for the largest share of tourists (38%).

Also read: Appealing to APAC tourists: an exclusive interview with DCT Abu Dhabi 

“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% 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.” – Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Markets

The GCC region is strategically positioned to cater to the growing demands of high-net-worth travelers seeking exceptional hospitality and exclusive experiences. To meet this rising demand, GCC countries are investing heavily in their tourism infrastructure, with plans to add 400,000 hotel rooms by 2030.

ATM 2025 promises an impressive lineup of luxury destinations, and feature an array of prestigious hospitality brands, including Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Jumeirah International, One & Only, Kempinski Hotels, The Address Hotels & Resorts, and The Leading Hotels of the World.

Luxury travel is transforming in terms of consumer preferences, with travellers increasingly prioritising luxury cultural, artistic, and adventure-driven experiences. Hospitality brands worldwide are adapting to meet this demand, while sustainability has become a key focus, particularly in the GCC, where hotels are implementing eco-friendly initiatives to align with the growing preference for responsible, high-end travel.

Improved accessibility is also reshaping luxury travel, with emerging destinations benefitting from improved connectivity and the development of boutique hotels, eco resorts and exclusive retreats. This trend is reflected in the theme for ATM 2025: Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” which focuses on how better connectivity enables a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally integrated travel industry.  

Last year at ATM, Mastercard unveiled its Affluent Travel Report, which highlighted the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as the leading market for luxury outbound travel, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE emerging as top source markets. Separate research from Mastercard in 2023 suggests that GCC travellers are among the world’s highest spenders, with Kuwaiti travellers to Paris spending five times more than American tourists.

The ATM 2025 Conference Programme will unite top hospitality executives and luxury travel experts to share insights into the industry’s latest trends. Key sessions include ‘Generational Trends influencing Hyper-personalisation in Luxury’ and ‘Retaining High-Net-Worth Travellers by Redesigning Their Experience’, featuring speakers from leading brands such as Kempinski and Banyan Tree Holdings.

As the leading global event for the travel industry in the Middle East, ATM 2025 is expected to attract over 47,000 attendees and generate USD2.5 billion in deals annually. Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, the event is supported by strategic partners including Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Emirates, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.

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