Dubai welcomed more tourists in the first quarter of 2005, posting a three per cent rise in tourist arrivals on an annual basis.
The uptick in the first quarter comes following a 9 per cent jump in tourist visits in 2024, according to Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Dubai sees rising visitors
“We had about 18.72 million (overnight visitors) that came into Dubai. And so far, the first quarter of this year is 3 per cent ahead, which means we keep raising the benchmark,” Issam Kazim, CEO of DCTCM, told a press conference on the occasion of unveiling plans on the forthcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM).
Kazim said Dubai is proud to continue its long-term strategic collaboration with the internationally renowned Arabian Travel Market as its host destination.
“The success of Dubai’s tourism sector is a testament to visionary leadership and the strength of longstanding public-private partnerships – a model that continues to propel us forward.
“Major events like ATM are pivotal to our tourism strategy, as we look beyond traditional tourism pathways by driving innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and new economic opportunities,” he said.
Kazim said the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism will be joined by more than 125 stakeholders at ATM 2025, showcasing its dynamic ecosystem and the collaborative spirit that defines the city’s approach to tourism.
“Together, we look forward to engaging with global leaders and industry experts, exchanging insights, exploring transformative trends, and forming new partnerships that will shape the future of travel and tourism,” he said.
The high-profile annual tourism event brings together professionals and leaders from all travel sectors and verticals including leisure, business events (MICE), luxury and corporate travel sector.
The event, which is expected to secure $2.5 billion in industry deals, enables participants to forge global networks and discover emerging opportunities and innovations in the travel and tourism ecosystem.
ATM to showcase tourism trends
ATM 2025 will showcase over 2,800 exhibiting companies with 17 per cent from the Middle East and 83 per cent from the rest of the world, and is expected to welcome 55,000 attendees from 161 countries.
The 32nd edition of ATM will focus on the theme: “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, exploring how the future of tourism will be shaped by connectivity across borders, industries, and communities.
The theme will be reflected across all show verticals, from the ATM Conference programme and ATM Travel Tech to exclusive networking events and the diverse portfolio of global exhibitors showcased.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for the Middle East, Arabian Travel Market, said connectivity is increasingly recognised as the driving force behind the future of travel and tourism.
“Tourism evolves as the world connects, and now, more than ever, collaboration among key stakeholders, including governments, airlines, travel agencies, hospitality leaders, and local communities, has become essential to shaping a thriving and more sustainable industry,” he said.
Curtis said this year’s show is expected to see notable growth in participation from key regions, including Asia, which is the fastest-growing region at ATM with a projected 20 per cent year-on-year increase in exhibitors, the Middle East, which has increased by over 15 per cent and Europe, up by over 12 per cent.
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