Dubai sees tourism grow 3% in Q1; prepares to host mega ATM show

Dubai’s tourism sector recorded a 3 per cent year-on-year growth in Q1 2025, continuing its post-pandemic momentum, according to Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

“Whereas we have already come back in 2023 with record numbers, and it was a great year for us, 2024 saw a 9 per cent growth in terms of visitation. 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,” Kazim said at a press conference held ahead of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025.

The briefing, organised by RX Global alongside strategic partners Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Al Rais Travel and DET, outlined plans for the 32nd edition of the event, which will take place from April 28 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

ATM 2025 to host 2,800 companies in Dubai

This year’s ATM will be attended by over 125 stakeholders from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and will welcome more than 300 hosted buyers from 39 countries through its Hosted Buyers Programme.

“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,” Kazim said.

ATM 2025 will host over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 17 per cent from the Middle East and 83 per cent from international markets.

The event is expected to attract 55,000 attendees from 161 countries, marking a nearly 12 per cent increase in exhibitor participation year-on-year. It will span 14 halls, making it the largest edition in its history.

Themed “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, the show will explore how physical, digital, and human connections are shaping the future of tourism.

The theme will be reflected across the ATM Conference, ATM Travel Tech, networking events and exhibitor showcases.

Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME for ATM, said connectivity has become a defining factor for the travel industry’s evolution. “Tourism evolves as the world connects. Now, more than ever, collaboration among key stakeholders, including governments, airlines, travel agencies, hospitality leaders, and local communities, has become essential,” she said.

Curtis noted a strong increase in regional participation, with Asia leading growth at 20 per cent year-on-year, followed by the Middle East at 15 per cent , Europe at 12per cent, and steady gains across Africa and the Americas.