In light of the unprecedented growth within the global travel and tourism sector, ATM 2025 is set to play a pivotal role in shaping its future. Bringing together professionals and industry leaders from the leisure, MICE, luxury and corporate travel sectors, ATM provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business opportunities, allowing participants to explore the latest trends, innovations, and developments worldwide.

 This international presence enables diverse perspectives to come together, fostering a rich cross-border collaboration and innovation environment. Each year, ATM highlights specific aspects of travel that will shape the sector’s future, and this year’s theme will explore how the future of tourism is defined by connectivity across borders, industries and communities.

 In July 2024, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) reported that the city had welcomed a record 9.31 million international overnight visitors in the first half of this year. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), this figure represents a 9 percent increase from the same period in 2023.

 Dubai’s tourism growth is driven by several key government strategies, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position the city as one of the world’s top urban economies and a global destination for business and leisure. Core to the Agenda is the ambitious goal of doubling the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade and creating a globally competitive business environment by reducing costs and increasing foreign investment.

 In addition, the UAE is at the forefront of smart city development, using technology to enhance urban living while minimising environmental impact.

 On a global level, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts a record year of travel and tourism, with an economic contribution of USD11.1 trillion. According to the WTTC, this represents 348 million jobs globally, and the sector is predicted to employ 449 million people globally in the next decade.