The next edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 , which is set to take place from 28 April to 1 May 2025, will showcase industry trends, including travel resurgence to Asia and growing sports and music tourism. Additionally, the event will explore how these trends benefit from enhanced connectivity and technological advancements in the tourism industry.
Under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” the renowned event will focus on innovation, personalization and digital transformation. Furthermore, the conference and exhibition will dive deep into how shifts in technology and traveler behavior shape the future of tourism.
Danielle Curtis, ATM’s exhibition director ME, emphasized that seamless connectivity and technological innovations are vital to the tourism sector and that ATM will serve as a platform for engaging with global trends and cultural shifts in travel.
Nostalgia travel
One of the key trends is nostalgia travel, as many travelers seek to reconnect with their youth or childhood memories. In addition, travelers from the UAE and beyond are recreating special trips, opening up new opportunities for travel businesses in the process.
Sports and music tourism
Sports and music tourism are growing rapidly, with sports tourism expected to reach USD 1.33 trillion by 2032. Moreover, music tourism will reach USD 13.8 billion by 2032, as fans increasingly travel for these events.
Asia-Pacific travel surge
Travel to and from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to surge, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by the end of next year. This growth is driven by digital nomad visas, visa-free travel initiatives and cultural influences from popular Asian TV shows.
Cutting-edge technology
At ATM’s Travel Tech exhibition, cutting-edge technology will continue to take center stage, with AI, VR and high-speed Wi-Fi innovations. Consequently, these technological advancements will enable airlines and service providers to personalize experiences and anticipate traveler preferences in unprecedented ways.
Solo travel and digital nomadism
Additionally, solo travel has become more popular, with many travelers opting for digital detox and face-to-face connections. According to data from Squaremouth, 42 percent of travel insurance customers plan to take a solo trip, highlighting the rising trend of solo travel.
Sustainability and responsible tourism
Sustainable tourism practices will remain a key focus at ATM 2025, following ATM 2024’s emphasis on responsible travel. As interest in sustainable travel grows, ecotourism will reach USD 429 billion by 2028, responding to increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly tourism.
ATM 2025 will gather professionals from various travel sectors, providing networking opportunities and a platform for knowledge sharing and business collaboration. Furthermore, international and regional experts will present their insights during the event’s Global and Future stages.
