Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is one of the world’s leading international travel and tourism trade shows, serving as a strategic gateway to the Middle East’s rapidly expanding visitor economy. Held annually in Dubai, the exhibition convenes global destinations, airlines, hospitality brands, tourism boards, and industry leaders to forge partnerships, unveil innovations, and exchange insights. Over time, ATM has evolved into a powerful knowledge and networking platform that mirrors the transformation of global travel, highlighting emerging trends in technology, sustainability, aviation, and business events while reinforcing the region’s growing influence in shaping the future of international tourism.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, discusses the vision behind IBTM @ ATM, the Middle East’s rising MICE influence, and what the future holds for global business events in an exclusive interview.
What prompted ATM to integrate a dedicated IBTM platform within the show, and how has the response been so far?
The first edition of IBTM @ ATM in 2025 received strong engagement and highly positive feedback from both speakers and attendees. Its continuation reflects not only that success but also the clear demand for a specialised platform serving the global meetings and events community. The response confirmed the Middle East’s rising prominence as a MICE hub and reinforced the need for a dedicated space within ATM to support this fast-growing sector.
How has IBTM @ ATM evolved since launch in terms of scale and strategy?
The platform has expanded into a dedicated MICE and business events hub located in Zabeel Hall 3 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This zone brings together association planners, corporate buyers, professional conference organisers, incentive agencies, destinations, venues, DMCs, and suppliers. At its centre is the Experience Stage, featuring curated sessions led by industry experts, alongside hosted buyer programmes, targeted networking, and pre-scheduled appointments designed to generate meaningful business connections.
Why is MICE such a critical growth pillar for ATM today?
Research from the International Congress and Convention Association and Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, shows that the Middle East’s share of global corporate travel spending is expected to rise from 2.5 percent in 2024 to over 3 percent by 2030. This growth is supported by stronger air connectivity, infrastructure expansion, and recovering international demand, positioning ATM as a strategic platform for stakeholders targeting this increasingly influential segment.
What role do destinations like Dubai and the wider GCC play in shaping global MICE trends?
Destinations across the Gulf are redefining global benchmarks through investment, connectivity, and strategic location. Dubai exemplifies this momentum with world-class venues, extensive air links, and a sophisticated hospitality ecosystem. Combined with the region’s position at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, the GCC continues to attract large-scale international events and delegates, with forecasts suggesting business travel spending will grow significantly faster than the global average through 2030.
How important is the Indian market for IBTM @ ATM?
India is one of the fastest-growing outbound MICE markets and currently the world’s fifth-largest economy, projected to surpass Germany and Japan to become the third largest by 2027. Rising disposable incomes, expanding corporate travel, and strong air connectivity with the Gulf are driving demand for meetings, incentives, weddings, and association events, making India a key focus market for ATM.
Are you seeing increased participation from Indian buyers and planners?
Yes. India remains one of the exhibition’s most important source markets, with strong participation from corporate, association, and incentive segments. This engagement is helping build meaningful connections between global destinations and Indian planners while supporting both inbound and outbound business opportunities.
How is IBTM @ ATM helping the industry navigate post-pandemic shifts?
The platform acts as a strategic bridge between the global MICE community and the Middle East’s rapidly expanding business events sector. Through expert-led content, targeted networking, and hosted buyer programmes, it enables professionals to adapt to changing event formats, new attendee expectations, and evolving priorities such as sustainability, technology integration, and experiential design.
What themes can professionals expect this year?
Aligned with the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” sessions will explore the evolution of events, the transformation of incentive travel, and the role of advanced technology in meetings. Roundtables will focus on inclusive event design and sustainability, while destination showcases will highlight emerging opportunities across global markets. ICCA returns as the Official Business Events Partner, curating Experience Stage content and facilitating leading association buyer participation.
Where do you see IBTM @ ATM heading in the next three to five years?
The vision is for it to become an increasingly central component of the exhibition, reflecting the ongoing growth of the global business events sector. As leisure, business travel, and events continue to converge, IBTM @ ATM is expected to play a major role in facilitating high-value connections, knowledge exchange, and cross-sector collaboration within the wider ATM ecosystem.
What message would you like to share with MICE professionals who are considering participating?
IBTM @ ATM offers direct access to key decision-makers, high-quality buyers, and global suppliers within one of the world’s fastest-growing MICE regions. For organisations seeking partnerships, new destinations, or growth opportunities, it provides meaningful connections, market insights, and future-focused discussions designed to deliver tangible commercial value in a truly international environment.