Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), announced a 3% year-on-year rise in Dubai’s tourism for Q1 2025.
“In 2023, we returned with record-breaking figures, and 2024 built on that success with a 9% rise in visitors, totalling approximately 18.72 million overnight guests. The first quarter of 2025 is already 3% higher, reflecting continued progress,” Kazim shared at a press event held by RX Global, organisers of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), alongside strategic partners such as DET, Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Al Rais Travel. The event will take place from 28 April to 1 May at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Kazim reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to hosting ATM as part of its strategy to reinforce the city’s status as a global hub for business and tourism, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
He added that Dubai’s tourism achievements are driven by visionary leadership and strong public-private partnerships. Events like ATM play a key role in this journey, fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification.
At ATM 2025, DET will be accompanied by over 125 partners and will welcome 300 buyers from 39 countries under its Hosted Buyers Programme. The goal is to promote collaboration and future-focused discussions across the global travel sector.
ATM draws professionals from across tourism verticals, connecting high-growth markets with established global players to spark innovation and investment. The 2025 edition, with the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” will host over 2,800 exhibitors and 55,000 visitors from 161 nations.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, said connectivity now drives tourism’s future, highlighting the necessity for unified efforts among key global stakeholders to foster a more sustainable, connected travel industry.
