The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 is set to witness a significant surge in international participation, with projections indicating that Middle East outbound travel expenditure will surpass US$60 billion by 2030. Scheduled to take place from 4 to 7 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will showcase the latest trends in tourism infrastructure and air connectivity, contributing to a 10% year-on-year growth.
The exhibition will see a remarkable increase in reserved space from African and Asian participants, with compound annual growth rates of 31.99% and 13.95%, respectively, from 2024 to 2026. China's return to ATM is expected to strengthen ties with Gulf tourism partners as its outbound market gains momentum.
Danielle Curtis, the exhibition's director, highlighted the growing international interest, stating, "International participation in ATM continues to grow alongside significant shifts in the global tourism sector." She noted the extensive investments in infrastructure and sustainable luxury in Africa and the rapid expansion of air connectivity and travel technology in Asia.
Egypt is expected to see a 21% rise in tourist nights from the Middle East by 2030, driven by substantial investments in tourism projects. Morocco is also expanding its rail and air networks in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted with Portugal and Spain.
The 2026 edition will also feature strong representation from Turkey, with an anticipated 96% growth in leisure tourism nights from the Middle East by 2030. Meanwhile, China's participation will focus on enhancing inbound tourism and easing visa restrictions for Middle Eastern visitors.
The Arabian Travel Market 2026 aims to highlight industry trends and innovations, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global travel hub.
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