ATM 2025 Explores Technology and Traveller Behaviour Shifts

Key trends shaping the travel industry – including innovation, connectivity, and customisation – will take centre stage at the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), set to run from 28 April to 1 May 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Each year, ATM tackles the pivotal issues transforming global travel, and 2025 promises to be no different. Under the banner ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’, the upcoming event will feature an expansive programme of conferences and exhibitions, delving into how advances in technology and shifting traveller preferences are reshaping the sector.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for Arabian Travel Market, highlighted the importance of connectivity: “Technology is undoubtedly a driving force in travel and tourism, but connectivity goes beyond this – it’s about the seamless movement of people, goods, and ideas that underpin global businesses. For anyone keen to engage with the trends, behaviours, and cultural shifts defining the future of tourism, ATM is the place to be.”

One standout trend on the horizon for 2025 is nostalgia travel. Millennials, drawn to re-experiencing their youth, are recreating memorable trips or fulfilling childhood dreams, often alongside their own children. The rise of nostalgia offers fertile ground for innovative travel companies. From 1990s film remakes to reunions of early 2000s music acts, this longing for the past is already influencing the tourism market in significant ways.

Sports and music tourism are also booming. Sports tourism alone is forecast to hit $1.33 trillion, while music tourism could reach $13.8 billion by 2032. Fans are travelling further – and spending more – to attend events. Regional hubs like Saudi Arabia have capitalised on the trend, welcoming 2.5 million overseas visitors for 80 major sports events in just four years.

Meanwhile, travel in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is set to rebound strongly. Arrivals in APAC and the Middle East are projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by the close of 2025, buoyed by visa-free initiatives, digital nomad visas, and the influence of hit television series like The White Lotus and Squid Game. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), APAC’s growing middle class will account for 50% of global air passenger growth by 2043. Reflecting this momentum, ATM 2025’s Asia segment has grown by 18% year-on-year.

Cutting-edge technology will once again take the spotlight at ATM’s Travel Tech exhibition. With returning exhibitors such as Amadeus, WEGO, and WebBeds, delegates will explore the latest in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and high-speed Wi-Fi. These innovations are revolutionising personalised in-flight entertainment and shopping, enabling service providers to anticipate travellers’ preferences with unprecedented precision.

However, connectivity isn’t solely about technology. A growing number of solo travellers are seeking to unplug from digital fatigue and embrace face-to-face connections. Digital nomadism, a trend accelerated by the pandemic, is also on the rise. Data from Squaremouth indicates that 42% of travel insurance customers are planning solo trips this year – a trend that will feature prominently in discussions at ATM 2025.

Sustainability, a cornerstone of ATM 2024, will remain a key focus for next year. Responsible tourism continues to gain traction, with Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey revealing that 81% of Millennials and 79% of Gen Zs want businesses to do more to promote sustainable choices. The ecotourism market is expected to grow to $429 billion by 2028, underlining the urgency of addressing this issue.

From nostalgia to sustainability, ATM 2025 promises to provide unparalleled insights into the forces shaping the future of global travel.