Arabian Travel Market News
BTN recently caught up with Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE at RX Global
Breaking Travel News recently caught up with Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE at RX Global, to discuss the continued success and evolution of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), one of the world’s leading travel and tourism events. As the global travel industry continues to evolve at pace, Danielle shares her insights into the key trends shaping the sector, how Arabian Travel Market is adapting to meet the needs of exhibitors and visitors alike, and the event’s growing role as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and international business. She also reflects on the highlights of the most recent edition and offers a glimpse of what the industry can expect from future events.
As 60% of UAE travellers rely on AI to plan trips, human connection remains vital
Travel technology is transforming the industry globally, changing the way travellers plan, book, and experience their journeys. According to a recent report by Tourism Economics on behalf of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), 60% of travellers in the UAE trust Artificial Intelligence (AI) to plan every aspect of their trips, compared to 48% of travellers in other countries, with this figure predicted to rise as technology becomes more embedded into consumer habits.
Arabian Travel Market underscores the vital role of Asia Pacific in the future of tourism
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is poised for significant tourism growth, with spending on international travel forecast to hit US$2.5 trillion and domestic travel to reach US$4.3 trillion by 2029, according to the latest data from Euromonitor International. Outbound travel from APAC is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7%, with intra-regional journeys expected to account for 61% of all trips by the end of 2025. By 2029, one in three trips is anticipated to be outside the APAC region, with 75% of bookings set to be made online.
Verteil Technologies becomes launch NDC aggregator for Riyadh Air
Riyadh Air and Verteil Technologies have announced a strategic partnership that will see Verteil become the launch NDC (New Distribution Capability) aggregator, marking a major milestone in Riyadh Air’s offer and order-based digital distribution journey. Through this collaboration, travel sellers across the globe will gain seamless access to Riyadh Air’s NDC content via Verteil’s industry-leading platform, Verteil Direct Connect (VDC), reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in airline retailing.
Emirates caps record-breaking ATM, welcoming over 27,000 visitors
Emirates has capped off its busiest ever presence at the Arabian Travel Market, forging and deepening nearly 40 partnerships spanning tourism organisations, technology partners, cruise line companies, airlines and rail operators, among others. Across the event’s four-day run, the airline’s stand was buzzing, welcoming over 27,000 visitors to experience Emirates’ full suite of products across its three aircraft types, including its latest-generation A350 Business Class seats and Premium Economy alongside the signature Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa, as well as its sustainability and accessible travel initiatives.
Emirates and American Express Middle East Sign MOU
Emirates and American Express Middle East (AEME) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) that intends to expand their collaboration to explore new offerings for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in select countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Together, Emirates and American Express Middle East will explore ways to reach and engage with Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) through differentiated offers and value driven initiatives. This may include payments solutions tailored to SMEs, the extension of potential incentives provided by Emirates to American Express Middle East Card Members participating in the Emirates Business Rewards program, among other benefits.
Emirates and MSC Cruises extend long-term partnership
Emirates and MSC Cruises have extended their long-term strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the air-sea traveller experience, supporting Dubai’s cruise ambitions to become a major cruise hub, and exploring future opportunities for joint growth across the airline’s extensive network. Announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the partnership builds on a decade long year relationship and will leverage the strengths of the airline and MSC Cruises to enhance the guest experience and support the growth of Dubai’s cruise tourism eco-system.
Mohammed bin Rashid visited Arabian Travel Market 2025
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, toured the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, which concluded yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
