Exclusive research unveiled at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this week has highlighted key travel trends across the Middle East region. On the second day of ATM yesterday, Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, revealed insights from the ‘ATM Trends Report: Leisure, Luxury and MICE – Leading Trends for the Middle East’.

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) was presented with the Sustainable Stand Award at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which concludes tomorrow (Thursday 1st May) at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). DET was recognised by an independent panel of judges due to the fact that 84% of their exhibition stand was built from reused materials, 100% of the materials used were locally sourced and sustainable and DET achieved a targeted reduction in carbon emissions of approximately 10% exemplifying a high-impact, data-driven approach to sustainable exhibiting.

Premier Inn Dubai International Aiport has been awarded Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East at the prestigious Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2025, in recognition of its seamless guest experience, prime location, and exceptional service tailored to meet the needs of today’s travellers. Widely regarded as one of the most respected accolades in the hospitality sector, the Business Traveller Middle East Awards are determined through a robust public voting process, ensuring transparency and credibility. Each year, the awards honour the most outstanding contributors to business travel and tourism across the region - from airlines and airports to hotels.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, yesterday announced a major push to streamline visa procedures for visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, aiming to boost tourism and strengthen economic ties. The new measures will focus on simplifying visa application processes for visitors from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

Destinations for All, the World Summit on Accessible Tourism now in its third edition, will take place for the first time in Italy, in Turin, from October 5-7 2025. This promises to be a major event, bringing together experts and operators from the tourism sector worldwide. The event aims to promote and share best practices in accessibility within the tourism sector to strengthen a global network of destinations accessible to everyone, including people with specific needs. The Piedmont capital was chosen to host the Summit following Turin's designation as European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025: the title awarded by the European Commission considered, among other factors, the accessibility features and tourist hospitality available in the city.

Introduction of face recognition technology will enhance guest experience and support public safety regulations. Agreement signed with Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security to pilot first government-led initiative of its kind in Abu Dhabi