ATM & ICCA: A $1.5 Trillion Partnership for Business Events

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the premier international event for the travel and tourism industry, has announced a landmark partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). This collaboration aims to expand the business events sector at the 2025 edition of the exhibition. As the official Business Events Partner for ATM 2025, ICCA will host sessions that explore the evolving landscape of global business events. Key focus areas will include sustainability, digital transformation, and AI-driven enhancements to elevate event experiences.

ICCA to Attract Global Event Buyers and Showcase Regional Strengths

ICCA’s involvement goes beyond hosting seminars. It will also facilitate the attendance of key international buyers from associations, showcasing the diverse opportunities the Middle East offers to event planners. The region’s growing capacity to host large-scale congresses will be emphasized, supporting its long-term economic development and influence. During ATM 2025, ICCA will launch a government meeting ranking report, highlighting the Middle East's increasing importance in the global business events arena. Notably, Dubai was recognized as the leading city in the Middle East for association meetings in 2023, following Abu Dhabi’s top spot in 2022.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: "Our partnership with ICCA reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional value to the business events sector, which has always been a cornerstone of ATM. We look forward to leveraging ICCA’s global network and insights to deliver unparalleled value to our exhibitors and attendees as we explore the future of business events, particularly in the rapidly expanding international market.”

Business Travel Set for Record Growth in 2024

According to the latest World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) insights, the business events sector is experiencing a robust recovery. Business travel spending is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2024, reaching an all-time high of US$1.5 trillion. Dubai exemplifies this resurgence by securing 175 international business events in the first half of 2024, marking a 24% increase compared to the previous year, according to Dubai Business Events (DBE). This growth cements the UAE’s position as a global hub for business events.

Dr Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, added: “We are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership between ICCA and ATM. ICCA will create enhanced value concerning business and knowledge in the Arabian Travel Market. This collaboration represents a significant step toward driving meaningful business engagements, with dedicated sessions, research reports, and networking opportunities for key stakeholders.

“Together, we aim to bring the best of the Business Events to ATM, fostering connections that will leave a lasting impact. The strategic partnership also highlights ICCA’s commitment to sharing exclusive insights on the global meetings industry and future best practices. We look forward to an exciting and productive journey ahead.”

Launch of IBTM @ ATM to Meet Industry Demand

Responding to the rising interest in business events, ATM 2025 will introduce IBTM @ ATM, a dedicated zone for business event suppliers to connect with buyers through pre-arranged appointments and business exchange sessions. This new feature will also include a tailored conference program focusing on the latest industry trends and developments. The addition follows high demand at the 2024 event, where over 7,000 attendees, 1,500 buyers, and 400 exhibitors highlighted business events as a key component of their offerings.

Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director, IBTM World, said: “As the global platform for the Business Events industry, IBTM is excited to be part of the collaboration with ATM and our long-standing strategic partner ICCA to deliver a tailored experience for event planners and suppliers in the region. With substantial growth anticipated for the business events sector in the Middle East, and increasing demand from suppliers and buyers at ATM wanting to connect, do business and share knowledge and insights, it feels like an opportune moment to use our expertise to support this growth.”

ATM 2025 to Showcase the Future of Global Tourism

The 32nd edition of ATM will center around the theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”. The event will bring together professionals from the leisure, MICE, luxury, and corporate travel sectors. ATM 2025 will serve as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development, offering participants insights into emerging trends, innovations, and global developments. Through enhanced connectivity, the event aims to shape the future of tourism and foster new opportunities for the travel industry.