ATM 2026 is expected to attract a larger Asia-Pacific exhibitor presence, driven by growing GCC outbound travel to destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
Summary: ATM 2026 is set to see stronger Asia-Pacific exhibitor participation, supported by a projected 13.95% CAGR in exhibitor representation between 2024 and 2026 and rising GCC outbound travel to destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
Organisers of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) say the 2026 edition, scheduled for 4–7 May at Dubai World Trade Centre, will feature a notable uplift in Asia-Pacific exhibitors. That increase is underpinned by a 13.95% compound annual growth rate in Asian participation between 2024 and 2026, reflecting stronger outbound demand from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets to Asia-Pacific destinations.
Asian exhibitor growth linked to expanding GCC outbound travel
The jump in Asian representation at ATM mirrors an ongoing rise in travel from Gulf markets to Asia-Pacific. Destinations that are particularly popular with Gulf travellers include Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Japan — a trend supported by improving air links and competitive fares that make these countries more accessible.
Airports Council International (ACI) World’s 2025 global air traffic forecast points to strong Southeast Asian growth, and expects Middle East passenger traffic to increase by about 5.9% in 2025. Those capacity gains are helping to open more routes and seat options between the Gulf and Asia-Pacific.
Findings from the 2025 ATM Travel Trends Report, compiled with Tourism Economics (an Oxford Economics company), signal that destinations such as Thailand are set to attract more travellers from the Middle East as visitor preferences shift and destination choices widen.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, commented:
“Thailand is the standout performer, as Asia-Pacific takes an even greater share of outbound travel from the Middle East, with over ten million extra tourism nights expected in 2030 compared with current levels, according to our report,”
“It is one of the top outbound destinations for the UAE and broader GCC in 2025, with 12% growth year-on-year. Excluding inter-regional travel in the Middle East, Thailand is forecast to capture the second largest volume of outbound leisure nights for the period 2025-2030, with 33%,”
Confirmed national bodies and hospitality brands
A broad line-up of tourism authorities from the region will attend ATM 2026. Confirmed participants include the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Korea Tourism Organization, the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Brunei Tourism and Visit Maldives Corporation.
- Hilton Hotels of Malaysia
- Conrad Singapore Orchard
- The Garden Hotel Company Ltd. (Guangzhou)
- Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
- ROKU KYOTO
- LXR Hotels & Resorts
- Six & Six Private Islands
- Ayana Hospitality
- China Cultural Centre in the UAE
Why Gulf travellers are a high-value market for Asia
Research firm Reso highlights that GCC visitors spend in Asia at levels more than 11 times the global average, making them one of the most lucrative tourist groups. Factors such as better connectivity, lower fares and a desire for varied cultural experiences are sustaining demand, while deeper economic links — with Asia House forecasting $802 billion in trade between the regions by 2030 — are reinforcing travel flows.
ATM 2026 will tackle these market dynamics on the Global Stage with a panel titled “Asia-GCC Corridor: The Next Great Growth Engine”, which will examine how premium travellers from the Gulf are reshaping one of the most important international travel corridors.
On the programme, organisers say:
“ATM supports the wider travel and tourism industry by analysing emerging trends, addressing sector-wide challenges and equipping stakeholders with strategic insights to strengthen existing revenue streams and unlock new ones,” Curtis added.
Event programme and industry response
Alongside the Global Stage, ATM 2026 will offer sessions on the Future Stage and Experience Stage, plus dedicated spaces such as the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, IBTM @ ATM and an expanded ATM Travel Tech occupying two halls — all designed to reflect shifting traveller expectations and the industry’s strategic priorities.
What this means for travellers and the travel industry: increased Asian representation at ATM signals more partnership opportunities for Gulf and Asian operators, faster route development and a broader range of premium products aimed at high-spending GCC visitors. For travel businesses, this presents a window to develop tailored offerings and capitalise on deepening Gulf–Asia demand.
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