The conference will be delivered under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and
Technology”, with sessions hosted across the Global Stage, the Future Stage, and
the newly rebranded Experience Stage,
formerly the Business Events Stage, as part
of IBTM @ ATM.
Across the programme, global thought leaders, policymakers, innovators, and industry practitioners will share insights focused on sustainable growth, improved industry standards, and long-term resilience within travel and tourism.
“At ATM, we want to raise the bar in how we guide the global travel and
tourism industry. Our 2026 conference programme has been carefully curated to
provide strategic direction through informed, industry-led insight, ensuring
that decision-makers leave with the knowledge they need to act with confidence.
We want ATM to be a platform where thought leaders share expertise that
supports global growth, improves standards and strengthens the future of travel
and tourism worldwide. By covering every major vertical within the industry,
and by grounding our agenda in research, innovation and real-world scenarios,
we are empowering the sector to make smarter, more sustainable decisions,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition
Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.
The Global Stage, positioned as the event’s primary strategic forum, will
examine the policies, investments, and decisions shaping international travel.
Sessions will address accessibility and inclusion, sustainability, transport
and mobility, accommodation, luxury, destination marketing, development and
investment, and emerging global travel trends.
A strong emphasis will be placed on research-led content, with new data and
insights presented throughout the programme by organisations including Tourism
Economics, Euromonitor, and GSIQ. The final day of the Global Stage will focus
on the Women in Travel Forum, delivered in partnership
with Women in Travel CIC, addressing leadership, equity,
accessibility, and inclusion across the sector.
The Future Stage will be located within the Tech and Innovation Hub, reflecting the full debut of ATM Travel Tech as a co-located show. Over four days, sessions will explore artificial intelligence, automation, digital transformation, fintech, immersive technologies, robotics, emerging business models, and next-generation travel platforms.
Designed as a purpose-built 250-seat theatre, the Future Stage will focus
on forward-looking insights related to innovation, adaptation, and responsible
technology adoption, highlighting how travel experiences are planned,
delivered, and managed.
The newly announced Experience Stage will focus on business events,
corporate travel, and experiential design, highlighting the Middle East’s
growing role as a global meetings and events hub. The programme is supported by
the International Congress and Convention Association,
which returns as Official Business Events Partner.
Across all stages, ATM 2026 will place greater emphasis on interactive
formats, including roundtable discussions, Lunch ‘n Learn sessions, Meet the
Speaker opportunities, and the use of real-time translation headset technology
through a partnership with Vox Technologies.
“With our expanded scope, redefined stages and renewed focus on inclusion,
innovation and evidence-based insight, the ATM 2026 conference programme
underscores the event’s position as the region’s leading knowledge platform for
travel and tourism,” Curtis
added.
Tags: Danielle Curtis, Arabian Travel Market
