Under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”, ATM 2026 will examine the megatrends reshaping global leisure travel and the growing demand for culturally rich, experiential and tech-enhanced holidays. The event’s leisure programme will explore shifting traveller behaviours, new demand patterns and the Middle East’s strengthening position as a preferred destination for international visitors.
According to the ATM Travel Trends Report, produced in partnership with Tourism Economics, international tourism nights in the Middle East are projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030—a 90% increase compared with 2024. Approximately 15% of these nights will be generated by leisure travellers from outside the region. European markets currently represent half of all international leisure travel into the Middle East, although accelerated growth from Africa and the Asia Pacific is expected over the next five years.
For exhibitors and buyers, these trends underscore the region’s strong potential in the leisure segment. ATM 2026 is expected to welcome over 2,600 exhibitors from 161 countries and more than 47,000 attendees, offering a comprehensive marketplace for destinations, airlines, hotels and tourism stakeholders to engage with growing demand.
“By 2030, there are expected to be nearly 30 billion tourism nights globally, with the Middle East accounting for around 8%,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market. “During the same period, leisure nights in the region are expected to grow by 87%, reflecting the region’s rapid infrastructure development and its expanding experiential and cultural offerings. ATM 2026 will bring together the destinations, attractions, brands and innovators shaping this $15 trillion opportunity.”
The analysis highlights accelerating shifts in leisure travel demand. Millennials and Gen Z are taking more trips and adopting digital tourism innovations, while multigenerational and solo travel have become mainstream. Industry experts surveyed identified leisure events as the top opportunity for future growth. Within the Middle East, beach escapes, city breaks and nature-based travel remain consistently strong, with sports tourism, cultural experiences and wellness-focused itineraries gaining momentum.
“Leisure tourism can no longer be defined by a single demographic or travel style. Today’s travellers are seeking authentic, personalised experiences that reflect their values,” Curtis added. “For this reason, the Middle East is ideally positioned to play a defining role in the coming era of global tourism, and we look forward to welcoming the international travel industry to Dubai in May to explore related opportunities together.”
Beyond leisure travel, ATM 2026 will examine wider regional and global developments across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA). Dubai’s role as a global gateway – connecting more than 240 destinations across six continents – will be central to the show’s narrative, supported by features such as the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, IBTM @ ATM and the co-located ATM Travel Tech, which will expand to two dedicated halls.
With its broad thematic focus and strong international participation, ATM 2026 is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of global leisure travel growth.
Tags: Danielle Curtis, Arabian Travel Market.Boston Consulting Group, Global leisure travel
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