Arabian Travel Market to Introduce Dedicated Travel Tech Show in 2026
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 24, 2025 – The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has unveiled plans for a new event, ATM Travel Tech, set to debut at the 2026 edition of the fair. Scheduled for May 4-7, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), this co-located event aims to spotlight the rapidly evolving travel technology sector.
A New Era for Travel Technology
ATM Travel Tech is evolving from its previous role as a growing segment within the main event. This year, it will occupy two dedicated halls, reflecting the increasing significance of technology in the travel industry. The event will serve as a dynamic platform for showcasing innovative ideas, partnerships, and solutions that are shaping the future of travel.
The overarching theme for ATM 2026 is “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology.” This theme will guide discussions on how cutting-edge technologies are transforming the travel experience—from planning and booking to the journey itself. Key areas of focus will include AI-driven trip planning, immersive commerce, smart mobility, fintech, sustainability, and cybersecurity.
Exhibitor Participation and Innovations
The event is expected to attract over 180 exhibitors from 30 countries, including industry leaders like Sabre, Travelport, and Amadeus. Alongside these established companies, numerous innovators and startups will showcase advancements in AI, automation, payments, and customer experience. This diverse representation underscores the collaborative spirit of the travel tech community.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for the Middle East at ATM, emphasized the importance of this evolution. “As travel technology evolves at an unprecedented pace, we have expanded ATM Travel Tech into a fully co-located event. Technology is now central to how journeys are imagined and delivered,” she stated. This event will serve as a meeting point for the minds and technologies that are reshaping the travel sector.
Market Growth and Future Projections
The decision to launch ATM Travel Tech aligns with significant growth trends in the global travel technology market. According to Research and Markets, the market was valued at approximately $10.7 billion in 2024, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.05%, potentially reaching $18.6 billion by 2033. This growth highlights the increasing reliance on technology in enhancing travel experiences.
Recent surveys indicate that a substantial 84% of travelers plan to utilize AI for future travel. The integration of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and fintech is setting new standards for how travel is searched, sold, and experienced.
The Tech & Innovation Hub
At the heart of ATM Travel Tech will be the Tech & Innovation Hub, covering 850 square meters. This space will showcase the latest innovations reshaping the travel sector, featuring immersive zones, demos, and augmented experiences. Attendees can expect a range of products that highlight the full travel tech ecosystem.
The hub will also include the Future Stage, a 250-seat theater dedicated to thought leadership and next-generation ideas. The conference agenda will feature over 25 sessions, more than 30 tech demonstrations, and two Start-up Pitch Battles, focusing on topics such as immersive technology, cybersecurity, robotics, and green technology.
A Platform for Collaboration
ATM Travel Tech, co-located with the main ATM event, benefits from the extensive travel and tourism ecosystem that the fair offers. Now in its 33rd year, ATM connects over 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries and features more than 2,800 exhibiting companies across all travel sectors. This makes it an essential platform for business development, innovation, and collaboration within the global travel landscape.
In addition to ATM Travel Tech, the event will also host the expanded IBTM @ ATM, which connects the global MICE community with the Middle East’s burgeoning business events sector, as well as the ATM Ultra Luxury Lounge, catering to high-net-worth travelers and bespoke experience providers.
With its focus on innovation and collaboration, ATM Travel Tech is poised to become a cornerstone of the travel technology landscape, driving forward the conversation on how technology can enhance the travel experience for everyone.
