Arabian Travel Market 2026 focuses on AI and travel technology

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 has opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre, operating under the theme ‘Travel 2040: New Horizons through Innovation and Technology’. The event focuses on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation in reshaping the global travel ecosystem.

Industry leaders at the ATM Future Stage discussed how AI is moving beyond simple chatbots toward integrating into the underlying systems of travel discovery, planning, and operations. Dr. Marwan Alzarouni of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism emphasized that destinations must ensure accurate and authoritative information is available for AI-powered platforms, noting that traditional search rankings are no longer sufficient.

The exhibition highlights a shift toward providing integrated travel experiences—encompassing culture, heritage, and wellness—rather than isolated services. A dedicated ‘Travel Tech’ area showcases advancements in smart hospitality, predictive solutions, and interactive technologies designed to personalize guest experiences and optimize hotel operations.