- Cassie Kozyrkov, Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, who spearheaded the tech giant’s AI-first transformation, will take to the stage on the opening day of ATM to discuss how the travel industry can lead in AI adoption
- Other speakers providing their insights at the event include futurist John Duffield and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 16 April 2025: The transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The international travel event will gather experts and thought leaders in AI from around the world to explore how AI is changing the landscape of leisure and business travel, streamlining operations and improving the customer journey.
According to recent research by Statista, AI and machine learning have accounted for approximately two-thirds of global technology investment deals by travel and mobility companies since 2020. Across the travel industry, AI is being embraced at every level, from customers using AI-powered tools to plan their journeys to tourism providers leveraging AI to improve resource management and deliver more personalised guest services.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “At ATM 2025, we are thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of visionary speakers. Attendees can expect engaging discussions that delve into the latest technological advancements, ethical considerations, and real-world applications. In addition, we will showcase groundbreaking developments across the exhibition, from sophisticated booking solutions to data analysis tools that empower organisations to make informed decisions. This is an unparalleled opportunity for travel industry professionals to be at the forefront of AI and gain actionable insights that can drive business success.”
On the opening day of ATM, Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and a globally renowned speaker in AI, will lead an insightful session on “AI adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy”, where she will outline how companies in the travel industry can identify genuine opportunities to improve their businesses. Kozyrkov will delve into why organisations struggle, uncover the biggest threats in the field and discuss what AI means for the future.
Best known for founding the field of ‘Decision Intelligence’ and serving as Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, where she spearheaded the tech giant’s AI-first transformation, Kozyrkov is a sought-after AI advisor and speaker who has transformed how organisations such as Gucci, NASA, Spotify, Meta and GSK approach AI strategy. She has presented on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the United Nations (UN), and the World Economic Forum and is set to inspire and empower audiences at ATM on how to navigate the future with confidence and innovation.
Speaking ahead of the event, Kozyrkov said: “I am delighted to be attending Arabian Travel Market 2025. There is a lot of hype around AI, but it can sometimes be difficult to separate the fact from the fiction. My session will help attendees see the opportunities to apply AI to their business, while also improving their lives and the lives of those around them.
“AI has so much potential to unlock a better world. I hope I will be able to inspire attendees and show practical ways to harness the power and the beauty of data for automation.”
Elsewhere at ATM, Futurist and travel expert John Duffield will share fascinating insights on how AI and smart systems are reshaping the industry by enabling hyper-personalised experiences, seamless connectivity and innovations. During his presentation, Duffield will also discuss how travel providers can act now to prepare for these technologies, while addressing challenges such as data privacy and resistance to change.
As technology continues to evolve, travel companies are identifying innovative ways to use human-centric technologies to connect with their customers. On 30 April, a panel of thought leaders, including Robin Lawther, VP Expedia TAAP, Expedia Group, will examine how the travel industry can use human-centric technology, addressing the ethical considerations surrounding AI, privacy and the importance of maintaining the human touch in an increasingly automated world.
Dorothee Anjos, General Manager, Middle East at Multilem, will also touch on the importance of the human element in a thought-provoking discussion on the relationship between human connection and AI in the events industry. During this session, she will explore how integrating both is revolutionising the planning, execution, and experience of events, as well as addressing the challenges posed by the rise of AI.
On 30 April, Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports will provide a comprehensive overview of what’s next for aviation in the age of transformation and global disruption, touching on how AI, among several other factors, is reshaping the future of flight. The session will discuss the role of artificial intelligence in optimising operations, predictive maintenance and passenger experience.
Finally, Graham Pope, Vice President, Sales Supplier and Venue Solutions at Cvent will host a session titled Future-proofing 2025: Trends, AI and shifts in business and MICE travel, exploring how business event organisers can measure the impact of their events using a blend of strategic planning, effective data collection and robust analysis, of which AI plays a key role.
Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.
The latest ATM news stories are available at https://hub.wtm.com/category/press/atm-press-releases/.
For more information, log on to wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html.
Now in its 32nd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. With over 48,000 attendees and more than 35,000 visitors, including over 2,550 exhibitors and representatives from over 161 countries during last year’s show, ATM remains a pivotal gathering for the global travel and tourism industry. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai
ATM takes place from 28 April to 1 May 2025, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai
Arabian Travel Week is a week-long festival of events from 28 April to 4 May, alongside Arabian Travel Market 2025. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes the all-New Business Events @ATM focusing on MICE, Start-Up Competition, influencers’ events, GBTA Business Travel Forums, and ATM Travel Tech. It also features ATM Buyer Networking and a series of country forums.
About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.
About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors
World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are:
WTM London is the world’s most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes.
Next event: 5 to 7 November 2024 at ExCel London.
WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022.
Next event: 14 to 16 April 2025 – Expo Center Norte, SP, Brazil.
WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019.
Latest event: 9 to 11 April 2025 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town http://africa.wtm.com/
About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.
WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub. https://hub.wtm.com/
