Dubai to Host 5th Accessible Travel & Tourism Conference 2025

Dubai is set to host the 5th edition of the Accessible Travel and Tourism International Conference (ATTIC-2025) from October 7 to 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The event will take place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

This conference is an important event for the tourism and travel sector as it focuses on making travel easier and more accessible for People of Determination, a term used in the UAE for persons with disabilities. ATTIC-2025 will bring together experts, government officials, and professionals to discuss how cities, airports, airlines, hotels, and tourist attractions can be more inclusive for all travellers.

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Dubai: A Global Leader in Accessible Tourism

Dubai has worked hard to become a global leader in accessible tourism. The city has developed strong policies, modern infrastructure, and excellent services to make travel easy for everyone, especially People of Determination. Dubai’s airports, airlines, hotels, and public spaces have been recognized for being inclusive and accessible.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said,
"This Conference brings together decision-makers and experts in accessible travel and tourism under one roof to share insights and highlight Dubai and the UAE’s accomplishments in accessibility and inclusion."

He also highlighted that Dubai has been recognized as an Autism-Friendly City and that Emirates Airlines and Dubai Airports have received special recognition as inclusive facilities. These achievements reflect Dubai’s ongoing commitment to empowering People of Determination and making tourism accessible to everyone.

The Purpose of ATTIC-2025

The conference aims to improve laws, policies, infrastructure, and services related to travel and tourism. It will focus on areas such as air travel, land and sea transportation, hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues. The goal is to ensure that 1.3 billion People of Determination worldwide can travel comfortably, safely, and with dignity.

Experts from organizations like UN Tourism, Airports Council International (ACI World), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and other leaders in travel, tourism, and marketing will speak at the conference. These discussions will help cities and tourism providers learn global best practices and adopt strategies that make travel more inclusive for all.

Lessons from Dubai: Sharing Best Practices

A special session called "Lessons from Dubai" will highlight the city’s achievements in accessible tourism. Representatives from Emirates Airlines, Dubai Airports, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the Department of Economy and Tourism will share their experiences.

Dubai has become a model city for accessibility. Its airports and airline services have been recognized as inclusive, while public spaces, hotels, shopping centers, and tourist attractions have been designed to be accessible to everyone. By sharing these experiences, Dubai hopes to guide other cities in adopting similar policies and infrastructure.

The Growing Importance of Accessible Tourism

Accessible tourism is becoming more important worldwide. People with disabilities represent a growing segment of travellers who spend billions of dollars every year. According to the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), at least 257 million tourists are actively searching for accessible travel destinations.

In the Middle East, there are over 50 million People of Determination, making accessible tourism a promising opportunity for economic growth. Globally, about 10-15% of the population, or 1.3 billion people, have special needs. This number is expected to rise to 2 billion by 2050 due to factors like aging, health conditions, and other challenges.

Focus Areas of ATTIC-2025

ATTIC-2025 will focus on every stage of a traveller’s journey, including:

• Planning: Accessible travel information and booking services.

• Departure: Airport facilities, check-in, and boarding assistance.

• Travel: Comfortable and inclusive transport options.

• Accommodation: Accessible hotels, resorts, and other lodging.

• Entertainment: Shopping malls, museums, beaches, parks, and attractions designed for all visitors.

Ghassan Suleiman, Secretary-General of ATTIC, said,
"The tourism industry needs to embrace 'inclusive tourism,' which serves millions of people with special needs by implementing legislation, smart solutions, qualified staff, and accessible communication channels."

He emphasized that stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector must work together to remove barriers to ensure everyone can enjoy travel safely and comfortably.

Economic Impact of Accessible Tourism

Accessible tourism is not just a social responsibility; it also has a significant economic impact. According to the World Bank, tourism contributed 6.7% of the total GDP in the Middle East in 2023. Studies by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) suggest that accessible tourism could generate €88.6 billion in revenue by 2025.

This shows that creating accessible and inclusive travel services is beneficial not only for travellers but also for businesses, cities, and countries looking to grow their tourism sector.

Organizers and Participants

The conference is organized annually by Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management. ATTIC provides a unique platform for:

• Airport personnel

• Airlines

• Travel agents

• Hotel and resort managers

• Shopping center operators

• Tourism destination managers

These participants can explore the potential of accessible tourism and align their services with the UAE’s vision for inclusion.

Global Call for Accessible Tourism

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum also called for global cooperation to ensure that accessible tourism becomes a priority worldwide. He encouraged countries and organizations to share knowledge, policies, and solutions to make travel easier for more than one billion people who require accessibility in tourism.

The 5th Accessible Travel and Tourism International Conference (ATTIC-2025) in Dubai is an important milestone in promoting inclusive tourism worldwide. It will highlight the needs, challenges, and opportunities for travellers with disabilities while showcasing Dubai as a global leader in accessible travel.

By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, ATTIC-2025 aims to create a world where every traveller, regardless of ability, can explore, enjoy, and experience new destinations with ease and dignity. This conference is not only about policies and infrastructure but also about empowering People of Determination and ensuring that the joy of travel is available to all.

Dubai’s vision for accessible tourism sets an example for the world, proving that with commitment, collaboration, and innovative solutions, inclusive travel can become a global standard.

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