Italian Tourism Board at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai
Italy is also an online and social network leader, with over 3,300 social media mentions and 1,400 web mentions in the last month, confirming Italy's excellent reputation in the high-spending Middle Eastern markets
Rome/Dubai, The Italian Tourist Board (ENIT) is participating in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) trade fair in Dubai, a landmark event for inbound and outbound travel in the Middle East, an industry generating over 21 billion euros each year on average. More than 47,000 visitors and over 2,600 exhibitors from 161 global destinations are expected at this 2025 edition (scheduled from 28 April to 1 May). The common theme of the event is digital transition as a development tool for tourism, highlighting the importance of connectivity in shaping the future of this industry.
Figures show how much this geographical area clearly appreciates Italy. As demonstrated by airport flows during the January-December 2025 period, Italy is expected to clock up 964,440 arrivals from Middle Eastern markets, with an overall growth of +21.1% compared to the previous year. The number expected from the United Arab Emirates alone (the area's number one market of origin into Italy) is 310,302 arrivals, accounting for 32.2% of the total, with growth of over 16% on 2024. The main reasons for travelling are personal, with holidays accounting for 37.5% of the total and 83% of tourists from this area choosing art cities as the destination for their visit.
Another reason for travelling to Italy from Dubai and Abu Dhabi are luxury and high-end shopping. Indeed, Italy is also number one in the world ranking for luxury travel destinations as forecast for 2025, confirming its status as a landmark destination for international wedding ceremonies, with 15,100 foreign couples choosing Italy (+11.4%). Italy ranks first for family travel and also as a honeymoon destination, followed by Hawaii and Costa Rica for family travel and Greece and Bali for honeymoons. Shopping tourism attracts 2.1 million people, confirming Italy's appeal in this segment as well.
Italy has a strong online presence, with over 3,300 mentions on social media and 1,400 on the web in the last month, proving what excellent visibility it enjoys compared to its competitors. Furthermore, the country receives the highest positive sentiment (83%), compared to 63% for France and 76% for Spain, and is the top country for social media likes (over 1 million as at March 2025) with good production of user-generated content. Italian tourism and culture is the most discussed topic (44% of mentions on the web and 67% on social media).
'Our country's image is growing from strength to strength, as the figures best testify. Italy not only excels in art and history but also tops the charts for luxury tourism and shopping. By diversifying our offer, we can harness the full potential of our various areas, actively contributing to the growth of the country, attracting visitors from abroad and allowing them to discover our excellence', comments Ivana Jelinic, ENIT's CEO.
'Participating in the Dubai ATM is a key opportunity for Italy to consolidate its position in the luxury tourism market and promote the country's extraordinary beauty. The Meloni government's decision to lower the tax-free shopping threshold will further drive this segment, making Italy even more attractive to visitors seeking luxury experiences. Motivated by already growing figures, we are striving to increase the number of arrivals and overnight stays even further, aided by the new ITA Airways flight to and from Dubai which has strengthened connectivity between the two countries.
'We are investing in even higher-quality tourism by improving the services we offer, to make Italy even more attractive to high-spending markets. Focusing on the digital transition is crucial in order to attract new visitors and meet the needs of an increasingly connected and informed public. We are confident that the figures we have seen will mark a year of significant growth for Italian tourism, confirming Italy's position as a global leader in the industry', says Gianluca Caramanna, Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism for institutional relations.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
11 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Tata Motors to buy Italy's Iveco for $4.4bn
ROME (AFP) Tata Motors of India will buy Italy's Iveco Group for 3.8 billion euros ($4.4 billion) in a bid to create a "global champion" in the commercial vehicles sector, the two companies said Wednesday. The deal excludes Iveco's defence division for armoured vehicles, which is to be sold to Italian defence and aerospace group Leonardo, in a 1.7-billion-euro deal announced earlier Wednesday. The combined company after Tata's takeover aims to sell around 540,000 vehicles a year for total annual revenues of 22 billion euros, of which half would come from Europe, 35 percent from India and 15 percent from the Americas. Tata and Iveco -- which also makes engines and buses -- said in a joint statement there was "no overlap in their industrial and geographic footprints, creating a stronger, more diversified entity" which would use a shared strategic vision to drive long-term growth. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the status of Tata in Europe, with Jaguar Land Rover notably a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors. "The reinforced prospects of the new combination are strongly positive in terms of the security of employment and industrial footprint of Iveco Group as a whole," Iveco's chairwoman Suzanne Heywood said in the statement. For Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Motors, "this is a logical next step following the demerger of the Tata Motors Commercial Vehicle business, and will allow the combined group to compete on a truly global basis with two strategic home markets in India and Europe. "The combined group's complementary businesses and greater reach will enhance our ability to invest boldly. I look forward to securing the necessary approvals and concluding the transaction in the coming months," he added in the statement. Iveco Group's CEO Olof Persson said the merger was "unlocking new potential to further enhance our industrial capabilities, accelerate innovation in zero-emission transport, and expand our reach in key global markets." He added: "This combination will allow us to better serve our customers with a broader, more advanced product portfolio and deliver long-term value to all stakeholders." Separately, Iveco's armoured vehicles unit will be sold to Leonardo, whose chief Roberto Cingolani said the move would make it a "reference player in the European land defence market". Leonardo has announced it plans to integrate its electronic systems, including new-generation combat sensors, into Iveco Defence vehicles to "guarantee optimal effectiveness of operational solutions offered".
Web Release
21 hours ago
- Web Release
ARTDOM Expands to Riyadh: A Defining New Chapter in Global Design Excellence
Following its resounding success in Moscow and across Russia, ARTDOM, the international exhibition of collectible furniture, interiors, and contemporary art, announces its most ambitious expansion yet – a landmark edition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia which will take place from November 11-12. Staged within the architectural elegance of the 4,000-square-meter Saraj venue, ARTDOM Riyadh will present a meticulously curated selection of 55 international exhibitors, many of whom will be showcased in the Middle East for the very first time. This highly anticipated edition promises to redefine the regional design landscape with a world-class presentation of innovation, craftsmanship, and cross-cultural creativity. As a global platform for artistic expression and design excellence, ARTDOM continues its mission of cultivating creative dialogue across borders. With Riyadh rapidly emerging as a hub of architectural ambition and cultural investment, ARTDOM's arrival signals a moment of transformation for the region's design community. 'ARTDOM brings together companies with a high level of design on one platform. We showcase a current cross-section of the market, including limited-edition products, original designs, heritage brands, and emerging names. We value companies that collaborate closely with designers and have a unique philosophy and values. ARTDOM is an exclusive project dedicated to furniture and interior design, defining trends for the furniture market in the years ahead. Our goal is to foster and maintain interaction between brands, designers, manufacturers, and buyers, ensuring a steady growth in orders for participating factories'. In line with its founding ethos, ARTDOM Riyadh will spotlight original design and bold vision, uniting some of the most respected voices in the global design scene. The exhibition will welcome industry icons including Giulio Cappellini, Draga Obradovic and Aurel K. Basedow of Draga & Aurel, and celebrated Italian architect Carlo Colombo. These distinguished ambassadors will participate in a series of keynote talks and panel discussions, hosted alongside Dariya Zolotova, founder of ARTDOM, to explore the future of design, sustainability, and international collaboration. 'I am very happy to participate in the Riyadh fair because it is a very high-level event. There, people will see the best of contemporary design. The Riyadh fair will showcase luxury products, the best materials, the finest craftsmanship, and the highest attention to detail,' said Giulio Cappellini, legendary Italian designer and ARTDOM ambassador. 'I'm proud to contribute with other architects and designers to the diffusion of contemporary design in such a culturally important destination.' The exhibition will open with an exclusive gala dinner, gathering exhibitors, ambassadors, global media, and members of the Saudi Royal Family for a private evening of celebration and cultural exchange. This by-invitation-only event underscores ARTDOM's unique role in building bridges between international creative leaders and the visionaries shaping the future of the Middle East. Throughout the two-day program, ARTDOM Riyadh will feature: A rigorously curated showcase of high-end furniture, interiors, and collectible design • An immersive exhibition layout that reflects the narrative of each brand • A series of design talks, networking sessions, and ambassador-led panels • A strong focus on cross-cultural creative dialogue and innovation 'We've spent years cultivating a professional community of designers, architects, media, and cultural leaders,' added Daria Zolotova. 'Bringing over 55 international brands under one roof in Riyadh is not only a milestone, it's a statement about where design is headed next.' More than an exhibition, ARTDOM Riyadh is a cultural experience, a bold invitation to reimagine the future of design from the heart of Saudi Arabia. As the world's creative eyes turn toward the Middle East, ARTDOM invites guests, collaborators, and visionaries to be part of this historic new chapter.
Emirates Woman
a day ago
- Emirates Woman
How I got my job as… Co-Founder of this sleek label, BY BANOO
This week, we speak with Persheng Babaheidari, Founder of BY BANOO, a brand that creates work bags for women, who aim to pursue their career goals. Welcome to the Emirates Woma n weekly series 'How I got my job as…' where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they'd give to those starting out; and the hurdles they've had to overcome. The brand was founded from the lack of chic and functional work accessories, designed with the businesswoman in mind. The core mission to create the optimal work bags and accessories for the modern careerist. To delve into her journey, Emirates Woman sat down with Babaheidari to see how it all began. What was your favourite subject at school? I've always loved math and language. Math because it was never-ending problem solving which was great for my curious mind. Language because I've always found it easy with grammar, spelling and could focus on more complex tasks such as writing articles, debate and public speaking. What was your first job? My very first job was as a gymnastics teacher for 8 year olds. I was only 14 years (double their age) when I started, and my salary was 3 GBP/hour. My first professional job after finishing my university degree was as a management consultant. View this post on Instagram A post shared by BY BANOO (@bybanoo) What brought you to Dubai? Having heritage from the Middle East (my parents are from Iran), I have watched Dubai from far growing to what it is today, and it's a truly fascinating place with a lot of talent and potential. We're also happy to have many BY BANOO customers in Dubai. What inspired you to enter the fashion industry and launch BY BANOO? I started my career within management consulting. On my very first day, I reflected on how difficult it is to find a work bag that's elegant yet functional. I've always loved fashion and love to dress up, so not finding a suitable work bag bothered me. In fact, all my female colleagues were struggling, while our male colleagues wore their briefcases to work. After some time, I decided to design what I've been wanting, which resulted in launching By Banoo with my sister. Talk us through the concept? We're a brand specialising in functional and stylish work accessories for businesswomen, with a special focus on work bags. All our work bags have a padded laptop pocket, several pockets for easier organization and a luggage strap to easily put your bag on to a suitcase. Every small detail has been worked through to make sure it's the best work bag. We work with Italian leather and suede and produce them in small family-owned factories in northern Portugal, to ensure quality in every step. We have several work bag models to ensure every woman finds their perfect match, but we also have a travel bag collection, accessories and after work bags. One of our most popular accessories is our Cable Pocket, which is an organizer for your tech cables. What are the key elements of your role? I'm the CEO and Designer of our products. It is my responsibility to develop our collection with creative and functional designs, as well as run the overall operations with focus on growth, finance, and logistics. Talk us through your daily routine. My workdays are different but I'm keen on starting and ending my days the same way, as well as utilizing when I'm the most productive to do certain tasks. I'm a morning person, so it's important to me to start the day early, and I need to have some time for myself before heading to the office, ideally 1-1,5 hours. In that time, I drink my coffee while getting ready, eating breakfast while watching the local morning show and set the intentions for the day. In the evening, I wind down by not using my phone the last hour before going to bed, and most importantly, I don't sleep with my phone in the same room. Sleep is very important, and I've found that this is the best way for me to get quality sleep. In terms of the actual work, I start the day with the most intense and sometimes boring work, because in the morning when I have the most energy, I will be the most efficient in doing those tasks. Running a company means that I have a million things on my to-do list, and I've found that the most efficient way is to focus on 2-3 areas per day in order to ensure I'm moving forward. What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps? It sounds cliché but just do it. Nothing will happen if you don't start. The best way to start is by doing the part you like. For me, it was by designing my dream work bag. You don't need to know designer tools; I designed mine in PowerPoint and it worked out fine. Also, remember you don't need to quit your job to start building your dream, you can do it on the side, meaning you're not taking any risk. Once you get more invested into your idea, you will naturally work more on it until you're ready to resign from your job to continue full-time. It took me three years from sketching to resigning. Remember that this is your life, and you're capable of living the life you want once you start taking action. Tell us more about the pieces? Our products are luxury work bags designed to be both elegant and highly functional, because we couldn't find both in one. Each piece is handcrafted in Portugal using premium Italian leather, with features like a padded laptop compartment, luggage strap, and smart internal layout. It's everything you need in a work bag, wrapped in a timeless, stylish design. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? That your thoughts lead to feelings, your feelings lead to action, and action leads to results. If you're not happy with what your life is resulting in, look at your thoughts. It's so easy to downplay ourselves and think that we can't do it, but if we think these thoughts, it won't take us anywhere. And what is the worst? I don't think that I've received bad advice in that sense. Most people mean well. It's more that people are so opinionated and that they know what's best for your business. I would say that the worst advise comes from people who haven't built or experienced what you're doing, because how could they know? At the end of the day, it's good to listen to people, but only you know what's good for you and your business. What's the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? I've overcome many challenges in my life, and they keep coming, that's what it's like to build a business. My biggest challenge was going from having an idea of a brand to fully executing it, and not knowing all the pitfalls along the way. What's lies ahead for the brand? Growth. We want more women to know about our brand. When new women discover us, they always say 'I've been searching forever for the perfect work bag and finally I found it'. We're so grateful to have thousands of women purchasing from us worldwide, and we want to continue the journey of building a global work bag brand for women. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Instagram @
