The 5th edition of the Accessible Travel & Tourism International Conference (ATTIC) united leaders and representatives from global organisations, aviation authorities, airports, airlines, tourism boards, hospitality groups, and accessibility advocacy networks. The conference focused on accelerating progress in Accessible Aviation, Inclusive Destination Design, and the Business Potential of Accessible Tourism. Experts, government figures, industry innovators and People of Determination shared real experiences and strategies to build a more inclusive global tourism ecosystem.
2025 Highlights
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Extensive coverage across regional and international media in Arabic and English reinforced Dubai’s position as a global pioneer in accessible travel and tourism, enhancing the emirate’s image, credibility, and ongoing commitment to inclusion.
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The conference opened with remarks emphasizing the importance of embedding accessibility at the heart of travel ecosystems and inviting the global tourism community to invest confidently in accessible service innovation and infrastructure.
- A powerful inspirational message delivered by Nick Santonastasso, Global Keynote Speaker, celebrated Dubai as a model of inclusion and highlighted the transformational role of mindset, accessibility, and community in shaping meaningful travel experiences for People of Determination.
- A significant presentation showcased the development of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is designed to become one of the world’s most accessible aviation hubs, integrating universal design principles, next-generation mobility solutions and passenger-first experience models.
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The conference included expert presentations by IATA and ACI World addressing best practices in improving air travel accessibility, passenger assistance systems, staff training standards, airport wayfinding, and customer experience enhancements.
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Discussions highlighted the significant economic opportunity within accessible tourism, reinforcing that accessibility is not only a social imperative but also a rapidly expanding global market segment with strong long-term growth potential.
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Over 500 delegates from the regional and international travel and tourism industry attended the conference, reaffirming the event’s importance and influence as a platform for collaborative progress.
- A compelling People of Determination panel brought forward first-hand travel experiences, identifying key accessibility gaps and offering actionable guidelines for tourism operators, airports, hotels, and public service providers to create seamless and dignified journeys.
The 2025 edition of the Accessible Travel & Tourism International Conference (ATTIC)Â the conference is driving collaboration between governments, industries, and communities to shape the future of inclusive travel. The outcomes and recommendations from ATTIC 2025 will serve as a roadmap toward building truly accessible destinations worldwide, where travel becomes empowering for all.
The conference once again confirmed Dubai’s leadership role in accessible tourism by showcasing real advancements in inclusive urban design, public mobility systems, hospitality experiences, and tourism services for People of Determination—positioning Dubai ahead of many established global destinations.
