The Airport Show

• DatesMay 18–20, 2027 (expected)
• LocationDubai, United Arab Emirates
• CategoryTravel & Hospitality
• Official websitetheairportshow.com

Expected dates, not yet confirmed. These dates are projected from the previous edition of The Airport Show. The organizer has not confirmed them yet, so check the official website before you book travel or pay for anything.

About The Airport Show

The Airport Show is a travel and hospitality trade show expected to take place May 18–20, 2027 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It runs for three days, opening on Tuesday and closing on Thursday. With more than 7 months to go, there is time to plan the booth, the budget and the meetings properly.

Shows like this one typically draw tour operators, travel agents, hotel and destination marketers, event planners and hospitality buyers. For registration, exhibitor packages and the floor plan, go to the official website, theairportshow.com.

ShowFloorTips is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the organizer. Dates, venues and rules can change, so confirm the details with the organizer before you book.

What to expect at The Airport Show

Travel and hospitality shows are built around appointments. Many attendees run back-to-back scheduled meetings, while others browse destinations and suppliers between them.

Over three days, traffic usually peaks on the first two days and thins out on the last one. The quieter final day is a good time for longer conversations, visiting other stands and meeting suppliers. Expect most visitors to be tour operators and their colleagues, often with a short list of suppliers they want to see.

How exhibitors should prepare for The Airport Show

Here is a working timeline counted back from the opening day, May 18, 2027 (expected date, so adjust once it is confirmed):

1. 16 weeks before (Jan 26, 2027)
   Confirm your booth space and read the exhibitor manual. Book hotels in Dubai while rates are still normal.
2. 8 weeks before (Mar 23, 2027)
   Order booth services (power, internet, furniture, cleaning) before the early-rate deadlines, and send graphics to print.
3. 4 weeks before (Apr 20, 2027)
   Ship freight to the advance warehouse if the organizer offers one. Book meetings with the visitors you most want to see. Set up lead capture and train the team on it.
4. One week before (May 11, 2027)
   Confirm freight arrived, share the staffing schedule, charge every device, and test your lead capture app with Wi-Fi turned off.

Preparation tips for travel and hospitality shows

• Use the show's appointment system early; the best slots fill weeks ahead.
• Prepare rates, availability and commission details for buyers who ask on the spot.
• Bring visual material about the destination or property in a digital format.

Booth tips for The Airport Show

• Keep meetings on schedule; buyers often have their next appointment minutes later.
• Ask what markets and client types the buyer serves.
• Make it easy to save your contact and your offer digitally.
• Plan shifts of three to four hours. Standing and talking for three days wears people out, and tired staff let good leads walk past.
• If you expect local buyers in United Arab Emirates, bring key material in the local language as well as English, and have prices ready in the local currency.
• Capture every conversation the moment it ends: scan the badge or card, add a one-line note about what the visitor needs, and rate the lead hot, warm or cold. Notes written that evening are already half forgotten.

For a full list of what to bring, use the free booth checklist, and plan the money side with the trade show ROI calculator.

Following up leads after The Airport Show

Most of the value of a trade show is created after it closes. Travel buyers build programs months ahead, so follow up with concrete offers and dates.

1. Within 24 hours (by May 21, 2027)
   Send a short personal email to every hot lead. Mention one detail from your conversation so they remember you.
2. By May 23, 2027
   Send everything you promised at the booth: prices, samples, demo links. Log each lead in your CRM with its rating and notes.
3. By Jun 3, 2027
   Make a second, useful touch: a case study, a short video or an answer to the question they asked. Warm leads often reply to this one.
4. By Jun 19, 2027
   Review results: how many leads became meetings, what each lead cost, and whether The Airport Show is worth returning to.

Ready-to-edit messages for each step are in our trade show follow-up email templates.

Getting to Dubai

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is close to the city center and the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Dubai Metro Red Line serves the World Trade Centre area and continues to Expo City Dubai. Check entry requirements for your passport before you travel. Check entry rules for your passport; many nationalities receive a visa on arrival.

Because these dates are not confirmed yet, avoid non-refundable bookings until the organizer announces them. Our city travel guides cover hotels, transport and budgeting for the busiest show cities.

More shows to consider