ATM research reveals more must be done to meet UN tourism-related sustainability goals

Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

• The importance of increasing the amount of investment in sustainable developments highlighted in an exclusive report for Arabian Travel Market by Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT)
• Between 2023 and 2050, tourism is expected to increase energy consumption by 154%, water by 152% and waste by 251%
• ATM will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May 2025

An exclusive whitepaper produced for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) by Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT) has highlighted that only 15% of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to tourism are on track to be achieved by 2030 according to the body, underscoring the need for more action to be taken across the sector.

Based on United Nations (UN) research, in a business-as-usual scenario, by 2050, tourism could generate a 154% increase in energy consumption, a 131% increase in greenhouse gas emissions, a 152% increase in water consumption, and a 251% increase in solid waste, underscoring the importance of increasing investment in sustainable development. Furthermore, Visa and Oxford Economics research has revealed that consumers face insufficient information and a lack of transparency about sustainable travel options.

Addressing these challenges, the whitepaper Exploring the Future of Tourism Technology utilised the insights from the ATM Innovation Wall during the 2024 edition of the show. The unique physical platform encouraged industry professionals to share their ideas, concerns and solutions for the future of tourism. Key takeaways proposed ranged from gamified recycling programmes to hyper-personalised travel experiences that emphasise cultural immersion, demonstrating the breadth of creative thinking required.

Participants highlighted the urgent need for systemic, collective action to transition tourism toward a circular and regenerative model. Proposed solutions included leveraging innovative technologies for resource optimisation, aligning businesses with local communities to ensure equitable economic benefits, and promoting transformative initiatives like cultural immersion experiences.

Nicholas Hall, Founder and CEO, Digital Tourism Think Tank, said: “The discussions around sustainability in tourism with people who visited the ATM Innovation Wall highlighted the multifaceted nature of the challenges we face. The path towards a sustainable future requires a multi-pronged approach, from managing plastic waste to fostering responsible travel behaviour and ensuring tourism benefits local communities.

“A key takeaway was the importance of considering diverse perspectives. Sustainable tourism cannot be achieved through a one-size-fits-all approach. By fostering collaboration between stakeholders across the industry, from tech giants to local communities, we can leverage a wider range of expertise and perspectives to develop effective solutions,” he added.

Governments have undertaken several initiatives and strategies throughout the GCC to focus on tourism and sustainability. These include the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, the Saudi Vision 2030, the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, the Bahrain Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, the Omani National Tourism Strategy, and the Kuwait 2035 Vision.

Sustainable tourism will remain a key area of focus during the 2025 edition of ATM, which takes place under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”. Several sessions are designed to share sustainable practices and address the ethical methods driving the sustainable tourism agenda.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is proud to provide a vital platform for the tourism industry to advance its sustainability goals. By fostering collaboration, ATM encourages the development of region-specific sustainability frameworks that integrate environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

“The event highlights the importance of investing in innovative resource management technologies and forging cross-industry partnerships to promote a thriving circular economy. Moreover, ATM advocates for community-driven tourism strategies that empower local populations, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance destination resilience. Together, we can drive meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future for global tourism.”

In 2023, as part of ATM’s 30th annual event celebrations, the show initiated 30 short-, medium- and long-term sustainability goals. The 2024 edition introduced various measures, such as using fully recyclable carpet and PVC-free vinyl for all signage and graphics. Working closely with the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM diverted 48% of waste from landfill, up from 5% the previous year.

Staff training was also provided, as were initiatives with Sparklo, a global cleantech company promoting recycling through reverse vending machines (RVM). As a result, over 2,200 bottles and cans were collected, averting 300kg of CO2 emissions.

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.

Amsa Hospitality and Radisson Hotel Group extend partnership with the signing of Radisson Hotel Madinah set to open this year

Amsa Hospitality and Radisson Hotel Group are proud to announce the signing of Radisson Hotel Madinah, marking Amsa Hospitality’s and Radisson Hotel Group’s first property in the Holy City of Madinah. Set to be operational by the end of 2024, this newly built hotel demonstrates both companies’ commitment to growing their presence in key Saudi cities.

Radisson Hotel Madinah will offer 165 keys, including 53 business suites, tailored to meet the needs of travelers seeking both comfort and style. Guests can look forward to a variety of dining options, such as a contemporary lobby café, a restaurant, and a poolside juice bar.

Radisson is an upscale hotel brand that offers Scandinavian-inspired hospitality and is part of the Radisson family of brands portfolio. With natural surroundings and unexpected delights, the Radisson brand inspires the art of being in the moment.

Radisson Hotel Group’s current portfolio in Saudi Arabia consists of 44 hotels in operation and under development, including Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, and the soon-to-open Radisson Hotel & Residence Riyadh Olaya. The Group aims to reach 100 hotels in operation and under development by 2030.

Amsa Hospitality is a pioneering Saudi hospitality startup committed to the success of Saudi Vision 2030 and the mission to smoothly integrate the rich, ancestral Arabian traditions of generosity and welcoming into the contemporary world.

Strategically positioned outside the Haram area, Radisson Hotel Madinah will enjoy close proximity to significant landmarks, being just 3 km away from the Prophet’s Mosque and 750 m from the Quba Mosque, the oldest mosque in Islamic history. Moreover, it will be conveniently located 16 km away from Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport and 10 km from Madinah train station, which links to Jeddah and Makkah, making it easily accessible for guests and a potential hub for business and leisure travelers.

Madinah, the second-holiest city in Islam annually attracting millions of visitors, is a pivotal location for the companies’ strategic growth in the region. The city’s unique blend of spiritual significance, historical depth, and cultural richness makes it a must-visit destination for pilgrims and tourists.

Mohammad Alathel, Chief Executive Officer of Amsa Hospitality, said, “We are delighted about our new venture with long-time partner Radisson Hotel Group to establish a new hotel in the Holy City of Madinah. This project perfectly aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and marks a significant step in our commitment to enrich the hospitality landscape in the Kingdom. By collaborating with Radisson,

we are ensuring that our dedication to international standards of hospitality is met while we continue to honor the centuries-old traditions of Arabian hospitality that align with our vision.”

Elie Milky, Vice President of Development, Middle East, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan at Radisson Hotel Group, said, "We are thrilled to introduce Radisson Hotel Madinah to our portfolio, marking a significant milestone in our expansion within Saudi Arabia as we penetrate a new key market. By introducing our brand to this esteemed destination, we will continue to cater to the diverse needs of modern travelers in a historic city that blends religious tourism with a rich cultural heritage. We thank Amsa Hospitality for their trust and for this growing strategic partnership across Saudi Arabia and  beyond."

Photo L-R (TBC): Mohammad Alathel, Chief Executive Officer of Amsa Hospitality, and Elie Milky, Vice President of Development, Middle East, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan at Radisson Hotel Group, officially sign the strategic partnership between the two entities. They were joined by Aamir Riaz, Chief Operating Officer, Amsa Hospitality, and Basel Talal, Managing Director, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Levant, Radisson Hotel Group.

Egypt showcases prominent tourism projects

L-R Dr. Ghada Shalaby, Vice Minister for Tourism, Ministry
of Tourism and Antiquities and Amr El-Kady, CEO,
EgyptianTourism Authority at the Egypt Tourism Authority
press conference at ATM 2024.

Egypt showcased its commitment to enhancing the tourist experience and attracting new visitors from the UAE, GCC, and globally by highlighting the country’s tourism potential, forthcoming projects, and future initiatives at Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM) in Dubai as it looks to build on the record 15 million tourists welcomed in 2023.

Dr. Ghada Shalaby, Egypt’s Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Tourism Affairs, said: “Egypt is gearing up to attract a wide range of travelers based on its commitment to diversifying its tourism offerings. The Ministry has worked to unveil a group of new products that meet the evolving preferences of travellers, from health tourism to meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions tourism, all the way to the innovative Umrah Plus product and the attractive Cairo City Break program.”

Dr. Ghada noted that cooperation lies at the heart of Egypt's tourism strategy. By strengthening partnerships between tourism entities in Egypt, the Far East, and GGC countries, among other Arab countries, the Ministry aims to combine efforts in promoting Egyptian destinations and ensuring unparalleled experiences for visitors. Through collaborative endeavours, the tourism sector is ready to flourish and grow.

“Egypt’s commitment to infrastructure development remains steadfast. From enhancing transportation networks to enhancing airport facilities and expanding railway systems, significant investments are being made to improve accessibility and connectivity across the country. These initiatives play an essential role in facilitating smooth travel experiences for visitors to Egypt, said Dr Ghada

Amr El-Kady, CEO, Egyptian Tourism Authority, mentioned that Egypt is witnessing a qualitative shift in its approach to tourism, as by embracing the dynamism of the private sector, the country is embarking on a journey of liberation and promoting an enabling environment for investment and innovation in the travel sector. From this standpoint, the Arabian Travel Market, held in Dubai, constitutes an essential platform to complete these efforts and raise its status at this level.”

Mr. Al-Kady pointed out that the Egyptian Tourism Authority is taking advanced steps to enhance customer experience at archaeological sites. A prime example of this is the opening of the new visitor centre, planned as part of the upcoming transformation of the Giza Pyramids in a few weeks.

Egypt's tourism sector continues to chart a path of growth and resilience. After a record-breaking year in 2023, with 15 million visitors flocking to its shores, compared to 4.9 million in 2021, further expansion is expected in 2024. With a firm focus on enhancing visitor experiences, strengthening partnerships, and investing in infrastructure, Egypt is well-positioned to keep its economy on an upward trajectory in the tourism landscape.

The newly launched Cairo City Break program will reshape the capital's appeal by promoting Cairo as a long weekend destination. Egypt presents the emerging destination of Ras El Hekma – a relaxing haven located along the picturesque Egyptian coastline with ancient monuments and cultural attractions. Eco-friendly Hop-on Hop-off buses will be launched, enhancing the accessibility and sustainability of the tourism experience. A new road will be opened later this year to reduce the journey time from Luxor to Hurghada from 5.5 to 4 hours.

A new reform of the tourism industry has been introduced, which includes steps towards deregulation and liberalisation. Egypt has allocated a staggering 22% of its GDP over the past seven years to comprehensive infrastructure development. The state aims to double the capacity of hotel rooms in the country, which will increase from 220 to 245 room nights during the next five years.

Video content key to engaging Gen Z travellers

In an enlightening session  at ATM 2024 on “How To Build Influence with Gen Z in Just 30 Seconds”, Marc-Antoine Simon, Industry Manager, Travel and Tourism – MENA, TikTok, shared insights on the latest trends in community-led marketing, demonstrating how brief yet powerful content can significantly influence travel decisions.

According to research commissioned by Exodus Travels in 2023, only 45% of vacations lived up to or exceeded the perfect picture they had imagined. On average, travellers search through 38 different travel sites to figure out where to go, how to get there and where to book, with 58% admitting to abandoning a booking because the process has been too stressful.

“Travel is one of the most sought-after pursuits in people’s lives, so much so that they would sacrifice just about anything to get away. Unfortunately, the high likelihood of a trip leading to unwanted disappointment is why, ahead of a trip, people go the extra mile to ensure that the reward is maximised and the risk is neutralised,” he explained.

Simon explained that today, this desire to take control of the search experience sees travellers swapping keywords for human words, queries for communities and information

for immersion. This allows them to discover, on their terms, and transform a daunting endeavour into an enjoyable journey, proving that travel is at the cusp of a new search era fuelled by people.

“Travellers need a search platform that offers fast results with visual content that is mobile and community-led. By creating their own platform, they have eliminated major barriers to travel that once hindered the pre-booking journey, and these communities are making destinations viral overnight,” he added.

A perfect example of the power of user-generated content is Albania, a country often overlooked as a tourist destination. However, in 2022, the country suddenly gained popularity thanks to an influx of videos showcasing its tourism attributes. The impact was significant, with Skyscanner reporting a 44% increase in flight searches to Albania from the UK, and searches from the US also saw a significant uptick.

The expert panel included other notable figures, including Joshua Roche, CEO of Bulla Connect Ltd; Keith Herman, CEO of Trending Travel; and His Excellency Harris Whitbeck, Minister of Tourism Board of Guatemala. Their discussion focused on social media's pivotal role in influencing Gen Z's travel decisions and how these platforms can be leveraged to convert interest into tangible tourist engagements.

During the discussion, H.E. Whitbeck highlighted Guatemala's successful strategies for attracting Gen Z tourists, with a special emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives that align with their values.

“Gen Z is a massive market for Guatemala, being highly educated and curious. With 78 million people using TikTok in Latin America, marketing the destination becomes a blank slate. However, while community-led coverage from Tiktok is welcome, Guatemala would prefer visitors who have a lower impact on our resources. To achieve this, we would need to leverage tools such as AI and Big Data to tailor our messaging to the right audience,” he explained.

As the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market approaches its final day tomorrow, Thursday, 9 May 2024, at DWTC, more than 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries and 41,000 attendees from around the world will look to embrace insights such as these to innovate and transform tourism strategies effectively.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners are the Dubai 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.

Overnight stays by GCC visitors to Germany up 15% in 2023

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) announced on 6th May that GCC travellers spent 1,297,256 room nights in Germany during 2023, a 15% increase over the 1,128,341 overnight stays recorded in 2022.

The announcement was made while addressing Middle East travel professionals during a press conference, which was held on the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024.

Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist GCC Office (GNTO GCC), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), commented, “During 2023 we witnessed a considerable increase of 168,915 overnight stays, compared with the previous year.

“The increase in overnight stays in 2023 underscores Germany's enduring appeal among GCC travellers, which is a testament to the continuous efforts of GNTO in its ongoing marketing campaigns across both B2B and B2C channels. We are delighted to witness our destination maintaining its position as a top choice for travellers from this region. Germany's rich culture, rural customs, natural beauty, sustainability efforts, accessibility, and inclusiveness all play significant roles in its popularity. Additionally, our warm German hospitality, traditional cuisine, and exclusive retail opportunities further enhance the visitor experience,” she added.

“Being the largest travel and tourism event in the region, participating in ATM is an integral part of our marketing strategy and we are confident of a significant increase in overnight stays, which would exceed our pre pandemic figure of 1,604,753 overnight stays.”

The GCC region is currently ranked in the top three incoming markets, behind the US and China. In 2022, the GCC region was Germany’s top performing inbound source market in Asia and Australasia, with more than 404,000 arrivals, representing an increase of over 117%, compared with the same period in 2021.

GCC guests also generated 2.1 billion euros in 2022, a 110% increase over the previous year, averaging 4,443 euros per trip/per guest.

“These figures underscore Germany’s increasing post pandemic popularity with GCC visitors and bodes well for 2024. This year we want to capitalise on Euro 2024, to encourage longer stays and showcase Germany as an all-year-round holiday destination.

Increased flight availability will support those ambitions, with more than 207 direct weekly flights between the GCC and Germany, compared with 201 in 2022. At present, there is direct flight accessibility from the GCC to five German international airports – namely Munich, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Berlin and Hamburg.

New flights are being added this year, with services from Doha to Hamburg by Qatar Airways and from Manama to Munich by Gulf Air both opening on the 1st of July, as well as new routes launching in November operated by Eurowings from Jeddah to Cologne and Berlin. Additionally, Flynas will be offering flights from Jeddah to Berlin starting from 4th September.

In addition to connectivity, the GNTB also has a marketing strategy that it believes will achieve those numbers, both in the short term and the longer term. Under the slogan, ‘Germany, simply inspiring’.

Germany now boasts 52 World Heritage sites, over 6,000 museums, offering a wealth of interesting places of cultural and historical significance, for GCC tourists to visit. This includes Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025, which is located in the Saxony region of the country.

The GNTB’s ‘Simply Feel Good’ – Sustainable Travel in Germany campaign also underscores Germany’s rural natural landscapes and activity holidays, raising awareness of the fragility of ecosystems.

Germany has 20 sustainably certified regions and cities, and in terms of accommodation, it has over 1,540 sustainably certified establishments and 350 spa and health resorts. The GNTB is focusing on the sustainability-related aspects of health tourism, including the preservation of traditional treatment methods, location-specific treatments and remedies as drivers of regional prosperity, and examples of sustainable energy management.

Clearly the standout sporting event of the year in Europe will be the Euro 2024 football tournament which takes place in Germany between 14th June & 14th July.

“The GNTB’s strategy is to promote the ten host cities (Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart) and surrounding areas to encourage tourists to stay longer and explore other regions throughout Germany. This also has the added benefit of reducing the overall carbon footprint per travel day,” added Sofo.

The Germany stand will be bigger this year with 15 co-exhibitors/participants which include Adina Hotels, Avalon Waterways, Courtyard by Marriott Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf Airport, Elinor Travel Germany, Fraport AG, Frankfurt Tourism Board, German National Tourist Office India, Helios Hospital Group-Germany, Hotel Palace Berlin, Hospital Solingen-Germany, visitBerlin, visit Düsseldorf, visit Cologne and Wiesbaden Tourism Board.

InterLnkd crowned winner of the ATM 2024 Start-up Pitch Battle

InterLnkd overcame stiff competition on the final day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 to win the third ATM Start-up Pitch Battle, which was held in association with Intelak. The UK-headquartered company uses specific data points and an intelligent matching engine to link the travel and hospitality sectors with the fashion, beauty and retail industries.

A total of 33 travel start-ups submitted entries for this year's competition, a 158% increase compared to last year’s figures. Finalists ClearQuote Technologies ME Ltd, stayK and InterLnkd presented to judges Sarah Saddouk, Director of Innovation – Entrepreneur.com and Mohammad Khoori, Ventures Team – Emirates Group.

Barry Klipp, Co-Founder and CEO of InterLnkd, outlined the company’s position as the first and only company to link the travel and hospitality industries with the fashion, beauty and retail industries to drive an incremental revenue stream to the former and a targeted sales solution to the latter.

Klipp said: “Using specific data points, and a unique intelligent matching engine built through AI algorithms, InterLnkd is able to connect thousands of bookings from travel and hospitality with thousands of products from fashion, beauty and retail to deliver incremental revenue streams to both parties.”

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “As we embrace entrepreneurship and innovation in travel at this year's ATM, our pitch battle provides an ideal platform for emerging brands to unveil their cutting-edge industry solutions. Entrepreneurship in tourism is driving significant change across the industry, bringing forth creative ideas that enhance the traveller experience, optimise business operations, and build sustainable, culturally rich ventures that positively impact local communities.

“Our thanks also go to our partner, Intelak, a premier technology and innovation hub in Dubai that empowers both early-stage and established startups with the education, mentorship, tools, and resources necessary to tackle business challenges head-on,” Curtis added.

The largest edition of ATM to date will close today following four days of impactful industry discussions and unrivalled networking opportunities across the MICE, leisure, luxury and corporate travel sectors. Today’s sessions will focus on the next generation of travel and tourism talent with the Educating Young Entrepreneurs: Building a Career in Travel session and the Network with Future Leaders event.

For more information, log on to wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html.

Slow travel, sustainability and technology highlighted as future global tourism trends

Travel & tourism experts from across the industry convened at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 Future Stage to discuss the complexities of navigating the transformation of hospitality.

Slow travel, a movement that encompasses sustainable travel, mindful travel, and low-impact travel, sustainable practices and the use of AI and data to enhance the travel experience emerged as key actionable strategies for futureproofing travel and hospitality businesses in the Middle East region.

The opening session entitled Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality in the Middle East, brought together senior representatives from IHG Hotels and Resorts, Marriot International, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Banyan Tree Dubai, Mastercard and Silkhaus. The diverse panel provided a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today's hospitality industry.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, Middle East, Africa and South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, initiated the hospitality trends session with an insightful discussion on the dynamic transformation within the hospitality landscape.

Addressing a packed venue of trade professionals, Mattar highlighted the importance of how destinations and hotels identify their respective source markets: “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way generations choose travel, with outdoor adventure now taking the No. 1 spot away from “beach, sun and sand”. For the industry to stay afloat in difficult times, the private sector needs to mirror the vision of their respective tourism authorities and work together to ensure appealing spending packages for those markets.”

He also outlined how generational shifts and emerging travel behaviours are giving rise to global travel trends such as slow travel and similarly, with the hospitality industry responsible for 10% of global emissions, consumers are now willing to spend up to 31% more on hospitality companies that execute sustainable practices.

Lastly, he highlighted how innovation in the hospitality industry is triggering the pace of digitalisation. "The future use of technology and AI will be critical for us to get a clear idea of how to enhance consumer preferences. Specifically, travel anxiety is starting to reduce with technology, and the focus should now be firmly on the traveller's experiences," he added.

Also speaking about the transforming needs of the market, Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East - Marriott International, echoed Mattar’s sentiments as he highlighted slow holidays, sustainability, the rise of AI and dupe destinations – similar to traditional holiday destinations but closer in geography – as some of the key travel trends for the next three years, according to the “Marriott Bonvoy Travel Trends report 2024 and beyond’.

“The insights shared today go beyond theories to offer direct reflections of the transformations we aim to foster through ATM. As we continue to drive innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the travel industry, sessions like these equip our attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead the hospitality industry forward,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.

The 31st edition of ATM, under the theme 'Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,' also hosted the fascinating Global Stage Welcome: The Gateway to Global Insights session, outlining Dubai's key tourism objectives for the coming years.

Elsewhere today, the Market Insights Summit also took centre stage, exploring the potential of developing markets such as China, India and Latin America as they emerge as key players in global tourism.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include the Dubai 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.

ATM 2024 concluded on Thursday, 9 May, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC

Arabian Travel Market 2024 sees 15% year-on-year growth, setting a new show record with more than 46,000 attendees across four days

More than 46,000 industry professionals from over 160 countries – including 33,500 visitors – attended the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, UAE.

This represents a 15% year-on-year increase in attendees compared to ATM’s landmark 30th edition, setting a new record for the show and demonstrating the strength, resilience and momentum of the global travel and tourism sector.

In line with ATM 2024’s theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, over 2,600 exhibitors gathered at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to explore the drivers behind industry growth and identify future opportunities within the global tourism sector.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted that so many industry professionals from around the world were able to join us in Dubai to explore how innovation and entrepreneurship are shaping a more efficient, profitable and sustainable tourism sector for future generations. We are thrilled

to have set a new show record, underscoring our position as the travel and tourism exhibition of choice as we continue to drive global growth within the industry.”

ATM 2024 welcomed His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, who chaired a meeting of The Executive Council during the show. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan approved a series of major transport and tourism-related projects in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

This year’s opening session saw policymakers from across the region explain how Gulf nations are working together to streamline the GCC’s tourism offering. The panel discussion, which took place following opening remarks from H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, featured insights from H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; H.E. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; and H.E. Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.

Experts on the Indian outbound market shared key insights during the session ‘Unlocking the True Potential of Indian Travellers’. Virendra Jain, CEO and Co-Founder of VIDEC, a travel, tourism and hospitality boutique advisory and analytics firm, provided details surrounding market opportunity assessments, channel and distribution analysis, characteristics and behaviours of Indian travellers, and projections of the market’s outbound travel trends over the next decade.

Panellists outlined predictions for the future of air travel and the importance of innovation in enabling the industry to accommodate the significant growth in air traffic during the session ‘Looking Skyward for Innovation: How Technology is Disrupting Aviation’. Moderated by travel expert Mark Frary, the session featured insights from Cirium, IATA, AviationXLab and Riyadh Air.

InterLnkd overcame stiff competition to win the third ATM Start-up Pitch Battle, which was held in association with Intelak. The UK-headquartered company uses specific data points and an intelligent matching engine to link the travel and hospitality sectors with the fashion, beauty and retail industries.

Experience Abu Dhabi secured the Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) at ATM 2024. An independent panel of judges praised the tourism authority’s exhibition space for its flowing design, innovative use of greenery and excellent visibility from the show floor.

Other Best Stand Winners included AlUla, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, ExploreTECH, flydubai, Qiddiya Investment Company and Saudi Tourism Authority.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners included Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner, Emirates as Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 will take place from 28 April to 1 May.

TOURISM MALAYSIA STRENGTHEN TIES WITH WEST ASIA AT 31ST ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET

Tourism Malaysia participated in the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, showcasing the country’s latest attractions and destinations to attract more tourists from West Asia. The four-day prestigious event wasvheld at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 6 to 9 May 2024, marking Malaysia’s 31st year of participation, demonstrating its enduring commitment to this burgeoning market.

Led by the Honourable Chairman of Tourism Malaysia Datuk (Dr.) Yasmin Mahmood, and accompanied by Dato' Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Deputy Secretary General (Management), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Malaysian delegation comprised a good mix of 75 organisations, including hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism product owners, and representatives from state tourism boards.

The Malaysia Pavilion engaged with Middle Eastern buyers, generating interest while highlighting tourism products and services tailored to their specific needs and preferences, thus underscoring the importance placed on West Asia as a key source of tourists, especially during its summer vacation.

“With the upcoming launch and celebration of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we strive to attract more West Asia tourists. We recognise the immense potential of this market, not only in terms of outbound tourism but also trade and investment.

“We are confident that Malaysia’s position as a top destination for Muslim travellers, coupled with our intensified promotional efforts, will enable us to achieve our target,” stated Datuk (Dr.) Yasmin Mahmood during the launch of the Malaysia Pavilion today.

In 2024, Malaysia aims to welcome 27.3 million international tourist arrivals and generate RM102.7 billion in tourism receipts. The remarkable rise in visitors from the

Gulf region in recent years fuels Tourism Malaysia’s enthusiasm to further cultivate this market.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation's tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.

Luxury hoteliers must prioritise authenticity, personalisation and guest experience to stand out in a competitive market

Industry professionals explored ways to stand out in the Middle East’s oversaturated luxury travel segment at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024. Panellists speaking during the exhibition’s luxury summit said authenticity, personalisation and the guest experience were among the key considerations for brands looking to distinguish themselves from the competition.

Industry experts noted that while the architectural designs of hotel operators’ premises may vary, it is important for luxury brands to establish common values and authentic experiences across their portfolios. From the language used to convey a company’s offering to the integration of local heritage and culture within individual hotels, speakers told ATM attendees that luxury players must remain laser-focused on delivering unique value propositions for guests.

Panellists participating in the Next-level Luxury: How to Stand Out as Truly Premium in an Oversaturated Market summit included Claudia Kozma Kaplan, SVP & Global Head of Brand at Raffles; Richard Alexander, GM of The Lana (Dorchester Collection); Michael Grieve, Chief Brand Officer at Jumeirah; and Marco Franck, Chief Hospitality Officer at Boutique Group. The session was moderated by John O'Ceallaigh, Founder of The Luxury Travel Edit Limited.

Participants said that rather than attempting to replicate luxury across multiple locations, the most successful luxury hospitality brands are infusing their hotels with local art, music and cuisine. For example, panellists acknowledged the value that can be added by the personal involvement of renowned celebrity chefs, but noted the importance of simultaneously nurturing and providing opportunities for homegrown culinary talent.

Speakers also emphasised the pivotal role of effective recruitment and retention in establishing teams that are equipped to meet and exceed expectations through hyper-personalised service. From retaining information about customers’ favourite foods to their children’s birthdays, summit participants told attendees that exceptional guest experiences are essential for luxury hoteliers looking to distinguish themselves in an overcrowded market.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Given the number of players in the Middle East’s luxury hospitality segment, it is no surprise that hoteliers are looking for new ways to stand out from the crowd. It was fascinating to hear such a diverse array of insights from our panellists, who provided some excellent examples of how brands can redefine what modern luxury means to their guests.”

Elsewhere on the final day of ATM 2024, attendees took to the Global Stage to share their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of travel and tourism talent at the Network with Future Leaders session, which was attended by university students from around the UAE. Meanwhile, the Sustainability Summit concluded four days of engaging industry summits today, exploring topics such as COP 28 Unpacked: Charting Travel's Path to Sustainability and Leveraging Sustainability for Luxury Markets. A panel of 12 international speakers gathered for the final session on ATM’s Future Stage, addressing The Top Trends to Tap in 2024.

Tourism projected to account for 12% of UAE GDP this year, as GCC policymakers gather to discuss future of regional travel at ATM 2024

Gulf-wide collaboration, ease of inter-regional travel and infrastructure development were placed under the microscope at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which saw a selection of policymakers discuss the streamlining of the GCC’s thriving tourism industry. The 31st edition of ATM is being hosted at Dubai World Travel Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 9 May.

H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, noted the tourism sector’s growing contribution to the Emirates’ economy in his opening comments on ATM 2024’s Global Stage. “According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), our tourism sector has been a dynamic force within our economy, contributing an impressive 11.7% to GDP [in 2023], amounting to AED 220 billion,” H.E. Al Marri told attendees. “For 2024, the forecast is set even higher, with an anticipated contribution of 12% to the [UAE’s] GDP, equating to AED 236 billion.”

H.E. Al Marri’s speech was followed by a panel discussion between H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; H.E. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; and H.E. Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. The session was moderated by Dubai Eye presenter, Richard Dean.

During the in-depth discussion, the ministerial panellists explored the importance of inter-regional initiatives in elevating the GCC tourism industry to the next level, while striking the right balance between collaboration and competition between destinations and nations. The planned GCC Unified Tourist Visa was cited as a key facilitator for the region, alongside factors such as sustainability, infrastructure and culture.

Panellists said that the planned unified visa would allow member nations to present the GCC as a connected destination, boosting accessibility and driving KPIs such as length of stay, average spend and employment. Speakers noted they would continue to ensure that the travel industry positively impacts local businesses, communities and ecosystems, contributing to the long-term sustainability of tourism across the region.

Participants also explained that current and future infrastructure will complement the GCC Unified Tourist Visa by enhancing accessibility within and between Gulf nations. In addition to ongoing investment in new and existing airports and cruise terminals, the ministerial speakers highlighted the central role of the upcoming GCC Railway in facilitating and optimising region-wide access for both domestic and international visitors.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “While it’s clear that healthy competition will continue to play an important role in strengthening the GCC’s world-class tourism offering, it was also encouraging to hear how collaboration is enabling the region to become more than the sum of its parts in terms of attracting global travellers. We are immensely grateful to this year’s ministerial participants, who provided a diverse range of valuable insights into the region’s unified tourism future.”

The opening day of ATM 2024 featured 12 sessions across the Global and Future Stages. Welcoming attendees to the Global Stage today, H.E. Issam Abdulrahim Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, hosted the fascinating Global Stage Welcome: The Gateway to Global Insights session, outlining the key tourism objectives for Dubai for the coming years.

Meanwhile, the all-new Future Stage kicked off a week of innovation-focused sessions, including Branding in the AI Era: How Travel Brands Can Capture Wanderlust. and The New Age of Island Tourism.

Aviation experts highlight the pivotal role of innovation as regional passenger numbers soar

As passenger numbers in the Middle East are predicted to reach 429 million this year, representing a 5.4% increase on 2019 figures, a panel of aviation experts convened at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to discuss how the market is changing, outlining their predictions for the future of air travel. The session, ‘Looking Skyward for Innovation: How Technology is Disrupting Aviation’, was moderated by travel expert Mark Frary and included panellists from Cirium, IATA, AviationXLab, and Riyadh Air.

Research from IATA shows that international passenger traffic increased by 20% in March 2024 compared with the same month last year. According to Kashif Khalid, Regional Director, Africa & Middle East, IATA, innovation is essential for enabling the industry to accommodate this significant growth in air traffic.

Khalid said: “Without innovation, the future will be very challenging. We cannot continue building bigger infrastructure with the level of passengers we anticipate, so we have to look at how we manage passengers and cargo differently through digital solutions and innovation.

On the ground, the industry is working on several innovations, not only to make aviation more sustainable but also to use infrastructure more efficiently. One of these solutions is One ID, where we digitalise tokens for passengers, which enables us to facilitate passengers seamlessly. How we use the traditional infrastructure of airports is going to change dramatically.” IATA One ID is a digital identity initiative that aims to streamline and enhance passenger travel. The groundbreaking system consolidates a variety of travel documents, such as passports, tickets, and boarding passes, into a single digital token, eliminating the need for multiple physical documents. By providing a unified and efficient identity management solution, IATA One ID enhances security, simplifies check-in processes, and facilitates seamless travel across airports.

During the panel discussion, Kevin Hightower, Vice President of Product, Cirium, stated that data sharing is the key to increasing efficiency in the aviation space and helping the industry accommodate increased demand. Hightower said, “That which is measured can be improved. As we share more data across boundaries, we will start to see the benefits today. Where a decision used to take hours, technologies such as Generative AI enable us to make decisions in seconds.”

Riyadh Air, Saudi’s new national carrier, will launch in 2025 and will be the first digitally native airline, according to Abe Dev, Vice President, Digital and Innovation, Riyadh Air. He said: “Technologies such as AI and cloud computing have matured in the last few years, and so have customer expectations, so we have a unique opportunity to deliver a technology-enabled guest experience that has never been seen before.”

Dev also outlined that Riyadh Air would provide a solid platform for startups to collaborate with the airline, providing further opportunities for innovation. Aviation X Lab, part of Emirates Group, is an aviation-specific incubator based in the UAE, which is already making a significant impact in this area.

Aviation X Lab brings together industry leaders, startups and experts to collaborate on solving key challenges and driving innovation in the aviation sector. Focusing on sustainability, safety, passenger experience and operational efficiency, Aviation X Lab aims to transform the future of air travel through cutting-edge technologies and collaborative partnerships.

“When we look at the travel experience, we look at the passenger journey holistically and try to map out the various touchpoints where technology and innovation can bring advancements,” said Amna Al Redha, Manager, Aviation X Lab.

She added: “We can’t talk about the future without having a sustainability focus - it’s not about being the fastest and biggest anymore; it’s about which aviation companies are going to operate in a sustainable way.” Arabian Travel Market concludes on 9 May. ATM 2024 is centred on the theme ‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel through Entrepreneurship’, spotlighting the pivotal role of start-ups and entrepreneurs in shaping the sector’s future.Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners are the Dubai 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. 

Photo: L-R Abe Dev, Vice President, Digital and Innovation, Riyadh Air; Amna Al Redha, Manager, Aviation X Lab; Kashif Khalid, Regional Director, Africa and Middle East, IATA; Kevin Hightower, Vice President of Product, Cirium; and Mark Frary, Co-Founder, Travel Perspective, at the aviation panel discussion at ATM 2024.

Dhofar Municipality unveils Dhofar Governorate's preparations for Khareef Dhofar 2024

As part of the Dhofar Governorate's preparations for the launch of the Khareef Dhofar 2024 activities and in cooperation with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to promote the tourism season in Dhofar Governorate, the Dhofar Municipality participated in the Arabian Travel Market 2024 exhibition, which is hosted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from May 6 to 9. This participation was under the wing of the Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

Dhofar Governorate is a leading tourist destination for visitors inside and outside the Sultanate of Oman. During the Khareef Dhofar season, tourists enjoy an exceptional experience that includes nature, relaxation, shopping, entertainment, culture, tourism, and sports activities.

Dhofar Governorate boasts natural, tourist, and cultural heritage resources alongside ambitious plans to expand economic opportunities this season and the upcoming ones.

Regarding the prominent activities of the Khareef Dhofar 2024 season, Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen Al-Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, stated during the press conference on the sidelines of the exhibition that this year's activities would start early in conjunction with the astronomical beginning of the Khareef season on June 21 and will continue until the end of the Khareef season on September 20.

“This will provide a three-month duration, double the period previously allocated for Khareef season activities. It is expected to attract more tourists over a longer period, increasing the governorate’s capacity to accommodate larger numbers and ensuring smoother traffic flow. Activities will be spread across existing and new locations, offering new, thrilling experiences.”

On the "Atin Square" site, Dr. Al-Ghassani explained that the events and activities there will include international events (as a hub for global events) alongside Omani and Arab art concerts, which will be held at Al-Murooj Theatre and other venues. The Atin Square amusement area will adopt a new, attractive concept this year, featuring a sports challenge field, light and laser shows, and comprehensive visitor services with a unique and distinguished approach. This season, there will also be a different approach to organising the consumer exhibition.

Dr Al-Ghassani stated that the "Return of the Past" activities would be held for the first time in the Saada area after updating them to simulate local environments in the Dhofar Governorate and adding new environments from other governorates in the

Sultanate of Oman. They will feature traditional arts, heritage markets, diverse artisan products, and live arts and performances that embody Omani culture.

Regarding parks and recreational areas this year, he explained that Awqad Park has been allocated for children, with international villages dedicated to children, amusement areas, entertainment activities, light models, and various restaurants and cafes.

The Salalah Public Park will include sports activities targeting various age groups to support and encourage sports and raise awareness of maintaining physical health.

Dr Al-Ghassani also mentioned that the Dhofar International Theatre Festival will be organised for the first time to promote cultural and literary fields in cooperation with the relevant Omani authorities and will feature international theatre groups.

This season will host spectacular art concerts by elite Omani and Arab artists, offering surprises and performances at a pan-Arab level, some for the first time in Oman.

All relevant authorities in the Dhofar Governorate, represented by the Omani authorities, strive to enhance tourists’ experiences during Khareef and other seasons. Various activities will be organised in Salalah and other states in the governorate, focusing on cultural, commercial, entertainment, and sports activities, along with specialised exhibitions. The events will also include karting races at the Salalah Celebrations Grounds and "Drag Race" activities in the Dummar area in the Wilayat of Mirbat.

He also mentioned that Dhofar Municipality, in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran), developed many tourist sites such as the Darbat Valley viewpoint, the Mughsail area waterfront, Ain Jarzeez, and the Hamreer viewpoint, as part of efforts to build and improve tourist and natural sites in the Dhofar Governorate.

The Khareef Dhofar season saw an increase in visitors last season, with 962,000 visitors compared to 813,000 in 2022. This year's visitor count is expected to exceed one million.

Experience Abu Dhabi scoops Best Stand Design Award at ATM

Experience Abu Dhabi secured the Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which ran at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 9 May. The exhibitor’s stand was praised by ATM’s independent panel of judges for its flowing design, innovative use of greenery and excellent visibility from the show floor.

In the Best Stand Design (50-150m2) category, ExploreTECH was selected by the judges for its slick, two-storey concept as well as its efforts to promote partner startups. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration won the Best Stand Design Award (under 50m2) thanks to its traditional yet colourful layout and effective use of space.

Qiddiya Investment Company’s stand won ATM’s inaugural Best Use of Technology Award. Judges commended the interactive digital recreations developed by the organisation, which allow attendees to feel as though they are physically present at the planned megaproject in Saudi Arabia.

ATM 2024’s Sustainable Stand Award was presented to AlUla, which paid particular attention to materials reuse, including the carpet selected for the space. The exhibitor integrated a series of QR codes, which enable attendees to access information about the sustainability-related reasons behind its various design choices. Judges were also impressed by AlUla’s pledge to offset emissions from its stand, as well as its approach to visitor engagement – planting a tree for everyone who engages during the show.

This year’s Best Stand for Doing Business Award was presented to the Saudi Tourism Authority, which received praise for effectively showcasing multiple destinations with distinct meeting areas, zones dedicated to the nation’s culture, and an abundance of information points. The award for Best Stand Feature went to flydubai for an innovative design that plays with perspective, making visitors feel like they are flying from one angle while resembling the wings of an aeroplane from another.

Emirates was highly commended in the Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) category for a stand that created an open feel for visitors, with a layout that allows attendees to enter from any direction.

The judges for the ATM 2024 Best Stand Awards included; Sarah Duignan, Director of Client Relationships, STR; Mo Elhadi, Account Manager MEA, STR; Otag Fida, Senior Project Manager, DXB Live; Kate Harden-England, Editor, Travolution; and Nehme Shehab, Operations Director, RXME.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “It proved extremely challenging to decide on the ultimate winner in many of this year’s Best Stand Awards categories, which just goes to show the level of quality on display at ATM 2024. I am immensely grateful to our independent judges for their time and effort, and I would like to congratulate all this year’s award winners and highly commended exhibitors.”

Best Stand Award winners

• Best Stand Design under 50m2 – Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (AS7555)
• Best Stand Design between 50-150m2 – ExploreTECH (TT4250)
• Best Stand Design over 150m2 – Experience Abu Dhabi (ME0750, ME0720)
• Best Stand for Doing Business – Saudi Tourism Authority (ME1820, ME1730)
• Best Stand Feature – flydubai (ME1020)
• Best Use of Technology – Qiddiya Investment Company (ME1780)
• Sustainable Stand – AlUla (ME1750)

The Best Stand Awards winners were announced on day three of ATM 2024. Elsewhere, the Future Stage hosted a full programme of fascinating innovation-focused sessions including Innovations Shaping the Future of Accessible and Inclusive Travel and Decoding MENA Tourism Potential: Unveiling NextGen Destinations in 2040. The excitement is built for the ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle, which took place on the Future Stage. Held in partnership with Intelak, the Start-up Pitch Battle provides a platform for travel start-ups to present their innovative, industry-changing business ideas live on stage. The shortlisted companies were Curated Planet, stayK, InterLnkd and ClearQuote Technologies ME Ltd.

The largest edition of ATM to date has closed following four days of impactful industry discussions and unrivalled networking opportunities across the MICE, leisure, luxury and corporate travel sectors. The final day focused on the next generation of travel and tourism talent with the Educating Young Entrepreneurs: Building a Career in Travel session and the Network with Future Leaders event.

Strategies outlined to realise China’s full tourism potential for Middle East

Capitalising on China's projected tourism growth was a key topic at yesterday’s Market Insights Summit at Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The summit, which took place on the Global Stage at the Middle East’s leading travel and tourism exhibition, explored the potential of the developing markets such as China.

During the dedicated session, a panel of experts delved into effective strategies for attracting and engaging Chinese travellers. The panel included Sukhpreet Singh Ghataura, Director of Ecosystem Development at MEAI Huawei, Lu Pan, Marketing VP at Shanghai Dongfang Newspaper Co., Ltd, and Sienna Parulis Cook, Director of Marketing and Communications at Dragon Trail International.

Sharing the latest research from Huawei’s Petal Ads platform, Ghataura said: “Between Q1 2023 and Q1 2024 the number of outbound Chinese tourists visiting the Middle East increased by 54%, with the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia being the top destinations in the region for Chinese travellers. In 2023, China accounted for 10% of global travel, with a collective spending of approximately US $265 billion. The primary driver for China’s outbound tourists is the cultural experiences they can enjoy in foreign destinations.” He added: “In terms of when they travel, notable seasons are the May Day holiday, China National Day and the Spring Festival.”

According to Huawei’s research, 66% of people travelling to the Middle East are looking to engage in cultural experiences, and the majority of outbound Chinese tourists are motivated by factors such as luxury offerings and sporting attractions. The research also identified a significant spike in the senior middle-class segment who prefer quality travel and have access to a higher disposable income.

Parulis Cook commented: “In terms of the consumer research that Dragon Trail International has conducted, we can see major growth this year in terms of consumer confidence and intention to travel. In 2023, 30% of Chinese travellers said they would not leave China to travel, this figure is now down to 10%. Of the travellers that we surveyed this year, 5% had already travelled, and 18% had booked travel – of this, 94% had booked travel to more than one destination. This means that if they are visiting Europe, they will be travelling to multiple destinations within that region.”

Cook highlights that scenery is one of the main factors motivating tourists to leave China and that travellers are looking to experience nature and culture that is vastly different from their home country. Pan adds that in addition to traditional and digital marketing platforms, word of mouth is a powerful tool when it comes to promoting travel and tourism to Chinese tourists. She describes China’s outbound tourism recovery as an “upward spiral” rather than linear growth.

Pan concludes: “Tourism boards should prioritise storytelling by effectively communicating the stories about their businesses, destinations, and cultures and showing a genuine interest in their target audience to build trust.”

ATM's summit tomorrow will focus on ‘Luxury’, featuring speakers from leading international hospitality brands, including Raffles, The Lana (Dorchester Collection), Jumeirah, and Kempinski. Topics on the agenda at the Luxury Summit tomorrow include Bringing the Experience Economy to Luxury: Attracting Customers with One-off Moments That Matter and Luxury Product Development: What Travel Can Learn from Retail.

Another highlight tomorrow will be the announcement of the ATM Best Stand Awards, which recognise the design creativity and business-friendly appeal of exhibiting companies across six categories - ‘Best Stand Design’, ‘Best Stand for Doing Business’, ‘Best Stand Feature’, ‘Best New Stand’, ‘Best Use of Technology’ and ‘Sustainable Stand Award’.

ATM concluded on Thursday 9 May at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Travel entrepreneur and startup funding is growing in the Middle East but more investment is needed

Experts shone a spotlight on the Middle East’s travel investment ecosystem at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 9 May. Panellists speaking during the exhibition’s entrepreneurship summit said levels of industry funding are growing in the region but that more needs to be done to support travel startups. 

The Middle East’s contribution to global travel revenues currently stands at approximately 5%, which is comparable to the proportion of international startup funding it is attracting, according to data from McKinsey & Company. While levels of investment have increased significantly in the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic, speakers noted that funding for regional travel entrepreneurs is growing from a relatively low base. 

Panellists participating in the Nurturing Travel and Tourism Entrepreneurship to Drive Economic Growth summit included Margaux Constantin, Partner at McKinsey & Company; Danny Cohanpour, CEO of Trove Tourism Development Advisors; Charaf El Mansouri, Co-Founder and CEO of Dharma; Mona Faraj, Co-Founder and CEO of ExploreTECH; and Amna Al Redha, Manager of AviationXLab, which is part of the Emirates Group Future Technology and Innovations team.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “It is encouraging to hear that travel investment is increasing in the Middle East, but it’s clear that more can be done to nurture entrepreneurs and startups operating in the region. While panellists acknowledged that there are various challenges facing those looking for funding, there is also significant potential for growth in this space and plenty of room for disruption.” 

Summit speakers noted that various hurdles must be overcome by travel and startup entrepreneurs seeking investment, such as perceived levels of risk and long wait times on returns. Nevertheless, panellists argued that companies with genuine value propositions are well-placed to identify and attract the right backers. 

Participants also highlighted the growing importance of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Web3 and cryptocurrency in securing financial backing. Although these elements represent secondary focuses for the majority of travel entrepreneurs, panel members emphasised the importance of incorporating the latest innovations in business strategies when pitching to investors. 

Commenting on the need for a shift in mindset from funders, McKinsey’s Margaux Constantin said: “If I look at our clients who are interested in investing in travel and tourism in the Middle East, 90% come with the same three parameters for investment, which are asset-light, EBITDA-positive and minimum-ticket-size [companies]. The reality is that this intersection is incredibly thin, so investors are going after the same very small pool of companies. We need a change in expectations and interests from investors to fuel entrepreneurship in [the region’s travel] sector.” 

The largest edition of ATM to date will close today following four days of impactful industry discussions and unrivalled networking opportunities across the MICE, leisure, luxury and corporate travel sectors. Today’s sessions will focus on the next generation of travel and tourism talent with the Educating Young Entrepreneurs: Building a Career in Travel session and the Network with Future Leaders event. 

Indian travel and tourism opportunities

India is rapidly emerging as a crucial source market for global tourism, driven by significant economic growth, demographic shifts, and infrastructural improvements, as highlighted on the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 Future Stage, as the Middle East's leading travel and tourism event returned to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 31st year.

During the session Unlocking the True Potential of Indian Travellers, Virendra Jain, CEO and Co-Founder of VIDEC, a travel, tourism and hospitality boutique advisory and analytics firm, shared key insights, including market opportunity assessments, channel and distribution analysis, characteristics and behaviours of Indian travellers and projections of Indian outbound travel trends over the next decade.

According to VIDEC's 2023 Indian Traveller Behaviour & Insights Report, over three-quarters of surveyed respondents prioritise travel and tourism for discretionary spending. The report also shows that 59% of Indian travellers prefer short weekend trips, and 79% choose domestic over international destinations. Of the international travellers, 84% were first-time travellers, with Thailand, the UAE and Singapore as the top destinations, chosen for their proximity, climate and cultural appeal.

Showcasing the findings of the report, which Jain co-authored with Deepak Jain, he said: “The primary motivator for these trips is the need for a break from daily life, with 33% of travellers seeking leisure escapes. Furthermore, 69% book flights well in advance, contrasting with last-minute intercity bus bookings. Coupled with India's rising digital proficiency and infrastructural enhancements like the UDAN scheme, these trends are shaping India into a dynamic source market for global tourism, necessitating targeted engagement strategies to capitalise on this growth.”

Following the presentation, an India Market Insights Summit panel session took place on the ATM 2024 Global Stage featuring prominent speakers, including Ross Veitch, CEO & Co-Founder of Wego; Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Business Officer - Corporate at MakeMyTrip; and Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India Express. The speakers emphasised the strategic importance of understanding and targeting the Indian travel market with innovative and tailored marketing strategies, focusing on sectors such as air travel, hotels, rail, and intercity buses.

Commenting on the session’s impact, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Today’s discussion on the Indian travel market highlighted the wealth of opportunities and the strategic importance of nuanced marketing approaches that cater to the unique needs of Indian travellers. This session is a cornerstone for fostering deeper understanding and cooperation between Middle East travel professionals and Indian travel enterprises.”

Elsewhere at the ATM 2024 Market Insight Summit, panellists from leading hospitality brands, including LOTUS, Arabian Adventures, NexusCube and Trojena – NEOM, explored new sustainable developments, attractions and entertainment offerings that may open up new opportunities for the Americas.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include the Dubai 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.

ATM 2024 concluded on Thursday, 9 May, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

EMBRACE THE VIBRANCY: HONG KONG EXTENDS A WARM WELCOME TO GCC TRAVELLERS

Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a vibrant blending of East-meets-West, stands as a magnetic and visa-free destination for GCC travellers seeking unparalleled experiences delving into the heart of Asia's cosmopolitan gem. 

Nestled at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, Hong Kong offers a kaleidoscope of cultural delights. 

Facilitating this journey are renowned airlines such as Emirates (with 21 weekly flights) and Cathay Pacific (with 7 weekly flights) for GCC travellers; Hong Kong promises a thrilling journey where the rich tapestry of Chinese heritage seamlessly intertwines with Western influences at every corner, inviting GCC travellers to embark on a journey of discovery.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) took centre stage at the Arabian Travel Market 2024 (ATM) as part of their outreach trade strategy, spearheading tourism and cultural exchange initiatives from May 6th to 9th, together with 31 trade partners from Hong Kong. Notably, an MOU has been signed with Emirates during ATM signifying a remarkable milestone in HKTB's endeavours to expand tourism initiatives within the GCC market. Another key collaboration included an MOU signing with dnata Travel Group, further strengthening partnerships between Hong Kong and the GCC through leading airlines and travel agencies.

What can travellers expect?

Hong Kong presents a new horizon of luxury experiences and halal-friendly activities as part of its GCC travel initiatives; those experiences were carefully curated in the “Travel In Luxe” Hong Kong guide, covering four distinct categories:

1. In the realm of cultural encounter, delve into Hong Kong's rich heritage with curator-led tours of its leading museums, such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and explore the city's architectural marvels designed by renowned Pritzker Prize winners through exclusive guided visits that blend history with modern aesthetics.
2. For those looking to explore Hong Kong in style, experience breathtaking vistas and unique cityscapes in unparalleled luxury, whether sailing on a yacht or touring the city in a helicopter, all while indulging in luxury shopping guided by expert shoppers at luxury spots.
3. The family bonds aspect ensures that family vacations become luxurious adventures with VIP tours at major attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park, creating memorable experiences without the crowds and engaging the whole family with activities designed to entertain every age and interest.
4. Lastly, under exquisite services, indulge in personalised services that enhance your stay, from bespoke shopping experiences to culinary sessions with elite chefs; additionally, for those seeking a touch of adventure and learning, martial arts lessons with esteemed masters offer a unique, customised experience that combines culture with physical activity.

Begin your luxury and cultural exploration with "Travel in Luxe" Hong Kong - your guide to exceptional experiences in one of Asia's most dynamic cities. Explore curated offerings and book your next adventure today to discover the opulence and excitement of Hong Kong.

Ahmed bin Saeed opens Arabian Travel Market 2024

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, the leading global travel and tourism event being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 6-9 May, The record-breaking edition will feature 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries, with around 41,000 visitors expected to attend the event.

This year’s edition of ATM will mark the event’s largest to date. Having launched in 1994 with 300 exhibitors and 7,000 trade visitors, ATM has now established itself as a globally renowned event integrating all travel sectors and verticals, from MICE to leisure and luxury hospitality, to corporate travel. Exhibitor participation has increased by 26% this year, with growth recorded across all event verticals.

During the opening, Sheikh Ahmed said that the massive interest generated amongst ATM 2024 attendees reaffirms Dubai’s standing as a major destination for tourism and travel in the region, highlighting its role in shaping the future of the industry by bringing together leaders of allied sectors from around the world.

Sheikh Ahmed later toured various pavilions at the exhibition. He was accompanied by His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; His Excellency Hilal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Danielle Curtis, Director of the Arabian Travel Market in the Middle East, and several top officials and leaders representing the travel and tourism industry at the regional and global levels.

ATM 2024 will focus on the theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, spotlighting visionary entrepreneurs in aviation, hotels, hospitality, and public attractions, and underscoring their transformative role in the future of the sector.

A four-day conference agenda will feature 200 speakers across more than 50 sessions on two main stages – the Global Stage and the new Future Stage. The Global Stage will host daily summits exploring entrepreneurship, developing markets, sustainability, and luxury, while the Future Stage will be the home of all innovation-related content, covering topics such as AI, NextGen destinations, travel technology, and future trend forecasts.

The opening day of ATM 2024 features 12 sessions across the Global and Future stages. Highlights of the day include the Global Stage Welcome: The Gateway to Global Insights keynote speech from His Excellency Issam Abdulrahim Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, and the Ministerial Debate: Streamlining Tourism within the GCC. The Market Insights Summit will also mark four days of focused deliberations at ATM, with entrepreneurship, luxury and sustainability rounding out ATM’s summit programme this week.

Looking ahead to Day Two, the most impactful trends in travel technology will be discussed at the Beyond the Hype: Demystifying 2024 Travel Tech Trends session on the Future Stage. The Global

Stage will, in the meantime, gather aviation experts from IATA, Riyadh Air, AviationXLab and Cirium to explore How Technology is Disrupting Aviation followed by a session on Navigating the Future of Air Travel with Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.

Travel Tech, the travel technology exhibition at ATM will continue through May 7, showcasing the innovative technologies driving the travel and hospitality sector and the Entrepreneurship Summit on May 7 will delve into the topic of Nurturing Travel and Tourism Entrepreneurship to Drive Economic Growth, along with exploring how Global Disruptions are Catalysts for Innovation.

ATM 2024 is part of Arabian Travel Week, a ten-day-long festival of travel and tourism events that take place in Dubai. In addition to ATM, other events that are part of Arabian Travel Week are the ATM Start-up competition, ATM Travel Tech, GBTA Business Travel Forums and Buyer Networking.

ATM 2024 is being held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

Experts outline a promising future for the GCC hospitality sector, as the UAE market is forecasted to exceed US$7 billion by 2026

Recent data from global research companies indicates a bright future for the GCC hospitality industry, with insights from Deloitte and STR demonstrating sustained growth as tourism continues to be a key priority for regional governments. The upcoming edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), a premier global event in travel and tourism, will serve as a pivotal gathering for hospitality stakeholders when it takes place from 6 to 9 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

According to Deloitte, Dubai is leading the regional hospitality markets with a strong outlook for 2024. The city now offers more hotel rooms than major capitals such as London, New York City and Bangkok, and as of this month, Dubai has a hotel room capacity of over 150,000.

Data from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) shows that the city welcomed 17.15 million overnight visitors during 2023, with the average length of stay also increasing. According to Deloitte, occupancy peaked at 88% in February.

Elsewhere in the region, STR figures show that Riyadh is leading the way in terms of hotel supply growth, offering an additional 28,465 rooms, a 134% increase. Meanwhile,

Doha has doubled its hotel inventory over the past decade, with a current supply of 39,968 rooms.

“As the hospitality landscape in the GCC region continues to evolve, the data paints a compelling picture of growth and opportunity. ATM 2024 will feature a wide range of hospitality brands from around the world, and we are pleased to report that there has been a 21% increase in exhibition space dedicated to hotel brands this year, demonstrating strong interest and demand,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.

Curtis added: “IHG Resorts is the official hotel partner for ATM 2024, and this year's edition is set to welcome back some of the most respected brands in the hospitality industry, including Four Seasons Hotels, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, and the Shangri-La Group. It's worth noting that the number of hospitality brands showcased at ATM has increased by 12% with a good selection of well-known international and regional brands. With so many world-class brands in attendance across all categories of luxury, upper-midscale and midscale, ATM 2024 promises an enriching experience for all attending.”

Several new European hotel brands, including Ethno Belek in Turkey and Buff Medical Resort in Germany, will exhibit at ATM for the first time. European Voyages, which specialises in tours, transfers, and private jets, will also mark its debut appearance. There has been a notable surge in exhibitor participation from Italy and Turkey, reflecting a growing interest from these regions in reaching the lucrative Middle East tourism market.

Attendees at ATM 2024 will learn the latest trends from hospitality industry leaders during a series of summits and panel discussions throughout the course of the week. These include the ‘'Frameworks for Tourism Investment' session, which will mark the beginning of the highly-anticipated ATM Market Insights Summit.

Presented by Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East and Africa, Hilton; Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director Middle East, UNWTO; and Jan Gerrit Koechling, Partner Dubai, UAE of Roland Berger, this session will take place on the event’s main stage, the Global Stage. Attendees can expect to gain invaluable insights on how to cater to new markets, maintain market share and identify new business opportunities.

Elsewhere, the 'Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality in the Middle East' session will officially open ATM’s new ‘Future Stage’, formerly the Travel Tech Stage. Providing key updates on the hospitality industry, upcoming trends and current challenges facing the sector, the session will feature senior regional representatives from IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriot International, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Rotana Hotel Management

Corporation PJSC and Banyan Tree Dubai along with hospitality experts from Mastercard and Silkhaus.

“As the Middle East continues its impressive strides forward in the global tourism landscape, IHG Hotels & Resorts is honoured and proud to be a strategic partner to multiple governments, tourism investors, industry stakeholders, and our customers across the region. As the official Hotel Partner of the Arabian Travel Market 2024, we look forward to engaging with industry leaders, peers and colleagues. ATM remains an unrivalled platform for dialogue, debate, networking, and knowledge-sharing as the regional industry’s legacy travel trade event,” said Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG.

The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will focus on the theme: Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship. This year’s event will feature a wide portfolio of exhibitors from the fields of aviation, accommodation, hospitality, attractions, technology and more, ATM 2024 will explore how innovators in the travel and tourism space are working to attract greater levels of funding to further increase the sector’s overall contribution to global GDP.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner, Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner. STA is the Global Travel Partner for ATM 2024.

The latest ATM news stories are available at https://hub.wtm.com/category/press/atm-press-releases/.

To register your interest in attending ATM 2024 or to submit a stand enquiry, visit https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb/enquire.html.