The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is back with its 31st edition at the Dubai World Trade Center. Over 40,000 attendees are expected to visit the annual trade show, featuring 2,300 exhibitions from 165 countries, running from May 6 to 9.
ATM 2024 is themed ‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel through Entrepreneurship, with the spotlight on the pivotal role of start-ups and entrepreneurs in shaping the sector’s future. It will provide a platform for industry leaders and policymakers worldwide to empower the travel and tourism community to harness entrepreneurship and identify growth opportunities.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said following the unprecedented success of our 30th edition in 2023, exhibitor participation has increased by a remarkable 26% this year, making ATM 2024 the largest in the event’s history. “This notable growth underscores ATM’s reputation as an unmissable event for the global travel and tourism community, offering unrivaled business and networking opportunities for attendees and exhibitors across a wide range of travel sectors and verticals.”
Curtis pointed out that growth has been achieved across all show verticals, including regional year-on-year upticks for the Middle East (28%), Asia (34%), Europe (34%) and Africa (26%). “More than 100 prominent travel technology companies will showcase their latest innovations to a global audience in this year’s event. The Travel Tech section is 58% larger this year, indicating an unprecedented surge in interest from companies that want to display their latest technological advancements.
On the opening day, ATM featured Market Insights Summit on the Global Stage. It highlighted the potential of China, India, and Latin America as they are the emerging key players in global tourism. The panel of speakers and thought leaders included Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East, UN Tourism; Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton; Julia Simpson, CEO & President, World Travel and Tourism Council; and Jan Gerrit Koechling, Partner, Roland Berger.
The Future Stage will focus on the Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality in the Middle East. It will be led by senior representatives from IHG Hotels and Resorts, Marriot International, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Banyan Tree Dubai, Mastercard and Silkhaus. Other sessions on the Future Stage include The New Age of Island Tourism, which explores how islands in the Middle East are offering new tourism opportunities, and the Global Economic Disruptions Affecting the Future of Travel session.
It should be noted that ATM continues its commitment to sustainability for another year – building on the show’s 2023 theme and keeping up with its 30 long-term sustainability goals. The sustainability summit on May 9 will explore Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, consumer preferences, and the collaborative efforts required to create a more sustainable future for travel and tourism.
Also Read: Are Anamorphic Billboards the Next Biggest Thing for OOH Advertising?
