The 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market 2023 will be held from May 1-4 at Dubai’s World Trade Centre where 2,000 exhibitors and 34,000 attendees from 150 countries are expected to gracing the occasion.
This year’s conference, in collaboration with the Emirate’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), will focus on the theme “Working Towards Net Zero”. It will provide a platform for industry professionals to network, collaborate, and showcase innovations towards decarbonization. The conference will form a central component of the UAE’s Annual Arabian Travel Week.
Besides sessions focused on the key markets of India, China and the GCC, this year’s show will feature the inaugural ATM Sustainable Stand Award, ATM Travel Tech Stage, and Sustainability Hub. It will also feature International Luxury Travel Market Arabia, International Tourism & Investment Conference, International Congress and Convention Association and Global Business Travel Association.
Robust increase in exhibitors
Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director of Reed Exhibitions – Middle East and Portfolio Director of WTM, IBTM and Reed Exhibitions, said: “Following the very successful WTM Africa and WTM Latin America, it is great to see international travel community engaging with the Arabian Travel Market. We’ve seen a robust increase in the exhibitor growth, and it’s exciting to welcome back our Chinese colleagues after lifting of COVID restrictions in the region.”
“With sustainability an ever-increasing consideration for travel industry, and indeed across WTM and IBTM event portfolios, it’s never been more important for the sector to interact with the theme of ATM 2023 ‘Working Toward Net Zero’ to explore a vast array of business trends and opportunities.”
Exhibitor participation in ATM 2023 has risen by 27% compared to last year’s event, with growth registered across all show sectors. These include regional upticks for the Middle East, representation for which will be 24% larger than in 2022, Europe (17% larger), Asia (15% larger) and Africa (8.5% larger). The event’s travel tech and hotels sectors have also witnessed sizeable year-on-year growth, expanding by 62% and 37.5%, respectively.
Chinese exhibitors and travel professionals are making a welcome return to ATM 2023 as the country lifted its COVID-related travel restrictions. China became the world’s top source market in 2019, with 155 million tourists spending over $250 billion overseas. CNN predicts China’s outbound market will recover to around six million travellers per month by the summer of 2023.
80+ travel tech firms will exhibit at DWTC for Arabian Travel Market 2023 from May 1-4. The conference's 30th edition will center on sustainable travel with the theme 'Working Towards Net Zero'. Read more here: https://t.co/d537Pkq25s #Dubai #ATM2023 pic.twitter.com/cd22M8xhPQ
— Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (@DubaiDET) April 26, 2023
Diverse array of speakers
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, ATM-Middle East, said: “ATM 2023 will provide a platform for a diverse array of public and private-sector speakers who will offer expert insights into sustainable travel trends, responsible tourism and other industry issues.
“The opening session of the conference will see policymakers take to ATM Global Stage for a ministerial debate on how travel can tackle climate crisis. Moderated by CNN’s Eleni Giokos, the session will see H. E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, H. E. Makram Mustafa Abdul Karim Al-Qaisi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan, H. E. Minister of Tourism Eng Walid Nassar, Minister of Tourism, Lebanon, and Sukit Mohanty, Chief of the UNDRR for Arab States, come together to explore ways in which the industry has been working toward net zero.”
Saudi Arabia will have a considerable presence at ATM 2023. The Kingdom registered more international arrivals than any other Arab nation during the first nine months last year. It welcomed over 18 million visitors during this period, according to government data. Tourism spending in the Kingdom hit $7.2 billion in H1 2022.
Focus on sustainability
Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “It is fitting that this year’s ATM theme focusses on sustainability to build a better future for tourism. For us, this theme is of even greater significance as 2023 is UAE’s Year of Sustainability and Dubai will be hosting COP28. Dubai has adopted strategies to reduce carbon footprint for a more environmentally conscious tourism industry, aligned with the ambition of our visionary leadership to make Dubai the best city in the world to visit, live, and work. As the global tourism momentum continues, we welcome the pursuit of a more collaborative, inclusive and long-term approach to sustainable growth in industry.”
Southeast Asia and India will feature prominently at this year’s event too. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Indians spent a record $10 billion on overseas travel during the first nine months of 2022, an increase of nearly 43% compared to pre-COVID figures. Other estimates indicate the number of annual outbound journeys will reach over 27 million by 2024, with a total value of over $42 billion.
Remarkable evolution of the event
Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, said: “As we celebrate 30 years of partnership and commitment at ATM, it’s remarkable to see this event’s evolution and growing prominence on the global stage. We are proud of role we have played in the growth of ATM strengthening its mindshare as an industry event and the growth of Dubai, which is at the forefront of global tourism. This year, Emirates will be showcasing latest products, connecting with our industry partners as well as demonstrating our commitment to minimise environmental impact and sustainable aviation practices.”
The ATM will also unveil a dedicated sustainability pledge that has been designed to reinforce Reed Exhibitions commitment to the delivery of sustainable events through the use of environment-friendly materials, elimination of single-use plastics and other forward-thinking initiatives. This pledge will be accompanied by a new playbook, which offers participants a framework within which to mitigate their environmental impact before, during and after the event.
The ATM Global Stage will host a variety of sessions focused on pivotal industry issues like hotels and hospitality, aviation and transport, meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, business travel, investment, responsible tourism, workforce diversification, and emerging segments such as attractions, cruises, wellness and cultural tourism.
Technology to represent central focus at 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market in Dubai
Representatives 80+of the world’s leading travel tech companies preparing to exhibit at ATM 2023, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 May. pic.twitter.com/tlSe4fbQm6
— TAG Travel Assignment Group (@TAGTravel_Za) April 28, 2023
Fantastic opportunity
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, added: “As the official hotel partner for ATM 2023, we look forward to the event’s momentous edition. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our wide-ranging portfolio of hotels in the region, introduce new and upcoming ventures and delve further into our new ‘IHG One Rewards’ loyalty offering for both leisure and business travellers. Given the theme of this year’s event, we will be showcasing our commitment to drive environmental and social change across our estate. Most importantly, we will be focussed on connecting with new and existing partners, suppliers and industry peers to ensure we facilitate greater, collective success for hospitality sector.”The ATM Start-up Competition, ATM Travel Tech, ILTM Arabia, GBTA Business Travel Forums, Buyer Speed Networking, the Influencer Networking Event, the Business Traveller Awards and Dubai Food Festival will all take place under the auspices of Arabian Travel Week 2023, which will run from Monday 1 May to Wednesday 10 May across Dubai.
ATM 2023’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism 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.
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— Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation – PTDC (@PtdcOfficial) April 28, 2023
About Arabian Travel Market (ATM): Now on its 30th year, Arabian Travel Market is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for in-bound and out-bound tourism professionals. The ATM 2022 attracted over 24,000 visitors and hosted over 31,000 participants including 1,600 exhibitors and attendees from 151 countries at Dubai World Trade Centre. ATM is the part of the Arabian Travel Week.
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