Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 Begins: Day 1 Concludes

The 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) kicked off in Dubai with a bang as the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) revealed a staggering 11% increase in international overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2024. Dubai welcomed 5.18 million visitors, setting a promising tone for the year ahead.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, expressed his delight at the achievement, stating, “Dubai’s tourism sector has started the year on a promising note.” He highlighted the impressive 83% occupancy rate in Dubai’s hotels and reiterated the Emirate’s commitment to providing an exceptional tourism experience.

The UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, announced the launch of the GCC Grand Tours, a unified Gulf tourist visa that will allow travelers to visit all six GCC states and spend over 30 days in the region. This move aims to simplify travel logistics and boost tourism in the region, making it more affordable for tourists and creating employment opportunities.

Teodora Marinska, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Public Affairs at the European Travel Commission, lauded the introduction of a fully digital Schengen visa application process, which will streamline the visa application process for frequent travelers. This development is set to make travel to Europe more convenient and efficient for tourists.

Overall, the Arabian Travel Market 2024 promises exciting developments in the tourism sector, with Dubai leading the way in providing exceptional experiences for visitors from around the world.