Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Set to Kick Off in Dubai with Record-Breaking Attendance
The Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the premier global event for the travel and tourism industry, is gearing up for its highly anticipated 31st edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre this week. With over 41,000 attendees expected to flock to the annual trade show from 6th to 9th May, this year’s event promises to be the largest in its history, featuring 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries.
Under the theme ‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel through Entrepreneurship’, ATM 2024 will shine a spotlight on the crucial role of start-ups and entrepreneurs in shaping the future of the travel and tourism sector. The focus on entrepreneurship aims to provide a platform for industry leaders and policymakers to empower the community and identify opportunities for growth.
A robust four-day conference programme awaits attendees, with over 50 informative sessions led by more than 200 high-profile speakers across the Global Stage and the new Future Stage. Issam Abdulrahim Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, will kick off the event with a keynote speech outlining Dubai’s tourism goals and future plans. Ministers from the GCC and beyond will also gather to discuss strategies for supporting and developing tourism in the region at the Ministerial Debate.
The Market Insights Summit on the Global Stage will explore the potential of emerging tourism markets such as China, India, and Latin America, with industry experts sharing insights on the global tourism landscape. The Future Stage will delve into trends shaping the future of hospitality in the Middle East, offering valuable perspectives from key players in the industry.
Exhibition Director ME, Danielle Curtis, expressed her excitement for the event, noting a significant 26% increase in exhibitor participation compared to the previous year. The growth spans across all show verticals, with notable upticks in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Additionally, over 100 leading travel technology companies will showcase their latest innovations, reflecting a surge in interest in technological advancements in the industry.
ATM’s commitment to sustainability remains a key focus, with the Sustainability Summit set to address Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations and the collaborative efforts needed to create a more sustainable future for travel and tourism. The Sustainable Stand Award will recognize exhibitors making outstanding efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
Strategic partners for ATM 2024 include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.
As the travel and tourism industry continues to evolve, ATM 2024 stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, bringing together key stakeholders to shape the future of the sector. Stay tuned for more updates from this exciting event.