Category Archives: Exhibitions

RX has confirmed that the 2026 edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, originally scheduled to take place from 4–7 May 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, will now take place from 17-20 August 2026, with the venue remaining unchanged. The decision to reschedule the event has been made to prioritise the safety and well-being of customers, partners and colleagues, and to give the global travel and tourism community greater confidence and flexibility to attend. Now in its 33rd edition, Arabian Travel Market serves as a key global platform connecting destinations, travel suppliers, hospitality brands, airlines, technology providers and industry professionals from across the travel ecosystem. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Arabian Travel Market has long served as a vital platform for bringing the global travel and tourism community together in Dubai, enabling destinations, suppliers and industry leaders to connect, collaborate and shape the future of the sector. “The safety and well-being of our customers, partners and colleagues remains our highest priority, and the decision to reschedule ATM 2026 to August reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate at this important industry gathering. We look forward to welcoming the international travel community back to Dubai later this year.” The RX team remains committed to supporting all participants and will work closely with exhibitors, partners and stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition to the new dates.

RezLive.com highlighted Smart Match and RezTez at two of India’s largest travel trade exhibitions—OTM Mumbai 2026 and SATTE New Delhi 2026. Smart Match, RezLive.com’s advanced AI‑powered feature that transforms the hotel room selection experience. Smart Match intelligently groups and compares room options, eliminates repetitive listings, and presents clean, consolidated choices—helping agents make faster and more confident decisions. With real‑time supplier data processing and board‑type consolidation, Smart Match is redefining efficiency for travel professionals. The team also held strategic conversations around RezTez, RezLive.com’s powerful XML Out solution. Partners expressed strong interest in leveraging RezTez to distribute premium travel content in their markets. “RezTez is a gateway for agents to become distributors of quality inventory,” said  Jaal Shah – Founder, RezLive.com. “It empowers partners to scale with speed, reliability, and precision.” The brand reinforced its leadership position through exceptional footfall, high‑value industry interactions, and the showcase of cutting‑edge technology designed to empower travel professionals worldwide. OTM Mumbai witnessed remarkable engagement at the RezLive.com booth. Travel agents, hoteliers, DMCs, suppliers, and media partners visited in large numbers to explore the platform’s latest innovations and understand how RezLive.com continues to elevate the B2B travel ecosystem. The booth remained consistently active with product demos, strategic discussions, and networking sessions that highlighted RezLive.com’s commitment to innovation and service excellence.

The sixtieth anniversary edition of ITB Berlin opened on 2 March 2026 with Host Country Angola staging a large-scale cultural gala in Berlin. The ceremony set the tone for the trade show, which ran from 3–5 March, highlighting Angola’s tourism ambitions and heritage. Under the theme ‘The Rhythm of Life’, around 700–800 invited guests from politics, the tourism industry, media, and international institutions attended the opening. The programme featured official speeches, music, dance, and visual installations presenting Angola’s cultural diversity and natural landscapes. Among those present were Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin; Christopher Ploß, Federal Government Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism; Gloria Guevara, President and CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council; and Shaikha Nasser Alnuwais, Secretary-General, UN Tourism. Mario Tobias, CEO, Messe Berlin, represented ITB Berlin. The evening was hosted by Márcio Daniel, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Angola, and José de Lima Massano, Minister of State, Republic of Angola. The artistic production, Travessia – From Traditional to Modern, traced Angola’s musical evolution, blending traditional instruments such as the dikanza with contemporary arrangements, choreography, and LED visuals depicting landmarks including Kalandula Falls and the Namib Desert. Angola also spotlighted its new brand identity, ‘Visit Angola – The Rhythm of Life’, positioning the destination to the global travel trade during the anniversary edition.

Personalisation is emerging as a growing trend in travel and tourism, particularly within the luxury segment, as travellers increasingly seek experiences tailored to their individual preferences and lifestyles. According to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2025, developed by ATM in partnership with Tourism Economics, 85% of hoteliers now consider personalisation as a key driver of commercial value, with tailored experiences shown to generate additional revenue of up to 5%. Furthermore, insights by market intelligence firm Future Market Insight Inc, has revealed the global customisation and personalisation in travel market is expected to reach US$620.71 million by 2032. Senior executives from leading hotel groups, including Minor Hotels, Fairmont and Marriott, examined the rising influence of ‘hyper-personalisation’, which moves away from one-size-fits-all services to offering bespoke guest experiences. Leveraging tools such as AI-driven customisation and chatbots, as well as personalised welcome amenities and bespoke dining options, these brands are redefining the customer journey in the luxury travel segment, which is witnessing a continued surge worldwide at the Arabian Travel Market 2025. Speaking during the panel, experts defined hyper-personalisation as providing individualised experiences that anticipate both expressed and unspoken guest needs. While technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are instrumental in delivering customised offerings at scale, the panellists agreed that human connection remains essential for a truly personalised hospitality experience. Nicolas Hauvespre, VP of luxury brands at MEA Marriott, said: “When it comes to hyper-personalisation, for many brands, this goes far beyond traditional service. It’s about creating something highly tailored and curated through leveraging technology and building on your culture, so you can develop that anticipatory service and meet both the explicit and unspoken needs of your guests.” The panel, which also included Loay Nour, …

TTME in an exclusive interview with Darren Seah – Executive Director – ITB Asia shared that this year  their focus shifts in the industry—particularly the growing influence of the Middle East market and the rising power of Generation Z travellers. The Middle East continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Asia-Pacific’s travel dynamics. With a reputation for luxury, experiential travel, and high-value outbound tourism, the region’s significance is only increasing. Seah shared, “Oman is joining us this year, and we’re in active discussions with other Middle Eastern destinations including the UAE.” He further added, “We were recently in the UAE, engaging with key stakeholders to strengthen regional collaboration.” This growing engagement aligns with the broader tourism strategies of countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—each investing heavily in hospitality infrastructure, cultural offerings, and mega-events, as part of long-term national visions such as Saudi Vision 2030. For ITB Asia, this means not just showcasing the region as a destination, but also as a vital source of outbound travellers seeking immersive, high-quality travel experiences across Asia-Pacific.

ITB China officially opened last evening withTravTalk ME as media partner and Malaysia tourism as the destination partner. Speaking at the opening dinner last evening, David Ruetz, Senior Vice President Messe Berlin shared that they anticipate over 700 exhibitors from around 90 countries and regions, while the number of buyers is set to increase by 30%, reflecting the growing global interest in the event. The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing – Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia shared the importance of ITB China as they become destination partner promoting 2026 as Visit Malaysia year. Ruetz addressing the audience reiterated, ” We are truly honored to be celebrating this evening with over 700 esteemed representatives from across the travel industry – all united under one roof. The global travel industry is on an exciting trajectory, full of dynamism and renewed energy. The momentum is especially felt and vibrant here in China. We are witnessing not just a mere recovery, but a reimagining of the sector. Chinese travelers are maturing, seeking deeper, more meaningful journeys. And destinations respond by offering more immersive and personalized experiences. Travel is evolving, and China is at the forefront of these new and exciting trends. The 6th edition of ITB China is a clear reflection of that momentum. We are thrilled to announce that ITB China has expanded by an impressive 30% compared to last year, underscoring the growing relevance and confidence in this market. Over the next three days, we will bring together more than 700 exhibitors from 85 countries, and 1,400 hosted buyers from every province in China and across the globe. This is a powerful signal of trust in the market, in the …

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has launched a new vision and mission to redefine its role in shaping the region’s tourism landscape. The refreshed vision, “A meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy”, emphasises purpose-driven growth. PATA’s mission focuses on sharing knowledge, enabling networking, and protecting tourism assets through innovation, collaboration, and adaptability. With this strategic shift, PATA aims to equip the travel trade with tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving global environment, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, resilience, and industry unity across Asia and the Pacific.

With three weeks remaining until Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the event is on course to attract a record number of high value visitors, with registrations up 104% compared to the same time last year, reinforcing its position as an essential platform for travel trade professionals around the world. International markets account for a substantial 52% of total visitor registrations, highlighting the event’s global appeal and underscoring the importance of fostering cross-cultural connections and collaborations. Meanwhile, visitors from the UAE and GCC contribute significantly to the total figures, accounting for 48% of registrations. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Increased international attendance strengthens the global profile of ATM, providing a vital boost to the local economy and driving revenue in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and travel, thereby demonstrating the impact and strength of business events. This year’s edition is expected to see notable growth in participation from key regions, reflecting demand from across the global tourism industry.” The top five registered countries for ATM 2025 to date include the UAE, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UK. India, with its thriving outbound travel market and expanding aviation sector, remains a significant source of demand for the travel industry. Egypt’s tourism revenues reached US$15.3 billion in 2024, representing a more than 100% increase over the last decade, with the government setting a target of 30 million tourists by 2032. Major tourism investments in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives, have positioned the Kingdom as a strong player in the global travel market. The UK remains a crucial hub for both inbound and outbound tourism, with a significant presence in business travel and among tour operators. Last year, ATM …

Taking as its slogan ’The World of Travel Lives Here’, ITB Berlin 2025 kicked off with fully booked halls and a record number of 5,800 national and international exhibitors (5 per cent more than in 2024) from over 170 countries underline the global reach of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, while the ITB Buyers Circle with its 1,300 senior buyers is an indicator of the industry’s upturn. Particularly in the key travel segments of Cruises and Travel Technology for example, but also in the dynamic markets of Southern Europe, Asia, Africa and the Arab states, there has been significant growth. Albania is presenting itself as the host country with the slogan ’Albania All Senses’. Taking as its heading ’The Power of Transition Lives Here’, the ITB Berlin Convention will address the challenges and opportunities of a changing market with high-profile speakers from companies including Expedia, DERTOUR, Google, Uber, Booking.com, Microsoft Advertising, Wyndham, UN Tourism, TUI, Ryanair and many more. The latest World Travel Monitor® findings of IPK International reflect the industry’s positive mood.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is participating in ITB Berlin 2025 showcasing Abu Dhabi’s dynamic tourism landscape, DCT Abu Dhabi leads the delegation of 40 partners and stakeholders at the Experience Abu Dhabi stand, including Yas Island, Air Arabia, Ethara, ITL, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Orient Tours, Saadiyat Island, Al Dhafra Hotel, teamLab Phenomena and many more. DCT Abu Dhabi will also share expert insights on the MICE sector, with Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations, delivering a keynote and participating in a panel discussion on industry trends at 4:00 PM on 4 March at Hall 7.1b Green Stage. Located within Hall 2.2, at Stands 200 and 200A, DCT Abu Dhabi will make key announcements during the event, reinforcing its commitment to building a robust, future-focused tourism and cultural ecosystem. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our presence at ITB Berlin reflects DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to promote, protect, and progress the emirate on a global stage, fostering key partnerships that bring tangible benefits to residents and visitors, as well as long-term opportunities within the industry. Each conversation and connection is an opportunity to highlight Abu Dhabi as a premier tourism and cultural hub, while paving the way for future collaborations that drive sustainable growth for our stakeholders.” One of DCT Abu Dhabi’s key launches is the Welcome Pass, delivered in collaboration with Alike, a social travel marketplace. Provided at Abu Dhabi airport on arrival, this fully digital, seamless booking and redemption solution will enable travellers to explore Abu Dhabi’s unique range of cultural sites and entertainment attractions and with greater ease and convenience. DCT Abu Dhabi is also …