Tag Archives: ATM

Representatives from more than 80 of the world’s leading travel technology companies are preparing to exhibit at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 May. Over 2,000m2 of exhibition space will be dedicated to industry technology during the 30th edition of ATM, representing a 54.7% increase in sector participation compared to last year’s show. ATM 2023’s Travel Tech space will also be supplemented by a brand-new Sustainability Hub, which will shine a spotlight on the latest environmentally responsible travel trends and innovations. The ATM Travel Tech Stage sponsored by Sabre, will host a selection of in-depth panel discussions that will explore how modern innovations such as artificial intelligence, big data and Web3 are enabling seamless operations, professional development, payments, accessibility, sustainable travel and enhanced customer experiences. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted to see such strong representation from travel technology professionals at this year’s show. Encouraging innovation is especially pertinent to ATM 2023 as it is a crucial component of our theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. It is essential for our industry to support and invest in the most promising technologies today in order to build a better and more sustainable travel sector for future generations.” Sponsored by Sabre, the ATM Travel Tech Stage will host a series of innovation-centric discussions and events throughout the show. The first session, ‘Technology: The Enabler of Sustainable Travel’, will see industry experts discuss how online tools are making it easier for consumers to mitigate their environmental impact when purchasing and planning trips. Moderated by Shashank Nigam, Founder and CEO of …

Industry experts will gather in the UAE to discuss sustainable decision-making and financing during the International Tourism & Investment Conference (ITIC) Middle East Tourism Investment Session at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 May. Saudi Arabia is leading the GCC’s tourism development activities with a pipeline of 100,071 hotel rooms, according to data released by STR. Dubai is the region’s second most active market with 27,095 rooms under contract, followed by Qatar (17,145), Oman (10,292), Bahrain (3,452) and Kuwait (1,369). In total, there are 159,424 pipeline rooms under contract in the Gulf at present. Related opportunities and challenges will be placed under the microscope throughout ATM 2023, thanks to a range of panel discussions and events related to industry financing. In addition to the ITIC panels, this year’s show will feature sessions highlighting industry-critical issues such as travel tech investment, the contemporary geopolitical landscape, urban regeneration, future markets, space tourism and more. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “With nearly 160,000 hotel rooms under development across the GCC, this region is undoubtedly a global hotspot for industry investment right now. Thanks to the participation of ITIC and a host of other finance-related sessions, ATM 2023 represents the ideal forum for travel, tourism and hospitality professionals from around the world to explore the latest investment opportunities and novel financing models with some of the biggest names in our sector.” Taking place on day three of ATM 2023, the ‘ITIC Tourism Investment Session: Making Sustainable Decisions’ will feature insights from an array of industry experts. The sessions will begin with a tourism economic outlook …

The Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) concluded its participation in the 29th Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre last week, where leading institutions from the travel and tourism sector gathered to discuss the future of the industry and explore opportunities. The Authority is heading the Sharjah Pavilion at ATM 2022, bringing together 24 entities from the emirate – seven government departments and 17 private entities from tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors – to shed light on Sharjah’s strategies and plans to enhance global confidence in the local tourism market in the recovery stages post-pandemic, as well as to promote major new tourism projects that will attract new categories of visitors and markets to the UAE and the Emirate of Sharjah, in particular. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said: “The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority participated in this prominent event – one of the largest exhibitions in the region to focus on the travel and tourism sector. The event recorded a significant turnout from visitors, participants, and exhibitors, which is a positive indicator that the recovery of this vital sector is well under way. Tourism is a leading sector in national economies around the world, including in the UAE, and we look forward to seeing notable improvements in the coming period as aviation and travel return to normal, and given the strong dedication to enhance tourism offerings and provide high-quality services to travellers,” H.E. explained, asserting that the Authority will continue its efforts, in collaboration with its strategic partners, to develop the tourism sector in Sharjah and ensure its sustainability. The SCTDA pavilion at ATM 2022 hosted …

More than 23,000 visitors attended the 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022, as industry leaders gathered at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to share insights into the future of international travel and tourism. “In addition to doubling our visitor numbers year on year, ATM 2022 hosted 1,500 exhibitors and attendees from 150 countries,” commented Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for Arabian Travel Market. “These figures are especially impressive given that lockdowns are still taking place in China and other destinations. What’s more, the development of the travel and tourism sector throughout the Middle East region shows no signs of abating, with GCC hotel construction contract awards set to rise by 16 percent this year alone.” The value of UAE and Saudi Arabian projects accounted for 90 percent of all regional hospitality contracts awarded in 2021, according to research from BNC Network. With analysis from Colliers International forecasting that $4.5 billion worth of hotel construction contracts will be awarded in the GCC during 2022, industry experts took to the ATM Global Stage for a panel discussion about the future of the region’s hospitality industry. Moderated by Paul Clifford, Group Editor – Hospitality at ITP Media Group, the panel discussion featured insights from Christopher Lund, Director – Head of Hotels MENA at Colliers International; Mark Kirby, Head of Hospitality at Emaar Hospitality Group; Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President – Middle East and Africa at Radisson Hotel Group; and Judit Toth, Founder and CEO of Vivere Hospitality. Commenting on the need to attract and retain talent within the Middle East’s hospitality sector, Radisson Hotel Group’s Cordon said: “The organisations that get this right are going to benefit because, of course, …

Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) to address delegates on ATM Global Stage, as growth in business travel spending estimated to have outstripped leisure travel in 2021 – WTTC report findings bode well for ME business travel & tourism Business travel expenditure in the Middle East is forecast to rise by 32% this year, following a predicted 49% increase during 2021, according to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) published in November 2021. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME – Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 9-12 May 2022, said, “This positive data will provide a welcome boost for business travel and tourism professionals throughout the Middle East region, as economies around the world begin to relax travel restrictions, despite the disruption caused by the outbreak of the Omicron variant. “During 2021, the increase in business spending for the full year is expected to have actually outpaced spending on leisure travel by 13%, 10% and 1% in the Middle East, Europe and Africa respectively. “Aviation experts speaking at ATM 2021, had expected business travel to lag behind leisure travel, but this estimated increase of 32%, comes on top of a predicted rise during 2021 of 49% which although 2020 was a challenging year, the business travel segment is now clearly accelerating towards pre pandemic levels,” added Curtis. In terms of business travel spending in 2021, the report ranks the Middle East region first with an increase of 49%, followed by Europe and Africa (36%), Asia Pacific (32%) and the Americas (14%). According to the report, the Asia Pacific region will lead the world in 2022 with growth in spending …

ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort opened in Ajaman; nestled within a prime location at Al Zorah, between the mangroves and calming blue waters, an ultimate well-being oasis. This first of its kind  health and well-being resort was unveiled at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which took place from the 16th to the 19th of May. Explore all that ZOYA has to offer as it presents its vision to select media, offering an exclusive introduction of what’s to come. Make sure that you secure your slot to be one of the first to experience ZOYA as it unveils its selection of treatments and tailor-made, wellness journeys. Operated by well-known German Spa & Health business specialist, Premedion, ZOYA’s 5-star holistic Wellbeing Resort provides the perfect mix of a luxury spa experience and an in-depth health retreat. The Premedion name stands for extraordinary spas and health centres worldwide. Their combination of spa expertise, preventive and medical competence is integrated into the unique and tailor made ZOYA offering. Born from the imagination of forward-thinking, Mr Ameer Said, who after sadly losing two members of his family to cancer, decided he wanted to “address the ailments of the modern world” and to encourage people to take a more preventative rather than curative approach to their health. What makes the ZOYA experience so exclusive is its holistic approach; this is the only resort globally to offer an all in one health and wellness experience, meaning that they actually spend time focussing on every element of your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Each visit is considered a journey – to start, you’ll have a consultation with either a doctor or wellness practitioner, and you’ll then be …

For the first time in almost 18 months Arabian Travel Market was successfully concluded onsite with exhibitors from 62 countries and travel professionals from over 100 countries. “Putting sustainability at the heart of the future development of the tourism industry in the Middle East will be crucial to meet the expectations of local and international visitors, who are now more socially aware and informed, than ever before. The industry has undoubtedly made huge strides in this area, with a range of initiatives across the sector positively impacting the environment,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market. Another popular seminar was a hotel summit session about the challenges to traditional hospitality, brought on by social distancing and the increased reliance on technology – impersonal by nature. A panel consisting of hospitality leaders, agreed that nothing would replace genuine hospitality, rather guests would decide what level of human interaction they were comfortable with – balancing safety with personal attention while maximising the efficiency of technology without compromising on service excellence. “This week has been a resounding success, we’ve welcomed exhibitors from 62 countries and travel professionals from over 100 countries during the four days of the event,” said Curtis. “Next week, ATM Virtual gives us the opportunity to interact with an even greater global audience. With travel restrictions still in place for many people, for those unable to attend the live and in-person event, the virtual element provides the perfect platform for travel professionals to connect, do business and hear from leading lights within the industry, from anywhere in the world,” added Curtis.

Middle East Tourism Investment Summit will be two-fold organised by ITIC in partner-ship with ATM. The in-person summit will be held in Dubai on Wednesday 19 May and will be followed by a virtual summit on 27 May. The theme will be ‘Invest-Rebuild-Restart the tourism industry in the Middle East’. The Middle East is standing out as the region offering the most exciting tourism prospects following the Covid-19 vaccination campaigns that have been successfully rolled out. Taleb Rifai, Chairman of ITIC and former Secretary-General of UNWTO stated, “We are delighted to host in partnership with ATM our face-to-face Tourism Investment Summit after 18 months and to regroup industry leaders to discuss the investment opportu-nities, challenges, issues and the way forward for the future. “ For his part, Ibrahim Ayoub, ITIC’s Group CEO, expressed his confidence that the vaccination campaigns will contribute to the rapid restart of international flights. “Dubai has already set the example of the successful reopening of its airspace and country to foreign visitors. We expect that other countries especially in the Middle East which have properly managed the Covid-19 pandemic, to follow”, he added. “Their resilience needs to be commended.” Industry decision-makers such as Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports; Nicolas Mayer, Global Tourism Leader of PWC; Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics, Middle East; H.E. Nayef Al-Fayez, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan; HE Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman Sharjah Investment and Development Authority; Raki Phillips, CEO Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General, Ajman Tourism Development Department; Bastien Blanc, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts KSA; Marc Descrozaille, COO, Accor Hotels, India, Middle East & Africa; …

German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is participating at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this week, which is taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the first international travel trade event to take place in-person since the outbreak. The GNTB wanted to raise awareness of what Germany and in particular Berlin, has to offer city, nature and culture enthusiasts living in the GCC countries, by showcasing the exciting facets and flair of Germany such as customs, crafts, local food and drink, culture and architecture, and the varied countryside and nature on the doorstep of many German cities. Speaking at the press conference at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, said Yamina Sofo, Director Sales & Marketing, German National Tourist Office Gulf Countries (GNTO) said, “With the success of the national vaccination programmes in the GCC countries, particularly in the UAE where more than 11.5 million doses have been administered so far (over 70% of the UAE population have received vaccines and 40% are fully vaccinated), we remain optimistic that the pre-crisis level of incoming travel from the UAE to Germany can be regained by end of 2022. “It gives us immense pleasure to be here, at ATM, to showcase our unique German culture to not only GCC travellers but outbound tourists across the Middle East. We hope to encourage demand for city and nature holidays coupled with sustainable tourism, which draws attention to the many different ways of discovering Destination Germany with its wide range of traditions and attractions,” Sofo added. Commenting on Berlin’s readiness for the return of inbound tourism, Burkhard Kieker, CEO, visitBerlin, said, “Like no other city, Berlin is poised for yet another new start in 2021 – …

As part of its goal to attract investments to the emirate of Ajman, Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) has announced that it will join the 2021 edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 16 to 19. AFZ will join the Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) pavilion as part of their strategic partnership and showcase its attractive features as a business and tourism destination in the emirate, featuring key developments such as Al Zorah and China Mall. AFZ will also highlight the pivotal role of the tourism industry in boosting various economic sectors, as part of Ajman’s and UAE’s visions and discuss several initiatives in line with its 2021-2025 strategy. In addition, AFZ will offer special packages to companies who decide to operate within the free zone during the ATM. Various companies operating within AFZ are directly engaged in the tourism industry, while many more are indirectly contributing to the sector, such as those belonging to the art and culture scene. Aside from these, AFZ also has a diverse portfolio of several business infrastructure for tourism support companies that include commercial offices, industrial warehouses, lands, a retail mall, and onsite accommodations. H.E. Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi, Director General of Ajman Free Zone, said, “We have joined hands with Ajman Tourism to support their goal of increasing tourism activities in the emirate, both for business and leisure. Through our capabilities, tools and resources, we are keen to provide the best options for companies to operate in the emirate.” AlSuwaidi also said that AFZ is proud to showcase its business partners at the pavilion such as Wyndham Garden, Ajman Saray, Fairmont Ajman, Bahi …