With the theme of promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market that opens in Dubai today is set to break all records of participation as over 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries and 41,000 attendees from around the world are likely to participate in the four-day event.

The 31^st edition of Arabian Travel Market, a leading global event for the travel and tourism sector with a focus on the Middle East and North African region, is about to commence at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai on Monday.

According to a press statement by the organisers, over 41,000 attendees are expected to visit the annual trade show, which will feature 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries.

The statement adds that this year, ATM is centred on the theme Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel through Entrepreneurship, spotlighting the pivotal role of start-ups and entrepreneurs in shaping the sector’s future. The organisers say that this focus will provide a platform for industry leaders and policymakers worldwide to empower the travel and tourism community to harness entrepreneurism and identify opportunities for growth.

A four-day conference programme will deliver over 50 informative sessions from more than 200 high-profile speakers who will address attendees across the Global Stage and the new Future Stage. Issam Abdulrahim Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, will deliver the keynote speech and host the inaugural event with Global Stage Welcome: The Gateway to Global Insights, outlining Dubai’s tourism goals and plans for the coming years. Later today, Ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and beyond will take to the stage to discuss the key strategies to support and develop tourism in the region at the Ministerial Debate: Streamlining Tourism within the GCC.

The statement adds that ATM will also host the Market Insights Summit on the Global Stage on opening day, exploring the potential of China, India and Latin America as they emerge as key players in global tourism. The panel for the Summit includes Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East, UN Tourism, Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, Julia Simpson, CEO & President, World Travel and Tourism Council and Jan Gerrit Koechling, Partner, Roland Berger.

“Following the unprecedented success of our 30th edition in 2023, exhibitor participation has increased by a remarkable 26 pc this year, making ATM 2024 the largest in the event’s history. This notable growth underscores ATM’s reputation as an unmissable event for the global travel and tourism community, offering unrivalled business and networking opportunities for attendees and exhibitors across a wide range of travel sectors and verticals,” says Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.

The organisers say that growth has been achieved across all show verticals, including regional year-on-year upticks for the Middle East that grew by  28 pc, Asia and Europe by 34 pc each and Africa by 26 pc. In addition, more than 100 prominent travel technology companies will showcase their latest innovations to a global audience at this year’s event. The statement adds that the travel technology section is 58 pc larger this year, indicating an unprecedented surge in interest from companies that want to display their latest technological advancements.

The organisers say that ATM continues its commitment to sustainability for another year, building on the show’s main theme in 2023 and in keeping with its 30 long-term sustainability goals. The Sustainability Summit on May 9 will explore Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, consumer preferences, and the collaborative efforts required to create a more sustainable future for travel and tourism. Meanwhile, the Sustainable Stand Award will recognise the exhibitor who has made outstanding efforts to reduce their stand’s carbon footprint.