ATM 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre will host a selection of high-profile exhibitors from Saudi Arabia
Capitalising on Saudi Arabia’s forecast of 30 million visitors, delegates are keen on exploring opportunities within the Kingdom’s thriving tourism sector at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024.
According to a press statement by the organsiers, ATM 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 6 to 9, will host a selection of high-profile exhibitors from Saudi Arabia, including Saudia, flynas, Neom, Dur Hospitality, Amsa Hospitality and the Royal Commission for AlUla. This will represent almost a 50 pc increase in KSA exhibitor participation.
The statement adds that first-time exhibitors will comprise almost 17 pc of the total Saudi participation, which includes Cruise Saudi, Tabuk Investment and Tourism Co., Al Badiah Transportation, Sixth Gulf and Fairmont Mekka Clock Tower, among others. KSA will represent a key focus for attendees as policymakers, industry leaders and travel professionals from around the world share insights, forge new relationships and showcase cutting-edge innovations with the potential to drive further growth within this burgeoning tourism market.
The statement adds that in line with its theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, the 31st edition of ATM will once again host policymakers, industry leaders and travel professionals from across the Middle East and beyond, encouraging them to forge new relationships, exchange knowledge and identify innovations that can reshape the future of global travel and tourism.
From startups to established brands, the upcoming show will highlight how innovators enhance customer experiences, drive efficiencies, and accelerate progress towards a NetZero future for the industry.
“We plan to shine a spotlight on this exciting market at ATM 2024 with a dedicated Saudi Village, which will be highlighted on the exhibition floor and will consist of a full showcase of Saudi products. With significant interest in this market, there will be a range of panel discussions that will enable attendees to identify and capitalise on new opportunities in the Kingdom,” says Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market.
Data released by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism highlights a surge in inbound visitors in the first half of 2023. The Kingdom welcomed 14.6 million tourists during this period, representing a 142 pc year-on-year increase.
A pronounced uptick was also recorded in the country’s domestic tourism segment, with a 16 pc rise in spending and an average stay length of 6.3 nights, up from 4.6 nights during the corresponding period of 2022.
Saudi Arabia’s economy looks set to propel growth across the wider Gulf, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report. The country’s economy is expected to expand by 4.1 pc this year, contributing to an anticipated 3.6 pc rise in the combined GDP of GCC countries during 2024.
“The Kingdom is working diligently to diversify its economy in preparation for the post-oil era, and segments such as tourism, aviation and hospitality, not to mention leisure, entertainment and events, are playing a major role in this transition. We are looking forward to welcoming a diverse range of exhibitors and delegates from Saudi Arabia to ATM 2024, and we know that industry leaders from around the world will be keen to gain further insights into this thriving market throughout this year’s show,” Curtis adds.
The organisers add that building on ATM 2023’s ‘Working Towards Net Zero’ theme, environmentally responsible travel will represent another key focus this year. Informed by the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and the most recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which took place in Dubai last year, ATM 2024 will explore how innovation can be leveraged to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating a greener travel and tourism sector for future generations.
