The meeting, hosted by the ATM Advisory Board, examined the challenges and opportunities that sustainable strategies should address for the Arabian Travel Market 2023
Continuing its attempts to become more sustainable and eco-friendly, the Arabian Travel Market held detailed discussions with travel and tourism experts from across the Middle East. The meeting, hosted by the ATM Advisory Board, examined the challenges and opportunities that sustainable strategies should address for the Arabian Travel Market 2023, that will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 1-4, 2023.
The meeting saw senior representatives from Amadeus, Colliers International, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai College of Tourism, Emaar Hospitality Group, Etihad Aviation Group, Farnek, Hilton, IHG Hotels and Resorts, the Royal Commission of Al Ula, Time Hotels, and Google join show organiser, RX, for an in-depth discussion about the upcoming edition of ATM.
In line with its theme of Working Towards Net Zero, ATM 2023 will see public and private sector experts from around the world gather in Dubai to explore the decarbonisation of global tourism and hospitality. “Next year’s show will be the 30th edition of ATM. To mark this significant milestone, our team plans to unveil a dedicated sustainability pledge for the exhibition, which will comprise 30 short- and long-term goals that we aim to achieve on our corporate journey to net zero. To bring to life the sustainable theme of ATM 2023, we are working closely with our exhibitors and partners to help catalyse sustainable change within the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector,” says Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.
“The insights offered during our Advisory Board meeting were immensely valuable and will help us to ensure that the show’s 30th edition is the most sustainable yet,” she adds.
According to a press statement, ATM Advisory Board members explored a diverse range of ideas to raise awareness of sustainability during the 2023 edition, not only for the show itself but also for all participants. Items on the agenda included minimising printed and plastic waste, working with environmentally responsible partners and more. ATM and its stakeholders will use future meetings to develop and implement a comprehensive suite of short- and long-term practical measures with the potential to achieve a positive impact on the environment.
According to Sustainable Travel International, tourism-related activities account for approximately 8 pc of global carbon emissions. The ATM team will continue to work closely with its advisory board members in a bid to facilitate the leading role that the Middle East’s tourism and hospitality sector is playing in driving sustainable operations. Together, participants will highlight industry best practice and cutting-edge innovations with the potential to accelerate global decarbonisation.
“Sustainable operations clearly have a crucial role to play in mitigating the environmental impact of the travel sector globally, but – if approached in the right way – they can also offer a range of commercial advantages. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards are becoming increasingly important across all industries, with socially conscious investors using these criteria to manage their portfolios. Travel is no exception. The experience, expertise and insights offered by our Advisory Board members will play a vital role in ensuring that ATM 2023 provides a forum in which industry leaders from around the world can showcase innovations, exchange knowledge and help shape a truly sustainable tourism and hospitality sector for future generations,” says Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director ME and Portfolio Director for WTM and IBTM at RX.
The statement adds that the ATM 2023 conference programme will explore how innovative sustainable travel trends are likely to evolve, allowing delegates to identify growth strategies within key vertical sectors, while providing a platform for regional experts to explore a sustainable future ahead of COP28, which will take place next year at the Expo City Dubai.
ATM 2023 will also feature a sustainability category at its annual exhibitor awards for the first time. Exhibiting organisations will be recognised based on the extent to which they have considered the environmental impact of their stands, as well as their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
