ATM 2023 has witnessed a robust increase in exhibitor growth across all show areas
A convening centre for global travel and tourism professionals, Arabian Travel Market 2023 has registered a growth in exhibitor participation by 27 pc along with growth across all sectors, in comparison to last year’s events. In a press statement, the organisers say that these include regional upticks for the Middle East, representation for which will be 24 pc larger than in 2022, Europe which is 17 pc larger, Asia 15 pc growth and Africa 8.5 pc growth.
It adds that the event’s travel tech and hotels sectors have also witnessed year-on-year growth, expanding by 62 pc and 37.5 pc, respectively.
The organisers say that over 2,000 exhibitors, representatives from more than 150 countries and an expected 34,000 attendees are anticipated to gather at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for the key business-to-business event from May 1-4.
It adds that Chinese exhibitors and travel professionals are making a welcome return to ATM 2023 while Southeast Asia and India are anticipated to feature prominently at this year’s event too. Some estimates indicate the number of annual Indian outbound journeys will reach more than 27 million by 2024, with a total value of over USD 42 billion.
Vasyl Zhygalo
“Following the very successful WTM Africa and WTM Latin America earlier this spring it is great to now see the international travel community engage with Arabian Travel Market. We’ve seen a robust increase in exhibitor growth across all show areas and it’s exciting to be able to welcome back our Chinese colleagues after remaining covid restrictions were lifted in the region. With sustainability an ever-increasing consideration for the travel industry, and indeed across the WTM and IBTM event portfolios, it’s never been more important for the sector to interact with ATM 2023’s theme, Working Towards Net Zero and explore the vast array of business trends and opportunities showcased around this topic at the show,” says Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director of RX Middle East and Portfolio Director of WTM, IBTM and RX.
Danielle Curtis
“ATM 2023 will provide a platform for a diverse array of public and private-sector speakers, all of whom will offer expert insights into sustainable travel trends, responsible tourism and a host of other industry-critical issues. Our opening session, for instance, will see policymakers take to the ATM Global Stage for a ministerial debate on how travel can tackle the climate crisis. Moderated by CNN’s Eleni Giokos, this panel will see His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; His Excellency Makram Mustafa Abdul Karim Al-Qaisi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan; His Excellency Minister of Tourism Eng. Walid Nassar, Minister of Tourism, Lebanon; and Sukit Mohanty, Chief of the UNDRR for Arab States; come together to explore the ways in which our industry is working towards net zero,” says Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.
The statement says that this year’s show will also feature the inaugural ‘ATM Sustainable Stand Award’, the results of which will be announced as part of the ATM 2023 Best Stand Awards. The upcoming edition will see the return of the ATM Travel Tech Stage, which will host discussions on how factors such as artificial intelligence, the metaverse, cryptocurrency and big data are impacting the travel sector, while showcasing cutting-edge innovations and solutions with the potential to drive the next generation of sustainable tourism.
It adds that in addition to sustainability, the ATM Global Stage will host a variety of sessions focused on pivotal industry issues, including, but not limited to: hotels and hospitality; aviation and transport; meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE); business travel; investment; responsible tourism; workforce diversification; and emerging segments such as attractions, cruises, wellness and cultural tourism.
Issam Kazim
“It is indeed fitting that this year’s ATM theme focuses on sustainability to build a better future for tourism. For us, this theme assumes even greater significance as 2023 is UAE’s Year of Sustainability and Dubai will be hosting COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference. Dubai has made significant strides in this area, with strategies to reduce carbon footprint and create a more environmentally conscious tourism industry, aligned with the ambition of our visionary leadership to make Dubai the best city in the world to visit, live, and work in. As momentum continues to accelerate across the global tourism and MICE segments, we welcome the pursuit of a more evolved, collaborative, inclusive and long-term approach to sustainable growth and practices for the industry,” says Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
The statement says that in line with its theme of Working Towards Net Zero, ATM 2023 will once again offer a platform where participants may network, exchange ideas, and present technologies that have the potential to expedite the global travel industry’s transition to a carbon-free future.
Adnan Kazim
“As we celebrate 30 years of partnership and commitment at ATM, it’s remarkable to see this event’s evolution and growing prominence on the global stage. We are proud of the role we have played in the growth of ATM and strengthening its mindshare as an industry event, as well as the growth of our home city Dubai, which is at the forefront of global tourism. This year, Emirates will be showcasing our latest products, connecting with our industry partners as well as demonstrating our commitment to minimise our environmental impact and sustainable aviation practices,” says Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates.
Haitham Mattar
“As the official hotel partner for ATM 2023, we look forward to the events’ momentous 30th edition. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our wide-ranging portfolio of hotels in the region, introduce new and upcoming hotels and delve further into our new ‘IHG One Rewards’ loyalty offering for both leisure and business travellers. Given the theme of this year’s event, “Working towards Net Zero,” we will also be showcasing our commitments to drive environmental and social change across our estate. Most importantly, we will be focussed on connecting with new and existing partners, suppliers and industry peers to ensure we facilitate greater, collective success for the hospitality sector at large,” says Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts.
The statement adds that in addition to ATM 2023, the ATM Start-up Competition, ATM Travel Tech, ILTM Arabia, GBTA Business Travel Forums, Buyer Speed Networking, the Influencer Networking Event, the Business Traveller Awards and Dubai Food Festival will all take place under the auspices of Arabian Travel Week 2023, which will run from May 1-10 across Dubai.
