The 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 officially kicks off today, welcoming over 2,300 exhibitors from more than 165 countries. Set to run from Monday, May 6, to Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this year’s event is themed 'Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship'. ATM 2024 will showcase exciting new destinations such as China, Macao, Kenya, Guatemala, and Columbia, alongside returning favorites like Spain and France.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, emphasized the significance of this year's event:
ATM 2024 is gearing up for an exciting lineup spread across two stages, with the Global Stage returning alongside the new Future Stage. The conference agenda will feature key industry speakers from around the world and address the emerging trends that are fueling the travel and tourism sector’s growth.”
An eagerly awaited addition this year is the Entrepreneurship-focused summit, which will delve into the role of travel start-ups in the Middle East economy, spotlighting their pioneering approaches. Curtis added,
As entrepreneurship and innovation take centre stage, the exciting ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle, in partnership with Emirates Group’s Intelak provides the perfect platform to celebrate the immense potential for innovators in the region and for brands to present their industry solutions.”
His Excellency, Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said:
As a longstanding destination partner of the Arabian Travel Market, Dubai is privileged to host the 31st edition of one of global tourism’s most anticipated events. The industry gathering is a testament to our city’s position as a world-leading travel destination, achieved under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, through innovative strategies and robust public-private partnerships. In keeping with the transformative theme of this year’s show, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and our partners will highlight the pivotal role that entrepreneurship and innovation have played in driving tourism growth, aligned seamlessly with our D33 Agenda, the city’s 10-year roadmap for economic development.”
HE, Issam Kazim added
As we showcase the diverse and compelling destination proposition of Dubai at ATM, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage with top industry experts and executives to share our blueprint for success, as well as explore the emerging themes and trends that will contribute towards industry sustainability. We remain committed to navigating the future of tourism with foresight and collaboration with our stakeholders and the international travel community, ensuring Dubai remains a beacon of innovation and excellence in the global tourism landscape.”
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, expressed enthusiasm about the growing number of visitors:
We’re thrilled to see growth in visitor numbers to ATM. It’s a reflection of confidence in our industry and ATM’s importance on the global stage. We are proud of the role we have played in the growth of ATM 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 displaying our latest products in addition to a dedicated area showcasing our sustainable aviation practices. We also look forward to connecting with our industry partners across the travel ecosystem.”
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts for SWA, Middle East and Africa, also added his insights on the evolving sector:
In continuing IHG Hotels & Resorts’ long-standing partnership as the official hotel partner for Arabian Travel Market, we look forward to leveraging the region’s legacy travel trade event to showcase the group’s diverse portfolio of accommodations to global industry and consumer audiences.”
Mohamed Al Rais, Executive Director of Al Rais Travel, shared his vision for the future:
Celebrating the fusion of innovation and entrepreneurship, the Arabian Travel Market 2024 stands as a beacon of progress and possibility in travel. With a steadfast commitment to empowerment, we harness visionary minds’ creative energy to redefine the essence of exploration. Through groundbreaking initiatives and bold ventures, we pave the way for a future where travel knows no limits, and every journey is a testament to the transformative power of human ingenuity.”
ATM 2024 is set to be a landmark event, hosted in collaboration with strategic partners including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.
