By Donia Hamouda

In a world often marked by uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, tourism remains one of the few industries built on connection, dialogue and shared experiences across cultures.

At the heart of this global ecosystem are the platforms where the industry gathers — places where ideas circulate, partnerships are forged and the future of travel is collectively imagined.

Few leaders orchestrate these moments of connection as powerfully as Danielle Curtis.

As the driving force behind Arabian Travel Market, she leads one of the world’s most influential tourism platforms. Under her leadership, the event has grown into a global hub where destinations, investors and innovators meet to shape the future of travel.

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2025, Arabian Travel Market welcomed more than 55,000 tourism professionals from 166 countries, with over 2,800 exhibiting companies and 16% year-on-year growth — reflecting both the dynamism of the global travel industry and the Middle East’s rising influence as a strategic tourism hub.

But beyond the scale of the event lies something even more meaningful: the ability to bring people together.

In a time when divisions often dominate headlines, platforms like Arabian Travel Market remind us that tourism remains a powerful bridge between cultures — a space where dialogue, collaboration and mutual understanding can flourish.

For Tourismag’s International Women’s Day editorial spotlight, we celebrate Danielle Curtis as one of the inspiring women leaders shaping the global tourism industry — a professional whose work continues to connect people, ideas and destinations across the world.

Who is Danielle Curtis

In this exclusive interview with Tourismag, Danielle Curtis reflects on the journey that led her to the heart of the global tourism industry — a path shaped by curiosity, resilience and a deep belief in the power of travel to connect people and cultures.

TOURISMAG:

You are leading some of the most influential travel trade platforms globally. Looking back at your journey, what initially drew you to the travel and events industry?

Danielle Curtis: 

My journey into the industry actually started in hospitality. Early in my career, I held sales and marketing roles within large hotel groups, which gave me a real appreciation for how global and interconnected the travel industry is. I was constantly working with people from different countries, cultures and sectors, and I found that incredibly energising.

Through those roles, I also began working closely with industry events, and I realised how powerful they can be in bringing people together. Events are where partnerships begin, ideas are exchanged, and opportunities take shape. That really resonated with me.

Over time, my career naturally evolved from supporting the industry through hospitality into helping create the platforms where the industry itself comes together. Moving from those early roles into leading Arabian Travel Market has been an incredible journey, because in many ways it feels like working at the heart of the entire travel ecosystem.

What has kept me passionate throughout is the people. Travel is such a human industry, and being part of something that connects destinations, businesses and cultures around the world is something I’ve always found incredibly rewarding.

Leadership in this environment is really about listening and bringing people together.

TMG:
Managing global industry platforms means coordinating thousands of stakeholders across destinations, tourism boards, airlines and investors. What does leadership mean to you in such a dynamic environment?

D.C:
Leadership in this environment is really about listening and bringing people together. The travel industry is incredibly diverse, with every destination, company and organisation having its own priorities and perspectives. My role is to create a platform where all those voices can come together in a meaningful way.

It also requires a lot of collaboration. No event of this scale is built by one person; it’s the result of an entire ecosystem working together. For me, leadership is about creating the environment where people feel supported, empowered and aligned around a shared vision.

At the end of the day, if our events help the industry have better conversations and build stronger partnerships, then we’re doing our job well.

ATM is more than a marketplace — it is a platform where the global travel community can share ideas and shape the future of tourism.

TMG:
Since your leadership at Arabian Travel Market, the event has experienced remarkable growth — both in terms of content, global participation and industry influence. What do you believe have been the key drivers behind this evolution, and how do you see ATM continuing to shape the future of the travel industry?

D.C:
The growth of Arabian Travel Market really reflects the extraordinary development of the Middle East as a global tourism hub. Over the past decade, we’ve seen significant investment in infrastructure, aviation connectivity, hospitality and destination experiences across the region, and ATM has grown alongside that momentum.

One of our priorities has always been to ensure the event evolves alongside the industry. Travel and tourism are constantly changing, so we’ve worked hard to expand the platform to reflect the sectors shaping its future, whether that’s travel technology, business events, luxury travel or emerging traveller trends.

Beyond being a marketplace, we see ATM as a knowledge partner for the industry. It’s a place where the global travel community can come together to share insights, explore new ideas and have meaningful conversations about where tourism is heading. Through our conference programme, research partnerships and thought leadership, we try to help lead those conversations and provide the industry with the knowledge it needs to move forward.

What excites me most is seeing how those discussions translate into real collaboration and progress. As the industry continues to evolve, our role is to ensure ATM remains a platform that not only connects people but also helps shape the future of travel and tourism.

Whether it’s implementing new strategies, fostering a more inclusive workplace culture, or advocating for sustainable practices, I have been at the forefront of driving change.

TMG:
Tourism is one of the most global industries, yet senior leadership roles have historically been less balanced. How has your experience been as a woman leading major international travel events?

D.C:
In a traditionally male-dominated business environment, change is taking place across this region. I am proud to say that I have firmly established my presence within the industry. Despite the historical challenges, I have found my voice and made it heard. This support has significantly boosted my confidence, empowering me to drive meaningful, impactful changes in my role.

From the beginning, I was encouraged to participate actively, and this inclusion has been instrumental in my professional growth. I have been fortunate to work alongside forward-thinking colleagues who value diverse perspectives. This inclusive environment has allowed me to leverage my unique insights and contribute to innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of our industry.

Over time, my confidence has flourished, enabling me to take on more significant responsibilities and lead initiatives that have brought about substantial improvements. Whether it’s implementing new strategies, fostering a more inclusive workplace culture, or advocating for sustainable practices, I have been at the forefront of driving change.

From women like Reem Al Hashimy, whose vision and dedication have advanced sustainable, innovative tourism in the region, I’ve learned the power of purposeful leadership

TMG:
Is there a woman — in tourism or beyond — who has particularly inspired your leadership journey? In what way has her example influenced your vision of leadership or the way you approach your role today?

D.C:
I take inspiration from a combination of colleagues, leaders within my own organisation (both male and female), and iconic figures across the industry. From women like Reem Al Hashimy, the Minister of State for International Cooperation in the UAE, whose vision and dedication have advanced sustainable, innovative tourism in the region, I’ve learned the power of purposeful leadership. Influences like Sir Richard Branson remind me to embrace boldness and innovation, while the daily lessons from my teams and mentors continue to shape the way I lead, fostering collaboration, encouraging creative risk-taking, and keeping people and purpose at the heart of every decision.

... discussions can move beyond individual markets and focus on the bigger picture

TMG:
Major industry events such as the World Travel Market portfolio and Arabian Travel Market increasingly shape the global tourism agenda. In your view, how do these platforms influence the direction of the industry?

D.C:
Events like these create a unique space for the industry to pause, reflect and look ahead. Throughout the year, everyone is focused on running their businesses, but when the global travel community comes together, it allows for a much broader conversation about the future.

They bring together policymakers, tourism boards, private sector leaders and innovators, which means discussions can move beyond individual markets and focus on the bigger picture — whether that’s sustainability, technology, new traveller behaviours or emerging destinations.

In many ways, these platforms act as a catalyst for collaboration. They help align different parts of the industry around shared opportunities and challenges.

investment, ambition and innovation across the region has positioned the Middle East as a major hub connecting travellers from around the world.

TMG:
The Middle East has become one of the most dynamic tourism regions globally. How do you see its role evolving within the global travel industry in the coming decade, particularly with the expansion of major industry platforms such as the upcoming WTM Spotlight Riyadh?

D.C:
The Middle East is in a very exciting phase of its tourism development. The scale of investment, ambition and innovation across the region has positioned it as a major hub connecting travellers from around the world.

What is particularly interesting is how diverse the tourism offering has become, from ultra-luxury hospitality and cultural tourism to business, major sporting and entertainment events.

Industry platforms such as ATM Dubai and the upcoming WTM Spotlight Riyadh play an important role in supporting that growth. They help bring international attention to the region while also creating opportunities for collaboration between global and regional stakeholders.

I believe the Middle East will continue to play a very influential role in shaping the future of global tourism.

I’m very fortunate to work with an incredibly talented and supportive team.

TMG:
Leading global events with tens of thousands of participants is highly demanding. How do you personally manage pressure and maintain a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life?

D.C:
It’s certainly a fast-paced environment, but I think balance comes from perspective. Events can be intense, particularly as you get closer to opening day, but I’m very fortunate to work with an incredibly talented and supportive team.

Outside of work, I try to prioritise time with family and friends, which helps me recharge and stay grounded. Travel itself is also something I genuinely enjoy, exploring new places and cultures reminds me why this industry is so special. Having those moments away from work helps maintain the energy and focus needed for such a dynamic role.

Believe in yourself. Everyone brings something unique to the table.

TMG:
What advice would you give to young women entering the tourism industry today who aspire to leadership roles?

D.C:
My advice would be to stay curious and open to opportunities. The travel industry is incredibly broad, and there are so many different paths you can take.

Building strong relationships is also incredibly important. This industry is built on collaboration and partnerships, so investing in those connections will take you far. And perhaps most importantly, believe in yourself. Everyone brings something unique to the table, and those diverse perspectives are what help the industry grow and innovate.

what matters most to me today goes beyond professional milestones.

TMG:
Finally, what does success mean to you today — beyond professional achievements?

D.C:
Success has evolved for me over the years. When I first started my career in sales and marketing roles within large hospitality groups, success was very much about learning, growing and proving yourself. Those early years taught me a lot about the travel industry and helped shape the path that eventually led me to Arabian Travel Market.

Now, having had the opportunity to lead such an important platform for the global travel industry, my perspective on success has broadened. Of course, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the event grow and to know that it brings value to the industry, but what matters most to me today goes beyond professional milestones.

Spending time with my family is incredibly important. Some of my favourite moments are when we travel together and have the opportunity to discover new places, experience different cultures, and try things we’ve never done before. Those shared experiences are really special and create memories that last a lifetime.

In many ways, those moments remind me why I entered the travel industry in the first place. For me, success today is about balance, continuing to contribute to an industry I care deeply about while also making time to enjoy life, explore the world and share those experiences with the people closest to me.

Tourismag Insight | Tourism as a Bridge for Peace

Danielle Curtis embodies a new generation of women leaders quietly yet decisively shaping the global tourism landscape. Through platforms such as Arabian Travel Market, she orchestrates far more than an industry gathering, she creates spaces where ideas circulate, partnerships emerge and cultures meet.

In an industry built on human connections, this kind of leadership carries a deeper meaning. It reminds us that tourism is not only about destinations or markets, but about the bridges we build between people.

As more women step forward to lead and inspire, they are expanding the horizons of global tourism and perhaps, in their own way, helping keep alive one of travel’s most powerful promises: bringing people closer together in a world that still needs connection, understanding… and peace.
 

Interview by Donia Hamouda