DRDubai: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018, the region’s leading travel industry fair, opens its doors on April 22 for four days of business networking opportunities and insightful seminar sessions, where deals worth over US$2.5 billion is expected to be inked.
Now in its 25th year, the 2018 edition will welcome over 2,500 exhibiting companies, over 40,000 visitors, representatives from over 150 countries, 65 national pavilions, and over 100 new exhibitors. Building on the success of last year, ATM 2018, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 22-25, will showcase the largest exhibition of regional and global hotel brands in the history of ATM, with hotels comprising 20 per cent of the total show area.
Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM, said: “Arabian Travel Market continues to be the preferred route to market for many international and regional hospitality brands and the increase in hotel exhibition space in 2018 reflects the hundreds of new property and brand launches we have seen during the last 12 months.
“Over the coming years, we will see these new properties prosper as millions of tourists are set to visit the region for the first time. The last 12 months brought unprecedented developments in major markets and the region is poised for great developments in 2018.”
ATM 2018 will adopt Responsible Tourism – including sustainable travel trends – as its official show theme, integrating it across all show verticals and activities, including advice clinics and focused seminar sessions, featuring dedicated exhibitor participation.
Press added: “The tourism industry in the GCC has grown tenfold since our inception 25 years ago. With a host of top speakers lined up for panel sessions, we will be looking back on the tourism revolution in the Middle East over the last quarter of a century and also forecasting what lies ahead for the industry, with continuing geopolitical tensions across the globe, economic uncertainties, huge technological advances and, of course, the increasing trend of responsible tourism.”
Hyperloop and Future Travel Experience will kick off proceedings on ATM’s Global Stage on April 22. Moderating the session, Richard Dean, a UAE-based business broadcaster and presenter, will be joined by a host of high-profile panelists, including Christoph Mueller, Chief Digital and Innovation officer, Emirates Airline, and Harj Dhaliwal, Managing Director, Middle East and India Operations, Hyperloop One.
This year, ATM has partnered with International Hotel Investment Conference (IHIF) organisers to present the inaugural Destination Investment panel. Taking place on the ATM Global Stage, the session will discuss what drives investment in travel destinations across the Middle East and neighbouring regions. Also debuting this year will be the ATM Student Conference – ‘Career in Travel’ – a programme aimed at students and graduates who are looking to pursue a career in the travel and tourism industry.
Perennial calendar favourites at ATM 2018 include the ultra-innovative Travel Tech Show, ILTM Arabia and the Travel Agent Academy as well as the Buyers’ Club and the Wellness and Spa Lounge, both of which offer excellent opportunities to meet and network with likeminded individuals and organisations.
Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai’s Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “This year marks the 25th edition of Arabian Travel Market and we are extremely pleased to be able to extend our support once more. In 2017, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, launched Dubai Government’s 10X Initiative, and as a result, our projects and initiatives reflect this vision, designed to leverage new technologies and build on our ‘digital, mobile and social first’ agenda.”
Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline, said: “As we celebrate 25 years of partnership and commitment to ATM, it’s remarkable to think how far this event has come in the region, as well as on the global stage. As an airline, we are proud of the role we have played in its growth. International air connectivity is a key driver in tourism and for hosting regional industry events like ATM.”
Olivier Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “The Arabian Travel Market has played a transformational role in shaping the tourism and hospitality sector of the region. As one of the leading global platforms that present the newest trends in the industry, the event presents diverse opportunities for all stakeholders to strengthen their business. As the Official Hotel Partner of the event, Emaar Hospitality Group will present its three hotel brands – the premium lifestyle Address Hotels + Resorts, the upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels and Resorts and contemporary mid-scale Rove Hotels – and their growing footprint.”
Anwar A Z Abu Monassar, Destination Director, Strategy & Operation, The Vision, said: “With ATM coming back again as a great show to connect and share, we at The Vision Destination Management are proud of another successful season where we witnessed growth in strong partnerships, both in leisure and events. The Vision’s commitment and recognition, not only as event planner in showcasing the destination, but also as reality that involves and promotes segments of the society is a never-ending focus that we pursue. During the present year, we involved reputed and experienced figures that do not only guide travellers, but literally bring them into the local reality in all its different segments.”
