2,100 exhibitors @ATM 2024

Arabian Travel Market greets more than 2,100 exhibitors, ranging from startups to established brands in travel, tourism and hospitality industry. About 500 accommodation providers, 200 tours, attractions and activities are expected over the next four days. This year has seen Travel Tech space sell out, reveals Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market.

TT Bureau

What is the theme and focus of ATM this year?

The 31st edition of ATM will be held under the theme ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’. Every year, we concentrate on a particular aspect of the travel and tourism industry that contributes to its growth. Recently, entrepreneurs have played an essential role in pushing the industry forward and have transformed how we approach travel, from online booking tools to eco-friendly travel experiences. Over four days, ATM will explore how travel and tourism entrepreneurs are working to attract more significant funding to increase the sector’s overall contribution to GDP. The event will feature exciting innovators in aviation, accommodation, hospitality, and attractions, exploring how innovative sustainable trends will evolve and identifying strategies for growth within vital vertical sectors. The travel and tourism sector has demonstrated impressive resilience and growth in recent years, but the industry must continue to innovate and adapt to achieve the industry’s long-term goals. Thanks to our 2024 theme, we have a golden opportunity to showcase expert insights, cutting-edge technologies, and commercial opportunities that have the potential to completely reshape the sector.

Could you share the total area this year?

ATM will occupy 12 halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre, up from 10 last year. We have seen extraordinary growth in several sectors of the tourism industry this year, with the number of hotel brands up 21 per cent year on year and a phenomenal 56 per cent rise in new Travel Technology products on the show floor. We have also seen the return of national pavilions from Hungary, Spain, China and several African destinations, so we have allocated additional floor space to accommodate this growth.

How much space will the Middle East section be allocated this time?

The Middle East area will be located across Sheikh Saeed Arena and Halls 1 – 3.

Will you be able to share the number of exhibitors?

This year, ATM will welcome over 2,100 exhibitors, ranging from startups to established brands, covering the full spectrum of the industry.

Who are the new exhibitors this year?

This year, over 120 new exhibitors have joined the show, including new hotel brands, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), cruises, air charters, hotels, and tech companies. New country pavilions include Macao, Kenya, Guatemala, and Columbia, while 17 per cent of the Saudi participants are first-time exhibitors.

Do you have a count on the total number of hotels, destinations, attractions, and technology?

We shall have over 500 accommodation providers and nearly 200 tours, attractions and activities. This year has also seen Travel Tech space sell out, with more than 100 travel tech exhibitors, a 33 per cent year on year increase.

Would you be able to share how this year will be different from last year?

An eagerly awaited addition to ATM 2024 is the new entrepreneurship-focused summit, which will delve into the role of travel start-ups in the Middle Eastern economy, spotlighting their pioneering approaches. As entrepreneurship and innovation take centre stage, the exciting ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle, in partnership with Intelak, provides the perfect platform to celebrate the immense potential of innovators in the region and for brands to present their industry solutions. Tech giant Huawei will sponsor this year’s Capitalising on China’s Predicted Tourism Surge summit on the ATM Global Stage.

We will also host a dedicated Saudi Village, which will showcase a full overview of Saudi products. Given the significant interest in this market, there will be a range of panel discussions that will enable attendees to identify and capitalise on new opportunities in the Kingdom.

How many visitors do you expect this year?

More than 40,000 travel trade professionals, including 30,000 visitors, attended the 30th edition of ATM in May 2023, setting a new show record. We expect to welcome over 40,000 attendees from over 155 countries this year.

Which will be the main stage discussions?

ATM 2024 is gearing up for an exciting lineup spread across two stages, with the Global Stage returning alongside the new Future Stage (formerly the Travel Tech Stage). The conference agenda will feature key industry speakers from around the world and address the emerging trends fuelling the travel and tourism sector’s growth.

The Global Stage will host several sessions revealing the latest travel insights and strategies, as well as inspiration from industry leaders. These include the Ministerial Debate: Streamlining Tourism Beyond the GCC, Strengthening Inter-Regional Travel: Learnings from Europe, Capitalising on China’s Predicted Tourism Surge, and The Potential of Cruise: Creating Swell in the Middle East, among others.

The ATM Future Stage will host presentations and sessions designed to highlight opportunities within this space. These include Navigating the Future: A Futurist’s Prediction, Strategic Capabilities and Implications of AI within Business, Putting the Traveller First with AI and Unlocking the Value of Travel: Harnessing Technology for Enhanced Traveler Journeys, which will be held in association with Amadeus.

How many stages, sections will there be for interaction?

This year, ATM will feature the Global Stage, the Future Stage, the Buyers Club Lounge, and a dedicated bar and restaurant, ensuring plenty of networking opportunities, discussions around the latest impacting the industry, and, of course, to do business.