60+ countries at Arabian Travel Market

The much awaited Arabian Travel Market kicks off from 16th to 19th May 2021 at the World Trade Center after battling a pandemic over the past year. Danielle Curtis, Exhibitor Director Middle East, Arabian Travel Market shares more about the event with TRAVTALK .

Shehara Rizly

Q What is the new structure of ATM?

For the first time, since opening its doors 28 years ago, ATM in 2021 will be in a hybrid format, running a live event from 16th to 19th May and the following week, a three-day virtual show from May 26-28 to complement and reach a wider audience.  It is imperative that we include a virtual element because many industry professionals from around the world, cannot attend the in-person event every year, particularly this year with travel restrictions still in place.

Q What are the new procedures protocols to be followed at this year’s ATM?

In a bid to provide a safe, touchless and seamless experience for everyone, ATM will strictly adhere to the health and safety guidelines laid out by relevant government authorities. In addition to Reed Exhibitions’ Global COVID-19 ‘Safety Shows’ Health & Safety strategy, ATM is working closely with the team at the Dubai World Trade Centre and with our Global Operations team.

ATM 2021 will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, spread across nine halls. Contactless experience will be provided throughout the event, therefore, there will be no badges printed onsite, no wallets or lanyards will be provided and no onsite registrations – participants can either print off their own badges at home or in their office, or use the barcodes shown on their phones.

Q How many exhibitors will be present this year?

In-person on the show floor, 62 countries are being represented. They include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Germany, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Italy, Greece, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Maldives, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico and the USA to name but a few.

Q In terms of post covid what will you say is newly added on to the agenda for ATM?

Reflecting the post-pandemic recovery, the theme of the show will be ‘A new dawn for travel and tourism’, which has never been more relevant nor more important. Spotlight will focus on the very latest ‘COVID’ news from around the world; vaccine rollouts, social, travel and visa restrictions with the current state of the industry and future trends and how innovation can drive the industry forward.

Q Are vaccinations mandatory for attendees at ATM? What about international travellers?

Vaccination is not mandatory, however we highly recommend anyone attending ATM to be able to produce a negative PCR result.