2024 Arabian Travel Market records record attendance

The 31st Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on May 5-9 saw a record-breaking attendance of more than 46,000 industry experts and 2,600 exhibitors.

Officials report that this represents a 15% increase in attendance from the previous year. This boost is a testament to the resilience of the global tourism and travel sector and its continued momentum.

Dubai will welcome more than 17 millions international visitors in 2023, exceeding even the pre-pandemic numbers. Seven percent of the total are visitors from the Americas. Dubai’s first month in 2024 saw a 21 percent increase in visitors from January 2023. This shows that the tourism industry is continuing to recover. In January 2024, Dubai’s hotel sector had a total of 150,408 rooms across 823 establishments, with an impressive 83 per cent occupancy rate, and an average stay of nearly four nights.

The city’s continued growth aligns with its aim to solidify its position as one of the top three cities in the world, as reiterated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai early in 2024.

Informative sessions

Theme ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’ATM features sessions include ‘Multi-Generational Travel: Considerations for the Middle East’, ‘Influencing the Americas through Experiences, Adventure and Attractions’.

Anabela Radosevic is the head of business development at Arabian Adventures. She explains the preferences of American travellers, who are interested in culinary experiences, desert experiences, amusement attractions and sporting events.

In the session on multi-generational travel considerations for travellers to the Middle East, Skyscanner’s head of destination partnerships, Zeynep Mutlu Bigali, spoke about their newly launched Savvy Search tool that uses AI to compare different offerings and prices, and plan itineraries, that may appeal to Gen Z.

During the opening speech, H.E. Issam Khanim, CEO for Dubai Economy and Tourism informed the audience of: “ATM is a moment where we can talk about the tremendous growth we’ve seen over the years, but more importantly we can talk about the strategies going forward and building relationships, making sure to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the industry, and allow the world to come together in one place and establish those connections.”

Dubai: for diverse audiences & budgets

Dubai is increasing its appeal in order to attract a larger and diverse traveler base.

At a media roundtable discussion, H.E. Issam Kasim said that Dubai is an ideal destination for all types travellers, including couples, families, and solo travellers. It offers a variety of experiences, including beaches, shopping and culture, as well as culinary, wellness and entertainment.

He described Dubai, as a destination that is a great place to visit. “attainable luxury”Every budget can be accommodated. There is something for everyone as 25 percent of first-time visitors return to Dubai within a year.

Travel advisors remain critical

Travel advisors are key to Dubai’s tourism growth plans.

At a Department of Economy and Tourism press briefing, the CEO of Dubai Economy and Tourism discussed how it was to be a part of ATM. “…very important for DET to bring travel advisors to the city to genuinely experience Dubai firsthand. It’s very different when you read information or do research about a city versus experiencing it yourself. Creating familiarization trips
(FAMS) allowing advisors to explore the beauty of Dubai; and to get lost in in the city on their own, creates the magic and a deeper understanding of the destination”.

Dubai Tourism offers Online training programTo earn a Dubai Expert Certificate. There are currently more than 30,000 Dubai Expert participants and over 1,000 global graduates.

The next Arabian Travel Market, which will take place in 2025 at the World Trade Center Dubai, will be held from April 28 to may 1, 2025.

Air Canada and Emirates operate direct flights from Canada to Dubai from Toronto and Montreal. This makes it easy to get to Dubai. Air Canada’s Vancouver to Dubai route is set to resume in late October 2024, with four weekly flights operating until the end of March 2025.

Visit our website for more information www.wtm.com/atm.

Judi Cohen, author and photographer.