The 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) was a resounding success, with more than 46,000 industry professionals from over 160 countries β including 33,500 visitors β in attendance. This marked a significant 15% YoY increase in attendees compared to ATMβs landmark 30th edition, setting a new record for the show.
The event, which was in line with the showβs theme of βEmpowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurshipβ also welcomed more than 2,600 exhibitors, a testament to the strength, resilience, and momentum of the global travel and tourism sector.
Talking with Rihlat Travel News, Exhibition Director ME, Danielle Curtis gave us extra insight into ATM this year, and the impact it has had on the Middle East.
Q1. How was ATM 2024 different this year compared to previously, and how do you keep things exciting and innovative each year?
Before the show started, we confirmed that this year would be the largest to date. At ATM, exhibitors are not just participants, but partners in success. They are provided with a unique opportunity to showcase their products and services and make meaningful connections with potential partners and customers. We work closely with them leading up to the event, offering guidance on how to amplify the visibility of their offerings and capitalise on networking opportunities.
As the global tourism market continues to become more competitive, we are seeing exhibitors become more innovative with their product offerings. All our new exhibiting brands will help bring further value to ATM, enabling exhibitors and attendees to explore new business opportunities and expand their networks. We advise all exhibitors to leverage ATM’s networking opportunities and put their best efforts into making their brand stand out among the most prominent industry names.
Q2. New markets: We saw several new exhibitors at ATM. Are you expecting more new brands targeting travellers from the MEA?
We are delighted to welcome a large number of new exhibiting brands from a variety of travel and tourism segments to ATM 2024. These brands represented areas such as transportation, tours, technology, hotels, and spas, which undoubtedly made this year’s event more diverse and exciting.
We are also seeing positive YoY growth across regional areas and show verticals such as:
- Europe 32%β
- Africa 28%β
- Asia 20%β
- The Middle East 19%β
- Hotels 21%β
The sold out Travel Tech space was 56% bigger than last year, with 33% more exhibitors participating. This expansion gave attendees an even better opportunity to connect with the latest travel technology and innovations.
Q3. Stand-out success: In terms of exhibitors, were there any particular standouts who went above and beyond this year?
We have seen some incredible stands this year. During our Best Stand Awards, we recognised:
Best Stand Design over 150sqm – Experience Abu Dhabi by Department of Culture and Tourism β Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
Best Stand Design between 50 – 150sqm – ExploreTECH
Best Stand Design under 50sqm – Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
ATMβs inaugural Best Use of Technology – Qiddiya | Ψ§ΩΩΨ―ΩΨ©
ATM’s 2024 Sustainable Stand – The Royal Commission for AlUla
Best Stand for Doing Business – Saudi Tourism Authority | Ψ§ΩΩΩΨ¦Ψ© Ψ§ΩΨ³ΨΉΩΨ―ΩΨ© ΩΩΨ³ΩΨ§ΨΨ©
Best Stand Feature – flydubai
Q4. Sustainability: We noticed the use of paper lanyard holders instead of plastic. What other sustainability initiatives has ATM introduced this year?
As an event, ATM is firmly committed to reducing the environmental impact of the exhibition, pledging to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. We collaborate closely with partners, suppliers, and advisors each year to implement practices that will make ATM a more sustainable event. To promote this sustainability, we provide Exhibitor Environmental Checklists, establish guidelines for sustainable stand builds, and avoid using single-use plastics at the venue.
Our conference program consistently emphasises sustainability. On the final day of ATM, we hosted a Sustainability Summit led by experts that covered topics such as the outcomes of COP28 and strategies for leveraging sustainability in luxury markets. Our long-term goals will include educating and encouraging participants to reduce waste and carbon emissions. By working together in this manner, we can collectively achieve a positive and tangible environmental impact.
Q5. Entrepreneurship: Can you tell us about the importance of entrepreneurship as a theme for ATM, particularly in the travel and tourism market in the Middle East today?
Every year at ATM, we concentrate on a particular aspect of the travel and tourism industry that contributes to its growth. Recently, entrepreneurs have played a key role in pushing the industry forward and have transformed how we approach travel.
This year, ATM explored how travel and tourism entrepreneurs are working to attract more significant funding to increase the sectorβs overall contribution to GDP. The event featured exciting innovators in aviation, accommodation, hospitality, and attractions, exploring how innovative sustainable trends will evolve and identifying strategies for growth within vital vertical sectors.
Q6. The future: Would ATM consider rotating its location given the rise of new venues, facilities and experiences around the MEA?
ATM will stay in Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre. RX Global is, however, always looking at new markets to expand and increase its reach.
ATM 2025 – Don’t forget to save the date: 28 April to 1 May 2025.
