Reshaping travel through innovation

Arabian Travel Market 2024 takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 6-9 May, on the theme ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’. More than 200 speakers are expected to address 50 sessions, covering the full spectrum of industry from tourism and hospitality to aviation and M!CE.

TT Bureau

International policymakers and industry leaders are gathering in the UAE for the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which is poised to explore the transformative impact of entrepreneurship and innovation on the tourism sector.

During the four-day event, over 200 speakers are expected to address more than 50 sessions. Experts from around the world take to the ATM’s Global Stage and Future Stage (formerly the Travel Tech Stage) to address some of the sector’s most pressing issues, including the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the future of aviation, how to stand out in the luxury segment, retail tourism, and sustainable travel.

As the Middle East’s leading exhibition for inbound and outbound travel and tourism professionals, ATM 2024 builds on last year’s record-breaking 30th edition with its theme: ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’. Exhibitors and attendees get the chance to explore new market opportunities, reap the benefits of collaboration and connectivity, and attract investment.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The future of the global travel industry will be shaped by innovators and entrepreneurs, which is why we are so excited to shine a spotlight on the latest insights and technologies at ATM 2024. From startups to established brands, this year’s exhibition will showcase fresh thinking on how the sector can enhance customer experiences, drive efficiency and deliver positive economic impacts across the Middle East and beyond.”

Exhibitor participation is expected to be 23 per cent higher than last year, making ATM 2024 the largest edition in the event’s history. Growth is expected across all show verticals, including regional year on year upticks for the Middle East (19 per cent larger), Europe (32 per cent larger), Asia (20 per cent larger) and Africa (28 per cent larger). The exhibition’s sold-out Travel Tech space will be 56 per cent greater on the show floor, with products from the sector demonstrating 33 per cent growth year on year. Hotel participation, meanwhile, is projected to be 21 per cent higher than last year.

This year’s edition will once again enable attendees to move beyond traditional leisure travel by exploring opportunities related to luxury, business, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (M!CE). ATM 2024 will feature an array of discussions on these subjects.