ATM 2024 WRAP-UP 15% YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH, WITH A NEW RECORD OF 46,000 ATTENDEES
The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market welcomed more than 33,000 visitors from over 160 countries to DWTC from 6-9 May 2024 – an 11% rise over last year
More than 46,000 industry professionals from over 160 countries – including 33,500 visitors – attended the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which concluded today (9 May) in Dubai, UAE. This represents a 15% yearon-year increase in attendees compared to ATM’s landmark 30th edition, setting a new record for the show and demonstrating the strength, resilience and momentum of the global travel and tourism sector.
In line with ATM 2024’s theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, over 2,600 exhibitors gathered at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to explore the drivers behind industry growth and identify future opportunities within the global tourism sector. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted that so many industry professionals from around the world were able to join us in Dubai to explore how innovation and entrepreneurship are shaping a more efficient, profitable and sustainable tourism sector for future generations. We are thrilled to have set a new show record, underscoring our position as the travel and tourism exhibition of choice as we continue to drive global growth within the industry.”
My colleagues and I are delighted that so many industry professionals from around the world were able to join us in Dubai to explore how innovation and entrepreneurship are shaping a more efficient, profitable and sustainable tourism sector for future generations. We are thrilled to have set a new show record, underscoring our position as the travel and tourism exhibition of choice as we continue to drive global growth within the industry.
Danielle Curtis
Exhibition Director ME,
Arabian Travel Market,
ATM 2024 welcomed His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, who chaired a meeting of The Executive Council during the show. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan approved a series of major transport and tourism-related projects in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
This year’s opening session saw policymakers from across the region explain how Gulf nations are working together to streamline the GCC’s tourism offering. The panel discussion, which took place following opening remarks from H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, featured insights from H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; H.E. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; and H.E. Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.
We are excited to present ‘EXPLORE Bharat’ at ATM 2024. This initiative reflects our commitment to promoting India as a top travel destination and showcasing its diverse offerings to a global audience. We invite attendees of ATM 2024 to visit our booth and discover the wonders of India through ‘EXPLORE Bharat. We are thrilled to be part of ATM 2024 as it signifies the dynamism and potential of the travel industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase EaseMyTrip’s innovative solutions and contribute to the dialogue shaping the future of travel.
Rikant Pittie
Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip.com
Experts on the Indian outbound market shared key insights during the session ‘Unlocking the True Potential of Indian Travellers’. Virendra Jain, CEO and Co-Founder of VIDEC, a travel, tourism and hospitality boutique advisory and analytics firm, provided details surrounding market opportunity assessments, channel and distribution analysis, characteristics and behaviours of Indian travellers, and projections of the market’s outbound travel trends over the next decade.
Panellists outlined predictions for the future of air travel and the importance of innovation in enabling the industry to accommodate the significant growth in air traffic during the session ‘Looking Skyward for Innovation: How Technology is Disrupting Aviation’. Moderated by travel expert Mark Frary, the session featured insights from Cirium, IATA, AviationXLab and Riyadh Air.
Payal Khubani and Mohamed Sufyan, Co-founder and Managing Partner of EDUOUTINGS
InterLnkd overcame stiff competition to win the third ATM Start-up Pitch Battle, which was held in association with Intelak. The UK-headquartered company uses specific data points and an intelligent matching engine to link the travel and hospitality sectors with the fashion, beauty and retail industries. Experience Abu Dhabi secured the Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) at ATM 2024. An independent panel of judges praised the tourism authority’s exhibition space for its flowing design, innovative use of greenery and excellent visibility from the show floor. Other Best Stand Winners included AlUla, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, ExploreTECH, flydubai, Qiddiya Investment Company and Saudi Tourism Authority.
Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners included Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner, Emirates as Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner. Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 will take place from 28 April to 1 May.
EaseMyTrip presents latest travel services at Arabian Travel Market 2024
EaseMyTrip.com, a leading online travel tech platform, is at the highly anticipated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, starting from May 6 until May 9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre aiming to make a substantial impact on the UAE travel market and share its expertise with industry professionals and enthusiast.
As a pinnacle event in the travel and tourism industry, ATM attracts professionals and businesses worldwide, providing EaseMyTrip with an ideal platform to showcase its latest features and an extensive array of exceptional travel services. EaseMyTrip’s participation at ATM 2024 unveils its “EXPLORE Bharat” initiative which is designed to promote India’s rich cultural tapestry, heritage sites, vibrant festivals, and offbeat travel experiences. Through “EXPLORE Bharat,” EaseMyTrip invites travellers from UAE and the Middle East to embark on a journey of discovery and immersion in India’s unique charm.
Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip.com, said, “We are excited to present ‘EXPLORE Bharat’ at ATM 2024. This initiative reflects our commitment to promoting India as a top travel destination and showcasing its diverse offerings to a global audience. We invite attendees of ATM 2024 to visit our booth and discover the wonders of India through ‘EXPLORE Bharat. We are thrilled to be part of ATM 2024 as it signifies the dynamism and potential of the travel industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase EaseMyTrip’s innovative solutions and contribute to the dialogue shaping the future of travel.”
Research indicates a robust growth trajectory for the Arabian travel industry, with increasing demand for unique travel experiences, sustainable tourism practices, and digital advancements transforming the way people explore destinations. According to Rikant Pittie, “The Arabian travel industry is witnessing remarkable growth, driven by factors such as technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and a renewed focus on sustainable travel. We are keen to explore collaborations and initiatives that enhance travel experiences while promoting responsible tourism.”
EDUOUTINGS introduces South Pole Expedition for adventurous explorers seeking exotic travels
The sole expedition travel company in the Middle East has guided 400 explorers to date. EDUOUTINGS, the pioneering Dubai-based expedition travel company, comes with an exciting announcement – the addition of the South Pole Expedition to their portfolio of remote destinations. This exhilarating 8-day South Pole Expedition offers travelers the rare chance to explore Antarctica by land, including visits to Emperor Penguin colonies, and engaging in thrilling activities such as ice climbing, glacier exploration, skiing, along with a visit to the South Pole itself. Travelers can also customize their experiences based on preferences and skill levels, ensuring a truly unforgettable adventure.
Safety and sustainability are paramount to EDUOUTINGS. During expeditions to extreme destinations like the South Pole, the dedicated crew responsible for this ensures travelers are transported via specially built ski-equipped aircraft flown by highly experienced pilots, ensuring safe and efficient travel across the continent. The base camps are designed for minimal environmental impact and managed by skilled staff from around the world. Since 2007, all operations have been carbonneutral, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to offering expeditions that are sustainable.
Building upon the success of last year’s introduction of North Pole Expeditions, EDUOUTINGS proudly announces its milestone achievement of offering End-toEnd expeditions to the Middle East region, spanning from the top to the bottom of the planet. The company’s exclusive focus on expedition-style travel is what sets it apart in the market. With a focus on offering personalized oneon-one sessions with expedition consultants EDUOUTINGS ensure travelers are fully prepared for their journey, emphasizing safety and matching the right expedition to the right explorer.
The EDUOUTINGS offers exclusive deals on select summer and winter expeditions. Partnerships with leading expedition operators such as Hurtigruten Group, Silversea Expeditions, Poseidon Expeditions, Ponant, and Chimu Adventures enhance the company’s expedition offerings. Visitors can expect to learn more about the company’s exclusive expeditions, including captivating experiences in Antarctica and the mesmerizing Northern Lights of Norway. Moreover, the team will emphasize the educational aspect of expedition travel, highlighting its relevance to individuals of all ages and interests.
Commenting on this momentous occasion, Payal Khubani, Co-founder and Managing Partner of EDUOUTINGS, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to make our debut at the Arabian Travel Market and unveil our latest addition – the South Pole Expedition. As the region’s first and only company to offer such extraordinary journeys, we are committed to providing unparalleled adventures that leave a lasting impact on our explorers.
Debut appearance of EDUOUTINGS at ATM 2024, underscores the importance of the Middle East region to EDUOUTINGS’ business, as noted by Mohamed Sufyan, Co-founder and Managing Partner: “As a small company based in Dubai, UAE, we recognize the significance of ATM as the premier travel trade show in the region. It provides us with a platform to showcase our unique offerings to our target audience from the UAE and other GCC countries.”
Looking ahead, EDUOUTINGS anticipates continued growth and success in the expedition travel industry, driven by the increasing demand for immersive and sustainable travel experiences. With a track record of sending 400 travelers from 40 nationalities on unique expeditions since their inception in 2015, the company is poised for further expansion and innovation in the years to come.