Welcome 07
WELCOME TO THE 24TH
It is clear that Expo 2020 is driving growth throughout Dubai, as it aims to complete 160,000 hotel rooms to welcome an additional five million visitors over the course of the six- month event. This growth is reflected in the increasing popularity of Arabian Travel Market - the 2017 edition will welcome 2,600 confirmed exhibitors and an expected 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the event. As a result, and for the second
successive year, we have added an extra hall, to accommodate extra demand, with 140 countries repre- sented, 65 national pavilions, and more than 100 new exhibitors set to make their ATM debut. One of the travel trends we
have been witnessing recently is for a more immersive style of tourism, which encompasses different areas of local life – culinary, culture, history, shopping, nature, sports, halal, theme parks, wellness and spa – and can be the basis for a holistic travel experi- ence, by connecting with a place rather than just making a visit. This growing trend is now on the
radar of the region’s tourism chiefs as destinations face increased competi- tion for their share of the more tradi- tional travel segments. And it is very much on the radar of Arabian Travel
Setting the agenda
Continued from page 1
its potential within each country’s National Agenda. “Specific areas of focus will include GDP growth and economic diversification, innovation, entrepre- neurship and productivity, job crea- tion, human capital and infrastructure development, as well as investment and export promotion.” According to figures from the
World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), between 25 million and 50 million new jobs will be needed to meet grow- ing tourism industry demands in the region over the next decade - growing at a rate higher than the world average. Tourism represents 10 percent of the world’s GDP, 30 percent of services exports, and one in every 11 jobs. “Tourism has become a key
economic activity across the region, particularly in the GCC countries, where it is establishing itself as a pillar and key driver of the modern ‘post–oil’ economies of those countries,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “In addition to generating foreign
exchange earnings and creating jobs, tourism promotes trade and invest- ment, and significantly contributes to the development of other sectors such as construction, manufacture, retail and financial services. It also contributes significantly to the socio- economic integration of countries of the MENA region,” he added. Taking place from 15.30 to 17.30
at Al Multaqua Ballroom, under the patronage of HE Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy of the UAE, the session follows the 42nd meeting of the UNWTO Commission for the Middle East at 10am.
Speakers include Marjan Faraidooni, Senior Vice President, Legacy Impact & Development, Expo 2020 Dubai; Anita Mehra, SVP Communications & Reputation, Dubai Airports; Issam Kazim, CEO, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Deirdre Wells, CEO, UKinbound. Elsewhere, the four days offer a
packed programme across a wide range of sectors. Sure to be a show to remember, ATM 2017 brings together leading travel industry figures in a series of networking opportunities, while a host of special events includ- ing workshops, debates and seminar sessions take a look at the experien- tial travel theme in more detail. One of the major drivers within experiential travel is the multi-trillion dollar well- ness tourism sector set to be a prom- inent part of this year’s show. After a successful debut in 2016, The ATM Wellness & Spa Lounge returns and will be open for suppliers to meet new contacts in a dedicated space from April 25 to 26. Another fantastic place to make new connections during the show is the ATM Buyers’ Club which brings together senior travel industry
Market 2017, which has adopted Expe- riential Travel as the main theme of this year’s event, integrating it across all show verticals and many activi- ties, including focused seminars and roundtable events. The opening session of this year’s
event will look at the role Expo 2020 Dubai plays in delivering the UAE Government’s long-term vision for economic diversification. Now just three years away, high level stakehold- ers, including Marjan Faraidooni, VP Legacy, Impact & Development, Expo 2020; Issam Kazim, CEO of DCTCM; and Deirdre Wells OBE, CEO, UKin- bound, will take part in a panel discus- sion about the upcoming event. Meanwhile the UNWTO & ATM
Ministerial Forum will see high level ministers and industry leaders discuss the contribution of tourism to sustain- able economic growth and diversifica- tion in the MENA region. Brand new to this year’s show
is the Halal Travel Summit, which is taking place on the Global Stage, which will showcase leading Muslim travel industry experts including Rafi- uddin Shikoh, CEO of DinarStandard and Faeez Fadhlillah, CEO of Salam Standard & Tripfez, who will discuss halal destination strategies and sell- ing halal travel.
Leading the way Continued from page 1
EDITION OF ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET 20 Other popular features returning
this year include the Travel Agents’ Academy, Buyers’ Club and the Blog- gers’ Speed Networking events. We also welcome back the ATM Best Stand Awards with a line-up of top judges acknowledging the design, and creativity of exhibitor stands. The show has experienced
phenomenal growth of over 70 percent since 2012, and this year already looks like it’s going to break all previous records, cementing Arabian Travel Market’s position as the number one event for the Middle East and North Africa tourism sector.
32 22
Contents
28 08 News
19 Industry spotlight Issam Kazim of DCTCM
20 Welcoming the world
Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market
decision makers. Perfect for network- ing, building on existing relationships and encouraging new business, the club is getting bigger and better each year. Membership is exclusively for pre- qualified travel industry professionals and mainly comprises tour operators, travel agents, wholesalers and private travel arrangers with purchasing power. Following on from the oppor- tunities at the club, the ATM Buyers’ Speed Networking session connects a pool of high calibre senior buyers who are carefully matched with exhibitors for five minute mini-meetings. Another highlight is the free-to-
attend ATM Travel Agents’ Academy which offers networking and a half-day of training for specialists in the field. There’s a course completion certifi- cate after the session, which is taken by industry professionals. Also not to be missed is the ATM
Digital Transformation Summit, moder- ated by Paul Richer from management consultancy firm, Genesys, present- ing the latest advice from technology experts. While luxury travel also has a place at ATM 2017 with International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Arabia which offers a series of pre-arranged appointments between high-end buyers and suppliers. Speaking at the official ATM pre-
STAY CONNECTED
Make the most of your ATM experience by connecting with us on
Twitter @ATMDubai, as well as on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube
You can find quick links to all our social media at
www.arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com
show press conference, Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Diversification is providing opportunities to experi- ence what Dubai and the region has to offer. It also gives different reasons for families to come here, as well as a vari- ety of things to do while they’re here.” Last year’s show generated
business deals worth US$2.5 billion (AED9.1 billion). Set for a triumphant return, Arabian Travel Market is one of the most important dates on the industry’s calendar.
Experiential travel takes centre stage 22 Seminar schedule
26 A bright tourism future UNWTO & ATM forum returns
28 Wealth of experience Discovering the region’s cultural side
32 Life beyond 2020 The expo and its legacy
36 Destination profiles 42 Vox pops
The Arabian Travel Market show dailies are published on behalf of:
Gateway House 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DN, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 8271 2158, Email:
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