DUBAI, 1st May, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the Second Deputy Ruler and Chairman of Dubai Media Council. He officially opened the Arabian Travel Market 2023 today, marking the start of the 30th Edition of the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism show.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed said that Dubai has under His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President, Primer and Ruler, transformed itself into a major hub for investment and a launchpad for regional and international companies.
Sheikh Ahmed emphasized Dubai’s commitment to playing a major role in the advancement of global economics in various sectors. This includes tourism, where years of hard work have resulted in a robust infrastructure, and world-class services in hospitality. Dubai’s success is largely due to the private sector. It has played a key role in Dubai’s initiatives for development.
ATM 2023 will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from the 1st to 4th of May. The number of exhibitors at this year’s event is up by 27 percent compared to ATM2022. The 30th anniversary edition is expected to draw 34,000 attendees, and over 2,000 exhibitors from 150 countries.
ATM 2023, with its theme ‘Working Towards Net Zero,’ provides a platform to international tourism professionals forging new connections, sharing knowledge and ideas and showcasing innovations that can speed up the industry’s decarbonisation journey.
Sheikh Ahmed was delighted to welcome global and regional companies at the premier travel, tourism and hospitality event in the region. His Highness said that the increase in ATM visitors and participants reflects the confidence of the world in Dubai as a global tourism hub, starting with its dominant position on the tourism map.
In line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, he praised Dubai’s economy, praising its growth in many sectors, including tourism and travel. This is proof that it has been steadily progressing towards its goal of becoming one of top three cities in the global economy. This agenda was created by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to guide Dubai’s sustainable growth.
Helal Saeed Al Marri is the Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri is the Director General of Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Six tourism companies from the region discussed possible opportunities for collaboration with the Italian Agency for Tourism.
He also visited Saudi Arabia’s pavilion where several tourism companies are participating, including Cruise Saudi, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund.
The Moroccan pavilion was also visited by the ambassador, who learned about the Moroccan tourism promotion agencies run by the Moroccan government and private sector.
During the tour, Sheikh Ahmed visited the Hilton Pavilion, which was built with sustainability in mind, to coincide with the theme of the exhibition for the year.
Sheikh Ahmed also visited several pavilions, including those of the local departments DET, GDRFA, DEWA, Flydubai (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways and Sharjah, Jumeirah Group and Emirates Airline. He was also informed about the destinations’ offers and initiatives.
The first day of ATM2023 will feature 20 sessions on the Global Stage, Travel Tech Stage and the newly-introduced Sustainability Hub.
In addition to the Ministerial Debate, which explored the question ‘How should travel tackle the climate crisis?’ the highlights of the programme include sessions like ‘Technology as the Enabler for Sustainable Travel’, “Sustainability in Travel Industry: Who pays? “, and enhancing the customer experience through AI. In the session titled “Achieving Net-positive Hospitality”, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance stresses the importance of protecting the livelihoods and communities of hotels.
The 30th Edition of the ATM will be held in conjunction with Arabian Travel Week (1-10 may 2023), a 10-day festival of events that aims to promote collaboration between industry professionals around the world and capitalize on market opportunities. This includes exhibitions, breakfast briefings and awards, as well as product launches and networking events.
ATM 2023 has been organised by DWTC in partnership with its strategic partners including DET, Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Al Rais Travel, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.
