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Riyadh Air and Verteil Technologies have announced a strategic partnership that will see Verteil become the launch NDC (New Distribution Capability) aggregator, marking a major milestone in Riyadh Air’s offer and order-based digital distribution journey. Through this collaboration, travel sellers across the globe will gain seamless access to Riyadh Air’s NDC content via Verteil’s industry-leading platform, Verteil Direct Connect (VDC), reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation and excellence in airline retailing.   Riyadh Air and Verteil Technologies signing at ATM   With this partnership, Riyadh Air NDC content will be accessible to travel sellers globally as it rolls out a modern and efficient distribution strategy that prioritises transparency, personalisation, and direct connectivity. Verteil’s proven expertise in deploying scalable NDC solutions for leading airlines ensures that travel sellers can access a full suite of content and functionalities, including real-time availability, rich fare options, ancillary services, and instant ticketing across multiple points of sale.   Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer, Riyadh Air, said, “Riyadh Air aims to set a new global standard for airline connectivity and innovation. Partnering with Verteil at this early stage allows us to ensure a strong foundation for modern distribution technology that is both future-ready and aligned with our digital-first strategy.”   Jerrin Jos, Founder and CEO of Verteil Technologies, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Riyadh Air as their launch NDC aggregator. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to modernising airline distribution, facilitating true retailing and enabling global travel sellers with direct access to richer content and better customer experiences.”   Verteil’s robust integration and flexible deployment capabilities make it easier for travel sellers – whether OTAs, TMCs, or Consolidators – to adopt NDC without heavy technical or operational burdens. As Riyadh Air prepares to launch its inaugural flights, this partnership ensures that distribution is already live and ready, empowering sellers to start doing business in the offer order world without delay.   The announcement took place during the Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai, which concluded on Thursday with record attendance.   About Riyadh Air Riyadh Air is the new national carrier of Saudi Arabia, launched with a bold vision to connect the Kingdom to over 100 destinations globally by 2030. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air aims to set a new standard for global aviation through exceptional guest experiences, innovation-driven operations, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Headquartered in Riyadh, the airline is poised to play a key role in the Kingdom’s aviation and tourism ambitions, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.   About Verteil Technologies Verteil Technologies is a leading global travel technology company revolutionizing airline distribution through its modern, NDC-based platform—Verteil Direct Connect (VDC). As a trusted partner to 50+ airlines worldwide, Verteil empowers travel sellers with real-time access to rich airline content and booking capabilities, including ancillaries and personalization features, all on a single platform. With a focus on innovation, scalability, and seamless integration, Verteil is at the forefront of enabling the transition to next-generation distribution in the airline industry. Source link

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, through its agency Tourism Malaysia is once again participating in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to target more tourists from West Asia. Tourism Malaysia also launched VM2026 latest video which highlights surreal experiences in Malaysia. The travel exhibition runs from 28th April to 1st May.   Tourism Malaysia ATM 2025 Press Conference   The Malaysian delegation is led by The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, who is accompanied by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. The delegation consists of 82 different organizations, which include five (5) state tourism boards, 34 tour operators, 35 hotels and resorts, five Tourism Products, two tourism associations alongside one airline.   The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said, “Our multipronged VM2026 strategy provides a comprehensive framework to boost Malaysia’s visibility, enhance destination accessibility and elevate our tourism offerings.”   The VM2026 logo, a symbol of Malaysia’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, serves as a visual representation of the country’s readiness to welcome tourists from around the world.   Adopted as the campaign’s official icon, the Malayan Sun Bear, a proud and endangered species, reflects Malaysia’s deep commitment to wildlife conservation. Designed in a lovable, animated style, the mascot is intended to resonate with audiences of all ages, evoking a sense of warmth and joy while enhancing Malaysia’s image as a welcoming and family-friendly destination.   Official VM2026 theme song, titled “Surreal Experiences” captures the essence of Malaysia’s unique offerings. This song will be a key component of the campaign to attract global attention and engage visitors with the enchanting experiences Malaysia has to offer.   Malaysia is eager to welcome 45 million international visitors and to achieve RM270 billion (USD60.8 billion) in tourism receipts by 2025. But more importantly, VM2026 will serve as a platform for innovation, sustainability, and community engagement within Malaysia’s tourism industry.   Malaysia welcomed 194,440 tourists from Middle East region in 2024.   About Tourism Malaysia Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene.   Visit Malaysia 2026 focuses on the sustainability of the nation’s tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).   Furthermore, Tourism Malaysia actively endorses the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), working towards the realisation of the IMT-GT Visiting Year 2023-2025, with the shared aim of promoting the region as a unified tourism destination. Source link

?ATM 2025 set to break records with over 55,000 visitors at the Dubai World Trade Centre A truly global event, 67% of exhibitors at ATM represent international markets ATM Travel Tech has expanded this year to reflect the industry’s growing reliance on technology, and IBTM@ATM, a new event feature for the business events industry, will make its debut   The 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will open tomorrow at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together more than 2,800 exhibitors and over 55,000 travel professionals from 166 countries.  Underscoring the growing importance of ATM in the global tourism landscape, international exhibitors account for 67% of companies showcased at the event, while the Middle East comprises 33% of exhibitors this year.     Arabian Travel Market   Based on the theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, ATM 2025 explores how the future of tourism will be shaped by connectivity across borders, industries and communities.  The event will focus on how connectivity enables a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally integrated travel industry, an idea that will be explored across the show floor, from the insightful ATM Conference to targeted networking sessions.   Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for the Middle East, Arabian Travel Market, said, “ATM 2025 is on track to break records in terms of both attendance and exhibitor participation. This week, we look forward to welcoming travel professionals from all travel sectors and verticals, including the leisure, business events, luxury and corporate travel sectors.”   To accommodate the growing interest in ATM, we have added two additional halls this year and will deliver the ATM Conference Programme across three dynamic content stages – the Global Stage, Future Stage and Business Events Stage. I’m particularly looking forward to IBTM@ATM, a dedicated business events zone, and ATM Travel Tech, which highlights the transformative role of technology in shaping the future of the industry.”   Asia stands out as the fastest-growing region at ATM, with exhibitor participation rising by an impressive 20% year-on-year. This growth has been driven by factors including enhanced regional connectivity and strengthened ties with international markets. ATM will feature a diverse range of Asian destinations, including Japan, Macao, the Maldives, Mauritius, South Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines highlighting the region’s increasing influence in global travel.   As India’s tourism industry achieves notable growth, the country’s presence at ATM has increased by 30% this year, driven by a strong presence from exhibitors including the regional tourism boards from Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and airline carriers such as Air India and Air India Express.   International markets account for over 52% of visitor registrations, with UAE and GCC visitors contributing significantly to the total figures, accounting for 48%. The top five registered international markets for ATM 2025 are India, Egypt, UK, Türkiye and USA, underscoring the event’s wide-reaching appeal across key global markets.     Philip M. Barnes, Chief Executive Officer, Rotana said, “Once again Rotana is delighted to be the official registration partner for ATM. As a home grown brand, Rotana views ATM as an exciting opportunity to showcase the region, and our strong partnerships within the industry.”   Reflecting the travel industry’s total convergence with technology and innovation, ATM Travel Tech is larger than ever, with an increase of over 23% in the number of products presented at the event. A rapidly growing segment running parallel to ATM, ATM Travel Tech offers insights into the innovative technologies shaping the travel and hospitality sector, features thought-provoking discussions on the Future Stage, and will span both Hall 1 and Za’abeel Hall 3 at this year’s event.   On the opening day of ATM, Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and a globally renowned speaker in AI and Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, will lead an insightful session on the Future Stage, entitled “AI adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy”, she will explore why organizations struggle with AI adoption, identify the biggest challenges in the field, and discuss the implications of AI for the future.   ATM Travel Tech will house the new Start-Up and Innovation Zone, which will showcase the next wave of travel pioneers and feature an immersive VR experience that promises to provide visitors with a new perspective on the possibilities within the industry. For the fourth consecutive year, ATM will host the Start-Up Pitch Battle, spotlighting the most innovative minds in the Middle East.   A significant highlight of ATM 2025 is the launch of IBTM@ATM, a dedicated zone to connect business event buyers with a wide range of exhibitors, including venues and hotels, convention bureaus, tourism boards, airlines and more. At the heart of this new feature is the Business Events Stage, which will host a series of insightful sessions throughout the show, exploring strategies to unlock growth and opportunities in business events and corporate travel.   More than a networking event, the renowned ATM Conference will deliver the latest industry insights from over 200 experts across three content stages – the Global Stage, the Future Stage, and the Business Events Stage.   Tomorrow’s highlights on the Business Events Stage include a formal welcome from Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). This will be followed by a session on how global events and festivals drive socio-economic growth, which will feature speakers from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO).   Also on the Business Events Stage, the Arabia China Tourism (MICE) Forum will feature panellists from China’s outbound travel businesses and MENA DMCs, discussing

ATM 2025 will spotlight Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism sector and future-focused vision  Prominent exhibitors participating in ATM 2025 include SAUDIA, Riyadh Air and Cruise Saudi   Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector continues on an upward trajectory, with the Kingdom welcoming 30 million international visitors in 2024, representing a 9.5 percent increase from the previous year. This impressive growth will be under the spotlight at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM), where Saudi Arabia will present its latest tourism milestones, showcase new projects and highlight its vision to become a premier destination.   Saudi Arabia to Showcase Record Tourism Growth at ATM 2025   ATM 2025 will feature several prominent exhibitors from the Kingdom. In addition to the Saudi Tourism Authority, returning exhibitors include SAUDIA, flynas, Qiddiya Investment Company, Sixth Gulf Travel Company, Taiba Investment, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, Fairmont Hotel, Cruise Saudi, and L’azure Hospitality. First-time exhibitors this year include flyadeal, Riyadh Air, Diriyah Company, Aseer, BAAN Holding Group, Makkah Hotel & Towers, Alhussam Tourism, and StayKSA.   These exhibitors, along with many others, will be highlighted in a dedicated Saudi Land hall, an expanded version of last year’s ATM Saudi Village, which will be representative of the Saudi Arabian culture, heritage and tourism, while reflecting the upward trajectory of the Kingdom’s travel industry, which has seen Saudi Arabian exhibitor presence increase by 16% this year.   Recent research conducted by VIDEC, on behalf of ATM, has highlighted Saudi Arabia’s remarkable status as the largest and fastest-growing economy within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached an impressive USD 1.1 trillion, translating to a per capita GDP of USD 32,500. This positions the nation as one of the most significant and influential markets in the region.   The report further reveals that the contribution of the non-oil sector to the country’s GDP has increased substantially, reaching 63% in 2021. This represents a significant leap from 39% in 2000, indicating a strategic diversification of the economy away from reliance on oil revenues. Saudi Arabia also experienced a surge in inbound leisure tourists in 2023, growing from 1.12 million in 2019 to 6.2 million. Meanwhile, domestic travel grew from 48 million to 78 million in the same period.   Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “Saudi Tourism Authority’s unwavering commitment to the event highlights the Kingdom’s rapid progress in establishing itself as a world-class tourism hub and reflects the broader momentum of investment, innovation and ambition that is driving the region’s travel sector forward. This year, ATM 2025 will have one of the strongest Saudi presences to date, with leading airlines, hospitality brands and cruise representation taking centre stage.”   VIDEC estimates that Saudi Arabia’s Total Air Market (TAM) will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.2%, reaching USD11.3 billion by 2028. With SAUDIA focusing on international expansion and new airline Riyadh Air aiming to connect the Kingdom with over 100 cities by 2030, the report predicts that this will have a significant impact on the international air travel market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.1% until 2028.   The report also outlines how Saudi Arabia’s hotel market accounted for 60% of the GCC’s hotel market in 2024, emphasising its dominant position in the region. Hotel bookings are predominantly driven by the domestic market, which accounts for approximately 70% of the Gross Booking Value (GBV). With 40,000 hotels under development, adding approximately 320,000 rooms, the Kingdom’s hotel market is set to accelerate further.   Saudi Arabia’s growing importance in the global travel industry will be explored during the ATM Conference Programme, which will unfold across three stages – the Global Stage, the Future Stage and the New Business Events Stage and will feature 68 sessions, led by 185 high-profile speakers.   On 28 April, Turky Kari, Executive Director of Marketing, AROYA Cruises, will join a distinguished panel on the Global Stage to explore the Considerations and Implications of Involving Communities in Destination Revitalization. Meanwhile, Abulkarim Aldarwish, MEA President, Saudi Tourism Authority, will join tourism leaders and travel experts to discuss Big Ticket Events: Global Impact and Learnings on the Business Events Stage.   ATM 2025 is poised to welcome 55,000 attendees and will serve as a platform to showcase over 2,800 exhibitors from more than 161 global destinations. The event will centre on the transformative power of connectivity as part of the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity.”   Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.   To register as media, please click here. Source link

The forthcoming edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has seen a 104% increase in registrations compared to the same period last year International markets account for 52% of total registrations, with the UAE and wider GCC representing 48%   With three weeks remaining until Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the event is on course to attract a record number of high value visitors, with registrations up 104% compared to the same time last year, reinforcing its position as an essential platform for travel trade professionals around the world.   ATM Asia Pavilion   International markets account for a substantial 52% of total visitor registrations, highlighting the event’s global appeal and underscoring the importance of fostering cross-cultural connections and collaborations. Meanwhile, visitors from the UAE and GCC contribute significantly to the total figures, accounting for 48% of registrations.   Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “Increased international attendance strengthens the global profile of ATM, providing a vital boost to the local economy and driving revenue in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and travel, thereby demonstrating the impact and strength of business events.”    “This year’s edition is expected to see notable growth in participation from key regions, reflecting demand from across the global tourism industry.”    The top five registered countries for ATM 2025 to date include the UAE, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UK. India, with its thriving outbound travel market and expanding aviation sector, remains a significant source of demand for the travel industry. Egypt’s tourism revenues reached US$15.3 billion in 2024, representing a more than 100% increase over the last decade, with the government setting a target of 30 million tourists by 2032. Major tourism investments in Saudi Arabia, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives, have positioned the Kingdom as a strong player in the global travel market. The UK remains a crucial hub for both inbound and outbound tourism, with a significant presence in business travel and among tour operators.   Last year, ATM 2024 saw a significant increase in visitors from Africa, the Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, notching impressive year-on-year increases of 51%, 53%, 40%, and 26%, respectively, with indications that the growth trend will be replicated during this year’s edition. Regionally, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait saw some of the most significant visitor increases, up 48%, 40%, 39%, 28%, and 37%, respectively.   With over 55,000 attendees anticipated, approximately 37,000 are expected to be visitors, including more than 7,000 distinguished buyers. The event will serve as a platform to showcase more than 2,800 companies, representing an extensive array of over 161 global destinations.   ATM 2025 will centre on the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, highlighting how connectivity is shaping the thriving tourism industry. Looking beyond technology, the theme will emphasise the importance of industry-wide collaboration and shine a spotlight on the communities that serve as important centres for trade and tourism.   ATM Travel Tech has grown by 23% year-over-year, showcasing innovative technologies that are driving the travel and hospitality sector and attracting decision-makers from around the globe. ATM Travel Tech will also feature the Future Stage, where experts from industry leaders such as Booking.com, TripAdvisor, dnata Travel Group, Agoda, and Skyscanner will share insights into the transforming landscape of travel and explore the technologies driving the industry forward.   New event features at ATM 2025 include the Start-up and Innovation Zone, which will feature a fully immersive VR experience to further enhance the visitor experience. The dedicated area is focused on nurturing the next generation of travel pioneers and innovators. This dynamic space offers a unique platform for emerging companies to present their groundbreaking ideas and showcase their cutting-edge solutions to a global audience.   Several companies will be featured within the zone, and include, amongst others, Biyiy Electric Bikes, who offer E-bike rentals to explore Dubai in a fun and eco-friendly way; Ztexa Global, a travel connectivity partner that offers secure eSIMs and SIM cards in over 175 countries; Traveln.ai, a cutting edge AI driven technology revolutionising trip planning for travelers and businesses in the travel industry; and Z-Ocean Tours; and Penny Inc, a virtual travel payment solutions enabling OTAs, travel agents, and travel companies to cut costs on international transactions and streamline accounting processes.   Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.   Media professionals are invited to register here for exclusive insights and press access to ATM 2025.   For more information, please visit wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html.   Now in its 32nd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. The event attracted over 47,000 attendees, more than 35,000 visitors (including 6,000+ high-value buyers) and over 2,550 exhibitors and representatives from over 161 countries. In 2025, ATM will expand to 13 halls, growing across all sectors, and will continue to be a crucial gathering for the global travel and tourism industry. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai   ATM takes place from 28 April to 1 May 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.   Arabian Travel Week is a week-long festival of events from 28 April to 4 May, alongside Arabian Travel Market 2025. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes the all-New Business Events @ATM focusing on MICE, Start-Up Competition, influencers’

According to industry research, the growth in India’s outbound tourism market is attributed to rising disposable incomes and a growing appetite for international travel Domestically, 114,000 rooms have been added in the past decade as hotel supply has grown at a CAGR of over 3% India’s presence at ATM 2025 has increased by 41% year-on-year, with the event showcasing leading Indian airlines and tourist destinations along with the country’s key tourism boards India’s tourism industry is experiencing notable growth, fuelled by rising disposable incomes, a widening middle class and improved global connectivity. Reflecting the country’s growing influence in international travel and hospitality, India’s inbound and outbound offerings will be in focus during the forthcoming edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. India Expands its Presence at ATM as Nations Outbound Tourism Market is Projected to Reach USD55bn by 2034 According to Future Market Insights, Indias outbound tourism market is projected to reach USD55 billion by 2034, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.4% over the next decade. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for international travel, particularly among millennials seeking diverse experiences abroad. Furthermore, research from STR suggests that India has increasingly become one of the most targeted source markets globally, with many destinations intensifying their efforts to attract Indian travellers. In 2024, Dubai welcomed 3.14 million overnight visitors from South Asia, with India factoring predominantly, significantly contributing to the overall 18.72 million international visitors who made a trip to the city, representing a nine per cent year-on-year increase. STR’s findings also reveal that hotel supply in India has increased by a CAGR of just over 3% in the past decade, with 114,000 new rooms added since 2014. Developer interest remains high, with hotel occupancy rates increasing in eight of the last ten years, reflecting sustained demand. This will be underscored by the country’s participation at ATM this year, which is expected to grow 41% year on year, driven by a strong presence from exhibitors such as the India Ministry of Tourism, airline carriers Air India and Air India Express, and an expanding representation from the regional tourism boards of Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “India’s larger showcase at ATM not only highlights the country’s rich and diverse travel offerings, from luxury experiences and wellness retreats to cultural destinations and adventure tourism, but serves as a crucial platform for global travel exchange, enabling the international travel industry to tap into this lucrative market.” India will be under the spotlight during the ATM conference programme which will feature 68 sessions across three content stages – the Global Stage, Future Stage and the new Business Events Stage. On 30 April, a panel of marketing leaders will discuss Multimedia: Connecting Global Audiences & Unlocking Hyper-Localised Campaigns, diving into the behaviours of markets such as India and China. Meanwhile, The Big Ticket Events: Global Impact and Learnings session will explore two thriving sectors – sports tourism and events tourism – and will address how recent developments such as Saudi Arabia securing the rights to host Indian Premier League matches, will promote tourism between India and the Middle East. On the final day of ATM, Euromonitor will offer global market insights into the APAC region, unpacking the leading trends influencing the region and providing a comprehensive overview of the trends that are leading the transformation of traveller profiles in Asia Pacific. Later that day, Shivani Gupta, Managing Partner, SPAG – A FINN Partners Company, will provide fascinating insights into Indias Next Gen Traveller, examining the key trends and strategies for capitalising on the world’s fastest-growing tourism market. For its 32nd annual event, ATM will focus on the theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”, across all show verticals. The theme underscores the importance of interlinking borders, industries, and communities to redefine the tourism landscape and drive sustainable practices that are essential for the future of travel. ATM 2025 will welcome over 2,600 exhibiting companies with a total expected attendance of over 47,000. The event will feature more than 161 global destinations, reflecting the international scope of the event. Held in conjunction with the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner. The latest ATM news stories are available at www.hub.wtm.com/category/press/atm-press-releases/. To register as media, please click here. 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Recent figures suggest the luxury tourism industry will reach USD391 billion by 2028 The Asia-Pacific region is a leading source market for GCC tourism, with ATM showcasing a 27% increase in exhibitors from Asia this year The international trade show will feature top luxury hospitality brands, including Mandarin Oriental, One&Only and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts   Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is set to highlight the thriving luxury tourism sector when it returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May. Bringing together top-tier hospitality brands, influential industry figures, and innovative travel destinations, the event will showcase the latest trends and insights that are shaping the high-end travel segment.   Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Markets   According to McKinsey and Company, demand for luxury tourism and hospitality is expected to grow faster than any other industry. This is predominantly due to the rising number of high-net-worth individuals globally and a growing segment of aspiring luxury travellers willing to allocate larger proportions of their income to premium experiences.   The research suggests that luxury tourism and hospitality will reach USD391 billion by 2028, up from USD239 billion in 2023, with Asia gaining significant ground in the market segment. Supporting this trend, data recently issued by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf revealed that GCC states earned USD 110.4 billion in international tourism revenues in 2023. The largest share of tourists came from the Asia-Pacific region (38%), followed by the Middle East (25.1%), Europe (22.9%), Africa (8.8%), and the Americas (4.3%).   Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Markets, said, “The increase in inbound tourism from Asia and the growing wealth in this region create a major opportunity for Middle Eastern tourism, especially in the luxury sector. At ATM, Asia is among our fastest-growing markets for exhibitors, boasting a 27% increase in exhibitors from the region this year. National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) from destinations like Japan, Maldives, South Korea, India and Thailand are driving this growth, alongside regional tourist boards such as Rajasthan Tourism, Goa, Phuket, Hong Kong and Jakarta, all contributing to Asia’s expanding presence at ATM 2025 and the growing focus on luxury travel.”   The GCC region is ideally positioned to cater to high-net-worth travellers seeking leading hotels and exclusive experiences. To meet rising demand, GCC countries are on track to add 400,000 hotel rooms by 2030, following the addition of 35,000 rooms in the last decade.   ATM 2025 will feature some of the world’s top-rated luxury destinations, such as the Maldives and Mauritius, as well as Peru, which will return to ATM after ten years. Visitors will be able to discover the country’s luxury offerings, including glamping in the Ica Desert and the Sacred Valley, luxury Amazon cruises, and train journeys across the Andes, where breathtaking landscapes meet world-class service.   Several prestigious hospitality brands will also be showcased, including Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Jumeirah International, One & Only, Kempinski Hotels, The Address Hotels & Resorts and The Leading Hotels of the World.   Luxury travel is transforming in terms of consumer preferences, with travellers increasingly prioritising luxury cultural, artistic, and adventure-driven experiences. Hospitality brands worldwide are adapting to meet this demand, while sustainability has become a key focus, particularly in the GCC, where hotels are implementing eco-friendly initiatives to align with the growing preference for responsible, high-end travel.   “Improved accessibility is also reshaping luxury travel, with emerging destinations benefitting from improved connectivity and the development of boutique hotels, eco resorts and exclusive retreats. This trend is reflected in the theme for ATM 2025: Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” which focuses on how better connectivity enables a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally integrated travel industry.   Last year at ATM, Mastercard unveiled its Affluent Travel Report, which highlighted the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as the leading market for luxury outbound travel, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE emerging as top source markets. Separate research from Mastercard in 2023 suggests that GCC travellers are among the world’s highest spenders, with Kuwaiti travellers to Paris spending five times more than American tourists.   Curtis commented, “The MENA region continues to set the pace for luxury outbound travel, making it a priority market for high-end travel and tourism providers. ATM 2025 will offer in-depth insights into luxury travel preferences, networking opportunities with key stakeholders, and presentations on emerging destinations. For anyone looking to capitalise on this lucrative market, ATM 2025 is an unmissable event.”   The ATM 2025 Conference Programme will bring together top hospitality executives and luxury travel experts, who will share insights into the industry’s latest trends. Sessions include Generational Trends influencing Hyper-personalisation in Luxury led by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Fairmont and Minor Hotels and Retaining High-Net-Worth Travellers by Redesigning Their Experience featuring speakers from Kempinski, Banyan Tree Holdings, GSIQ and Matter of Form.   ATM is the leading global event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East and is set to host over 47,000 attendees this year. Uniting an international community of travel professionals from Leisure, Luxury, Business Events and Corporate Travel, the event generates USD2.5billion in deals annually. For over 30 years, ATM has connected products and destinations from around the world with buyers and travel trade visitors at the Dubai World Trade Centre.   Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.   To register as media, please click here. For

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has announced an increase in participation across the show, with Asia leading the international regions with an increase of 27% India’s participation has surged by 41% this year, reflecting the growth of the country’s tourism market ATM 2025 will host over 2,600 exhibitors from more than 161 countries?   Arabian Travel Market, the leading global event for the travel and tourism industry, is set to welcome a diverse international presence at its upcoming edition, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28 April to 1 May.   Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market   This year’s show will see notable growth in participation from key regions including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Americas, reflecting continued recovery and rising demand across the global tourism industry.   According to recent data from the World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, an estimated 1.4 billion international tourists were recorded globally in 2024, an 11% increase from the previous year. In addition, total export revenues from tourism, including passenger transport, reached a record USD1.9 trillion last year.   The report also indicated that the Middle East was the best-performing region compared to 2019, with international arrivals rising by 32% last year from pre-pandemic levels. The outlook is promising for international tourist arrivals in 2025, which are anticipated to grow by three to five per cent.   “Asia is the fastest-growing region at ATM 2025, with a projected 27% year-on-year increase in exhibitors this year. This growth is largely attributed to enhanced regional connectivity and stronger links with international markets, driving expansion opportunities. It’s not only national tourism organisations that are contributing to this growth but also regional and city-level destinations, with private sector participation on the rise,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market.   Countries such as Japan, Macao, the Maldives, Mauritius, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, China, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India are playing a pivotal role. India is anticipated to witness a remarkable 41% increase in participation at ATM this year, which includes a stronger presence from the Ministry of Tourism and major national airline carriers, among other stakeholders.   Regional tourist boards, including Rajasthan Tourism, the Government of Goa, Andhra Pradesh Tourism, the Phuket Tourist Association, Hong Kong, and the Jakarta Provincial Government, are also contributing to Asia’s growing presence at ATM.   Reflecting the region’s continued infrastructure growth and appeal to both business and leisure travellers, participation from Middle East exhibitors at the event has grown by 17%. Saudi Arabia’s participation continues to rise at ATM, where the country’s giga projects and many prominent private sector companies from the Kingdom will be showcased to an international audience.   With its cultural diversity and historical tourism appeal, Europe is on track for steady growth of 12%, with participants from across the continent participating in the upcoming edition of ATM. Meanwhile, exhibitor participation from Africa and the Americas remains in line with last year’s edition.   ATM 2025 will centre on the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” underscoring the importance of connectivity in shaping the industry’s future. The event is set to attract over 47,000 attendees and feature over 2,600 exhibitors from more than 161 global destinations.   Across three main stages, which include the Global Stage, Future Stage and the all-new Business Events stage, attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights from more than 200 high-profile speakers across 60 conference sessions. The ATM Conference programme will explore key international regions, including specialised sessions on important source markets such as Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM) and India.   Euromonitor International will lead the Global Market Insights: APAC session, revealing the latest trends influencing travel in the region and providing insights on the profiles of travellers in the APAC market. Attendees can discover market insights, investment opportunities, and strategies to tap into the high-potential LATAM region during Score Global Growth in LATAM. Meanwhile, a regional expert will discuss India’s Next Gen Traveller and the country’s rising tourism market.   Curtis concluded, “ATM 2025 presents a unique opportunity for stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry to engage with influential players from across the globe. Participants can stay informed about emerging industry trends, connect with key decision-makers, and establish valuable partnerships. These collaborations aim to drive innovation and shape the future direction of global travel and tourism.”   Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.   Media professionals are invited to register here for exclusive insights and press access to ATM 2025.   For more information, log on to www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html.   Now in its 32nd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. With over 48,000 attendees and more than 35,000 visitors, including over 2,550 exhibitors and representatives from over 161 countries during last year’s show, ATM remains a pivotal gathering for the global travel and tourism industry. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai   ATM takes place from 28 April to 1 May 2025, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.   Arabian Travel Week is a week-long festival of events from 28 April to 4 May, alongside Arabian Travel Market 2025. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and

The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will host 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries and is expected to welcome 41,000 attendees from around the world This year’s theme ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’ underscores the growing importance of entrepreneurism in the sector The four-day travel and tourism trade show takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 6-9 May 2024   Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading global event for the travel and tourism sector, will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre this week for its 31st edition. Taking place from 6-9 May, over 41,000 attendees are expected to visit the annual trade show, which will feature 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries.    ATM Global Stage   This year, ATM is centred on the theme ‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel through Entrepreneurship’, spotlighting the pivotal role of start-ups and entrepreneurs in shaping the sector’s future. This focus will provide a platform for industry leaders and policymakers worldwide to empower the travel and tourism community to harness entrepreneurism and identify opportunities for growth.    A four-day conference programme will deliver over 50 informative sessions from more than 200 high-profile speakers who will address attendees across the Global Stage and the new Future Stage. H.E Issam Abdulrahim Kazim, Chief Executive Officer – Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, will host the Global Stage Welcome: The Gateway to Global Insights keynote speech, outlining Dubai’s tourism goals and plans for the coming years. Later tomorrow, Ministers from the GCC and beyond will take to the stage to discuss the key strategies to support and develop tourism in the region at the Ministerial Debate: Streamlining Tourism within the GCC.  ATM will also host the Market Insights Summit on the Global Stage on opening day, exploring the potential of China, India and Latin America as they emerge as key players in global tourism. The panel for the Summit includes Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East, UN Tourism; Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, Hilton; Julia Simpson, CEO & President, World Travel and Tourism Council; and Jan Gerrit Koechling, Partner, Roland Berger.    The Future Stage will officially launch tomorrow with a focus on the Trends Shaping the Future of Hospitality in the Middle East, led by senior representatives from IHG Hotels and Resorts, Marriot International, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Banyan Tree Dubai, Mastercard and Silkhaus. Other sessions tomorrow on the Future Stage include The New Age of Island Tourism, which explores how islands in the Middle East are offering new opportunities for tourism, and the Global Economic Disruptions Affecting the Future of Travel session.   Speaking ahead of launch day, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “Following the unprecedented success of our 30th edition in 2023, exhibitor participation has increased by a remarkable 26% this year, making ATM 2024 the largest in the event’s history.”   “This notable growth underscores ATM’s reputation as an unmissable event for the global travel and tourism community, offering unrivalled business and networking opportunities for attendees and exhibitors across a wide range of travel sectors and verticals.”    Growth has been achieved across all show verticals, including regional year-on-year upticks for the Middle East (28%), Asia (34%), Europe (34%) and Africa (26%). In addition, more than 100 prominent travel technology companies will showcase their latest innovations to a global audience at this year’s event. The Travel Tech section is 58% larger this year, indicating an unprecedented surge in interest from companies that want to display their latest technological advancements.    ATM continues its commitment to sustainability for another year, building on the show’s main theme in 2023 and in keeping with its 30 long-term sustainability goals. The Sustainability Summit on 9 May will explore Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, consumer preferences, and the collaborative efforts required to create a more sustainable future for travel and tourism. Meanwhile, the Sustainable Stand Award will recognise the exhibitor who has made outstanding efforts to reduce their stand’s carbon footprint.    Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners are the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.   To register your interest in attending ATM 2024, visit www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb/enquire.html. Source link

Germany recorded almost 1.3 million overnight stays by GCC visitors in 2023 GNTB aiming to match 2019’s 1.6 million overnight GCC guests in 2024 GCC one of the top 3 inbound markets behind US & China in 2023 Bavaria top region attracting over 527,000 GCC guests in 2023, a 7.4% increase over 2022   The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) announced today (Monday 6th May) that GCC travellers spent 1,297,256 room nights in Germany during 2023, a 15% increase over the 1,128,341 overnight stays recorded in 2022.    Yamina Sofo, Director, GNTO GCC The announcement was made while addressing Middle East travel professionals during a press conference, which was held on the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024. Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist GCC Office (GNTO GCC), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), commented, “During 2023 we witnessed a considerable increase of 168,915 overnight stays, compared with the previous year. “The increase in overnight stays in 2023 underscores Germany’s enduring appeal among GCC travellers, which is a testament to the continuous efforts of GNTO in its ongoing marketing campaigns across both B2B and B2C channels. We are delighted to witness our destination maintaining its position as a top choice for travellers from this region. Germany’s rich culture, rural customs, natural beauty, sustainability efforts, accessibility, and inclusiveness all play significant roles in its popularity. Additionally, our warm German hospitality, traditional cuisine, and exclusive retail opportunities further enhance the visitor experience,” she added. “Being the largest travel and tourism event in the region, participating in ATM is an integral part of our marketing strategy and we are confident of a significant increase in overnight stays, which would exceed our pre pandemic figure of 1,604,753 overnight stays.” The GCC region is currently ranked in the top three incoming markets, behind the US and China. In 2022, the GCC region was Germany’s top performing inbound source market in Asia and Australasia, with more than 404,000 arrivals, representing an increase of over 117%, compared with the same period in 2021. GCC guests also generated 2.1 billion euros in 2022, a 110% increase over the previous year, averaging 4,443 euros per trip/per guest. “These figures underscore Germany’s increasing post pandemic popularity with GCC visitors and bodes well for 2024. This year we want to capitalise on Euro 2024, to encourage longer stays and showcase Germany as an all-year-round holiday destination.” Increased flight availability will support those ambitions, with more than 207 direct weekly flights between the GCC and Germany, compared with 201 in 2022. At present, there is direct flight accessibility from the GCC to five German international airports – namely Munich, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Berlin and Hamburg.  New flights are being added this year, with services from Doha to Hamburg by Qatar Airways and from Manama to Munich by Gulf Air both opening on the 1st of July, as well as new routes launching in November operated by Eurowings from Jeddah to Cologne and Berlin. Additionally, Flynas will be offering flights from Jeddah to Berlin starting from 4th September.  In addition to connectivity, the GNTB also has a marketing strategy that it believes will achieve those numbers, both in the short term and the longer term. Under the slogan, ‘Germany, simply inspiring’. Germany now boasts 52 World Heritage sites, over 6,000 museums, offering a wealth of interesting places of cultural and historical significance, for GCC tourists to visit. This includes Chemnitz, the European Capital of Culture for 2025, which is located in the Saxony region of the country.    The GNTB’s ‘Simply Feel Good’ – Sustainable Travel in Germany campaign also underscores Germany’s rural natural landscapes and activity holidays, raising awareness of the fragility of ecosystems.    Germany has 20 sustainably certified regions and cities, and in terms of accommodation, it has over 1,540 sustainably certified establishments and 350 spa and health resorts. The GNTB is focusing on the sustainability-related aspects of health tourism, including the preservation of traditional treatment methods, location-specific treatments and remedies as drivers of regional prosperity, and examples of sustainable energy management.   Clearly the standout sporting event of the year in Europe will be the Euro 2024 football tournament which takes place in Germany between 14th June & 14th July.  “The GNTB’s strategy is to promote the ten host cities (Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart) and surrounding areas to encourage tourists to stay longer and explore other regions throughout Germany. This also has the added benefit of reducing the overall carbon footprint per travel day,” added Sofo. The Germany stand will be bigger this year with 15 co-exhibitors/participants which include Adina Hotels, Avalon Waterways, Courtyard by Marriott Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf Airport, Elinor Travel Germany, Fraport AG, Frankfurt Tourism Board, German National Tourist Office India, Helios Hospital Group-Germany, Hotel Palace Berlin, Hospital Solingen-Germany, visitBerlin, visit Düsseldorf, visit Cologne and Wiesbaden Tourism Board.   Arabian Travel Market 2024 takes place from 6-9 May and the Germany stand is located in the Europe Hall, Stand EU6340. Source link