·
Trade
visitors to annual travel trade event grow 7%
·
9%
increase in Buyers’ Club members
Arabian
Travel Market (ATM) 2016 posted a 7% year-on-year rise in visitor numbers with more
than 28,000 trade visitors attending the show, which took place from 25-28
April at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Leading
with a topical mid-market theme, the initial results for the 23rd travel
and tourism industry showcase, released by organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions,
also recorded a
9% increase in the number of Buyers’ Club members, with a similar percentage hike
in the number of other quality visitors such as VIPs, sponsors and speakers, compared to
2015.
“The
initial estimated figures for this year’s show highlights ATM’s significance as
a leading exhibition for the region’s travel and tourism sector, as an
increasing number of destinations ramp-up efforts to drive travel and tourism
as part of economic diversification and sustainability,” said Nadege
Noblet-Segers, Exhibition Manager, Arabian Travel Market.
“The
overall increase in visitor numbers and specifically the 9% rise in key buyers
(those with budget responsibility for regional and international contracting)
underscores ATM’s importance to trade buyers and also means ATM 2016 is poised
to top last year’s record US$2.5 billion in business deals facilitated.
“This
year’s popular mid-market theme also resonated with the region’s travel
professionals – with many exhibitors leveraging opportunities to launch
mid-tier brands as well as discussing strategies, developments and future
trends during the ATM seminars,” added Noblet-Segers.
Held
under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, ATM has grown to
become the largest event of its kind in the region and one of the biggest in
the world. The 2016 edition boasted an additional
hall, with 423 main stand holders representing 86 countries, 64 country
pavilions and over 100 new exhibitors making their debut.
Once
again, the show welcomed a number of new initiatives including the launch of
the ATM Global Stage, which opened the week’s proceedings with a high level panel
discussion on the future of tourism in the UAE featuring leading industry leaders
including Issam
Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation Travel and Commerce Marketing; Sultan Al Mutawa
Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director, Tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture
Authority; H.E Khalid Jassim Al Midfa,
Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Haitham
Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; Marwan bin Jassim Al
Sarkal, CEO, Shurooq; Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief
Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline; Gerald Lawless, Head of Tourism, Dubai
Holding and Honorary President, Jumeirah Group and Aligi Gardenghi, VP
Marketing EMEA and Commercial Director MEA, Hilton.
Also new for 2016 was the Wellness
& Spa Lounge, a dedicated space for 25 exhibitors
which connected Middle East wellness and spa buyers with international
suppliers; the inaugural Travel Agent Academy; and, in line with the show’s
ongoing focus on technological innovation, the first-ever ATM Bloggers’ Speed
Networking session, at which 40 travel bloggers met with interested exhibitors.
More than 50 seminar and tech theatre
sessions took place over the course of the show while the ATM Best Stand Awards
returned for a second year, with some delighted winners including The Address Hotels + Resorts, flydubai and Amadeus IT
Group. Finally, the New Frontiers Awards recognised Taiwan.
