·
The
global airline industry expected to make savings of up to US$30 billion in the
next 15 years due to Internet of Things (IoT) implementation
·
42
million domestic service robotics estimated to be sold between 2016 and 2019
·
Cutting-edge
technology and innovation show theme for ATM 2019
The
impact of disruptive technologies on the tourism industry is set to create
multi-billion dollar savings through the use of IoT, robotics, artificial
intelligence (A.I), Virtual Reality (VR) and wearable technology according to
data published ahead of Arabian Travel Market (ATM)
2019, which takes place at Dubai World Trade
Centre from 28 April – 1 May 2019.
The
latest research from Colliers International,
in partnership with ATM 2019, reveals that in addition to vast cost savings,
the customer experience is set to be more streamlined with travel set to become
better, smoother and more personalised with travel bookings on VR platforms, AI
chatbots guiding customers through the booking process and IOT providing
internet based inter-connectivity between everyday devices.
Danielle
Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel
Market, said: “Technology, and the use of technology, is evolving every day. The
tourism industry is at the very forefront of tech innovation with companies
investing huge sums of money to improve the customer journey and experience.
“Airports
and airlines accounted for US$30 billion of investment in IT in 2018, however
this will be offset by the implementation of technology that will see fuel
savings alone top US$30 billion in the next 15 years.
“We’ve
seen incredible developments in recent years, SITA, the multinational tech
company to the air transport industry for example, is using robots to check
travelers onto flights and to transport their luggage, while, although in the
infancy stage, robots have been used in some hotels to welcome guests and show
them to their room.”
ATM
2019 has adopted cutting-edge technology and innovation as its main theme and
this will be integrated across all show verticals and activities, including
focused seminar sessions.
Running
throughout the event, professionals from across the industry spectrum will
discuss the ongoing unprecedented digital disruption, and the emergence of
innovative technologies that will fundamentally alter the way in which the
hospitality industry operates in the region.
Discussing the defining evolutions of
hospitality technology, the Travel Tech Show will return to ATM 2019 with 45
dedicated international exhibitors and an influential agenda of discussion and
debate in the Travel Tech Theatre – sponsored by Sabre Corporation.
Launching this year will be the inaugural Arabian
Travel Week, an umbrella brand which
comprises four co-located shows: ATM 2019; CONNECT Middle East, India and
Africa – a new route development forum, ILTM Arabia
and new consumer-led event – ATM Holiday Shopper.
Curtis said: “The success of both ATM and ILTM
Arabia has provided us with the platform to not only introduce two new events
for 2019 – but to create a travel week which encompasses the Middle East’s
inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism and luxury travel as
well as providing a dedicated networking forum, CONNECT Middle East India & Africa 2019 for the
region’s top airline specialists, aviation authorities, tourism boards,
airports and tour operators.”
Another debutant this year is the Arabia China Tourism
Forum at ATM which takes place on the Global Stage on Sunday 28th
April. With China set to account for a quarter of international tourism by
2030, an expert panel will discuss how destinations around the world can
capitalise on this growth. The forum will also include a 30-minute networking
session with over 80 Chinese buyers.
Once again, we are delighted to be working with our
partners UNWTO and welcoming back the UNWTO Ministers Summit which will also
take place on the Global Stage on Sunday 28th April.
Other Global Stage highlights will include a focused
seminar on Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential, the Global Halal Tourism Summit
and the debut ATM Hotel Industry Summit which will host various expert panels
to debate and provide an insight on the latest hotel developments and
innovative digital infrastructure shaping the future of the hospitality sector.
Following
a successful launch last year, the second edition of ATM Student Conference –
‘Career in Travel’ will return on the final day of ATM. This programme allows
students and graduates to listen to a range of guest speakers and travel
industry leaders. It will also help provide a greater understanding of the
industry and potential career paths.
As
well as the ultra-innovative Travel Tech Show at ATM, other features returning
to the show repertoire this year include the Digital Influencers and Buyers’
Speed Networking Events which will feature 20 Chinese buyers for the first time,
the ATM Best Stand Awards and the Travel Agents Academy.
ATM,
considered by industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and
North Africa tourism sector, welcomed over 39,000 people to its 2018 event,
showcasing the largest exhibition in the history of the show, with hotels
comprising 20% of the floor area.
For more information on Arabian Travel Market
2019, please log on to: https://arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com/.
Tags: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019
