Travel
and tourism experts from across the Middle East examined the challenges and
opportunities that sustainable strategies should address, during the latest meeting
of the ATM Advisory Board ahead of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023,
which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 1-4 May 2023.
The
meeting, which took place at InterContinental Dubai – Festival City, saw senior
representatives from Amadeus, Colliers International, Dubai’s Department of
Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai College of Tourism, Emaar Hospitality Group,
Etihad Aviation Group, Farnek, Hilton, IGH Hotels and Resorts, the Royal
Commission of AlUla, TIME Hotels, and Google join show organiser, RX, for an
in-depth discussion about the upcoming edition of ATM.
In
line with its theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, ATM 2023 will see
public and private sector experts from around the world gather in Dubai to
explore the decarbonisation of global tourism and hospitality.
Danielle
Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel
Market, said: “Next year’s show will be the 30th edition of ATM. To
mark this significant milestone, our team plans to unveil a dedicated
sustainability pledge for the exhibition, which will comprise 30 short- and
long-term goals that we aim to achieve on our corporate journey to net zero.
“To
bring to life the sustainable theme of ATM 2023, we are working closely with
our exhibitors and partners to help catalyse sustainable change within the
Middle East’s travel and tourism sector,” Curtis continued. “The insights
offered during our Advisory Board meeting were immensely valuable and will help
us to ensure that the show’s 30th edition is the most sustainable
yet.”
ATM
Advisory Board members explored a diverse range of ideas to raise awareness of
sustainability during the 2023 edition, not only for the show itself but also
for all participants. Items on the agenda included minimising printed and
plastic waste, working with environmentally responsible partners and more. ATM
and its stakeholders will use future meetings to develop and implement a
comprehensive suite of short- and long-term practical measures with the
potential to achieve a positive impact on the environment.
According
to Sustainable Travel International, tourism-related activities account for
approximately 8% of worldwide
carbon emissions. The ATM team will continue to work closely with
its Advisory Board members in a bid to facilitate the leading role that the
Middle East’s tourism and hospitality sector is playing in driving sustainable
operations. Together, participants will highlight industry best practice and
cutting-edge innovations with the potential to accelerate global
decarbonisation.
Commenting
on the many benefits offered by responsible tourism, Vasyl
Zhygalo, Managing Director ME and Portfolio Director for WTM and
IBTM at RX, said: “Sustainable operations clearly have a crucial role to play
in mitigating the environmental impact of the travel sector globally, but – if
approached in the right way – they can also offer a range of commercial
advantages. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards are becoming
increasingly important across all industries, with socially conscious investors
using these criteria to manage their portfolios. Travel is no exception.
“The
experience, expertise and insights offered by our Advisory Board members will
play a vital role in ensuring that ATM 2023 provides a forum in which industry
leaders from around the world can showcase innovations, exchange knowledge and
help shape a truly sustainable tourism and hospitality sector for future
generations,” he added.
In
addition to representatives from RX, the ATM Advisory Board was attended by
Jamel Chandoul, Senior Vice President – Middle East and Africa at Amadeus;
Christopher Lund, Chief Executive Officer – MENA at Colliers International;
Gregory Fuller, Associate Vice President – Brand and Content at Dubai’s
Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director –
Tourism Developments and Investments at DET; Jeff Strachan, Director of Dubai
College of Tourism; Mark Kirby, Chief Operating Officer – Head of Hospitality
at Emaar Hospitality Group; Joerg Oppermann, Vice President of Hub and Midfield
Operations at Etihad Aviation Group; Nadia Ibrahim, Head of Net Zero
Hospitality at Farnek and Member of the Board of the UN Global Compact;
Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President for Middle East, Africa and Turkey at Hilton;
James Britchford, Vice President Commercial IMEA at IHG Hotels and Resorts;
John Northen, Executive Director – Head of Hotels and Resorts at the Royal
Commission of AlUla; Mohamed Awadalla, Chief Executive Officer of TIME Hotels;
and Bilal Kabbani, Sector Lead Branding – Middle East and North Africa at
Google.
Having officially initiated
its journey to net zero, the ATM 2023 conference programme will explore how
innovative sustainable travel trends are likely to evolve, allowing delegates to
identify growth strategies within key vertical sectors, while providing a
platform for regional experts to explore a sustainable future ahead of COP28,
which will take place next year at the Expo City Dubai.
ATM 2023 will also feature a sustainability
category at its annual exhibitor awards for the first time.
Exhibiting organisations will be recognised based on the extent to which they
have considered the environmental impact of their stands, as well as their
efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
ATM 2023 is held in
conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre and its strategic partners include
Dubai Tourism as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline
Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts
as the Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.
