·
Judges applaud Hilton’s choice to appoint local supplier as well as brand’s commitment to reuse stand materials over the next three years
· Saudia
secures ATM Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) for the second
consecutive year, as panel congratulates airline for creating ‘wow factor’
· Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Visit Maldives and WebBeds also scoop trophies at ATM 2023
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 3 May
2023: Hilton was presented with the inaugural Sustainable
Stand Award at the 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will
run at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 4 May. The hospitality
brand was praised by the exhibition’s independent panel of judges for its
decision to engage a local supplier in the creation of its stand, as well as
its commitment to repurposing as many materials as possible over the coming
three years.
To support its ecologically responsible approach to its stand design, Hilton is measuring its environmental footprint with a carbon calculator and has taken steps to mitigate the impact of its catering activities throughout the show, in line with the company’s long-term sustainability goals.
The
ATM judges also extended their condolences to the family, friends and
colleagues of Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, Hilton’s former President – Middle East,
Africa and Türkiye, who passed away last week.
In
addition to Hilton, the ATM 2023 Best Stand Awards judges commended a number of
other exhibitors for their sustainable efforts. The panel praised The Royal
Commission of AlUla for paying close attention to the sustainable materials
used in its stand’s design, and Switzerland Tourism for its ‘sustainability wall’
and the reusable modular system that it adopted.
In the Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) category, Saudia was selected by the judges for the second year running. The Kingdom’s flag carrier received praise for its impactful use of digital screens and reflective flooring, which the panel said created a genuine ‘wow factor’.
The
Best Stand Design Award (under 150m2) was presented to Barbados
Tourism Marketing Inc, whose showcase was inspired by the home of global
superstar, Rhianna. The ATM judges commented on the design’s success in
representing the feel of Barbados, as well as the innovative integration of
digital screens. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts was highly commended by the
panel in this category for its layout and use of recycled materials.
Dubai
Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) was presented with the Best Stand for
Doing Business Award, thanks to its impressive three-storey exhibition space. The
stand’s comfortable seating, spacious layout and high-quality hospitality combined
to create an inviting environment for visitors, according to the panel. Sharjah
Commerce & Tourism Development Authority was highly commended in this
category for its use of space, success in reflecting the Emirate and
eye-catching powerboat centrepiece.
The
Best Stand at ATM Travel Tech Award was won by WebBeds, thanks to its welcoming,
functional and eye-catching design, as well as its spacious upstairs meeting area.
The judges also commended RateGain’s stand, whose use of wood distinguished it
from many of its other Travel Tech counterparts.
Visit
Maldives secured the Best Stand Feature Award, with judges remarking on the
impact of its digital floor area. The striking display depicted a marine
environment replete with whale sharks and manta rays, conveying the Indian
Ocean destination effectively and memorably.
The
judges for the ATM 2023 Best Stand Awards included Helen Sheppard,
Sustainability Director at RX; Christian Druart, Secretary of the Sustainable
Development Working Group at The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI);
Selina Donald, Chief Sustainability Advisor and Founder at The Bulb; Nadia
Ibrahim, Director – Consultancy & Sustainability at Farnek; Kevin Agnew,
Global Environment Manager at RELX; Sarah Duignan, Director – Client
Relationships at STR; Philip Wooller, Senior Director Middle East & Africa
at STR; Matt Gibson, CEO of UpThink; and Marissa Baranoff-Rossine, Editor of
TTG Asia.
Danielle
Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Our
judges were immensely impressed with the quality of this year’s stands, which
demonstrated a range of innovative approaches to sustainability, functionality
and hospitality. I would like to thank the panel members for their time and
effort and congratulate all of this year’s winners for their excellent
exhibition spaces.”
The
30th edition of ATM is taking place as part of Arabian Travel Week
(1-10 May 2023), a festival of events dedicated to enabling industry
professionals from all over the world to collaborate and capitalise on market
opportunities through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards,
product launches and networking events.
Those attending ATM
2023 in person can get involved in the conversation online by using the hashtag
#ATMDubai when posting on social media channels.
ATM 2023 is being held
in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its strategic partners
include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) 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.
The latest ATM news
stories are available at https://hub.wtm.com/category/press/atm-press-releases/.
To register for ATM
2023, please log on to: https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb/enquire.html.
Tags: Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Visit Maldives, WebBeds, ATM 2023 Best Stand Awards, Danielle Curtis, Hilton, Sustainable Stand Award
