·
The Kingdom aims to increase the economic
contribution of its tourism sector to 10% of national GDP by the end of the
decade, in line with Vision 2030
· Delegates will explore myriad opportunities within KSA’s thriving tourism sector at ATM 2024, which will take place from 6-9 May at Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 January 2024: Saudi
Arabia is on course to welcome an estimated 30 million overnight tourists this
year, according to research conducted by Oxford Economics on behalf of ICAEW. Delegates
from around the world are preparing to capitalise on this momentum and explore
opportunities within the Kingdom’s thriving tourism sector at Arabian Travel
Market (ATM) 2024, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre
(DWTC) from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May.
Last year, Saudi Arabia’s government revised its combined domestic and international 2030 visitor target upwards from the previous 100 million to 150 million. Amid sustained investment in its tourism, hospitality and leisure segments, as well as a slew of ambitious gigaprojects, the Kingdom aims to increase the economic contribution of its tourism sector to 10% of national GDP by the end of this decade.
Representing
almost a 50% increase in KSA exhibitor participation, ATM 2024 will host a
selection of high-profile exhibitors from Saudi Arabia, including SAUDIA,
flynas, NEOM, Dur Hospitality, AMSA Hospitality and the Royal Commission for
AlUla. First-time exhibitors will comprise almost 17% of the total Saudi
participation, which includes Cruise Saudi, Tabuk Investment and Tourism Co.,
Al Badiah Transportation, Sixth Gulf and Fairmont Mekka Clock Tower, among
others. KSA will represent a key focus for attendees as policymakers, industry
leaders and travel professionals from around the world share insights, forge
new relationships and showcase cutting-edge innovations with the potential to drive
further growth within this burgeoning tourism market.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition
Director, Arabian Travel Market, said: “We plan to shine a spotlight on this
exciting market at ATM 2024 with a dedicated Saudi Village, which will be
highlighted on the exhibition floor and will consist of a full showcase of
Saudi products. With significant interest in this market, there will be a range
of panel discussions that will enable attendees to identify and capitalise on
new opportunities in the Kingdom.”
Data released by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism highlights
a surge in inbound visitors in the first half of 2023. The Kingdom welcomed
14.6 million tourists during this period, representing a 142% year-on-year increase.
A pronounced uptick was also recorded in the country’s domestic tourism
segment, with a 16% rise in spending and an average stay length of 6.3 nights –
up from 4.6 nights during the corresponding period of 2022.
Saudi Arabia’s buoyant economy looks set to propel
growth across the wider Gulf, according to the World Bank’s latest Global
Economic Prospects report. The country’s economy is expected to expand by
4.1% this year, contributing to an anticipated 3.6% rise in the combined GDP of
GCC countries during 2024.
“The Kingdom is working diligently to diversify its
economy in preparation for the post-oil era, and segments such as tourism,
aviation and hospitality – not to mention leisure, entertainment and events –
are playing a major role in this transition,” Curtis added. “We are looking
forward to welcoming a diverse range of exhibitors and delegates from Saudi
Arabia to ATM 2024, and we know that industry leaders from around the world will
be keen to gain further insights into this thriving market throughout this
year’s show.”
In line with its theme,
‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, the
31st edition of ATM will once again host policymakers, industry
leaders and travel professionals from across the Middle East and beyond,
encouraging them to forge new relationships, exchange knowledge and identify
innovations that can reshape the future of global travel and tourism. From
startups to established brands, the upcoming show will highlight how innovators
enhance customer experiences, drive efficiencies, and accelerate progress
towards a net-zero future for the industry.
Building on ATM 2023’s ‘Working Towards Net Zero’
theme, environmentally responsible travel will represent another key focus this
year. Informed by the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and the most recent United
Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which took place in Dubai last year,
ATM 2024 will explore how innovation can be leveraged to help achieve the UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating a greener travel and tourism
sector for future generations.
More than 40,000 travel trade professionals, including
30,000 visitors, attended the 30th edition of ATM in May 2023,
setting a new show record. The exhibition attracted more than 2,100 exhibitors
and representatives from over 155 countries, providing a global platform for the
unveiling of ATM’s net-zero pledge.
Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM
2024’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 https://hub.wtm.com/category/press/atm-press-releases/.
To register your interest in attending ATM 2024
or to submit a stand enquiry, visit https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb/enquire.html.
Tags: Saudi Arabia, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, Danielle Curtis
