The largest travel industry exhibition in the Middle East, the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), has been postponed for 10 weeks in the face of the global coronavirus outbreak, and will now be held 28 June to 1 July 2020, at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE.
The decision to postpone for two and a half months is a novel approach and a welcome touch of optimism. The COVID-19 virus has forced several large trade shows to cancel entirely, notably ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show, which will now not be held until 2021.
A statement from ATM’s organisers, Reed Exhibitions, issued last night (Australian time) said:
We at Arabian Travel Market want to express our concern for everyone impacted by coronavirus. Like all of you, we have carefully monitored the global health crisis related to COVID-19 coronavirus. Our top priority is the health and safety of everyone involved in Arabian Travel Market; employees, partners, customers and exhibitors.
Due to the escalation of the COVID-19 epidemic around the world, after consultation with all our stakeholders, the venue management, supporting associations, and in alignment with the advice from the UAE public health authorities regarding travel to and from impacted countries, we have taken the decision to postpone our event which was due to take place on 19 – 22 April 2020 in Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Whilst the UAE is following the strictest medical and hygiene protocols in line with international standards, we have made this decision in the best interest of the industry to enable us to organise an event which provides effective participation and experience for all. The announcement has been made at the earliest opportunity to give as much notice as possible to all stakeholders enabling them to make the necessary arrangements to reschedule their plans.
We are fully aware of the important role that ATM 2020 plays for industry professionals across the Middle East region and beyond, we are grateful for the full endorsement that we have received from our customers and partners.
Moving forward, we are continuing to liaise directly with all relevant United Arab Emirates and Dubai authorities on a regular basis, whilst monitoring and complying with the World Health Organisation guidance, and rest assured we will keep you informed of any new developments as we receive them.
Our thoughts are with all those affected in these difficult times.
The Reed Exhibitions statement invited anyone requiring further information to contact its customer service team here or refer to its FAQs here.
It concluded: You can register for the new dates below and follow our social media channels for updates. In the meantime, thanks for your support and understanding – we look forward to seeing you at the opening of Arabian Travel Market on the 28th June.
.jpg){kind=tracking}