As the world prepares for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, the Middle East’s luxury travel sector embraces sustainability as a critical consideration. In the UAE alone, 61% of residents are willing to pay more for sustainable tourism experiences that are responsible and eco-friendly. This trend is becoming increasingly prevalent, with one in 10 global travellers staying in luxury eco-friendly hotels over the past three years. High-income travellers, in particular, have increased their sustainable luxury hotel stays by 50% during the same period.

YouGov’s Global Travel & Tourism Whitepaper 2023 revealed that the UAE ranks high globally in exploring, with almost two-thirds (58%) of respondents indicating that travel has become more important to them since the Covid-19 pandemic. When booking trips, 19% of UAE residents prioritize premium-quality accommodation, while 25% look for great entertainment.

ATM 2023, held from 1-4 May 2023 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), will focus on trends and opportunities within the high-end travel segment. The event’s theme, “Working Towards Net Zero,” reflects the industry’s commitment to sustainable travel, and industry leaders will showcase their innovative and environmentally responsible experiences.

The conference program includes a session entitled “Sustainable Luxury: At What Cost?,” which will discuss the environmental impact of luxury hospitality and the most effective carbon offsetting methods. Moderated by Joe Mortimer, Editor-at-Large at Destinations of the World News, the session will feature high-profile speakers such as Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President Operations – Middle East & Africa at Minor Hotels; Candice D’Cruz, VP Luxury Brands at Marriott International; and Nadia Ibrahim, Member of the Board of Directors at the UN Global Compact.

Along with sustainable luxury travel, the Middle East’s luxury travel sector is also experiencing a rising demand for authentic excursions. Over half (51%) of affluent tourists have sought more meaningful travel experiences since the pandemic, and more than a quarter (27%) are willing to pay extra for secluded villas and chalets.

ILTM Arabia 2023, a luxury-focused event dedicated to high-end destinations, premium accommodation, and bespoke tourism experiences, will run on days two and three of ATM 2023. The event will provide participants with extensive networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities, with 44 exhibitors engaging with a select group of buyers catering to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) across the GCC and broader region.

The 30th edition of ATM will explore the future of sustainable travel, allowing delegates to identify growth strategies within vital vertical sectors. The conference will feature a sustainability category at its annual exhibitor awards for the first time. Exhibiting organizations will be recognized based on the extent to which they have considered the environmental impact of their stands and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

ATM 2023 is 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.

In conclusion, the Middle East’s luxury travel sector is evolving towards more sustainable and authentic travel experiences. As the world prepares for ATM 2023, industry leaders will showcase their innovative and environmentally responsible travel experiences. With a rising demand for sustainable and authentic excursions, the luxury travel industry in the Middle East is well-positioned for growth in the years to come.

Register for ATM 2023 here: https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb/enquire.html.

Written by: Stephen Morton

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