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The Middle East’s most significant travel and tourism exhibition, the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), recently concluded its 30th edition in Dubai, UAE. The landmark edition broke new records with over 40,000 attendees – a 29% year-on-year increase compared to 2022 – and over 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 150 countries. It proved that the region’s travel industry is thriving.

The four-day exhibition was held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) under the theme ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, highlighting the industry’s commitment to sustainability and exploring trends and innovations that can help ensure sustainable travel for future generations.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, expressed her delight at the record-breaking attendance and the sector’s journey towards net zero. She said, “The fact that we witnessed record attendance at ATM 2023 is extremely encouraging and a strong indication that the Middle East’s travel industry is once again in excellent shape.”

Several special events were organised during the exhibition to celebrate the 30th edition of the ATM. Hilton won the inaugural Sustainable Stand Award for its commitment to sustainability, using a local supplier to create its stand, and its decision to repurpose materials for the next three years. Hilton also measured its carbon footprint using a carbon calculator and took steps to mitigate its carbon output.

The Pearl Award, created exclusively for the 30th edition of ATM, was presented to Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty-Free, for his exceptional contribution to the UAE’s travel and tourism sector. McLoughlin began his career at Dubai Duty-Free in 1983 and helped transform it into a $2 billion company.

During the exhibition’s opening session, moderated by Eleni Giokos, Anchor and Correspondent CNN, a climate change debate was held with renowned speakers from the tourism industry. The lineup included Sujit Mohanty, Regional Division for the Arab States, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR); Dr Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director, Jordan Tourism Board; and HE Walid Nassar, Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism.

ATM 2023 was organized in partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its strategic partners included 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 success of the 30th edition of ATM showcases the resilience and potential of the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, with its commitment to sustainability paving the way for a brighter future.