Arabian Travel Market 2016: It has only been a few weeks since the last Arabian Travel Market, but it won’t be an experience that I will forget any time soon.
Arabian Travel Market is the region’s largest travel and tourism event, and takes place every year at Dubai World Trade Centre. I always look forward to the show, wondering what surprises are in store both from the organisers and the exhibitors, and which new discoveries might be on the horizon.
Memorable ATM moments
Each year stands out in some form, examples being the innovative Etihad Airways promotion as detailed in my last ATM review – or the eye-catching Dubai Police supercar display in the year Dubai made history: when it was announced the city will host the Word Expo in 2020.
As it’s a major travel show and exhibitors want to showcase their top attractions, the competition is definitely on – in fact, the organisers introduced a category just last year to award winners of the best exhibition stand designs.
Dubai at Arabian Travel Market
Emirates and flydubai airlines stands stood side by side with the emirate of Dubai, whose stand was ‘showcasing the best Dubai has to offer’, as Issam Kazim, CEO of DTCTM, explained at the official ATM press conference at The Address Dubai Mall.
Issam Kazim, CEO of DTCM, at press conference of #ATM2016 today @Address_Hotels @IssamKazim @VisitDubai #MyDubai pic.twitter.com/JSH50IqNQU
— GoldBlackWhite.com (@GoldBlackWhite) April 24, 2016
At the stand of flydubai, CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith is seen here with HE Saeed Hareb, General Secretary of Dubai Sports Council:
HE Saeed Hareb @SaeedHareb, SG of @DubaiSC, & Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO #FlyDubai, at #ATM2016 | #DWTC #Dubai #MyDubai pic.twitter.com/pRCTy4UUnv
— GoldBlackWhite.com (@GoldBlackWhite) April 27, 2016
New at Arabian Travel Market
As mentioned in my ATM Show Preview, there were several new additions to the show, including the Leaders Breakfast with Sir Rocco Forte.
The Global Stage was a hit, with a lively panel discussion featuring top UAE tourism officials that was moderated by BBC Presenter Zeinab Badawi.
Bloggers’ Speed Networking
Another addition was the Bloggers’ Speed Networking, which was a great platform to connect bloggers with tourism and travel trade professionals from around the world. The 5 minutes allotted per discussion enabled much ground to be covered, facilitating quick introductions and discussions with a view to discussing mutual areas of interest and gauging potential collaborations.
There was certainly no time to waste with hotel PR representatives and destination officials patiently waiting their turn to meet travel bloggers. Some of the new relationships developed at the event were with Ajman Tourism as well as Accor Hotels Group, whose luxury properties in Dubai include Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre, Pullman JLT, Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Sofitel JBR and the chic Sofitel The Palm.
Why ATM is so special
The journey of discovery is what makes Arabian Travel Market so special – whether it’s learning about different cultures, what to expect at new destinations, or which fabulous events to mark in one’s calendar.
UAE as a Luxury Destination
As a luxury destination, the capital of the United Arab Emirates is a top choice for a holiday or UAE weekend getaway, with several world-class hotel resorts in and around Abu Dhabi city, as well as within the emirate and its many islands.
On Yas Island, a summer festival will commence on 7 July, with plans for fun activities revealed by Omar Al Busaidy of TCA Abu Dhabi:
#VisitAbuDhabi at #ATM2016: Full interview with @OmarAlBusaidy of @TCAAbuDhabi on #Snapchat https://t.co/Wh3zgZ2W9j pic.twitter.com/4dyr6e0RUz
— GoldBlackWhite.com (@GoldBlackWhite) April 26, 2016
Luxury Holidays in Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE & KSA
Speaking of luxury, the company Peacock Concierge was promoting their VIP services on offer in Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE & KSA.
Summer in Switzerland!
From the stand of Switzerland, which recently became the first country to confirm its participation in Expo 2020, Switzerland Tourism’s GCC director conveyed his message for travellers to the luxury destination:
Matthias Albrecht, Director GCC of #Switzerland Tourism @1000Switzerland, on our #Snapchat today at #ATM2016 #Dubai pic.twitter.com/lzKdGH33ee
— GoldBlackWhite.com (@GoldBlackWhite) April 28, 2016
Arabian Travel Market connects the travel trade
Past visits to both ATM & WTM in London over the years have also helped shape my holiday decisions, resulting in trips to Hungary, Croatia and Italy to name but a few.
Did you exhibit at Arabian Travel Market, or did you attend – and what was your experience? Do share your thoughts in the comments section below.
ATM 2017 dates and location:
- Arabian Travel Market will be held again from 24-27 April 2017 at Dubai World Trade Centre
- ATM is organised by Reed Exhibitions, which includes World Travel Market in London in its worldwide travel exhibitions portfolio