A panel discussion in progress during the ATM 2024 in Dubai on Tuesday.

Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, stressed that the tourism sector contributed to the UAE’s economy, registering an 11.7 per cent increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, amounting to Dhs220 billion.

Speaking at the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, Al Marri said that the sector is anticipated to contribute 12 per cent to the UAE’s GDP, equating to Dhs236 billion.

The 31st edition of ATM, being hosted at Dubai World Travel Centre (DWTC) until 9th May, discussed Gulf-wide collaboration, ease of inter-regional travel and infrastructure development.

Al Marri’s speech was followed by a panel discussion among Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; Azzan Al Busaidi, Under-Secretary of Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; and Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. The session was moderated by Dubai Eye presenter, Richard Dean.

During the in-depth discussion, the ministerial panellists explored the importance of inter-regional initiatives in elevating the GCC tourism industry to the next level, while striking the right balance between collaboration and competition between destinations and nations. The planned GCC Unified Tourist Visa was cited as a key facilitator for the region, alongside factors such as sustainability, infrastructure and culture.

Panellists said that the planned unified visa would allow member nations to present the GCC as a connected destination, boosting accessibility and driving key performance indicators (KPIs) such as length of stay, average spend and employment. Speakers noted they would continue to ensure that the travel industry positively impacts local businesses, communities and ecosystems, contributing to the long-term sustainability of tourism across the region.

Participants also explained that current and future infrastructure will complement the GCC Unified Tourist Visa by enhancing accessibility within and between Gulf nations. In addition to ongoing investment in new and existing airports and cruise terminals, the ministerial speakers highlighted the central role of the upcoming GCC Railway in facilitating and optimising region-wide access for both domestic and international visitors.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “While it’s clear that healthy competition will continue to play an important role in strengthening the GCC’s world-class tourism offering, it was also encouraging to hear how collaboration is enabling the region to become more than the sum of its parts in terms of attracting global travellers. We are immensely grateful to this year’s ministerial participants, who provided a diverse range of valuable insights into the region’s unified tourism future.”

Meanwhile, Andrea Corsini, Emilia Romagna’s Regional Minister for Mobility and Transport, Infrastructure, Tourism, and Commerce in Italy, has emphasised the importance of his country’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai for the sixth consecutive time.

He hailed ATM as a global market with immense potential that brings the world together under one roof to explore investment opportunities and connect with elite tourism industry leaders worldwide.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of his participation in the global event which kicked off today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the minister specifically emphasised the abundance of tourist attractions in Italy, particularly the Emilia Romagna region. He highlighted the Motor Valley festival, a showcase of large-scale “Made in Italy” tourism experiences, which, he said, has the potential to attract a significant audience from the United Arab Emirates, especially those drawn to beauty and motorsports.

He highlighted a range of exciting new tourism offerings, including car races that captivate audiences worldwide, alongside stunning landscapes, charming tourist areas, and the unique flavours of local Italian cuisine.

Nikos Chardalias, Governor of the Attica Region, Greece, has hailed the role played by the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai in bringing together all tourism and travel companies, airlines, and industry stakeholders from around the world under one roof.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of his visit to the Greek pavilion at ATM, which opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Governor of Attica highlighted the opportunities for cooperation between his region and the Emirate of Dubai in the areas like luxury tourism, including yachting.

He pointed to the strong relations between the UAE and Greece, noting the role played by Attica in restructuring the local economy, encouraging innovation and technology, and tourism development plans, as well as future partnerships with many countries around the world.

He stressed the historical importance of the region, which includes the Greek capital Athens, and the modern administrative region of Attica, which is more extensive than the historical region, and includes Megaris as part of the regional unit of West Attica, the Saronic Islands and Cythera, as well as the municipality of Troizinia on the Peloponnesian mainland.