DET to showcase Dubai’s diversity, sustainability platforms at ATM

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will showcase the diversity of Dubai’s destination offering, shine a light on the city’s sustainability platforms and highlight new initiatives designed to further strengthen the tourism industry during the milestone 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market.

This year’s ATM, from 1 - 4 May 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will focus on responsible tourism during the UAE’s Year of Sustainability with the event hosted under the theme ‘Working towards Net Zero’. During the event, DET will highlight how the city’s tourism industry is supporting the journey towards achieving the UAE’s Net Zero 2050, a strategic initiative with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, whilst further stimulating the positive tourism growth trajectory.

More than 122 partners and representatives from government entities, hotels, destination management companies and tour operators will join DET at an expanded Dubai stand at ATM 2023 to welcome and interact with visitors to the region’s leading travel event.

The Dubai stand will also be home to key government bodies and representatives of major industry stakeholders including Dubai Culture, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (DGRFA), Dubai Health Authority, in addition to Museum of the Future, Expo City Dubai and Majid al Futtaim.

Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, commented: “This year’s ATM marks a turning point in terms of bringing sustainability to the forefront of the global tourism industry. Since the inception of ATM, Dubai has made extraordinary progress under the guidance of our visionary leadership in building the city’s global reputation as a leading tourism destination, offering an authentic, diverse and sustainable tourism proposition.

During the event we will highlight how Dubai is supporting the strategic UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative, as we prepare to host yet another milestone event this year, the COP28, as well as the roadmap towards achieving the goals of our Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 to further consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities.

As the host destination for this important industry event, we look forward to collaborating with our stakeholders and partners, as well as the international travel trade community to further reinforce Dubai’s position at the forefront of the world’s leading travel destinations, drive the future of our tourism industry and continue to be a role model for global tourism recovery.”

During ATM 2023, DET will highlight the achievements of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative including Dubai Can, a sustainability campaign that encourages people to turn the tide on plastic and inspire mass action to actively reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles, and which has successfully reduced the use of an equivalent of more than 7 million 500 ml single-use plastic water bottles within a year since its launch in February 2022. In addition, plastic will not be present on the Dubai stand during the show, as part of the city’s commitment to sustainability. During the event, DET will showcase cuisine from Emirati businesses and local, homegrown brands whilst ensuring that all giveaways are sustainable.

This year, DET will be organising the biggest ATM Hosted Buyers Programme which will run until 4 May, showcasing Dubai’s unparalleled hospitality and offering. This year’s event is set to attract a record participation of 450 buyers from 31 different markets and countries, representing all continents around the globe. The restoration of travel has made it possible for DET to bring in a large number of tour operators and travel agents, providing them with the opportunity to explore Dubai’s exceptional tourism offerings. The Hosted Buyers Programme will include a 2-day intensive itinerary of the city on 30 April and 1 May, allowing buyers to experience Dubai’s vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and exceptional hospitality. Additionally, there will be 2 days at ATM for pre-set meetings with Dubai stakeholders on 2-3 May, giving buyers the opportunity to network and create strategic partnerships with Dubai’s leading tourism providers. This year’s event promises to be an exceptional opportunity for buyers to discover the best of Dubai’s tourism industry, fostering business relationships and driving growth in the region’s travel and tourism sector.

Visitors to the Dubai stand will also be able to enjoy an interactive experience with the Dubai Landmark Challenge, an exciting game that provides participants the opportunity to learn about and identify key attractions in Dubai and win fabulous daily prizes.

With Dubai ranked as No.1 global destination in Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row in 2023, DET will also turn the spotlight on the city’s diverse destination proposition including its ever growing gastronomy sector, a key driver of growth, and particularly with the ongoing 10th edition of Dubai Food Festival, which will continue until 7 May.