A view of exhibitors and visitors during ATM 2024 in Dubai on Thursday.

Inayat-ur-Rahman / Sajjad Ahmed, Gulf Today

More than 46,000 industry professionals from over 160 countries – including 33,500 visitors – attended the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which concluded on Thursday in Dubai.

This represents a 15% year-on-year increase in attendees compared to ATM’s landmark 30th edition, setting a new record for the show and demonstrating the strength, resilience and momentum of the global travel and tourism sector.

In line with ATM 2024’s theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, over 2,600 exhibitors gathered at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to explore the drivers behind industry growth and identify future opportunities within the global tourism sector.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted that so many industry professionals from around the world were able to join us in Dubai to explore how innovation and entrepreneurship are shaping a more efficient, profitable and sustainable tourism sector for future generations. We are thrilled to have set a new show record, underscoring our position as the travel and tourism exhibition of choice as we continue to drive global growth within the industry.”

Georgia

Georgia sees huge potential in the UAE tourism market.  The country is making concerted efforts to attract more tourists from the Gulf region.

This was stated by Gvantsa Murtskhvaladze - Co- Founder & CEO of SHG - Signature Hospitality Georgia during an exclusive interview with Gulf Today.

“ SHG – Signature Hospitality Georgia is a company where our passion for hospitality meets unparalleled expertise in destination management. With years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable experiences for our clients.”

“At Signature Hospitality Georgia, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of travelers and event planners. From meticulously planned tours showcasing the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of Georgia, to flawlessly executed events and seamless logistics management, we are dedicated to exceeding expectations at every turn.

“Nestled in the heart of the Caucasus region, Georgia is renowned for its warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes. We embody these values, ensuring that each guest is welcomed with open arms and treated to the finest in Georgian hospitality.”

Arabian Travel Market 2024 proved exceptionally fruitful for us, as we not only reconnected with existing partners but also met potential ones, discussed collaborations to promote the destination - Georgia together.

Lika Mikashavidze - Head of Sales Department at Litz Resort added that Litz Resort” - A Five Start Hotel- is located Near Batumi, Adjara, On The Top Of Kvariati Village, 370 M (Nearly 1200 Ft) Above Sea Level.

A 16 Story Building Is Organically Merged To The Mountain Landscape, With Only The Modern Svani Tower Noticeable From Far Away. By The Way, The Name Litz Comes From The Svani Word Meaning Water And Is Reflecting The Biggest Challenge During The Construction: Water Being Everywhere And Nowhere.

Located On The Edge Of The Mountain, The Hotel Gives A Marvelous 360° View Of The Sea Shore From Rize (Turkey) To Batumi, And Depending On Weather The Magnificent Caucasian Mountains Are Visible

Meanwhile, experience the charm of Batumi, a picturesque coastal city nestled along the Black Sea coast of Georgia. Known for its breathtaking architecture, lively city atmosphere, and stunning coastlines, Batumi has earned the title of “Europe’s Leading All-Season Destination.” This vibrant city seamlessly blends modern and historic architecture, showcasing a rich cultural heritage, UNESCO-recognized National Parks, and a diverse culinary scene.

The Ajara region of Georgia is a true natural wonder, where the subtropical climate of the sunny Black Sea coast meets the majestic beauty of the high mountains. The Ajara region features abundant greenery making it a perfect destination for nature and ecotourism lovers. Ajara offers a diverse range of ecosystems to explore, from picturesque mountains to serene woodlands, winding rivers, tranquil lakes, and cascading waterfalls to UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, as well as one of the world’s largest bird migration corridors for birdwatching enthusiasts. Adventure activities the visitors may experience hiking, bicycling, rafting, zip-lining, and canyoning, including camping and glamping in amid nature. For a more leisurely experience, Batumi Boulevard and Batumi Botanical Garden offer relaxing and stunning sea views and sunsets, a tranquil escape to unwind and reconnect with nature with a wide array of plant species from around the globe.

Germany

The German National Tourist Office (GNTO), along with 15 co-exhibitors representing cities, airports, and hotels, have successfully concluded another year at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), underscoring Germany’s commitment to the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition. The annual gathering has proven crucial in reinforcing Germany’s ties with the GCC region, showcasing its diverse tourism offerings and sustainable travel initiatives.

During the four-day event, the GNTO showcased innovative marketing strategies focused on sustainability in the tourism sector. The GNTO’s engagement with partners and stakeholders underscored its commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with Germany’s rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes to position the country as a prime destination for eco-conscious travellers seeking meaningful experiences.

The significance of the GCC market to the German tourism sector was emphasised at the ATM, highlighting its role as one of the top three overseas source markets and its rapid recovery post-pandemic. Early 2024 statistics demonstrate the market’s resilience, with GCC travellers recording 128,745 overnight stays in Germany during the first two months alone. The robust growth trajectory underscores Germany’s enduring appeal as a preferred destination for GCC tourists.

Yamina Sofo, Director at the GNTO GCC Office, commented, “The ATM has become a pivotal fixture on our calendar, serving as one of the most vital platforms where industry decision-makers and travel experts converge. This year, our participation in ATM 2024 focused on showcasing Germany as a travel destination and highlighting our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. We’re pleased with the positive engagement and feedback from our partners and the public, which reaffirms the GCC’s growing interest in sustainable travel options.”

Dusit Hotels

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, concluded a successful  Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 in Dubai, showcasing its expanding regional presence, highly anticipated property openings worldwide, and its commitment to sustainable operations through ‘Tree of Life’ – a group-wide initiative created in line with the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals to ensure that each Dusit property operates as sustainably as possible.

Fully leveraging the opportunity to connect with key industry players in the region, Dusit’s team of travelling executives highlighted its existing presence in the Middle East, including four properties in the UAE (Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Dusit Thani Dubai, dusitD2 Kenz Hotel, Dusit Princess Residences Dubai Marina ), one in Oman (dusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar), and three in Qatar (Dusit Hotel & Suites – Doha, dusitD2 Salwa Doha, and Dusit Doha Hotel). They also outlined the company’s commitment to continued expansion in the region, notably with the opening of its first hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the 150-key Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh – the first internationally branded hotel in Al Majma-ah – slated to open in Q4 2024.

This debut is just one of 10 new hotels expected to open this year across existing Dusit destinations such as China, the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, as well as new markets India and Malaysia. Continued expansion in the Middle East is also high on Dusit’s agenda.

“The Middle East is a critical market for Dusit, and our return to ATM this year presented a fantastic opportunity to connect with key decision makers and travel professionals in the UAE and wider GCC,” said Prateek Kumar, Senior Vice President of Operations, Dusit International. “The region’s remarkable travel rebound following the challenges of the global pandemic highlights its resilience and growing importance as a travel hub, and continued expansion here is very much part of our strategy. Middle Eastern travellers are also a significant segment of our global clientele, particularly in our home base of Thailand. And we look forward to delighting them with the highly anticipated reopening of our reimagined flagship, Dusit Thani Bangkok, on 27 September 2024.”

Hawar Resort

Mantis, a renowned brand in curated hospitality experiences, is proud to introduce Hawar Resort by Mantis, a groundbreaking tourism development on Bahrain’s Hawar Island. In partnership with Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), this project heralds a new era of luxury, eco-tourism, and adventure in the region. Set to open in Q3 2024, the project is expected to draw visitors from around the world, signaling a major strategic push by the Government of Bahrain to develop Hawar Island into a tourism destination that complements the offerings of the Kingdom’s main island.

Situated on the west coast of Hawar Island, Hawar Resort by Mantis will be surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, making it one of the first environmentally focused projects of its kind in the Middle East. The resort will feature 102 keys, including luxury accommodation units; five dining concepts; and extensive sports and leisure facilities.

Mantis Vice President Operations, Craig Erasmus, said, “We have witnessed a significant shift among global travelers, with people becoming more aware of the planet’s well-being and making travel choices with sustainability in mind. Mantis is the ideal brand to support this transition with our focus on curated destinations inspired by culture, conservation, community inclusion, and sustainable adventures.”