Saudi Arabia takes center stage at ATM 2024 in Dubai

Thursday, January 18, 2024

ATM 2024 in Dubai to spotlight Saudi Arabia booming tourism, with major participation & innovation focus, aiming to boost GDP contribution.

Saudi Arabia is set to make a significant impact at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 6 to 9. The Kingdom is expected to welcome an estimated 30 million overnight tourists this year, as per Oxford Economics’ research for ICAEW. Saudi Arabia’s government has ambitiously revised its 2030 visitor target from 100 million to 150 million, reflecting its commitment to boost the tourism sector’s contribution to 10% of the national GDP by decade’s end.

ATM 2024 will see a nearly 50% increase in exhibitor participation from Saudi Arabia, including high-profile exhibitors like Saudia, flynas, NEOM, Dur Hospitality, AMSA Hospitality, and the Royal Commission for AlUla. First-time exhibitors, constituting 17% of Saudi participation, will feature Cruise Saudi, Tabuk Investment and Tourism Co, Al Badiah Transportation, Sixth Gulf, and Fairmont Mekka Clock Tower.

The event will focus on Saudi Arabia, enabling policymakers, industry leaders, and travel professionals to exchange insights, establish new connections, and explore innovative solutions to drive growth in the tourism market. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director at ATM, highlighted the planned dedicated Saudi Village on the exhibition floor, showcasing Saudi products and hosting panel discussions to identify new opportunities in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism reported a 142% year-on-year increase in inbound visitors in the first half of 2023, with 14.6 million tourists. The domestic tourism segment also saw a 16% rise in spending, with an average stay of 6.3 nights.

The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report predicts that Saudi Arabia’s economy will grow by 4.1% this year, contributing to a 3.6% rise in GCC countries’ combined GDP. Saudi Arabia’s robust economy is expected to drive growth across the Gulf region, emphasizing the Kingdom’s diversification efforts in sectors like tourism, aviation, and hospitality.

The 31st edition of ATM, themed ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,’ will gather industry experts to foster innovation, enhance customer experiences, and drive progress towards a net-zero future for the travel industry. Building on ATM 2023’s ‘Working Towards Net Zero’ theme, the 2024 edition will focus on environmentally responsible travel, aligned with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and outcomes from COP28 in Dubai.

ATM 2024, surpassing the 30th edition’s record with over 40,000 travel trade professionals, will continue to serve as a global platform for the travel and tourism industry. The event is organized in conjunction with the Dubai World Trade Centre and strategic partners like Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Al Rais Travel.

« Back to Page