Saudi Arabia targets 30 million tourists in 2024, spotlight at ATM 2024 Dubai

Friday, January 19, 2024

According to research conducted by Oxford Economics on behalf of ICAEW, Saudi Arabia is expected to welcome approximately 30 million overnight tourists this year. Delegates from various parts of the world are gearing up to capitalize on this trend and explore opportunities within the Kingdom’s thriving tourism sector at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024. The event is scheduled to take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday, May 6, to Thursday, May 9.

The Saudi Arabian government increased its combined domestic and international visitor target for 2030 from 100 million to 150 million last year. With sustained investments in tourism, hospitality, and leisure, along with ambitious gigaprojects, the Kingdom aims to boost the economic contribution of its tourism sector to 10% of the national GDP by the end of the decade.

ATM 2024 will witness a nearly 50% increase in participation from KSA exhibitors, featuring prominent names such as SAUDIA, flynas, NEOM, Dur Hospitality, AMSA Hospitality, and the Royal Commission for AlUla. Approximately 17% of the total Saudi participation will consist of first-time exhibitors, including Cruise Saudi, Tabuk Investment and Tourism Co., Al Badiah Transportation, Sixth Gulf, and Fairmont Mekka Clock Tower, among others. Saudi Arabia will be a focal point for attendees, as policymakers, industry leaders, and travel professionals from around the world gather to share insights, establish new relationships, and showcase innovations driving further growth in the burgeoning tourism market.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said: “We plan to shine a spotlight on this exciting market at ATM 2024 with a dedicated Saudi Village, which will be highlighted on the exhibition floor and will consist of a full showcase of Saudi products. With significant interest in this market, there will be a range of panel discussions that will enable attendees to identify and capitalise on new opportunities in the Kingdom.”

Data from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism reveals a significant surge in inbound visitors during the first half of 2023, with a 142% year-on-year increase, reaching 14.6 million tourists. The domestic tourism segment also experienced growth, with a 16% rise in spending and an average stay length of 6.3 nights.

With the Kingdom’s economy expected to grow by 4.1% in 2024, the World Bank predicts a 3.6% rise in the combined GDP of GCC countries during the same period. Curtis highlighted the role of tourism, aviation, and hospitality in diversifying the Saudi economy, preparing for the post-oil era.

ATM 2024, themed ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,’ will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and travel professionals to foster relationships, exchange knowledge, and identify innovations shaping the future of global travel and tourism. The show will also focus on environmentally responsible travel, aligning with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai in the previous year.

The 31st edition of ATM aims to attract a diverse range of exhibitors and delegates from Saudi Arabia, offering insights into this thriving market. The show will explore how innovation, from startups to established brands, can enhance customer experiences, drive efficiencies, and contribute to a net-zero future for the industry.

ATM 2024, held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, has strategic partners including Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

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