The DWTC event calendar also supported over 48,000 jobs, generating AED2.4bn in disposable household income for city residents.

One more popular area was the South African stand, well marked and decorated to show the wildlife and sights in well-photographed imagery and well as a small café stand, serving cups of rooibos tea.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities are attracting the highest levels of investment in travel technology at present, according to innovation specialist, Plug and Play. Experts from the Silicon Valley-headquartered firm shared a range of insights into the latest investment trends on the Travel Tech Stage at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will conclude today at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

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 UAE’S tourism sector has made a strong comeback, with tourist spending in 2022 increasing by 70% to reach AED121bn, leading the region.

This year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), held at Dubai’s World Trade Centre, has seen a 27% YOY rise from 2022 in exhibitor participation making it the largest professional tourism event in the region. 

The 30th edition of the show will host over 2,000 exhibitors, representatives from more than 150 countries and an anticipated 34,000 attendees.

The leading B2B travel exhibition in the Middle East, ATM 2023 will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 1 to 4.

By 2028, the value of the UAE’s outbound sector is set to reach $30.5 billion, Saudi Arabia is on course to hit $27 billion, Kuwait is expected to grow to $17 billion, and Qatar is likely to exceed $13 billion.

The four-day event will feature over 150 speakers across 63 sessions, as policymakers and industry figures from around the world outline how they are working to drive decarbonisation within the sector.