The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, scheduled to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 6 to May 9, is poised to be a pivotal event for the global travel and tourism industry, particularly in the realm of travel technology.
This year’s ATM will see an unprecedented 56% growth in its Travel Tech area, accommodating over 100 exhibitors due to overwhelming demand from companies eager to display their innovations to a global audience. This significant expansion reflects a burgeoning interest in travel technology solutions and the vital role they play in shaping the future of travel.
Sponsored by Sabre, the ATM Future Stage, formerly known as the Travel Tech Stage, is set to host over a hundred expert speakers. These speakers, hailing from various sectors within the global travel and tourism industry, will explore a broad spectrum of cutting-edge innovations aimed at enhancing sector efficiency and profitability. Key themes for discussion include leveraging advanced technology to drive improvements in payment processes, professional development, accessibility, sustainability, and more, underscoring the diverse applications of technology in enhancing travel experiences.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for Arabian Travel Market, expressed enthusiasm for the ATM Future Stage’s debut, emphasizing its focus on capturing the increasing innovation within the industry while building upon the success of previous Travel Tech offerings. The initiative aligns with the growing market valuation, which, as reported by Allied Market Research, stood at $9.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $21 billion by 2032. The ATM Future Stage aims to spotlight the burgeoning opportunities in this sector through presentations and sessions like “Navigating the Future: A Futurist’s Prediction,” “Strategic Capabilities and Implications of AI within Business,” and several others in collaboration with industry leaders such as Amadeus.
The ATM Start-up Pitch Battle, returning for its third edition, will be another highlight, offering a platform for the region’s most innovative startups to present potentially industry-altering solutions before a panel of expert judges. This competition exemplifies ATM 2024’s theme, “Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,” showcasing the critical role of startups in driving technological advancement and entrepreneurship within the travel sector.
An array of first-time and returning exhibitors, including tech giants and ambitious startups, will populate the Travel Tech space. These participants represent a cross-section of the industry’s innovative capacity, ranging from booking platforms and travel management solutions to emerging technologies poised to redefine the travel experience. Confirmed exhibitors span a wide spectrum, from Hotelbeds, TBO.com, and Trip.com to first-time participants such as ExploreTECH and SophiOutsourcing, illustrating the diversity and vibrancy of the travel technology ecosystem.
The introduction of a ‘Best Use of Technology’ award at the annual exhibitor awards underscores the importance of technological innovation at ATM 2024. This award will recognize exhibitors who have demonstrated exceptional integration and application of technology, further emphasizing ATM’s commitment to fostering innovation within the travel and tourism industry.
ATM 2024 is more than an exhibition; it’s a forum for policymakers, industry leaders, and professionals from around the globe to forge new relationships, share knowledge, and discover innovations that can reshape the future of travel. It offers a unique opportunity for stakeholders across the spectrum—from startups to established brands—to showcase how technological advancements can enhance customer experiences, improve operational efficiencies, and contribute to the industry’s progress toward a net-zero future.
Last year’s edition of ATM set a new record, attracting over 40,000 travel trade professionals, including 30,000 visitors, and more than 2,100 exhibitors from over 155 countries. These figures not only reflect ATM’s growing influence but also its role as a global platform for discussing and committing to sustainable practices, as evidenced by the unveiling of the ATM net-zero pledge.
Strategic partnerships with key industry players, including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Al Rais Travel, further enhance ATM 2024’s position as a leading event in the travel and tourism calendar. As it prepares to host its 31st edition, ATM continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in the global travel industry, solidifying its status as a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies transforming travel and tourism.
