Experience Hub is drawing on this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to highlight the destination’s readiness as it looks forward to welcoming back regional and international travellers to the award-winning island. With excellent safety measures, new attractions, and enhanced summer packages, Yas Island Abu Dhabi is guaranteed to be the preferred destination for global visitors of all ages. Liam Findley, General Manager, Experience Hub said, “Arabian Travel Market is the perfect opportunity for us to reconnect with the travel trade in a long-awaited physical setting and highlight the extensive work we have done behind the scenes to prepare for the opening of international markets. “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, our teams across the island have responded vigilantly to ensure the wellbeing of our guests and staff, and we are proud to say that we are one of the safest destinations in the world for travel. Building on this foundation, we have pushed ahead with our new developments and demonstrated a world-leading framework for the staging of major sports and entertainment events. The only way is up for Yas Island as the world makes headway in global inoculation and we strive to rebuild the travel and tourism sector. We are delighted to be able to support the trade with an enhanced product offering that will undoubtedly be a huge draw for global customers”.

Etihad Airways will give away 10,000 prizes this week during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place live in the UAE. The prizes form part of the airline’s commitment to giving away 50,000 prizes throughout the year in celebration of the UAE’s 50th Anniversary. Everyone signed up to the airline’s UAE 50 campaign will automatically be entered into the draw. Registering is simple and can be done at etihad.com/UAE50 or on the Etihad stand at ATM. Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo, Etihad Airways, said, “Etihad is excited to be participating in ATM live this year, which is an important indicator of the UAE’s ability to host events safely. To mark the occasion, and in celebration of the UAE’s golden anniversary, the airline is giving away a phenomenal number of prizes this week and Etihad encourages everyone to take part in Etihad’s UAE50 campaign.” The prizes include free Business class flights, up to 50,000 bonus Etihad Guest Miles per winner, and travel vouchers. The winners will be announced on etihad.com and on the large screens at the Etihad stand at ATM. Winners will be notified by email in the coming weeks. Visitors who play the ‘Guess and Win’ game by Etihad Holidays at ATM will be in to win a one-night stay at a 5-star hotel in Abu Dhabi. Participating hotels include Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort and more. Signing up to Etihad’s UAE50 can be done with just a name and email address and is free to join. Throughout the golden jubilee year, Etihad will launch a number of activities and collaborations, from spotlighting …

Turespaña has launched a new tool within its Travel Safe microsite, available on the official tourism portal (www.spain.info), for international tourists wishing to travel to Spain. The new tool allows holidaymakers to consult COVID-19 travel restrictions to Spain as well as entry and exit requirements from their respective countries. Travel Safe features a continually updated information system on COVID-19 travel restrictions, meaning all the necessary information for planning a trip from 50 countries is readily available. The objective of this initiative is to help travellers organise their trip to Spain in a safe manner with all the information available in relation to COVID-19 restrictions, such as PCR tests and quarantines, as well as other preventive measures and regulations before, during and after the trip. The system is available in Spanish, English, French and German. Tourists planning a trip to Spain will be able to find out the exit requirements from their country of origin, the entry requirements to Spain, the general measures that exist in Spain, and the requirements to return to their country of origin. Detailed information on the specific measures in force in each region is also available. The information is available to travellers from fifty countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Travel Safe microsite is the cornerstone of Turespaña’s ‘Travel Safe. Travel Again.’ communication strategy. The strategy has been designed to reinforce the perception of Spain as a safe destination, highlighting Turespaña as a leader in safe travel and restoring confidence in travelling to Spain. This strategy began in December 2020 and will remain in place until the international travel situation returns to normality.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group and chairman of Dubai World, officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2021 today, marking the start of the 28th edition of the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition. HH Sheikh Ahmed was accompanied by HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Claude Blanc, WTM & IBTM Portfolio Director; Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director Middle East, ATM and other VIPs who embarked on a tour of the show floor as the four-day event got underway at DWTC. Taking place from 16 to 19 May, this year’s event has 1,300 exhibitors from 62 countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Italy, Germany, Cyprus, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, the Maldives, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico and the US, underscoring the strength of our reach. ATM 2021’s show theme is appropriately ‘A New Dawn for Travel & Tourism’ and spread across nine halls. Consistent with the existing density restrictions and social distancing guidelines and regulations, there will be 11,000 people in the halls at any given time. The event will once again play an integral role in Arabian Travel Week, a 10-day long festival of travel and tourism events taking place in Dubai and online. In addition to the in-person Arabian Travel Market event, the travel events that are part of Arabian Travel Week are: travel technology exhibition Travel Forward, ARIVAL Dubai for the tours and attractions sector, GBTA’s half day virtual business travel conference, ITIC’s Middle East Tourism Investment Summit and regionally focused buyer groups including …

Travellers flying from Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, will be able to validate their Covid-19 travel documents before arriving at the airport. Guests can arrive at the airport with confidence and with peace of mind, knowing they have met all essential requirements before their flight. With the formalities out of the way, verified travellers can enjoy fast track check-in at the airport by going to the dedicated Verified to Fly desk for a quicker and smoother experience. Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group said: “As Etihad continuously looks for innovative solutions to simplify the travel experience, Verified to Fly removes any guess work from the equation and makes check-in faster. Guests have total peace of mind knowing that when they arrive at the airport, they have already met all Covid travel requirements”.

Emirates will be showcasing its Premium Economy seats for the first time at Arabian Travel Market 2021 (ATM 2021). The region’s leading travel and tourism exhibition will run from 16-19 May, and will be the first in-person travel industry event to take place since the onset of the pandemic. The Emirates stand will offer travel industry visitors from over 60 countries a chance to experience the airline’s signature product and recently introduced service enhancements across every cabin class onboard its iconic A380 aircraft, and is a reminder of the elevated onboard experiences in store for travellers once they get back to the skies. The highly-anticipated Emirates premium economy seat will be on display for visitors to experience. The seat boasts an abundant pitch of up to 40-inches, and visitors trying out Emirates’ premium economy seat will also notice its generous width of 19.5 inches and ability to recline into a comfortable cradle position with ample room to stretch out. The seats are covered in cream-coloured anti-stain leather with automobile inspired stitching details and a wood panel finishing similar to Business Class, all designed to provide optimal comfort and support with 6-way adjustable headrests, calf rests and footrests. Customers will also find other meticulous details including easily accessible in-seat charging points, a wide dining table and side cocktail table, as well as a storage area. Emirates will also showcase its Boeing 777-300ER game-changer First Class fully enclosed private suites exhibit, Boeing 777 Business Class seat, the newly refreshed A380 OnBoard lounge, along with other iconic products such the First Class Shower Spa and the latest version of the game-changer Economy Class seats. Across both the Emirates A380 and 777 Gamechanger products, …

As part of its goal to attract investments to the emirate of Ajman, Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) has announced that it will join the 2021 edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 16 to 19. AFZ will join the Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) pavilion as part of their strategic partnership and showcase its attractive features as a business and tourism destination in the emirate, featuring key developments such as Al Zorah and China Mall. AFZ will also highlight the pivotal role of the tourism industry in boosting various economic sectors, as part of Ajman’s and UAE’s visions and discuss several initiatives in line with its 2021-2025 strategy. In addition, AFZ will offer special packages to companies who decide to operate within the free zone during the ATM. Various companies operating within AFZ are directly engaged in the tourism industry, while many more are indirectly contributing to the sector, such as those belonging to the art and culture scene. Aside from these, AFZ also has a diverse portfolio of several business infrastructure for tourism support companies that include commercial offices, industrial warehouses, lands, a retail mall, and onsite accommodations. H.E. Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi, Director General of Ajman Free Zone, said, “We have joined hands with Ajman Tourism to support their goal of increasing tourism activities in the emirate, both for business and leisure. Through our capabilities, tools and resources, we are keen to provide the best options for companies to operate in the emirate.” AlSuwaidi also said that AFZ is proud to showcase its business partners at the pavilion such as Wyndham Garden, Ajman Saray, Fairmont Ajman, Bahi …

Local, regional and international travel and tourism professionals will converge on the Dubai World Trade Centre for the opening of the Arabian Travel Market 2021 (ATM) the first major in-person international travel event since the outbreak of the pandemic. One of the highlights of the first day will be the Tourism for a Brighter Future opening session taking place at 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm GST. Moderated by Becky Anderson, Managing Editor, CNN Abu Dhabi & Anchor, speakers include HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM); Dr Taleb Rifai, Chairman ITIC & Former Secretary General United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics Middle East, Dubai and Mr. Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director, Maldives Tourism Board. Later in the afternoon, the Tourism Beyond COVID Recovery session will take place, at 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm GST, and will include key speakers such as Dr. Ahmad bin Abdullah Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises for the UAE; H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels and Resorts. Another key event taking place on the first day is the China Tourism Forum to be held from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm GST and will highlight the latest trends of outbound travel from China as well as the best way of meeting such demand. It will feature respected panelists representing both DMOs and Chinese outbound travel trade including H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of …

Diversifying its market offering, Swiss-Belhotel International will launch two compelling new brands worldwide and two stunning new hotels in the Middle East during the Arabian Travel Market 2021. The new brands, with an innovative approach to hospitality, will join the groups existing suite of 14 distinctive brands providing greater choice to owners and customers. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman, and President of Swiss-Belhotel International said, “Although the crisis is far from over, ATM Dubai is a great way to prepare for the recovery of the hospitality sector. At Swiss-Belhotel International, our business strategy is focused on responsible recovery while delivering value. We are thrilled to unveil our latest upscale lifestyle brands Maua and Bohemia Collection designed to offer inspiring and unique experiences to our guests. These fit perfectly into our extensive portfolio of brands and will give us a tremendous opportunity to leverage our 5-star luxury offering across a wider spectrum of segments and markets for future growth.” As part of Swiss-Belhotel International’s commitment to people’s well-being and the environment, Maua focuses on wellness, peace, and health in exclusive, isolated, and eco-friendly settings; while the Bohemia Collection puts forth a bold statement of being the luxury brand created to cater to an ego that is hungry for a lively, chic and a special experience. Gavin stressed, “Maua’s brand story is built around togetherness, strength of people and nature. The brand name is created from the Maori Culture of New Zealand. Dating back to the 13th century A.D. and taken from Te Reo Maori – the indigenous language of the Maori people, Maua will add a new dimension to the branding of Swiss-Belhotel International. Maua also reflects the heritage of Swiss-Belhotel International …

Travel Forward has revealed an impressive line-up of big name brands to present live on stage as a part of sister event Arabian Travel Market (ATM). This year’s ATM is a hybrid event. Travel Forward is part of the in-person event taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 16-19 May 2021, co-located with ATM Dubai. ATM Virtual will take place from 24-26 May and all sessions from the in-person event will be available to view during the virtual event. In collaboration with the travel tech powerhouse Amadeus, Travel Forward Theatre will welcome Amadeus’s senior vice president of retail for Middle East and Africa, Jamel Chandoul, who will discuss how collaboration can help to rebuild the travel industry using technology to offer travelers a smoother and safer travel experience. The session looks at travellers’ top concerns including health apps. It takes place on Monday 17 May from 13:30 – 14:30. The four-day event kicks-off on Sunday 16 May with a two-part session featuring Gavin Harris from travel marketplace Skyscanner and Kathryn Wallington from next-generation global distribution platform Travelport.