GCC travellers are looking to make up for lost time when it comes to travel, with the anticipation of new experiences dominating conversations, according to research revealed yesterday at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022 by leading consumer intelligence company D/A. The research is based on the analysis of over four million social media posts and comments from more than two million Arabic-speaking unique users in the GCC. The number of travel conversations and posts about travel increased by 110% and 151%, respectively, between 2019 and 2021. Speaking on the ATM Global Stage on Tuesday, 10 May, Paul Kelly, Managing Partner, D/A, said: “Travel conversations increased to over 1.3 million in 2021, underscoring the willingness by Arabic speakers in the GCC to travel, regardless of age or nationality. We are ultimately witnessing the pent-up demand from the last two years coming to the fore as borders reopen, flights are back on track and restrictions are lifted.” GCC travellers have a vital role in tourism recovery, a direct result of their spending power. According to the UNWTO, GCC travellers spend 6.5 times more than the global average, with 40% of GCC travellers spending more than AED36,700 on their last trip to Europe. Travellers from Saudi Arabia are reportedly the highest travel spenders globally. “Overall, when it comes to the GCC traveller, the conversations indicate that something new is the order of the moment. Even in the familiar, a new experience is at the top of the wish list for those intent on travelling soon – a huge change from what we have seen in the past year or two,” Kelly added. In terms of holiday preference, the consensus is on escaping …

29th edition of the Arabian Travel Market concluded day two with great success. According to some of the exhibitors this year’s ATM is one of the best in terms of business meetings. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of Dubai World shared that Dubai continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of global travel and tourism recovery by hosting global events that bring together decision-makers in the sector from across the region and the globe, contributing to worldwide efforts to open new growth horizons for the industry. Dubai’s ability to provide a safe environment for both tourism and prominent global events over the past two years and its success in overcoming the repercussions of the recent worldwide health crisis have enabled it to welcome large numbers of visitors from all over the world. “Dubai provides a unique model for sustainable development that not only promotes economic progress within the nation but also stimulates growth in the region and broader global markets. The Arabian Travel Market provides a vital platform for tourism and travel industry leaders in the Middle East and across the world to connect and network with each other and discover new opportunities for growth, collaboration and success,” he said. Taking place from Monday 9 to Thursday 12 May, this year’s event is more than 85% larger than ATM 2021 in terms of floorspace, with growth in every single region. ATM 2022 features 1,500 exhibitors, representatives from 158 global destinations, and an anticipated 20,000 attendees. The live show will be followed by ATM Virtual, which will …

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals the Travel & Tourism sector in the Middle East is expected to create nearly 3.6 million new jobs over the next decade. The forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which shows an average of 360,000 new jobs every year, also reveals the sector will lead the region’s economic recovery, with its average annual growth set to outpace the overall economy for the next 10 years. According to the report, Travel & Tourism’s GDP is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 7.7% annually between 2022-2032, three times the 2.5% growth rate for region’s overall economy, to reach nearly US$ 540 billion (10.1% of the total economy). The sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to grow more than 36% to over US$ 256 billion by the end of 2022, amounting to 6.5% of the total economic GDP, while employment in the sector is set to grow by 8.7% this year to reach over six million jobs. The global tourism body’s annual report also shows further optimism for the region’s Travel & Tourism GDP, which could almost reach pre-pandemic levels by 2023 – just 2.5% below 2019 levels. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “After a very difficult couple of years, the future is looking brighter with Travel & Tourism expected to create 3.6 million new jobs across the Middle East over the next decade. “Looking to this year and the next, the outlook is more positive with both GDP and employment set to almost reach pre-pandemic levels. “The recovery of the sector in the Middle East last year was certainly slower than expected, due …

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of Dubai World, today officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022, marking the start of the 29th edition of the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said Dubai continues to strengthen its position at the forefront of global travel and tourism recovery by hosting global events that bring together decision-makers in the sector from across the region and the globe, contributing to worldwide efforts to open new growth horizons for the industry. Dubai’s ability to provide a safe environment for both tourism and prominent global events over the past two years and its success in overcoming the repercussions of the recent worldwide health crisis have enabled it to welcome large numbers of visitors from all over the world. “Dubai provides a unique model for sustainable development that not only promotes economic progress within the nation but also stimulates growth in the region and broader global markets. The Arabian Travel Market provides a vital platform for tourism and travel industry leaders in the Middle East and across the world to connect and network with each other and discover new opportunities for growth, collaboration and success,” he said. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed was accompanied at the inauguration by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); Vasyl Zhygalo, Portfolio Director, RX Global; Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director Middle East, ATM; and a host of other VIPs who embarked on a tour of the show floor as the four-day event …

Jumeirah Group has officially launched the Jumeirah Airport Lounge at Dubai International (DXB), located at the heart of Terminal 3 Arrivals. Designed to deliver the Group’s signature hospitality and encourage guests to relax and enjoy their first moments in the city, the Jumeirah Airport Lounge offers travellers a taste of the brand’s renowned hospitality and Dubai’s seven-star luxury. A unique addition to the brand’s list of innovative offerings, the announcement comes as the global travel and tourism industry prepares to gather at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022 in Dubai to discuss the future of travel and tourism. Welcoming those with reservations or those looking to book on arrival, the lounge invites guests to start their leisure or business experience from the moment they arrive in its impressive 250sqm salon. Modelled in the style of one of the brand’s luxurious presidential suites, it features an array of services and amenities specially curated to give visitors and guests an unforgettable experience. Exuding warm hospitality, the new airport lounge offers culinary creations inspired by its signature dining destinations as well as lavish surroundings combining contemporary furnishings with striking artworks from Emirati artist, Mattar bin Lahej – the artist behind the Museum of the Future calligraphy, and young up and coming Portuguese artist Ana d’Castro. José Silva, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: “We are immensely proud that, in partnership with Dubai Airports, we have created an exceptional arrival experience unlike any other, with the Jumeirah Airport Lounge. Beautifully designed in the style of a presidential suite, the lounge caters to indulgent comfort and functional needs of the modern-day traveller. It demonstrates the importance we place on the entire guest journey, ensuring …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is providing inspiration for GCC tourists to visit Germany this year, by relaunching their highly successful German.Local.Culture. campaign, as well as launching its ‘Embrace German Nature’ campaign in the GCC, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022. The campaigns form a compelling tourism proposition that appeal to GCC travellers, with harmony between generations, traditions and different cultural influences. It reflects authentic, local experiences in urban destinations while shining a light on rural areas and their sustainable tourism. “We want to inspire GCC travellers. Germany is a diverse destination and ideal for longer holidays for the culturally minded, for families and for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits and natural beauty,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales & Marketing for the GCC, at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB). Germany is once again becoming an extremely popular destination for GCC Nationals. Pent up demand from GCC Nationals, resulted in 518,516 overnight stays in Germany during 2021, an 82.3% increase over 2020. In December 2021 alone, despite the outbreak of the Omicron variant, Germany recorded over 54,493 overnight stays from GCC Nationals, an increase of 335%, compared with the same period in 2020, “These figures show that Germany is a preferred destination for GCC Nationals. Visitor numbers in 2021 rebounded significantly, which is even more impressive given COVID travel restrictions in Germany only eased end of June 2021. The GCC is now the highest inbound performing region within Asia, Australasia and South Africa,” added Sofo. This has clearly been supported by the way in which the GCC countries have responded to the pandemic, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, …

The opening session of the 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) started off their official sessions with a spotlight on the future of international travel and tourism within the region and beyond. As the post-pandemic recovery of the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector continues apace, industry leaders took to the ATM Global Stage to explore the latest trends and global movements that are steering the sector forward. Flexibility, responsiveness, sustainability and innovation were all highlighted as catalysts for long-term success. Moderated by Eleni Giokos, Anchor and Correspondent at CNN, the opening session’s panellists included Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing; Scott Livermore, Chief Economist at Oxford Economics; Jochem-Jam Sleiffer, President – Middle East, Africa and Turkey at Hilton; Bilal Kabbani, Industry Head – Travel and Tourism at Google; and Andrew Brown, Regional Director – Europe, Middle East and Oceania at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Commenting on the ever-increasing importance of environmentally responsible travel and tourism, Issam Kazim said: “A few years ago, we launched special awards to recognise the efforts that hotels in Dubai are making in advancing sustainability within the emirate’s tourism industry. We have now broadened this with the continued support of our valued stakeholders and partners to ensure that everyone operating in the travel and tourism space is working with sustainability at top of mind. We are also highlighting its importance to residents and visitors, as evident in the launch of the Dubai Can sustainability initiative. “With the post-pandemic era set to create a highly competitive landscape, our successful tourism recovery strategy is still evolving in keeping to the disruption taking place across global tourism. As …

Tourism 365 announced its participation in this year’s Arabian Travel Market with the aim of showcasing Abu Dhabi’s leisure tourism sector. The tourism development company’s attendance at the travel trade event will showcase its strategic partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Holidays and also marks close to a year in operations following its launch in late June 2021. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.: “Our strategic partnership with (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Etihad Holidays looks to enhance Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector throughout the summer and in the coming year. Tourism 365 launched at the start of the second half of 2021 as part of ADNEC’s strategy to develop Abu Dhabi’s leisure tourism sector.  We look forward to placing Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, with advanced travel technology, greater connectivity and standalone packages for the global traveller. We are proud to be a leading group that contributes to the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry. Our aim is to bring business and leisure travellers together to create a valuable social and economic impact on Abu Dhabi.” Commenting on the collaboration with Tourism 365, His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General of DCT Abu Dhabi said: “This is a positive step forward for the entire tourism industry in Abu Dhabi, putting the capital at the forefront of driving global tourism innovation.  It’s through such strategic partnerships and our diversity of experiences on offer, that enables us to inspire all travellers on their own journey of personal discovery to experience Abu Dhabi at their own pace. All …

Tomorrowland is set to open Terra Solis, a brand-new unique desert destination in Dubai. Nestled between the Arabian dunes and inspired by the most beautiful star constellations, Terra Solis will open in September in Dubailand, Al Yufra, welcoming people from around the globe to a magical oasis of relaxation in the Arabian desert. Guests will be encouraged to celebrate life by the pool during the day and stargaze into their dreams at night. Bookings are now open on terrasolisdubai.com. Featuring a collection of three stunning accommodation options, all named after stars, meteor showers and constellations, the stunning Polaris bell tents, the marvelous Perseid lodges, and the spectacular Orion pool lodges will provide a unique stay in the Arabian dunes. Guests will also have access to a picturesque swimming pool at the heart of the destination, some of the most iconic Tomorrowland elements, a restaurant, a bar and a shisha lounge. Nicolas Vandenabeele, Founder and CEO, Terra Solis: “Terra Solis is a one-of-a-kind desert destination away from all the noise. It is inspired by the magic of Tomorrowland and the most beautiful star constellations, where you can wake up from a night under the stars and live to the rhythm of the sun. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a memorable world of wonder with the finest music, a vibrant yet relaxing pool scene, incredible tastes and aromas and a unique glamping experience in the Arabian dunes while relaxing in style under the Dubai sun.” The oriental-chic desert oasis is spread over 371,000 square meters. Terra Solis will combine outstanding music and entertainment, a fun party atmosphere, and an exceptional food and beverage offering in one refreshing and …

Sultanate of Oman being a key participant at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) officially opened their stand spearheaded by His Excellency Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the Oman delegation included 14 companies, institutions, and establishments of the Omani tourism sector. The exhibition, which runs from May 9th to 12th witnessed the launch of Oman’s new pavilion, as well as Oman Tourism Forum 2022. The Forum will oversee participation of over 1,500 exhibitors representing 112 tourist destinations around the world, with over 20,000 visitors specialized in the tourism sector. In a statement commenting on the participation of the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said, “ATM is an important platform for the Ministry and the Omani tourism sector institutions to showcase its latest developments and projects, especially as we prepare to welcome the Khareef season soon.” His Excellency added, “The intensive business programs and official meetings serves as a catalyst for Ministry, and the Omani institutions and companies to learn, discover and grow from global markets. The Omani tourism sector institutions are keen to introduce and promote their products, offers and services at such specialized international exhibitions.” His Excellency, The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism also emphasized the launch of the Oman Tourism Forum 2022, set to begin on 10th May – Tuesday. He stressed the importance of such specialized global forums that attracts senior speakers, decision-makers, participants, investors and important stakeholders in the global tourism industry. The forum is organized in cooperation between the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism Oman and the Chinese Forum for International Investment, …