Category Archives: Exhibitions

Experience Abu Dhabi, Find Your Pace will feature at World Travel Market (WTM), welcoming visitors and bringing the destination to life alongside 36 stakeholders and partners, from 7–9 November. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will sign a number of strategic partnerships during WTM, and delegates will have the opportunity to maximise their business potential by meeting partnering hotels and attractions. Visitors can unwind and enjoy Abu Dhabi’s living culture, with a celebration of Emirati craftsmanship at the House of Artisans zone, including a perfumery experience that introduces visitors to the fragrances of the emirate. There is also traditional Arabic coffee in the Bait Al Gahwa zone and the Abu Dhabi Senses Journey at the stand’s Cultural zone. Abu Dhabi will enable WTM visitors to experience the top sites and attractions throughout Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Ain, Al Dhafra region and beyond. Attendees will experience how Abu Dhabi offers something for every visitor, available 365 days a year, at your own pace – with rich cultural history, natural beaches, unrivalled family fun and world-class sports offerings. Enriching destination experiences that excite, inspire and restore are showcased within an immersive stand experience that will host Q&As with global sports partners, including Manchester City and the UFC – with a special guest appearance from Batman, courtesy of Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. Also on display, Abu Dhabi Calendar has partnered with the world’s best artists, entertainers and sports franchises for a 2022/2023 winter season to remember. Events range from live concerts with international stars Sting and Andrea Bocelli, as well as urban music festival Wireless, making its Abu Dhabi debut in March 2023. Other exciting …

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading travel and tourism event for inbound and outbound tourism professionals throughout the Middle East, has announced that ‘Working Towards Net Zero’ will be its official theme for ATM 2023, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 1-4 May. RX (Reed Exhibitions), the organiser of ATM, will celebrate its 30th annual event by unveiling a dedicated sustainability pledge, not only to make the ATM 2023 event more sustainable but to announce 30 long-term goals as ATM works towards net zero in line with the RX Global pledge. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said: “If the UAE and the wider Middle East are to achieve their net zero ambitions, the travel and tourism industry will play a vital role, given its share of regional economic activity and of course its growth potential. With COP27 being held in Sharm El Sheikh this year and COP28 in Dubai in 2023, it is essential that hotels, airlines, leisure resorts and all associated companies start to put their sustainability strategies in place. While unveiling our strategic path to net zero, ATM 2023 will also provide an ideal platform for industry players to engage with sustainability experts and their peers to address the challenges of achieving net zero.” According to a World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report, travel and tourism account for between 8-11% of the world’s emissions. It also revealed that 42% of the travel and tourism businesses analysed currently have publicly announced climate targets, 61% of travellers say they want to travel more sustainably in the future and over 80% of travellers plan to prioritise sustainability in their travels in the coming year. …

The fifth edition of the Gulf Travel Show (GTS) 2022 with Tourism Malaysia as platinum partner and German National Tourists Office GCC as silver partner successfully concluded yesterday after two very productive days of networking with an overwhelming response spearheading the recovery of tourism in the region. The theme in focus was sustainability hence buyers from across the Middle East were able to connect with exhibitors and conduct over 2000 one-on-one meetings attended by travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies, international agencies and media. Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB, “It’s been a pleasure being back at this year’s Gulf Travel Show, and connecting with both our legacy partners, and brand new potential who we’re looking forward to fostering relationships with. As part of the show, we have been presenting information on our #FeelGood campaign, which focuses on sustainable tourism and highlights ways to explore Germany’s diverse culture, while reducing carbon footprint. We are also driving awareness of accessible tourism, through Tourism For All, which promotes the barrier-free options in Germany and offers a wide range of adventurous offerings for all. In addition, we’re hosting a webinar on #FeelGood in the GTA auditorium, which we’re excited for visitors to the show to come and witness. The GCC is one of our most important source markets, so it’s great to be hear and further develop our understanding of the market, as well as present what we have on offer.” VIP buyer Zayeem Mohtisham, General Manager, Tour Planner reiterated, “We had a great experience at the Gulf Travel Show 5.0. Not only were the …

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading travel and tourism event for inbound and outbound tourism professionals throughout the Middle East, has signed an agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts, to become its Official Hotel Partner for ATM 2023, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 1-4 May.  Leading international hospitality group IHG, will officially accommodate almost 200 leading international media and key industry buyers from the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Israel, Turkey, India, the GCC, US, Egypt and South Africa. The agreement will enable IHG to showcase their InterContinental branded properties in Dubai, as well as voco Hotels, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts and Hotel Indigo to top industry professionals representing luxury, leisure, MICE and business travel. In addition, IHG will also host the coveted Official ATM Party. The theme of next year’s ATM showcase is “Working Towards Net Zero” and RX (Reed Exhibitions) the organiser of ATM, will celebrate its 30th annual event by unveiling a dedicated sustainability pledge, not only to make the ATM 2023 event more sustainable, but to announce 30 long term goals, as ATM works towards Net Zero in line with the RX Global pledge. Commenting on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, IHG’s MD for IMEA said: “We are pleased to extend our long-term relationship with RX as their hotel partner for Arabian Travel Market 2023. We are especially keen on the show’s theme “Working towards Net Zero” as it is well aligned with IHG’s ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ – our ten-year responsible business agenda focused on our people, planet and communities. “The partnership presents a great opportunity for IHG to showcase the work that we are doing on a series of far-reaching …

Registration is now open for the foremost global event of the international travel industry – World Travel Market London – taking place at London’s ExCeL on 7-9 November 2022. This year’s show is back to its fully live, pre-pandemic format, with hundreds of destinations exhibiting and brands from across the globe showcasing their new products to buyers. Organisers are pulling out all the stops to make WTM London 2022 the most memorable so far, with a packed conference programme across four themed stages: the Future Stage, Sustainability Stage, Technology Stage and the Insights Stage.  Over 70 live sessions have already been confirmed, with more content being added every week. Visitors will hear from top motivational speakers, celebrities and industry leaders from a variety of sectors during a tailored programme to help inspire, educate and guide – bringing key insights and takeaways that are hard to find anywhere else. Once again, WTM London will serve as the meeting point for the prestigious WTM, UNWTO & WTTC Ministers Summit.  Responsible Tourism will also be on the agenda, while Travel Tech – the event for cutting-edge technology for travel and hospitality, will attract decision-makers from across the globe. Networking is back in full force and WTM London is offering plenty of opportunities for meetings, whether that’s specific buyer networking sessions, drinks parties or other opportunities where delegates can enhance their presence, make maximum connections and increase their business network. Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Market London, said: “Buyers are telling us how excited they are about walking through the doors of ExCeL once again, where they can discover what’s new in the world of travel and what’s in store for the …

The summer report reveals that the current enthusiasm to travel overseas is so strong that a rise in air fares has done relatively little to dampen demand. For example, the average fare from the US to Europe climbed by more than 35% between January and May with no noticeable slowing in booking rates. The report also reveals that Europe has seen the biggest tourism recovery, recording an improvement of 16 percentage points, and is now reporting the highest overall tourist arrival volumes. The European region also illustrates the widespread trend of beach destinations recovering more quickly than their urban counterparts. The continuing revival of leisure travel around the globe during the third quarter of this year (July, August and September) sets the stage for World Travel Market London – the foremost global event for the travel industry – taking place at ExCeL on 7-9 November 2022. A second, end-of-year Travel Outlook Report will be published during World Travel Market London, giving delegates the latest trends and detailed forecasts based on bookings from airlines and travel agencies. Africa and the Middle East are the regions on course to recover most strongly, with Q3 arrivals expected to reach 83% of 2019 levels. It is followed by the Americas, where summer arrivals are expected to reach 76%, Europe (71%) and Asia Pacific (35%). The impressive rebound of summer destinations such as Antalya (Turkey; +81%), Mykonos and Rhodes (both Greece; both +29%) is partly attributable to early reopening and the proactive communication of their countries.  Greece was among the first European nations to reopen to non-essential travel and has been clear and consistent in its messaging throughout the pandemic. It is interesting to note …

Canal Central Hotel Business Bay highlighted new partnerships with the region’s key hospitality and tourism key decision makers at the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market. The team closed successful deals and welcomed visitors, tour operators, and key stakeholders to the stand during the four-day travel fair. They also showcased the Group’s properties and shared insights about the latest travel trends, updates, and innovations to tap fresh markets. “We are looking forward to exploring business ventures with our existing and potential partners in the industry. In line with this year’s focus on the future of international travel and tourism, we have been seeking ways to adapt to the current demands of modern travelers. We have plotted our projects to elevate the experience of our guests by upgrading our facilities, both rooms, and dining outlets, as well as customize our stay and F&B offerings”, said Mr. Hussein Gamaleldin, Group Director of Sales and Marketing. Canal Central Hotel Business Bay is eyeing to attract more guests from top source markets, including the UK, Russia, Germany, France, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On its 29th edition, Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition, resumed its physical conference after running virtual and hybrid shows for the last two years that attracted 1500 exhibitors from 158 destinations worldwide with more than 23,000 attendees, an increase 85% from last year. The event focused on seeking out breakthroughs for the hospitality and tourism industry and investment and financial strategies. Canal Central Hotel Business Bay participated along with its sister properties, C Central Resort The Palm, Royal Central Hotel The Palm, and other brands under Canal Hotels & Resorts. Canal Central in Business …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced the launch of an enhanced Advantage Abu Dhabi Meetings & Incentives 2.0 programme at IMEX Frankfurt, the key industry-leading exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. The announcement made today unveiled the latest part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s strategy to further stimulate the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) sector in the emirate post-pandemic. With global destinations increasingly bidding and attracting corporate groups, the enhanced programme builds on the existing Advantage Abu Dhabi Meetings & Incentives programme, which was launched in 2019, to provide additional value-adds and benefits to meetings and incentives organisers looking to host events in the capital, in order to remain competitive as the MICE industry continues to reopen. The programme encourages organisers to ‘Get The Advantage’, leveraging the UAE capital’s reputation as delivering unrivalled hospitality in the world’s safest city, a place which offers extensive support alongside strategic initiatives, and a destination with a packed calendar of thrilling events. The revamped programme forms part of a wider, ongoing strategy to increase Abu Dhabi’s MICE market share and further establish the emirate as one of the world’s leading business events destinations. It follows the launch of several new initiatives, including a recent collaboration with Etihad Airways to offer benefits to corporate groups looking to hold business events in the capital, such as discounted air-tickets, group booking discounts, complimentary flights and special flight rates for inspection trips to Abu Dhabi. Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to launch our enhanced Advantage Abu Dhabi Meetings & Incentives programme which will enable us …

Ajman Free Zone signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Fairmont Hotel Ajman, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, Zoya Health & Wellbeing Resort Ajman, and Altayar Travel & Tourism during its participation in the 2022 edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Under the terms of the MoUs, AFZ’s business partners will have access to special rates when they avail themselves of the services of the four establishments. The partnerships are designed to achieve customer happiness, benefit its business community, and support the wellbeing of its business partners. The MoUs reflect AFZ’s commitment to its business partners to continuously expand the value-added services it offers to various industries, including tourism. They were signed in line with the free zone’s 2021-2025 strategy, which outlines initiatives designed to help boost the local sectors, including tourism, and the Ajman economy. H.E. Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi, Director General of AFZ, said: “At AFZ, we support various endeavors to accelerate the economic growth of Ajman and the UAE. Signing the four MoUs is a testament to our organization’s relentless efforts to ensure a business-friendly environment where our business partners can thrive. Our participation in the Arabian Travel Market enabled us to promote various business tourism and leisure activities in the emirate.” “Tourism and business are two industries that go together, and AFZ is proud to facilitate this step towards mutual growth and excellence. We are confident that our advanced infrastructure and value-added services will allow companies to enjoy smooth operations in the emirate. This further reaffirms our efforts to facilitate businesses that add to Ajman’s tourism industry and, by extension, the UAE’s economy,” AlSuwaidi added. AFZ took part in the ATM in cooperation with various government entities. …

Amadeus with its recent strategic tie-up with Microsoft will be looking at more flexibility and committing itself to adaptability in track with changing market dynamics. Ernesto Sanchez, Managing Director, Amadeus Gulf shares with TravTalk Middle East, their plans and focus for this year at the 29th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Renew Travel enables us to communicate to a coherent story that is adaptable to shifting market environment, and reflects the challenges that everyone who works in travel has experienced over the last few years. What is the focus of Amadeus this year? This year Amadeus’s focus is on Renew Travel following last year’s Rebuild Travel initiative.  Renew Travel is a platform that provides Amadeus with the flexibility to adapt to changing market dynamics. It enables us to communicate to a coherent story that is adaptable to shifting market environment, and reflects the challenges that everyone who works in travel has experienced over the last few years. As global travel returns in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, it is clear that uncertainty remains. However by focusing on ways to support the industry to become more resilient, agile, and traveller-centric, Amadeus is committed to driving the industry renewal. We collaborated with the key industry player Microsoft to enhance the traveler experience and help facilitate the travel in a new dimension through breakthrough technologies. Source:  https://amadeus.com/en/topic/safe-travel-ecosystem   Could you share about the technologies currently developed by Amadeus and Microsoft? Amadeus’ tie-up with Microsoft last year has unlocked a plethora of opportunities that translate into value for the travel industry. The partnership includes joint innovation and product development to envision, design, and deliver cutting-edge travel solutions. We call this new dimension …