Tag Archives: 2024

In 2024, Malaysia aims to welcome 27.3 million international tourist arrivals and generate RM102.7 billion in tourism receipts. The remarkable rise in visitors from the Gulf region in recent years fuels Tourism Malaysia’s enthusiasm to further cultivate this market. Tourism Malaysia participates in the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, showcasing the country’s latest attractions and destinations to attract more tourists from West Asia. The four-day prestigious event held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 6 to 9 May 2024 marks Malaysia’s 31st year of participation, demonstrating its enduring commitment to this burgeoning market. Led by the Honourable Chairman of Tourism Malaysia Datuk (Dr.) Yasmin Mahmood, and accompanied by Dato’ Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Deputy Secretary General (Management), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Malaysian delegation comprises a good mix of 75 organisations, including hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism product owners, and representatives from state tourism boards. The Malaysia Pavilion will engage with Middle Eastern buyers, generating interest while highlighting tourism products and services tailored to their specific needs and preferences, thus underscoring the importance placed on West Asia as a key source of tourists, especially during its summer vacation. “With the upcoming launch and celebration of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we strive to attract more West Asia tourists. We recognise the immense potential of this market, not only in terms of outbound tourism but also trade and investment. “We are confident that Malaysia’s position as a top destination for Muslim travellers, coupled with our intensified promotional efforts, will enable us to achieve our target,” stated Datuk (Dr.) Yasmin Mahmood during the launch of the Malaysia Pavilion today.  

Tourism projected to account for 12% of UAE GDP this year, as GCC policymakers gather to discuss future of regional travel at ATM 2024. H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, noted the tourism sector’s growing contribution to the Emirates’ economy in his opening comments on ATM 2024’s Global Stage. “According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), our tourism sector has been a dynamic force within our economy, contributing an impressive 11.7% to GDP [in 2023], amounting to AED 220 billion,” H.E. Al Marri told attendees. “For 2024, the forecast is set even higher, with an anticipated contribution of 12% to the [UAE’s] GDP, equating to AED 236 billion.” H.E. Al Marri’s speech was followed by a panel discussion between H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; H.E. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; and H.E. Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. The session was moderated by Dubai Eye presenter, Richard Dean. Gulf-wide collaboration, ease of inter-regional travel and infrastructure development were placed under the microscope at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which saw a selection of policymakers discuss the streamlining of the GCC’s thriving tourism industry. The 31st edition of ATM is being hosted at Dubai World Travel Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 9 May. During the in-depth discussion, the ministerial panellists explored the importance of inter-regional initiatives in elevating the GCC tourism industry to the next level, while striking the right balance between collaboration and competition between destinations and nations. The planned GCC Unified Tourist …

The annual Discover Europe Travel Summit returns to Dubai, offering an immersive experience into the enchanting landscapes and diverse cultures of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. More than 100 partners from the three countries – representing states, cities, hotels, and tourist attractions – will be present, fostering connections and collaboration on 4th and 5th May in Dubai. This two-day event represents a pivotal opportunity for the European nations to showcase their unique attractions, forge strategic partnerships, and strengthen ties with GCC travel professionals. The Discover Europe Travel Summit serves as a vital prelude to Arabian Travel Market, the region’s largest travel exhibition, offering a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on key industry trends and emerging technologies. With an impressive agenda comprising more than 4,000 curated meetings and an attendance of at least 120 buyers in the culture and luxury travel sectors of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the summit is poised to facilitate fruitful discussions and unveil exciting opportunities for growth and collaboration within the tourism sector. Reflecting on the significance of the event, Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) GCC, commented, “We’re excited to showcase the innovative experiences Germany offers travellers from the GCC. From breathtaking mountain adventures to cutting-edge wellness retreats, Germany caters to the most discerning traveller.” “Germany is committed to sustainable travel practices, offering travellers from the GCC eco-friendly experiences while minimizing environmental impact. The Discover Europe Travel Summit allows us to showcase these initiatives and collaborate with partners to create extended itineraries that encourage travellers to stay longer and explore the rich diversity of our regions,” she added. Michael …

Future Hospitality Summit kicks off today in Riyadh with TravTalk Middle East as media partner. The three day event from today until 1st May 2024 will witness a great line up of speakers who will share their key facts on tourism, development and infrastructure for tourism, how the sector can overcome potential challenges to ensure that the targets are met and some key trends in the region. Saudi Arabia has recently revised its annual tourism target to 150 million visitors a year by 2030, after achieving the original goal of 100 million seven years ahead of schedule, thanks to the country’s continued – and unprecedented – investment in infrastructure, tourism transformation, hospitality and real estate as part of Vision 2030. With a seemingly endless array of new hotels, resorts and tourist attractions being announced, breaking ground and opening for businesses in KSA, Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia will hone in on the future of successful hotel and destination development in the Kingdom as part of its three day, action packed agenda.  

ATM 2024 will host over 200 speakers across more than 50 sessions, covering the full spectrum of industry from tourism and hospitality to aviation and MICE.  International policymakers and industry leaders are preparing to gather in the UAE for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, where they will examine how entrepreneurship and innovation are reshaping the global tourism industry. The 31st edition of the exhibition will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May. Over 200 speakers will participate in more than 50 sessions during the course of the four-day event. Experts from around the world will take to ATM’s Global Stage and Future Stage (formerly the Travel Tech Stage) to address some of the sector’s most pressing issues, including the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI), the future of aviation, how to stand out in the luxury segment, retail tourism, and sustainable travel. As the Middle East’s leading exhibition for inbound and outbound travel and tourism professionals, ATM 2024 will build on last year’s record-breaking 30th edition with its theme: ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’. Exhibitors and attendees will have the chance to explore new market opportunities, the benefits of collaboration and connectivity, how to attract investment and more. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The future of the global travel industry will be shaped by innovators and entrepreneurs, which is why we are so excited to shine a spotlight on the latest insights and technologies at ATM 2024. From startups to established brands, this year’s exhibition will showcase fresh thinking on how the sector can enhance customer experiences, drive efficiency and deliver positive economic impacts across the Middle …

dnata has partnered with Mauritius Tourism as it aims to attract more travellers from the UAE in 2024. Mauritius Tourism has appointed dnata Representation Services as its sales, marketing, and PR representative in the UAE, to provide localised booking support and share top rates, latest news, itineraries and more from the destination with travellers across the country. The collaboration will focus on showcasing trending experiences for 2024, including the island’s diverse proposition beyond its famous shorelines. In recent years, Mauritius has become an increasingly popular destination among UAE-based travellers. With an impressive 62% increase in travellers from the UAE to the country recorded by Mauritius Tourism between 2015 and 2023, passenger arrivals continue to show steady growth in 2024. Rakhi Purohit, Head of Representation Services at dnata, commented: “Mauritius is a location known for its world-class beaches, but it offers much more for travellers seeking extraordinary adventures. From hiking in National Parks to enjoying diverse culinary experiences, some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and picture-perfect golf courses – there’s something for everyone. We look forward to bringing the island’s host of authentic and meaningful experiences closer to the UAE’s avid traveller base in 2024.” Popular locations across the island for UAE travellers include the beaches of Flic en Flac, Tamarin and Le Morne on its West and South West Coast, where the country witnesses its most sunshine, and offers some of its most impressive natural landscapes, luxury resorts, dining and entertainment options. Donald Payen, Chairman of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, added: “Mauritius may be best known for its stunning, tropical landscapes including its exceptional beaches and azure waters, but a key element we want to showcase to …

ATM 2024’s sold-out Travel Tech space will be 56% bigger than last year with 33% more exhibitors participating this year, thanks to unprecedented demand from companies looking to showcase their innovations in front of a global audience. More than 100 of the world’s leading travel technology companies will be exhibiting at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in the UAE from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May. Sponsored by Sabre, the ATM Future Stage – formerly known as the Travel Tech Stage – will host over a hundred expert speakers from across the global travel and tourism industry, plus a diverse selection of cutting-edge innovations designed to improve efficiency and profitability within the sector. Delegates will explore how advanced tech can be leveraged to drive improvements across a range of segments, including payment, professional development, accessibility, sustainability and more. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted to introduce the ATM Future Stage, which will harness the ever-increasing levels of innovation our industry is witnessing while building on the long-standing success of our Travel Tech offering.” The global travel technology market was valued at $9.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $21 billion by 2032, according to Allied Market Research. The ATM Future Stage will host a selection of presentations and sessions designed to highlight opportunities within this space. These include; Navigating the Future: A Futurist’s Prediction, Strategic Capabilities and Implications of AI within Business, Putting the Traveller First with AI and Unlocking the Value of Travel: Harnessing Technology for Enhanced Traveler Journeys, which will be held in association with Amadeus. This …

Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) will be held at the iconic Dubai Harbour district from 28 February – 3 March 2024. Celebrating its landmark 30th edition, expects over 30,000 visitors. The UAE’s most extravagant international boat show will feature more than 1,000 brands and 200+ boats from globally renowned shipyards including Azimut, Sunseeker Gulf, Gulf Craft, Finnmaster, HP Watermakers, Oceano and Althaus Yachts. With 46 boat launches planned for this year’s event, Dubai International Boat Show, organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), continues to build on a three-decade legacy of hosting the world’s largest marine brands in Dubai and providing a sales and networking platform of paramount importance for the largest homegrown manufacturers and global distributors. IMG Boats is set to make three global launches at the show, while Riviera Boats and Al Fajer are preparing to launch two new boats each. Regional launches are expected from SF Yachts, Williams Tender, Ferretti and many more. At the event’s press conference, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council and Senior Advisor to the Dubai International Boat Show, said: “As the Dubai International Boat Show embarks on a new chapter in its illustrious history for its 30th edition this year, the event continues to be a comprehensive platform for premiering innovations and welcoming new maritime companies and brands into the local industry.” “Having been part of the show since its inception, it has been incredible to witness the show’s growth and enduring power to unite the global maritime industry in Dubai, which is now a magnet for global yachting tourism.” International superyacht builders anchor in Dubai amid swelling luxury boat market Amplifying its global attraction and reach, …

The Department of Tourism Development in Ajman (DTC) is organising a series of projects, initiatives and workshops throughout the month of February as part of UAE Innovates 2024, the world’s largest national event that celebrates innovation and innovators. H.E. Mahmoud Khalil Al Hashemi, Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department, commented: The UAE Innovation Month is a prominent platform to support the UAE’s efforts to enhance the innovation environment and motivate DLD’s employees, strategic partners and the local community to achieve more.” He added: “Ajman Tourism is keen to launch many initiatives and events aimed at creating new innovative practices that contribute to promoting a culture of innovation and developing entrepreneurial thought, thus contributing to consolidating the UAE’s position as a regional and global center for knowledge-based development and innovation, attracting more talents and building human resources.” The list of projects, workshops and initiatives organized by the Department of Tourism Development in Ajman this year includes the Innovation Platform in Ajman Marina, where a pioneering electronic system for internal and external auditing and monitoring of institutional performance will be presented, in addition to a tourism digital data map to display hotel and tourism establishments with the aim of improving the quality of life of customers and enhancing the level of services for visitors. The emirate’s tourism promotional stories will also be presented in a creative way using modern technology and artificial intelligence to be in line with tourist preferences. The Department will also present the innovative sustainability workshop for people of determination “Let’s Transform It”, which highlights an innovative way to convert used papers into accessories presented by a group of students of determination in cooperation with the Ministry of …

The 44th edition of the International Tourism Fair concludes its three days exclusively dedicated to professionals, surpassing its forecast of 150,000 attendees with a total of 153,000 visitors. This is reflected in the initial attendance data at the IFEMA MADRID Exhibition Center, indicating the complete recovery of the tourism sector. These figures represent a 12% increase compared to 2022. It is estimated that this influx of visitors to FITUR will generate approximately 430 million euros in revenue for the Madrid economy. FITUR receives institutional support with official visits from all five continents. As in every edition, in addition to the support of the tourism sector, FITUR has received strong institutional backing. After the official inauguration presided over by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain on the first day, the Fair has had significant presences such as Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador, which is this year’s Partner Country of the International Tourism Fair. Additionally, it has received the official visit of the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, representatives from the World Tourism Organization, the Ibero-American General Secretary, and more than ten regional presidents of Spain. In total, the 44th edition of FITUR has recorded the attendance of nearly 400 authorities, including State Secretaries, Tourism Ministers, ambassadors, business envoys, mayors from different regions, and other political and institutional representatives. Media coverage and social media impact of FITUR 2024 The fair’s growth and impact have been reflected in the extensive media coverage, with nearly 23,000 articles published in national and international media. In total, FITUR has accredited about 6,800 journalists (10% international from 53 countries). Moreover, in the social media sphere, during the first two …