Arabian Travel Market 2017

A picturesque landscape and chilled-out atmosphere make Fujairah a magnet for residents from the largest emirates seeking staycations, accounting for around one third of visitors, while its varied tourist offerings also bring in a healthy influx of international guests.

At the highly anticipated annual press conference Qatar Airways announced it will be the first airline in the Middle East to launch high-speed broadband on flights starting this summer, along with a brand new graphic user interface (GUI) for improved usability and a complimentary new entertainment application for early access to thousands of entertainment options. Combined with the regional reveal of its impressive and ground-breaking Qsuite, Qatar Airways undoubtedly stole the show on the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

After years of tough competition with Online Travel Agents (OTAs), traditional agencies are re-gaining popularity as travellers seek out bespoke service and specialist advice over discounted deals, delegates at the Arabian Travel Market 2017 Digital Transformation Summit have learned.

Significant contacts to further enhance the tourist flow from the United Arab Emirates, following the strategic opening of the market to be implemented by 2015, was held by Greece's Minister of Tourism Ms. Elena Kountoura in Dubai during the Arabian Travel Market International Tourism Fair where Greece and the GNTO participates with a stand. At the GNTO stand at the ATM exhibition, a special event was held to promote Greek tourism, with invited representatives of the tourist industry and the travel market of the UAE.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park has launched a new endurance challenge ride. An incredible feat of engineering, Turbo Track, which opened last month reaches speeds of 102 km/h and takes riders to what is now the highest point on Yas Islands, jutting through the red roof.

Dubai attracted 4,57 million travellers in the first quarter of 2017, reflecting more than double the growth achieved in the same period last year. The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) figures show an 11 percent increase in overnight visitation from January to March, with China, Russia and India emerging as key feeder markets.

Ajman Tourism Development Department has launched a promotional smartphone application in a bid to boost visitor numbers. The Visit Ajman application provides a gateaway to the emirate with a detailed guide to its hotels, culture, heritage and events. It also contains the latest tourism industry news.

Homegrown success story Rotana is poised for further expansion with 14 new hotels expected to open in 2017, including five properties in the UAE and four in Saudi Arabia. The developments will see more than 3,496 keys added to the group's existing inventory by the end of 2017, helping Rotana to grow its portfolio to 70 operating hotels with more than 17,932 keys accross its properties.

Turkey is the sixth most visited country in the world, beating the likes of UK, Thailand and Germany. At ATM, Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, revealed that the nation, which welcomed 39,5 million inbound travellers in 2015,now has its sights on a top three ranking.  

That was the first time for Italy's Emilia Romagna Tourist Board to participate in Middle East's largest travel exhibition, in order to attract visitors from the region, by conducting seminars and one-to-one meetings with leading travel professionals and companies with the aim of creating awareness and special Emilia Romagna travel packages that highlight the region's experimental offerings.

Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector is expected to contribute more than $81 billion to the country’s GDP by 2026, according to data from the World Travel and Tourism Council, as exhibitors prepare to showcase what the Kingdom has to offer at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which is being held in the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 23-27 2017.

The tourism industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain is growing rapidly and is expected to reach US$1 billion by 2020, according to figures released ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2017, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre April 24-27. Bahrain witnessed an 8.4% increase in inbound traffic in the third quarter of 2016 and a peak of 1.4 million arrivals during the month of August. With the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) spearheading a robust marketing campaign, the Kingdom expects to welcome 15.8 million annual visitors by 2018. This will represent an increase of 36.2% on current figures and will place the country’s tourism industry on track to reach its $1 billion 2020 target.

Qatar Tourism Authority to highlight its experiential offering at Arabian Travel Market – culture and heritage to drive visitor numbers towards 10 million target. Experiential travel, the main theme of this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), is driving tourism growth in Qatar, as the country works towards its 2030 ambitions to welcome 10 million visitors a year and generate US$17.8 billion in tourism receipts. According to research released ahead of ATM 2017, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre 24-27 April, Qatar will look to generate 5.2% of its GDP through tourism over the coming years, creating 98,000 jobs and managing an inventory of 63,000 hotel rooms.

From the 1980s into the future – Amadeus discussed the past, present and future of travel at Arabian Travel Market. Amadeus celebrated its 30 year anniversary and showcased innovative solutions, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).As one of the leading providers of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry, Amadeus has been a driving force in the sector’s innovation for 30 years and has a strong vision for the future.

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties, unveiled six new hotel projects as part of its regional and international expansion plans, at the Arabian Travel Market 2017. These projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Egypt add to a portfolio of upcoming properties under the Group's three hotel brands - the premium luxury Address Hotels + Resorts, the upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels and Resorts, and the contemporary midscale Rove Hotels.

Tourism can be a key driver of the growth and economic diversification for the Middle East and North Africa region concluded the 2017 Ministerial Forum organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates. The Middle East received 53.6 million international tourist arrivals in 2016. Arrivals decreased an estimated 4% with very mixed results among the region’s destinations. International tourist arrivals to North Africa grew by 3% to 18.6 million. 

Qatar Airways, at a press conference, announced a further worldwide expansion, with 12 new destinations for 2018, including one in the US.