Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai on Monday officially inaugurated the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2023), marking the start of the 30th edition of the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed affirmed that Dubai, under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has transformed into a major investment hub and a launch pad for regional and global companies, enabling them to establish and promote various economic activities.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed emphasised Dubai’s determination to play a key role in advancing the global economy across various sectors, including in tourism, where decades of diligent effort have led to a robust infrastructure and world-class hospitality services. The private sector, a critical partner in Dubai’s development initiatives, has been instrumental in contributing to this success.”

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was accompanied at the inauguration by 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 got underway in Dubai.

Taking place from Monday  to Thursday at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), exhibitor participation at this year’s event has seen a 27% rise compared to ATM 2022. The 30th edition of the show, which will welcome an anticipated 34,000 attendees over the course of the next four days, is hosting more than 2,000 exhibitors and representatives from over 150 nations.

In line with its theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, ATM 2023 is enabling global tourism professionals to forge new connections, share knowledge and showcase innovations with the potential to expedite the sector’s journey towards decarbonisation.

ATM 2023 is being held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

Thailand focuses on sustainable tourism:  One of the key outbound destinations for Middle East travellers, Thailand is exhibiting  at the Arabian Travel Market once again this year under the theme, “Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters.” The focus is on sustainability, health, and wellness. As a new chapter for the country, Thailand will celebrate “Visit Thailand Year 2023” this year and next. Throughout the year, visitors from all over the world are encouraged to experience Thailand’s “Amazing New Chapters.”

Going green is now a mandate, not an option, in Thailand’s tourism sector, according to industry leaders and analysts, as tourism authorities said that they expect to welcome as many as 25 million visitors this year.

Yuthasak Supasorn - TAT Governor reiterated, that responsible tourism and sustainability in tourism will be the main direction in the future. “Earlier this year, Thailand Tourism announced 17 sustainable tourism goals divided into four main categories to be incorporated and serviced over the year and beyond. From sustainable development goals it goes on to sustainable tourism goals, which focus on awareness, education and accessibility, the second main criteria is the socio-economic way in which the inclusivity and development of local sourcing to waste management play a key role. Thirdly the aspect of developing cultural strategies such as promoting sustainable destinations and local communities and the last segment which is the impact of environment a key factor in supporting tourism climate action and promoting land tourism ecosystems. The growing interest of the Middle East market in sustainable travel, shopping, health and wellness activities, we wish to deliver fresh travel experiences through Thailand soft power 5F: Food, Fight, Fashion, Film, and Festival, while highlighting Thailand’s strength in nature, and Thainess.

TAT aims to create a meaningful travel experience that will not only be meaningful for travelers, but also for the local communities and the environment. In terms of the ATM exhibitors, we will have a total of 46 exhibitors from Thailand participating in the event.”

He further shared the visitor numbers from the region, “In 2022, Thailand welcomed approximately 314,882 Middle East visitors, with nearly 100,000 visitors from Saudi Arabia, and around 66,000 visitors from the UAE. Visitors from the Gulf countries have a high average length of stay and daily expenditure. For example, in 2019, visitors from the UAE had an average length of stay of 11.14 days, while Thailand’s overall average was 9.26 days. The average daily expenditure of UAE visitors was more than 220 US dollars, while the overall Thailand average was 166 US dollars.”

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