Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, on Thursday toured the 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which concludes at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The region’s premier travel, tourism and hospitality event brought together over 2,000 exhibitors from 150 countries, representing a 27% increase in participation compared to last year.

During his tour, Sheikh Mansoor said that the high level of participation by global and regional companies at ATM 2023, and the impressive increase in visitor numbers is a testament to Dubai’s leading position as a key market in the global travel and tourism sector.

Accompanied by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Sheikh Mansoor toured several pavilions and stands, gaining insight into this year’s edition of the event, which provides a platform for global tourism professionals to forge new connections, exchange knowledge, and showcase innovation. He was also briefed about ATM 2023’s focus on sharing ideas and knowledge on expediting the sector’s journey towards decarbonisation.

Sheikh Mansoor also visited a number of local pavilions including the pavilion of Abu Dhabi, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and Dubai Police, where he learned about the initiatives and projects being showcased at the event.

Visit Hungary’s International Relations Director, Zsuzsa Szégner along with Ivan Ljubinkovic Visit Hungary’s Regional Head of Business Development, spoke at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 in Dubai, promoting the Discover Central Europe campaign, which focuses on highlighting the region’s exceptional shared tourism attractions around the themes of culture, spa culture and wellness, gastronomy, nature and shopping as key attractions for visitors from the Middle East.

“Central Europe has so much to offer visitors, from stunning historic landmarks to beautiful natural landscapes, exciting cultural events, and a diverse culinary scene,” said Szégner. “Through the Discover Central Europe platform we are working together to highlight these wonderful experiences and showcase the best that our region has to offer as a whole, and then diving in deep to show the uniqueness that each of the individual countries has to offer.”

The Astor: The GCC residents seeking to purchase a new London home or secure a great investment opportunity now have the opportunity with luxury developer, St Edward, as it launches The Astor, an exquisite duplex penthouse crowning the 9 Millbank development in Westminster, London. The largest and most prestigious residence in 9 Millbank’s ‘Heritage Collection’, The Astor features over 9,700 sq.ft. of expansive living space, three en-suite bedrooms, an astonishing 360-degree roof terrace and an additional two-bedroom guest apartment.

Paul Vallone, Executive Chairman, St Edward comments; “We are delighted to unveil The Astor, the jewel in the crown of The Heritage Collection at 9 Millbank. The penthouse is a truly unique and prestigious home that reflects the very best of British style. The end result is testament to the team of master artisans, heritage advisors and design consultants that have worked with St Edward to transform this once municipal space into an unequalled residence with global appeal”.

Martin Goddard, Co-Founder, Goddard Littlefair, comments; “As a born-and-bred Londoner there’s a fierce sense of pride in being involved in shaping its visual future. Heritage buildings are a personal passion, as is sustainability. Repurposing buildings and giving them a life beyond their original intended use, both acknowledges our city’s past and holds them dear for future generations.”

The UK, and London in particular, has seen a massive influx of visitors from the GCC region in the recent past and the real estate market is continuing to take great strides in both the number and quality of properties available to prospective buyers. Last year was a record year for private investors and London was the top city destination for cross-border private capital in 2022*1, with this trend continuing in the same vein for 2023 so far. Middle East buyers made up 10.9% of all property transactions in London’s most in-demand postal codes 2, which shows the confidence Middle East buyers have in this market.

Situated at the heart of London’s royal and political enclave, a stone’s throw from The Palace of Westminster, Banqueting House and Westminster Abbey, the five Heritage Collection apartments have been named after some of the area’s most prolific historic figures.

The Astor’s namesake, Viscountess Nancy Astor, was a US born socialite-turned-politician, often referred to as the ‘first lady’ of British politics. Wife of Waldorf Astor, Nancy became the first female MP to gain a seat in the House of Commons in 1919; it is this combination of high-class glamour and quintessential British tradition that has inspired the penthouse’s dazzling interiors.