Future global tourism hub

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) taking place from April 25-28, 2016, at the World Trade Center, Dubai, is one of the most important global platforms for not just the Middle Eastern region but the world at large as this is one of the leading travel and tourism events of the world. Focus at this year’s ATM will be manifold, on various topics such as mid-market travel, luxury, aviation, technology trends, spa and wellness tourism, business, adventure and halal tourism with panelists flown in from around the globe. There will be a special focus seminar on day one by eminent personnel in the region from all the emirates as they will discuss ‘The Future of the UAE as a Global Tourism Hub.’

Comparing the visitor statistics and hotel development across the emirates it shows positive growth signs, with Dubai welcoming 14.2 million visitors in 2015; a rise from 7.5 per cent on 2014. There has been an addition of 6000 hotel keys in 2015 alone, which increases the total supply to 98,330 according to Dubai Tourism. Abu Dhabi experienced 4,105,846 hotel guest arrivals in 2015; an 18 per cent rise from the previous year with an additional 1000 hotel keys delivered increasing to 20,700 by the end of the year.

Travel wise, Middle East carriers recorded the strongest annual traffic growth at 10.5 per cent according to the International Air transport Association (IATA) which resulted in the Middle East surpassing its North American counterparts by grabbing 14.2 per cent share of international traffic. According to Boeing, airlines in the Middle East require 3180 new airplanes over the next 20 years valued at an estimated $730 billion which will replace 30 per cent of today’s fleet. This will further the UAE as a hub for many business and geographical reasons as it connects the east and the west together.