Of network & negotiation

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director—ME, ATM, speaks on how innovative technologies have revolutionised the travel, tourism and hospitality sector.

QWhat is new at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this year?

Cutting-edge technology and innovation will be adopted as the show theme and launched as a platform to inspire the travel and hospitality industry about the next generation of technology whilst bringing together senior travel executives to conduct business with innovative tech providers. Launching this year will be the inaugural Arabian Travel Week from April 27 – May 1, an umbrella brand which comprises four co-located shows: ATM 2019; CONNECT Middle East, India and Africa – a new route development forum, ILTM Arabia and new consumer-led event – ATM Holiday Shopper. Arabian Travel Week will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This year’s edition is expected to bring together almost 40,000 travel professionals representing over 150 country pavilions showcasing over 2,800 products and destinations from around the world. Q Are there any new countries or exhibitors this year? ATM 2019 will welcome more than 100 new exhibitors including Expo 2020 Dubai, Tourism Agency, Moscow Committee for Tourism and Montenegro National Tourism Organisation, South Africa Tourism Bureau and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.

QThis year has some interesting seminars lined up. Could you share more details about them?

Debuting this year is Arabia China Tourism Forum on April 28. With China set to account for a quarter of international tourism by 2030, an expert panel will discuss how destinations around the world can capitalise on this growth. The forum will also include a 30-minute networking session with over 80 Chinese buyers. Another debutant this year is ATM Hotel Industry Summit which will host various expert panels to provide an insight on the latest hotel developments shaping the future of the hospitality sector.