Arabian Travel Market 2020 postponed as COVID-19 pandemic escalates

THE MIDDLE EAST REGION’S LARGEST travel industry event, Arabian Travel Market (ATM), has been postponed to June 28 to

July 1, 2020 due to the global escalation of the coronavirus pandemic.

Show organiser, UK-based Reed Travel Exhibitions, issued a statement announcing the decision on March 9 expressing its concern for everyone impacted by COVID-9 and reiterating that its priority was “the health and safety of everyone involved” including employees, partners, customers and exhibitors.

The statement said: “Due to the escalation of the COVID-19 epidemic around the world, after consultation with all our stakeholders, the venue management, supporting associations, and in alignment with the advice from the UAE public health authorities regarding travel to and from impacted countries, we have taken the decision to postpone our event which was due to take place on April 19 to 22, 2020 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

“Whilst the UAE is following the strictest medical and hygiene protocols in line with international standards, we have made this decision in the best interest of the industry to enable us to organise an event which provides effective participation and experience for all. The announcement has been made at the earliest opportunity to give as much notice as possible to all stakeholders enabling them to make the necessary arrangements to reschedule their plans.”

It continued: “Moving forward, we are continuing to liaise directly with all relevant United Arab Emirates and Dubai authorities on a regular basis, whilst monitoring and complying with the World Health Organisation guidance, and rest assured we will keep you informed of any new developments as we receive them.” arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com