Ahead of ATM, focus is on three-stars and experiences

To succeed, the Middle East’s travel sector must focus on experiences, according to industry executives at a press conference yesterday for the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) event, taking place from April 24 to April 27 in Dubai.

Expo 2020 continues to drive growth, as Dubai aims to complete 160,000 rooms in time to welcome an additional five million visitors over the course of the event, said Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director with organises ATM. This has prompted a boom in the three-star hotel segment, and an increase in airport capacity.

One of the key trends is experiential travel, he said. This encompasses adventure, culture, heritage, health and wellness, sports, and theme parks.

Emirates Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori said at the press conference that people were looking for “a more authentic and engaging travel experience,”