The 30-year-old Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which begins on May 1 and will run for four days, has sustainability as a theme as the travel and tourism sector works assiduously to meet a net zero goal by 2030.
With over 2,000 exhibitors from more than 150 countries and 34,000 people expected, exhibitor participation in ATM 2023 has increased by 27%, with increases seen in all areas.
ATM 2023 will also introduce an innovative sustainability hub, focusing on the most recent developments in sustainable travel.
According to Danielle Curtis, exhibition director for the Middle East’s Arabian Travel Market, 2023’s focus is net zero. ATM 2023 gives a perfect opportunity to showcase innovations that hasten the industry’s transition to a carbon-free future.
“To commemorate the 30th anniversary, we will release an exceptional sustainability promise created to support our objectives to offer sustainable events and achieve net zero by 2030 through reducing print and using sustainable, environment-friendly, and recycled materials,” the official remarked.
In the 2023 chapter, there will be only one-use plastic at the location.
“Along with other innovative projects, we also have a food waste program in place,” said Curtis.
The CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Issam Kazim, noted that with international travel and tourism on the upswing, ATM’s sustainability theme comes at a historical time as UAE celebrates 2023 as a “Year of Sustainability” and hosts COP28.
“Our efforts to promote sustainability in the tourism industry have advanced significantly. The speaker stated that the goal is to lessen carbon footprint and develop a more inclusive, responsible industry,” the official remarked.
The DTCM recently unveiled a carbon calculator as part of Dubai Sustainability Tourism, a tool that measures carbon emissions and aids partners in understanding and controlling their energy use.
The first-ever “ATM Sustainable Stand Award” will also be presented at the 2023 event, and the winner will be announced on the expo’s final day.
During the panel discussion, according to Danielle Curtis, the experts will provide insights into sustainable travel trends, responsible tourism, and other crucial challenges for the business.
For example, “the event will see decision makers take to the ATM Global Stage for a debate on how travel can address the climate crisis,” said Curtis, who also mentioned that Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, Makram Mustafa Abdul Karim Al-Qaisi, Jordan’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Minister of Tourism, and Walid Nassar, Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism, will discuss the industry’s role towards net zero.
There will also be panel discussions on big data, bitcoin, the metaverse, and AI and how they affect the travel and tourism sectors.
Following the country’s relaxation of travel restrictions earlier 2023, Chinese exhibitors and travel industry professionals are now returning to the ATM event.
This year’s event will also appear in Southeast Asia and India.
Saudi Arabia, a regional powerhouse that led all Arab countries in the number of foreign arrivals until 2022 September, will also be well-represented at ATM 2023.