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by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Friday, 08 May 2009
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Who's in and who's out at this year's ATM.
It's that time of the year again when travel product and service providers from around the world flock to Dubai to exhibit their wares at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which this year takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 5-8.
For some, this year's event is more important than ever as they seek to engage with the region's top travel buyers during this difficult economic period in a bid to secure more business from the Middle East travel market, one they deem to be extremely lucrative.
With this in mind, there are several newcomers at this year's event including regional players such as the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), low-cost airline Jazeera Airways, new Kuwaiti premium carrier, Wataniya Airways, Afghanistan's Safi Airways and Dubai agency Prime Travel as well as some international heavyweights ranging from destinations and hotel companies to travel trade associations.
They include: Cambodia, Munich, Xen Hotels & Resorts, Dusit International, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts and the African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA).
Not only that, but some exhibitors have increased their presence at this year's show by either erecting a larger stand or bringing a bigger delegation. Saudi Arabia, the Costa del Sol, Kenya Tourism and Travelport GDS are three such exhibitors.
However, some exhibitors have chosen not to take part or to downsize their participation in ATM 2009.
Tourism Australia, Nakheel, the UK-based hotel group Rocco Forte Collection, Discover America, Alamo, EmQuest and Sabre will no longer have a dedicated stand at the show, but most will still have a presence there in some shape or form.
Top finalists for NFA
China, Mumbai and Palestine are the top three finalists for the 2009 New Frontiers Awards.
Voted for by industry experts and professionals including global travel and tourism associations, the award is designed to recognise destinations that make an outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of staggering adversity.
The winner will be announced during a special awards ceremony at the Arabian Travel Market's annual exhibitors' party, which will be held on May 5, 2008, at The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai.
Representatives of the winning destination will be invited to attend the special ceremony and rewarded with US $10,000 worth of free exhibition space at Arabian Travel Market 2010.
A stark warning
A commitment to value and service is essential if the Middle East's tourism and hospitality industry is to weather the current economic storm.
That's the message Deloitte Middle East, tourism, hospitality and leisure partner Robert O'Hanlon, will give at ‘The Middle East Hotel Performance Review' seminar at ATM.
Why ATM is a must-visit show
The 2009 installment of ATM is arguably the most important yet, argues ATN's editor Jamie Knights
It would be a gross generalisation to say that doom and gloom has engulfed every travel business in 2009 but it would be fair to say that most would have noticed a softening in business.
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is a chance for companies, destinations and properties to get their message across to the trade and it is a chance for the trade to source the best partners, deals and opportunities. Travel is changing and the educational opportunities offered at the seminar programmes shouldn't be missed.
Perhaps you feel you don't need to be at ATM and you may think you have good reasons for not participating.
Cash may be tight and you may have failed to find partners with whom to exhibit and share the cost.
However, those who have exhibited at other travel shows this year say it was well worth the investment. Industry feedback reveals that at ITB Berlin, there were fewer timewasters and more serious business discussions took place, while participants at GIBTM in Abu Dhabi said the show was very worthhile.
This bodes well for ATM 2009, which we expect to be time and money well spent.
The 2009 installment of ATM is arguably the most important yet, argues ATN's editor Jamie Knights
It would be a gross generalisation to say that doom and gloom has engulfed every travel business in 2009 but it would be fair to say that most would have noticed a softening in business.
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is a chance for companies, destinations and properties to get their message across to the trade and it is a chance for the trade to source the best partners, deals and opportunities. Travel is changing and the educational opportunities offered at the seminar programmes shouldn't be missed.
Perhaps you feel you don't need to be at ATM and you may think you have good reasons for not participating.
Cash may be tight and you may have failed to find partners with whom to exhibit and share the cost.
However, those who have exhibited at other travel shows this year say it was well worth the investment. Industry feedback reveals that at ITB Berlin, there were fewer timewasters and more serious business discussions took place, while participants at GIBTM in Abu Dhabi said the show was very worthhile.
This bodes well for ATM 2009, which we expect to be time and money well spent.
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