ATM 2023: Africa well represented; Dubai wins best stand for doing business

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM), an annual travel and tourism event held in Dubai to give inbound and outbound tourism professionals in the Middle East a platform and provide information on travel destinations, lodging options, tourist attractions, and the aviation industry in the region and worldwide.

The ATM this year, tagged "Working Toward Net Zero," convened from May 1–4 at the Dubai World Trade Center for its 30th Edition. It focused on sustainable tourism and coincided with the UAE's Year of Sustainability. Like previous years, Africa made a grand appearance; with countries like South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Seychelles in attendance, just to mention a few. Their colorful stands not only showcased their culture, but also showed the world that Africa is ripe and ready for tourists.

The Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) pulled up an outstanding performance at this edition; further solidifying Dubai's position as one of the foremost tourist destinations in the world. DET won the “Best Stand for Doing Business” Award for its outstanding three-story exhibition area. The judges at the ATM presented DET with the award and cited the stand's welcoming ambiance, comfortable seating, spacious layout, and outstanding hospitality.

Additionally, DET organized the largest ATM Hosted Buyers Program to highlight Dubai's exceptional hospitality and wide range of offerings. 450 purchasers, spanning all areas, participated in the program this year, setting a record-high number from 31 different markets and countries.

DET also hosted some top Media professionals from across Africa to not only witness the ATM but also experience the glamor of Dubai. This media FAM Trip had media representatives from Ghana, Angola, D.R. Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Angola and South Africa.

Following the strong performance of its tourism industry in Q1 2023, which saw Dubai welcome 4.67 million international overnight visitors from January to March, compared to 3.97 million tourists during the same period in 2022, a 17% YoY growth and achieving 98% of pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2023, the city's participation at ATM 2023 was successful. This has made Dubai the fastest-recovering destination globally.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

Arabian Travel Market is the tourism industries leading, international travel and tourism event unlocking business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals.

Tourism destinations from around the world will once unite in Dubai to showcase their brand alongside the biggest names in accommodation, hospitality, renowned tourism destinations and attractions, innovative travel technology providers and airlines.

About Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading commercial center, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai’s Department of Economy, and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in achieving its competitiveness vision to position the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the emirate’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators.

Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle, and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for the licensing and classification of all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents.

The DET portfolio includes, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Dubai Industries and Exports, Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI) and Dubai SME, as well as Dubai College of Tourism, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Business events.