Arabian Travel Market 2022 - Official Show Daily - Day 2

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Welcome

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Contents 06 | Exhibitor news 18 | A growing niche

Understanding the Arab traveller

22 | Seminar schedule 28 | Charting a new course

Explore the aviation landscape

30 | The kingdom calls

Spotlight on Saudi Arabia

32 | On the fast track

Discover the future of transport

34 | Destination profiles His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of Dubai Airports, officially inaugurated the 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market yesterday at Dubai World Trade Centre

The only way is up for travel and tourism in 2022 As global industry experts took to the stage at the opening session of Arabian Travel Market 2022, they unanimously agreed that the international travel and tourism sector is bouncing back. This sense of optimism was shared by every exhibitor and attendee present at the 29th edition of the region’s leading travel trade event, which has brought the industry together in person once again.

Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics, stated during his opening presentation that global tourism is back on the ascent. He said: “The travel and tourism industry is recovering. This year, international travel is expected to see strong growth.”

On the panel alongside Livermore was Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, who shed light on Dubai’s successful marketing strategies following the first global lockdowns in 2020, which helped open the emirate to the world once again and set an example for a safe travel experience during the pandemic.

They were joined by Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President, Middle East, Africa & Turkey at Hilton, Bilal Kabbani, Industry Head, Travel & Tourism, Google, and Andrew Brown, Regional Director, Europe, Middle East & Oceania at World Travel & Tourism Council.

Highlighting the positive recovery trajectory in this part of the world, Livermore stated that during the crisis, the industry was primarily fuelled by domestic travel, which is now back to 2019 levels, while long-haul international travel has lagged.

However, he added: “We do expect strong growth in international travel this year as restrictions ease and the robust vaccine roll-out continues. Recovery will also continue to be stronger in the region, given the events set to take place this year.”

With Qatar set to host the FIFA World Cup 2022, and citing the success of Expo 2020 Dubai as an example, it is clear that international events will drive the market forward in 2022. But there are still some significant headwinds to contend with.

Livermore pointed out that while the Russian invasion of Ukraine diverted people’s attention away from the COVID19 crisis, it has resulted in a direct impact on oil prices.

“We expect oil prices to remain above US$100 a barrel for most of this year. This clearly pushes up the cost for airlines and can translate into higher airfares, especially for long-haul flights,” he said.

Despite this, Livermore said that there were reasons to be positive. “There is a lot of pent-up demand. People want to travel again – look at how successful this event is.

“During the COVID-19 crisis, people couldn’t spend but households built up excess savings, which could cushion the impact of rising oil prices and also generate the ability for them to spend on travel.”

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The Arabian Travel Market show dailies are published on behalf of: Built by

ln the business of building businesses

Gateway House 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DN, United Kingdom  +44 (0) 20 8271 2158,  arabian.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk  www.arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com The Arabian Travel Market logo, ATM and Hosted Buyer are trade marks of Reed Exhibitions Limited. RELX Group, RE symbol, Reed Exhibitions and Reed Travel Exhibitions are trade marks of RELX Group plc.

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VISIT NPI AT THE SHOW DAILIES OFFICE: ROOM 3.1, DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE ATM 2022 Opening Session: The Future of International Travel

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All images from npimedia archive, Shutterstock Images or supplied

09/05/2022 7:51 PM

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News

Saudi Arabia highlights tourism vision at ATM The Arabian Travel Market Saudi Forum -

At the ATM Saudi Forum yesterday, highlevel speakers discussed the kingdom’s tourism landscape. The keynote was delivered by Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Executive Officer, The Saudi Tourism Authority, who spoke at length about the kingdom’s achievements over the past two years. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia had successfully attracted top global brands and also invested in and committed to sustainability measures.

He said: “Last year was remarkable for us. We hit record high domestic visits. We had 62 million visits in 2021

and funded over US$8.4 billion in new projects from the Saudi Tourism Development Fund. We have also allocated 30 percent of Saudi land to be reserves and are committed to rewilding 21 species, including the Arabian leopard. Our target for this year is to reach over 70 million visits.”

He emphasised that Saudi Arabia is incomparable in its diversity and rich culture, which includes archaeological sites and untouched coral reefs, and offers true Arabian hospitality. “It’s on us to unpack and make this accessible

and available to all world travellers.

We believe that we are competing globally and not at a regional level.

So, our success is as important as the success of our neighbours. The Arab world has a lot to offer and we will all benefit from this collective growth of our success,” he added.

As part of the panel discussion, Captain Ibrahim S. Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, shared that Saudi Arabia is transforming itself to offer a seamless entry to the kingdom, with the country opening several new resorts and

hosting unique events and cultural and entertainment seasons. Therefore, SAUDIA has positioned itself to contribute to this spirit of the economy.

He said: “Our recovery in the domestic market has been quite substantial, and in the first quarter of this year, we exceeded last year’s targets. On the international front, we have recovered almost 83 percent, and thanks to the different tourism projects being launched, international travel is picking up quite rapidly.”

Fawaz Farooqui, Managing Director, Cruise Saudi, spoke about the importance of being agile and building successful public-private partnerships.

He said: “While the rest of the world was keeping cruises as far as possible from their shores, we started cruising for the first time in the kingdom in 2020. In fact, we were one of the first countries to develop COVID-19 protocols for cruising with the Royal Caribbean. So, I think the name of the game is being agile and being receptive to the customer’s needs.”

Initially, Farooqui said, the plans were to bring the first cruise passengers aboard in 2023 in the kingdom and target 5,000 passengers. However, the team was able to accelerate their plans and started cruising three years in advance and have already reached 50,000 passengers.

“Our goal is to reach 1.3 million passengers by 2030 and create 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Saudi economy,” he concluded.

VISIT STAND ME4410, ME4440

New destination strategy announced for Saadiyat The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, unveiled Saadiyat Island’s new vision, strategy and brand, positioning it as a leading beach, nature and cultural destination, which bolsters the emirate’s tourism sector and supports the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy. The new logo, inspired by the island’s name and the Arabic letter ‘S’, represents its rich culture and modern offerings.

The new strategy is set to attract travellers seeking transformative, luxury experiences and drive Saadiyat Vision 2025. Saadiyat Island is expected to attract 19 million visitors and contribute more than US$1 billion in direct tourism revenue by 2025. As with the strategy, the island’s campaign – One Island. Many Journeys – and new brand have been designed to capture the essence of Saadiyat and underpin its wealth of offerings.

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HE Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Saadiyat Island is undoubtedly one of Abu Dhabi’s finest treasures. It is unmatched anywhere in the world for its stunning natural beaches, world-class arts, cultural, educational, wellness, sporting and F&B experiences.

“This natural island is home to amazing wildlife and luxury hotels alike and there truly is something for everyone to enjoy, seamlessly fitting into Abu Dhabi’s wider strategy as the destination of choice for global travellers.

“We look forward to elevating awareness of Saadiyat’s enriching experiences as part of Abu Dhabi’s wider offering. From culture and entertainment to amazing landmarks and natural landscapes – all within close proximity to one another – Abu Dhabi is a must-visit destination.”

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, said: “We are honoured and excited

to be spearheading Saadiyat Island’s new strategy to position Saadiyat as the destination of choice, providing visitors with enriching luxury experiences.

With such a unique offering, from diverse cultural institutions including

the iconic Louvre Museum, to pristine white beaches and undisturbed wildlife, Saadiyat Island is well positioned to boost Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector.”

VISIT STAND ME2350, ME2310

09/05/2022 8:58 PM

News

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Ras Al Khaimah announces Balanced Tourism approach

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) unveiled its new approach to sustainability – Balanced Tourism – at ATM yesterday. The initiative is a key milestone in its strategy to drive overall sector growth and become the regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025.

The vision underscores the emirate’s conscious tourism efforts and aligns with its identity as a naturefocused destination with a desire to progress, grow and evolve.

Under the banner of Balanced Tourism, the authority is shaping tourism in the UAE by placing all

aspects of sustainability (environment, culture, conservation and livability) at the heart of its investment and development strategy. By ensuring that overtourism issues, such as overdevelopment, crowding of heritage sites and the spoiling of its unique natural environment are avoided, it is

creating a destination that will resonate with today’s responsible traveller.

Balanced Tourism follows RAKTDA’s September 2021 announcement about its Sustainable Tourism Destination Strategy to secure the emirate’s long-term sustainability and drive overall growth through the four pillars of sustainable development, cultural conservation, attractions built with purpose as well as community and liveability.

Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “The need for good stewardship of our cultural heritage, environment, people and infrastructure has never been stronger, especially in post-pandemic times.

“Balanced Tourism does exactly that, as we become ever mindful of the economic, social and environmental impacts on tourism. Simply put, it’s time to move beyond just using less plastic to adopting an all-inclusive approach – from ensuring new projects, such as hotels, are developed at an organic pace to building new attractions with sustainability at their core.”

VISIT STAND ME3310

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News

Tomorrowland to open Terra Solis in Dubai

Tomorrowland, one of the world’s most iconic music festivals, is set to open Terra Solis, a brand-new, unique desert destination in Dubai. Nestled between the Arabian dunes and inspired by the constellations, Terra Solis will open in September in Dubai Heritage Vision, welcoming visitors to an oasis of relaxation in the desert.

Aligning with its philosophy, guests will be encouraged to soak up the sun

by the pool during the day and gaze into the starry desert skies at night.

The property will feature a collection of three accommodation options, all named after stars, meteor showers and constellations. The impressive glamping options, including 48 spacious, luxurious and beautifully decorated Polaris bell tents and 20 Perseid lodges, combine the ultimate comfort and style. There are also six Orion pool lodges, each

featuring a private pool and a large private outdoor cabana and terrace. The pool lodges are the real eye-catchers, centrally located near the pool with scenic views over the entire destination, offering guests a truly unique experience.

Guests will also have access to a picturesque swimming pool in the heart of the destination, while experiencing some of the most iconic Tomorrowland elements.

Nicolas Vandenabeele from Terra Solis and Tomorrowland, said: “Terra Solis is a one-of-a-kind desert destination away from all the noise. It is inspired by the magic of Tomorrowland and the most beautiful star constellations, where you can wake up from a night under the stars and live to the rhythm of the sun. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a memorable world of wonder with the finest music, a vibrant yet relaxing pool scene, incredible tastes and aromas and a unique glamping experience in the Arabian dunes while relaxing in style under the Dubai sun.”

Spread across 371,000 square metres, Terra Solis will combine outstanding music and entertainment, a vibrant party atmosphere and an exceptional food and beverage offering in one refreshing and energising destination, where guests are encouraged to explore the sweeping desert landscapes that make up Terra Solis.

The dining experiences at Terra Solis will feature MESA, inspired by the ‘Tastes of the World’ cuisine of Tomorrowland, serving flavours from all corners of the globe. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of beverages at a sleek outlet, centrally located near the pool, and relax at the Sala shisha lounge. Guests will also be able to experience the true Tomorrowland vibe as the property will host a range of exclusive events.

VISIT STAND ME2510, ME3110, ME3150

SAUDIA launches new inflight entertainment system Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) officially revealed its brand-new in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, Beyond, at ATM yesterday. The new IFE system will further transform SAUDIA’s onboard experience with over 5,000 hours of HD content, including, but not limited to, international and regional movies, TV shows and a library of e-books, along with weather reports, shopping, meal ordering, flight information and agenda timeline.

Beyond also features the largest library of Islamic content in the skies, with guests notified of prayer times throughout the journey. A dedicated mode for children allows younger guests to enjoy a selection of their favourite cartoons, movies and games.

In addition to entertainment, Beyond offers a range of other practical features, such as the ability to check the status of the flight while en route and a real-time view of the sky during take-off and landing from on-board

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cameras. Guests can also enjoy shopping and browsing the latest products from the comfort of their seats.

Essam Akhonbay, VP – Marketing and Product Management, SAUDIA, said: “We’ve never stopped improving our product. The new IFE will further transform SAUDIA’s onboard experience.

The success of SAUDIA’s IFE investments and strategy is demonstrated by the loyalty and positive feedback from our guests across all cabin classes.

We are delighted to showcase our new IFE to visitors at ATM.” The new IFE System, Beyond, will be implemented gradually across the SAUDIA fleet by the end of this year.

The airline is also showcasing its new three-level stand design at the show this year, providing visitors with an immersive experience and a tour of the products, services and technologies onboard, including the new IFE system.

VISIT STAND ME4310

09/05/2022 9:06 PM

News

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Digitalisation and sustainability to transform the experiences industry

Arival: Safari Reimagined

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As tourism revives, experiences, tours, activities, attractions and events are taking centre stage. This renewal was in the spotlight at Arival yesterday, which brought together industry experts to explore the themes defining the in-destination experience industry in 2022 and beyond.

Opening the programme, Douglas Quinby, co-founder and CEO of Arival, discussed why tours, activities and attractions are an essential component of tourism.

Quinby highlighted that the experiences industry, while underrated, is the reason people travel in the first place. He said that some of the most memorable experiences from a holiday are not the flights and hotel stays but attractions, where people really get to immerse themselves in their destination of choice. Therefore, the tours and activities industry is valued at US$254 billion, making it the third-largest sector within the tourism industry.

He said: “There are about one million operators or tour creators worldwide. However, the industry has

been slow in adopting technology and online bookings compared to the rest of the travel and tourism sector. The slow adoption can be attributed to the fact that businesses in the experience industry have different needs and are of different sizes and structures. In fact, more than one in three operators do not use technology. This creates several challenges for the industry as a whole.

“We have a fragmented industry with many small companies and several of them are disconnected,” said Quinby.

“But where there is a difficulty, there is also the chance of an opportunity.

Many changes have occurred within the industry over the past five to 10 years.

Today, consumers are way ahead of operators. For instance, in 2021, most attraction tickets were purchased online versus offline. While much of this was accelerated by the pandemic, this trend will only continue. Moreover, a significant amount of capital has been raised postCOVID-19, showing the investment community’s confidence in the sector.”

Another opportunity lies in the fact that many operators create

unique businesses that never existed before. Operators are expanding their creativity and offering experiences that they are passionate about while creating a profitable business.

Bringing sustainability into the conversation, Quinby touched upon the importance of recovering in “the right way” and managing growth in a responsible manner.

He said: “This is one of the biggest challenges, especially for our sector, because attraction providers are on the frontlines of managing the guest experience and the relationship between travel and the destination. There is an urgent demand from consumers within our industry to be more sustainable.

“Our research found that an increasing number of travellers are making value-based booking decisions, which means they choose what to do based on how they perceive the impact that the experience will have on the environment. Hence, today’s goal is to bring forth sustainable distribution technology that will play an instrumental role in driving the industry forward.”

09/05/2022 8:58 PM

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News

Swiss-Belhotel International to double its presence in EMEA by 2025 With strong owner and investor interest, Swiss-Belhotel International has embarked on an aggressive expansion strategy in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The group announced plans at ATM to double its footprint in the region by 2025.

Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEA & India; Senior Vice President – Group Human Resources & Talent Development, Swiss-Belhotel International, said: “The owner and investor confidence is building up with the return of travel. At Swiss-Belhotel International, we are well-positioned for continued growth in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and are witnessing tremendous interest in our brands from both existing and new owners who are showing keenness to invest and build more hotels with us.”

Laurent added: “Following our development strategy, we have set an ambitious target of doubling our portfolio in the EMEA region in the next three years and are making great progress in that direction with several exciting projects under negotiation. Africa looks very promising with significant potential for our diverse brands.

Rotana Chairman presented with Lifetime Achievement award Nasser Al Nowais, Chairman of Rotana, the leading hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2022. The ceremony took place last evening at Conrad Dubai.

Exemplifying his commended leadership credentials, Al Nowais is the first person to receive the illustrious award recognising legends of the hospitality industry who have made outstanding contributions to the region. Having co-founded Rotana in 1993, Al Nowais paved the way for the homegrown brand to achieve its vision of becoming one of the leading hospitality groups in the region, raising the benchmark for other hospitality players across the world.

Prior to forming Rotana, Al Nowais spent 14 years as the Chairman of

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“In addition, we are heading into the European market with an unmatched deal for owners and investors and seeing some strong interest.”

Laurent attributes this trend to the way Swiss-Belhotel branded properties maintained a highly competitive ranking even during the uncertain times of COVID-19. The group successfully opened three new properties at the height of the pandemic and made them profitable in record time.

He said: “We were not only able to survive the period but delivered the desired results to our owners.

With our compelling ‘win-win’ value proposition, we make it easier for owners to work with us.”

At the show yesterday, the group highlighted its ambitious expansion plans with a strategic focus on Central and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. As part of the move, the group recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Odyssey Group to support its expansion in Japan. The company is also looking at other asset management alliances globally to support its expansion.

VISIT STAND HC0930

Nasser Al Nowais

Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH).

During this time, he began his mission to build a calibre of Arabic-speaking professional hoteliers working in the properties that would be better prepared to deliver Abu Dhabi’s hospitality as a leading business centre and tourist destination in the Arab world.

As a leader in the hospitality industry, Al Nowais ensures that Rotana continues to live by its promise of delivering consistently exceptional quality standards complemented with traditional Arabic hospitality and combined with a keen understanding of regional markets.

Rotana is a brand driven by passion and Al Nowais looks forward to further growing the portfolio with 42 properties under development, expanding the group’s global and regional footprint.

VISIT STAND HC0720

09/05/2022 8:59 PM

News

Riyadh’s Michelin star-studded zone to open in Diriyah Bujairi Terrace is set to open its doors to food connoisseurs at Riyadh’s premier dining area in historical Diriyah later this year. The area will feature

21 brands ranging from international fine dining venues to authentic Saudi cuisine, craft coffee shops and an array of seasonal pop-ups in a new upscale

dining destination with breathtaking views of the historic At-Turaif district.

Four Michelin-starred restaurants have signed up and diners will be able to experience Long Chim’s premium Thai cuisine, Hakkasan’s ancient Chinese gastronomy, Bruno’s timeless Italian masterpieces and Tatel, which brings its glamourous brand from Miami, Ibiza and Madrid to Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah.

In addition, world-renowned French Café de L’Esplanade and Beverly Hills steakhouse favourite Mastro’s will bring international gravitas to Bujairi Terrace; for the first time opening restaurants outside France and the USA and introducing their renowned dishes to Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.

Also set to open in the area is Dubai-based Flamingo Room by Tashas, inspired by African glamour, and Villa Mamas, boasting Middle Eastern fusion cuisine with signature dishes of organically sourced, seasonal and local ingredients.

Bujairi Terrace will also give local acclaimed chefs in the kingdom the perfect platform to showcase their cuisine and demonstrate Saudi culinary talent to the world, with openings including Somewhere, a much-loved upmarket restaurant serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, Sugar and stylish coffee-shop Grind. While popular local brands such as Sum + Things, the family

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restaurant serving international dishes, and Takya, the first Saudi fine dining restaurant serving contemporary Saudi cuisine, ensure that local favourites are given prominence and a platform.

Bujairi Terrace forms part of Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s (DGDA) US$50.6 billion master plan that will transform Diriyah into one of the world’s most exciting cultural tourist destinations. Located in the north-west of Riyadh, Diriyah is the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the ancestral home of the Al Saud. At its centre stands At-Turaif, a collection of beautifully preserved historical palaces and what would become the capital of the first Saudi state. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is imbued with Saudi Arabia’s national history and identity and is a defining cultural influence on the broader Arabian Peninsula, making it the kingdom’s most important heritage site.

DGDA’s overall mission is to share, protect and celebrate this national heritage. Through Diriyah’s mixed-use development, hospitality, commercial, retail and nature offerings will both leverage and elevate the exceptionally distinctive character and cultural importance for the local community, Saudi citizens and global visitors to experience and enjoy.

VISIT STAND ME4410

Etihad unveils sustainabilitydriven economy experience

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, unveiled its new economy class soft furnishings and tableware, which will be launched on board in Q4 2022.

The new products have been designed with sustainability and improved guest experience as primary objectives.

The economy class experience will be upgraded with new soft furnishings for all guests. Additionally, Etihad’s new dining experience features reusable tableware made from recycled highquality plastic and eliminates the use of single-use plastic. The tray, serving plates and their lids are part of a closed-loop recycling system.

At the end of their life cycle, they are collected, washed, ground and reused to make new replacement products.

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Etihad is also introducing quality stainless-steel cutlery into the economy cabin, which upgrades the experience and also reduces single-use plastic.

In 2019, Etihad committed to removing 80 percent of single-use plastic from its operation by the end of 2022 and the introduction of this new in-flight equipment ensures the airline meets this sustainability goal.

Where possible, Etihad is also moving towards locally produced items, which will further improve the overall environmental impact of the operation.

Terry Daly, Executive Director – Guest Experience, Brand and Marketing, commented: “Etihad is trailblazing when it comes to sustainability in aviation. Following extensive research and development through our eco-flights over the past few years, we’re proud to reveal the first in a series of enhancements to our in-flight experience.

“Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t come at a compromise to the quality and thoughtfulness behind Etihad’s guest experience, and these innovative new products will further improve our offering.

“We look forward to rolling out this new experience across the fleet towards the latter part of the year.”

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VISIT STAND ME2210

09/05/2022 8:59 PM

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News

Time Hotels to expand in the Middle East The UAE-headquartered hospitality company, Time Hotels, has outlined ambitious expansion plans to increase its portfolio by 40 percent to 21 properties throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Sudan. Six of the planned properties added to Time Hotel’s portfolio – with developments in Fujairah, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and three in Egypt – are on showcase at ATM this year.

Mohamed Awadalla, the co-founder and CEO of Time Hotels, said: “Following the challenges of the last two years, we have seen unprecedented demand for additional rooms in key territories in the region. This, combined with our in-depth market research, has underscored the need for new, qualitydriven, value accommodation.

“We have witnessed resounding success throughout the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, and we feel now is the time to expand for the company’s future success. With six new properties, totalling 781 keys, this is an important time for our expansion and growth both regionally and internationally.”

As part of the company’s growth plans, Time Hotels recently expanded its offering in the UAE with the launch of the 91-key Time Moonstone Hotel Apartments in Fujairah.

The company will also expand in Egypt with three new properties, including the 117-key Marina Hotel &

Convention Centre on the North Coast, which is expected to open later this year during the second quarter of 2022.

Along with a host of leisure facilities, the hotel will also cater to the MICE market with a 700-pax convention centre.

Further in Egypt, Time Hotels will also open the 201-key five-star Time Coral Nuweiba Resorts located on the Red Sea in the third quarter of 2022. The final property in Egypt is the Time Nakheel Deluxe Apartments.

Located in the New Capital, the 216-key property is scheduled to open its doors in the first quarter of 2023.

In Saudi Arabia, Time has unveiled plans to open the 57-key Time Express Al Olaya in the kingdom’s capital.

Rounding out the new openings is Time’s first foray into the Sudanese market with the 57-key Time Ahlan Hotel Apartments in Khartoum.

“This is an exciting time for the region’s tourism industry and offers a myriad of opportunities for Time Hotels, not only with these openings but with others that will come further down the line. We have strategically developed a range of brands within our portfolio to offer our guests, whether corporate or leisure, exactly what they want and need from a holiday, business trip or short break,” concluded Awadalla VISIT STAND HC0625

Ajman Free Zone to boost emirate’s tourism activities In line with the UAE’s economic diversification strategies – with travel and tourism a primary pillar – Ajman has been investing heavily in its infrastructure to attract not only leisure visitors but also businesses and investors. The emirate’s tourism proposition is gaining the world’s attention, with a growing number of tourists and business travellers flocking to its shores.

In 2021, the Information Unit of the Economist magazine ranked Ajman third in the Arab world and 82nd globally on its list of the best cities to live in, with the emirate garnering an average of 90 points in the stability factor.

To support the Ajman Government’s tourism efforts, Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) has adopted a policy extending its wide range of services and business solutions for travel and tourism companies in the emirate and the UAE. At present, AFZ hosts more than 49 companies

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dealing with travel and tourism activities, including hotels, travel agencies, entertainment activities and more.

The free zone has taken significant steps over the years to help boost tourism business in Ajman. These steps are in keeping with the free zone’s 2021-2025 Strategy as well as the vision and economic directions of both Ajman and the UAE. Furthermore, AFZ is set to offer special packages to companies that will choose the free zone as its base in the country. AFZ will continue to support various businesses that add value to Ajman’s tourism industry and, by extension, the tourism sector of the UAE. Part of its plan is to roll out new rules, regulations and policies to accelerate the emirate’s growth and help attract more tourists and visitors to the nation.

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Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts highlights unique offering Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is showcasing the best of the Maldives at Arabian Travel Market this year.

Established in 2013, the prominent Indian Ocean hospitality brand is one of the many properties leading tourism recovery in the island nation.

“The Maldives was among the first in the travel and hospitality industry to identify the rebounding global travel demand. Given the challenging situation we faced in 2020 and 2021, we took a cautious approach with the safety and agility of our services as the cornerstones of our strategy,” said Stephane Laguette, Chief Commercial Officer, Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts.

As a top international destination offering hassle-free travel, the Maldives recorded over 905,000 tourist arrivals in 2021 (as of October 2021), according to the Ministry of Tourism. The island nation remains one of 2022’s top travel destinations, especially for outbound visitors from the GCC. “As a global hospitality brand, we are fully aware of the requirements of our guests travelling from the Middle East seeking privacy and seclusion.

Therefore, we designed our resorts in a way in which guests can enjoy all our amenities amidst complete privacy.”

Laguette also agrees that the pandemic has changed travel patterns.

“Everyone has been travelling differently for almost a year now. We observed a significant increase in family travel, and, therefore, we adapted to the trend by introducing more family-focused activities within all our resorts. In terms of our offering for families, our focus on children’s safety and entertainment has always been our priority.”

Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is also known for its all-inclusive offering at all its properties, which, as per Laguette, makes it even more appealing to potential guests, especially if they are travelling on a budget.

Earlier this year, the group also raised the curtains on two new properties.

Laguette said: “With the global travel industry gaining momentum after the pandemic, we decided to go ahead with the opening of two new properties as part of our Colours of Oblu portfolio. Oblu Select Lobigili is a newly-opened contemporary five-star resort designed entirely for couples and Oblu Xperience Ailafushi is a four-star, family-focused resort with 268 accommodation options.”

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Flydubai expands network Flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, has announced that it will operate flights to 10 unique destinations from June 23. This includes the launch of flights to new destinations, such as Izmir and Pisa, as well as the resumption of operations to popular seasonal summer destinations, such as Bodrum, Mykonos, Santorini and Tivat.

Since the start of 2022, Flydubai has launched flights to six destinations around its network, including the start of flights to AlUla, its newest destination in Saudi Arabia, as well as the resumption of flights to its second point in Istanbul, Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The carrier grows its network to 100 destinations with these 10 additional destinations and with the focus on seasonal summer routes.

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Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at Flydubai, said: “We are pleased to see our network reach new heights with more destinations joining this summer. We have seen over the past few years the value in operating seasonal routes to cater to the growing demand for travel. Our strong business model and growing fleet has enabled us to offer our passengers more options for travel as well as to add capacity on existing routes, including Budapest, Maldives and Zanzibar. We look forward to the start of our operations to these beautiful destinations, which will be equally popular for passengers travelling from the UAE and from around our network.”

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News

Radisson to focus on resort development in the Middle East Radisson Hotel Group is forging ahead with the expansion of its resort portfolio in some of the most exquisite leisure destinations in the Middle East. As international travel once again begins to accelerate globally, Radisson Hotel Group plans to debut at least five additional resort locations by 2025.

Following the recent opening of its second resort in the UAE – Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah, Marjan Island – Radisson Hotel Group announced its first beach resort property in Dubai.

The anticipated Radisson Resort Dubai Palm Jumeirah is set to open later this year. The upscale hotel will have 389 rooms and is set to house five impressive dining outlets overlooking the Dubai Marina skyline and the Arabian Gulf.

The property will become the group’s first beach resort in Dubai and the third Radisson-branded hotel to open in the UAE. It is ideal for both leisure and business travellers as it is ideally located on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, providing easy access to the city. This opening will bring the group’s total number of hotels in the UAE to 17 in operation.

The opening of the two UAE resorts, in addition to the existing Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi, reaffirms Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to growing its resort portfolio in the region and globally. The expansion also aligns with the rising demand for beach resorts worldwide, catering to the

ever-changing travel trends of guests, who are opting for more laidback and retreat-style vacations. All properties offer access to top tourist destinations and serve as an escape within the city, with their tranquil atmosphere and the unbeatable service for which Radisson Hotel Group is known.

Germany launches tourism campaigns aimed at GCC visitors

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also remains a top location for the group’s resort portfolio, primed by the opening of Nofa Resort Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel in the kingdom several years ago. Nestled in a mesmerising landscape of golden sand dunes, the resort boasts 57 secluded luxury villas

and bungalows designed in an elegant African style, with premium amenities including a private swimming pool and garden. It all comes together to provide an unforgettable experience set within an exclusive retreat.

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is providing inspiration for GCC tourists to visit Germany this year with the relaunch of its highly successful ‘German.Local.Culture.’ campaign at ATM and its new ‘Embrace German Nature’ campaign in the GCC. The campaigns form a compelling tourism proposition that appeals to GCC travellers. It reflects authentic, local experiences in urban destinations while shining a light on rural areas and their sustainable tourism efforts.

“Germany is a diverse destination and ideal for longer holidays for the culturally minded, for families and for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits and natural beauty,” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing for the GCC, at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB).

Germany is once again becoming an extremely popular destination for the region. Pent up demand from GCC nationals resulted in 518,516 overnight stays in Germany during 2021, an 82.3 percent increase over 2020.

In December 2021 alone, despite the outbreak of the Omicron variant, Germany recorded over 54,493 overnight stays from GCC nationals, an increase of 335 percent, compared with the same period in 2020. These figures show that Germany is a preferred

destination for GCC nationals. Visitor numbers in 2021 rebounded significantly, which is even more impressive given that COVID-19 travel restrictions in Germany only eased end of June 2021.

The GCC is now the highest inbound performing region within Asia, Australasia and South Africa,” added Sofo.

Cities and culture as well as nature and outdoor activities highlighting sustainability and accessibility form the bedrock of Germany’s tourism offering.

According to research conducted

by IPK International on behalf of the GNTB, city breaks, multi-destination tours and holidays in nature are the most popular types of holidays with travellers from around the world.

Using four themed clusters – Flair, Craft, Taste and Green – Germany’s architecture, authentic ambience, heritage of artisan manufacturers and local crafts, traditional regional cuisine and natural beauty comes into focus.

Participants on the Germany stand this year include Baden-Baden Tourism Board, Breuninger, Düsseldorf Tourism Board, Frankfurt Tourism Board, Hotel Palace Berlin and Visit Berlin. Each region has its own unique attractions in spring, summer, autumn and winter, emphasising that Germany is a unique, year-round travel destination.

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Emaar unveils expansion plans Emaar Hospitality Group announced a major regional expansion plan at the show yesterday. This year marks the homegrown hospitality brand’s fourth year as ATM’s official hotel partner.

The hotel group recorded a remarkable recovery after the pandemic, achieving high occupancy rates in Q1 2022, and these are expected to rise further during the year with a slew of new openings.

The Palace Fujairah is set to welcome guests in the coming months in the culturally rich and scenic surroundings of Fujairah while five new openings under the Vida Hotels and Resorts brand are to be unveiled in Dubai, with properties located in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek Harbour, all key developments of Emaar Properties. The opening of Vida Dubai Marina is scheduled for the end of 2022 while Vida Dubai Mall will open in 2023.

Following the success of Vida Creek Harbour, three new hotels and branded residences at the iconic waterfront development will see the area as a key focus for the group. Address Grand Creek Harbour is scheduled to open at the end of 2022 and will be followed by the openings of Palace Dubai Creek Harbour and Vida Creek Beach in 2023.

The year 2021 saw international openings last year, including Address Istanbul and Vida Marassi Al Bahrain, and now, the group is preparing for further expansion across major and upcoming destinations in the region.

Address Beach Resort Bahrain will open its doors this year, marking the debut of the Address brand in the country and will follow the currently operating Vida Marassi Al Bahrain.

Additionally, the openings of Address Marassi Marina and Vida Marassi Marina in Egypt will follow in 2023.

Landmark launches are also planned in Saudi Arabia, with the opening of Address Jabal Omar Makkah scheduled for 2023. The two towers of Address Jabal Omar, which will offer 1,484 rooms, will occupy a strategic location near the Grand Mosque and promises to become a major landmark in the area with its striking architecture.

HMH debuts ECOS Dubai Hotel

Caption

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Connecting the towers is a sky bridge which will also feature a prayer area with spectacular views of the Grand Mosque.

Through a joint venture with Giorgio Armani, Emaar Hospitality Group will be managing the highly acclaimed Armani brand in Saudi Arabia for the first time, following its success in Dubai and Milan. Moreover, the group is pleased to announce its second opening in the Diriyah Gate development with the launch of Address Diriyah Gate.

ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan has opened its doors in the emirate. The new property is a millennial-centric lifestyle hotspot managed by Hospitality Management Holding (HMH).

Founded in 2003 in Dubai, HMH is a fully integrated hotel management company that prides itself on being the largest operator in the dry sector within the region. Its ever-growing portfolio includes Bahi Hotels & Resorts, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels.

Bringing a new lifestyle destination to the Al Furjan District in the emirate, ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan is in close proximity to Dubai’s major highways, airports and the Dubai Metro. It is located just three metro stops away from the District 2020 site, which was home to Expo 2020 Dubai from October 2021 to March 2022.

ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan comprises 304 rooms with flexible facilities that promise to deliver practical, useful comfort, where guests can rest, refresh, work and socialise on their own terms.

In Dubai, the expansion of the Palace Downtown is an exciting project for the iconic hotel, which is a part of the group’s luxury segment and one of the original Address Hotels + Resorts properties in the UAE. Its expansion and renovation highlights the importance of the property which boasts Burj Khalifa views and remains a key luxury asset for the group.

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The hotel is the ideal choice for city adventurers, families and business travellers looking to make the most of their trip to Dubai as the property offers convenience and indulgence with ultramodern facilities at affordable rates.

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Exhibitor Profile - AlUla

Discover the world’s masterpiece With the roll-out of tourist visas opening Saudi Arabia to dozens of countries around the world and direct flights connecting the ancient region of AlUla to a growing number of aviation hubs, it is now one of the Middle East’s hottest new destinations for 2022 Habitas AlUla

AlUla, dubbed “the world’s masterpiece”, is one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula and home to Hegra, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. A land rich in historical, geological and geographical significance, this ancient city, once at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route, has only recently been rediscovered by the world.

Hidden in the canyons of the kingdom, with history written on the walls, AlUla melds the past, present

and future, giving visitors to this diverse land plenty of opportunities to explore the country’s heritage. There is a wide array of offerings for visitors, including outdoor adventures, history and culture, five-star dining and some of the region’s most breathtaking natural beauty.

Phillip Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said that the journey is only just beginning for the destination as AlUla is not even near to reaching its full potential.

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Hidden in the canyons with history written on the walls, AlUla melds the past, present and future, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to explore the country’s heritage 09/05/2022 5:08 PM

AlUla - Exhibitor Profile

In the last year, AlUla saw the opening of luxury resort Habitas AlUla, adding 96 rooms and 21 caravans to its total room capacity. It is set to be joined

by Banyan Tree AlUla which will open later this year. Among other milestones, AlUla Airport also added three new international routes; two from Dubai, operated by Flynas and Flydubai, with another from Paris, operated by Saudia, all of which are making AlUla more accessible for international travellers.

“The destination has become a hub for a wide selection of new experiences, including those in our four core heritage sites, plus wellness and adventure activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, zip lining, hiking and more,” said Jones.

For foodies, AlUla has become a dining hotspot with the opening of more than 15 new restaurants last year. The portfolio includes farm-to-table concept Somewhere, set in the oasis, and known brands such as Annabel’s, Circolo and Maraya Social by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton located in the world’s largest mirrored building – the Maraya Concert Hall.

Last year saw the initiation of the Journey Through Time master plan, which outlines the development of five districts in AlUla to complete by 2035 in a bid to make it a “living museum”. Part of Saudi Vision 2030, Jones says it is “an ambitious roadmap to protect, preserve and sustainably rejuvenate AlUla and form the backbone of the world’s largest and oldest cultural landscape”.

AlUla saw the opening of the first district of AlUla Old Town in 2021 and AlJadidah Village in 2022, which has been transformed into a pedestrianonly art, culture and dining destination.

AlJadidah is centred around five distinct squares – Art Square, Gathering Square, Muayada Square, Oasis Square and Qanat Square – each with its own unique atmosphere.

Centrally located, AlJadidah sits on the edge of the AlUla Oasis and overlooks AlUla Old Town. Recently, AlUla Design Gallery and ATHR Gallery AlUla opened their doors in AlJadidah, a milestone in reasserting AlUla’s position as a centre of creativity and culture, with a mix of local and international art.

“The tourism sector is key to the kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030, as one of the tributaries of diversifying sources of income. The kingdom is creating a series of world-leading regions for tourism, from the Red Sea to Neom and beyond,” he added.

As the primary luxury destination of Saudi Arabia, offering exclusive five-star accommodation, lavish experiences and high-end restaurants, AlUla’s positioning is expected to be a key generator for the kingdom’s tourism-related revenue.

“AlUla has the advantage of being the first of the major infrastructure projects to welcome visitors and is

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Sharaan Nature Reserve

Arabian Leopard Breeding Center

Habitas AlUla

AlUla has the advantage of being the first of the major infrastructure projects to welcome visitors and is giving back to the economy

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already giving back to the economy. The Journey Through Time master plan will deliver a US$31 billion contribution to the GDP, 38,000 new jobs and two million visitors per year.”

Additionally, the local economy will benefit greatly, not least, the area’s residents. “Our plans in AlUla are all about giving back to the community and creating jobs and opportunities and we are already delivering on that and will continue to do so as we cement our permanent and seasonal events and attractions.”

Despite strict border closures during the pandemic, visitor numbers for 2021 exceeded the expectations of 95,000, five percent of whom were set to be international. Instead, the destination

closed the year with 130,000 visitors, 24 percent of whom were international.

“We surpassed our target by a significant margin,” he said.

Instead of mass tourism, activities and experiences available in the area, which is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites and several more to come, are limited in number in order to safeguard historical sites and the natural environment.

Where possible, visitors are accompanied by an expert guide, with some activities giving back to nature and the community in more tangible ways, such as tree planting and mud brick making experiences.

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Insight - Understanding Arab Travellers

A growing niche

Jess Noble

With countries in the region and around the world recognising Arab travellers as a powerful consumer segment, travel and tourism businesses are seeking new ways to leverage their potential to steer the sector forward The Arab traveller segment has become recognised as one of the industry’s most lucrative audiences in recent years. Once viewed as a niche market largely catered for by small travel firms, the burgeoning segment now has the attention of top travel and tourism companies.

Countries around the world are recognising Arab travellers as a powerful consumer segment and seeking new ways to leverage their potential to steer the sector towards recovery.

As COVID-19 regulations continue to ease around the world, travel is at the top of the list for Arab audiences. And while outbound tourism from the GCC means tens of billions of dollars spent in destination countries, entities from the originating countries can also benefit from catering to the Arab traveller.

Helping businesses understand how to connect better with this audience is Dubai-based marketing and consumer consultancy, D/A. With their proprietary AI technology, Sila, D/A helps brands get

closer to Arabic-speaking consumers through insight, strategy and action.

AT ATM today, D/A will present findings from their recent travel study conducted by analysing over 1.3 million travel conversations ambiently in Arabic.

While defining the modern Arab traveller, the session will also offer insight into where they are looking to go and how brands can develop strategies to enhance relationships with them.

Speaking ahead of the session, Jess Noble, Head of Growth, D/A, said: “From a macro level, the GCC traveller is high value and fast-growing. Generally, a GCC traveller will spend six and a half times the global average. Also, the region has the fastest-growing population in the world and the vast majority will soon be under 25 years of age.

“This speedy population growth combined with millennial spending power and the current post-pandemic travel climate has led to some interesting movements in consumer behaviour.”

Santorini, Greece

Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul

As COVID-19 regulations continue to ease around the world, travel is at the top of the list for Arab audiences The 2022 GCC travel trends report from D/A highlighted that the GCC accounts for 64 percent of total international departures from the Middle East and 40 percent of GCC travellers spent over US$10,000 on their last trip to Europe. And as with most industries, the travel and tourism sector is witnessing a transformation in consumer behaviour, with newer spending habits and newer desires determining the path forward.

“There are two distinct shifts that we are witnessing post-pandemic with Arab travellers; first is a new mindset – revenge travel – which is fueling desire into action. And as travel planning shortens, trips are taken with less concern and more passion.

“Also, the language used within travel conversations is far more emotive. With ‘escapism’ driving action and as ‘wants’ are becoming ‘needs’, it changes the ‘reasons to travel’ for Arab consumers.

“We’ve noticed that the vast majority are looking to travel for vacation only

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and they are looking at destinations that are ‘unlike home’. Finally free from the restrictions keeping them within the same landscape, there is a desire to experience culture and nature for most, followed by the younger generation that is looking for retail and local flavours.

Highlighting the trends that the sector has witnessed in Arab traveller behaviour since the onset of COVID-19, Noble explained: “2020 saw the start of a new destination trend around the world – the staycation – and the GCC was no exception. The top three travel destinations, the UAE, KSA and Kuwait, are primarily driven by their own and other GCC residents, only confirming the significance of staycations. This trend is likely to continue in the near future.

“Then, in 2021, we saw sentiment in travel conversations sharply increase with an overwhelmingly positive response, both towards the GCC economy and travel. Clearly, the Arab traveller is ready to take off!”

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Saudi Arabia - Advertorial

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A rich heritage

As Saudi Arabia opens up to tourism, the world is now witnessing the plethora of historical sites and cultural experiences spread across one of the Middle East’s largest and most diverse countries Located a few hours west of Madinah is the port city of Yanbu. While known for its oil refineries and industrial plants, it is also an ancient spice route where Colonel Thomas Edward Lawrence lived in a typical Hijazi building in 1915 and 1916.

Many of the destination’s best attractions are discovered in the area around the harbour, which comes alive at night. Here, locals can be found eating freshly caught fish at the waterside and visitors can discover the glowing lanes of Souk Al Lail night market and purchase locally grown dates.

Tabuk, the capital city of the Tabuk region in north-western Saudi Arabia, is home to some of the kingdom’s oldest archaeological sites. The region also features stunning coastal scenery, with charming coastal towns such as Haql

Mushroom Rock, Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia currently boasts six UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a further 10 on the tentative list.

These landmarks range from historic railways to ancient rock art and a natural oasis to ancient Nabatean tombs. For history and culture buffs, these ancient sites offer plenty to discover.

EXPLORE AL ULA Home to one of the kingdom’s finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites, AlUla is located deep in the desert in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. The town is dotted with ancient tombs, the legacy of 7,000 years of human civilisation, stunning natural rock formations and canyons, a plethora of adventure sports options and cutting-edge art installations.

With direct flights now connecting AlUla to major countries, including the UAE, it looks set to be one of the kingdom’s most popular attractions where authenticity meets luxury.

Music festivals and concerts feature strongly in the destination’s appeal, along with the majestic Maraya Concert Hall, the world’s largest mirrored building which has now become one of the region’s most marvellous modern architectural icons.

AN OASIS IN THE DESERT Al Ahsa is another of the country’s key showcase destinations. With more than 2.5 million date palm trees blanketing a verdant expanse inland from Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast, Al Ahsa is an archetypal lush desert oasis. One of the UNESCO World Heritage-recognised regions, Al Ahsa was also recently recognised by the Guinness World Records as the largest self-contained oasis in the world. Visitors to Al Ahsa have much to choose from, including hot and cold springs and historic mosques.

VIBRANT RIYADH The capital Riyadh offers visitors the chance to see the parallels between old and new. Its glittering skyline, studded with modern skyscrapers, is juxtaposed alongside atmospheric souks and museums such as the Saudi National Museum and Al Masmak Palace Museum, which are among the city’s most fascinating attractions.

MORE TO EXPLORE To the south-west, Al Baha possesses a unique cultural identity boasting natural beauty and ancient heritage. Famous for its lush forests and winding valleys,

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Hiking in Saudi Arabia

ancient tribes forged several historical monuments that can still be found in Al Baha, including 1,001 stone qasbah lookout towers and a bustling souk.

Visitors can also experience an unforgettable scenic drive around hairpin mountain bends, past apricot and pomegranate orchards, and out into the forests that surround the city and the famous marble village of Dhee Ayn.

For history and culture buffs, these ancient sites offer plenty to discover across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sharma offering clear seas and pristine beaches. The carved tombs of Maghaer Shuaib in the desert are a popular tourist destination, as are the Moses Springs near Magna, where natural springs flow under date palms.

The long winding mountain roads of Taif take visitors on a journey through fruit markets, rose farms and the region’s deep valleys before reaching the plateau upon which Taif sits. Often referred to as the City of Roses, Taif is known for the famously fragrant flowers that grow in its surrounding wadis and mountains. Its altitude means it is a cool escape from the summer heat. August is when the region comes to life, when the Souk Okaz cultural festival and the Crown Prince Camel Festival are in full swing.

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Exhibitor Profile - Radisson Hotel Group

Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel

On the right track Tim Cordon shares Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion plans in the Middle East and Africa at Arabian Travel Market It is a busy time for Radisson Hotel Group as the company readies for a host of new openings around the Middle East and the launch of a new brand portfolio.

In showcase on the ATM show floor this year, are the brand’s upcoming properties and the group’s postpandemic diversification as Radisson prepares to unveil its latest additions.

Tim Cordon, Senior Area Vice President – Middle East & Africa, said: “With a global strategy aimed at reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading hotel groups, Radisson Hotel Group signed more than 50 hotels in EMEA since the start of 2021.”

The scope includes luxury brand Radisson Collection properties, the Radisson brand and the introduction of Radisson Individuals.

Cordon added: “Today, with around 150 hotels in operation and development by 2030 in the Middle East, Radisson Hotel Group continues to steadily grow its presence in the region.”

The UAE has seen the opening of the Radisson Hotel Dubai DAMAC Hills as well as Radisson Hotel Group’s first resort in the region, Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island, in addition to further expansion into Saudi Arabia.

“The group continues its extensive expansion in 2022, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE being key market feeders, and plans to reach 100 hotels in the Middle East by 2026,” he explained. One of these prominent Saudi properties will be the

191-key Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, which will become the luxury lifestyle brand’s second property in the city and will open in May 2022.

The name comes from its distinct mansard roofline, designed as a nod to the signature Parisian Haussmann style of the mid-1800s and evoking images of the grand buildings which line the fashionable boulevards of the French capital. The property comprises rooms, serviced apartments and duplex villas.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, will be opening in the third quarter of 2022 in the Saudi capital.

The hotel will feature 200 rooms, with

Radisson’s global strategy is aimed at reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading hospitality groups

Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center

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facilities including an indoor swimming pool and gym, in addition to 1,075 square metres of meetings and events space.

“The stylishly designed rooms boast spectacular views over Riyadh and business travellers can benefit from a stay in our executive rooms or suites, which include access to our business class lounge.”

In another exciting development, Radisson Hotel Group will open its first beach resort, Radisson Resort, on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Set to open in the third quarter of this year, the 389-room new-build hotel will be the third property under the Radisson Hotels brand in the country.

Radisson Hotel Group recently launched Radisson Individuals, a new brand born from the pandemic, designed to enable independent hotels and local chains to benefit from being part of the global Radisson Hotel Group platform and, in turn, harness its international exposure.

“Radisson Individuals will showcase hotels selected for their distinctive character and personality, however, each property will also be expected to deliver the high service and quality standards of Radisson Hotel Group,” Cordon added.

“The brand gives hotels the opportunity to enhance their visibility and access a wider audience while benefiting from IT and revenue platforms, comprehensive operation systems and the reputation of a hotel group that’s trusted by millions of guests worldwide.”

One of the criteria for the Radisson Individuals properties is location, with upscale hotels located in renowned cities, close to airports and key business and leisure destinations. Recent openings within the portfolio include Marina Resort Port Ghalib, Egypt, and Number One Oxford Street Hotel & Suites, Ghana, with Vivid Jeddah Hotel opening in Saudi Arabia in Q3 2022.

For many exhibitors, ATM 2022 will be the first time since the pandemic to be at the industry’s leading event in the region. “The pandemic has highlighted the need for the hospitality industry to work together,” said Cordon. And ATM remains a key event in the calendar at which to do that.

As the industry continues to evolve and adapt with 2022 looking like the busiest year since 2019, he said: “ATM comes at a perfect time to gather industry leaders and stakeholders and provide them with an opportunity to share insights as the world continues to see an increase in domestic and international travel demand.

“We look forward to participating in the positive conversation about the industry and are excited to share our regional expansion plans with customers and stakeholders alike as we look forward to a positive year ahead.”

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Seminar Schedule

ATM Global Stage TUESDAY 10TH MAY 10:30 - 11:30 AIRLINES EVOLVING FOR THE FUTURE: HEAR FROM THE INDUSTRY LEADERS The interview will address the challenges faced by the aviation due to the pandemic.

It will equally focus on opportunities and structural change for the industry coming out of the crisis. Topics will include the status on markets opening up and the reduction in restrictions, the lessons we have learnt or those that should be learnt and how airlines are managing an increasing debt level, rising fuel prices and likely changes in the passenger mix.

Moderator: John Strickland, Director, JLS Consulting Speakers: Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group; Adel Abdullah Al Ali, Board Member and Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia 12:00 - 12:45 THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORT From new hyperloop systems and driverless vehicles to next-generation aircraft and space travel, new modes of transport are fast emerging, transforming how we move from A to B. Fuel is being redesigned to allow for next-generation aircraft, will SAFs play a role? And do train offerings stand to supplant air travel?

Moderator: Sarah Hymers Hedley, Executive Editor, ConnectingTravel Speakers: Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President, Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Boeing; Kata Cserep, Vice President and Global Managing Director, Aviation, ICF; Karime Makalouf, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Jordanian

13:15 - 13.45 ARABIC TRAVELLERS INSIGHT: UNDERSTANDING HOW TO CONNECT WITH THE ARABIC TRAVEL AUDIENCE Arab travellers are a powerful consumer segment and while outbound tourism from the GCC means tens of billions spent in the destination countries, it also presents an opportunity for entities with the originating country. Travel is at the top of a GCC consumer’s ‘to-do’ list. D/A’s insight session will look into the current and emerging trends in Arabic traveller behaviour and planning. We will uncover who is the Arabic traveller we will be talking to, where are they looking to go in the world and why, and how can we connect with them and bring them into our worlds. The session will be based on a recent travel study conducted by analysing over 1.3 million travel conversations ambiently in Arabic. D/A’s analytics and science teams have drawn the most impactful and actionable insights from natural conversations to deliver a true picture of Arabic traveller intent and barriers that travel brands can address.

Speaker: Paul Kelly, Managing Partner, D/A 14:00 - 18:00 ITIC MIDDLE EAST TOURISM INVESTMENT SUMMIT Theme: The Middle East as a major financial hub for global tourism investments 14:00 - 14:10 - Welcome notes Speakers: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman ITIC and Former Secretary General UNWTO; Danielle Curtis, Exhibition

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Director – Middle East, RX 14:10 - 14:30 - Global Economic Outlook 14:30 - 14:45 - Reenergising air connectivity to support tourism growth in the Middle East A conversation with Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai, and Sameer Hashmi, Middle East Business Correspondent, BBC News 14:45 - 15:30 - Panel discussion: How the Middle East is reinventing the financing of future tourism projects?

Moderator: Gerald Lawless, Director, ITIC and WTTC Ambassador Panellists: Sandip Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International; Badr Alherbish, Executive Director of Strategy Tourism Development Fund, Saudi Arabia; Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations & Development, Middle East, Africa & India, SwissBelhotel International; Dinky Puri, Founding Partner, Eaglewing Group 15:30 - 16:00 - Panel discussion: The economic integration of women through the tourism industry Moderator: Elizabeth Maclean, Co-Managing Director, Herdwick Communications Panellists: Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality; Liz Ortiguera, CEO, PATA; Aradhana Khowala, CEO, Aptamind Partners; Maryam Toorani, Director of Marketing & Promotion, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority; Khadija Mohammad Turki, Acting Director-General, Ajman Tourism Development Department

16:00 - 16:30 - Destination Focus – Investment Opportunities: Ras Al Khaimah forges ahead Speakers: Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; Alison Grinnell, Chief Executive Officer, RAK Hospitality Holding LLC; Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan 16:30-16:45 - Presentations of Tourism Projects Financing Speakers: John Sage, Founder & CEO, Accessible Travel Solutions; Guillaume Pellerin, CEO, Wild World; Mark Abraham, Founder & CEO, Shackle 16:45 -17:15 - Unlocking new modes of payments in the travel and tourism industry Speakers: Dirk Van Loggerenberg, CEO of Dale Capital Group; Dr Kamlen Pillay, CEO, UWell; Yariv Fisher, Chairman, Flyeast GRP 17:15 - 17:55 - Panel discussion: Enhancing preparedness to mitigate the impact of future crises Moderator: Sameer Hashmi, Middle East Business Correspondent, BBC News Panellists: Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts; HE Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica and Co-chair GTRCMC; Taleb Rifai, Chairman ITIC and Former Secretary-General, UNWTO; Paul Griffiths, CEO Dubai Airports 17:55 - 18:00 - Closing Speakers: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Gerald Lawless and Ibrahim Ayoub

09/05/2022 5:46 PM

Seminar Schedule

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WEDNESDAY 11TH MAY 10:30 - 11:15 THE FUTURE OF THE REGION’S HOTEL INDUSTRY Where is the Middle East’s hotel sector heading? Where are the development hotspots and what potential is there to bring new hospitality concepts to fruition?

Moderator: Paul Clifford, Group Editor, Hospitality, ITP Media Group Speakers: Christopher Lund, Director, Head of Hotels MENA, Colliers International; Mark Kirby, Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group; Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group; Judit Toth, Founder & CEO, Vivere Hospitality 11:45 - 12:30 WHAT GUESTS REALLY WANT From experiential and eco-conscious stays with a local edge and wellness experiences that go beyond spas to loyalty programmes and apps that meet new lifestyle demands, this session looks at what motivates guests in 2022.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc. Speakers: Folker Heim, Chief Operating Officer, Global Hotel Alliance; Chris Nader, Co-Founder, ENVI Lodges; Federico Toresi, Global VP Design, Ultra Luxe, Luxury & Premium Brands, Accor; Walter Knight, Director of Hospitality, Farnek Services LLC; James Britchford, Vice President Commercial IMEA, InterContinental Hotels Group

12:45 - 13:30 SPORTS TOURISM KICKS OFF IN THE GULF Major destinations across the Gulf have robust strategies in place to put the region on the world sports tourism map. From smart cities and sponsorships to centres of excellence and sporting events destinations, discover the ambitious projects and initiatives that will attract millions of visitors and set new benchmarks.

Moderator: Thomas Urquhart, Broadcaster, Arabian Radio Network Speakers: Andy Preece, Director, Buro Happold; Philip Wooller, Senior Director, Middle East & Africa, STR; Philip Dickinson, Vice President of International Markets, Qatar Tourism; Naif AlDossary, Advisor to the Strategic Planning and Investment Deputy, Ministry of Sport; Tricia Warwick, MCIM, Director Asia Pacific Middle East Africa China, VisitBritain 14:00 - 14:45 HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL: WHY UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCES ARE AN ESSENTIAL TOOL IN THE DESTINATION MARKETING PLAYBOOK Great food is more than just sustenance: it connects us to people, places, and flavours; to culture and heritage; to tradition and society. The memories forged while eating a meal with friends or strangers in lands unknown are often more powerful than any other travel encounter involving time-honoured rituals of hospitality and generosity.

And travellers are hungry for more.

Unique dining experiences are a major

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consideration for luxury travellers when it comes to choosing a destination. From big-name chefs and award-winning restaurants to authentic local experiences that connect visitors to a destination and create a sense of place, culinary encounters are an increasingly important part of a destination’s appeal. A handful of the Middle East’s leading restaurateurs, hoteliers, and culinary kingpins discuss the growing appetite for unforgettable dining encounters and the unquenchable thirst for unique experiences.

Moderator: Joe Mortimer, Editor-atLarge, Destinations of the World News Speakers: Suhaila Ghubash, Events Director, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment; Lynne Bellinger, Director of Food & Beverage Design & Development, Marriott International EAME; Amanda Elder, Chief Commercial Officer, Member of the Management Board, Kempinski Hotels SA; Michael Ellis, Founder and CEO, Passionomy. tv; Talal Nabil Kensara, Chief of Strategic Management, Diriyah Gate Development Authority

Anderson, Head of Sales, dnata Travel Management; Matthew Roberts, Vice President of Sales, Accor IMEA; Sam Dawson, Commercial Director, MENA, YouGov; Ian Moore, Chief Commercial Officer, VistaJet 16:15 - 17:00 BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS TRAVEL PROGRAMME Corporations across the globe are committed to operating more sustainably – but where does business travel fit in this picture? This session will look at how corporations can measure; manage and reduce the environmental impact of their business travel programme.

Moderator: Chris Pouney, Associate, GoldSpring Consulting Speakers: Martin Drew, Senior Vice President, Sales & Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group; Fatima Jaafar Al-Sairafi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority; David Todd, Head of Operations MEA, InterContinental Hotels Group

15:00 - 16:00 THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS TRAVEL What will business travel look like in a post-pandemic world and as a severely impacted sector when and how will it recover? This session will look at the megatrends impacting business travel and the medium term forecasts for the return to travel.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc. Speakers: Catherine Logan, Regional Vice President - EMEA, GBTA; Shaun

09/05/2022 5:40 PM

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Seminar Schedule

THURSDAY 12TH MAY 10:30 - 11:15 THE INDIAN TRAVELLER: WRITING THE GLOBAL RECOVERY SEQUEL Pent-up demand and eagerness to travel are terms that are very often used for Indian outbound travel.

Yes, the Indian traveller is raging to go and wants to travel the world.

This segment is quick to rebound, remains strong, and has the spending capacity. Luxury has become the new mantra for the Indian traveller. Research shows that the frequency of travel has increased and spending is going up. Will the Indian outbound traveller replace the Chinese traveller from the pre-pandemic world? What does the Indian traveller now expect and what can international brands do to welcome them with open arms?

Let’s discuss this further with stalwarts from the Indian outbound sector who can highlight these new trends and redefine the new and evolved Indian traveller.

Moderator: Mr. SanJeet, Founder and CEO, DDP Group and Buzz Travel Marketing Speakers: Deepak Rawat Senior Vice President – International Markets, MakeMyTrip (India) Ltd; Jaal Kalpesh Shah, Group Managing Director, Travel Designer Group; Sandeep Dwivedi, Chief Operating Officer, InterGlobe Technology Quotient Pvt Ltd

11:45 - 12:30 RESPONSIBLE TECHNOLOGY FOR TRAVEL & TOURISM The tourism industry – travel, hospitality and attractions – has developed a bewildering range of tech solutions. For this panel, we have chosen speakers who can look behind the brochures and the sales pitch to share what they have learnt about what works, what doesn’t and why? Globally is about supporting businesses in taking sustainable action.

Globally urges businesses to take a fresh look at technologies many of which can improve bottom lines as well as reducing environmental footprints.

Keith and his colleagues in Globally share the aspirations of the Responsible Tourism movement; together we can change the world for the better.

Moderator: Keith Bradley, Managing Partner, Globally Speakers: Hugo Domingues, General Manager, Enernouva; Russell Impiazzi, Executive Chef, Sofitel Dubai, The Obelisk; Iftikhar Hussain Shah Hamdani Syed, Area General Manager, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel

rapidly on the rise and an increasing number of countries scrapping Covidrelated restrictions to ease travel, city tourism is steadily returning.

We bring together key city tourism boards from around the globe to discuss their sustainable rebuilding and growth strategies post pandemic, and the growing importance of cultural festivals and sporting events in motivating travellers.

Moderator: Rashi Sen, Editor, TTN Middle East Speakers: Deveekaa Nijhawan, Global Head of International Market, Qatar National Tourism Council; Bahruz Asgarov, Deputy CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board; Emily Jenkins, General Manager, Dnata Travel; Tom Kiely, President and CEO, West Hollywood Travel and Tourism Board

14:15 - 15:00 THE RETURN AND RISE OF CITY TOURISM With international airline re-connectivity

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09/05/2022 5:41 PM

Seminar Schedule

Abu Dhabi B

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TUESDAY 10TH MAY

14:00 - 18:00 OMAN TOURISM FORUM 2022 - EXPLORING TOURISM PARTNERSHIP IN OMAN Oman received over 3.2 million international tourists in 2019, ranked 18th in Global Foreign Direct Investment in 2021. According to the World Economic Forum, it is one of the safest countries in the Middle East.

Lonely Planet rated Oman among the Top 10 countries to visit in 2022.

Oman Tourism Forum 2022 aims to explore global and regional tourism partnership opportunities with Oman.

The event’s esteemed panel speakers and VIP guests include the world’s largest construction and real estate firm, OMRAN, China’s largest tour operator CTS, ICCA, Alibaba, Rotana, MINOR, Oman Air, Salam Air, Spring Air, China Southern Airline, ASAAS, the MICE industry and many more.

We are expecting about 150 - 200 delegates from Oman, China, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. There are 30 Chinese travel agents confirmed.

The event is organised by the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, co-organised by International

China Investment Forum and coordinated by China Travel Online.

13:30 - 13:55 - Registration, refreshments and networking 14:00 - 14:05 - Program begins with Master of Ceremony Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc. 14:05 - 14:10 - Introduction by Marcus Lee, Forum Chair, CEO China Travel Online 14:10 - 14:15 - Welcome address by HE Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism of Oman 14:15 - 14:20 - Group photo of organisers and His Excellency 14:20 - 14:30 - Oman Tourism Opportunities: Overview and outlook Speaker: HE Ibrahim bin Said Al Kharusi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism 14:30 - 15:15 - Oman Tourism Global Partnership Speakers: Hashil Bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO, OMRAN; Joachim Schmitt, CEO, Orascom Hotel Management; Zhang Jiang Han, GM, China Travel Services and CITS; Shabib Mohamed Al-Mamari, CEO, Visit Oman; Yang Yang, GM, Beijing Spring Travel Services; Marcus Lee, CEO, China Travel Online 15:15 - 15:20 - MOU Signing Ceremony

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Representatives: Shabib Mohamed Al-Mamari, CEO, Visit Oman; Yang Yang, GM, Beijing Spring Travel Services; Marcus Lee, CEO, China Travel Online 15:20 - 16:05 - Improving Connectivity through Aviation and Technology Speakers: Shk. Aimen Ahmed Sultan Al-Hosni , CEO, Oman Airports; Piyush Kakkar, Regional Director, Alibaba Cloud; Captain Mohammad Ahmed, CEO, Salam Air; Mahmoud Fathy, GSA Manager,

China Southern Airline; Mundher Al Shikhani, Senior Manager, Oman Air 16:05 - 16:50 - Hotel Expansion and Partnership Prospects Speakers: Suliman Ahmed Al-Kindi, CEO, ASAAS; Hashil Bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO, OMRAN; Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO, Rotana Hotel Group; Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, MINOR Hotel; Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, Times Hotel Group 16:50 - 17:35 - Sector on the Rise: Maximising MICE and Retail’s Potential Speakers: Khalid Al-Zadjali, Director, Oman Convention Bureau; Senthil Gopinath CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA); Said Salim Al Shanfari,CEO, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre; Marcus Lee, Chairman, International China Investment Forum (ICIF); Mahmood Mohamed Ali, Chairman, Aljarwani Group; Michelle Chen, CEO, Hunter Tourism International 17:35 - 17:45 - Win flight tickets and hotel packages by sponsors 17:45 - 17:50 - Closing Speech: Ministry of Heritage and Tourism 17:50 - 18:00 - Refreshments and programme end

09/05/2022 5:44 PM

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Seminar Schedule

ATM Travel Tech Stage

TUESDAY 10TH MAY 10:30 - 11:30 ON THE ROAD TO SEAMLESS TRAVEL What progress is the industry making in adopting new technologies like biometrics, data analytics, mobile and Artificial Intelligence to make the travel experience more frictionless, easier and ultimately more enjoyable for the customer? In this session experts from the travel technology sector will share their vision for a future that’s more digitised, more multi-modal, and more joined-up, bringing traditional transport suppliers and last-mile journey options together for a truly integrated door-to-door experience.

Moderator: Lee Hayhurst, Executive Editor, Travolution Speakers: Alex Villeyra, Chief Operating Officer, Mabrian Technologies; Francois Blanc, Amadeus Traveler ID Managing Director, Amadeus; Mike Ferguson, Commercial Director, Skyscanner 11:45 - 12:30 TECHNOLOGIES TO SHAPE AND NAVIGATE THE NEW TRAVEL ERA Changes in the travel and tourism industry keep accelerating. Not only the impact of COVID-19, but also

technology advancements, changing business realities, and shifts in consumer trends are transforming the travel landscape. Find out from our experts how technology helps rebuild travel with tangible examples of what is already in place and what is coming.

Moderator: Delphine Herrmann, Head of Amadeus Regional Marketing, Western Europe, Middle East and Africa Speakers: Jamel Chandoul, Senior Vice President, Amadeus Travel Sellers Middle East & Africa; Christophe Roux, Senior Vice President Commercial, Amadeus Airline Business, Middle East, Africa, and Turkey; Cem Cetinturk, Regional Vice President Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, Amadeus Hospitality; Brent Roberts, Director of Sales, Amadeus Hospitality and DMOs 13:00 - 13:45 SHARING SUCCESS: A GUIDE FOR ENTREPRENEURS LOOKING TO BUILD SUCCESSFUL START-UPS This session will feature advice and information for aspiring innovators, as well as details of the ATM DraperAladdin Start-up Competition which will take place during ATM 2022. Industry

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experts will share their extensive start-up experience, offering tips on the most effective fundraising methods, the biggest challenges faced by new ventures, and the best channels to reach and forge partnerships with investors.

Investors will also be on hand to explain the key elements they look for before deciding to back a new venture.

Moderator: Lee Cotterell Clark, Emcee, Draper Aladdin Speakers: Alaa Ismail Al Haija, Founder & CEO, Aladdinb2b, SalesMENA and Draper-Aladdin Startup Competition; Hadi Saeed AlShakhori, Business Incubation Manager; Wa’ed Walid Tarabih, Former Digital Transformation Advisor, UAE’s Prime Minister’s Office; Hamdi Sultan, CEO, Solitaire IGT; Matthew Gardiner, Founder, A1 AI 13:50 - 17:30 THE ATM DRAPER-ALADDIN START-UP COMPETITION The ATM Draper-Aladdin Start-up Competition is an exciting, new forum designed to showcase the very latest technology innovations from some of the brightest minds in

the travel and hospitality industry.

Hear from the 15 start-ups themselves, pitching their business plan to attract investment with ideas across three travel & tourism sectors from Travel and Transportation; Hospitality Tech and Experiences and Attractions.

Each pitch will last just five minutes followed by a fiveminute Q&A with the judges.

Once all the pitches are complete, this will be followed by an awards ceremony to announce the top three winners. The overall winner will receive a minimum of $30,000 up to a maximum of $500,000 investment, a DASC Certificate and the chance to appear on Tim Draper’s TV show, Meet the Drapers, where they compete for another $500,000 while gaining access to a crowdfunding network of 12 million viewers. A further two runners up will receive the DASC Certificate only.

13.50 – 15.00: Start-ups make their pitches 15.00 – 15.30: Break 15.30 – 16.50: Start-ups make their pitches 17.05 – 17.30: Winners presentations and awards

09/05/2022 7:37 PM

Seminar Schedule

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WEDNESDAY 11TH MAY 10:30 - 11:15 TACTICAL REENGAGEMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST The 2022 edition of the ATM Middle East will witness increased participation and business opportunities after two years. The session will highlight how the Middle East is recovering and how it is investing more and more in MICE vertical. The speakers will outline the importance of the meetings industry, the exponential growth expected in the region by 2030, and how it’s focusing on women’s capacity building.

Moderator: Anju Vijay Anthony Gomes, Regional Director, ICCA Speakers: Karina Soraya Lance, Deputy Director, Department of Economy and Tourism; Lujaina Al Maskari, Business Events Executive, Oman Convention Bureau, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism; Kavitha Prabhu, Director - Association Management and Consultancy, MCI Middle East; Jasmine Lew, Section Head Conventions & Exhibitions, Department of Culture & Tourism, Abu Dhabi 11:45 - 12:30 MAPPING TRAVEL’S NEW NORMAL In this session, Sabre will be revealing its latest research into the travel industry recovery landscape following extensive global research with airlines and travel agencies. Sabre’s vice president for the Middle East Abdul-Razzaq Iyer will present the findings of the study and will then invite industry experts to a 30-minute panel discussion to talk about the findings and what they mean for the travel industry landscape. How has COVID-19 changed the way people travel? How can the industry capture the tailwinds of recovery? And what are the opportunities for airlines and agencies to create value as we move towards an endemic world? To answer these questions and more, join Sabre as it maps travel’s new normal.

Moderator: Abdul-Razzaq Iyer, Vice President, Sabre Travel Network Middle East Speaker: Frank Trampert, SVP & Global MD – Commercial, Sabre Hospitality Solutions

marketplace, there is an imperative to recapture revenue and elevate the guest experience to meet new consumer demands. Achieving such goals requires a greater embrace of technology to rapidly offer high-demand products and services, improve operations, and make work simpler and more rewarding for short-handed staff. Join this session to learn about the four major trends shaping hospitality - and discover how technology can actually enhance the human touch to deliver exceptional service.

Moderator: Alex Alt, SVP and General Manager, Oracle Hospitality Speakers: Judith Cartwright, Founder & Managing Director, Black Coral Consulting; Christopher Hartley, CEO, Global Hotel Alliance; Willem Both, EVP of IT, Kerzner International FZE; Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts 14:15 - 15:00 ENTER THE METAVERSE: TECHNOLOGIES AS A TOOL FOR ADVANCING TRAVEL SERVICES Technology has always been a driving force in setting how businesses and industries function. The travel and tourism industry is the first field that has embraced technological advancement, from the emergence of WEB 2.0 back in its days, questions and worries have risen on whether travel agencies

are losing their presence in the world.

Now, with WEB 3.0, and technologies such as the blockchain, the metaverse, and artificial intelligence taking the spotlight of the world of tomorrow, we are here to utilise these technologies not as a replacement for agencies and service providers, but as a tool to further advance their role and services within the industry. This session is an introduction to the basics of metaverse, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, followed by a brand new interactive virtual tour of travel destinations, hotels, and attractions, demonstrating the capabilities of these technologies combined in reshaping the travel industry and preparing it to grasp the future.

Speakers: Omarei Abumadi, CEO, TBS/V Booking 15.30 - 16.00 HOSPITALITY 4.0: NOW MORE THAN EVER The year looks fairly promising for APAC-MEA region with borders opening up and restrictions being eased while travel patterns have become difficult to predict now more than ever. How will technology help hoteliers the challenges while trying to engage, understand and convert their guests?

Speakes: Kamesh Shukla, Executive Vice President Commercial APAC & MEA, RateGain

16.15 - 17.00 HOW TO WORK WITH INFLUENCERS POST-COVID The pandemic changed influencer marketing for travel dramatically. Many travel influencers lost their incomes and changed careers. Those that remain have new concerns about promoting brands and destinations. We conducted a survey of influencers and industry stakeholders to map the new landscape. This presentation will include key takeaways from our research and recommendations for how to work most effectively with influencers post-COIVD. Moderator: Matt Gibson, CEO, UpThink Ltd. Speakers: Paul Johnson, Editor, A Luxury Travel Blog; Amanda PonzioMouttaki, Writer, MarocMama; Maria Khoriaty, Influencer Marketing Coordinator, Hashtag Media FZ LLC; Samantha Wood, Publisher, Event Organiser & Consultant, FooDiva 17:00 – 18:00 INFLUENCER NETWORKING EVENT Travel influencers can meet with the marketing teams from travel and tourism suppliers across the wide spectrum of exhibitors at ATM to explore ways to work together in the future.

13:00 - 13:45 CATALYSTS FOR CHANGE: FOUR TECH TRENDS SHAPING HOSPITALITY Venturing into a post-pandemic

THURSDAY 12TH MAY 10.30 - 11.15 HOW IS DATA CHANGING AIRLINE RETAILING? Travel tech start-up Atlas is redefining what it means to be data-led. Moderated by industry authority Brian Staunton, serial travel entrepreneur Mary Li will share her insights on how to build a data-led organisation and why harnessing every parameter of travel data is the future of travel technology.

They’ll be joined by a panel of experts providing agency, airline and technology

perspectives to help you better understand the practicalities of data infrastructure and customised analysis, and the skills and experience we can take from other industries and apply to travel.

We’ll get under the hood of what it means for you and your customers to be dataled, the alignment of in-house technical and commercial capabilities, and what skills next generation executives will need to hone to remain relevant and compete.

Moderator:Brian Staunton, Chief Commercial Officer, Atlas

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Speakers: Ashish Kumar, Director Commercial, Flights Booking, Wego Middle East; Mary Li, CEO, The Atlas Pte. Ltd. 11:45 - 12:30 EMBEDDED INSURANCE AND THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE: HOW CONVENIENCE IS CHANGING THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY Speakers: Peter Smith, VP, Strategic Partnerships – Travel, Cover Genius; Sriram Jayanthi, Product Manager,

Merchandising, Omio Travel GmbH 13:00 - 13:45 PAYMENT SOLUTIONS FOR WORLDCLASS GUEST EXPERIENCES Attend this session to learn more about how HyperPay is helping leading hospitality brands to automate internal daily operations and deliver highquality services to guests with the power of Online Payment Solutions.

Speaker: Aziz Khan, Director of Payment Solution, HyperPay

09/05/2022 7:37 PM

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Feature - Aviation

Charting a new course

The region’s airlines have been navigating through some rough air over the last few years but bold strategies are at the heart of recovery plans for success Flydubai Boeing 737 Max 8

Airlines in the Middle East have faced a challenging period, feeling the effects of geopolitical shocks, increasing competition and rising oil prices before the pandemic grounded flights globally and brought the sector to a virtual standstill. While some shut shop, others embarked on a new course with bold strategies in tow.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects overall traveller numbers to reach four billion in 2024, exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels (103 percent of the 2019 total), which signals that the industry is moving in the right direction. But along the way, lessons are being learnt.

John Strickland, a leading commentator on the airline sector for media worldwide, said: “If not already understood, the importance of having sufficient liquidity has been made crystal clear. The strongest players have ensured that this is the case and indeed have gone out to strengthen reserves.”

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While it remains clear that the industry is on its way to recovery, with the world still not out of the grips of the COVID-19 crisis, the impact is still being felt.

“Recovery is going to be lengthy. It could run into years and the structure of many markets will change. Some important sources of traffic, such as business travellers using premium seats, may not fully recover,” he said.

Discussing the prevalent challenges, Strickland explained: “Some airlines are hedged on fuel and have managed to buy forward at prices lower than those prevailing in the market, others are not so fortunate and are currently exposed to rising costs which will be difficult to pass on in prices due to the fragile nature of recovery. Paying back the debt that many airlines have had to take on just to survive will be one of the greatest challenges in the years ahead.”

Shedding light on the key strategies that worked for airlines which managed

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Aviation - Feature

to stay afloat in turbulent times, Strickland said: “The ability to react quickly and show agility has been critical.

Airlines have had to make numerous changes to their timetables, adding and cancelling flights at extremely short notice, as quarantines and different restrictions were introduced by governments. They have also had to become increasingly agile in moving and mobilising capacity to where opportunities presented themselves.”

A good example remains that of low-cost carriers, many of which have adapted better to the ever-evolving nature of the market. Strickland said: “They have proved the most resilient, already being very efficient and capable of surviving on the basis of low fare traffic. They have maintained good cash reserves and have been very flexible in moving capacity to take advantage of opportunities.”

FLYING HIGH Since its launch a little over a decade ago, Flydubai has rapidly grown to become one of the region’s largest low-cost carriers, with a growing fleet of the latest Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft flying to more than 100 destinations around the world.

“Despite ongoing challenges related to COVID-19 and its impact on the aviation industry in 2021, we can look back at a successful year at Flydubai.

While we continued to meet the ongoing

Flydubai business class

Low-cost carriers have proved the most resilient in the present climate as they are already very efficient and capable of surviving on low fare traffic challenges, we were able to report tremendous results, both operationally and financially,” said CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith. “We reported a profit of US$229 million in 2021. Our total annual revenue increased by 86 percent to US$1.4 billion, compared to US$773 million in 2020.

“While travel remains complicated, our passengers have recognised that it is possible, and this is reflected in our growing number of weekly flights and an overall increase in passenger numbers by

76 percent year-on-year, with 5.6 million passengers who travelled with us last year and a seat factor of 69 percent. Also, the total number of flights surpassed pre-pandemic levels. We operated 6,430 flights in December 2021, compared to 5,701 flights in January 2020,” he added.

“We have also seen an increase in demand for connecting traffic with 34 percent of passengers connecting to the Flydubai network or through its codeshare with Emirates. The latter saw more than 8.3 million passengers enjoy seamless connectivity of our joined network since the launch of the codeshare partnership in 2017.”

Flydubai also witnessed an increase in demand for business class seats in 2021 in some of its key markets. “The GCC saw a growth of 42 percent in 2021, up from 35 percent in 2019; Europe saw an increase of 51 percent in 2021 up from 41 percent in 2019, and Africa saw an increase of 42 percent in 2021 up from 35 percent in 2019,” explained Al Ghaith.

GROWING CONNECTIVITY In 2021, the top 10 busiest routes for scheduled flights across the Flydubai network included Alexandria, Bahrain, Bucharest, Doha, Karachi, Kathmandu, Malé, Tbilisi, Tel Aviv and Zanzibar. And throughout the year, the airline has seen its network grow considerably with the launch of 22 new routes, out of which 13 routes were underserved from Dubai.

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“Thanks to the efforts of our teams, we now operate flights to more destinations than before the pandemic. As travel restrictions started to be lifted across the network, we increased our flight schedule in the second half of the year to meet the growing demand for travel.

“Over the summer, we launched flights to five seasonal destinations to offer more options for passengers, including Batumi, Bodrum, Mykonos, Santorini and Trabzon. At the peak of this travel period, we were operating flights to 118 destinations and these seasonal routes were very popular with our passengers.”

With its sights set on further growth, 2022 got off to a good start for the airline with the addition of yet another route. “In March 2022, we launched operations to AlUla in Saudi Arabia. As the momentum for travel continues to build, we can look forward to launching more routes this year to provide our passengers with more options to travel and explore the Flydubai network.”

FLEET MANAGEMENT The year 2021 saw the addition of new aircraft to Flydubai’s growing fleet. “With the Boeing 737 MAX rejoining our fleet in April, we were able to expand our single fleet type to 59 aircraft as of December 31, 2021.”

Things are looking up for the airline as 2022 will see Flydubai take delivery of the largest number of aircraft since the launch of the airline in 2009.

Al Ghaith said: “We started taking delivery of 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in March this year, which has seen our fleet grow to 62 aircraft. The additional MAX 8 aircraft joining our fleet this year will see the further deployment of our bespoke onboard product and also support our airline’s future growth.”

A MODEL OF SUCCESS With year-on-year growth reported by the airline, it is clear that Flydubai’s business model remains strong. “As demand for travel returned, our strong fundamentals have translated into a significant improvement in our financial and operational performance. This achievement was made possible by the commitment of our employees combined with our business agility,” he said.

And while this success is celebrated, the airline continues to eye new horizons.

“Our strategy for the year ahead is to contribute to the rebuilding of the travel sector. With travel restrictions continuing to ease across our network, we can be cautiously optimistic to see demand for travel grow, notwithstanding the geopolitical situation and its potential effect on the pricing of commodities.

“To support this growth trajectory, we will need to recruit the best people in the industry willing to contribute to Flydubai’s continued success story.”

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Feature - Saudi Arabia

The kingdom calls

Saudi Arabia stands firm in its mission to become one of the Middle East’s prime tourism destinations, with the country’s giga projects and heritage sites leading the charge The Red Sea destination

As the largest country in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia boasts a diverse landscape, with a striking blend of old and new. Once home to ancient Nabatean kingdoms, the country honours and celebrates its rich heritage – evident in its perfectly preserved historic sites juxtaposed with its modern cities bursting with vibrancy.

With plenty to offer travellers and change sweeping the nation as new avenues for exploration continue to open up, Saudi Arabia is well on its way to becoming a tourism force in the Middle East. Thanks to the Vision 2030 project, which was announced in 2016, the kingdom has invested billions of dollars in launching new culture, leisure and entertainment projects, a few of which are already mesmerising the masses.

It’s all part of the government’s plan to channel a sum of US$800 billion by 2030 into developing everything, from transportation to city infrastructure, in order to support its overall vision. This strategy has significantly enhanced

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the country’s appeal as a tourist destination and has set the kingdom on track to achieve its goal of welcoming 100 million visitors by 2030.

THE GIGA PROJECT EFFECT A focus for Saudi Arabia has been the transformation of its hospitality landscape, which the country has been able to do by launching a series of giga projects across the kingdom. Among these, Neom, the Red Sea destination, Amaala, Diriyah Gate and Qiddiya are taking shape. These massive projects make the most of the exceptional biodiversity in their surrounds to offer an all-encompassing leisure experience to modern travellers.

Equal emphasis is placed on promoting the country’s heritage, with the destination of AlUla leading the charge in this sphere. Responsible tourism also is top of mind amid the ongoing development, with projects such as Green Riyadh.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE One of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects, The Red Sea destination will offer an exclusive experience of unparalleled diversity when it opens. Made up of 90 islands, this giga project encompasses miles of sweeping desert and mountain landscapes, peppered with accommodation options for all types of travellers.

“Under the guidance of the kingdom’s visionary leadership, we have taken important steps in leading the industry towards a new frontier in regenerative tourism,” explained John Pagano, CEO, The Red Sea Development Company.

“To date, we have signed over 800 contracts worth in excess of US$5.3 billion – including nine hotel management agreements in the last quarter of 2021 – to bring world-leading, luxury hospitality to the Red Sea destination.

We have made significant progress on the ground, with hotels and other assets now taking shape following sustainable

off-site manufacturing efforts both in the kingdom and further afield.

“Designs for a spectacular mountain resort nestled between the beautiful wadi vistas in the west of the country were revealed as a testament to our commitment to provide truly distinctive opportunities for the world’s most discerning travellers.”

Pagano added: “These luxury offerings will form part of the first phase of development scheduled for 2023, featuring 16 hotels out of the 50 that we have planned in total.

Visitors will be able to enjoy authentic and bespoke experiences that will provide rare access to undiscovered coastlines, islands, lagoons, mountain ranges and dormant volcanoes.”

“Sheltered warm waters amidst mangrove forests will serve as sites for kayaking and diving to witness the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system – including 314 species of pristine coral.

Historical and archaeological sites will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, while the highest quality of personalised hospitality and smart services will enable a frictionless visitor journey.”

With completion set for 2030, the project will transform the tourism and hospitality landscape in north-west Saudi Arabia. It will be home to 50 resorts, offering 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties that span 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include an international airport, luxury marinas, championship golf courses and an array of entertainment and leisure facilities.

Pagano said: “By 2030, the Red Sea destination will contribute US$5 billion per year to the local GDP, while construction and 10 years of steadystate operations will generate cumulative revenues of US$123 billion by 2044.”

The Red Sea destination is equally invested in its sustainability efforts and aims to set a new standard in sustainable development.“We are investing heavily in renewables, conservation and innovative technology, and have partnered with leading architects, designers and scientists to help us transform our vision into reality,” explained Pagano.

“In practice, this means that, despite an expansive area of 28,000 square kilometres, we are leaving 75 percent of the islands untouched and designating nine islands as special conservation zones, while developing only less than one percent of the total site area – never seen before in a documented coastal development plan in the world. We believe that regenerative tourism is the only way forward to yield maximum benefits for the economy, environment and society.

We envision the Red Sea destination as a catalyst in the global transition to regeneration while exemplifying Saudi Arabia’s efforts in creating a sustainable future for the region.”

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Saudi Arabia - Feature

AlUla Oasis

Regenerative tourism is the way forward to yield maximum benefits for the economy, environment and society A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME AlUla’s strategic location in the heart of the Middle East meant that it sat along several trade routes for incense and spices coming from Asia, North Africa and the Levant. A place of deep history, its origins date back to the sixth century BC. Its ancient architecture remains well preserved and visitors can discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site and embark on a journey through time, exploring tombs, sandstone outcrops, historic dwellings and monuments.

“AlUla is a continuously evolving destination that is nowhere near to reaching its full potential,” explained Phillip Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer at Royal Commission for AlUla. Yet, its efforts to promote the destination have met with success.

“A milestone for us was the number of visitors that AlUla welcomed last year.

The expected number of visitors for 2021 was 95,000, and, by the end of the year, we reached a total number of 130,000.”

To meet this growing demand, last year, AlUla Airport welcomed three new international routes, with direct flights from Dubai operated by Flynas and Flydubai as well as from Paris with Saudia. The hotel landscape in AlUla also saw the addition of 96 rooms and 21 caravans to its total room capacity with the opening of Habitas AlUla. In 2021, AlUla announced the Journey Through Time Masterplan, which outlines the development of five districts by 2035. The first district of AlUla Old Town opened last year with AlJadidah village

ATM 2022_FEATURE_Saudi.indd 31

set to open in 2022. Additionally, the destination has become a hub for a wide selection of new experiences, including wellness and adventure activities, such as mountain biking, rock climbing, zip lining, hiking and more. And for visitors who seek extraordinary dining experiences, AlUla has now become a dining hotspot with the opening of more than 15 new restaurants last year.

Jones said: “AlUla has the advantage of being the first of the major infrastructure projects to welcome visitors and is already giving back to the economy.”

BUILDING CONNECTIONS A trusted name in the Saudi Arabian hospitality scene, Seera Group (formerly known as Al Tayyar Travel Group) brings 40 years of expertise to the tourism industry in the kingdom. “Our ultimate goal is to build an industry that supports Vision 2030’s aims of economic diversification and job creation,” said Majed Alnefaie, CEO, Seera Group.

“We have worked hard to contribute to building the kingdom’s tourism infrastructure by investing in our accommodation portfolio to cater for the increasing demand, revolutionising

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the kingdom’s digital travel landscape through our cutting-edge online booking platforms and providing large-scale travel logistics to support some of the biggest events in the country.”

A transformational year for the group, 2021 saw Seera integrate all travel-related verticals under Almosafer to create the largest travel business catering to corporate, government, consumer and VIP travel. “We also launched Almosafer Chalets+, providing a B2C digital marketplace for alternative accommodation, such as chalets and villas,” added Alnefaie. “Discover Saudi, our destination management company, supported some of the biggest events in the kingdom, including Formula E and Dakar Rally, by providing travel arrangements and ancillary services.

“We also developed our digital offerings and launched a new mobile application for our car rental business, Lumi, and also increased our product offerings with the launch of our Harley Davidson bike rentals.”

Seera Group also signed key partnerships to build new hotels in AlUla and Al Baha while also joining hands with Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman University to develop travel and tourism training courses.

Not keen to rest on their laurels, the group has ambitious plans ahead.

“We have weathered a difficult year and have emerged stronger, with significant growth across the vast majority of our portfolio verticals. Seera Group has shown huge potential for growth as the travel and tourism industry recovers. We will be partnering with the Saudi Tourism Authority to further develop outbound, inbound and domestic tourism. Through Discover Saudi, we will be working hard to promote the kingdom and educate travel agents on the cultural, natural and historical attractions with the goal of bringing more inbound tourism.”

Bajdah, NEOM

09/05/2022 5:49 PM

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Feature - The Future of Transport

On the fast track

From new hyperloop systems and driverless vehicles to next-generation aircraft and space travel, new modes of transport are fast emerging, transforming how we move around the world The way we travel hasn’t radically changed since the advent of commercial flights in the latter half of the 20th century.

While advancements in technology may have improved functionality in planes, ships, trains, cars and even bicycles, these modes of transport have essentially remained the same. Until now!

As we move into a new era, with more focus on responsible travel, we’re seeing the pace of change increase dramatically in the transport sector.

From new hyperloop systems and driverless vehicles to next-generation aircraft and space travel, new modes of transport are fast emerging, transforming how we move around the world.

Highlighting the beginning of this revolution in transport, ATM 2022 throws the spotlight on the future of transportation today with a session organised by The Resilience Council.

Laurie Myers, Global Strategist, The Resilience Council, said: “We organised this session to share some exciting trends

ATM 2022_FEATURE_Transport.indd 32

in transportation. Clearly, there is a large push towards train travel and there are sustainability questions to ask around space travel: will Elon Musk be able to produce the battery supplies needed for the fleets of electric cars being deployed?”

THE RISE IN RAIL TRAVEL Rapid changes in the way we move from one place to another are underway in the region. Bahrain is building its metro; Merav Michaeli, Israel’s Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, has called for a ‘Peace Train’ from Haifa to Dubai and Etihad Rail is set to connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a capacity to serve 36 million people by the year 2030.

Sarah Hedley Hymers, Editorial Director, ConnectingTravel, said: “Consumer guilt could lead to a considerable drop in air travel and an increase in electric rail travel. Rail travel could also have a competitive edge over air travel in terms of user experience.

Today, unless flying business or first

class, air travel is overly complicated and uncomfortable, with little room to move and passengers expected to fight over single armrests in the middle seats. With three-hour check-in periods reducing air travel’s main advantage of speed, rail travel could even become the quickest way to travel from door to door in the Gulf, especially if projects like the Hyperloop come to pass.

“With the Gulf approaching its Golden Age of Travel in 2030, when some of the world’s most exciting tourist attractions and destinations will be open for business, there will be even more reason to holiday closer to home and this is when rail travel will come into its own.”

DECARBONISING AVIATION The environment is one of aviation’s top priorities in today’s climate. Airlines are working constantly to limit their impact on the planet by reducing carbon emissions.

The future of the industry certainly will see a heavy emphasis on decarbonising.

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The Future of Transport - Feature

Kata Cserep, Vice President and Global Managing Director, Aviation, ICF, said: “The pressure to decarbonise transport across the board will have repercussions on two primary fronts, including customer expectations to see progress towards ‘greener’ air transport, coupled with switching to other transport modes, where these are available and attractive. Also, the rising costs of carbon and traditional fuel will drive additional incentives towards sustainable aviation fuel usage, electric and hybrid aviation and, eventually, hydrogen aircraft and radical new aircraft designs.”

With its potential to fuel a sustainable future for travel and tourism, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is becoming increasingly significant. Yet, only a handful of airlines are switching over.

“SAF remains less than 0.1 percent of aviation fuel consumed. The disconnect between production costs and the willingness of airlines to pay is at the heart of the production shortfall. We are

Airlines are working constantly to limit their impact on the planet. The future of the industry will see a heavy emphasis on decarbonising

“We’ve already made substantial progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our worksites and manufacturing facilities as well as building new generations of aircraft.

Boeing operations achieved net zero emissions at manufacturing and worksites in 2020 by expanding conservation and renewable energy use while tapping responsible offsets for the remaining greenhouse gas emissions.”

Boeing’s multi-faceted strategy that allows the industry to decarbonise aerospace includes three pillars: fleet renewal, network operational efficiency and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

“Sustainable fuels are key to longterm, large-scale reductions in CO2 emissions that aeroplane technology cannot achieve. SAFs offer the best potential to significantly reduce emissions on larger, longer-range aeroplanes for the next several decades.”

For more than a decade, Boeing has collaborated globally with airlines, governments, research institutions, SAF companies and other stakeholders to develop and approve SAF pathways.

In February 2022, Boeing announced a supply agreement for two million gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel with Epic Fuels to power its commercial aeroplane operations in Washington state and South Carolina throughout the year. The agreement was the largest announced SAF procurement by an airframer. “We have confidence that our commercial aeroplanes will be capable and certified to fly on 100 percent SAF by 2030.”

certainly seeing progress, particularly in markets where incentives make production and offtaking economically viable (such as in California). In other markets, the investment in new technology refineries and even in retrofits will continue to lag behind where it needs to be, without demand and price certainty for the producers looking to serve this rising need.

“Yet, all being well, these new advancements will help to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the freedoms the last two generations have enjoyed. Social and economic connections will continue to be supported by aviation, but without the continued unsustainable burden on the environment affected by fossil fuel propulsion technologies. Without them, we risk moving backwards globally.”

THE ERA OF AUTOMATED TRANSPORT Aviation pioneer and industry leader, Boeing, is constantly investing in researching future technologies to move people, goods and ideas around the world. At present, the aeroplane manufacturer is testing uncrewed electric-powered aerial vehicles

ATM 2022_FEATURE_Transport.indd 33

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for passengers and cargo aimed at market segments that will reduce urban congestion and emissions from vehicles on the ground.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Boeing, said: “Boeing has made a US$450 million investment in Wisk to advance certified autonomous electric flights (future pilotless flying taxis). Wisk’s self-flying eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) air taxi will make it possible for passengers to skip the traffic and get to their destination faster.”

Wisk is an advanced air mobility (AAM) company dedicated to delivering a safe, everyday flight experience for everyone. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area and New Zealand, Wisk has over a decade of experience and boasts over 1,500 test flights. The company is shaping the future of daily commutes and urban travel, safely and sustainably.

While working to deliver safe, autonomous, all-electric, everyday flights with Wisk, Boeing also supports and aligns with the aviation industry’s goals for carbon-neutral growth and commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

FUTURE APPROACH Closer to home, Royal Jordanian, the kingdom’s flag carrier, has embarked on an extensive growth strategy with sights set on a bright future.

Karim Makhlouf, Chief Commercial Officer, said: “At Royal Jordanian, our new five-year restructuring plan aims to double the fleet from 23 to 45 aircraft in the next half-decade and position Amman as the leading gateway for the Levant. We recently placed a tender for overall fleet renewal and growth, aiming to introduce 34 brand-new aircraft within the next five years to replace our existing fleet and expand.”

Aside from renewing its fleet, Royal Jordanian’s approach to the future focuses on restructuring commercially to address productivity and new destination demand.

“A strong focus on route development is also at the core of our operations to address the demands of today’s travellers and increase the overall productivity of our fleet. Our route development strategy is now a combination of hub and spoke as well as point to point, this allows us to be more efficient.

Productivity will be focused on ensuring resilience so that a fresh look at charters will be part of the equation.”

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Destinations

Ajman

Ajman Department of Tourism Development / ME4110

Ajman Museum

Illustrating life as it once was in the emirate, the Ajman Museum is home to a collection of fascinating exhibits

It may be the UAE’s smallest emirate, but it is one of the most picturesque destinations. From its vast coastline to the rugged mountains, the quaint town packs a punch. While offering a range of accommodation across all categories, its five-star coastal resorts are world-class.

One of its newer developments is Al Zorah, a nature reserve surrounded by protected mangrove forests. It has become a favourite among golf enthusiasts and nature lovers in the UAE. Further afield, visitors can enjoy a taste of mountain life with a visit to Masfut and its 19th-century castle. The area is a prime location for adventure travellers, offering walking, hiking and biking routes for all levels in the surrounds of the Al Hajar Mountains.

Also in the area is the Bin Sultan Mosque, which was built in 1815 and has been a pivotal part of the remote community. The oldest mosque in the emirate, it is a hidden gem, made from traditional clay and plaster, with a canopy of date palm leaves woven together to form the roof.

Archaeological finds in the area go back as many as 5,000 years.

Illustrating life as it once was in the emirate, the Ajman Museum, which was

an 18th-century fort and served as the ruler’s residence until 1970, is home to a collection of fascinating exhibits.

Visitors can discover pottery, jewellery and other items, while there is a section devoted to the pearl trade, which was once the mainstay of the local economy.

For a more modern experience, there is a wealth of things to do on land and sea. Bounce Aqua Park promises a fun day for the family with the likes of climbing walls, balancing beams and swing ropes, all on the water.

Over at Al Zorah Marina, there is a range of entertainment venues, including The Groovy Park, a family-friendly food park with an outdoor cinema and flowerdecorated food trucks, reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s. Promising fun for all ages, Funtastico, with attractions, games and rides, is filled with trampolines, bumper boats and quadricycles.

Pre-pandemic, growth was steady with the emirate capitalising on events, such as the popular cycling race, Ride Ajman, welcoming both domestic and international participants.

Ajman Mosque

Fujairah

Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority, Government of Fujairah / ME4210

Nestled on the UAE’s east coast, the emirate of Fujairah offers a wealth of things to see and do, from its sleepy coastal town to its dramatic mountainlined shore and heritage sites.

In Al Aqah, known for its serene seaside resorts, outdoor activities and mountainous backdrop, a range of properties offer attractive packages for visitors eager to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The area is preferred for

water sports, including snorkelling and scuba diving. Snoopy Island is especially popular as it is home to a vast array of sea life, from reef sharks to turtles.

In the city, age-old customs still practised today, such as the famous Friday bullfighting, offer an intriguing insight into the local culture and traditions. For history and heritage, there is no shortage of sights, including the UAE’s oldest mosque – Al Bidya Mosque

Fujairah offers a wealth of things to see and do, from its sleepy coastal town to its dramatic mountain-lined shore Fujairah Fort

Fujairah

on Fujairah’s mountainous coastline.

Dating back to around 1446, it is a precious relic made of mud and stone.

The emirate’s forts, including Fujairah Fort on the Kalba border, offer a glimpse into a life gone by. Al Bithna, Awhala Fort and Al Hail Fortress are rich in history, having withstood battles from the region and beyond. They offer a fascinating way to see how life was in the emirate before the discovery of oil in the region transformed the economic fortunes of the UAE.

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Fujairah Museum pays homage to the arts, crafts, weapons, costumes and traditions of the Bedouin tribes as seen generations before. This landscape is one of the many reasons that is making Fujairah a destination for all. The emirate has also proved popular among UAE residents forgoing international travel for stays closer to home. This resulted in a rise in the average daily rates, compared to pre-pandemic levels, a momentum that the emirate will continue to maintain this year.

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Destinations

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Sharjah

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority / ME2110

Heart of Sharjah

In 1998, UNESCO deservingly bestowed the title of ‘The Cultural Capital of the Arab World’ on Sharjah. To this day, the coastal city remains a key player in the region’s cultural preservation efforts.

With a range of museums and art galleries, from the Sharjah Art Foundation to the Sharjah Museum Of Islamic Civilization, the emirate has become a leader in all things old and new.

With an extensive calendar of events, from its book fair to the spectacular light festival, there is always something happening in and around the city for residents and visitors to experience.

The new Heart of Sharjah district is seeing a revival of a bygone era with a recreation of the old marketplace nestled by the sea and a boutique hotel to match the historic flavour of the area. But it is not only within the city’s perimeter that visitors can find excitement.

The Mleiha Archaeological Centre, carved among the magical desert dunes, has offerings for all the family.

From educational activities to nature and history tours, the ancient site, which boasts the likes of Bronze Age tombs and pre-Islamic forts, is a must-see.

Further afield, in the emirate’s enclaves, luxury hotels along the

With an extensive calendar of events, there is always something happening in and around the city

The Chedi Al Bait

Fujairah and Kalba border offer a new take on the traditional hotel concept.

Several glamping sites are set in a preserved nature reserve with protected mangroves on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. Perfect for visitors of all age groups, there are nature and adventure activities on offer as well as incomparable serenity.

Oman

Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism / ME1310

Few countries in the region have the breadth of landscapes found in Oman. From the lush green waterfalls of the Dhofar region to the majestic Al Hajar Mountains, known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, Oman is wildly beautiful.

Visitors can enjoy some of the most breathtaking beaches as found in Salalah, famous for its monsoon season, where temperatures are around half that of its neighbouring countries. There is also a vast array of active pursuits, from climbing to hiking, caving to canyoneering and fishing to riding. With so much nature around the rich landscape, visitors can get up close to an array of flora and fauna

with activities such as dolphin watching or spotting native oryx and gazelle.

An adventure seeker’s paradise, there is much history to be uncovered, too, with UNESCO World Heritage Sites in abundance, including the Frankincense Route, The Five Falajs, Bat Tombs and Settlement as well as the Bahla Fort and Wall. The sultanate’s capital, Muscat, has also added a range of attractions to lure visitors, including three pristine golf courses and the city’s cultural hub – the Royal Opera House.

In addition to the famous Muttrah Souq and exquisite street food, there is much to stimulate the senses in the nation’s heart and soul.

Salalah

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From the lush waterfalls of the Dhofar region to the Al Hajar Mountains, known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, Oman is wildly beautiful

Muttrah Fort

Oman welcomed approximately 652,000 visitors in 2021, while 1.9 million passengers, including citizens and expatriates, flew out during the same period. Most visitors were from the GCC countries, followed by India, Yemen, Pakistan and Egypt among the country’s top source markets. In December 2021 alone, the number of international visitors arriving in Oman amounted to 180,000, an increase of 384 percent compared to 37,000 visitors during the same period of the previous year.

While Oman has always been hugely welcoming to the outside world, it has held on to its authenticity and charm. Locals are all around, from the concierge to the taxi driver, so it’s easy to feel the true Omani welcome, while diversity is also felt everywhere, from its architecture to its varied cuisine.

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Destinations

Bahrain

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority / ME1410

Bahrain’s capital city, Manama, was named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2020. While the pandemic led to a decline in international arrivals, the country hopes to build on its promising figures from 2019 as it eyes a fastpaced recovery to travel normalcy.

According to Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, the country recorded 3.2 million visitors during the first quarter of 2019, a 3.1 percent increase compared with the same period in 2018.

According to recent government data, arrivals to Bahrain have jumped

more than 750 percent on a yearly basis from January 2021, reflecting growing confidence among travellers.

Within the next year, more than two dozen hotels are set to open in the country. This is in order to meet the demand as seen in previous years, when five-star hotel occupancy rates increased 53 percent compared to 50 percent during the same period in 2018.

For visitors seeking an all-encompassing holiday experience, Bahrain boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Bahrain Fort, the Bahrain Pearling Trail and the Dilmun

Bahrain International Circuit

Beyond its heritage, Bahrain, which is made up of 33 islands, boasts a modern vibe with chic cafés, art galleries and a diverse nightlife scene

Bahrain Fort

Burial Mounds, said to form the largest prehistoric cemetery in the world.

The capital city offers several ways to explore the kingdom’s fascinating culture with the likes of the Al Fateh Grand Mosque – one of the world’s largest – and the Bahrain National Museum, which charts the history of the ancient trading route in the region.

Beyond its heritage, the country, which is made up of 33 islands, boasts a modern vibe with chic cafés, art galleries and a diverse nightlife scene. Having hosted the region’s first Formula One race in 2004, it is a popular destination for active pursuits, from karting to nature spotting on the islands off the coast, where visitors can view exotic fauna on and below the water.

Maldives

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation / AS2150

Already one of the world’s most soughtafter destinations, the Maldives was one of the most visited countries during the pandemic with a robust testing and quarantine system in place allowing the perfect destination for socially distanced travel escapes.

The mere mention of the Maldives instantly conjures up mesmerising images of overwater villas. Only a handful of destinations in the world can rival the barefoot luxury and untouched charm of this archipelago.

With tourism one of the most significant pillars of the country’s economy, it is little wonder that the government fast tracked its efforts to reopen its borders to the world since the pandemic first hit. Thanks to a host of successful strategies and fruitful measures, the Maldives became one of the first countries to welcome tourists to its dazzling shores once again. Ever since, travellers from all over the world, led by Russia, India and Ukraine, have chosen the island nation to fulfil their pent-up travel desires.

According to statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism of Maldives, over 359,000 tourists have visited the Maldives so far in 2022 as compared

to 241,407 arrivals in 2021 during the same time period. This year, the island nation aims to welcome 1.6 million tourists from all over the world.

Whether visitors are seeking the seclusion and privacy of an island hideaway, the pampering of a spa resort or the thrills of white-knuckle water sports, the Maldives is a destination for all. With so much to offer, it does not cease to draw people to its idyllic shores.

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is unique for its geography and topography. Positioned on top of a vast underwater mountain range, the Maldives has around 1,190 islands and sandbanks.

The pearl-string-like islands cover a land area of around 298 square kilometres, encircled by a crystal clear lagoon. The islands are protected by a natural reef structure, housing some of the world’s most fascinating diving spectacles.

There is always something to do on this island paradise. From diving or snorkelling to canoeing and windsurfing, fishing to water skiing, the destination is a water sports haven.

As expected, Maldivian cuisine – a fusion of Asian flavours and spices – thrives on the ocean, fish and coconuts, which are the archetypal local ingredients

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Voloris ipit mod ma doluptassi voluptinis raepedi tassequ ossequis nimolupti officto in re

Maldives

The Maldives was one of the most visited countries during the pandemic of any good Maldivian meal. Visitors can also experience the local culture through music and dance performances by villagers from surrounding islands.

It is a tradition passed down from generation to generation – with influences from as far afield as India, Africa and even Arabia – and a reflection of the diversity of Maldivian culture.

Offering a range of accommodation options, visitors can stay in guest houses, luxurious liveaboards, all-inclusive resorts or five-star hotels.

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Destinations

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Germany

German National Tourist Office / EU1235

With great country-wide connectivity, world-renowned vibrant cities and a range of cultural and natural attractions, it is little wonder that Germany is a popular tourist destination.

Home to medieval castles, Roman ruins, epic forests and grand palaces, the country has an offering that can rival any destination in the world.

When it comes to the big cities, Munich’s year-round calendar of events, Hamburg’s ongoing renaissance and multicultural Frankfurt continue to draw visitors of all ages. There are also mustattend events like Oktoberfest, while the Christmas markets each December perfectly embody the festive spirit.

The capital, Berlin, is home to iconic locations such as Brandenburg Gate, which has played a major role in Germany’s history. Aside from the major towns and big cities, there is plenty to explore, from the Alps in Bavaria to the quaint villages in the Black Forest.

With so much on offer, it is no surprise to learn that the country was attracting an increasing number of tourists before the pandemic. The hospitality industry was quick to react to the increase in arrivals, with a host of new hotels set to open in the coming years.

With a change in strategy resulting from the coronavirus crisis, Germany has been working closely with travel partners to ensure that safety measures are being implemented to provide a safe environment for travellers.

There is plenty to explore, from the Alps in Bavaria to the quaint villages in the Black Forest

Berlin Cathedral

July 2019 was a record high for Germany, reaching 4.84 million visitors compared to its record low of 85,216 in April 2020 but plans to get back on track are more than underway with numbers slowly climbing back up to 1.9 million in October 2021 as people began to return for the country’s iconic Oktoberfest.

The country aims to reposition Germany as a cultural and outdoor holiday destination with an abundance of natural parks, historic sites and attractions for all types of travellers.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority / AM1475

Made up of sister islands, namely Antigua and Barbuda, this Caribbean island nation is perfectly positioned where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet. For seekers of sun, sand and sea, this means that there’s plenty to explore from its reeflined beaches to its lush rainforests, tied together with a luxury hospitality offering.

Antigua’s corrugated coast cradles hundreds of coves lapped by enamelblue water. The sheltered bays have

provided refuge for everyone from Admiral Nelson and buccaneers in the past to the modern-day jet set and yachties. Antigua is quintessentially Caribbean, full of candy-coloured villages and engaging locals who will greet visitors with wide smiles.

Antigua’s smaller sister island of Barbuda was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017 and it is still busy rebuilding. Its extraordinary beaches

Mamora Bay

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Antigua and Barbuda is perfectly positioned where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet remained unaffected, meaning that travellers can lounge on white sands, snorkel around pristine reefs and watch the famous frigate birds nesting.

The Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Tourism reported strong growth in tourism in 2021. The latest figures revealed that air arrivals for August 2021 totalled 18,792 visitors to the destination, an increase of 965 visitors over August 2018, which previously held the record of the “best” August with 17,827 visitors.

The United States and the United Kingdom remained the main source markets, combining a total of 17,306 visitors or 92 percent of the total visitors arriving in August 2021. The US market continues to dominate as the main source market with 52.5 percent of the total visitor arrivals while the UK contributed 39.5 percent of the total visitor arrivals.

Antigua and Barbuda is continuing to receive favourable numbers this year as it relates to its cruise industry. The year 2022 began on a high note but March has been the best month yet.

January 2022 recorded 64 calls and 50,794 passengers while February had 59 calls with 44,710 passenger arrivals.

For March, the island nation had forecast a total of 71 booked cruise calls with a projection of 56,779 passengers.

But the month ended on an even greater note with 73 cruise calls with 60,816 passengers in total by the end of March.

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What the exhibitors say...

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A selection of exhibitors share their goals and ambitions for this year’s show

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MIZUKI ONISHI Senior Director

YAMINA SOFO Director Sales & Marketing, GCC

RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY “Ras Al Khaimah has seen astounding success this past year, with visitor footfall reaching close to pre-pandemic levels, owing to our robust recovery plans and initiatives. At Arabian Travel Market 2022, our goal is to further cement Ras Al Khaimah’s position as the region’s leading tourism destination and amplify the array of exciting new attractions opening in the emirate soon. We will also expand on our comprehensive sustainability strategy that will see Ras Al Khaimah become the regional leader in eco-tourism by 2025.”

JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION (JNTO) DUBAI OFFICE “This year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Japan. We would like to keep Japan at their top of mind when they plan their next holidays by providing various attractions of Japan, from our breathtaking nature, unique shopping experiences and seasonal beauty to the authentic Japanese hospitality. We are excited to meet the industry professionals at Arabian Travel Market to further promote the diverse destinations in Japan.”

GERMAN NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE “Every year, we look forward to attending Arabian Travel Market as it continuously proves to be a core pillar of the B2B travel industry. We’re eagerly anticipating meetings with our global colleagues, partners and customers at the exhibition, as it is vital to maintain our strategic recovery with our key target markets. Arabian Travel Market is the perfect platform for our partners to be exposed to the GCC market.

It is an essential B2B event on the international calendar that brings us to the global community under one roof.”

LAURENT A. VOIVENEL Senior Vice President – Operations & Development, EMEA & India; Senior Vice President – Group Human Resources & Talent Development

SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL “ATM is the leading travel event in the Middle East and extremely important for us given the considerable business opportunities. We look forward to sharing the latest developments at SwissBelhotel International with our owners, business partners and associates. It also presents a great opportunity to learn about the new technological innovations and advances geared at addressing some of the industry challenges.”

TIM CORDON Senior Area Vice President – Middle East & Africa

RADISSON HOTEL GROUP “Arabian Travel Market comes at the perfect time to gather industry leaders and stakeholders, and provide them with an opportunity to share insights as the world continues to see an increase in domestic and international travel demand. We are delighted to be part of ATM this year and participate in the positive conversation about the travel and tourism industry. We are excited to share our regional expansion plans with customers and stakeholders alike, and look forward to a positive year ahead.”

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RAKI PHILLIPS CEO

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MAJED ALNEFAIE CEO

HE SALEH MOHAMED SALEH AL GEZIRY Director General for Tourism

AHMED OBAID AL QASEER Acting Chief Executive Officer

SEERA GROUP “ATM is always an important event in our calendar. It is a great opportunity to meet with industry leaders to exchange ideas and insights on upcoming trends, share best practices and seek out business opportunities for what promises to be a stellar year for travel. It is important that we all work together to accelerate recovery for the industry and ATM provides us with a platform to do so. It is also a chance to connect with new and old faces and to share our latest news while also educating a wide audience on the vast opportunities in the kingdom.”

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURISM - ABU DHABI “At ATM 2022, we’re sharing Abu Dhabi with the world, with thoughtful experiences, bold partnerships and new events and attractions inspiring all travellers. From bonding with your family upside down at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to swimming with the sharks at The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, you’ll never be bored in this compelling year-round destination. We’re excited to announce our incredible summer offer amongst other 2022 announcements that you won’t want to miss this ATM.”

SHUROOQ “We look forward to meeting with industry stakeholders from around the world as we embark on a new era of agile and adaptive growth in the global tourism industry. For more than 15 years now, Shurooq has demonstrated the strengths of Sharjah’s flourishing tourism and hospitality sector at ATM through our rich portfolio of eco-friendly destinations and groundbreaking projects that continue to offer attractive sustainable investment opportunities. We are keen on exchanging industry insights, sustainable strategies and best practices.”

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Destinations

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