Arabian Travel Market 2021 - Official Show Daily - Day 2

1 OCTOBER 2021 - 31 MARCH 2022

Part of

DAY 2

AL WASL PLAZA

THE CROWN JEWEL OF EXPO 2020

PAGE 14

M O N 1 7 M AY

We meet again!

Positive sentiment underlines the first day of ATM

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Welcome

Contents 04 | News 14 | The heart of Expo 2020 Dubai Discover Al Wasl Plaza

15 | Adapting to change

Rotana Hotels’ future focus 16 | Leading by example

Insights from WTM & IBTM

Portfolio Director Claude Blanc

18 | Seminar schedule HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group and Chairman of Dubai World, officially inaugurated the 28th edition of Arabian Travel Market, joined by HH Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Director General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Claude Blanc, WTM & IBTM Portfolio Director, and Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, ATM

Shining a light on the future of tourism Working together as an international community and learning to live with COVID19 are the key factors in travel and tourism recovery, according to global industry experts who took to the stage at the opening of this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

The sense of optimism that has brought industry professionals together for the in-person event, despite persisting global challenges, was clearly evident as keynote speakers expressed their confidence in the sector’s continued speedy recovery.

Discussing the topic of ‘Tourism for a Brighter Future’ and the factors driving the industry’s resurgence, HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) remarked that Dubai’s willingness to adapt to life with the pandemic had distinguished it as a safe travel destination.

“We were able to ensure that the safety of everybody was put at the forefront. Each sector was opened very carefully with the right precautionary measures in place,” he said.

“Dubai has a very diversified tourism strategy which allows us to tap into the whole world as a market.

That has been very positive for us throughout COVID-19.”

Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman ITIC & Former SecretaryGeneral, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) agreed that it is vital to work

together and emphasised the importance of having the same global system, including when it comes to technology.

“COVID has changed the world, and at this precise moment for mankind, we can never go back to the way we did before. One thing that we’ve got is optimism. I think the world could be better.

But it needs people working together. A country cannot do it on their own,” he said.

“Technology is one of the most important outcomes of this crisis, plus domestic tourism, but technology, in particular, has brought us together.”

Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics, Middle East, ATM 2021 opening session

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24 | Keys to the kingdom

Saudi Arabia’s bold vision 28 | Destination profiles 30 | Vox pops 28

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set out his vision for a strong recovery and forecast growth and the recovery of travel, tourism and the oil economy more generally, beginning with domestic tourism returning to pre-crisis levels by the end of this year.

Livermore said he expected leisure and business travel to eventually bounce back with the easing of travel restrictions combined with a technological solution.

He said: “Vaccine certification is essential for ensuring a rapid recovery in international travel and it has to be harmonised because so much about the certification is about confidence, knowledge of what’s happening and consistency.”

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

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.

Published by: npimedia

PO Box 500573, Office 704, Executive Heights, Barsha Heights, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 4243640 Email: enquiries@npimedia.com Web: www.npimedia.com

© Copyright The Arabian Travel Market show dailies are published by npimedia under licence from Reed Exhibitions Limited. The copyright in the design and content of the Arabian Travel Market show dailies is owned by npimedia, Reed Exhibitions Limited and its licensors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, by any means – electronic, photocopying or otherwise - without the prior written permission of Reed Exhibitions Limited.

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News

Emirates showcases new Premium Economy seats at ATM Emirates is showcasing its Premium Economy seats for the first time at ATM 2021. The Dubai-based carrier is offering travel industry professionals a chance to experience the airline’s signature products and recently introduced service enhancements across every cabin class on board its iconic A380 aircraft, which serve as a reminder of the elevated onboard experiences in store for travellers once they get back to the skies.

The highly-anticipated Emirates Premium Economy seat is on display for visitors to experience. The seat boasts an abundant pitch of up to 40 inches, and visitors trying out the premium economy seat will notice its generous width of 19.5 inches and ability to recline into a comfortable cradle position with ample room to stretch out.

The seats are covered in creamcoloured anti-stain leather with automobile-inspired stitching details and a wood panel finishing similar to Business Class, all designed to provide optimal comfort and support with six-way adjustable headrests, calf rests and footrests.

Customers will also find other meticulous details, including easily accessible in-seat charging points, a wide dining table, a side cocktail table and a storage area.

At Arabian Travel Market this year, Emirates is also showcasing its Boeing 777-300ER Game Changer First Class

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum at the Emirates stand

fully enclosed private suites exhibit, Boeing 777 Business Class seat, the newly refreshed A380 onboard lounge, along with other iconic products, such as the First Class Shower Spa and the latest version of the Game Changer Economy Class seats.

Across both the Emirates A380 and 777 products, visitors will notice new interior finishes and design details featuring the ghaf tree motif as well as an updated champagne colour palette.

Visitors to the stand can try out all of the products, and all seats and

surfaces will be cleaned and sanitised after every use. Visitors can also try out their Emirates knowledge through an interactive 60-second challenge played on a touch screen at the stand.

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Erth debuts at Arabian Travel Market the rich cultural heritage and proud history of the UAE. We are excited to begin this new chapter to carry on the brand’s legacy of providing the highest levels of bespoke Emirati hospitality, inspired by the story each venue tells.”

Erth’s redesigned accommodation will provide 237 rooms, 42 suites and 13 villas. A destination with comprehensive dining and leisure facilities, it will offer a Blue-Flag certified private beach, swimming pool, the Al Fayy Garden, an indoor and outdoor recreational hub housing

a mixed-use gym, six dining outlets, dedicated event and meeting spaces for the MICE industry, including a new ballroom, and the soon-to-open Central Production Unit to further complement its catering and event services.

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and in close proximity to the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Erth invites guests to an immersive hospitality experience in the UAE capital.

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Erth Central Garden

Erth, a unique landmark destination for Emirati hospitality, cuisine and recreation, revealed its new identity at ATM 2021. Formerly the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel, the brand ushers in a new chapter in its legacy with its reinvention as Erth.

Meaning legacy, Erth has a fresh new look with its age-old mission to provide guests with the highest quality of personalised and genuine service in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

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The new brand identity complements a refurbished resort that will be completed by 2022.

Envisioned by the late founding father of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Armed Forces Officers Club brought his vision of a dedicated recreational space for officers of the UAE’s Armed Forces to life in the heart of the capital in 1997.

Shaikha Al Kaabi, CEO of Erth, said: “Erth is continually inspired by

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News

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THE WORLD’S MOST

INSPIRING ARCHITECTURE

JOIN THE MAKING OF A NEW WORLD 1 OCTOBER 2021 - 31 MARCH 2022

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News

Marriott International expands luxury portfolio in the UAE

The St. Regis Downtown Dubai

Marriott International, Inc. has signed an agreement with RDK Tourism Investment LLC to amplify its luxury presence in the UAE with the addition of The St. Regis Downtown Dubai. The signing is expected to further enhance the company’s luxury footprint in the emirates, where it currently operates 17 properties and more than 6,000 rooms across seven of its luxury brands.

Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa,

Marriott International, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with RDK Tourism Investment with this milestone project.

“St. Regis delivers exquisite experiences in some of the world’s most desirable locations. With this addition, the brand will arrive at one of the finest addresses in Downtown Dubai, which is home to the city’s most iconic landmarks.

“The St. Regis Downtown Dubai is set to offer unparalleled luxury, bespoke

Address Beach Resort Fujairah to open this year

service and modern glamour for leisure and business travellers alike.”

The St. Regis Downtown Dubai will debut after the transformation and rebranding of the Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai by the end of 2021.

The renovation plans are expected to include a residential-inspired sophisticated design of the lobby and the addition of an Astor Ballroom, which speaks to the brand’s focus

Global Village clinches 25 Guinness World Records

Address Beach Resort Fujairah

Address Hotels + Resorts is on track to launch Address Beach Resort Fujairah this year. The new property will bring 196 keys to the area, ranging from deluxe king and twin rooms to two-bedroom suites.

It will also have a residential component with 170 serviced residences.

Making the most of the natural beauty of the emirate, the resort will offer diving experiences and hiking tours curated for guests.

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A range of speciality restaurants, run in collaboration with the Dibba Bay Oyster farm, will offer an array of flavours.

Address Beach Resort Fujairah marks the second beach resort from the homegrown hospitality brand following the arrival of Address Beach Resort in Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence last year.

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on hosting events and celebrations.

The renovations will be blended with all the hallmarks of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, including the brand’s signature St. Regis Butler Service.

The upcoming property will mark the brand’s fourth location in the UAE, joining The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi and The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm.

Situated in the heart of Business Bay along the canal waterfront and within close proximity to the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, the hotel will offer bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to meet global travellers’ needs.

“We look forward to building on our relationship with Marriott International to further expand our hospitality portfolio in the region,” said Mr. Rashid Darwish Ahmed Saif Al Ketbi, Chairman of RDK Group.

“As a company, we remain committed to positively contributing to the local economic development by continuing to invest and develop landmark projects that offer the highest standards of quality.”

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family destination etched its name in the history books as it broke the record for the “highest altitude skydiving fireworks display”.

Global Village partnered with Skydive Dubai to break the record, which saw 20 skydivers jump from an altitude of more than 15,000 feet, lighting the skies with 78 fireworks, representing the 78 cultures present at Global Village during its 25th season.

Jaki Ellenby, Executive Director – Marketing, Global Village, said: “It seems like just yesterday that we took the decision to attempt 25 records in just six months as part of our 25th-anniversary celebrations. It has been an incredible journey; not always easy, but always exciting and our team rose to the challenge with passion and resilience.”

Global Village will return for its 26th season in October this year.

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In celebration of its 25th year in October 2020, Global Village announced that it would aim to bag 25 Guinness World Records during its Silver Jubilee season.

On May 2, 2021, at its season finale, the UAE’s leading multicultural

Global Village

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News

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Lotte Hotels boost domestic tourism in South Korea With the pandemic limiting international travel, the hotel industry in South Korea has pivoted to cater to the growing demand for staycations.

Leading the charge, Lotte Hotel Seoul became the first five-star property in the capital city to launch a month-long staycation package for residents. Offered at US$2,245 for 14 days and US$3,053 for 30 days, the package comes with access to the hotel’s leisure amenities, cleaning services and laundry facilities.

Owing to its success, Lotte Hotels & Resorts expanded the package to 16 of its hotels around the country. This move has encouraged other hospitality brands to follow suit, announcing seven, 15 and 30-day staycations with a variety of discounts and services.

Industry figureheads are confident that domestic tourism will help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the local industry. Even before COVID-19, staycations were growing in popularity in South Korea with residents looking towards luxury hotels for local stays and weekend activities outside the confines of their homes.

Seoul

To keep up with this growing trend, hotels are also looking outside their typical target market of couples in their 20s and 30s by launching an array of packages targeting different customers as the pandemic continues.

One notable trend is promotions targeting families with children, offering a variety of activities for kids.

Hotels are also offering longer reservations like 30-hour stay packages with early check-in and late check-out for working professionals looking for a short break.

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We missed you!

Meet us at ATM on stand HC0720.

At Rotana, we believe time well spent, is a life well lived. This enduring thought is at the heart of every experience we promise when you stay with us.

Our distinct collection of brands include Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Centro Hotels, Resorts and Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana and The Residences by Rotana.

Transform moments into memorable experiences as we present a selection of diverse destinations, ideal for every journey.

To find out more, visit rotana.com Treasured time. Our promise to you.

P.O. Box 95100, Abu Dhabi, UAE. T: +971 (0) 2 699 4444 F: +971 (0) 2 699 4445, head.office@rotana.com

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Zoya unveils UAE’s first five-star holistic health and wellbeing resort The region’s first fully integrated wellness resort is set to open its doors later this year. Located off the coast of Ajman within the surrounds of Al Zorah, Zoya Health & Wellbeing Resort will become the UAE’s first five-star holistic health and wellbeing resort.

Operated by German spa and health business specialist, Premedion, the resort will provide the perfect mix of a luxury spa experience and an in-depth health retreat. The Premedion name stands for extraordinary spas and health centres worldwide. Their combination of spa expertise, preventive and medical competence is integrated into the unique and tailor-made offering available to guests at Zoya.

The concept was created by Ameer Said, CEO, Zoya Wellness. Said explained that he was looking for a solution to “address the ailments of the modern world” and to encourage people to

take a more preventative rather than curative approach to their health.

Zoya’s approach to health and wellness encompasses every element of one’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. As such, each visit is considered a journey, which begins with a consultation with a doctor or wellness expert, who then curates a tailor-made treatment and nutrition plan. Treatments range from cleansing detox plans and weight management to highly soughtafter immune support therapies.

Zoya also offers a treatment journey to revive the body after recovering from COVID-19. Other personalised programmes include oxygen therapy, yoga at the state-of-the-art medical gym, luxurious spa treatments and anti-ageing plans. Stays range from five nights up to three weeks.

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Shangri-La Jeddah to debut this year

Cyprus

Cyprus reopens to vaccinated travellers Last week, Cyprus reopened its borders to vaccinated travellers from 65 countries, including the UAE. Other nations on Cyprus’s approved list include Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the US, UK and Russia.

Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios announced that passengers will be able to travel freely to the island nation without the need for quarantine or a negative PCR test as long as they have received both doses of any COVID-19 vaccine approved by the country.

Since the beginning of April, various testing measures have been in place to determine whether passengers are travelling from a country on the

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green, amber or red list. PCR tests are not required for arrivals from green list countries; a pre-departure PCR test within 72 hours is required for arrivals from amber countries; and both a pre-departure PCR test and on-arrival PCR test are required for arrivals from red list countries.

However, since last week, vaccinated travellers visiting from any destination on the green, amber or red list have been able to bypass all testing requirements, provided they’ve received both doses of Cyprus-approved vaccines that include Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Sputnik V. All travellers are still required to complete the Cyprus Flight Pass by uploading a copy of their vaccine certificate in English to the platform prior to departure.

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Jeddah

The Shangri-La Group, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, will celebrate a landmark moment with the launch of its first property in Saudi Arabia.

When Shangri-La Jeddah opens its doors in October 2021, it promises to set a new standard for luxury leisure and business travel in Jeddah.

Shangri-La’s Middle Eastern portfolio presently includes two hotels in Oman and one each in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. And with its sights set on regional expansion, the upcoming Jeddah property will add 235 rooms and suites to Saudi Arabia’s diverse hospitality scene.

The hotel is housed inside the landmark 65-storey Burj Assila Tower,

which sits at the helm of the North Corniche in Jeddah and overlooks the Red Sea. Adorned in hues of light grey, sea blues and softwood accents, nautical touches are present throughout the hotel as a tribute to the shores of the Red Sea. Shangri-La Jeddah will offer a selection of seven restaurants and lounges, including the awardwinning Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, among others.

Visitors looking to make the most of the hotel’s leisure facilities can enjoy access to the health club, a state-of-theart spa and a 25-metre swimming pool.

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Ras Al Khaimah Tourism unveils new brand identity at ATM

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RATKDA) unveiled a new vision and brand identity at ATM 2021. Inspired by the emirate’s unique topography, this new identity fits seamlessly with its diverse landscape, from its famed mountains and sprawling desert to its pristine beaches.

Underpinning RAKTDA’s campaign is the new ‘Rakashida’ logo, which

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is inspired by the ‘kashida’ in Arabic calligraphy – a line that connects letters to form a word. It nods to the connections that exist between different worlds and people, and stands for personalised tourism experiences offered by the destination, including its rich heritage and history.

“Our new identity and brand taps into a growing wellspring of

requirements and desires that travellers are developing in this era of the new normal – ambitions that go beyond the traditional holiday experience to encompass a sense of purposeful travel,” said Raki Phillips, CEO, RATKDA. “Rakashida’s peaks and valleys represent the emirate’s three key natural elements and core values: the sea with its perpetual swelling and subsiding, the desert with its undulating dunes and the mountains with their staggering elevations.

“It also describes the journey into Ras Al Khaimah, starting at the coast that represents exciting activity, moving into the mystic desert that represents discovery, then onto the mountains that represent greatness and adventure - the peak of the experience.”

At the show, RAKTDA also announced over 20 sustainable tourism development initiatives across the emirate, marking an investment of half a billion dirhams in partnership with RAK Hospitality Holding and RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The projects centre on the emirate’s new destination strategy.

“This multimillion investment plan further demonstrates our resolve and commitment to tourism, despite the global challenges faced this past year that continue to shake our industry today.”

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Ushering in a reimagined travel sector, the new projects include a number of hospitality offerings, such as an eco-friendly hotel pop-up concept from Earth Hotels, mountain lodges from Mantis, glamping units and a beachfront resort from Mövenpick on al Marjan Island.

Also taking shape is Basecamp Jais with affordable accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts, Jais Yard, which will soon become the emirate’s go-to dining destination, Wadi Track for bikers and a scallop ranch at Al Hamra Marine, which will offer oyster and scallop diving experiences, live cooking and cultural activations.

The emirate’s new tourism identity and the projects in the pipeline build on the advances that the tourism authority has already made in promoting Ras Al Khaimah’s unique attributes to visitors.

Its efforts have been recognised with the emirate named the Gulf Tourism Capital for both 2020 and 2021 by Gulf Cooperation Council tourism ministers.

Acknowledging its safe environment for visitors, Ras Al Khaimah also became the first city in the world to be certified as ‘safe’ by Bureau Veritas and the first emirate to receive the World Travel And Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels’ stamp.

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Etihad Airways introduces ‘Verified to Fly’ travel document

Travellers flying from Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will now be able to validate their COVID-19 travel documents before arriving at the airport. Passengers can, therefore, arrive with confidence

and peace of mind, knowing that they have met all the essential requirements before their flight.

With the formalities out of the way, verified travellers can enjoy fast-track check-in at the dedicated

Verified to Fly desk for a quicker and smoother experience.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “As Etihad continuously looks for innovative solutions to simplify the travel

experience, Verified to Fly removes any guesswork from the equation and allows passengers to check in faster.

“Guests have total peace of mind knowing that when they arrive at the airport, they have already met all COVID-19 travel requirements.”

To use the Verified to Fly service, guests can sign up by visiting ‘Manage my Booking’ and will receive further information on how to submit their documents. They will be notified once the submission has been checked by the Verified to Fly team and will receive a ‘success’ email if their documents meet government requirements.

If requirements are missing or not met, passengers will be asked to resubmit or check their documents.

Guests can also check their Verified to Fly status at any time by visiting the Manage my Booking page.

Verified to Fly is available for all guests departing from Abu Dhabi to all destinations, excluding China. The service will also soon be available for flights departing from Amman, Beirut, Dhaka and Manila. Future developments are in progress to introduce the service at other destinations.

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Saudi Arabia reveals master plan for AlUla Saudi Arabia has unveiled its plans for the ancient city of AlUla, which Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud hopes will transform the city into an international destination for art, culture and nature, attracting visitors from all around the world.

The three-part “Journey through Time Masterplan” comes with a US$15 billion price tag. Phase one has already seen the expansion of the airport, which is set for completion in 2023, while phases two and three are expected to reach completion by 2030 and 2035 respectively.

The ultimate goal is to welcome two million visitors annually to the destination and in the process, create 38,000 new jobs. The plan is all set to boost the nation’s economy to the tune of US$32 billion.

Dubbed by the Royal Commission for AlUla as “the world’s largest living museum, where contemporary art coexists with ancient heritage”, the town is home to numerous ancient heritage sites. Among other attractions is the 2,000-year-old archaeological site of Hegra, which became Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

According to the newly unveiled plans for further development of AlUla as a year-round tourism precinct, five

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cultural districts will be regenerated.

From north to south, the landscape will comprise Hegra Historical City, Nabataean Horizon, Jabal Ikmah, Dadan and AlUla Old Town.

Plans are also in place to build 15 new cultural assets, including museums and art galleries, to help create a cultural oasis within the destination.

The wider development strategy for AlUla also includes the construction of new luxury hotels. Set to become the latest attraction in Saudi’s hospitality landscape, one of the upcoming properties will be designed by Pritzker Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel – the man behind Louvre Abu Dhabi. It is revealed that the new hotel will be carved into the rocky landscape of the Sharaan Nature Reserve.

These new hospitality developments will lay the foundations for a robust tourism industry in the kingdom with a total of 9,400 hotel keys by 2035, of which 5,000 keys will sit within the Journey through Time Masterplan.

The master plan will also contribute to the Saudi Green Initiative by expanding AlUla’s green and open spaces up to 10 million square metres.

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AlUla

AlUla

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News

Flydubai announces new seasonal routes for summer 2021 Dubai-based carrier Flydubai will see its network reach 80 destinations this summer. As travel bans and restrictions around the world lift, the airline will continue to resume flights to more destinations, allowing passengers to choose from an array of seamless travel options for the summer of 2021.

While the carrier has already resumed operations on a number of routes across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa, new seasonal routes will also launch in the weeks ahead.

Last week, the airline resumed flights to Batumi in Georgia and also launched a new connection to Trabzon, a popular city on the Black Sea coast of northeastern Turkey. In June, Flydubai will introduce another route to Turkey with flights running twice a week until September 1 to Bodrum, the main gateway to the Turkish Riviera.

Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at Flydubai, said: “We recognise that since the pandemic, it has not been possible for our customers to travel as much as they would have liked. Adding Bodrum and Trabzon to our seasonal schedule will provide passengers with more options to travel this summer.

“We have steadily grown our network to more than 75 destinations and we will continue to launch flights to more destinations in the region as restrictions ease.”

Bodrum, Turkey

Sumela Monastery, Trabzon, Turkey

By summer, passengers from Dubai will be able to access 80 points on the carrier’s network, including cities in Russia, Baku, Bucharest, Colombo, Maldives, Minsk, Tbilisi, Tel Aviv, Tirana and Zanzibar.

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Time Hotels to open eight new properties by 2022 Time Hotels, the UAE-headquartered hospitality company and hotel operator, revealed its plans to open eight new properties across the Middle East and the Indian Ocean over the next 18 months.

Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, Time Hotels, said: “Our pipeline of hotels and residences will meet the demands of the ‘new normal’ – attracting overseas digital nomads and local visitors for staycations as well as more traditional business and leisure segments by consistently offering a value-driven, high-quality experience across all of our branded properties.”

The group currently boasts 14 properties across the UAE and wider GCC with 1,465 keys in operation.

New properties are set to open later this year in Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Further afield, in 2022, Time Hotels will debut its first hotel in Mauritius with the launch of Time Phoenix Hill.

Located in Mauritius’ Cyber City of Ebene, the 120-key deluxe hotel apartment property comprises 11 floors featuring one, two and threebedroom apartments, meeting

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rooms and a lounge. “Our goal is to expand our portfolio to 30 properties by 2025,” said Awadalla.

Plans are also in place to reserve two floors of one of the group’s upcoming hotels exclusively for female travellers.

There will be dedicated services for women, including personalised room service, a female-only check-in counter, dedicated ladies-only guest relations, in-house baby-sitting services, in-room tablets highlighting all of the services offered to women as well as enhanced bathroom amenities in each room.

Time Hotels will also open its first two hotels in Egypt later this year – the five-star Time Coral Resort Nuweiba in the Red Sea coastal town of Nuweiba and the four-star Time Marina Hotel & Conference Centre near Al Alamein on the Mediterranean coast, which is being hailed as Egypt’s second capital.

One additional Time-branded property will open next year, bringing the group’s overall portfolio to 22 properties by the end of 2022.

“2020 was a very challenging year for hospitality, travel and tourism across

the globe but we are looking ahead at 2021 and beyond with great optimism.

With so much pent-up demand as well as Expo 2020 Dubai opening soon, we are looking forward to a very busy autumn and winter period,” he concluded.

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Time Marina Hotel and Conference Centre

5/16/21 6:25 PM

News

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HMH showcases ECOS at ATM Hospitality Management Holding (HMH), the region’s largest hotel management company specialising in the dry sector and with an expanding portfolio across the Middle East and North Africa, throws the spotlight on its ECOS hotel brand at this year’s Arabian Travel Market.

ECOS Hotels is a millennialcentric lifestyle hotel brand launched in 2019, offering unparalleled hospitality services to modern-day travellers seeking an enriching experience.

Serving as a premium hospitality destination, the hotel aims to enhance every aspect of the guest’s stay to complement their preference of ambience and modern settings.

Featuring contemporary design standards, cutting-edge technology, stylish living spaces and affordable pricing, ECOS Hotels offers the perfect blend of comfort and practicality within a modern, cultural and flexible environment. The hotel features a diverse mix of trendy bedrooms and each one comes fitted with essential amenities to ensure optimal comfort, coupled with chic décor and smart in-room facilities.

ECOS opens the door to a host of facilities, including dining at the finest restaurants inspired by local and global cuisine. There is also plenty to choose from for the health-conscious traveller. Menus are balanced with comfort foods and an extensive selection of healthy snacks.

The hotel also features a state-ofthe-art fitness centre with advanced equipment, where guests can keep up with their fitness routine while travelling.

For children, ECOS Junior Club offers plenty to keep the little ones busy. While there is also a dedicated video game room for young gaming enthusiasts alongside several fun activities.

The host of amenities on offer makes ECOS the ideal choice for families.

Michael Zager, Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are excited to be showcasing ECOS. The ECOS brand was developed as a millennial-centric lifestyle hotel while equally presenting a management solution to owners wanting to address this market gap.”

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SLS Dubai Hotel marks first ATM since debut

SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences is showcasing its hospitality brand to travel and trade professionals attending this year’s ATM for the first time since its debut. When it opened its doors in April, the property became the first SLS

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hotel in the Middle East and the seventh SLS hotel worldwide. A total of 11 additional SLS properties are set to open internationally over the next five years.

Helmed by world-leading hospitality group Accor, the new

property is developed in partnership with World of Wonders Real Estate.

The highly anticipated opening is a testament to the SLS brand’s longstanding reputation and experience in creating and delivering extraordinary,

unforgettable and timeless experiences.

The impressive 75-storey tower makes SLS Dubai one of the tallest hotels and residences in the region.

The launch comes on the heels of Accor’s latest phase of expansion following its acquisition of the hotel brand SBE and its planned joint venture with Ennismore, which will see the creation of one of the world’s largest and fastest growing lifestyle operators.

SLS Dubai presents a host of elevated experiences via its portfolio of luxury brands. From Fi’lia, the entirely female-run restaurant, to Carna by the award-winning Italian butcher Dario Cecchini, the hotel’s culinary venues are a testament to the hospitality hallmarks of the SLS brand.

Located in Downtown Dubai, the property offers 360-degree views over the city, with unobstructed views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Creek.

Developed in collaboration with international architecture firm Aedas, it features 254 hotel rooms by acclaimed designer Paul Bishop, 371 residential units and 321 hotel apartments.

SLS Dubai also includes SBE’s signature Ciel Spa, the epitome of luxury with treatment rooms, plunge pools, a hair and nail salon, a fully equipped gym and two outdoor terraces.

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Special Feature - Expo 2020 Dubai

The heart of Expo 2020 Dubai

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Al Wasl Plaza, named after the Arabic word for ‘connection’, will serve as the centrepiece of the next World Expo Sprawling across 4.38 square kilometres in Dubai South, a single visit won’t be enough to explore everything Expo 2020 Dubai has to offer. But if there’s one thing that will be impossible to miss on every visit, it’s the striking Al Wasl Plaza, which has already become the site’s identifying marker. And while the event officially opens its doors later this year, this iconic centrepiece is already making waves.

CROWN JEWEL Described as the ‘crown jewel’ of Expo 2020 Dubai, Al Wasl Plaza is a remarkable feat of engineering. It links the site’s three Thematic Districts, which reflect the subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, and, hence, is aptly named after the Arabic word for ‘connection’. It signifies a meeting of the site’s pathways and nods to the event’s aim to bring people together from all over the world.

The domed trellis of Al Wasl Plaza is 130 metres wide and 65 metres high, and it weighs an incredible 2,544 tonnes. Its design was inspired by an ancient elaborately fashioned gold ring found at Saruq Al Hadid, an important archaeological site originally discovered

by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, while flying his helicopter over the desert. The ring also inspired the intertwined logo of Expo 2020 Dubai.

When Al Wasl Plaza – inaugurated in January 2020 – truly comes to life with the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai on October 1, 2021, its dome will act as an immersive projection surface that is visible from both inside and outside the plaza. Its sheer size makes it the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface, set to dazzle visitors as the main staging area for the show’s opening and closing ceremonies.

The plaza will be the place to gather during the show’s six-month run. It will host major ceremonies, celebrations, performances and concerts. Striking images and videos will be beamed onto the dome via more than 200 projectors within it. Both during and after the event, it will connect people from all around the world as the beating heart of Expo 2020 Dubai.

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1 & 2 Al Wasl Plaza

Al Wasl Plaza will act as an immersive 360-degree projection surface that is visible from both inside and outside DID YOU KNOW THAT AL WASL DOME...

X25

X300 ENCLOSES A SPACE OF 724,000 CUBIC METRES, THE VOLUME OF ALMOST 300 OLYMPIC-SIZE SWIMMING POOLS

WEIGHS 2,544 TONNES, THE SAME AS 25 BLUE WHALES

X16

USES 13.6 KILOMETRES OF STEEL, EQUIVALENT TO THE HEIGHT OF 16 BURJ KHALIFAS

STANDS TALLER THAN THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA

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IS ALMOST AS WIDE AS TWO AIRBUS A380 AIRCRAFT LINED UP, WING TO WING

5/16/21 6:07 PM

Rotana - Exhibitor Profile

Adapting to change

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Homegrown hospitality group Rotana highlights its robust expansion plans at Arabian Travel Market 2021 2

Rotana marks 24 years of its participation in ATM and is showcasing its developing portfolio of properties in the region and beyond. Growth has been on track despite the challenging circumstances of the pandemic. While the global economy has been hit hard, the homegrown hospitality giant was able to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 crisis and come out strong, thanks to its exemplary leadership.

CEO and President Guy Hutchinson said: “The COVID-19 crisis has been one of the toughest experiences on record for the global hospitality industry. The key to surviving and excelling in these times has been the ability to pivot from traditional operating models and seize emerging opportunities.

“At the height of the pandemic, we reacted swiftly but diligently to minimise the impact on our business and our teams. We sought multiple opportunities to take the payroll burden off the hotels and keep employees employed and paid.

Our strategies included finding lateral business opportunities, striking key partnerships and redeploying more than 700 of our staff.

“We also introduced our meticulous Rotana Safe Space programme, which focusses on two main areas – rigorous cleaning and disinfection practices verified by global experts – to offer a contactless stay.

“Digital transformation and optimisation have also been key to offer a contactless stay. The Rotana

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app is now one of the main tools at our guests’ disposal. They can use their phone for self-check-in, to make room and restaurant bookings, for in-room requests and pick-up or delivery services when staying in any of our Rotana resorts or hotels.”

NEW OPPORTUNITIES Rotana currently operates 68 hotels in 24 cities across 14 countries, including an impressive 10,012 keys across 36 hotels in the UAE. The group’s pipeline consists of 10 upcoming projects that will deliver more than 2,923 keys across the region, with new hotel signings in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and the UAE. New signings in the region include a five-star Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Rotana will also unveil Residences by Rotana and Arjaan Hotel Apartments in Manama, Bahrain.

Sedra Arjaan by Rotana, located in The Pearl in Doha, is also set to open in Qatar while a new hotel management agreement under the Centro Hotels brand is signed in Doha .

The hospitality brand will also manage two new properties in the Turkish city of Istanbul, including Bomonti Arjaan by Rotana and Bomonti Residences by Rotana.

Hutchinson added: “The UAE remains an integral part of our expansion plans, showcased through the signing of a hotel management agreement under the Rotana Hotels & Resorts master brand set to open in 2023.”

1 Guy Hutchinson 2 Al Bandar Arjaan - Creek 3 Centro Sharjah

Rotana remains confident in the longterm prospects of the industry GOING GREEN Equal attention is paid to Rotana’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact. “We recently announced the removal of single-use plastic toiletries across our hotel rooms, a significant step in our long-term sustainability efforts. This change will result in the elimination of more than 17 million tiny plastic bottles a year and more than 100 tons of plastic in an average year.”

In 2013, Rotana launched a Global Corporate Sustainability Platform.

Named Rotana Earth, it comprises a comprehensive framework designed to address environmental, economic and social sustainability across Rotana Hotel’s entire portfolio.

“Under the Rotana Earth programme, we focus on reducing waste and energy in all areas of the hotel as well as reducing landfill and food waste.”

FUTURE FOCUS Rotana remains confident in the longterm prospects of the industry despite the challenges. “We are moving forward with confidence in 2021. In the past few months, we have witnessed the Hope Probe landing on Mars and the announcement of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, while Expo 2020 Dubai, which is a few months away, will boost travel and tourism in the region.

“We believe that recovery will be stronger due to significant pent-up demand from global travellers. With our upcoming projects in Dubai, we are all set to meet this demand anticipated during and beyond the World Expo. This will help ramp up overall room capacity, which is crucial in achieving the city’s ambitious tourism vision.”

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Feature - Interview

Leading by example WTM & IBTM Portfolio Director Claude Blanc offers insight into the rapidly changing tourism scene in the wake of the pandemic and highlights the role that events like ATM play in the sector’s recovery Over the last year, the travel and tourism industry has undergone a huge transformation. As international borders closed, in-destination restrictions tightened and travel became less accessible, the world sought unique methods to adapt to this new way of life.

In the wake of the pandemic, not much has remained unchanged but the coronavirus crisis brought with it the opportunity to restructure, reinvent and rebuild.

While these sweeping changes affected global industries, the impact on the travel and tourism trade, which relies on people embarking on journeys across the globe, was particularly hard.

“2020 and 2021 have been the most challenging years for the travel industry in many decades,” said Claude Blanc, Portfolio Director, WTM & IBTM Portfolios, who, having spent over 25 years in the industry, believes that the sector has gone through a huge learning curve over the last 12 months.

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global tourism has carried on into 2021. It has impacted countries at different times, in different ways and to varying degrees.

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“Destinations have shuttered borders while holidays and business trips have been cancelled, significantly reducing flight numbers and wreaking havoc on tourism and travel-focused businesses of every conceivable kind.

“But as restrictions start to ease across countries, we need to take urgent and robust action to ensure a brighter 2021 for the global travel trade, on which millions of livelihoods and businesses depend. And that’s where Arabian Travel Market comes in.”

Since September 2020, Reed Exhibitions has been sharing its experience of running COVID-safe, faceto-face and hybrid events. And with ATM 2021, the exhibition has become the first and largest in-person travel and tourism event in the world since the onset of the pandemic last year.

“Now more than ever, the travel community needs ATM to help the industry recover. And we are excited to be the first show of the WTM Portfolio to provide a hybrid format.

“The core in-person element of our business has, in many cases, had to be replaced by a digital component, which has been crucial in allowing

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1 Claude Blanc 2 ATM 2021 at Dubai World Trade Centre

We know a lot more than we did 12 months ago and now we need to take this knowledge and put it into practice us to continue connecting with our customers and the wider industry.

“While in-person events are one of the most effective ways to do business, it is clear that there is a long-term place for high-quality virtual events that will allow professionals from across the globe to connect more frequently – in case they can’t attend in person.

Incorporating online methods as part of the mix will allow our community to engage with new markets like never before by offering more flexibility and extra layers of engagement.”

Therefore, ATM Virtual will run from May 24 to 26, 2021. The inclusion of this virtual element was essential because many travel professionals aren’t able to attend the in-person event taking place this week, with travel restrictions still in place. The 28th edition of the show was designed to reconnect travel and tourism professionals from

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around the world, whether they are attending in-person or online, and enable recovery for the industry.

“Our goals have slightly changed after the pandemic. Before 2020, the WTM Portfolio was dealing with a solid and consolidated industry. And since 2020, industry recovery has become our main focus and we have been providing all tools for that to happen.”

ATM 2021, therefore, offers a wide range of opportunities for the industry to reconnect and recover through one-to-one meetings, speed networking, roundtables, in-person and virtual sessions covering future trends and much more.

“We know a lot more than we did 12 months ago and now we need to take this knowledge and put it into practice as we safely reintroduce in-person events in the Middle East with ATM 2021 leading the way.”

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Travel Technology - Feature

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Tomorrow’s world

Explore the next generation of industry innovations at Arabian Travel Market In the pre-pandemic world, the concept of sustainability in travel was set to become one of the defining issues for the sector for future generations. While the coronavirus crisis has inevitably diverted attention, today’s challenges will also likely highlight the urgency of travelling responsibly as consumers, governments and industry regulators become increasingly aware of the problem.

This makes the role of travel technology more relevant than ever, as it comes at a time when businesses are seeking to transform their operations in order to effectively respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and enable a quick, sustainable recovery for the sector.

NAVIGATING THE PANDEMIC WITH TECHNOLOGY Over the past two decades, the global travel and tourism industry has grown annually at a rate of five percent, totalling US$4.7 trillion in 2019. At the heart of this growth has been the role of Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs).

However, when the pandemic began, the impact on the travel industry was immediate. For destination marketers in charge of developing tourism strategies based on annual planning and predicted travel behaviour, this period has been particularly difficult.

As the industry prepares for the eventual resumption of travel, more changes can be expected. Therefore, timely access to travel data has become increasingly significant for travel and hospitality firms at such a time, as it will enable providers to offer customised deals and curate unique experiences based on travellers’ personal preferences.

This also makes it important for businesses to have access to the latest technologies to gauge consumer preferences and accordingly implement best practices and tailor their approach.

Addressing the challenges that the industry is facing and the role technology can play in mitigating these effects, Travel Forward introduces the latest developments in the sector, from business management software to social media. Other innovative technologies that have helped and will continue to shape the customer journey in the post-pandemic world are also highlighted during each of the sessions taking place at the Travel Forward Theatre during this year’s event.

SPOTLIGHT ON SOCIAL With businesses now gearing more of their efforts towards rebuilding consumer trust, one important element that can effectively contribute to the recovery of the sector is social media.

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1 Social media influencer 2 Connected on the go

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The role of travel technology is now more relevant than ever as businesses are transforming their operations Businesses can learn a lot from current examples and take the necessary steps to promote their travel brand with the effective use of social media.

Shane Dallas, Founder of The Travel Camel, said: “First-hand travel reports shared on social media are important when people are deciding where to travel.

If they personally know someone who has travelled to a place without any issues related to COVID-19, this can influence them to undertake the same journey.

“The same applies to people who they may not know personally, but whom they respect and admire, that travel to places without any coronavirus-related issues. Sharing personal stories on social media of people who have safely and comfortably travelled to a destination is very important in gaining consumer trust.”

In spite of recent changes in the tourism industry resulting from COVID19, Dallas argues that the role of social media in the travel sphere has not changed. In fact, he believes that “social

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media can inform and inspire the public about both familiar or new destinations.”

“It also remains a place where people can identify different travel styles that suit their wants and needs and they can adapt these styles to the way they travel, if they wish. This can include ideas and practices that make them feel confident and comfortable when they travel as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19 has made us very wary of our surroundings. Even bumping into other people while walking in a mall or on the street will now elicit a different reaction when compared to before the pandemic.

“Until that mindset changes, social media should reflect this different reaction by showing spaciousness and also distance from other people when they travel. This is best achieved through photos and videos as visual media is a vital component of social media. This is not the time to promote the popularity or appeal of a destination by showing photos or videos of crowds.”

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Seminar Schedule - ATM Global Stage

ATM Global Stage MONDAY 17TH MAY 10.30 - 11.30 SECTOR COLLABORATION Recovery and ongoing resilience demand that sectors work more closely together than ever before. Domestically and internationally, the government and the private sector are called on to work collaboratively not only for the public good but also to ensure travel rebounds, in turn boosting economies.

Our speakers will share how sectors need to work together for the collective good.

The session will start with an interview with the Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for the Arab Republic of Egypt.

It will delve into how collaboration developed between all the ministries during the pandemic, what the recipe is for other countries to follow to ensure destinations and their visitors have the best possible experience.

What are the difficulties that seem to have governments responding in disparate ways? Will the private sector lead us to recovery?

Moderator: Sarah Hedley Hymers, Editorial Director, JMG, Middle East Speakers: Richard Quest, Anchor and Correspondent, Editor-at-Large, CNN, Madame Ghada Shalaby, Vice Minister for Tourism at The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities - Arab Republic of

Egypt, Clive Bourke, President, DAON, EMEA and APAC, Dr. Edem Adzogenu, Co-Founder, AfroChampions, Kashif Khaled, Regional Director, Airport Passenger Cargo Security & Facilitation, Africa & Middle East, Stephanie Boyle, Head of Industry and Partner Communications, Skyscanner, Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director, Amadeus Gulf, Scott Hume, Senior Vice President, Operations, Global Rescue 12.30 - 13.30 AVIATION – THE KEY TO RESTORING INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, RESTORING CONFIDENCE, GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, BUILDING BUSINESS Aviation has been shell-shocked by the impact of COVID-19 but with the pent-up demand for restriction-free travel, how can the aviation industry can help the travel industry bring about recovery?

Experts will discuss a range of issues including: how airlines are deciding on which routes to restart and with the Middle East region being hit particularly badly, how can governments help?

Many are already reviewing disjointed regulation, but what more can they do?

What is the future like for long haul destinations with analysts reportedly predicting a slower return for widebody long-haul aircraft? Could private

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aviation and other on-demand charter companies carve out a niche for a more inclusive offer for the travelling public?

Inevitably profitability will determine the strategy many airlines adopt, but how will that affect low cost carriers and full service carriers and in terms of sustainability.

How can airlines afford to embrace a more environmental corporate culture and still remain profitable and competitive? Will environmentally-conscious passengers be more forgiving initially?

Moderator: Phil Blizzard, Presenter - Producer, TV & Radio Speakers: George Michalopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer, Wizz Air, Hussein Dabbas, General Manager – Special Projects for Middle East & Africa, Embraer 14.30 - 15.20 THE ATM SAUDI ARABIA TOURISM SUMMIT: TRANSFORMATION THROUGH TOURISM As Saudi Arabia forges ahead with Vision 2030, with tourism earmarked as a key economic driver – on track to deliver the second-highest revenue after oil – this session discusses the strategy’s positive repercussions for the kingdom, its people, investors and millions of global travellers.

Moderator: Hadley Gamble, CNBC Speakers: Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority, Majed Alnefai, Acting CEO of Seera, Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO, Saudia, Dr Afnan Alshuaiby, CEO of FNN International, Chair of the Arab international Women’s Forum 16.20 - 17.10 THE ATM SAUDI ARABIA TOURISM SUMMIT: THE GIGA PROJECT EFFECT Meet the business leaders playing a pivotal role in delivering Vision 2030 by spearheading ambitious projects that will set Saudi Arabia apart as a destination like no other.

From developments that preserve and promote the kingdom’s heritage, culture and natural assets to theme parks, futuristic cities in the desert and luxury resorts with a strong focus on sustainability, panellists will reveal how the country is setting new global industry benchmarks.

Moderator: Hadley Gamble, CNBC Speakers: Jerry Inzerillo, CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, John Pagano, CEO, Red Sea Development Company and AMAALA, Andrew McEvoy, Head of Tourism, NEOM, Melanie de Souza, Executive Director, Tourism and Destination Marketing, The Royal Commission for AlUla

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ATM Global Stage - Seminar Schedule

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TUESDAY 18TH MAY 10.30 - 11.30 THE ATM HOTEL INDUSTRY SUMMIT: THE CHANGING ROLE OF HOTELS Experienced hoteliers discuss how they have reinvented their hospitality offering to adapt to pandemic-driven trends, from introducing co-working and ‘workfrom-hotel’ concepts and launching new hybrid hospitality experiences that merge the physical and virtual to delivering environments conducive to the new lifestyles and expectations of travellers.

Moderator: Richard Dean, Presenter, Business Breakfast at Dubai Eye, Director of Roar Interior Design Speakers: Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality, Mark Kirby, Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group, Fettah Tamince, Founder and Chairman, Rixos Hotels, Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, MEA President, Hilton Hotels Sponsored by:

Media partner:

12.30 - 13.30 THE ATM HOTEL INDUSTRY SUMMIT: PUTTING HOSPITALITY BACK INTO HOSPITALITY With new health and safety requirements sanitising the hotel environment, this session throws the spotlight on strategies for creating memorable customer experiences and preserving the all-important human touch. The session will also highlight how the roles of hotel staff are evolving, what technological innovations are here to stay and how loyalty programmes are being reimagined to offer guests what they really want.

Moderator: Richard Dean, Presenter, Business Breakfast at Dubai Eye, Director of Roar Interior Design Speakers: Stefan Leser, CEO at Langham Hospitality Group, Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO, Rotana, Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa, Four Seasons, Sandeep Walia, Area Vice President, UAE, Marriott International, Middle East & Africa Sponsored by:

14.30 - 15.30 EAST MEETS WEST: LESSONS LEARNED LEADING TO RECOVERY AND ON-GOING RESILIENCE East meets west in this discussion as we look at recovery strategies while we plan for ongoing resilience delving into what lessons learned in the APAC countries have or have not been applied in the west and why or with what outcomes. Culture plays a part in recovery initiatives, from crisis response and implementation to product development and execution.

So are these lessons transferrable from

east to west and vice versa? Can we be confident that the world of travel is and will be in a better place ensuring risk mitigation going forward?

Moderator: Paula Lacey, Commercial Director, Connecting Travel, ME Speakers: Daniela Wagner, Director Europe, Middle East and Africa, PATA, Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA, Nigel David, Director Asia and Middle East, WTTC, Khashif Khalid, Director, IATA MENA, Carlos Cendra, Chief Marketing Officer, Mabrian

Media partner:

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 11.20 - 11.40 ONE-TO-ONE INTERVIEWS

ITIC-ATM MIDDLE EAST TOURISM INVESTMENT SUMMIT: INVEST – REBUILD – RESTART 10:30 – 10:40 WELCOME SPEECHES Speakers: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman of ITIC & Former Secretary-General UNWTO, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, ATM, Reed Exhibitions 10.40 - 11.15 MORNING CONVERSATIONS Discussing the evolving economic landscape of the Middle East and the emerging challenges and opportunities in the travel and tourism sector.

Speakers: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman of ITIC & Former Secretary-General UNWTO, Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics, Middle East, Nicolas Mayer, Global Tourism Leader, PWC

11.45 - 12.30 TO WHAT EXTENT WILL SUSTAINABILITY REORIENT THE MIDDLE EAST TOURISM INDUSTRY? Moderator: Gerald Lawless, ITIC Director and WTTC Ambassador Speakers: H.E Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), Hon. Nayef Al-Fayez, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan

Co-Founder and Chairman of Flyeast and Global Remit companies, Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President – Operations and Development, Swiss-Belhotel International – Europe Middle East, Africa and India 15.25 - 16.30 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman of ITIC and former Secretary-General of UNWTO, in conversation with Nikolina Angelkova, Member of Parliament

and former Minister of Tourism, about investment opportunities in Bulgaria.

Introduction by: Paul Hoskins, Director, ITIC and Invest Tourism Ltd 16.30 - 16.45 CLOSING DISCUSSION Speakers: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman of ITIC & Former Secretary-General, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Gerald Lawless, ITIC Director & WTTC Ambassador

14.15 - 14.30 TRAVEL INDUSTRY OUTLOOK Manus Cranny, Anchor at Bloomberg, in conversation with Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports, discussing when the travel industry is expected to recover and bounce back to pre-COVID-19 levels?

14.35 - 15.20 PROSPECTS FOR INVESTMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST HOTEL INDUSTRY Moderator: Nicolas Mayer, Global Tourism Leader, PWC Speakers: Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts India, Middle East & Africa, Salvatore Lavallo, Head of FDI Attraction, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Yariv Fisher, entrepreneur and expert in the GCC and Southeast Asia,

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5/16/21 6:04 PM

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Seminar Schedule - Travel Forward Theatre

Travel Forward Theatre

Sponsored by

MONDAY 17TH MAY 11.45 - 12.45 EXPO 2020 DUBAI: THE FUTURE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND TECHNOLOGY AT MEGA EVENTS Discover how Expo 2020 Dubai is creating world-class shows at the tip of a finger. Through a method that sits at the cutting edge of technology and entertainment, Expo 2020 Dubai is utilising an integrated system that allows us to elevate shows in the blink of an eye.

With a domed trellis of 130 metres in diameter and a height of 67.5 metres, Al Wasl Plaza will be one of the largest 360-degree immersive projection surfaces in existence. When combined with Expo 2020 Dubai’s immersive sound and light system, they will create a playground for the senses – pulling audiences into multiple directions, creating worlds that are deep, unpredictable and entertaining.

Moderator: Tom Urquhart, Radio Presenter, Dubai Eye Speakers: Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, Amna Albulhoul, Executive Creative Director, Events & Entertainment, Expo 2020 Dubai 13.30 - 14.30 AMADEUS: REBUILDING OUR INDUSTRY FOR SAFER TRAVELS

– WHAT DOES IT TAKE? Many people want to travel – the real question is how soon will they feel confident enough to explore new horizons? Restoring traveller trust and confidence quickly and consistently will be essential to kickstarting the industry’s recovery.

Understanding new traveller expectations and adapting to their changing demands and perceptions around cleanliness, sanitation and social distancing will be key to rebooting the travel industry. So, what can we do to regain traveler trust and increase demand?

In this session, participants will learn: what will make people in the region more likely to travel again; what are travellers’ views on hot topics, such as using a digital health passport; the importance of collaboration between all players to rebuild the travel industry and what technologies could really help offer a smoother and safer travel experience Speaker: Jamel Chandoul, Senior Vice President Retail, Amadeus Middle East 15.15- 15.45 UCLOUDLINK: MOBILE WIFI AS A SERVICE IN THE NEW NORMAL Travellers are expecting more when they travel again. From health passport

to touchless check-in, a mobile-first experience requires reliable mobile WiFi to keep travellers connected for the best flexibility and reassurance. Traditional broadband is limited in coverage, bandwidth and overall experience, plus it comes with a pricey installation and data cost. Imagine mobile WiFi as a service – providing high quality, free of SIM card and roaming charge WiFi broadband to travellers, not only to supplement current broadband but create new benefits to both facilities and travellers. Join this session to explore a new possible solution in a new normal Speaker: Mohamed Ismail Aboual, GlocalMe 16.30 - 17.30 BCG & GOOGLE: PATH FORWARD FOR DMOS (ACTIONS FOR DESTINATION MARKETERS TO NAVIGATE IN A COVID-19 WORLD) Over the past 20 years, the global travel and tourism business has grown at a five percent annual pace and in 2019, it totalled US$4.7 trillion, according to research from BCG in collaboration with Google.

Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) have been at the heart of this growth. When the pandemic began, however, the impact on the

travel industry was immediate.

A decline in international and commercial passengers around the globe could lead to a loss of up to 58 percent of jobs (190 million) in the travel and tourism industry, and cut the industry’s contribution to global GDP by up to US$5.5 trillion (62 percent), according to the report.

For destination marketers in charge of developing tourism strategies based on annual planning and predicted travel behaviour, this period has been particularly difficult. That’s why we looked into how consumers’ attitudes toward travel have changed in response to the pandemic. And how DMOs can prepare for the eventual resumption of travel — or more unexpected changes on the horizon.

Topics for discussion include: how consumer’s attitudes and preferences towards travel have changed in response to the pandemic; what changes and best practices have DMOs adopted in reaction to the pandemic and how DMOs can and are preparing for the eventual resumption of travel Moderator: Hans Clement, Managing Director & Partner – Dubai, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Speaker: Iva Kutle Skrlec, Global Destination Marketing Partner, Google

TUESDAY 18TH MAY 12.15 - 13.00 AMADEUS: REBUILDING TRAVEL In this session by the global travel technology company, Amadeus, attendees will discover how data and advertising can help destinations bring visitors back, shining a light on new technological advancements that can be incorporated to enable fast recovery for gobal travel and tourism.

Moderator: Delphine Herrmann, Head of WEMEA Field Marketing, Amadeus Corporate Marketing, Amadeus Speaker: Tom Starr, Vice President of Global Sales, Amadeus

13.45 - 14.45 INTELAK HUB: CROSS-SECTOR COLLABORATION IN ACTION With innovation being key to the success of both start-ups and corporations, collaboration between the two worlds can, in many cases, be mutually beneficial. This session will explore how Intelak’s alumni and principle partners are building collaborations to scale the travel industry as well as showcase Intelak’s start-ups POC’s and what they need to implement at scale.

Moderator: Roberto Croci, Managing Director, Microsoft for Startups in

the Middle East and Africa Region Speakers: Salah Makkouk, The Emirates Group, Faisal Khan, Dubai Tourism, Nitin Reddy, Accenture 15.30 - 16.30 ARABIAN BUSINESS: 2021: WILL IT BE A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITY FOR TRAVEL START-UPS? The Emirates Development Bank Strategy has just announced its US$8.2 billion strategy to support start-ups and entrepreneurs in the UAE, which will contribute to financing more than 13,500 SMEs, creating 25,000 jobs,

including a US$272.3 million investment fund for start-ups. This session will explore if it is a good time or a bad time to launch a start-up, along with which industry verticals have seen successful new businesses and why as well as where the opportunities are for startups in the V-shape travel recovery.

Moderator: Scott Armstrong, Editor in Chief, Arabian Business Speakers: Kevin Czok, Managing Partner, Hotel Dat Cloud, Anna Skigin, Founder and CEO, Frank Porter, Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India, Wego

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 10.30 - 11.30 ITP: GETTING PERSONAL - HOW TECH, DATA AND EXPERIENCES ARE KEY TO SUCCESS Data is increasingly important for travel and hotel firms – from being able to provide customised deals and offers to travellers to curating unique experiences based on personal preferences once the guest has arrived.

Research by Google and Phocusright revealed that around 60 percent of travellers wanted brands to tailor the information they receive based on past preferences, while 76 percent said

they’d prefer loyalty programs that used previous behaviour as a driver of offers available. What’s more, 36 percent said they’d pay more if they received more personalised experiences.

Taking that a step further, Accor’s CEO Sebastian Bazin said that all hotels around the world will need to be different in order to customise experiences for guests, with properties needing to assimilate aspects of the city they’re based in to create more authentic memories for people.

In this panel, we will look at the ways hotels build guest profiles and

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how they use that data when it comes to reaching out to travellers and providing them with memorable stays.

Moderator: Paul Clifford, Group Editor, Hospitality Group, ITP Media Group Speakers: Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President, Deutsche Hospitality Middle East, Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, President – Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Hilton, Karl Escritt, Chief Experience Officer, Like Digital, Amir Golbarg, Vice President Operations – Middle East, North Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, Minor Hotels

12.30 - 13.15 RATEGAIN: UNRAVELING THE POWER OF SOCIAL-MEDIA TO GENERATE “ENGAGEMENT-DRIVEN-ROI” FOR HOTELS AND DESTINATION TOURISM Join BCV for an in-depth discussion about the changes in consumer behavior, emerging travel trends and the power of social media as a catalyst for conversation, loyalty and return on investment in 2021.

Speaker: Yuliya Navorynska, Country Head, UAE- BCV – A RateGain Company

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ATM Virtual 2021 MONDAY 24TH MAY GST 10.30 - 11.30 | GMT 07.30 - 08.30 ENABLING A NEW GENERATION OF MIDDLE EAST TOURISM PROFESSIONALS Tourism is a burgeoning sector in the Middle East and an area rich in opportunity for young men and women seeking to build careers in growth industries.

This session takes a look at: How do we engage young entrepreneurs and professionals to bring them into the tourism sector? What needs to be done to train and develop this new generation of talent to set them up for success?

It also looks at how can governments work with the private sector to support new entrepreneurs and existing tourism companies in a way that directly meets their needs (for example, micro-financing)?

Moderator: Zeinab Badawi, Presenter, BBC World News Speakers: HE Princess Haifa Al-Saud, Vice President at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, HE Maitha Saif Majid Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism, Oman GST 12.00 - 13.00 | GMT 09.00 - 10.00 AIRLINE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: TACKLING THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY’S CHALLENGES: DIRECTOR GENERAL IATA WILLIE WALSH Willie Walsh takes up his position as Director General of IATA as the crisis facing the airline industry enters its second year.

Walsh is no stranger to tackling and succeeding in resolving challenging issues and complex problems. having successfully led Aer Lingus, British Airways and IAG in a career spanning more than 40 years.

Now he has to provide leadership for the industry at a time when its size and structure are under threat as never before.

Airlines face a fragmented and disjointed approach to the crisis by governments across the globe. Quarantines, border closers, testing regimes are amongst the issues on which IATA needs to drive engagement and consistency of approach in order to permit airlines to begin the process of recovery.

In this ATM Virtual exclusive interview, airline expert John Strickland will explore the priority issues on Willie Walsh’s agenda and seek his views on the way forward for the industry.

Moderator: John Strickland, JLS Consulting Speaker: Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA

GST 13.30 - 14.30 | GMT 10.30 - 11.30 THE ATM SAUDI ARABIA TOURISM SUMMIT - SAUDI’S HOTEL ROADMAP AS A TESTBED FOR INNOVATION Saudi Arabia’s hotel landscape continues to evolve at pace, underpinned by the long-term vision of the government plus public and private investment in infrastructure, new destinations and mixed-use projects.

With the long-term tourism outlook more bullish than ever, hotel industry heavyweights discuss the vast potential for new and innovative hospitality concepts that keep pace with this demand and fast-changing guest demographics, now and in the future.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc. Speakers: Mark Willis, CEO, TIMEA (Turkey, India, Middle East and Africa), Accor, Oliver Harnisch, Head of Hospitality, Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia, Hassan Ahdab, President of Hotels Operations, Dur Hospitality, Christopher Lund, Director, Head of Hotels, MENA Region, Colliers International GST 15.00 - 15.20 | GMT 12.00 - 12.20 THE BEST PART OF TRAVEL: ARABIA’S ARIVAL Our industry – tours, activities, attractions, events, experiences—is not just the third-largest part of travel, it’s why people travel in the first place.

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Douglas Quinby shares exclusive Arival research on the outlook for tours, activities and attractions as well as key trends shaping the sector’s revival.

Speaker: Douglas Quinby, Co-Founder & CEO, Arival GST 15.40 - 16.05 | GMT 12.40 - 13.05 ASK ME ANYTHING: ZEINA DAGHER, CEO, EMAAR ENTERTAINMENT This one-time intern rose to become the CEO of the leisure attractions division of one of the UAE’s leading property development firms.

Responsible for the strategy of some of the emirates’ top attractions, including the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, KidZania and Burj Khalifa, Dagher will share how attractions have adapted to the downturn and where attraction development, distribution and guest experience is headed in 2021 and beyond.

Moderator: Douglas Quinby, Co-Founder & CEO, Arival Speaker: Zeina Dagher, CEO, Emaar Entertainment GST 16.25 - 16.55 | GMT 13.25 - 13.55 OTAS, TECH & THE OUTLOOK FOR TOURS & ATTRACTIONS Digital distribution and online platforms are ushering in dramatic change, from how travellers plan and book to how operators and distributors connect.

The pandemic has only accelerated the need for operators to get ahead on tech.

This session, taking place during ATM Virtual, will explore the changes afoot amid the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs) and what this means for tour and attraction operators across the region.

Moderator: Douglas Quinby, Co-Founder & CEO, Arival Speakers: Julia Randow, Regional Director, GetYourGuide, Ian Renton, Director of Sales, Atlantis, Essam Salah, Co-Founder & CEO, Oceanair Travels GST 17.15 - 17.35 | GMT 14.15 - 14.35 THE TRULY CONNECTED TRIP This candid interview with the Head of Technology at Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) looks at how the capital of the United Arab Emirates is looking to reimagine the guest experience by creating a truly connected and personalised experience, from travel planning to arrival and exploring the destination.

During the session, Jamieson will discuss the road ahead for DCT Abu Dhabi and the industry as they seek to connect tour and attraction suppliers to enhance the guest experience and create new opportunities for tour and attraction providers in the UAE capital amid the pandemic.

Speaker: Peter Jamieson, CTO, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi

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TUESDAY 25TH MAY GST 10.30 - 11.30 | GMT 07.30 - 08.30 THE ATM HOTEL INDUSTRY SUMMIT: HOSPITALITY TRENDS ACCELERATED – WELLNESS AND SUSTAINABILITY TAKE CENTRE STAGE Hoteliers explain how they’ve adapted to the super-acceleration of global wellness and sustainability movements, evolving their hotels and services to respond to overwhelming traveller demand for health and wellbeing solutions and sustainable practices that support the environment and local communities.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Emlyn Brown, Global Vice President, Accor WellBeing Luxury & Premium Brands, Paul Gardiner, CEO of Mantis Collection, Jeremy McCarthy, Group Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director at Red Carnation Hotels & Founding Member of Beyond Green Sponsored by:

GST 12.00 - 12.40 | GMT 09.00 - 09.40 AIRLINE LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: SEIZING NEW OPPORTUNITIES – A DISCUSSION WITH ADEL ALI, CEO OF AIR ARABIA GROUP A seasoned airline industry executive, Adel Ali has nurtured Air Arabia to become a highly profitable low-cost airline group with activity spanning the Gulf and North Africa.

The group, like all airlines, has been severely tested by the current COVID-19 pandemic but still managed to deliver two profitable quarters in the last year.

Despite the ongoing crisis, the airline has added aircraft to its fleet and opened up a new subsidiary in Abu Dhabi.

To find out how Adel Ali is managing the crisis whilst still keeping an eye on opportunities, John Strickland, a former compatriot from an earlier career at British Airways, will be putting the questions to him.

Moderator: John Strickland, JLS Consulting Speaker: Adel Ali, CEO Air Arabia Group.

GST 12.50 - 13.20 | GMT 09.50 - 10.20 AIRLINE LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: FLY DUBAI MOVING AHEAD – CEO GHAITH AL GHAITH IN CONVERSATION WITH JOHN STRICKLAND Ghaith Al Ghaith has led Flydubai since it was founded and has seen the airline grow to be a powerful force on the aviation landscape, adding many new destinations from its Dubai base.

He has guided the airline through periods of difficulty, including the global grounding (recently lifted) of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

We will explore what he has learned from these challenges and how he envisions Flydubai’s development and evolution in the years ahead. Topics for discussion will include an exploration of likely network growth, product developments and the deepening and evolving partnership with Emirates.

Moderator: John Strickland, JLS Consulting Speaker: Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai GST 13.30 - 14.30 | GMT 10.30 - 11.30 COVID SAFE RECOVERY: INSIGHTS & TOOLS FOR 2021 AND BEYOND The visitor experience in-destination is central to the COVID-safe recovery of the travel industry. Current indications are that there is much pent-up demand for a return to a full suite of travel services but perceptions of COVID-19 safety on the trip is high on the list of visitor concerns that need to be addressed.

This session looks at the latest data on consumer sentiment. It will also cover the practical solutions forwardthinking travel businesses are providing in-destination to address them.

This session is run by ETOA, the European Tourism Association.

Moderator: Rachel Read, Director of Insight, ETOA Speakers: David Edwards, Tourism Insight Specialist, ETOA and Scattered Clouds, Santiago García-Dils de la Vega, International Promotion & MICE, Turismo de Sevilla, Elodie Berta, Head of Business Development, Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau

new normal will be a challenging trading environment for business and leisure travel. We have brought together leading thinkers and practitioners to share their ideas about how hotels can manage risk and trade profitably over the next decade.

Properties being built now will be operating in a very different environment in the 2030s. The decisions we make now will determine the assets we have to work with in the future. There are many tied and tested solutions, and there are some new ideas yet to be fully proven. Now is the time to take responsibility and weather the storm.

Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor Speakers: Eric Ricaurte, Founder & CEO, Greenview, Inge Huijbrechts, Global Senior Vice President – Sustainability, Security and Corporate Communications at Radisson Hotel Group, Madhu Rajesh, CEO at Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Dimitris Manikis, President for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA), Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Rana Al Oran, Director of People and Culture, Four Seasons Hotel Doha

GST 18.00 -19.00 | GMT 15.00 - 16.00 THE TECHNOLOGY THAT WILL DRIVE A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR TRAVEL Before the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainability and concerns about the impact travel has on the environment were set to become one of the defining issues for the sector for future generations.

While the pandemic has inevitably diverted attention, it is also likely to accelerate how sustainability will become a growing focus as consumers, governments, regulators and pressure groups alike shine a light on industry practices.

In this session, experts will talk about how technology and sustainability will converge to ensure a vibrant and responsible future for travel.

Moderator: Lee Hayhurst, Executive Editor, Travolution Speakers: Hugo Kimber, Founder Director, Carbon Responsible, Nico Nicholas, CEO & Co-Founder, Trees4Travel, Bayram Annakov, Founder & CEO of App In The Air

GST 15.00 - 16.00 | GMT 12.00 - 13.00 HOW THE LACK OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL HAS AFFECTED THE REGIONAL F&B SCENE Top hoteliers talk about how the lack of international travel has impacted their F&B over the past year. And with vaccines helping to win the fight against COVID-19, what will be the impact as we return to a sense of normality? Among the topics of discussion will be whether an increase in staycations has made up for the smaller amount of international travellers, are customers spending more money on experiential dining locally because they can’t go abroad, and will a summer exodus from Dubai lead to difficult times for hotels or will inbound travel return enough to make up for it?

Moderator: Simon Ritchie, Editor of Caterer Middle East and Hotelier Middle East Speakers: Emma Banks, VP of F&B Strategy for EMEA, Hilton, Lynne Bellinger, Director of F&B Design & Development EAME - Marriott International, Samantha Wood, Founder of Foodiva, Suhaila Ghubash, Director of Festivals and Events, DFRE GST 16.30 - 17.30 | GMT 13.30 - 14.30 RESPONSIBLE HOSPITALITY IN A PERFECT STORM COVID-19, climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing inequality, the

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WEDNESDAY 26TH MAY GST 10.00 - 11.00 | GMT 07.00 - 08.00 CULTURAL TOURISM FOR GROWTH Find out how countries across the region are developing cultural attractions, from museums to ancient heritage sites, to differentiate their destination offering and provide visitors with enriching educational experiences. Panellists discuss how positioning the region as a global centre for cultural tourism will pave the way for sustainable industry growth and leave a legacy for future generations.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Ali Al Shaiba, Executive Director – Tourism and Marketing, DCT Abu Dhabi, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, COO, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah, UAE, Jerry Inzerillo, CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) GST 11.30 - 12.30 | GMT 08.30 - 09.30 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 pitches to share what they have learnt about what works, what doesn’t and why?

Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Advisor Speakers: Andrea Nicholas, CEO, Green Tourism, Chris Warren, Founder & CEO, My Green Butler, Dina Storey, Head of Sustainability, Expo 2020 Dubai, Claire Whitely, Senior Sustainability Manager, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Keith Bradley, Managing Partner, Globally Great GBTA CONFERENCE @ ATM 2021 - READY.SAFE.TRAVEL GST 14.00 - 14.45 | GMT 11.00 - 11.45 WE ARE READY! This “big picture” segment will feature how ready the region is for its return to travel, looking at GBTA’s BTI Business Travel Outlook for the Middle East, industry forecasts and diving into how governments have responded to the pandemic and their readiness for the return to travel in terms of border controls and travel restrictions.

Moderator: Chris Pouney, Managing Partner, Severnside Consulting Ltd Speakers: Iyad Rasbey, Executive

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Director, Destination Tourism Development, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Catherine Logan, Regional Vice President - EMEA, GBTA, Derek Sadubin, Managing Director, CAPA - Centre for Aviation GST 15.00 - 15.45 | GMT 12.00 - 12.45 WE ARE SAFE! Travel risk management is a core function of any travel programme and this segment will look at how best to keep travellers safe as we come out of the pandemic, what solutions are available to help with this and what special considerations need to be observed in this region.

Moderator: Debra Reid, Strategic Corporate Travel Manager, Houston, Texas Speakers: Hans Kanold, Global Ambassador, Stay Safe Hospitality, Savio Vas, Vice President Government and Corporate Travel, Dnata Travel Management, Emirates GST 16.00 - 16.45 | GMT 13.00 - 13.45 WE CAN TRAVEL! An international panel of global and regional buyers will share how they have incorporated this region into

their global programme – focusing on challenges and opportunities and sharing of best practices to accommodate cultural nuances, practical realities and the pandemic.

Moderator: Chris Pouney, Managing Partner, Severnside Consulting Ltd Speakers: Mohammed Halawi, Global Travel Director (Global Services), Firmenich, Anthony Baldwin, EMEIA Emerging Markets Travel, Meetings & Events Leader, EY, Nevine Khedr, Front Office Lead, Travel & Expense Management (T&E), ABB GST 17.00 - 17.45 | GMT 14.00 - 14.45 WE CAN MEET! Like transient travel, MICE has been hard hit by the pandemic, but how and when will it come back?

This session will dive into the outlook for the meetings industry as well as how and when these will take place and whether hybrid is here to stay.

Moderator: Glenn Johnston, Aviareps Speakers: Emre Kirazci, Director of Sales & Marketing, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, Graham Pope, Vice President of Sales, Cvent, Ayman Talaat, CEO, Extramile Group ME, Ali Fouladi, Tourism Advisor, Bahrain Tourism Board

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Keys to the kingdom Saudi Arabia remains optimistic about the future of tourism and stands firm in its mission to become one of the Middle East’s most visited destinations In the last decade, Saudi Arabia unveiled its bold vision to become one of the Middle East’s most visited destinations. Plans to further cement the kingdom’s status as the next mustvisit destination in the region are still afoot, in spite of the temporary disruption caused by the coronavirus crisis.

Even in the face of border closures, Saudi Arabia remains undeterred in its aim to attract 100 million holidaymakers annually by 2030, a significant pillar in its Vision 2030 initiative, which outlines the country’s strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy and develop its public service sectors, with a special focus on tourism.

It may seem ambitious, especially with the crippling impact COVID-19 has had on the global economy, but the kingdom’s tourism potential is 4

poised to boost the local economy to the tune of billions of dollars.

With year-round sunshine, untouched beaches, ancient historic sites, luxury hotels and modern attractions, Saudi Arabia has plenty to offer. And just like its neighbours, it can lay claim to being within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, 1 and within eight hours of two-thirds.

Much has changed since Saudi Arabia first relaxed its visa regulations in 2019, allowing travellers from 49 different countries to enter through an e-visa or visa-on-arrival system.

The initial boom in tourism figures was quickly hit by border closures resulting from the pandemic.

Yet, as visitor numbers declined, the ease of rules within the country in the months that followed saw a significant rise in domestic tourism. The kingdom, therefore, remains hopeful that travel will return, and when it does, Saudi Arabia is ready to welcome the world.

PLENTY TO OFFER The birthplace and spiritual home of Islam, Saudi Arabia is rich in cultural attractions and religious sites. For Muslims, the cities of Makkah and Madinah have long been significant pilgrimage destinations. For those keen to delve into the history of the ancient civilisations that once inhabited these lands, the carved temples of Hegra the rock art at Jubbah and the old-town ruins in AlUla, which recently opened to domestic visitors, are unrivalled.

Phillip Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer, the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long been a crossroads of ancient civilisations — a place of deep history, but one that is constantly evolving. AlUla is an extraordinary example of this. It is a living museum of preserved tombs, sandstone outcrops, historic dwellings and monuments, both natural and

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1 At-Turaif 2 Dammam 3 AlUla Old Town 4 Hegra

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Saudi Arabia unveiled its bold vision to become one of the Middle East’s most visited destinations human-made, that hold 200,000 years of largely unexplored human history.”

Other wonders abound in the kingdom, from the historic Hejaz Railway to modern Riyadh. There is also Jeddah’s World Heritage coral architecture along the west coast, while to the south, Asir reveals breathtaking mountain scenery where mysterious villages wait to be discovered. With plenty to offer, Saudi Arabia is keen to forge ahead with its era-defining vision.

THE GIGA PROJECT EFFECT Huge sums of money are being invested into mega tourism projects and Saudi Arabia’s overall tourism

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infrastructure, which will create hundreds of thousands of jobs and provide a huge boost to the country’s economy.

In April 2021, Saudi Arabia unveiled its Journey through Time Masterplan launched by the Royal Commission for AlUla. The regeneration project, occurring across five heritage districts from the north to the south of AlUla, represents a US$15 billion opportunity for responsible investment in publicprivate partnership projects.

Now taking place in phases, upon full completion, the wider development strategy for AlUla in 2035 aims to deliver 38,000 new jobs and contribute US$32 billion to the kingdom’s GDP.

The Red Sea Project is another eagerly anticipated undertaking as it is set to transform a vast area of the country’s western coast into a luxurious desert, island and mountain resort.

John Pagano, CEO, The Red Sea Project and Amaala – another ultra-luxury destination along Saudi Arabia’s north-western coast – said: “The kingdom’s Vision 2030 program lays out the framework to diversify the economy with three main themes: a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation.

“Tourism is a central pillar in achieving this plan and both The Red Sea Project and Amaala are at the forefront of the growth of this sector.”

The Red Sea Project will have an estimated annual visitation of 800,000 people upon completion with a cap of one million visitors per year. Whether it’s swimming through the world’s fourth-largest reef system or hiking across the dormant Harrat Lunayyir lava fields, the destination will offer a unique experience to modern travellers with an

opportunity to explore the kingdom’s natural environment for the first time.

Pagano said: “The Red Sea Project and Amaala will contribute circa US$9.33 billion to the kingdom’s GDP once fully operational and will be a significant creator of jobs, employing around 60,000 people directly and creating a further 60,000 indirect jobs.

“Both projects will play an important role in opening up the country, introducing visitors from around the world to the unique beauty, biodiversity, history and culture of this largely undiscovered region.”

Equally ambitious is the Neom development taking shape along the Red Sea coast. A futuristic city with selfdriving cars, it will be 33 times the size of New York City. Set to cost US$500 billion, early suggestions are that the destination will utilise flying taxis, will be illuminated by a giant artificial moon and will have more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than in any other city in the world.

Qiddiya, which is being billed as the world’s biggest entertainment city,

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5 & 6 The Red Sea Project 7 Banyan Tree Wadi Ashar AlUla Resort 8 Elephant Rock, AlUla

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could also become a major draw for tourists, with its resorts, parks, sports arenas and a Six Flags amusement park. Furthermore, upon completion, it is set to become the largest tourism destination in the world, with a total area of more than 334 square kilometres.

THE HOSPITALITY BOOM The last decade has witnessed Saudi Arabia’s hotel landscape evolve at a rapid pace. While leading hospitality giants continue to expand in the kingdom, new investors are now paying heed to this demand for innovative concepts.

Rotana Hotels & Resorts has realised this potential and has been expanding in the kingdom since the last decade. CEO and President Guy Hutchinson said: “As one of the fastestgrowing tourism markets in the world, Saudi Arabia continues to be a focal point for expansion. In the third quarter of 2021, a five-star Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts property will be added to our portfolio, representing the group’s eighth operating hotel in the kingdom. Located in Jubail in the Eastern Province, the property will add 407 keys to Rotana’s portfolio and cement the group’s status as one of the most dynamic players in the region’s upscale segment.”

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These recent launches have firmly placed the kingdom on track for tourism to deliver the secondhighest revenue after the oil sector.

As concepts continue to evolve, industry heavyweights are recognising the importance of developing new properties across various segments, from luxury concepts and midscale hotels to business properties and serviced apartments.

Mark Willis, CEO, TIMEA (Turkey, India, Middle East and Africa), Accor, said: “We continue to see a focus on our luxury portfolio, however, there is a growing demand for premium and midscale brands as well. Domestic tourism has also played a key role during the past year, with Saudi nationals showing an increased interest in discovering local destinations and staycations in their city of residence, whether at hotels with leisure amenities or at serviced apartments.

“2021 is an exciting year for us in Saudi Arabia as we have a total of nine properties scheduled to open, bringing 3,255 more keys to our portfolio. Some of the landmark openings are the Banyan Tree Wadi Ashar AlUla Resort, Swissotel Living Jeddah and Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences.”

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Industry heavyweights are recognising the importance of developing new properties across various segments 8

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Commenting on why such expansion is significant for brands like Accor, Willis said: “The incredible plans which have been set for Vision 2030 alongside the large number of Giga Projects, will continue to make Saudi Arabia an attractive destination not only for business travellers but for leisure guests alike.”

As a key player on Saudi Arabia’s hospitality scene, Dur Hospitality is also keeping pace with the dynamic industry in the kingdom.

Hassan Ahdab, President of Hotel Operations, Dur Hospitality, said: “Dur strives to support the Saudi tourism industry by offering worldclass hospitality services that match varied guest preferences, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the sector.

“As a deeply-rooted Saudi company, we understand the challenges and opportunities unique to the Saudi market, such as the Hajj and Umrah sector, which is expected to be a key contributor in achieving the sector’s overall recovery and growth over the coming phase.”

In spite of the pandemic, Dur Hospitality has accelerated the delivery of several ongoing projects, specifically on the Hajj and Umrah front that is expecting the number of pilgrims to increase from eight to 30 million over the next decade. In pursuit of its longterm goals, Dur Hospitality is set to increase room capacity to 5,000 in the holy cities by 2023, which will further help the kingdom deliver its vision.

Ahdab added: “We are fortunate to be operating in one of the world’s most ambitious nations. COVID-19 did not slow down the planned progress outlined in Vision 2030 and the kingdom continued construction on its mega projects.

Also, major media outlets and other companies are potentially relocating their headquarters to Saudi Arabia, which will bring increased business and traveller activity, thus a higher demand for quality hospitality services.”

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Destinations

Morocco

A gateway to Africa, Morocco is as diverse as countries can get with craggy mountain ranges, ancient cities, sweeping deserts and a mix of cultures

Moroccan National Tourist Office / AF3100

From Marrakesh to Fez, Rabat to Casablanca, Morocco is brimming with culture of all kinds. Known for its vibrant colours, from local art to its terrain, pottery to architecture, spices to costume, Morocco is a jewel in the North African crown.

A vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary, Marrakesh, known as the Red City, brings its bazaars with their bright colours and oriental scents and will transport you into another

world in the blink of an eye. Horse-drawn carriage rides, sun-soaked terraces, street artists and other activities offer a vibrancy both by day and night. From themed venues to trendy clubs and traditional cultural evenings, the city spoils visitors with its abundance of choice.

Fez offers music festivals, UNESCOlisted heritage sites and an array of other delights while the capital Rabat has been dubbed the Green City with its lush botanical gardens.

Jemaa El Fna Market

Aït Benhaddou

Chefchaouen

Its location at the intersection of Europe and Africa make Morocco a crossroads bordered by the waters of the Mediterranean

Malaysia

Vibrant cities, diverse cuisines, beautiful beaches, picturesque islands, lush national parks and wildlife-packed rainforests – Malaysia promises everything and more in a single destination

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board / AS3200

Every year, more than 25 million people visit Malaysia, which is home to an intriguing mix of cultures, ethnicities and religions.

The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a huge draw for travellers. One of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, the city’s skyline is dominated by the sleek Petronas Twin Towers – the world’s tallest building from 1998 to 2004.

In addition to being an annual host city of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Kuala Lumpur also offers an abundance of noteworthy landmarks, including Lake Gardens Park and the Islamic Arts Museum, which offers one of the

Its location at the intersection of Europe and Africa make Morocco a crossroads bordered by the waters of the Mediterranean and open to the vast stretches of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors will find vestiges of the great Mediterranean civilisations, such as the Roman ruins at Volubilis in the north and architectural works attesting to the old French presence in Rabat.

Treasures of Muslim civilisations are also scattered throughout the rest of the country, including the Kasbah of the Udayas, along with many other examples of the myriad dynasties that succeeded one another.

Sabah

best collections of decorative arts to be found in the Muslim world.

The bustling capital – known for its delicious street food, reliable public transport system and excellent shopping – is also home to various top-quality resorts.

Culture enthusiasts, meanwhile, can visit any of Malaysia’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park, the archaeological treasures of the Lenggong Valley and the historic cities of Malacca and George Town.

For many visitors, Malaysia is defined by its equatorial rainforest. Significant

Malaysia has proved its status as a crossroads for many Asian cultures chunks of the jungle – among the most ancient ecosystems on the planet – remain intact, protected by national parks and conservation projects.

Tourism Malaysia has heavily promoted the nation’s charms for almost two decades. The global marketing campaign, ‘Malaysia, Truly Asia’, which launched in 1999, continues to ring true as the country has proved its status as a crossroads for many Asian cultures.

Kuala Lumpur skyline

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Destinations

Bahrain

The storied location of the ancient Dilmun empire, Bahrain’s cultural heritage may be second to none. Yet the country is developing a host of modern marvels to appeal to visitors seeking a blend of old and new

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority / ME1410

Legend has it that Bahrain was the site of the Garden of Eden and its history is awash with some of the biggest names in Middle Eastern culture. The country’s capital city, Manama, was named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2020 before the pandemic hit. And despite the 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.

Meanwhile, within the next three years, more than two dozen hotels are set to open in the country. This is in order to meet the demand as seen in 2019, when five-star hotel occupancy rates

Manama skyline

Ajman

Ajman Tourism Development Department / ME4205

It may be the UAE’s smallest emirate, but it is one of the most picturesque. From its vast coastline to the 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 familyfriendly food park with an outdoor cinema and flower-decorated food trucks, reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s. Promising fun for all ages, Funtastico, with attractions, games and rides for children from three to 14, 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.

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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 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 F1 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.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Bahrain boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Bahrain Fort, the Bahrain Pearling Trail and the Dilmun Burial Mounds

The smallest of the seven emirates, Ajman is a popular picnic spot among locals but those looking to explore will find hiking options in the Al Hajar Mountains with cultural finds in the city’s heart

Ajman Mosque

Ajman Corniche

From its vast coastline to the dramatic mountainside scenery, the quaint emirate of Ajman packs a punch

Ajman Museum

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Vox Pops

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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JERRY INZERILLO Chief Executive Officer

HANNA AZZI General Manager

HAMAD OBAIDALLA Chief Commercial Officer

EMAAR HOSPITALITY GROUP “ATM has always been an indispensable part of the travel and tourism family, this year even more with the challenges we’ve faced as an industry. I speak on behalf of my colleagues; we’ve managed to come out stronger. We like to believe 2021 is our year as we look forward to stepping outside of our home – Dubai – to newer opening locations, such as Address Fujairah, Vida Bahrain, Address Istanbul and Rove Marjan Island in Q4 and others in 2022. This is definitely a great opportunity to showcase Emaar Hospitality Group’s world-class service, amenities and much more.”

DIRIYAH GATE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY “Diriyah Gate Development Authority is delighted to be exhibiting with Saudi Tourism Authority at this year’s Arabian Travel Market. As the global travel trade gathers together in person for one of the first times post pandemic, it is a momentous occasion to meet again in celebration of our tourism leadership and industry. Collectively, we will aim to provide optimism and positivity, as well as focus on our key mission, which is to perpetuate a global ‘welcome’ to visitors and to create joy and festivity internationally.”

NIKKI BEACH RESORT & SPA DUBAI “More than ever, the team at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa is thrilled and curious to participate in Arabian Travel Market 2021 given its hybrid character, combining virtual and in-person formats for the first time this year. What I believe will remain is ATM being an exceptional platform for conducting business with the global travel trade, building new relationships while nurturing existing ones, interacting with local, regional and international travel partners and most of all, gaining inspiration from the sessions set to take place during this year’s event.

There is much to look forward to.”

FLYDUBAI “ATM is an important event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East. We are delighted to be back at the show as this marks our 10th year of participating at ATM. At our stand, we look forward to showcasing some of the newest destinations to join our network and sharing with visitors the COVID-19 precautionary safety measures that we have implemented throughout the customer journey. This year also marks the third anniversary of Holidays by Flydubai which was announced at ATM. We also look forward to meeting our travel partners.”

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MARK KIRBY Head of Hospitality

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GAIL SANGSTER Assets Director - Nakheel

THOMAS PERUZZO General Manager

ESSA BIN HADHER General Manager

CHRISTAKIS DEMETRIOU Tourism Officer - International Relations Department

THE VIEW AT THE PALM “We are excited to showcase Nakheel’s growing retail portfolio, with The View at The Palm being the latest attraction for visitors in Dubai. We would also like to promote some of our main assets, such as The Pointe, Palm Monorail, Palm West Beach, Club Vista Mare and Nakheel Mall, which have played a key role in making Palm Jumeirah one of the most visited destinations in the UAE. A platform like ATM helps us understand the latest market trends and allows us to carve ways to build new ties with customers across the region.”

ARMANI HOTEL DUBAI “Akin to this year’s theme, Armani Hotels & Resorts is eager to participate in what truly is a new dawn for travel and tourism, following the exceptional circumstances of 2020 and the signing of the Israel–United Arab Emirates normalisation agreement.

As a market leader in establishing services for Jewish travellers, most notably with the opening of Armani/ Kaf, the UAE’s first kosher-certified dining destination, we look forward to developing further relationships with Israeli exhibitors and visitors.”

DUBAI COLLEGE OF TOURISM “Arabian Travel Market provides an important platform for Dubai College of Tourism to communicate the breadth of its educational offerings to our stakeholders and partners and to strengthen this relationship to create a transformational educational experience for all our students. We also aim to raise awareness of the diverse range of courses at the college that provides industry-specific hands-on training and development, allowing graduates to meet globally recognised standards in hospitality and tourism.”

CYPRUS - DEPUTY MINISTRY OF TOURISM “ATM has always been an important event that enables people from all continents to exchange ideas and cooperate. This year, our participation is important to confirm to our new and existing partners that the island is ready to welcome tourists following the pandemic. ATM will give us the opportunity to exchange ideas, best practices in dealing with the pandemic and discuss new trends that are emerging in the industry, with visitors focusing more on privacy and a limited number of people holidaying together.”

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DISCOVER A WORLD OF LUXURY AT YOUR ADDRESS Experience premium lifestyle hospitality within iconic locations with luxury, style and elegance. Marvel at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa from your room, be mesmerised to the dance of the Dubai Fountain, magical sunrises over our beach resort, find a shopaholics haven at The Dubai Mall and lots more.

Unwind in one of our impeccable suites, relish your appetite with an array of award winning restaurants or visit The Spa for sheer rejuvenation and relaxation. With distinguished entertainment and retail at our doorstep, this is where your family will feel at home with ours.

For more information visit ADDRESSHOTELS.COM

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News

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