Arabian Travel Market 2021 - Preview

HYBRID Dubai: 16 - 19 May 2021 Virtual: 24 - 26 May 2021

ATM Preview 2021 Find Inside:

ATM 2021 Floorplan Highlights from the Event Programme The latest Exhibitor News Upcoming Travel Trends

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WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET

2021 PREVIEW

I

t would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that over the past 14 months, the global travel and tourism industry has been challenged like never before, with social and travel restrictions worldwide.

So, it is particularly pleasing for me to give you some insight into what you can expect from our live and in-person edition of the show, as we embark along the road to sustainable recovery.

Appropriately, the theme for this year’s show is ‘A New Dawn for Travel & Tourism’ which is a positive message and I sincerely hope that ATM 2021 will be a pivotal turning point for our industry throughout the Middle East. The theme will be integrated into all parts of the show – it will be our focus across the board.

Last year, ATM 2020 was the first major virtual travel event worldwide and this year, ATM will be the first in-person tourism event of its scale since the outbreak of the virus, continuing its tradition as a focal point for the Middle East’s tourism industry and at the forefront of digital travel. Whether it’s through innovative applications, ranging from voice and facial recognition, chatbots and beacon technology to virtual reality, blockchain as well as robotic concierge, the guest or passenger experience is destined to become ever more automated.

This is the ‘new normal’ and it is already here! So, in a world of accelerating technological disruption, how can our industry survive rapidly evolving innovation? Experts will provide insight on how innovative technology will shape the future of travel and tourism during our Travel Forward seminar sessions.

Moreover, on our Global Stage, key industry topics will be debated by a range of stakeholders with one common goal – identifying the vertical sectors that have the greatest growth potential in 2021 and beyond.

To that end, the Global Stage will host a range of events, including the Hotel Industry

Danielle Curtis

Summit and buyer forums dedicated to key source markets such as Saudi Arabia and China.

There will also be the International Tourism & Investment Conference, an aviation summit and a debate about influential women in tourism.

ATM is also a part of Arabian Travel Week, which will feature exhibitions, conferences, breakfast meetings, awards, product launches and networking opportunities for digital influencers and trade buyers.

Of course, the show will follow all of the Dubai Government and DWTC’s health and safety guidelines and will set out to provide a touchless and seamless experience. The team at DWTC is working hard to ensure that all events run safely, working closely with the show teams, and have implemented a range of measures including an enhanced cleaning regime, improved air circulation, multiple hand sanitiser stations and of course, safe distancing procedures. The health and safety of our colleagues, partners and audiences remains our number one priority.

Furthermore, Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world for visitors, with a wide range of precautionary measures in place to ensure the safety of tourists at every stage and touchpoint of their travel journey, from arrival to departure.

Over 10.2 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in the UAE so far, making it one of the global leaders in vaccine rollout, which prompted the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), to award Dubai a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp.

Finally, on behalf of the ATM team, thank you for your support. We wish you a safe and successful event and together let’s get international tourism moving again in the Middle East.

Danielle Curtis Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market

ATM PREVIEW 2021

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20 CONTENTS 40 20 34

34 Winds of change

With 2021 ushering a new dawn for tourism, this year’s ATM will highlight the sector’s recovery

38 A new world in the making 40 Lessons in recovery 44 Culture club 48 Preparing for take-off

Discover highlights from Expo 2020 Dubai China’s path to tourism recovery holds valuable lessons for other destinations

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The appeal of cultural tourism is on the rise across the region

06 Partners 08 Floorplans 12 ATM highlights 16 Exhibitor news 26 Seminar schedule

The key companies partnering with ATM 2021 Navigate the show with our essential easy-to-read ATM map All the must-visit events, sessions and features from this year’s show The industry’s latest happenings from this year’s exhibitors Stay up to date with what’s happening and when on the ATM show floor

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As international borders gradually reopen,

airlines across the region are set for a resurgence

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58 44 Sun 16 May - Wed 19 May 2021

The Arabian Travel Market Show Preview is published on behalf of:

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54 The kingdom awaits 58 Tomorrow’s world

A look at the key aspects that are transforming tourism in the kingdom

Gateway House 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DN, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 8271 2158, Email: arabian. helpline@reedexpo.co.uk Web: www.arabiantravelmarket.com Arabian Travel Market is owned and protected by Elsevier Properties SA and used under licence. Reed Travel Exhibitions/Reed Exhibitions is a registered trade mark of Reed Elsevier Group PLC.

Explore the next generation of industry innovations as Travel Forward makes its Middle East debut at ATM

Published by: npimedia

62 Transforming tourism

The industry is employing new tactics to address the challenges posed by climate change and the pandemic

66 Redefining hospitality

Explore the next generation of industry innovations as Travel Forward makes its Middle East debut at ATM

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Vox pops

Exhibitors share their thoughts on ATM 2021, ahead of their participation

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PO Box 500573, Office 704, Executive Heights, Dubai Tel: +971 4 4243640 Email: enquiries@npimedia.com Web: www.npimedia.com © Copyright This show daily is published under licence by Reed Exhibitions Limited.

The copyright in the design and content of the show daily is owned by Reed Exhibitions Limited or 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 permission of Reed Exhibitions Limited. Intellectual Property: Arabian Travel Market, the Arabian Travel Market logo and ATM are trade marks of Reed Exhibitions Limited. RELX Group, the RE symbol, Reed Exhibitions and Reed Travel Exhibitions are trade marks of RELX Group plc.

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ATM PREVIEW 2021

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FLOORPLAN

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FLOORPLAN

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HIGHLIGHTS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Arabian Travel Market 2021 will highlight the future of the travel industry, championing new and innovative ways to enable a strong comeback for the sector in response to the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic

A

rabian Travel Market (ATM) returns to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) next month with its annual live event.

The leading global exhibition dedicated to travel and tourism in the Middle East, it serves as the ideal platform for tourism businesses in the region to unlock their maximum potential.

Considered by industry professionals as a barometer for the tourism sector in the Middle East and North Africa, ATM hosts the biggest names in the industry. Travel luminaries and brands are in attendance, showcasing their latest products and technological innovations, while the conference programme features some of the most influential speakers in the sector.

For the first time in 28 years, ATM 2021 will run as a hybrid event. The live exhibition will take place at DWTC from May 16 to 19, 2021 and a virtual event will run a week later, featuring webinars and video meetings from May 24 to 26, 2021.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, ATM 2021 will be pivotal for a range of sectors across the industry as this year’s show is all set to enable a strong comeback for the industry.

The raft of talks, seminars, launches and networking events taking place across the live show and virtual event will address everything from the visitor experience in-destination in a postpandemic world to the advancement of travel technology and the recovery of aviation. Carefully curated, the programme is designed to reignite the travel industry following the exceptional circumstances of 2020.

THE WAY FORWARD As the world gradually begins to open up to travellers once again, ATM 2021 will throw the spotlight on the present and future of travel. In keeping with these unprecedented times, the theme ‘A New Dawn for Travel and Tourism’ 12

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integrated into all of the show verticals and planned activities. There will be a whole host of in-person seminars on ATM’s show floor specifically designed to support, inspire and innovate all travel and tourism professionals while looking at the latest trends in technology, sustainability and profiling the next generation of global travellers.”

Danielle Curtis

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 28 YEARS, ATM 2021 WILL RUN AS A HYBRID EVENT. THE LIVE EXHIBITION WILL TAKE PLACE AT DWTC AND A VIRTUAL EVENT WILL RUN A WEEK LATER has been aptly chosen for this year’s show. Industry experts will discuss the impact of the pandemic on the sector and highlight its current state and more importantly, look at how emerging trends and innovation can drive the industry forward and into a brighter future.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, ATM, said: “This year’s theme has never been more relevant nor important.

This message of recovery will be

HIGHLIGHTS

FINGER ON THE PULSE Leading the way in emerging trends and new opportunities in the industry, ATM is always at the forefront. Supporting this year’s theme, the conference programme will address the latest developments in the global tourism industry, touching upon COVID-19 recovery, digital marketing, hospitality, aviation, responsible tourism, cultural tourism and business travel.

Among these highlights, ATM 2021 will also host the inaugural ATM Saudi Arabia Tourism Summit, which will bring together key stakeholders that are fast-tracking the kingdom’s socio-economic transformation through ground-breaking tourism initiatives.

On the agenda for discussion are the challenges and opportunities as the kingdom meets its ambitions, in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030, and evolves into a unique global destination for travellers around the world.

ATM 2021 will also see the return of the ATM Hotel Industry Summit, taking place for the second time.

The event will see industry leaders discussing local and global trends shaping the region’s hospitality sector in a post-pandemic world.

provide a pivotal platform for the region’s travel and tourism industry, whether participating in-person at the events or virtually. Over the course of 10 days, it will put a spotlight on Dubai, the UAE, GCC and of course the wider MENA region’s tourism sector,” explained Curtis.

A WEEK IN TRAVEL

TIME FOR TECH

Arabian Travel Week made its debut during the 2019 edition of ATM and will return this year from May 16 to 26, 2021.

ATM 2021 will once again play an integral role in Arabian Travel Week, a 10-day festival of travel and tourism events taking place in Dubai and online.

In addition to the in-person ATM showcase, the events that are part of Arabian Travel Week are: travel technology exhibition Travel Forward, ARIVAL Dubai for the tours and attractions sector, GBTA’s half-day virtual business travel conference, ITIC’s Middle East Tourism Investment Summit, speed networking events for digital influencers and regionally focused buyer groups, including China, and, of course, ATM Virtual, the online edition of the ATM exhibition.

“This festival of events is dedicated to travel professionals from all over the world to collaborate and shape the recovery of the Middle East travel industry, through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

Essentially, Arabian Travel Week will

Travel has never been as inspiring and complex as it is today. With the pent-up desire to explore the world and reach new places – as safely and securely as possible – the reliance on technology has increased drastically.

This means that there is ample potential for businesses to tap into these trends and leverage new technologies to create new experiences for customers.

This year, Arabian Travel Week will host the inaugural edition of Travel Forward. Taking place alongside ATM, the event will attract technology providers and decision makers from around the globe, while showcasing the latest advancements for travel and hospitality.

Attendees can expect four days of insights, open debate, unrivalled networking opportunities and discussions on the latest technologies and trends that will shape the future of travel.

Topics featured will include engagement, personalisation, digital marketing, blogging, social media, chatbots, payment solutions, entrepreneurship and hospitality technology.

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HIGHLIGHTS

VIRTUAL PERSPECTIVES To complement the four-day in-person show, ATM’s first new hybrid format will see the virtual show running a week after the live event in order to reach a wider audience than ever before.

ATM Virtual, which made its debut last year, proved to be a resounding success attracting 12,000 online attendees from 140 countries around the world.

Curtis said: “It is imperative that we include a virtual element to Arabian Travel Week because many industry professionals from around the world may not be able to attend the in-person event for 2021.

“It would be naïve of us to imagine that governments around the world will relax their travel restrictions to the same degree, at the same time, and, of course, reopening airports and flight routes will also vary by country.”

Running a week after ATM 2021, ATM Virtual will feature comprehensive webinars, live conference sessions, roundtables, speed networking events, virtual digital influencers’ speed Arabian Travel Market 2019

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networking sessions, one-to-one meetings and destination briefings.

The programme will help facilitate new connections and offer a wide range of online business opportunities.

Like most aspects of travel, the in-destination industry is also constantly evolving, with rapid technological innovations and traveller behaviour leading the change. This makes it crucial to highlight the trends defining the market, which will be addressed at Arival Dubai, a highlight on the week’s agenda for ATM Virtual.

Arival will feature a series of sessions covering current and future trends for operators of tours and attractions. It will assemble leading voices from across the region to help the industry chart a path of resilience and resurgence in 2021 and beyond.

The three-day programme will also feature interviews with leading airline CEOs, Responsible Tourism sessions, a showcase on tourism in Saudi Arabia, Culture Tourism sessions and the ATM Hotel Industry Summit.

Arabian Travel Market 2019

HIGHLIGHTS

ATM VIRTUAL WILL FEATURE WEBINARS, LIVE CONFERENCE SESSIONS, ROUNDTABLES, SPEED NETWORKING EVENTS, DESTINATION BRIEFINGS AND ONE-TO-ONE BUSINESS MEETINGS

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organisation, will also be participating in ATM Virtual for the first time. The GBTA will deliver the latest business travel content, research and education to drive the post-pandemic recovery and support growth in business travel.

SAFETY FIRST The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has recognised Dubai’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety in the midst of COVID-19. The council has lauded the emirate’s efforts and effective citywide management of the pandemic with a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp.

This makes Dubai one of the safest cities in the world to visit with a wide range of precautionary measures in place to ensure the safety of tourists at every stage and touchpoint of their travel journey, from arrival to departure.

ATM 2021 will strictly adhere to all DWTC’s stringent health and safety guidelines. Exhibitors and attendees at this year’s show can expect a touchless and seamless experience.

A range of measures has been implemented at the venue to include an enhanced cleaning regime, improved air circulation and multiple hand sanitiser stations.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

EMIRATES AIRLINE DEEPENS TIES WITH TAP AIR PORTUGAL

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Emirates and TAP Air Portugal

ubai-based carrier Emirates has extended its codeshare partnership with TAP Air Portugal as the pair seeks to boost operations across new and existing routes throughout the Americas, North Africa and East Asia. The agreement will offer fliers a host of benefits, including seamless ticketing procedures and travel across 70 destinations on the network of both airlines.

Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, said: “Emirates and TAP Air Portugal have enjoyed a mutually successful codeshare partnership for the past eight years. We are delighted to expand this relationship and look forward to delivering even more benefits to our customers.”

The agreement, which will come into effect from May 1, 2021, will see both airlines supporting each other’s stopover programmes in Dubai and Lisbon. This will further bolster TAP Air Portugal’s potential expansion opportunities in the UAE. Arik De, Chief Revenue & Network Officer at TAP Air Portugal, said: “TAP Air Portugal is pleased to enhance our Emirates partnership, allowing our guests greater geographic access. We look forward to taking Emirates customers to more cities within Portugal, to our destinations in the Americas and North Africa, and for them to benefit from our Stopover Portugal program.”

VISIT STAND ME3310

ROTANA ON TRACK FOR FURTHER EXPANSION IN THE MIDDLE EAST

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omegrown hospitality brand Rotana recently announced its three-year expansion plan, unveiling significant new additions to its burgeoning portfolio of hotels by 2023.

Comprising eight new developments in the region, Rotana will launch its properties in the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. The move will deliver more than 2,650 keys to the recovering hospitality industry in the Middle East.

Guy Hutchinson, President and CEO at Rotana, said: “Building on this momentum and leveraging our highly effective core business model, inherent operational strength and our sustainable blueprint for regional expansion, Rotana is well positioned for continued growth and success in 2021 and beyond.”

The expansion plan will see Rotana continue to consolidate its portfolio in the UAE as the company forecasts a positive year for the domestic industry.

“We are extremely confident that the UAE will remain one of the safest countries in the world for domestic and international travel. With the launch of the first federal

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domestic tourism campaign boosting the country’s local tourism contribution to more than AED80 billion, coupled with the vigorous nationwide vaccine drive and steady growth in inbound tourism, the outlook for the industry is bright.”

In Dubai, Rotana signed a hotel management agreement, which will see the brand open a new property in 2023, adding 295 keys to the group’s number of residential and hospitality units in the emirate.

In Saudi Arabia, a five-star Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts property will be added to the Rotana portfolio in the third quarter of 2021. Located in Jubail, the 407-key property will represent the group’s eighth hotel operating in the kingdom.

Under its hybrid hotel and residence brand – Residences by Rotana – the group will launch a 483-key property in Bahrain’s capital city of Manama in 2022, offering branded residences for the long-stay market. Another option for long-stay travellers, Manama will also see the launch of the 220-key Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, with a planned opening date of 2023.

Rose Rayhaan by Rotana

Rotana has also penned two deals in Qatar, with the aim of supporting the country’s vision to attract seven million visitors by 2030. The group recently took over the management of the 250-key Sedra Arjaan by Rotana, located in Doha, and also signed a hotel management agreement under the Centro Hotels brand, with a 350key property set to open in 2023.

Further extending its footprint in the European side of Istanbul, Rotana will also be managing two new properties in the city. Bomonti Arjaan by Rotana and Bomonti Residences by Rotana will offer 650 units to guests when it opens in 2022.

VISIT STAND HC0720

INDUSTRY NEWS

FLYDUBAI EXPANDS ITS INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

Mandarin Oriental, Hangzhou

MANDARIN ORIENTAL TO EXPAND FOOTPRINT IN CHINA

M Minsk

F

lydubai has announced the addition of two new routes to its global network with direct flights to Minsk in Belarus and Cluj-Napoca in Romania. While flights to Minsk began earlier this year, the airline will commence operations to Romania on May 1.

In February 2021, Flydubai became the first Dubai-based carrier to offer a direct flight to the capital of Belarus. The airline currently operates three flights a week between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Minsk National Airport (MSQ). Strategically located between Lithuania, Poland and Russia, Belarus attracts tourists from the Middle East and Europe. Its rich history and diverse landscapes offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at Flydubai, said: “Minsk is a new destination to join our network and highlights our commitment to open previously underserved markets.”

In addition to the launch, as international travel bans and restrictions continue to lift, Flydubai has resumed flights across several of its key existing routes. “We now operate flights to 72 destinations, more than 40 of which

did not previously have direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from Dubai,” said Ghaith.

With operations set to launch to Cluj-Napoca in May, the city will become Flydubai’s second destination in Romania. The airline will offer bi-weekly flights between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Avram Iancu International Airport Cluj (CLJ). It currently offers a double daily service between the emirate and Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP). With the launch, Flydubai will serve the Romanian market with a total of 16 weekly flights.

“We first started operating to Bucharest with four flights a week in 2012. Since then, Flydubai has more than tripled its operations to the market as demand has grown for commercial and cargo traffic between Romania and the UAE. “We are excited to offer more options for convenient direct air links to the market with the start of our flights to Cluj-Napoca and we look forward to further stimulating travel and trade flows in both directions,” concluded Ghaith.

andarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a new luxury hotel in China. Scheduled to open in 2025, the new Mandarin Oriental, Hangzhou, in the province of Zhejiang, will comprise 194 guestrooms and suites, premium dining venues, significant meeting and event space as well as wellness and leisure facilities.

The hotel will be part of the Westlake 66 mixed-use commercial complex, which is set to become a leading attraction in the city. It will be located in close proximity to West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guests will also enjoy easy access to the city’s principal business hubs of Binjiang and Qianjiang.

James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting project and to be extending the group’s presence in mainland China. This development further reinforces our commitment to building on our existing portfolio. I am particularly pleased to partner with Hang Lung Properties given their clear commitment to sustainability, aligning with our own sustainability goals and objectives.”

VISIT STAND ME3110, ME3140, ME2520

VISIT STAND ME2410

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Time Marina Hotel and Conference Centre

TIME HOTELS TO OPEN EIGHT NEW PROPERTIES BY 2022

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ime 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 three-bedroom apartments, meeting 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 with special amenities.

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.

VISIT STAND HC0625

EMAAR DEBUTS ITS FIRST RESORT IN UMM AL QUWAIN

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omegrown hospitality giant, Emaar Hospitality Group, launched its first resort under the Vida Hotels and Resorts brand in Umm Al Quwain.

Located on the beachfront of the UAE’s least populated emirate, Vida Beach Resort, Umm Al Quwain adds 135 keys to the emirate’s local hospitality scene. The new resort is also petfriendly, plugging the gap in the animalfriendly hotel market in the UAE. Each of the 135 rooms and suites at the resort feature sleek furnishings, advanced in-room technology,

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complimentary Wi-Fi access and a 24-hour concierge service. The hotel also offers eight chalets, all located directly on the beach, featuring a spacious living room, two bedrooms and a private outdoor area.

Dining outlets at the resort include Stage2, Origins and Socal, serving an array of global flavours. Leisure facilities include extensive options for water sports, beach access, an expansive pool and a spa.

VISIT STAND HC0120

Vida Beach Resort, Umm Al Quwain

AD 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

INDUSTRY NEWS

MAURITIUS TO PROVIDE FREE VACCINES TO LONG-TERM VISITORS

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he government of Mauritius announced that it will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to long-term visitors. The move establishes the island nation as the first country in the world to include travellers for free in its inoculation drive. To be eligible to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine in Mauritius, visitors must be above the age of 18 and hold a premium visa.

Located off the eastern coast of Africa and surrounded by the Indian

Mauritius

Ocean, Mauritius relies heavily on tourism as one of the mainstays of its economy. In the wake of the pandemic, the country rolled out the Mauritius Premium Visa programme to attract digital nomads, remote working professionals and retirees.

The expanded vaccination drive is part of the island nation’s national campaign to allow for a complete reopening of its international borders. The move to offer free vaccines to travellers follows the country’s decision to allow visitors to renew their premium visas for free.

The visa allows international visitors to spend up to a year in the country and renew the term at no further cost. To qualify for the visa programme, visitors are required to book their stay for no less than 180 days. Confirmed flight tickets to the republic and proof of adequate health insurance will also be required to successfully complete the application process.

VISIT STAND AS3012

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ISLAND RESORTS TO LEAD RECOVERY IN LEISURE TRAVEL

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ecent research carried out ahead of ATM 2021 has revealed that island resorts around the world will lead the recovery in leisure travel, following the impact of the pandemic on the industry.

Tourism is the economic mainstay for many islands around the world and nowhere is this more apparent than across the islands found in the Indian Ocean. In the Maldives, tourism makes up roughly 28 percent of the overall GDP, while in the Seychelles, 55 percent of the GDP can be attributed to the leisure travel sector.

With both islands within a four and half hour flight time from the UAE, Maldives and Seychelles are popular among residents in the emirates. Dubai-based carrier Emirates has added an extra four flights to its weekly schedule to Malé in the Maldives, giving passengers the option to now choose from 28 flights.

Meanwhile, Air Seychelles is launching a weekly flight to Dubai to cope with the increased demand.

Emirates has also added two extra flights a week to its existing schedule of five weekly flights to Mahé.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Both islands tick all of the proverbial boxes for tourists. Even though demand may be pent-up, visitors will still want direct flights, easy access, reasonable restrictions, low COVID-19 cases, good

Seychelles

vaccination rates, open and, in some cases, isolated resorts, with a natural environment, including quiet beaches.”

The Maldives is expecting to have its 500,000 inhabitants vaccinated

by August 2021 and with less than 100,000 citizens, the Seychelles is also hoping for 100 percent vaccination within the coming months. Also, both destinations only require a negative PCR test 72 or 96 hours, respectively, prior to arrival. No proof of vaccination or quarantine is required.

“After a standard temperature check upon arrival at the hotel, guests in the Maldives can roam freely. They only need to wear a mask indoors, with similar restrictions applicable in the Seychelles,” added Curtis.

Other islands with great potential for the Middle East’s outbound market are Sri Lanka, Cyprus and the Greek islands.

Maldives

INDUSTRY NEWS

ETIHAD TO LAUNCH CORONAVIRUS HEALTH PASSPORTS FROM ABU DHABI

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tihad Airways recently announced plans to launch coronavirus health passports for passengers flying out from Abu Dhabi. As part of its ongoing efforts to revive aviation and allow travellers to easily access international destinations, the national airline of the UAE has partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to launch the IATA Travel Pass for Etihad Airways guests.

The IATA Travel Pass is a mobile application designed to help passengers create a digital passport

to manage all documentation digitally and seamlessly throughout the travel experience. This ensures that passengers’ pre-travel COVID-19 test results and/or vaccination certificates meet the requirements of the destinations they are travelling to.

The news follows the first phase trials of IATA travel passes currently underway at Dubai-based Emirates Airline. It allows customers travelling from Dubai to share their COVID-19 test status directly with the airline using the app, even before reaching the airport.

Etihad Airways

Coronavirus health passports

The platform will then auto-populate the details on the check-in system, assuring travellers a hassle-free experience.

While working with IATA on its travel pass, Etihad Airways is also in talks with a number of organisations to ease travel procedures for passengers, including MedAire, AOKPass, TE FOOD and GE Digital.

VISIT STAND ME2310

ALULA OLD TOWN REOPENS TO VISITORS

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AlUla Old Town

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ollowing a three-year hiatus for extensive restoration and conservation work, AlUla Old Town has reopened to visitors in Saudi Arabia.

The restored site is one of four significant heritage sites in AlUla, once the home of ancient civilisations in the kingdom dating back to the 10th century. It is now officially open as a year-round tourism precinct, offering a rich cultural experience to visitors from all around the country and the world.

AlUla Old Town is estimated to have been established in the 12th century and was continuously inhabited until the 1980s. For almost 40 years after the last inhabitants left in favour of more modern housing, the site continued to remain open to its former residents and visitors. However, over the years, environmental damage took its toll.

In 2017, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) decided to close

the site to visitors and announced restoration plans, which have since then focused on remedial conservation in accordance with UNESCO principles.

The latest phase of the project commenced in November 2019 and the conserved area is now open to visitors. Additionally, the Incense Road running adjacent to the town has been activated and is now a vibrant area for shopping, eating and entertainment.

Phillip Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer, RCU, said: “AlUla Old Town is an important chapter in AlUla’s journey through time. The site is key to the understanding, continuity and evolution of the historic routes for trade and pilgrimage that made AlUla such a significant destination until the 20th century as it is for visitors again today.”

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YAS ISLAND THEME PARKS INTRODUCE FACE PASS Yas Island

M

iral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of visitor experiences, announced that Yas Island is on track to become a fully contactless destination through the adoption of FacePass.

Rolled out in phases across the island, it will streamline guest experiences using facial recognition. The theme parks on Yas Island are currently leading the way as the first attractions in the region to adopt FacePass.

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, said: “We are thrilled to be pioneering the adoption of the FacePass

technology within the regional leisure and entertainment industry, and delivering on our promise of creating a world-class wall-less destination using the latest technology.”

Set to become the latest trend in the in-destination experience industry, contactless technology is the future for all consumer-facing businesses.

Not only does it save time and provide convenience, it enhances guest safety and wellbeing through touchless interaction.

Theme park guests can expect a fully integrated experience as the technology

UAE INBOUND TOURISM SPEND POISED FOR EXPONENTIAL GROWTH

Caroline Bremner, Head of Travel and Tourism Research at Euromonitor International, said: “World inbound tourism spend collapsed by -57 percent in 2020. Our forecast expects it to rebound by 82 percent in 2021.”

In the Middle East, inbound tourism spend for Saudi Arabia is predicted to grow to US$33.5 billion by 2025.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s inbound tourism spend is expected to top US$25.3 billion during the same year.

“In our most pessimistic scenario, spending growth is predicted to rise by 40 percent in 2021, leading to a more prolonged recovery timeline, returning to pre-crisis levels by 2024.”

Bremner also pointed out that recovery will look different across regions as the market looks to build back better. She said: “The region will have to adapt to the changing source market landscape, as a key source market like China takes a step back from international travel in the short to midterm, pivoting to domestic tourism.”

Bremner added that consumer attitudes have also changed during the pandemic so travel businesses will have to adapt while accelerating their digital and sustainable transformation.

E

Downtown Dubai

uromonitor International, the leading market research firm, has predicted that global inbound tourism spend will recover by 2022 at the earliest, as long as mass vaccinations and regular COVID-19 testing enable travel to resume safely.

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is facilitated by the Yas Island mobile app and linked to the ticketing systems and turnstiles found at the theme parks. This allows guests and annual pass holders contactless access at points of entry and contactless payment via facial recognition across select retail and dining outlets.

This roll-out also includes wristbands for guests at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, which they can use to unlock their hotel rooms and get access to the island’s theme parks.

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Madain Saleh, Saudi Arabia

The pandemic has further highlighted the issue of sustainable travel and this is reflected in consumer attitudes.

Euromonitor International’s recent Voice of the Consumer global survey found that 65 percent of consumers remain concerned about climate change. Bremner said: “Consumers are increasingly interested in having a positive impact on the environment through day-to-day actions. France and Germany, especially, showed high levels of interest in sustainable travel.”

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SEMINAR SCHEDULE

ATM Global Stage SUNDAY 16TH MAY 12.00 -13.00 OPENING SESSION - TOURISM FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE With 2021 ushering a new dawn for travel and tourism, leading industry figureheads from around the world discuss factors delivering the sector’s fast-paced recovery as well as its pivotal role as a cornerstone for sustainable economic growth, knowledge and cultural exchange, innovation, international collaboration and more.

Moderator: Becky Anderson, Managing Editor, CNN Abu Dhabi & Anchor Speakers: HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman ITIC & Former SecretaryGeneral, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics Middle East, Dubai, Thoyyib Mohamed, Managing Director, Maldives Tourism Board MONDAY 29TH APRIL 14.00 - 15.00 TOURISM BEYOND COVID RECOVERY Tourism ministers and key industry stakeholders from the Gulf, Israel and Southern Europe discuss the vast travel and tourism opportunities presented by the potential return of mass leisure tourism, medical and educational travel, business events and beyond that, crosscultural exchange and collaboration.

Moderator: Becky Anderson, Managing Editor, CNN Abu Dhabi & Anchor Speakers: Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Minister of Tourism for Israel, HE Dr. Ahmad bin 26

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Abdullah Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises for the UAE, HE Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels and Resorts 16.00 - 17.00 2021 ATM CHINA TOURISM FORUM China has been a major source market for many MENA destinations and, of course, the largest outbound market since 2012 for other parts of the world, too. Ever since May 2020, China experienced a fast recovery of travel and tourism and saw a total of 637 million trips during the Golden Week holiday at the beginning of October when domestic flights and hotels experienced a level of traffic surpassing that of 2019.

2021 began with great hope as more and more destinations, including Dubai, had already vaccinated a significant number of their local populations to enable the destinations COVID-19 safe. These places now wish to welcome many of the high spending Chinese visitors back to their destinations.

Also, with Expo 2020 Dubai taking place in the emirate, many Chinese outbound tour operators have been preparing to send many more Chinese tourists to Dubai and the surrounding destinations prior to,

during and after the event. Therefore, the ATM China Tourism Forum provides a timely opportunity for DMOs and DMCs as well as other incoming service providers, from airlines to attractions and accommodation providers, to meet with the invited Chinese outbound tour operators and corporate travel organisers, who are eager to find new suppliers and local incoming partners.

A number of respected panellists, representing both DMOs and the Chinese outbound travel trade, will share their experience in attracting and catering to Chinese visitors prior to, during and post COVID-19. The ATM China Tourism Forum will also highlight the latest trends of outbound travel from China as well as the best way of meeting such growing demand. A host of DMOs, DMCs and other tourism service and product suppliers as well as hosted buyers and trade visitors from China are welcome.

Moderator: Dr. Adam Wu, CEO, CBN Travel & MICE and World Travel Online Speakers: Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman ITIC & Former Secretary-General, United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), HE Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Helen Shapovalova, Founder, Pan Ukraine, Tony Ong, Chief Business Officer, HCG International Travel Group, Sumathi Ramanathan, Vice President, Market Strategy & Sales at Expo 2020 Dubai

SEMINAR SCHEDULE

MONDAY 17TH MAY 10.30 - 11.30 SECTOR COLLABORATION – TRAVEL AND HEALTH INTERSECT LIKE NEVER BEFORE Recovery and ongoing resilience demands that sectors work more closely 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 that travel rebounds and the economy receives a boost.

The session will start with an interview of two ministries – Tourism and Health – and progress to explore how collaboration developed between the two during the pandemic and what is the recipe for other countries to follow to ensure destinations and their visitors have the best possible experience.

The follow-up panel will review technologies that bring the health and travel sectors together.

Moderator: Sarah Hedley Hymers, Editorial Director, JMG, Middle East Speakers: 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

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, this session explores how the aviation industry can help the travel industry bring about recovery.

Moderator: Alan Peaford, MBE, TATV & Arabian Aerospace Speaker: George Michalopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer, Wizz Air 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, Abdulla Al Dawood, Seera Holdings, 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

ATM PREVIEW 2021

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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 ‘work-from-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 Speakers: Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality, Mark Kirby, COO, 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 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 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:

Media Partner:

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

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 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 11.20 - 11.40 ONE-TO-ONE INTERVIEWS 11.45 - 12.30 TO WHAT EXTENT WILL SUSTAINABILITY REORIENT THE MIDDLE EAST TOURISM INDUSTRY? Moderator: Gerald Lawless, ITIC Director and WTTC Ambassador 28

ATM PREVIEW 2021

14.15 - 14.30 AIRLINE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK A closer look at when the 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 Speakers: Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts India, Middle East & Africa, Salvatore Lavallo, Head of FDI Attraction, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) 15.25 - 16.30 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Presentations of destinations and tourism projects in search of investment 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), Ibrahim Ayoub, Group CEO & MD, ITIC Ltd and Invest Tourism Ltd

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: Daniela Wagner, Director Europe, Middle East and Africa, PATA Speakers: Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA, Nigel David, Director Asia and Middle East, WTTC, Khashif Khalid, Director, IATA MENA

SEMINAR SCHEDULE

Travel Forward Theatre

SUNDAY 16TH MAY 12.30 - 13.30 TRAVOLUTION: THE APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGY TO ADAPT TO THE NEW REALITY In this session delivered by Travolution, delegates will hear from leading travel and technology brands about the COVID-19 bounce back. In this two-part session, we will first hear from Skyscanner, the leading price comparison site in the Trip.com group. Gavin Harris, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Flights, will run through the latest Skyscanner developments that have been brought in, in response to businesses’ new realities. He will explain what changes the brand has seen in traveller behaviour and sentiment and what signs it is seeing of pent-up demand driving the recovery. Harris will also talk about what new technologies should be part of any strategy to emerge from the pandemic and the innovations essential to restore travel confidence. In the second half of the session, Travolution Editor, Lee Hayhurst, will lead a panel discussion with our experts on the themes that have been highlighted.

Moderator: Lee Hayhurst, Executive Editor, Travolution Speakers: Gavin Harris, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Flights, Skyscanner, Kathryn Wallington, Head of Middle East and Africa, Travelport, Tony Smyth, Vice President, Corporate Development and Communications, iFREE Group, David Klippenstein, Government Services, Mastercard

16.15 - 17.00 EXPEDIA: LISTEN TO TRANSFORM Expedia Group brings together suppliers across both the accommodation and transportation sectors into one connected ecosystem. This ecosystem represents millions of voices from across the industry – working together to reunite families and friends, to reconnect colleagues and teams, to reopen access to new and different cultures, and to help people chase new dreams. This session looks at how listening to the voices in travel can help transform our business for the better.

Speaker: David Debeule, Director, Middle East & Turkey, Market Management, Lodging Expedia Group

MONDAY 17TH MAY 11.45 - 12.45 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.

Speaker: 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 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.

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

ATM PREVIEW 2021

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SEMINAR SCHEDULE

15.15- 15.45 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

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

16.30 - 17.30 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 5 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.

TUESDAY 18TH MAY 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 insightful 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.

15.30 - 16.30 2021: WILL IT BE A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITY FOR TRAVEL STARTUPS? The Emirates Development Bank Strategy has just announced its $8.2 billion strategy to support start-ups and entrepreneurs in the WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY

10.30 - 11.30 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 30

ATM PREVIEW 2021

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 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

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. So this session will discover 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 start-ups in the V-shape travel recovery and when it is expected to begin.

SEMINAR SCHEDULE

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? And 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)?

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. He 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 an 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 longterm 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 thirdlargest part of travel, it’s why people travel in the first place. 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 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 looks at how the capital of the UAE is looking to reimagine the guest experience by creating a truly connected and personalised experience, from travel planning to arrival and exploring the destination. Jamieson discusses the road ahead as they seek to connect tour and attraction suppliers to enhance the guest experience and create new opportunities for tour and attraction providers.

Speaker: Peter Jamieson, CTO, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi ATM PREVIEW 2021

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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 - 09.30 AIRLINE LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE INTERVIEW: SEIZING NEW OPPORTUNITIES. A DISCUSSION WITH ADEL ALI, CEO 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 COVID19 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 32

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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 forward-thinking 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 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 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 pandemic, sustainability and concerns about travel’s impact 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

SEMINAR SCHEDULE

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.

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.

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.

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.

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A NEW DAWN FOR TRAVEL AND TOURISM

WINDS OF CHANGE With 2021 ushering a new dawn for travel and tourism, this year’s ATM will shed light on the various factors delivering the sector’s recovery

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he past decade witnessed a remarkable transformation in global tourism. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economic sectors, tourism levels recorded all-time highs. Compared to 2009 figures, international tourist arrivals grew from 880 million to 1.5 billion in 2019, while the industry made up 10 percent of the global GDP in 2019 with a total contribution of US$8.9 trillion.

Over the course of the last ten years, as several hidden gems came to light, beckoning intrepid travellers from around the world, a global shift in economic power saw the Middle East placed at the centre of the tourism boom. Several cities and countries across the region developed into significant hubs for travel and leisure.

The most successful of all destinations was Dubai, followed closely by Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah and also Saudi Arabia, which in 2019 made a monumental shift as it opened its doors to international tourists for the first time.

Travel providers ushered in 2020 with their sights set on riding this wave of growth, instead, the new decade brought this steady ascent to a grinding halt due to the pandemic. COVID-19 caused tourist arrivals to fall to extraordinary depths, plunging the industry into an unprecedented crisis. As borders began to close to curb the spread of the virus, airlines grounded their fleet and hotels put up the shutters, bringing the travel and tourism business on its knees with millions of jobs at risk.

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Now, almost a year since countries first imposed national lockdowns, the end of the crisis seems to be in sight. Nations are now locked in the race to vaccinate their populations and economic recovery efforts are underway. Although experts have predicted that tourism spend will not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024, the industry remains hopeful about a gradual rebound with key players all set to use this new dawn for the travel and tourism industry to build back better.

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY A recent Global Holiday Intent survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Reed Travel Exhibitions, revealed that nearly half of those surveyed intended to travel in 2021. Expatriates from the UAE and Saudi Arabia also expressed that they were looking for a relaxing holiday or hoping to travel home during the year to see family and friends. These findings are supported by recent research conducted

by Expedia and VisitBritain, which has shown that consumers are still very much dreaming about taking a holiday this year.

Scott Livermore, Chief Economist, Oxford Economics, Middle East, said: “As vaccine rollout progresses, we expect to see a significant return to international travel, although there will not be an immediate rebound to pre-pandemic levels.

“Some lingering restrictions will continue to hamper the recovery, while consumer sentiment will also be affected, at least in the near term, leading to some

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Thailand

Rachel Read

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reduced propensity to travel, especially from older, more vulnerable demographic groups. Medium-term travel demand is also expected to remain lower than the pre-pandemic projections due to economic scarring over this period.”

As the industry begins to bounce back, Livermore believes that this period of recovery will be shaped by a host of factors. “Vaccines will be essential for the end of lockdown measures and easing of travel restrictions. However, vaccination alone is not likely to be enough to drive recovery, especially with the uneven and delayed rollout in many countries to date.

“Continued testing on departure and arrival will play a role in facilitating a return to travel. This will be essential to limit transmission of the virus across borders in the absence of widespread immunity and will also help to raise confidence in the safety of travel, along with some continued requirements for social distancing and mask-wearing.

“Some form of travel pass is also likely to facilitate safe travel to countries for those who have received approved vaccines.

“Destinations will also benefit from clear and coordinated messaging of current conditions and openness.

Continued adoption of digital platforms, including social media and video content, will help to clearly communicate messages to potential travellers, retain engagement and interest as well as drive market share in recovery.”

Offering insight into what the path ahead will look like within the next few years, Rachel Read, Director of Insight, European Tourism Association, said: “The road to recovery will be full of twists and turns, ups and downs and even detours. The speed along which the road is travelled will depend on consumers’ motivation to take holidays, the amount of money they have to spend on tourism services as well as the cost and availability of a means of transport to take them to where they want to go.”

TRENDING NOW Despite new waves of restrictions and the ongoing uncertainty, the innate human desire to travel has not dwindled.

In fact, the enthusiasm for travel has grown immensely with the pent-up need to explore the world. This has given rise to several new trends in the travel and hospitality industry.

Digital nomads, for example, are choosing to trade home base for

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Bahrain

exotic international locations that allow them to be permanently out of the office while earning their living from a laptop. With governments now offering long-term visas, the “workation” trend is likely to continue, with more investors getting on board to lure this new generation of travellers.

Further highlighting emerging trends, Read said: “Many have speculated that recovery will be led by domestic rather than international travel and that remote destinations will outperform cities. This may be true in the short term, but a strong appetite to experience a foreign culture that cities offer so very well means that the potential for urban destinations to rebound should not be overlooked.”

Livermore also believes that shorthaul and domestic travel will comprise a higher share of travel in the coming years. He said: “Domestic travel share rose in 2020 due to closed borders but remains elevated even as restrictions ease. This will be driven by lingering concerns regarding the safety of international travel. The higher share of short-haul and domestic travel will also be influenced by some cost-saving in the early stages of economic recovery.”

A NEW DAWN FOR TRAVEL AND TOURISM

Scott Livermore

RELEVANT ATM SESSIONS: Tourism for a brighter future  ATM Global Stage  Sunday, May 16, 2021  12:00 - 13:00 COVID Safe Recovery: Insights and tools for 2021 and beyond  ATM Virtual Event  Tuesday, May 25, 2021  13:30 - 14:30

Dubai

CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR THE SECTOR IS ESSENTIAL AT THIS TIME TO ENSURE THAT BUSINESSES ARE ABLE TO MEET THE DEMAND SAFE YET MEMORABLE

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

There is a range of evidence from research undertaken by the European Travel Commission and others that consumers have become acutely aware of the need for their travel experience to be safe. This means that travellers are now paying greater attention to the protocols that are in place to minimise the risk of being infected by coronavirus while shortlisting their next travel destination.

Read said: “Perceptions of COVID-19 safety and its impact on their trip is high on the list of visitor concerns. But this does not mean that all of the factors that consumers considered vital when choosing a destination prior to the pandemic have diminished in importance.

Potential visitors still want to have a great experience on their trip as this is at the heart of travel motivations.

“A destination that offers great value for money, lots of things to see and do, a friendly welcome and the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family will still prove more attractive than one that does not. This makes the visitor experience in-destination central to the COVIDsafe recovery of the travel industry.”

The impact to the travel industry in the wake of the pandemic is unsurprising but with more providers taking note of consumers’ pentup demand for travel, the new and innovative solutions being introduced are fueling the sector’s recovery.

Livermore said: “The travel sector has been harder hit than the wider economy, bearing the brunt of lockdowns, enforced business closures and travel restrictions. A complete economic rebound will not be possible until the travel sector is able to fully recover.”

And while businesses continue to do their part, Livermore also believes that new investments can further contribute to the industry in this phase.

“Continued support for the sector is essential at this time to ensure that businesses are still able to meet demand as travel returns. This includes some support while travel activity is constrained but also new investment to meet evolving demand. Investment in new capacity and technology will help the sector to understand evolving traveller requirements from changing markets and adapt and expand to meet these needs.”

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EXPO 2020 DUBAI

A NEW WORLD IN THE MAKING

We take a look at what visitors can expect from Expo 2020 Dubai when it opens its doors on October 1, 2021

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hen His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, declared that the emirate “would astonish the world” after winning the right to host Expo 2020 Dubai, there was an immediate sense of expectation. In the years that have passed since Dubai’s bid was successful in 2013, a tremendous amount of work has been completed.

A 4.38-square-kilometre site in Dubai South has been constructed, within which there are more than 190 country pavilions, three Thematic Pavilions and other stunning attractions to discover. A new road network and an extension to the Dubai Metro have also been established.

Now, with less than six months until Expo 2020 Dubai opens its doors, there is a clearer picture of what visitors can expect. Aside from the groundbreaking architecture and up to 60 daily live performances, there will be fashion shows, vibrant parades, pyrotechnic displays, thought-provoking discussions and more than 200 restaurants serving a variety of global cuisines.

The event will run for six months from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. Ensuring that there is plenty to keep visitors entertained, the team behind the event has unveiled some of the unmissable attractions attendees can discover.

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breakthrough that could have wideranging implications for agriculture, healthcare and artificial intelligence, this bioprinter can reproduce live cells.

TALK TO ALIENS Presenting an unexpected juxtaposition of old and new, the China Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will see ancient culture shining a light on new technological innovations.

Inside the lantern-shaped pavilion, visitors will not only be able to discover 5,000 years of rich Chinese history and heritage but will also learn more about the world’s largest radio satellite, which currently sits in the country’s Guizhou province and is capable of detecting interstellar signals from alien life.

SEE 4D PRINTING IN ACTION In addition to unveiling other eradefining innovations, Expo 2020 Dubai will see scientists from the National Academy of Sciences in Belarus raise the curtain on a 4D printer. In a

SEE POETRY IN MOTION The team behind the UK Pavilion has created an AI-powered poem-generating installation that will be the focal point of the country’s showcase at Expo 2020 Dubai. Visitors will be encouraged to contribute with words, which will be turned into poetic couplets to be displayed on the installation. Over the course of six months, these poems will evolve as more words are submitted to the system through visitors’ smartphones.

DISCOVER SOME OF THE UNMISSABLE ATTRACTIONS TO BE SHOWCASED AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

These hubs can harness solar power without leaving behind toxic by-products.

This clean, low-cost energy source has shown immense potential with the ability to work across multiple applications.

SEE MUSHROOMS TURNING INTO CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL At the Dutch Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, the centrepiece will be a biotope that produces water, organic mushrooms and renewable energy.

This air-purifying climate system, which creates artificial rain, will be presented alongside another significant showcase.

Visitors will be able to witness how the Dutch can transform the mushrooms growing in their biotope into construction material, such as plant-based tiles.

WITNESS THE ANCIENT ART OF BRIDGE WEAVING The Q’eswachaka bridge in Peru is one of the last remaining examples of Incan handwoven bridges. Made of woven grass, these transportation structures were first tended to by local women who braided small, thin ropes, and then by men, who turned these braids into large support cables.

Over time, these bridges decayed, yet they remain as the last testament to ancient Incan heritage. The country now preserves this tradition by destroying and rebuilding the Q’eswachaka bridge in an annual ceremony. Visitors will be able to travel to the community of Quehue in Peru without leaving Dubai to experience up-close the construction of this incredible marvel in real time.

COMMIT TO SAVING A PLANET IN PERIL

WATCH THE ARID DESERT TURN INTO FERTILE LAND The desert has eternally been associated with dryness but the Czech Republic Pavilion aims to turn this situation on its head. At the show, visitors will experience an innovation system that produces water from the air using nothing but sunlight, which is one of the desert’s most abundant resources. Thanks to this solar-powered system, scientists will be able to extract moisture from the air to grow olive and palm trees at the site. The team will also demonstrate this mechanism’s potential to transform barren deserts into fertile fields.

AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI, IMPRESSIVE ARCHITECTURE CAN BE FOUND AT EVERY TURN, AT THE HEART OF WHICH LIES AL WASL PLAZA WITH ITS 360-DEGREE PROJECTION SURFACE

DISCOVER CONCRETE THAT CAN HARNESS SOLAR POWER

CATCH A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY

The Germany Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is all set to wow visitors with German innovation, including a novel project that began as a series of experiments that involved pouring fruit juice on concrete. From there, the team developed a groundbreaking system that could turn components of concrete into mini power stations.

At Alif - The Mobility Pavilion, visitors will be able to meet the larger-than-life, nine-metre-tall historical giants of mobility, whose innovations helped navigate the world and paved the way for the technology used today.

Among the many attractions, guests will be able to move beyond the Earth’s frontiers and into space.

At Terra - The Sustainability Pavilion, visitors will face some hard truths about modern planetary perils through interactive experiences. One such encounter will bring them in close contact with Gnasher, a giant consumption engine that devours natural resources to produce single-use consumer goods. Add to this a meeting with a fish who finds himself furious with the issue of plastic waste clogging the oceans. These immersive experiences will leave visitors inspired to create a better future for planet Earth.

GET A STELLAR VIEW OF A SPECTACULAR 360-DEGREE PROJECTION DOME At Expo 2020 Dubai, groundbreaking architecture will be visible at every turn, at the heart of which lies Al Wasl Plaza with a massive projection surface on its steel trellis dome. As the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen, it is visible from both inside and out. Every evening, the dome will be the place to gather as epic tales and spectacular entertainment will be on show.

MEET THE HIGH-TECH TWIN OF A RENAISSANCE MASTERPIECE The most accurate reproduction of Michelangelo’s David is set to make its debut appearance at the Italy Pavilion.

Work on the replica began in Italy last year using one of the world’s largest 3D printers after a complex process that involved 40 hours of scanning Michelangelo’s original masterpiece, which resides in the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence. The final result will be more than five metres tall and placed in the centre of the pavilion.

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CHINESE TOURISM

LESSONS IN RECOVER The Great Wall of China

While the path to recovery will vary by ma China’s distinct experience holds lessons f destinations as with low COVID-19 transm in the country, traveller confidence has im

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S

arket, for other mission rates mproved

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hen countries around the world began enforcing the second wave of national lockdowns, domestic tourism in China was thriving at around 80 percent of its 2019 levels. Thanks to its effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country saw a quick recovery in local tourism, making it one of the first nations to bounce back to some form of social normalcy.

As of December 2020, domestic air travel in China had almost fully recovered, while hotel occupancy recorded a significant boost since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis. Much of this rebound can be attributed to travels made during the country’s Golden Week celebrations in October 2020, which accounted for a total of 637 million domestic trips.

“The decisive action taken in China to contain COVID-19 and to prevent further infection was the key factor contributing to the fast rebound of travel and tourism within China as early as May 2020, which was further enhanced during the Golden Week holiday in October 2020,” said Adam Wu, CEO, CBN Travel & MICE and World Travel Online.

THE DOMESTIC BOOM Domestic travel has always been a key driver of tourism in China. Since 2015, the local tourism industry has blossomed at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3 percent. In 2019 alone, the number of domestic trips grew to 3.1 billion. While this increase would have ideally continued at a similar pace, the snags caused by the pandemic altered its momentum.

Yet, thanks to the country’s fast recovery, GlobalData forecasts that between 2019 and 2023, domestic trips will see a CAGR increase of 7.7 percent, which highlights not only the rise of domestic tourism in China but also its role as an important component of the Chinese economy.

The boom in domestic tourism can be attributed to a host of factors, from China’s effective measures to curb the virus to its vaccination drive. Also, as countries around the world shut their borders in a bid to combat the virus, trans-provincial travel resumed in China.

This kept many frequent international travellers within the country, causing them to turn to domestic travel instead.

Another significant factor aiding the recovery of tourism within China was the country’s strict quarantine measures

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for those returning from abroad. This led globetrotters to choose China’s own provinces over a trip overseas.

To meet this growing demand for local trips and attract citizens, industry providers put forward innovative packages and promotions, which in turn helped boost business while contributing to the industry’s recovery. Airlines in China rolled out several programmes, including discounts, coupons and unlimited flight packages, which contributed to the V-shaped recovery of domestic air travel, while tour operators cut down prices and launched more attractive products.

Thanks to these efforts, the sector made a rapid recovery and the demand for domestic travel is soon approaching pre-pandemic levels.

FURTHER AFIELD For prime travel destinations around the world, 2021 began with great hope as more countries rolled out robust vaccination programmes. With a significant number of local populations inoculated, destinations, ranging from Dubai to Seychelles and Mauritius, were able to promote their locales as COVIDsafe. Many are now hopeful that they will soon be able to welcome high spending Chinese visitors back to their countries.

“According to recent research conducted in China, 45 percent of the survey participants revealed that they wanted to travel overseas once foreign destinations are open,” said Wu. However, these travellers are now prioritising safety and security above all other factors when it comes to shortlisting destinations.

“Safety and security are now the primary factors that Chinese travellers are considering when choosing a foreign destination, especially after the pandemic. A majority of Chinese people pay great attention to personal health and safety. Chinese visitors, therefore, prefer destinations that are perceived to be safe and secure.”

Other changes have also come to the fore in Chinese travellers’ habits following the pandemic. Wu revealed: “The trends of outbound travel from China are changing rapidly from group tours to fully independent travels; from visiting as many places during one trip to an in-depth travel experience encompassing local customs and hospitality by holidaying in carefully chosen destinations.

“The demographic of Chinese travellers is also moving from elder retired consumers to the younger

The Great Wall of China

CHINESE TOURISM

Macau skyline

REGIONAL FOCUS

generation, most of whom prefer travelling independently. The pandemic has only accelerated such trends.”

A recent study conducted by the local travel booking platform Trip.com revealed that travel recovery first occurred among millennial and Gen Z consumers in China since the pandemic has less of a health impact on them. According to its findings, the post-90 group (those who were born between 1990-99) accounted for five percent of travel during the May Labor Day holiday in 2020, a significant increase, considering levels from the same holiday period in 2019.

To target young consumers, the domestic travel industry has shifted its marketing focus to emerging social platforms and experimented with new content formats to appeal to this demographic.

Wu added: “The most effective strategy has proven to be continuity, which means, countries that maintained destination promotion to Chinese travellers on a continuous basis even during the COVID-19 pandemic via effective digital marketing solutions and Chinese social media have successfully retained strong interest among both the outbound travel trade and also millions of Chinese travellers in those destinations.”

With the World Expo taking place in Dubai, many Chinese outbound tour operators have been preparing to send Chinese travellers to the emirate and its surrounding destinations. These operators have been working with local DMOs and DMCs to curate attractive travel packages that will cater to this influx of Chinese visitors to Dubai during the six-month-long event.

Sumathi Ramanathan, Director, Market Strategy & Sales, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “We are working with major tour operators and airlines to tailor Expo itineraries and create bespoke campaigns to market Expo to the Chinese visitors through social media key opinion leaders and traditional marketing and communications channels.

“Expo 2020 Dubai will give them the opportunity to step into the Brazilian Amazon basin, visit the Swedish woodlands, wander into Singapore’s gardens and into more than 190 countries.

From futuristic cars to the marvel of 3D printing, cities of the future and the space mission to Mars, fine dining, celebrities’ concerts and helipad landing, there is something for every age and interest.”

Highlighting such fruitful partnerships in the countdown to one of Dubai’s biggest events, ATM 2021 will present the ATM China Tourism Forum during the show.

The forum will provide a timely opportunity for DMOs and DMCs as well as other incoming service providers, from airlines to attractions and accommodation providers, to meet with Chinese outbound tour operators and corporate travel organisers who are eager to find new suppliers and local incoming partners.

A number of respected panelists representing both DMOs and the Chinese outbound travel trade will share their experience in attracting and catering for Chinese visitors prior to, during and post COVID-19. The ATM China Tourism Forum will also shine a light on the latest trends of outbound travel from China as well as the best way of meeting such demand.

RELEVANT ATM SESSION: 2021 ATM China Tourism Forum  ATM Global Stage  Sunday, May 16, 2021  16:00 - 17:00

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CULTURE TOURISM

CULTURE CLUB With travellers seeking more intimate, authentic experiences, the region prepares for this wave of growth with a renewed focus on its cultural proposition

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ery little has remained unchanged by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even the way we travel has been reshaped by the global crisis. While the pent-up demand for travel is seeing new trends emerge, the relevant, existing few are now being embraced wholeheartedly.

The idea of visiting a destination to learn about its heritage has long proved popular. Whether it’s travelling to Peru to explore the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, visiting Vatican City to wonder at the Sistine Chapel or descending on Mutianyu to marvel at The Great Wall of China, authentic experiences allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the destination they are visiting.

According to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), visitors engaging in cultural activities accounted for more than 500 million of international tourist numbers in 2017. The Global Heritage Fund also revealed that the appeal of heritage tourism is on the rise, with 40 percent of travellers participating in a cultural activity as part of their stay.

Despite the momentary interruption resulting from the pandemic, this growth has not gone unnoticed by the industry and governments across the world are willingly investing in cultural venues.

Even in the Middle East, countries are investing in intensive conservation and restoration work as well as the construction of new cultural venues.

This is making it easier for visitors to the region to experience the places, artefacts and activities that provide an authentic representation of its people and its past.

CAPITAL CALLING The UAE has always placed emphasis on its tradition and Abu Dhabi, in particular, has fully embraced the idea of cultural tourism. Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing – Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, said: “Cultural tourism is a major contributor to the industry and will only continue to grow. DCT Abu Dhabi is committed to fostering a thriving, internationally-minded cultural centre that engages both residents and tourists by highlighting the emirate’s rich cultural diversity and heritage.”

With this mission in mind, the department has significantly improved its cultural offering over the last decade. “Abu Dhabi offers visitors and residents tangible cultural experiences

through its many unique assets, such as Qasr Al Hosn, Al Ain Oasis, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat and Al Qattara Arts Centre.

“Our recently launched project, Jebel Hafeet Desert Park, is a gem for outdoor explorers and history enthusiasts alike as it features archaeological discoveries that reveal human settlements dating back 8,000 years. The park is part of the cultural sites in the city of Al Ain and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.”

In spite of the circumstances presented by the pandemic, the emirate continued to enhance its cultural proposition. Al Shaiba said: “When travel restrictions were first put into place and cultural sites in the emirate were forced to temporarily close, we sought new opportunities and methods to continue engaging our audiences and stakeholders, resulting in the launch of the CulturAll platform and the #Staycurious campaign.

“The mindset behind these efforts was to provide consumers here and around the world with the opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural offerings through these virtual platforms from the comfort and safety of their homes.”

Al Shaiba noted that the government’s exemplary handling of the crisis in the emirate allowed for a quick and complete reopening of its cultural sites.

“Despite a period of disruption, we are forging ahead with our long-term strategy for the sector and the cultural scene remains as vital as ever.”

As the emirate makes strides in this realm, the Saadiyat Cultural District is taking shape in the heart of the UAE capital. Set to open later this year, the hub will host international art exhibitions and live performances. It is already home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat and Berklee Abu Dhabi and in the coming years will see the addition of Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

TIMELESS TRADITIONS In 1998, Sharjah was named the ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’

by UNESCO and in 2014, it was recognised as the ‘Capital of Islamic Culture’. The result is a modern emirate that looks forward to a bright future with a keen focus on conserving its roots. Boasting an extensive portfolio of cultural sites, Sharjah continues to undergo significant transformation.

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Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), said: “Heritage and culture play a major role in urban renovation as is evidenced in some of Sharjah’s key sites that blend history and heritage with leisure and luxury. This balance resonates beautifully in the Heart of Sharjah, the first and largest historical preservation and restoration project in the region.”

This ambitious undertaking aims to preserve and restore the old town of Sharjah in a five-phase plan set to be completed by 2025. It has been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will feature a full restoration of Sharjah Fort, the Sharjah Heritage Museum and several important houses of pearl merchants.

Even with the pandemic, there was no slowing down. Al Qaseer said: “With the travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic, it was our diversified portfolio of culture-led urban regeneration projects that enabled residents to rediscover and take pride in the emirate’s cultural offerings.”

Highlighting significant sites within the Shurooq portfolio, Al Qaseer said: “The Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-Tourism Project will open the portal to a historic site which goes back more than 130,000 years.

KEY TO THE KINGDOM When Saudi Arabia unveiled its Vision 2030, one of the key mandates was to boost its cultural tourism offering. Leading this charge was Ahmad Al-Khateeb, Chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), who said: “Visitors would be surprised and delighted by the treasures we have to share.” The kingdom currently boasts five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in addition to a host of activities and attractions that gives visitors insights into the cultural fabric of the country.

The latest destination to be recognised by UNESCO, Al-Ahsa Oasis is home to gardens, canals and springs along with a number of historical buildings and archaeological sites.

There is evidence of human settlement from as far back as the Neolithic period, considered to be between 9,000 and 11,000 years ago, while the city of AlAhsa itself dates back to 5,000 BCE. In Riyadh, an ambitious cultural development is taking shape with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif at its heart. When complete, the sevensquare-kilometre destination will transform the historic town of Diriyah into a global tourism hub, showcasing more than 300 years of Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage.

COUNTRIES ARE INVESTING HUGE SUMS IN CONSERVATION WORK AS WELL AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW CULTURAL VENUES “We have also placed culture at the heart of sustainable development in the emirate and this is reflected with the opening of the House of Wisdom, a social hub that references the region’s glorious past, as well as the Moon Retreat, framed within the spectacular mountain ranges along Mleiha. These launches attest to Shurooq’s commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of the emirate with projects that exemplify our environmentally conscious journey.

“In Sharjah, it is our natural and cultural assets that are shaping the industry and thereby creating social, environmental and economic benefits for stakeholders across a host of sectors. We believe that by establishing stronger links between historic sites and cultural monuments, we can safeguard the traditions of our past while also protecting the local heritage and culture.”

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Another significant UNESCO World Heritage Site in the kingdom’s northwest still undergoing restoration and opening up to visitors in phases, AlUla is one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula. Once at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route, it boasts historical, geological and geographical significance.

Phillip Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer, the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “AlUla is a symbol of the kingdom’s commitment to pioneer a model of sustainable cultural tourism. It represents an authentic history of exchange and interaction between cultures that goes back thousands of years. It’s the combination of the preserved sites, the stories of human ingenuity behind the attraction and the breathtaking landscapes that makes AlUla a must-visit.

Heart of Sharjah Elephant Rock, AlUla

CULTURE TOURISM

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer

RELEVANT ATM SESSION: Cultural tourism for growth  ATM Virtual  Wednesday, May 26, 2021  10:00 - 11:00

At-Turaif, Diriyah Ali Hassan Al Shaiba

Phillip Jones

With international travel currently restricted, domestic tourism is bringing visitors to the site in large numbers.

“There is no doubt that the global tourism industry was one of the hardest-hit sectors by the pandemic and this came at a time when the kingdom was first opening up to tourism. But if we look at the bright side, AlUla was able to launch a domestic campaign to encourage Saudi residents to discover this ancient destination that is at their doorstep.

What we found is a domestic market that is eager to learn more about the ancient civilisations in their own land and an eagerness to experience all of the adventure, dining and wellness experiences we have created.”

Following a three-year hiatus for extensive restoration work, AlUla Old Town recently reopened its doors to domestic visitors and efforts are currently underway to continue to open up more sections. Once travel restrictions are eased, the site hopes to attract a large number of international visitors, in a safe, secure environment.

“It will be interesting to see the effects of the pandemic on all demographics of travellers as international travel resumes.

Some research predicts that meaningful, inspirational travel destinations with vast, open spaces will be favoured and that the next generation will seek more offthe-beaten-track destinations, in which case, AlUla is positioned well,” explained Jones. “There is no doubt that cultural sites like AlUla will help with tourism recovery in the kingdom and continue the momentum started by the Saudi Tourism Authority with their global campaign.”

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PREPARIN FOR TAKE-OFF

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AVIATION

As the world reopens its borders in rebuild tourism, airlines across the set for a resurgence while still gra the global economic slump

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ew global industries have been hit as hard as the airline sector in the wake of the pandemic.

The strict curbs on travel, which first emerged in March 2020, left fleets of planes grounded for weeks, causing air passenger traffic to plummet to unprecedented depths.

In a decade where the oil price slump and political instability left many carriers strapped for cash, the COVID-19 wave deepened the crisis, threatening the viability of many players within the industry.

As the virus continued its relentless march across the planet, aviation came to a standstill. Following widespread national lockdowns from March to April 2020, international traffic fell by 98 percent from 2019 levels while domestic travel plummeted by 87 percent. Although the summer of 2020

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reported a moderate rebound, the recovery was short-lived and confirmed what many travel experts long feared – a snail-paced return to peak levels.

In January 2021, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) revealed that seating capacity fell by around 50 percent in 2020, which saw just 1.8 billion passengers taking flights during the year, compared with around 4.5 billion in 2019. This resulted in staggering financial losses to the industry amounting to around US$370 billion.

Airports and air navigation service providers lost a further US$115 billion and US$13 billion, respectively.

Overall, there was a 50 percent drop in domestic passenger traffic globally, while international traffic fell by 74 percent worldwide.

Experts believe that these figures, when combined with the estimated

losses from 2021, represent the worst two years for the industry, dwarfing the deficits recorded during the 2008 economic slump.

Although hit with equal severity, the region’s aviation sector has responded in a positive way with a series of fresh strategies and creative plans in motion to help them navigate through this turbulent time. The approach now looks far more positive for 2021 and beyond as travel slowly begins to bounce back.

FLYING HIGH The unprecedented events of 2020 resulted in Emirates, one of the world’s most successful airlines, posting a halfyear loss for the first time in 30 years.

The Dubai-based carrier last reported a loss in the 1987-88 financial year, when it was just starting up operations.

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As part of its pandemic containment measures, Emirates suspended scheduled passenger flights for eight weeks beginning in March 2020. This resulted in group revenue plummeting by 74 percent in the first six months of the financial year 2020-21 from April to September 2020 with a US$3.4 billion loss. Yet, as passenger traffic disappeared, Emirates was able to tap into other avenues of income to recoup losses.

Speaking ahead of their participation in ATM 2021, a spokesperson for the airline said: “At such a testing time, we took swift action to serve cargo demand and other pockets of opportunity in addition to reducing our costs through rigid financial discipline. This helped us recover some of our revenues.”

With global tourism slowly finding its footing once more amid speedy vaccine rollouts, Emirates is poised to serve the rebound in travel. “We’ve put huge efforts into making sure our customers are safe throughout their travels via thorough biosafety measures at every touchpoint of the journey. On the ground, we have implemented world-first innovations, such as the biometric path using facial and iris recognition at Dubai International Airport as well as contactless check-in kiosks, all providing a frictionless experience for passengers with virtually no interaction.”

A few months into the pandemic, Emirates became the first airline to introduce multi-risk travel insurance and COVID-19 cover on all tickets at no cost to customers. In addition to COVID-19 medical cover, the package also has provisions for personal accidents during travel, winter sports incidents, loss of personal belongings and trip disruptions due to unexpected air space closures and government-issued travel recommendations or advisories.

“Emirates’ booking policies have also offered customers the flexibility and confidence to plan their travel with options to change their travel dates or extend their ticket validity for two years.”

As a result of these measures, Emirates has seen encouraging demand across its network with travellers now returning to the skies. The airline is optimistic that the demand for travel will return. “We are confident that we will emerge from the crisis well positioned to compete and grow, and we will continue to take positive steps to secure our long-term future.”

Meanwhile, at partner airline Flydubai, the pandemic shifted the carrier’s operations to supporting

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EMIRATES HAS SEEN ENCOURAGING DEMAND ACROSS ITS NETWORK WITH TRAVELLERS NOW RETURNING TO THE SKIES government requests with repatriation flights to more than 19 countries and enabling the movement of essential goods, such as perishables and medical supplies, across its network and beyond, explained Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at Flydubai.

In the months leading up to the resumption of scheduled services, Obaidalla said: “Flydubai worked on redesigning its entire passenger journey and built upon the existing high standards of its operations to minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

Additional benefits that were made available to passengers included free global cover with every ticket booked and discounted rates for PCR tests.

“As countries around our network began to lift travel restrictions, we were able to provide an opportunity to bring people together once again. We also looked for new opportunities to connect previously underserved markets to Dubai and we have recently announced the launch of flights to several new destinations as well as the resumption of flights to several popular destinations

Emirates

AVIATION

Etihad Airways

on our network, indicating that it is a good time to return to the skies.”

FORGING AHEAD In Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways, was also pushed to a loss of US$1.7 billion in 2020 owing to lower demand and reduced flight capacity caused by the unparalleled global downturn in commercial aviation.

Passenger revenue slumped by 74 percent to US$1.2 billion from US$4.8 billion in 2019 while passenger numbers dropped by 76 percent to 4.2 million, down from 17.5 million in 2019.

Despite the circumstances, Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said that the airline perceived these challenges as an opportunity to turn things around, resulting in several accomplishments over the past year. “Our agile operation allowed us to react quickly to the changing market conditions and regulatory framework,” he explained.

With most of its fleet grounded at the start of the pandemic, Etihad Airways completed the most extensive aircraft

maintenance programme in its history by surgically and clinically refreshing all 96 of its passenger aircraft and conducting minor maintenance tasks.

As passenger numbers decreased, Etihad Cargo, the airline’s freight operation, reported a surge in operations, driven by a huge demand for medical supplies and programmes to facilitate the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across the world.

With the resumption of passenger air travel, the carrier introduced the Etihad Wellness programme, which made Etihad Airways the first airline to necessitate COVID-19 testing before every flight. For the peace of mind of passengers and crew, every person on board tested negative before their flight, while those travelling also benefited from comprehensive COVID-19 cover with every ticket.

Earlier this year, the airline recorded another world-first by announcing that all of its pilots and crew on board were vaccinated against the virus.

With its sights set on a bright future, the airline is targeting a complete turnaround by 2023.

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Douglas said: “I’m optimistic, thanks to the efforts of the UAE government coupled with the strength and resilience of our turnaround strategy, that global passenger demand will start to recover very quickly.”

At present, Etihad is working with a variety of different companies to develop the technology required for a global health certification system that would help passengers easily and securely manage their travel in line with government requirements for COVID-19 tests or vaccines.

A NEW PATH With most aviation companies reporting incomparable losses, one airline made headlines for an entirely different reason – launching its operations in the midst of the pandemic. When Wizz Air Abu Dhabi was first announced in December 2019, the air transport industry was yet to experience its worst-ever crisis. In spite of the situation that followed, the airline continued to remain hopeful as it promised to bring low-cost travel to Abu Dhabi, a feature which residents of the neighbouring emirate had long enjoyed since the launch of Flydubai in 2008.

As the coronavirus started to show its face in hotspots around the world and infections began rising dramatically, the airline’s planned Autumn 2020 launch was pushed back. Yet, despite increased travel restrictions, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi finally took to the skies

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in January 2021, launching with an inaugural route between the UAE capital and the Greek city of Athens.

Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “While travel restrictions made the launch a bit more challenging by initially delaying it, we used this time to prepare to be bigger and better to open up new travel options to keep friends and families together.

“Later, when the green list of countries was introduced, we took the opportunity to launch. We are excited to be here on the ground – and in the skies – in the UAE.” The decision to proceed with the planned launch was also driven by the UAE government’s handling of the crisis and vaccination efforts. Van Schaick believes that the GCC will be one of the first regions to recover from the crisis and that Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is well positioned to aid this industry-wide recovery.

“The current situation presents an important opportunity to think strategically and take a systematic approach to understand, evaluate and adapt to meet changing expectations in a way that encourages people to travel again. The pandemic has served as a catalyst for change, fostering greater innovation and regulatory change.”

Van Schaick also believes that the airline’s strength lies in its size. He explained: “We are a nimble and flexible organisation well equipped to navigate changes in policies to best serve travellers and their respective governments.

John Strickland

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi

AVIATION

WHILE AIRLINES IN THE REGION CONTINUE TO FUEL TRAVEL AND TOURISM RECOVERY, OTHERS ARE TURNING TO THE MIDDLE EAST FOR NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES “As we emerge from a global recession, travellers are much more conscious of the money they are spending. The launch of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi recognises Abu Dhabi as a bold new frontier for ultra-low fare travel in the region. We firmly believe that as a ULCC, we are perfectly positioned to offer low fares to travellers.”

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS

Emirates

Hamad Obaidalla

While airlines in the region continue to fuel travel and tourism recovery, others are turning to the Middle East for new business opportunities. Air Seychelles is one such airline to expand its operations, adding the UAE to its network of routes by announcing direct weekly flights from Dubai World Central Airport to the Seychelles.

As the first country to welcome inoculated travellers from around the world, the Seychelles is a safe holiday destination with strict measures in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Indian Ocean archipelago reopened to international tourists last month with 70 percent of its population vaccinated.

The CEO of Air Seychelles, Remco Althuis, said: “The Seychelles and the UAE are among the world leaders in vaccinating their populations and there are many similarities in the ease of access between the two countries, making them safe destinations for both residents and visitors. Dubai has also been a popular destination for Seychellois nationals. On evaluating the performance in the UAE market, the launch of the new seasonal flight route is one that makes complete business sense, particularly since Dubai is within the flying range of our A320neo aircraft.

“We are currently working with travel trade partners, DMCs and media agencies in Dubai to increase the visibility of Air Seychelles as well as the Seychelles as a destination. We also offer attractive fares and a convenient flight schedule carefully timed to allow one full week of vacation to travellers in the Seychelles.”

IN FOCUS Highlighting these significant developments that are reshaping the future of travel, ATM 2021 will turn the focus to regional players fueling the aviation sector’s recovery.

Moderated by John Strickland, a leading commentator on the airline sector for media worldwide, these sessions will take place during ATM Virtual with representatives from leading Gulf carriers.

Speaking ahead of his session, Strickland said: “Airlines are making great efforts to restore customer confidence in many ways, ranging from enormous efforts on hygiene and cleanliness to allowing maximum flexibility to change bookings, to accelerating the use of technology to make travel easier, seamless and less stressful.

“Flexibility is a high priority right now given all the uncertainties around travel. Price, too, remains a key factor in stimulating travel and, of course, provision of reliable and up-to-date information concerning all the testing and vaccination requirements.

“The industry has never before experienced a crisis on this scale and more than one year into the future is not remotely clear but there are learnings and there has already been significant adaptation. We will explore these themes with our airline CEO guests.”

RELEVANT ATM SESSIONS: Aviation – The key to restoring international travel, restoring confidence, global solutions, building business  ATM Global Stage  Monday, May 17, 2021  12:30 - 13:30 Airline industry outlook  ATM Global Stage  Wednesday, May 19, 2021  14:15 - 14:30 Airline leadership keynote interviews:  ATM Virtual Event Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA  Monday, May 24, 2021  12:00 - 13:00 Adel Ali, CEO, Air Arabia Group  Tuesday, May 25, 2021  12:00 - 12:40 Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai  Tuesday, May 25, 2021  12:50 - 13:20

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THE KINGDO AWAITS

AlUla

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

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t the start of the century, the Middle East wasn’t on the radar of many travellers. Yet over the course of the last two decades, countries throughout the region have grown in popularity, thanks to a host of successful tourism strategies.

The UAE, in particular, has excelled in attracting visitors, with Dubai now comfortably within the top 10 most visited cities in the world, Abu Dhabi gaining popularity as a hub for its rich cultural offering and Ras Al Khaimah developing adventurous pursuits in addition to its natural attractions.

Pre-pandemic, Oman also excelled in highlighting its diverse landscape, from its vast desert and soaring mountains to its beautiful khors, while 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 must-visit 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, 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 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 onethird of the world’s population, 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 Madain Saleh, the rock art at Jubbah and the oldtown 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 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 infrastructure, which will create hundreds of thousands of jobs and provide a huge boost to the country’s economy.

Among these, the Red Sea Project is eagerly anticipated 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.”

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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 self-driving

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, 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 in the country’s hospitality sector.

Riyadh skyline

Madain Saleh

Six Flags Qiddiya

John Pagano

The Red Sea Project

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SAUDI ARABIA

Hassan Ahdab

Mark Willis

Banyan Tree Wadi Ashar AlUla Resort

RELEVANT ATM SESSIONS: The ATM Saudi Arabia Tourism Summit: Transformation through tourism  ATM Global Stage  Monday, May 17, 2021  14:30 - 15:20 The ATM Saudi Arabia Tourism Summit: The Giga Project effect  ATM Global Stage  Monday, May 17, 2021  16:20 - 17:10 The ATM Saudi Arabia Tourism Summit: Saudi’s hotel roadmap as a testbed for innovation  ATM Virtual Event  Monday, May 24, 2021  13:30 - 14:30

SAUDI ARABIA’S TOURISM POTENTIAL IS POISED TO BOOST THE LOCAL ECONOMY TO THE TUNE OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS Rotana Hotels & Resorts has realised this potential and has been expanding in the kingdom since the last decade.

CEO Guy Hutchinson said: “As one of the fastest-growing 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.”

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 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.”

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 deeplyrooted 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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Explore the next generation of industry innovations as Travel Forward makes its Middle East debut at ATM 2021

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aking place for the first time alongside ATM 2021, the Middle East edition of Travel Forward will make its debut during this year’s show. The event will provide travel, tourism and hospitality professionals from around the world the opportunity to explore the next generation of industry innovations.

The showcase will run across four days of ATM, featuring cutting-edge insights, open debate and discussions as well as unrivalled business opportunities.

Connecting buyers and suppliers, delegates will be presented with the chance to discover the latest industry tools and take advantage of groundbreaking technologies that could overhaul every aspect of their business, from boosting efficiency to improving the customer experience.

The event promises to be informative and inspirational, covering the full spectrum of travel technology, including analytics, machine learning, workplace collaboration, blockchain, nextgeneration mobility and augmented experiences. It will also shine a light on existing systems like booking engines, end-user technology, business management software and social media.

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The London edition of Travel Forward has attracted widespread industry interest since its launch in 2018. The event not only allows technology suppliers to showcase their range of products and services to buyers on a one-to-one basis but also enables travel, tourism and hospitality professionals to get hands-on experience with technologies that could potentially transform their entire realm of operations.

TRAVEL FORWARD WILL PROVIDE TOURISM PROFESSIONALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE NEXT GENERATION OF INDUSTRY INNOVATIONS Building on its success, the Middle East edition of the show will enable industry players from across the region to engage with the latest innovations by bringing these technologies to their doorstep.

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NAVIGATING THE PANDEMIC WITH TECHNOLOGY Before the pandemic, the concept of sustainability in travel was set to become one of the defining issues for the sector. While the coronavirus crisis has diverted attention, today’s challenges will likely highlight the urgency of travelling responsibly as consumers, governments and industry regulators become more aware of the problem.

This makes the role of travel technology highly relevant, as it comes at a time when businesses are seeking to transform their operations in order to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this issue, the latest developments introduced to the sector following the pandemic will be highlighted during Travel Forward.

This includes systems that facilitate the customer’s journey, ensuring that they are fully aware of the current travel advisories and information regarding the destination they are travelling to.

PREDICTING CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR 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 60

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Shane Dallas

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.

Access to travel data is become increasingly important 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 makes it important

TRAVEL FORWARD W TIME, INTRODUCE A SHOWCASE, ENCOURAGING TO PITCH THEIR IDEAS TO

TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY

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

In keeping with this sentiment, this year’s Travel Forward will cover how listening to the voices in travel can help transform business for the better and how using this data efficiently can make all the difference.

START-UP STAR With innovation being key to the success of both start-ups and corporations, collaboration between the two worlds can be mutually beneficial. Sessions during this year’s show will explore how businesses are building such collaborations to scale the industry.

SPOTLIGHT ON SOCIAL With businesses now gearing more of their efforts towards rebuilding consumer trust, Travel Forward, this

WILL, FOR THE FIRST START-UP G ENTREPRENEURS AN EXPERT PANEL

year, will focus on one important element that can effectively contribute to the recovery of the sector – the role of social media. Those in attendance will gain insights from practical examples and actionable steps that they can take to promote their travel brand with the efficient use of social media.

Shining a light on the social media boom and its role in the travel industry during the pandemic, 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 COVID-19, Dallas argues that the role of social media in the travel sphere has not changed. In fact, he believes that “it 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.”

That is why events such as Travel Forward are so important to the sector’s future. By bringing together buyers and suppliers, facilitating face-to-face interactions and highlighting technologies and trends, the show will make it easier for participants to identify and test these technologies and applications that could help them achieve their long-term goals and make a faster recovery.

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TRANSFO TOURISM

With responsible travel growing in importance, th is employing new tactics and assessing ways to ad challenges posed by climate change and the pande

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RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

ORMING

he industry ddress the emic

E

ven in the pre-pandemic world, the issue of climate change was more prevalent than ever before. In 2019, it was largely due to the efforts of Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg that the devastating impact of rising sea levels became more pronounced. From convincing her parents to adopt several lifestyle choices that would help reduce their own carbon footprint to speaking at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Thunberg firmly stated that humanity is facing an existential crisis because of global warming.

Yet, just two years after her historic speech, the world seems like a completely different place, plunged even deeper into the global environmental crisis.

The issue of sustainability in the midst of the challenges brought about by the pandemic continues to remain vital.

Fortunately, the travel and tourism industry has long been looking at ways to combat various sustainability concerns.

Even with the complications and crippling effects of COVID-19, travel and tourism businesses are keeping the environment in mind as they rebuild, meeting the growing need for a sustainable reboot of the sector as a whole.

If one positive outcome from 2020 can be highlighted, it is that the idea of responsible tourism has

risen to the forefront. Experts believe that in light of these exceptional circumstances, green travel is a trend that will only grow in the years ahead.

NAVIGATING THE NEW NORMAL In a policy brief from August 2020 titled ‘COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism’, the United Nations stated: “Rebuilding tourism is an opportunity for transformation with a focus on leveraging its impact on destinations visited and building more resilient communities and businesses through innovation, digitalisation, sustainability and partnerships.”

On the occasion of World Tourism Day in September 2020, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, pointed out that in light of COVID-19, “We have an unprecedented opportunity to transform the relationship of the tourism sector with people, nature, the climate and the economy.”

Harold Goodwin, Responsible Tourism Advisor at World Travel Market, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has paused the inexorable growth in domestic and international tourism facilitated by fossil fuels and increasing prosperity. The pause has created an opportunity for reflection and at least a chance that we might rebuild travel and tourism better.

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“With the pandemic, climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing inequality, hospitality is operating in a perfect storm of health and safety, environmental and socio-economic challenges. The new normal will be a challenging trading environment for business and leisure travel for several years.”

Much can be gleaned from the handling of the pandemic by governments across the world and parallels can be drawn to the issue of sustainability. “The good news is that governments have taken responsibility for tackling COVID-19, understanding that the urgency, scale and complexity of the problem mean that it cannot be left to the market.

“The challenge of climate change is also characterised by scale and complexity. But, it is not seen as a clear and present danger and it is not seen as urgent. Scientists and economists have been telling us for years that there is a growing problem and that the later we address it, the more difficult and costly it will be.”

The responsibility of addressing and mitigating these concerns ultimately comes down to individuals and business, as Goodwin believes.

“Climate change and the coronavirus have one major thing in common – the behaviour of each of us, as individuals and businesses, adds to the problem.

“To protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, we are encouraged to wear masks and social distance. Whereas,

climate change requires that we emit fewer greenhouse gases, which have negative impacts on our daily lives.

The longer we delay, the greater the impact will be on our freedom and our standard of living. But one thing is for sure. There will be no quick, painless fix for climate change, although there may be one for the coronavirus.”

RELEVANT ATM SESSIONS: Responsible hospitality in a perfect storm  ATM Virtual Event  Tuesday, May 25, 2021  16:30 - 17:30 Responsible technology for travel and tourism  ATM Virtual Event  Wednesday, May 26, 2021  11:30 - 12:30

TRENDS TAKING SHAPE

Harold Goodwin

Paul Gardiner

Last summer, with people confined to their own countries, new travel trends taking shape gave the world a glimpse into what sustainable tourism could look like. Many opted for staycations in their own countries. In Germany, for instance, residents took around four million more domestic trips than they did in 2019.

As the number of air trips and cruises fell drastically in 2020, the demand for camper vans, motorhomes and bicycles rose. Faced with pandemic restrictions, many travellers also opted for more sustainable alternatives when choosing their accommodation. Many preferred vacation apartments and campsites, and in doing so, significantly improved the carbon footprint of their vacation.

But whether this trend continues after the pandemic remains to be seen.

Goodwin explained: “The pandemic has badly damaged our industry and we cannot avoid the uncomfortable truth that travel spreads the virus. For many decades travellers and holidaymakers have jetted off across continents with little concern for their health and safety.

No longer. For the foreseeable future, trust is the new currency of domestic and international travel. The hotels, in particular, have learned a great deal about rebuilding trust and providing healthy and safe accommodation for guests.”

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY Several industry heavyweights have addressed the issue of sustainability, setting an example for others to follow suit by introducing a host of measures to ensure that profits do not trump the damage to the environment.

This has led to travel and hospitality providers taking the right steps in the right direction to reduce their carbon footprint and do their bit for the planet.

Paul Gardiner, CEO, Mantis Collection, said: “The industry is really beginning to embrace wellness and sustainability.

This is very natural to Mantis as nature, conservation, wellness and eco-tourism 64

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RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Jonathan Raggett

Caption

Jeremy McCarthy

xxx

THE TOURISM INDUSTRY HAS LONG BEEN LOOKING AT WAYS TO COMBAT VARIOUS SUSTAINABILITY CONCERNS are part of our DNA with our name meaning: M=man, A=and, N=nature, T=together, I= is, S=sustainable.

“We have conservation-focused luxury hotels, eco-lodges and waterways across the globe and our sustainability goals are achieved through the Mantis Impact Experiences division as well as through the Mantis and Accor Foundation – Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA).

“The CCFA was formed to address social and environmental imbalances and to find a workable solution to the growing conservation crisis. It does so through grant-giving, education and working in partnership with local communities to implement management systems on the ground, which will protect the wildlife and the wilderness areas.”

Mantis Collection also believes in involving guests in their conservation efforts, allowing them to participate in a host of experiences, such as planting trees in their holiday destination or interacting with local beekeepers.

“Mantis guests are also invited to offset their carbon footprint using CCFA’s carbon calculator and carbon offset projects,” Gardiner added.

Close to home, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has taken a host of steps to ensure more sustainability in travel and hospitality. Jeremy McCarthy, Group Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said: “Our big focus has been on eliminating singleuse plastics in all of our hotels this year.

The pandemic has made this more challenging than we would have liked as the industry tends to rely on disposable single-use plastics to create the most sanitary and hygienic conditions possible.

“But we did not give up on our goal to eliminate single-use plastics in our hotels by the first quarter of this year.

We have still not found replacements to all the items we use but we have eliminated over 90 percent of the disposable plastic consumed in our hotels, including shampoo bottles, water bottles, plastic bags and more.”

At Red Carnation Hotels, the group began contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals issued by UNWTO in 2008 by launching The TreadRight Foundation with a mission to “make travel matter” and create a positive impact on the planet, its people and wildlife.

These measures were further enhanced post-COVID-19, which allowed for a sustainable rebuilding of its offering.

Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director at Red Carnation Hotels: “The initiatives we are working on include increasing our use of local and organic produce, reducing food waste and promoting the use of renewable energy. In addition, we’ll continue to progress ongoing projects such as the removal of all single-use plastics.”

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HOSPITALITY

caption here

REDEFINING HOSPITALITY The COVID-19 pandemic has provided the hotel industry with an opportunity to explore new trends and take fresh paths to innovation, all the while delivering on its promise of exceptional experiences

T

he global hotel industry has a long way to go before it can return to some form of normalcy and reach its pre-pandemic peak. But the region continues to stand out in the cycle of recovery. Recent industry research conducted by STR and Colliers International showed that hotel performance in the Middle East improved consistently in the face of challenges posed by the pandemic.

In the UAE especially, the market surpassed several others around the world. STR data revealed that the UAE recorded an average occupancy of 51.7 percent and an average daily rate (ADR) of US$114. Efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, the ease of restrictions within the country, strong domestic demand and local carriers opening to more destinations aided the industry’s recovery efforts.

A closer look at STR data reveals that some Middle Eastern markets also showed year-over-year growth in the metrics, an uncommon occurrence since the beginning of the pandemic and its impact on the global economy.

For instance, in Abu Dhabi, the hotel industry’s 2020 performance levels closely trailed the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, and on some days, the market showed year-over-year growth. In November 2020 alone, Abu Dhabi posted the UAE’s highest occupancy level of 64.6 percent.

Furthermore, the New Year’s celebrations in Dubai saw hotels running average occupancies of 76 percent

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with an ADR of US$300. Meanwhile, in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, the ADR figures rose by seven and one percent respectively, compared to 2019 levels.

Guy Hutchinson, CEO, Rotana Hotels & Resorts, said: “The COVID-19 crisis has been one of the toughest experiences on record for the global hospitality industry, with border closures and travel restrictions bringing tourism to a virtual standstill.

“Thanks to the exceptional leadership and measures implemented by the UAE government to control the pandemic coupled with the rigorous national vaccination programme, we are fortunate to see a gradual return to post-pandemic numbers. This is far from the case in some international markets.”

More positives can be drawn from a recent YouGov luxury survey, in which more than half (52 percent) of the respondents said that they were planning a domestic holiday or staycation in 2021. So, while signs point to significant recovery this year, industry heavyweights believe that there is much to learn from the pandemic, considering the dramatic changes in travel behaviour and guest attitudes in the “new normal”.

“We have all had to adapt to varying degrees of the new normal and appreciate how the pandemic has fundamentally affected consumer behaviours,” said Hutchinson.

“New habits and expectations have surfaced, spending patterns have changed and the embracing of digital applications and technology has accelerated to new heights.

Understanding and responding to these changes has been paramount to the ongoing recovery of our industry.”

TRENDING IN THE NEW NORMAL Among a host of other changes, one key trend that witnessed a surge in the UAE hotel landscape was staycations.

After the first lockdown in March 2020, local stays created the initial demand in the domestic hotel sector. Even with the world now reopening, this demand continues to rise. Mark Kirby, Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “We are still witnessing a large proportion of residents enjoying staycations, which is great for our industry.”

Capitalising on this staycation trend, hotels across the country have introduced special offers to appeal to residents. At Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Hutchinson said: “We placed special focus on packages that add value for our guests. At the end of last year, we launched an all-inclusive offer for the first time, which was extremely well received within the domestic travel segment.”

Following closely after the demand for staycations, “bleisure” stays or “workations” witnessed a continued growth, which not only catered to residents but also attracted visitors from overseas. Kirby said: “COVID-19 has completely disrupted the traditional office culture and the hospitality sector has been quick to offer alternative solutions for those looking to combine working from home with leisure time.

HOSPITALITY

“The introduction of the workation concept is not just a novel idea, it’s about making adjustments to meet the new market demands, allowing those who are not currently working from their office to enjoy a luxury hospitality experience whilst continuing their professional commitments.”

Fueling this demand are companies like Facebook, Twitter and Spotify, which announced that employees can work from home indefinitely. This has led many experts to believe that the remote working trend will only increase in popularity, resulting in young professionals, freelancers and entrepreneurial digital nomads choosing hotels as their base while earning their living from a laptop.

To accommodate the needs of the smart working traveller even further, Dubai recently introduced a remote visa programme that will allow visitors to stay in and work remotely from the emirate with access to co-working spaces and government support services.

An increasing number of hotels in the MENA region are taking note of this trend and offering pop-up co-working spaces with the aim of rethinking and making the most of the hotel space.

Hutchinson added: “The key to surviving and excelling in these times is the ability to pivot from traditional models and seize opportunities that are emerging in this evolving landscape.”

THE WELLNESS BOOM

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas

As guests continue to return to hotels, the awareness of the environment they are staying in has heightened. This makes health and safety standards prime factors for consideration while shortlisting a hotel. Hutchinson said: “There are a number of factors to be considered, nonetheless, health and wellbeing have emerged as the most important currency.

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However, when it comes to ensuring their wellbeing, some guests are now looking for more than the hotel’s standards of cleanliness. The two other important factors they consider are what the environment has to offer and the deeper individual need for mental wellbeing.

Paul Gardiner, CEO, Mantis Collection, explained: “An emerging traveller personality type has come to the fore, one who is looking for transformative travel to enrich their experience by getting involved on a deeper level.

“Although wellness has been an important part of the travel experience for some time, the pandemic has certainly accelerated this trend. Wellbeing is very much front of mind, and as more people turn to wellness for both body and mind, an increase in demand is projected for wellness-minded travellers seeking relevant experiences.”

Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director at Red Carnation Hotels, said: “We’ve noticed an increase in socially conscious travels over the past few years and expect this trend to rise even more in the post-pandemic world. COVID-19 has seen society reset its priorities with health and wellness now a focus for many.

“Across the world, people are incorporating elements of health, selfactualisation and mindfulness into their daily lives and they expect to be able to continue and enhance these practices even when they are away from home.”

Jeremy McCarthy, Group Director of Spa & Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, believes that the pandemic has led people to develop a “wellness everywhere” mindset. “People no longer wish to simply carve out pockets of wellness in their lives, they want it to be a part of where they live, where they work and where they travel.”

Experts are predicting that, with the distressing events of 2020, travellers will only continue looking for meaningful experiences, wanting to feel good about the money they are spending.

Destinations that offer opportunities to enhance wellness will only rise in popularity as the industry moves forward. In the Middle East, hotels have already started implementing strategies to tap into this wellness boom.

At Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, McCarthy revealed that when the pandemic first disrupted business, the group used this as an opportunity to focus on their employees’ wellbeing. “We created a four-week wellbeing course

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for all of our employees worldwide that focused on inner and outer strength.

Inner strength because we are facing a period of stress and we need to build up our resilience to be able to move forward proactively in the face of very challenging circumstances. And outer strength because we need to build up our physical vitality to strengthen our immune systems.

“We then translated this thinking into programmes for guests in all of our spas and wellness centres worldwide, with experiences that combine inner strength activities, such as meditation, mindfulness, spa treatments and singing bowls, with outer strength activities such as fitness classes, personal training and nutrition.”

While working on enhancing mental and emotional wellness through such programmes, travellers are also turning to nature for its restorative powers.

Raggett said: “We believe that the pandemic has given many people new respect for the healing power of nature.

We have always tried to incorporate nature into our wellness offering from spa gazebos that offer panoramic ocean views to the products we use, which are inspired by the healing properties of African botanicals, Also, the treatments offered have been custom-created to focus on the three pillars of wellness – restoring, calming and purifying.”

HOSPITALITY

Mark Kirby

Guy Hutchinson

AN EMERGING TRAVELLER PERSONALITY TYPE HAS COME TO THE FORE, ONE WHO IS LOOKING FOR TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVEL At Mantis Collection, Gardiner says: “Our wellness experiences are not typical of a traditional spa. Instead, we like to get our guests immersed in conservation efforts happening around the resort, lodge or hotel. It’s a different kind of wellness, it’s wellness that nourishes the soul. In terms of wellness through nature, we have properties in remote eco-locations in the Serengeti, Lake Kivu in Rwanda, the Kalahari desert and the Costa Rican jungles”

PERSONAL TOUCH PREVAILS If the pandemic has underscored one key component in the guest’s journey, it’s the reliance on technology.

Brands going digital in an attempt to promote a contactless experience for guests is the new norm.

Hutchinson said: “From socially distanced check-ins to contactless room access and QR code menus in dining outlets, the digitisation of service delivery has taken centre stage in the industry.

“The smartphone has become a vital tool for guest interactions with dedicated apps a necessity for

hotel brands that wish to cater to the expectations of travellers.”

Over the last decade, technology has made great strides in this realm and hotel systems have evolved dramatically with several accelerations witnessed during the pandemic. But as technology seamlessly enables social distancing and contactless experiences, it also makes preserving the all-important human touch challenging.

Hutchinson said: “At Rotana, we have adopted a highly cautious approach as we embrace the new normal. While our short-term goal is to inspire a sense of confidence that will allow guests to feel safe during their travels, we also recognise that we are in a business that thrives on human connection and the personal touch. As such, genuine personal care will continue to define the guest experience at our properties.”

“We spend a great deal of time listening to our guests, asking them what they want and responding to their needs. We continually acted on their feedback while reshaping the guest experience in response to the pandemic.

From a welcoming yet socially distanced arrival to accommodating individual requests and needs to elevating the dining experience while adhering to local rules and regulations, we aim for the guest journey to be as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Our core focus is always to deliver exceptional hospitality whether online or offline in order to realise our brand promise of treasured time for each and every guest.”

Addressing the changing roles of hotels, two sessions delving into the hotel industry will take place on ATM’s global stage. The sessions will offer insight into new trends taking shape, the changing expectations of guests enhancing the hospitality experience amid technological innovation. During ATM Virtual, another session will take place, examining wellness and sustainability trends during the post-pandemic recovery.

RELEVANT ATM SESSIONS: The ATM Hotel Industry Summit: The changing role of hotels  ATM Global Stage  Tuesday, May 18, 2021  10:30 - 11:15 The ATM Hotel Industry Summit: Putting hospitality back into hospitality  ATM Global Stage  Tuesday, May 18, 2021  12:15 - 13:00 The ATM Hotel Industry Summit: Hospitality trends accelerated – wellness and sustainability take centre stage  ATM Virtual Event  Tuesday, May 25, 2021  10:30 - 11:30

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VOX POPS Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing, Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

ALI AL SHAIBA

GUY HUTCHINSON

SUMATHI RAMANATHAN

President & CEO, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation

Vice President – Market Strategy & Sales, Expo 2020 Dubai

“We are honoured to be part of this year’s edition of ATM. The event not only gives us hope for the recommencement of some of the industry’s most important happenings, but it also provides us with a platform to showcase our numerous achievements over the past year.

From expanding our tourism offerings to uplifting and enhancing our safety protocols and procedures to become the world’s safest city, Abu Dhabi is fully prepared to cautiously welcome international visitors again – this is largely what we hope to demonstrate.”

“We are delighted to see the comeback of ATM and we hope to reconnect with key industry stakeholders, forge new alliances and showcase our plans for the future. The global pandemic has fundamentally altered life as we know it. Travel and tourism, in particular, have been hit hard. As hotels around the world gear up for the return of international travel, our industry is adapting to rapidly changing circumstances. Trust and confidence will emerge as the most important currencies among travellers in the post-pandemic landscape.”

“As the largest global gathering of travel and tourism professionals in the world, we hope to inspire the industry to maximise the opportunity of Expo 2020 Dubai in order to jointly drive business and visitation to this historic event, which will open its doors on October 1, 2021. Expo 2020 Dubai caters to every visitor group, including leisure, business and educational travel. Also, the ability to customise and offer more than 190 destinations in one place is a golden opportunity for the industry to stimulate travel.”

Visit stand: ME2250, ME2115

JERRY INZERILLO

Visit stand: ME3110, ME3140, ME2520

PHILLIP JONES

GAVIN M. FAULL

CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority

Chief Destination Marketing and Management Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU)

Chairman & President, Swiss-Belhotel International

“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.”

“Despite the challenges of the year, AlUla has welcomed thousands of visitors keen to rediscover the heritage and culture of one of Saudi Arabia’s tourism highlights. At ATM, our goal is to position AlUla as a year-round destination and raise awareness of its rich history, culture and heritage as well as the increasing range of accommodation, adventure, culinary and wellness options. We look forward to creating new business opportunities with the top stakeholders and travel trade industry makers in the region.”

“Although the crisis is far from over, participation in Arabian Travel Market 2021 is a great way to prepare for the recovery of the hospitality sector.

At Swiss-Belhotel International, our business strategy is focused on responsible recovery while delivering value to all. We look ahead to a dynamic future by relentlessly pursuing new opportunities and reinforcing our presence in existing markets. On this occasion, we would like to thank our owners, guests and associates for their continued support and trust.”

Visit stand: ME4410, ME4440, ME4408

Visit stand: ME4410, ME4440, ME4408

Visit stand: HC0935

RAKI PHILLIPS

MARK KIRBY

HANNA AZZI

CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

Head of Hospitality, Emaar Hospitality Group

General Manager, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

“This edition of ATM is especially significant following what has been a truly disruptive year. It will provide an opportunity for the industry to come together and mutually benefit from discussions on best practices, recovery protocols and next steps to drive recovery. At this year’s event, we will focus on strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, initiating discourse with potential new partners in the hospitality, aviation and travel sectors, and drawing from industry insights on navigating 2021 and beyond.”

“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 am certain I speak on behalf of my hospitality friends and colleagues, that we’ve managed to come out stronger after a difficult phase last year. We like to believe that 2021 is our year as we look forward to stepping outside of our home, Dubai, to newer locations. This is definitely a great opportunity to showcase Emaar Hospitality Group’s world-class service, amenities and much more.”

“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.”

Visit stand: ME3512

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Visit stand: HC0720

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Visit stand: HC0220

Visit stand: ME3110, ME3140, ME2520

Just a Drop is an international water charity that brings sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene projects to communities across Asia, Africa and Latin America; transforming lives.

Safe water changes everything. It improves health, education and women’s rights, and leads to secure food sources, community development, economic growth and brighter futures.

We are delighted to be the official charity of Arabian Travel Market.

With the exhibition’s support, our projects have reached 1.7 million people globally.

To find out how your business can work alongside Just a Drop to achieve a global impact, please visit www.justadrop.org or email alice.mellar@justadrop.org

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