The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, currently underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre, has become a platform for discussing the future of tourism within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Policymakers from across the GCC convened to address key issues like inter-regional collaboration, streamlined travel experiences, and infrastructure development, aiming to further elevate the industry’s thriving presence.
Tourism’s Growing Contribution to the UAE Economy
H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy, opened ATM 2024’s Global Stage by highlighting the tourism sector’s significant contribution to the nation’s economy. Citing data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), he revealed that tourism accounted for an impressive 11.7% of the UAE’s GDP in 2023, amounting to AED 220 billion. Looking ahead, projections for 2024 are even more promising, with the sector expected to contribute 12% to the GDP, translating to AED 236 billion.
Panel Discussion Explores Collaboration and Competition
Following the opening address, a high-level panel discussion took place. Moderated by Dubai Eye presenter Richard Dean, the discussion featured prominent figures:
- H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority
- H.E. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority
- H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman
- H.E. Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority
The insightful conversation explored the delicate balance between collaboration and competition within the GCC tourism sector. Panelists emphasized the importance of inter-regional initiatives in propelling the industry forward.
The GCC Unified Tourist Visa: A Key Driver
The proposed GCC Unified Tourist Visa emerged as a central theme, hailed as a major facilitator for tourism in the region. Panelists believe this unified visa will allow member nations to present the GCC as a single, connected destination. This streamlined approach is expected to boost accessibility for international travelers, potentially leading to increased length of stay, higher average spending, and more job creation within the tourism sector.
Sustainability, Infrastructure, and Culture: Pillars of Growth
Beyond the unified visa, the discussion delved into other crucial aspects for sustainable tourism growth. Panelists emphasized the importance of prioritizing sustainability throughout the travel experience, ensuring the industry positively impacts local businesses, communities, and ecosystems.
Investing in robust infrastructure was also highlighted as crucial. Ongoing and future developments in airports, cruise terminals, and most notably, the upcoming GCC Railway, are expected to significantly enhance accessibility within and between member countries, facilitating seamless travel experiences for both domestic and international visitors.
ATM 2024: A Platform for Innovation and Insights
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for Arabian Travel Market, expressed her appreciation for the valuable insights shared by the ministerial participants. She highlighted the importance of collaboration in strengthening the GCC’s tourism offering, allowing the region to compete effectively on the global stage.
ATM 2024 serves as a launchpad for a week of insightful sessions across the Global and Future Stages. The Global Stage kicked off with a session outlining Dubai’s key tourism objectives in the coming years, while the Future Stage ignited discussions on innovation in areas like branding and island tourism.
