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Sustainability is gaining ground in the luxury travel industry in the Middle East, especially in the UAE, where 61% of residents are willing to pay extra for more responsible, environmentally friendly and sustainable travel experiences, according to a report.
The 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will be held at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) from 1-4 May, with trends and opportunities in the premium travel sector being the focus of the entire show.
According to YouGov’s Global Travel White Paper 2023: Luxury Travel After the Pandemic, one in 10 consumers has stayed in luxury eco-friendly accommodation in the past three years. This trend is especially prevalent among high-income travelers, who have seen a 50% increase in sustainable luxury hotel stays over the same period.
The UAE tops the global list for exploring value, with nearly two-thirds (58%) of respondents saying travel has become more important to them since the Covid-19 pandemic. When it comes to luxury travel priorities, a quarter of Emiratis are looking for top-notch entertainment, while 19% place the highest priority on quality accommodation when booking travel.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market ME, said: “The Middle East has an unrivaled international reputation for luxury travel, and consumers in the region place a premium on bespoke, memorable and environmentally responsible experiences. Given the theme of ATM 2023 ‘Strive for net zero emissions’ , which is especially important. Industry leaders will showcase their innovative ways to deliver luxury, sustainable travel experiences in the Gulf and beyond.”
In addition to sustainable luxury travel, consumer interest in genuine excursions is also on the rise in this segment. Since the pandemic, more than half (51%) of affluent travelers are seeking more meaningful travel experiences, and more than a quarter (27%) are willing to pay extra for secluded villas and cabins. These figures dovetail with the growth in tourism across the Bay Area. By 2028, the value of outbound travel from the UAE will reach US$30.5 billion, Saudi Arabia is expected to reach US$27 billion, Kuwait is expected to grow to US$17 billion, and Qatar may exceed US$13 billion.
Premium travel will be put under the microscope at ATM 2023 as prominent figures from the industry gather in Dubai to discuss trends, challenges related to luxury during a session titled ‘Sustainable luxury: at what cost?’ and opportunity.
ATM 2023 will also see the return of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Arabia 2023, a luxury event focused on high-end destinations, premium accommodation and bespoke travel experiences, which will be held on the second and third days of the show. The upcoming ILTM Arabia will provide participants with extensive networking and knowledge sharing opportunities as 44 exhibitors engage with a select group of buyers to meet High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) in the GCC and wider region demand.
ATM 2023 will feature a range of exclusive brands in the Middle East luxury hotel segment, including Kerzner International’s Atlantis, The Palm and Royal Atlantis; Burj Al Arab from Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts; Caesars Palace Dubai; Emaar Hospitality Group; and more. ILTM Lounge will also host a range of international luxury exhibitors such as Executive House ZEN, Tokyo, Japan; Adaaran Resort, Maldives; Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Switzerland; Airelles, France;
The 30th edition of ATM will explore the future of sustainable tourism under its theme ‘Towards Net Zero’. Following the official launch of the Net Zero Tour, the conference program will explore how innovative sustainable travel trends may evolve, allowing delegates to identify growth strategies for key verticals, while providing a platform for regional experts to explore a sustainable future ahead of COP28, It will be held in Dubai Expo City in November 2023.
The conference will also, for the first time, include a sustainability category in its annual exhibitor awards. Exhibiting organizations will be recognized based on how well they consider the environmental impact of their booth and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
ATM 2023 is co-hosted with Dubai World Trade Center with strategic partners including Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner, Emirates as Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as an official DMC partner. – trade arab news agency
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