The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai has been a conversation hub for the newest ideas in the travel industry for 30 years.
What began as a modest conference to promote tourism in the Middle East has since grown into a multi-nation spectacle. 34,000 people are anticipated by the time this year’s exhibition, which launched at the World Trade Centre on Monday with more than 2,000 exhibitors from 150 nations, finishes on Thursday.
The ATM this year stands out because it is sensitive to the changing requirements of a world that is increasingly nervous and socially aware. Businesses typically view business travel as an unavoidable cost, but vacations are about avoiding — getting away from the stresses of everyday life and experiencing something new. But in a world where complexity is increasing and cannot be avoided, a new breed of discerning traveller wants to leave without any regrets, confident that their vacation plans are not only enjoyable but also sensible, ethical, and sustainable. Expecting a sudden environmental streak from a business that has long relied on carbon-fueled transportation may seem like a much to ask.
The phrase “sustainable travel” has been a common one in the industry vocabulary for a number of years now. Of course, the travel industry is no new to buzzwords. The ATM in 2023 is an opportunity for exhibitors, such as national tourist boards, major aviation firms, hoteliers, and tour operators, to demonstrate that they are not engaged in the practise of greenwashing. This year’s theme is “working towards net zero,” and both current and future generations of travellers are intended audience segments.
The ATM organisers have included discussions regarding technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data in the schedule to help attendees process the enormous problem of expanding the tourism sector without expanding its footprint.
Day one’s big data debate brings to mind the 20th ATM in 2013, when the event’s organisers made news by teaming with Google. The “Technology Theatre” during the conference featured presentations by the IT giant on how the information age would usher in a travel revolution as well as the most recent global travel data.
The hunger for data science in the travel industry has increased along with the advancements in data technology over the past ten years. Industry executives are interested in learning how and why some locations are more alluring than others since this year represents another stage in the process of getting the globe going following the conclusion of the Covid-19 epidemic. They will also seek a clear understanding of consumer price sensitivity and what technologies might boost scale without compromising quality in a climate of high inflation and rising energy prices.
The majority of seasoned travellers can confirm that the finest vacations are rarely simple or inexpensive. The main challenge, though, is in all the labour that goes into creating ideal trips, whether for business or leisure, as many who work in the travel industry are aware. The challenge becomes more challenging every year, but industry gatherings like ATM are essential to making sure that advancements continue in the correct path.
SOURCE: breakingtravelnews