Do not ask, however Arabian Journey Market Dubai set a brand new pattern for Journey and Tourism
It was overwhelming to hear from our exhibitors how they felt safe and secure doing business at Arabian Travel Market. There was a positive atmosphere and confidence that the travel industry is on the way to recovery. “
- I am very proud of our Arab travel market team when we close the curtains at the 2021 ATM in Dubai today, exhibition manager Danielli Curtis posted on her LinkedIn account.
- The feedback from exhibitors at the Arabian Travel Market is mostly positive and reflects a sign of hope and relief.
- UNWTO and WTTC did not fly a flag at the ATM in Dubai while WTN was present
“We have already received so much positive feedback from everyone about the quality of the meetings and the innovative sessions that took place. Reuniting with all of you has been one of our most incredible achievements and we are privileged to have brought you the first travel and tourism event in 18 months, ”said Exhibition Director Danielle Curtis, representing UK organizer Reed Travel Expo. Her words are repeated by almost everyone attending this landmark event in Dubai.
The 2021 Arab travel market was smaller compared to previous editions, but amid a pendency, this was expected.
Given that this was the first sign and opportunity for the world to get together in person, it was surprising that all of America, Australia, Africa, much of Asia, and Europe did not take the opportunity to dispense at the ATM. Some regions of the world, including India, Nepal, Brazil or South Africa, are experiencing dangerous COVID-19 situations and, of course, were not expected. ATMs are a start, however, and regardless of how many countries have issued, they remain a trend that is now set for the travel and tourism industries and specifically for the meetings and MICE sectors.
In addition to an overwhelming presence from the Gulf region, Germany and especially Visit Berlin tried to be seen. It was the only country that had organized a press conference.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) concluded its global summit in Cancun, Mexico last month. WTTC had communicated its approach of becoming a global template for events. The WTTC summit was seen as an icebreaker for global travel and tourism events.
It was strange that WTTC was absent from the ATM. WTTC CEO Gloria Guevara had no comments on why the organization, which claims to represent large private industry, did not have a booth at the event in Dubai.
WTM chairman meets members
UNWTO, the World Tourism Organization, was also missing. UNWTO and WTTC opened regional offices in Saudi Arabia. With Saudi Arabia starring in both the WTTC Summit in Cancun and the Arab travel market in Dubai, UNWTO and WTTC missed the opportunity to show unity and leadership.
Several members of the newly established World Tourism Network (WTN) met in Dubai. Chairman Jürgen Steinmetz said: “It was good to meet the members. ATMs opened up opportunities for the travel sector.
The Arab Travel Market told the World Tourism Network chairman: “Due to capacity constraints, the ATM networking evening was much smaller than usual years, so I fear that due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 regulations and one Invitation to the ATM networking party could not accommodate everyone was not possible. “
Instead of shouting into the world, the organizer did not protect the exhibitors and himself from questions from the media. The only press conference eTurboNews was aware of was the one organized by the German Tourism Association and Visit Berlin.
German press conference
ATM was a mixture of presenting and exhibiting. A number of panel discussions focused on aviation, hospitality and investment.
Jordan Booth
