Tourism leaders at ATM outline the investment strategies powering Middle East growth

Mid East Info

30-04-2025

The high-level panel discussion explored how diversified, inclusive and forward-thinking investments are shaping the future of tourism in the Middle East
Representatives from Hilton and Therme Dubai shared valuable insights on the Global Stage on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates,April 2025: Tourism and investment leaders have gathered at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this week to discuss the critical role of strategic investment in unlocking the Middle East's full tourism potential. During a session held yesterday on the event's Global Stage, a high-level panel explored how government policies, innovative development and strong public-private collaboration are accelerating sustainable tourism growth across the region.
According to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a sustainable tourism framework takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. As the Middle East continues to evolve into one of the world's fastest-growing tourism hubs, the panellists agreed that the diversification of tourism offerings is essential for long-term sustainability.
During the discussion, the panel emphasised that in order to attract a wider range of visitors and meet the evolving demands of global travellers, the region must continue to incorporate a variety of experiences, with strategic diversification not merely a choice but a vital component for continued growth.
Irina Matei, CEO of Therme Dubai, which is set to be the world's tallest wellbeing resort, said: 'We have been fortunate to partner with Dubai Municipality to bring wellbeing to the forefront of the national agenda. Our vision is to democratise wellbeing, transforming it from a luxury to a necessity, which is accessible to all. Government strategies in the region are already ahead of the curve, prioritising inclusivity and long-term impact.'
From large-scale infrastructure investment to mega-events like the FIFA World Cup and Expo 2020 Dubai, tourism leaders underlined how hosting these events in the region is creating a ripple effect across the travel and tourism sector, boosting tourism numbers from international visitors, who are experiencing the Middle East for the first time.
Guy Hutchinson, President MEA at Hilton, said: 'The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions for Hilton in the world and is a blueprint for how to develop a sustainable tourism infrastructure. The UAE has gone from developing a tourism industry to exporting its strategy to the world. In the Middle East, there is strong demand across multiple segments, which generates growth for companies like Hilton. Across the region, we're seeing tourism infrastructure supercharging growth, driven by strong policy frameworks and coordinated public-private partnerships.'
The session also examined the importance of integrated policy, private sector engagement, and a shared commitment to sustainable development. 'Success comes when airlines, governments, and the tourism sector work together in a structured and strategic way,' Hutchinson added. 'It's this alignment that drives transformation on a national and regional level.'
Tomorrow, the Global Stage will host ATM's first Influencer Networking session. Held in collaboration with NaviSavi the session is designed to foster meaningful connections and provide influencers with the opportunity to engage directly with leading brands and destinations, opening new avenues for collaboration.
ATM continues at the Dubai World Trade Centre until 1 May. Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025's strategic partners include Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.
Now in its 32nd year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. With over 48,000 attendees and more than 35,000 visitors, including over 2,550 exhibitors and representatives from over 161 countries during last year's show, ATM remains a pivotal gathering for the global travel and tourism industry. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai
Arabian Travel Week is a week-long festival of events from 28 April to 4 May, alongside Arabian Travel Market 2025. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East's travel and tourism sector, it includes the all-New Business Events @ATM focusing on MICE, Start-Up Competition, influencers' events, GBTA Business Travel Forums, and ATM Travel Tech. It also features ATM Buyer Networking and a series of country forums.
About RX:
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. About RELX:
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors
World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel events and online portals across four continents. The events are:
WTM London is the world's most influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes.
WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022.
WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019.
About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week's digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.
WTM Global Hub, is the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.