Dubai Shines at 2023 Arabian Travel Market

Africa was well represented at the 2023 edition of The Arabian Travel Market (ATM). ATM, which ran from May 1-4 at the Dubai World Trade Center, was being held for its 30th edition.

The yearly travel and tourism event is held in Dubai to give tourism professionals from across the world a platform to access information on global travel destinations, lodging options, tourist attractions, and the aviation industry. The 30th edition of The ATM was held under the tagline ‘Working Toward Net Zero' and the focus was on discussing how to achieve sustainable tourism.

The event coincided with the UAE's Year of Sustainability. Some of the African countries that sent representatives include South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Seychelles. participants exhibited their wide-ranging cultures and shared with the world the tourism options to explore while visiting. Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) won the ‘Best Stand for Doing Business’ award after showcasing an amazing three-story exhibition area, which comprised of stunning ambiance, comfortable seating, spacious layout, and outstanding hospitality.

The department also presented the largest ATM Hosted Buyers Program under which it underscored Dubai's exceptional hospitality and wide range of offerings. 450 purchasers, spanning all areas, participated in the program this year, setting a record-high number from 31 different markets and countries. DET also hosted some top media professionals from across Africa, with representatives from countries like Ghana, Angola, D.R. Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Angola, and South Africa. It is important to note that Dubai hosted 4.67 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2023, compared to 3.97 million in the same period in 2022. At a 17% YoY growth, it puts the city among the fastest-recovering destinations in the world.