Arab travel market forges strategic alliances with ICCA and GBTA as knowledge partners

Arab travel market (ATM) has announced a strategic partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the World Business Travel Association (GBTA) for the next edition of the event, which will take place from May 6 to 9, 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Renowned global organizations have been appointed as ‘Knowledge Partners’ for the regional trade show, providing in-depth information and opportunities for the thriving business and travel events segments.

According to the ICCA According to a statistical forecast, which charts the history and performance of the international association meetings industry from 1963 to 2022, 10,602 business events were recorded worldwide last year, of which 9,009 (85 percent) were in-person .

This represented a staggering 349 percent increase from the previous year, when only 2,007 in-person events occurred. Interestingly, the Middle East accounted for the highest percentage of in-person delegates (94 percent) in last year’s official figures.

The business travel industry is also experiencing significant growth, as evidenced by statistics from the GBTA Business Travel Index™ 2023 Reportwhich found that the global business travel industry recovered faster than expected in 2023. Pent-up demand after the pandemic and healthier-than-anticipated economic conditions were highlighted as important factors contributing to this change.

The report also indicates that global business travel spending increased 47 percent to $1.03 trillion last year and is expected to grow to nearly $1.8 trillion globally by 2027.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, saying:

“All the latest research suggests that the business travel and events sectors are going from strength to strength. These sectors have always been important verticals in ATM, and the official partnership with ICCA and GBTA for the 2024 edition will take our offering to the next level. By collaborating with these respected industry leaders, ATM aims to deliver even more value and innovation to its attendees and exhibitors.

“With a focus on these two vital sectors, ATM is committed to delivering a world-class event that provides a platform for networking, education and business opportunities for professionals around the world.”

During ATM 2024, ICCA will deliver seminars covering a variety of topics for the MICE industry, while GBTA will outline prevailing trends in the business travel sector at the show. These seminars will provide the industry with valuable insights into recent research, innovations and best practices.

Dr Senthil Gopinath, CEO ICCAsaying:

“ICCA is proud to announce our collaboration with ATM as we celebrate the exciting inclusion of business events as a key segment in future editions. By envisioning a dynamic future, we see global trade events integrating seamlessly with ATM’s rich opportunity set. With the addition of ICCA as a knowledge partner for the MICE segment, we are collectively positioned to redefine the landscape of collaboration, innovation and success in the interconnected realms of business. We look forward to working together in 2024 and beyond.”

Catherine Logan, Regional Senior Vice President EMEA and APAC, GBTAaggregate:

“Although one of the smallest global business travel markets, the MEA region has enormous growth potential and recovered more than any other region in 2022, reaching 95 percent of business travel spending before the pandemic. . “Business travel spending in the region is expected to surpass this figure in 2023 and reach $30.6 million and continue its growth trajectory into the future.”

News source: Emirates News Agency