As the epitome of luxury travel, Insignia showcased its unwavering commitment to exceptional experiences at the prestigious 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). This remarkable event in Dubai witnessed a record-breaking turnout of over 40,000 attendees, setting the stage for a thriving Middle East travel and tourism sector.
Our dedicated team attended ATM 2023 with a singular goal in mind—to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new connections that would redefine the possibilities of luxury travel for our discerning members.
As we explored the vast Middle East Hall, the standouts were Saudi Arabia’s ambitious marketing efforts for NEOM, poised to become the next iconic city in the Middle East. The grandeur and innovation on display captured our imagination, sparking anticipation for extraordinary travel experiences that lie ahead.
During the event, we had the privilege of engaging with distinguished industry players, including The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Atlantis The Royal, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, Hotel Firenze Number Nine & Super Yacht Experience, Cloud7 Residence AlUla, Shaden Resort AlUla, The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives, Aleph Rome Hotel – Curio Collection by Hilton, and Lapland Luxury DMC/SantaPark Arctic World. These connections promise unparalleled adventures and enriching journeys for our esteemed members.
Our memorable experience at ATM 2023 culminated with a delightful encounter with Angelina and Elena from Group Barrière Paris. As we indulged in a splendid afternoon tea at Fouquet Dubai, we shared insights, exchanged ideas, and envisioned the future of luxury travel. The synergy between our brands promises extraordinary possibilities and a shared commitment to elevating the industry to new heights of excellence.
Dubai World Trade Centre served as the remarkable backdrop for ATM 2023, welcoming a 5% increase over 2019, making it the most successful edition to date. The event’s theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero,’ underscored the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices in global travel. More than 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 150 countries convened to showcase innovations and discuss strategies for ensuring sustainable travel experiences for future generations.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, expressed her delight at the overwhelming turnout and emphasised the significance of this milestone edition. She said, “ATM 2023 highlighted the ongoing journey of our sector towards achieving net-zero emissions. The record attendance at this year’s event underscores the excellent state of the Middle East’s travel industry.”
Special events throughout the four-day exhibition celebrated the 30th anniversary of ATM. Hilton was honoured with the inaugural Sustainable Stand Award, commended for its commitment to local suppliers and the repurposing of materials. Hilton’s dedication to sustainability was further exemplified by measuring its carbon footprint and taking tangible steps to mitigate its impact.
Another momentous occasion was the introduction of the prestigious Pearl Award exclusively for ATM 2023. This esteemed recognition celebrated Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty-Free, for his exceptional contributions to the UAE’s travel and tourism sector. With his instrumental role in transforming Dubai Duty-Free into a $2 billion company, McLoughlin’s accolade was truly well-deserved.
The Global Stage at ATM 2023 set the scene for a thought-provoking climate change debate moderated by Eleni Giokos, Anchor and Correspondent at CNN. Esteemed speakers, including representatives from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Jordan Tourism Board, and Lebanon’s Ministry of Tourism, discussed the industry’s pivotal role in addressing climate challenges.
ATM 2023 was made possible through a collaboration with Dubai World Trade Centre and strategic partnerships with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Al Rais Travel. These alliances reinforced the commitment to showcase Dubai as a leading global travel destination and support sustainable initiatives.
Insignia’s presence at this event epitomised our dedication to delivering unparalleled luxury travel experiences. Our determination to curate personalised itineraries, meticulously crafted with passion and attention to detail, remains unwavering as we look towards the future. We are committed to ensuring that each journey we design becomes an everlasting memory for our esteemed members.
