Arabian Travel Market Establishes Key Partnerships with ICCA and GBTA as Knowledge Collaborators

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has unveiled a strategic collaboration with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) for the forthcoming edition of the event, scheduled from May 6th to 9th, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Designated as ‘Knowledge Partners’ for the regional trade show, these esteemed global organizations will offer comprehensive insights and opportunities within the thriving domains of business events and travel.

Citing data from the ICCA statistical forecast, which delineates the history and performance of the International Association Meetings Industry from 1963 to 2022, it was revealed that 10,602 business events were documented globally last year, with 9,009 (85 percent) being conducted in person. This marked a remarkable 349 percent surge from the previous year when only 2,007 in-person events occurred. Notably, the Middle East accounted for the highest percentage of in-person delegates (94 percent) in the official figures for the preceding year.

The business travel industry is also witnessing substantial growth, as indicated by the 2023 GBTA Business Travel Index™ Report, revealing that the global business travel sector rebounded more swiftly than anticipated in 2023. Factors such as pent-up demand post-pandemic and healthier economic conditions than projected were identified as significant contributors to this positive trend. The report further highlighted a 47 percent increase in global business travel spending to $1.03 trillion last year, with expectations for this figure to reach nearly $1.8 trillion globally by 2027.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director at Arabian Travel Market, expressed:

“The latest research underscores the robustness of the business events and business travel sectors. As integral verticals at ATM, the official partnership with ICCA and GBTA for the 2024 edition will elevate our offerings. Collaborating with these esteemed industry leaders, ATM aims to provide enhanced value and innovation to its attendees and exhibitors. With a dedicated focus on these pivotal sectors, ATM is committed to delivering a world-class event that serves as a platform for networking, education, and business opportunities for global professionals.”

During ATM 2024, ICCA will present seminars covering various MICE industry topics, while GBTA will delineate prevailing trends in the business travel sector. These seminars aim to provide valuable insights into recent research, innovations, and best practices within the industry.

Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, expressed:

“ICCA proudly announces our collaboration with ATM, envisioning business events as a foundational segment in future editions. With ICCA as a Knowledge Partner for the MICE segment, we are collectively poised to redefine collaboration, innovation, and success in the interconnected realms of business.”

Catherine Logan, Regional Senior Vice President EMEA and APAC at GBTA, added:

“Despite being one of the smaller global business travel markets, the MEA region has significant growth potential and exceeded pre-pandemic business travel spending, reaching 95 percent recovery in 2022. Forecasts for 2023 predict business travel spend in the region to surpass this figure and reach USD$30.6 million, continuing its growth trajectory.”