The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has announced a strategic partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) for their 2024 edition, which will take place from May 6-9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Both ICCA and GBTA have been appointed as Knowledge Partners for the tradeshow, and are tasked with providing in-depth insights and opportunities for business travel.
According to the ICCA 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 per cent) were in-person. This represented a 349 per cent 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 per cent) in last year’s official figures.
The business travel industry is also experiencing significant growth, with the 2023 GBTA Business Travel Index Report stating that global business travel industry rebounded faster than expected in 2023. Pent-up demand following the pandemic and healthier economic conditions than forecasted were highlighted as significant contributing factors for this shift. The report also stated that global business travel spending rose by 47 per cent to US$1 trillion last year and is expected to grow to nearly US$1.8 trillion globally by 2027.
During ATM 2024, ICCA will deliver seminars covering a range of topics for the business events industry, while GBTA will outline the prevailing trends in the business travel sector.
Catherine Logan, regional senior vice president EMEA and APAC, GBTA, added: “Although one of the smaller global business travel markets, the MEA region has huge potential for growth and recovered more than any other region in 2022, reaching 95 per cent of pre-pandemic business travel spending. Business travel spend in the region is forecast to exceed this figure in 2023 and reach US$30.6 million and continue its growth trajectory going forward.”
The theme for the 31st edition of ATM is Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship. Last year’s event welcomed more than 40,000 attendees, the largest number recorded to date.
