Arabian Travel Market (ATM) the leading global event for the travel and tourism sector, opened its doors with an expected 40,000 attendees, featuring 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries.

This year, ATM is centred on the theme ‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel through Entrepreneurship’, spotlighting the pivotal role of start-ups and entrepreneurs in shaping the sector’s future.

Sri Lanka Tourism is poised to attract the Middle East market with over 60 exhibitors representing the hotel sector, DMC’s, the national carrier Sri Lankan airlines and Sri Lanka tourism promotion bureau.

The Sri Lanka pavilion was inaugurated by Sri Lankan Ambassador to the UAE H.E Udaya Indrarathna Consul General to the UAE Alexi Gunasekera, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Chalaka Gajabahu and representatives from Sri Lankan Airlines, SLAITO, IATA and THASL

The focus on this edition of ATM ill provide a platform for industry leaders and policymakers worldwide to empower the travel and tourism community to harness entrepreneurism and identify opportunities for growth.

A four-day conference programme will deliver over 50 informative sessions from more than 200 high-profile speakers who will address attendees across the Global Stage and the new Future Stage. H.E Issam Abdulrahim Kazim, Chief Executive Officer – Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, will host the Global Stage Welcome: The Gateway to Global Insights keynote speech, outlining Dubai’s tourism goals and plans for the coming years. Later tomorrow, Ministers from the GCC and beyond will take to the stage to discuss the key strategies to support and develop tourism in the region at the Ministerial Debate: Streamlining Tourism within the GCC.

Growth has been achieved across all show verticals, including regional year-on-year upticks for the Middle East (28%), Asia (34%), Europe (34%) and Africa (26%). In addition, more than 100 prominent travel technology companies will showcase their latest innovations to a global audience at this year’s event. The Travel Tech section is 58% larger this year, indicating an unprecedented surge in interest from companies that want to display their latest technological advancements.