India is largest source market for tourists to Dubai
In both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, India has been the top performing source market. UNWTO (United Nations World Travel Organisation) data shows that 62 million Indians have passports, yet many do not travel. However, the demographic patterns currently show an increasing younger population and a growing middle class which provide strong indications that the country is about to see a steep rise in the number of nationals travelling abroad, as well as the number of foreign visitors it welcomes.
Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) expressed his views on India as a tourism market for Dubai. He said, “India remains a top priority for us now, consistently being the largest source market for tourists to Dubai. This is a feat achieved through years of establishing and building strong trade ties in the market, in addition to the execution of a segment-specific approach across India.”
India has been named the largest growing outbound tourism market in percentage terms, with UNWTO predicting 50 million Indians will travel overseas annually by 2020. India will have a strong contingent at the 25th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 22-25.
Discussing the defining evolutions of the hospitality technology, the Travel Tech Show will return to ATM 2018, with more than 30 dedicated international exhibitors and an influential agenda of discussion and debate in the Travel Tech Theatre, sponsored by Sabre Corporation, a leading provider of technology to the global travel industry.
Travel technology is the fastest growing segment at ATM with a 12 per cent increase in exhibitors in 2017, compared to the previous year. On the show floor, attendees will be able to meet with exhibitors such as TravelClick, Travelport, GT Beds, The Booking Expert, INPLASS, XML Holiday, and DidaTravel Technology.
Kickstarting discussions in the Travel Tech Theatre, a social media specialist panel will explore how to create a Unique Selling Proposition on social media and how to integrate it as a successful driver of business sales. 72 per cent of travellers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia with an Instagram account, purchased an overseas trip during the past year and a session led by the social media platform will highlight how powerful visuals can inspire potential travellers and drive business. Other sessions taking place in the Travel Tech Theatre include the Digital Future Summit and Smart Tourism 2020.
Celebrating its 25th year, ATM is considered by industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa tourism sector, ATM last year welcomed over 39,000 people, including 2,661 exhibiting companies and signed business deals worth more than US$ 2.5 billion over the four days.