Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, the leading global travel and tourism event is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 6-9 May.
Officially opened by Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum, ATM 2024 features 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries.
The event is expected to attract some 41,000 visitors, with significant collaborations at the stands of the Turkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), Mercan DMC, and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce among others.
According to Müberra Eresin, President of the Turkish Hotel Association (TÜROB), there has been a significant increase in participation from Turkiye this year, positively impacting the industry. “After a slow start in 2023 and setbacks from earthquakes and regional conflicts, we are now experiencing an upward trend, especially in the last two weeks,” Eresin stated.
Despite a lower than expected turnout during the Eid holiday, Turkish tourism has seen a notable increase lately. Eresin emphasized the industry’s focus on reaching a target of 60 million tourists and expanding into alternative markets like China, with plans for a workshop in Shanghai on May 27.
Istanbul’s Tourism Sector Rebounds
Bahadır Yaşık, a board member of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, reported a recent upturn in occupancy and pricing in Istanbul, particularly in the Sultanahmet area.
Despite challenges from regional conflicts, Istanbul is managing to attract tourists from Europe to compensate.
The current focus is on managing the high cost of dining, a primary concern among Middle Eastern tourists.
Achieving Goals Amid Challenges
Ali Hasdemir, Tourism Coordinator of Artaş Hotels Group, noted high expectations from the market. “Despite a decrease in Gulf tourists, our expectations for the upcoming season are high,” said Hasdemir.
The group is expanding, having started construction on their 12th hotel and acquired Swissotel in Bodrum. He expressed optimism for the upcoming projects and continued investment in the tourism sector.
TGA Forms Strategic Alliance with Emirates
The Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) announced a significant partnership with Emirates to enhance Turkey’s visibility as a tourist destination in both new and established markets.
The collaboration was finalized with senior representatives from both Emirates and TGA, highlighting planned joint marketing and promotional activities to showcase Turkey’s unique attractions.
Middle Eastern Tourists’ Love for the Black Sea
Mehmet Mengü, General Manager of Mercan DMC, which brought 350,000 tourists to Turkey last year, discussed the ongoing appeal of the Black Sea region among Middle Eastern tourists. Despite regional tensions impacting tourism,
Mengü highlighted the competitive advantage of Turkey in terms of cost and quality compared to destinations like Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, and Egypt.
