Middle East Tourism Entertainment Sector Under the Spotlight at ATM Virtual

Arabian Travel Market, organizers of ATM Virtual, will address the changes to the tourism industry amid the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs), the re-opening of operations post COVID-19, and its impact on tour and attraction operators across the Middle East.

The session, OTAs and Distribution for Tours and Attractions Post-COVID, which will take place on the opening day of ATM Virtual on Monday, 1^st June, 4 pm – 5 pm GST (1 pm – 2 pm BST), will be hosted by Douglas Quinby, co-founder and CEO of Arival, the global research authority on the tours, activities and attractions sector.

Quinby will present exclusive new insights into the tours and attractions sector, which according to Arival represented US$254 billion in 2019, while outlining the impact COVID-19 has had on the industry and a global outlook.

Representatives from some of the UAE’s leading attractions and tour operators will join Quinby during the session. These include Zeina Dagher, CEO, Emaar Entertainment, and Samir Mehta, General Manager, Arabian Adventures. Rounding out the panel are distribution and technology innovators Alaa Alkhatib, Managing Director, priohub, and Mathis Boldt, VP Global Sales and Supply, GetYourGuide.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Tours, activities, and attractions are an integral element of the travel and tourism industry and are currently the third largest and fastest growing sector. They are, however, challenged by new technologies and innovations, and now, more than ever, businesses need the support to adapt to the new demands from travellers at a local and global level.”

Douglas Quinby, Co-Founder and CEO, Arival, added: “Digital, distribution and venture-backed online platforms have been ushering in a dramatic change, from how travellers plan and book, to how operators and distributors connect. This session will explore what this will look like post-COVID-19 and how this important sector of the tourism industry can prepare for the recovery phase.”

The debut ATM Virtual will feature a comprehensive schedule of webinars, live conference sessions, roundtables, speed networking events, and one-to-one meetings, as well as facilitating new connections and offering a wide range of online business opportunities.

The event, which underscores ATM’s commitment to delivering positive business and networking opportunities to the region’s vast travel and tourism community, will focus on emerging trends, opportunities, and the challenges which are directly impacting the tourism industry amid the COVID-19 global health pandemic.

Arabian Travel Market would like to thank the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and the Italian Tourist Board for their support of ATM Virtual as Gold Sponsors.

ATM Virtual takes place from Monday 1^st to Wednesday 3^rd June 2020. To register for the event as a visitor, please log on to: atmvirtual.eventnetworking.com/register/            

For media registrations, please go to: atmvirtual.eventnetworking.com/register/media

About Arabian Travel Market (ATM)

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now on its 27^th year, continues to be the focal point for the Middle East’s resilient and ever-changing travel and tourism landscape and prides itself on being the hub of all travel and tourism ideas – providing a platform to discuss insights on the ever-changing industry, share innovations and unlock endless business opportunities. While the live show has been postponed to 16-19 May 2021, ATM will keep the industry connected by running ATM Virtual from 1-3 June 2020 featuring webinars, live conference sessions, speed networking events, one-on-one meetings, plus so much more – keeping the conversations going and delivering new connections and business opportunities online.  www.arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com.       

Next events: ATM Virtual: Monday 1^st to Wednesday 3^rd June 2020

Live ATM: Sunday 16^th to Wednesday 19^th May 2021 – Dubai #IdeasArriveHere

#rebuildingtravel

Media Contact: NATHALIE VISELE, Director, Shamal Communications, Arjaan Office Tower, Dubai Media City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tel: +971 4 365 2711 | Mobile: +971 50 457 6525, E-mail: [email protected] , Website: www.shamalcomms.com