This week's newsletter comes live from Dubai World Trade Centre, where the Middle East’s largest travel and trade show is wrapping up after four days of panel discussions, interviews, networking and presentations. Arabian Travel Market 2024 is officially the largest show to date and certainly felt that way when I was trying to navigate the crowded halls to get from one pavilion to the next.
Despite the crowds, it was a fascinating experience to wander the stands and exhibits from 165 countries, all filled with immersive displays and beautifully designed platforms giving visitors a flavour of each destination. I wandered through a digitalised coral reef tunnel in the Maldives before watching a traditional Bodu Beru dance, then dined under neon lights at the Hong Kong pavilion. Saudi Arabia’s ancient AlUla was brought to life in the kingdom’s stand, where women showcased traditional handicrafts, and it was all creativity and colour at the Indian exhibit. Abu Dhabi was celebrating after being voted the best stand in the show – with judges commenting on the flowing design and innovative use of greenery in the atmospheric display showcasing the UAE capital.
When I wasn't stuck in traffic around the venue, I spent the week meeting hoteliers, destination representatives, travel agents and tourism ministers to garner deeper insight into the current state of the travelsphere. Key takeaways are that there’s an ever-increasing emphasis on responsible travel, something that sustainable hotel brand Beyond Green’s upcoming entry into the Middle East will help satisfy.
Notable sustainability efforts in the Maldives were on show at the event from the Sheraton Full Moon Resort and Spa, which is the first Marriott International hotel in the country to receive Green Globe certification. Radisson Hotel Group said it's on track to reach net-zero operations by 2050 and Hilton is flying the flag for eco-commitment in the Seychelles, where its hotels have been delving into conservation projects and water-saving initiatives to foster connections between travellers, the archipelago's natural beauty and local communities. In Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea and Amaala, two gigaprojects now linked as one, regenerative tourism is the thread that binds the pair together, and each resort opening at the coastal destination will champion sustainability.
The role of technology in the world of travel continues to play an important role, something that was evident in London this week when travellers faced long delays after a technological glitch closed e-gates for hours. Expedia – the US online travel company that’s been around since the nineties – used its presence at Arabian Travel Market to announce its foray into the Middle East with a new AI-enabled app, while Qatar Airways was inviting guests to interact with Sama 2.0, the first AI digital cabin crew. Google plunged into the future of travel using technology to reveal a detailed vision that names Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman as top source markets for the Middle East come 2040.
Of course, there was a place for aviation at the show and Emirates announced its first destinations for its new A350 fleet, including a return to Edinburgh which I’m personally happy about as it gives me another option when travelling back to Scotland. Flydubai also had a network update to reveal, putting Basel, Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius within easy reach of the emirates and Etihad Airways is focusing on its US operations, signing a deal with JetBlue during ATM that will bolster its presence stateside.
Until next time, stay safe, travel well and keep up to date with all the latest travel news and stories online.
DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: Scotland
London has long been a summertime haunt for Gulf visitors but venturing north to the wilds of Scotland is well worth the effort for the stunning landscapes, outdoor adventure, genuine hospitality and a new wave of luxury. Scott Campbell journeys around his homeland, taking in awe-inspiring lochs, stately homes, edgy restaurants and upscale hotels from Loch Lomond, the gateway to the Highlands, to the buzzing capital of Edinburgh, where the city beats to a lively, global drum.
TRAVEL NEWS THIS WEEK
TOP TIPS
Three of the best places to travel in June 2024
- Tanzania. A bucket-list experience awaits in the Serengeti National Park as the great migration unfolds this month. Head to the park’s Western Corridor to see the wonder of nature in all its glory as herds of wildebeest, gazelle and zebra make their way north in search of food and new breeding grounds. Daytime brings sunshine and temperatures averaging around a pleasant 25 degrees, although evenings are colder so don’t forget to layer up.
- England. The world’s largest greenfield music and performing arts festival takes place this month in England’s south-west. Glastonbury kicks off on June 26 and this year's line up includes SZA, Coldplay, Dua Lipa and The SugaBabes. Away from the festival, the quirky town is filled with independent shops, cafes and bars, and is home to the ruins of the ancient Glastonbury Abbey and Glastonbury Tor, a prominent hill that gives climbers epic views over the Isle of Avalon, Glastonbury and Somerset.
- Iceland. Summer is on the way in Iceland this month, bringing with it the endless midnight sun, blooming fields of lupin and warmer temperatures. Husavik, on the country’s northern edge, is the place to go for a summertime whale watching experience. Whales aside, there's plenty to do including visiting the steeple-topped Husavikurkirkja church, which dates back to 1907, and soaking in a geothermal pool – an activity that's something of a national pastime for Icelanders.
THE LAST WORD
“I enjoy AlUla like no tomorrow. I love it. And the reason I like it so much and why I've been to it several times is that the development does not come at the cost of nature whatsoever. You see so many new brands coming, new hotels and luxury resorts – but the loudest voice in AlUla remains nature's”
Fahd Hamidaddin, chief executive, Saudi Tourism Authority.
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