Based on United Nations (UN) research, in a business-as-usual scenario, by 2050, tourism could generate a 154 percent increase in energy consumption, a 131 percent increase in greenhouse gas emissions, a 152 percent increase in water consumption, and a 251 percent increase in solid waste, underscoring the importance of increasing investment in sustainable development. Furthermore, Visa and Oxford Economics research has revealed that consumers face insufficient information and a lack of transparency about sustainable travel options.
Addressing these challenges, the whitepaper Exploring the Future of Tourism Technology utilised the insights from the ATM Innovation Wall during the 2024 edition of the show. The unique physical platform encouraged industry professionals to share their ideas, concerns and solutions for the future of tourism. Key takeaways proposed ranged from gamified recycling programmes to hyper-personalised travel experiences that emphasise cultural immersion, demonstrating the breadth of creative thinking required.
Participants highlighted the urgent need for systemic, collective action to transition tourism toward a circular and regenerative model. Proposed solutions included leveraging innovative technologies for resource optimisation, aligning businesses with local communities to ensure equitable economic benefits, and promoting transformative initiatives like cultural immersion experiences.
Governments have undertaken several initiatives and strategies throughout the GCC to focus on tourism and sustainability. These include the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, the Saudi Vision 2030, the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, the Bahrain Tourism Strategy 2022-2026, the Omani National Tourism Strategy, and the Kuwait 2035 Vision.
Sustainable tourism will remain a key area of focus during the 2025 edition of ATM, which takes place under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity”. Several sessions are designed to share sustainable practices and address the ethical methods driving the sustainable tourism agenda.
In 2023, as part of ATM’s 30th annual event celebrations, the show initiated 30 short-, medium- and long-term sustainability goals. The 2024 edition introduced various measures, such as using fully recyclable carpet and PVC-free vinyl for all signage and graphics. Working closely with the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM diverted 48 percent of waste from landfill, up from 5 percent from 2023.
Staff training was also provided, as were initiatives with Sparklo, a global cleantech company promoting recycling through reverse vending machines (RVM). As a result, over 2,200 bottles and cans were collected, averting 300kg of CO2 emissions.
