Experiential travel, encompassing the adventure, culture, heritage, wellness and spa, and cruise tourism segments, which are currently trending globally, will be adopted as the official show theme for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017.

By 2035, some 7.2 billion globetrotters are set to travel the world, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Key players in Dubai’s tourism industry came together to mark the emirate’s milestone achievement of reaching 100,000 keys across its expanding hotel and hotel apartment inventory, following the soft opening of The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City.

TARIQ ALMUTAWA has been promoted to country manager for Qatar by Emirates. Almutawa joined the Dubai-based airline in 2012 as commercial manager.

SAYED TAYOUN has been recruited as area director of sales and marketing at InterContinental Dubai Festival City.

YOUSEF TUQAN has become group vice president of brand marketing and loyalty at Jumeirah Group. With more than 20 years of experience in the region, Tuqan has worked for north55 and OgilvyOne, where he led Jumeirah Group’s digital account team.

CRAIG BRUCE has been appointed general manager of Yas Island Rotana and Centro Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Having worked in various international locations, such as South Africa, UK, Bostwana and the UAE, Bruce has amassed a wealth of industry experience.

“Over the past few years, Sharjah has successfully carved out its name as an economic and investment destination and today is one of the major economic forces behind UAE’s growth.

“Dubai Opera is our tribute to the [...] vision of H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler, Dubai, to firmly underline our city as a vibrant global cultural hub. Great performing art venues are cultural catalysts.