Delegates from around the world are preparing to capitalise on this momentum and explore opportunities within the Kingdom’s thriving tourism sector at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Thursday May 06-09.

During 2023, Saudi Arabia’s government revised its combined domestic and international 2030 visitor target upwards from the previous 100 million to 150 million. Amid sustained investment in its tourism, hospitality and leisure segments, as well as a slew of ambitious gigaprojects, the Kingdom aims to increase the economic contribution of its tourism sector to 10 percent of national GDP by the end of this decade.

Representing almost a 50 percent increase in KSA exhibitor participation, ATM 2024 will host a selection of high-profile exhibitors from Saudi Arabia, including SAUDIA, flynas, NEOM, Dur Hospitality, AMSA Hospitality and the Royal Commission for AlUla. First-time exhibitors will comprise almost 17 percent of the total Saudi participation, which includes Cruise Saudi, Tabuk Investment and Tourism Co., Al Badiah Transportation, Sixth Gulf and Fairmont Mekka Clock Tower, among others. KSA will represent a key focus for attendees as policymakers, industry leaders and travel professionals from around the world share insights, forge new relationships and showcase cutting-edge innovations with the potential to drive further growth within this burgeoning tourism market.

Data released by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism highlights a surge in inbound visitors in the first half of 2023. The Kingdom welcomed 14.6 million tourists during this period, representing a 142 percent year-on-year increase. A pronounced uptick was also recorded in the country’s domestic tourism segment, with a 16 percent rise in spending and an average stay length of 6.3 nights – up from 4.6 nights during the corresponding period of 2022.