As the demand for sustainable luxury tourism continues to grow, the 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is set to highlight key trends and opportunities in the sector, with a special focus on eco-conscious travel. Taking place from May 1 to 4, 2023, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will showcase how sustainability is shaping the Middle East’s high-end travel industry.

According to a recent YouGov Global Travel & Tourism Whitepaper, the past three years have seen a 50% rise in sustainable luxury hotel stays among high-income travelers, with 61% of UAE residents willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly and responsible tourism experiences. As the post-pandemic world places increasing value on meaningful travel, the ATM 2023 theme, “Working Towards Net Zero,” is particularly relevant, reflecting a broader shift towards environmental responsibility within the luxury sector.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director for ATM, emphasized the Middle East’s growing reputation for offering bespoke and memorable luxury travel experiences that prioritize sustainability. ATM 2023 will feature industry leaders discussing innovative strategies to deliver luxury while minimizing environmental impacts.

The rise in demand for authentic and secluded experiences is also evident, with over half of affluent tourists seeking more meaningful trips, and 27% willing to pay extra for private accommodations like villas and chalets. The event will explore these trends through panel discussions and conferences, such as “Sustainable Luxury: At What Cost?” which will feature industry experts examining the environmental impact of luxury hospitality and methods for carbon offsetting.

ATM 2023 will also see the return of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Arabia, a luxury-focused event showcasing high-end destinations and exclusive tourism experiences, offering networking opportunities for buyers catering to high-net-worth individuals across the GCC region.

Top brands from the Middle East’s luxury hospitality sector, including Atlantis The Palm, Burj Al Arab, and Caesars Palace Dubai, will participate, alongside international names like Hotel New Otani Tokyo, Adaaran Resorts Maldives, and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.

The event will also highlight future sustainable travel trends, offering a platform for regional experts to explore growth strategies ahead of COP28, set to take place in November 2023 in Dubai. Additionally, for the first time, ATM will feature a sustainability category at its annual exhibitor awards, recognizing organizations for their environmental efforts and commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.

With the UAE’s outbound travel sector expected to reach $30.5 billion by 2028, ATM 2023 aims to position the Middle East as a leader in both luxury and sustainable tourism, reflecting the growing global demand for eco-friendly, responsible travel experiences.