Categories: Travel

ATM 2024 to focus on India’s outbound tourism potential, over 30% Indian travellers choose to visit Middle East destinations, ET TravelWorld

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, slated from May 6-9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is gearing up to shed light on India’s burgeoning outbound tourism sector, poised to reach a staggering USD 143.5 billion annually by the decade’s end.

Recent data reveals that over 30 per cent of Indian travellers prefer Middle East destinations, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia topping the list. India stands as Dubai’s primary source market, with 1.9 million visitors recorded in the first 10 months of 2023. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, aims to welcome 7.5 million visitors by 2030.

ATM 2024 will feature a dedicated India Summit, titled ‘Unlocking the True Potential of Inbound Indian Travellers,’ slated for May 6. This summit, in collaboration with VIDEC Consultants, will delve into India’s role as a key tourism growth market and explore current and future opportunities.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, highlighted India’s rapid outbound growth, fueled by a burgeoning middle class. “By 2030, India’s total travel expenditure will be valued at USD 410 billion, a substantial increase from USD 150 billion in 2019,” she stated.

Moreover, a survey by Acko Insurance underscores Indian travellers’ willingness to spend up to USD 7,000 on international trips, further boosting the appeal of Middle East destinations. Dubai, in particular, stands out as the preferred city destination, thanks to its proximity to India and enhanced connectivity.

Under this program, tourists can obtain a visa within two to five working days, allowing them to stay in Dubai for up to 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a maximum stay of 180 days within a year. This flexible visa option caters to both leisure and business travelers, offering unparalleled convenience and connectivity.

Curtis emphasised the significant role of Indian expatriates in driving business travel and bleisure in the Gulf states. “With over 8.5 million Indian expatriates currently working in the GCC, business travel and bleisure will undoubtedly underpin this growth,” she noted.ATM 2024 anticipates a record number of travel professionals representing both outbound and inbound travel to India. With an expected 20 per cent increase in exhibitors from India, the event will showcase the diverse offerings of Indian tourism, featuring exhibitors like TBO.com, Taj Hotels, Rezlive, and Rategain, among others.

Aligned with its theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship,’ ATM 2024 will serve as a platform for stakeholders from across the Middle East and beyond to explore innovative solutions and opportunities in the ever-evolving travel industry.