DUBAI (May 6, 2024) – The 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market kicked off today in Dubai with the theme “Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship.” India is putting the spotlight on its lesser-known summer getaways at the Arabian Travel Market 2024, launching the ‘Cool Summers of India’ campaign to challenge perceptions and promote the country as an attractive 365-day destination. This digital campaign, aptly named ‘’Coolcations,” challenges the notion of India being too hot for summer travel, emphasizing its offerings in hill resorts, including the Himalayas. The campaign seeks to promote India as a holistic destination throughout the year. As one of the largest exhibitors at the 31st edition of the region’s premier travel trade show, the Indian contingent is leveraging ATM’s global platform to showcase not just iconic landmarks but refreshing hill stations, mountain retreats, and other summer escapes.
The Incredible India Pavilion has drawn strong visitor interest, with over 100 participants including state tourism boards from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, as well as luxury hotels and wellness resorts. India’s diverse cultural attractions and tourism offerings are being highlighted through the sizable pavilion, one of the largest at the event. The country’s participation comes as its inbound tourism sector experiences a remarkable revival, with foreign tourist arrivals in 2023 surging 64% compared to 2022 as pandemic impacts waned. India is focused on positioning itself as a 365-day destination in the strategic Middle East market through this ATM showcase. Tourism is a major economic contributor, with the MENA region comprising a key source market.
Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai, inaugurated the Incredible India pavilion in the presence of Mr. Gyan Bhushan, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The pavilion has made a resounding entry, aiming to capture the entirety of the UAE market. India, leading a delegation comprising tour operators, luxury hotels, wellness resorts, and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, is poised to showcase itself as a 365-day destination.
The four-day ATM provides Indian players an opportunity to network, attract visitors from the region, and drive the sector’s growth through showcasing their varied offerings. The 31st edition has drawn over 2,300 exhibitors from 165 countries, with 41,000 attendees expected .The Arabian Travel Market, also known as ATM, is a leading global event for travel and tourism professionals in the Middle East. Held annually in Dubai, it serves as a platform for businesses in the inbound and outbound tourism sectors.
By Vinod Kumar (Dubai)
