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ATM to focus on mid-market travel

Dubai - Arabian Travel Market 2016: Demand is being driven by a growing middle class in markets such as China, India and Africa combined with budget Generation Y travelers and young families.

Mid-market travel has been selected as the official special industry theme for the Arabian Travel Market 2016 as the region's hospitality and tourism sector looks into new segment opportunities.
Mid-market travel is the key growth segment for the region's hospitality and tourism sector and the Arabian Travel Market, or ATM, 2016 to be held from 25-28 April 2016 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre is going to focus on demand for midscale accomodations and services.
"Data released by Jones Lang LaSalle, or JLL, revealed that up to 50 per cent of the 3,600 new hotel rooms to enter the Dubai market in the final months of 2015 have a 3-star or lower rating, while competitive room rates are set to rival the luxury market, as 69 per cent to have four stars or less according to research," said Nadege Noblet-Segers, Exhibition Manager, Arabian Travel Market.
Demand is being driven by a growing middle class in markets such as China, India and Africa combined with budget Generation Y travelers and young families.
Destinations like Dubai are already putting in place programs to encourage investment into midmarket hotels such as the release of government land plots for three and four-star hotel projects, speeding up of the construction permit approval process to just two months, and the waiver of the 10 per cent municipality room tax for four years upon completion.
Destinations like Dubai are already putting in place programs to encourage investment into midmarket hotels such as the release of government land plots for three and four-star hotel projects, speeding up of the construction permit approval process to just two months, and the waiver of the 10% municipality room tax for four years upon completion.
Global mid-market brand Louvre Hotels, official show theme sponsor, will also be exhibiting at ATM 2016 with a focus on promoting a more affordable Middle East hospitality experience.
"Budget airlines and affordable public transportation have been key to attracting the budget traveler and, at Louvre Hotels, we aim to continue to assist developers and governmental agencies by introducing unique modern offerings in the budget, midscale sectors," said Amine E. Moukarzel, President, Louvre Hotels Group & Golden Tulip Mena.
Flydubai and Flynas have also confirmed their participation at the 2016 show.
The 2016 event will also grow with the announcement of an additional hall as Reed Travel Exhibitions looks to build on its record-breaking achievements this year, which saw total attendance increase by 12 per cent to reach over 36,000 exhibitors and visitors.
- business@khaleejtimes.com