ITB Berlin and IPK International: a big global increase in outbound travel in 2023
In 2023, outbound travel registered double-digit growth year-on-year, marking another big step in returning to the travel volume of 2019. Compared with 2022, this was a 33 per cent increase, only 12 per cent short of the base year level before the pandemic. Positive signs are above all the gradual return of outbound travellers in Asia and the upward trend in vacation travel.
With the Indian outbound market forecast to be worth $143.5 billion annually by the end of this decade, the Indian tourism sector will come under the spotlight during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 31st edition from 6-9 May.
FHS Saudi Arabia, taking place in Riyadh from 29 April to 1 May, has a strong female focus this year, reflecting the rise of women in the Kingdom’s hospitality and tourism industries, and encouraging more to embark on a career in the sector.
As the gateway to truly global travel and tourism growth, ATM Dubai will bring together travel professionals from over 150 countries around the globe, unlocking endless business potential for the travel trade industry.
The fifth instalment of the popular OurAfrica.Travel digital trade show took place from 5th – 9th February 2024, showcasing 222 exhibitors and facilitating meetings with 479 buyers and 23 media from around the globe. An impressive 8,510 meetings took place on the platform over the five days (nearly 2000 more than the previous year!), with over 10,000 profile views and 44,291 messages were exchanged on the networking chat.
The Sultanate of Oman’s presence at ITB Berlin 2024 will be themed “Beauty Has An Address”. The opening press conference and opening ceremony on 4 March will mark the start of the host country’s major presence.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is gearing up to host the PATA International Conference on Women in Travel from March 20-22, 2024, in the Philippines, showcasing the commitment to gender equality and empowerment in the tourism sector.
From 5 to 7 March ITB Berlin again provides a platform for promoting social equality and ecological responsibility in tourism. The Responsible Tourism segment, the ITB Berlin Convention and trendsetting awards strengthen the argument for a more sustainable industry.
If you love seafood, you won’t want to miss the 16th Annual Ocean Shores Razor Clam & Seafood Festival, March 15-17, 2024, at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, just two blocks from the beach. Admission to the Festival is free.
Only a few weeks before the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show opens its doors, ITB Berlin reports impressive booking levels, with almost 90 per cent of the exhibition area now occupied. The wide range of exhibitors, including a strong increase in exhibitors from the Host Country Oman and other Arab states, as well as from Turkey, Greece, Asia, Africa and the mobility, tech and cruise industries, reflects the global importance of the event.