ATM 2022: In-destination experiences to shape the future of global travel and tourism

The importance of in-destination experiences was highlighted during the ARIVALDubai@ATM forum’s inaugural session on May 9.

With almost one million operators throughout the world, travel experiences generated $254bn in global gross industry sales in 2019, making it the third-largest sector in travel and tourism after transportation and accommodation. Operators in this sector include organisers of tours, activities, attractions and experiences with over 140 diverse business categories working in the field. Up to 50 per cent have launched their businesses since 2015 and upwards of 70 new startups within tours, activities and attractions have raised $2.6bn since 2017.

Sharing the latest global research and insights from Arival on the ATM 2022 Travel Tech Stage yesterday, Douglas Quinby, co-founder and CEO, Arival, said, “We surveyed travellers about what matters most to them when they are travelling and they prioritised attractions, activities and tours above other factors. Experiences are not just the ‘things to do’ – they are the reasons to go, representing a significant opportunity for the travel and tourism industry.”

Technology adoption and getting connected is the major focus for the in-destination industry as it moves to a new phase. Quinby added, “Consumers are increasingly booking their travel experiences online – a trend that has accelerated significantly since the pandemic. The sector, therefore, needs to look to technology adoption and working with reservation system providers to make their products more accessible online.”

The ARIVALDubai@ATM forum helps to improve the production of in-destination experiences. The event analyses current and future trends and focuses on developing company through marketing, technology, distribution, thought leadership, and executive-level relationships. The significance of sustainability in moving the in-destination company forward was also explored at the one-day event.

Elsewhere on the agenda at ATM 2022 Travel Tech Stage, the inaugural ATM Draper-Aladdin startup competition also began on the ATM Travel Tech Stage, seeing a selection of the region’s most innovative start-ups pitch to a panel of industry judges for the chance to secure up to $500,000 of investment, plus the opportunity to compete for a further $500,000 as part of the hit TV show, Meet the Drapers.

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