Next year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will take a close look at the rise in ethical tourism and hospitality. More specifically, it will discuss how hotels need to show tangible efforts towards their own sustainability goals.
According to event organisers RX Global, ethical hospitality is an emerging segment that will soon explode. In anticipation of this, ATM will discuss eco-tourism, wellness, health tourism and sustainability policies in far greater detail.
ATM exhibition director ME Danielle Curtis explained: “The feedback we received, has enabled us to identify a particular profile of traveller, that now actively looks for ethical brands to follow and wants to see tangible evidence of that brand practising what it claims to be.
“This potential vertical shows a combination of characteristics attributed to outdoor adventurers, wellness, eco-tourists, digital nomads on ‘workcations’, experiential tourists and socially aware traveller.”
She added: “Our conference programme for ATM 2022 is still being created but already we have sessions that will address the challenges facing airlines, hotels and other destinations, in the near future, such as health and safety, technology and equity in health, education, and economic opportunity.
The rise of ethical tourism and hospitality
According to market data on Statista, 81 percent of 29,349 adults surveyed earlier this year, across 30 countries confirmed that they would like to stay in a sustainable resort, at least once in the 12 months ahead. Five years ago, only 62 percent of respondents made the same claim.
Additionally, Google will now accredit hotels with a green eco-emblem next to their name during a routine search. It will also add details of the property’s specific sustainability policy and procedures and activities. To qualify, hotels must have their achievements audited by a credible third party.
“This will provide more transparency for potential guests and help to reward hotels with genuine environmental achievements,” said Curtis.
Arabian Travel Market 2022 takes place May 8 to 11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. A follow up virtual event will run from May 17 to 18 for those unable to make it to the emirate.
The Hotelier Middle East team will be on the ground for the event, bringing you exclusive interviews and breaking news from the industry panels. You can check out our top stories from this year’s ATM here.