Policymakers and tourism leaders discuss crisis preparedness, international cooperation and the future of Gulf tourism as Arabian Travel Market examines the sector’s long-term growth.
GCC tourism resilience takes centre stage at ATM 2026
Tourism policymakers from the Gulf, Europe, Central Asia and the United Nations have identified preparedness, international cooperation and contingency planning as essential to strengthening the GCC’s tourism sector amid geopolitical uncertainty.
The discussions took place on the opening day of the 33rd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which runs from 14–17 September at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is being held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”.
Tourism foundations underpin UAE resilience
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Economy and Tourism, and Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, delivered opening-day addresses on the Global Stage, following remarks by Hugh Jones, CEO of RX Global, ATM’s organiser.
H.E. Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General, UN Tourism
Addressing the UAE’s response to recent geopolitical challenges, Al Marri said the country’s tourism resilience was rooted in decades of investment and sector development.
“Everyone talks about tourism resiliency; I talk about tourism foundations,” he said, referring to the foundations built over the past 50 years. He added that the UAE had weathered the recent disruption and was positioned to move forward.
Al Nuwais emphasised the importance of preparing for crises before they occur. She highlighted early relationship-building, information sharing and trust between countries and tourism stakeholders as key components of effective crisis management.
“When the next challenge comes, we are ready,” she said, pointing to the value of lessons learned and cooperation established before a crisis emerges.
Ministers examine the future of Gulf tourism
The opening addresses were followed by a ministerial debate titled Building a Resilient Industry Through Collaboration. The session brought together Al Marri; Al Nuwais; Fatima Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism of Bahrain; Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism; and Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan. The discussion was moderated by Khanh Linh Vu, Principal Advisor to the Secretary-General of UN Tourism.
The debate focused on the GCC’s ability to maintain traveller confidence, strengthen its global tourism position and support long-term growth through coordinated policies and international partnerships.
Tzitzikostas reaffirmed the European Union’s support for the UAE and Gulf countries, describing them as partners and allies. He also pointed to signs of recovery in tourism activity following the recent period of disruption.
Tourism’s economic contribution
Tourism’s contribution to Gulf economies was another central theme.
Al Sairafi said tourism accounts for more than 11% of GDP in Gulf countries, compared with a global average of approximately 10%. She described the figure as an indicator of the sector’s economic significance and its potential for further expansion.
Akkulov drew comparisons between the GCC’s collaborative approach and Uzbekistan’s own efforts to develop international tourism partnerships. He referred to cooperation with Azerbaijan and UN Tourism, as well as initiatives to position Uzbekistan as a regional hub for industry collaboration.
Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE at RX Global, said the opening-day discussions demonstrated the importance of travel and tourism to the region’s economy.
She highlighted the GCC’s coordinated response to global geopolitical challenges and the role of preparedness and collaboration in supporting market resilience.
ATM 2026 focuses on innovation and technology
Beyond the ministerial debate, ATM 2026 is examining how artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart mobility and changing traveller expectations are shaping the future of tourism.
The Global Stage’s opening-day programme featured seven sessions, including discussions on live experiences and technology-driven luxury tourism. The wider event programme brings together tourism authorities, airlines, hospitality groups, travel technology companies and industry professionals to explore business opportunities and long-term sector development.
The event also features ATM Travel Tech, a dedicated co-located show focused on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, immersive experiences, robotics and digital travel platforms.
As ATM 2026 continues through 17 September, resilience, international cooperation and technological innovation remain central to discussions on the future of tourism across the GCC and global travel markets.
