Experience Abu Dhabi Clinches Best Stand Design At Arabian Travel Market 2024

At the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and running until Thursday, 9th May, the Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) was clinched by Experience Abu Dhabi. The award, a testament to the exhibitor's innovative approach, highlighted its flowing design, strategic use of greenery, and exceptional visibility from the show floor. This accolade underscores the competitive and creative spirit that defines ATM 2024.

In other categories, ExploreTECH stood out in the Best Stand Design (50-150m2) category with its sleek, two-storey concept and dedication to promoting partner startups. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration was celebrated for its vibrant and traditional layout in the under 50m2 category, effectively utilizing space to capture the essence of Bangkok.

The introduction of the Best Use of Technology Award saw Qiddiya Investment Company taking home the prize. The company was lauded for its interactive digital recreations, offering attendees an immersive experience of their planned megaproject in Saudi Arabia. This innovation highlights the evolving intersection of technology and tourism.

AlUla's commitment to sustainability earned it the Sustainable Stand Award. The judges were particularly impressed by its focus on material reuse and innovative visitor engagement strategies, such as planting a tree for every attendee interaction. This approach not only showcased AlUla's dedication to environmental stewardship but also set a new standard for sustainable exhibition practices.

The Saudi Tourism Authority received accolades for the Best Stand for Doing Business Award. Their stand was praised for its effective showcase of multiple destinations within Saudi Arabia, featuring distinct meeting areas and zones that highlighted the nation's rich culture.

Flydubai's stand was recognized with the Best Stand Feature Award for its unique design that altered perspectives, offering visitors a sensation of flight from one angle and resembling aeroplane wings from another. This inventive concept provided an engaging visitor experience that stood out on the show floor.

The panel of judges for this year's awards brought together industry experts including Sarah Duignan from STR, Mo Elhadi also from STR, Otag Fida from DXB Live, Kate Harden-England from Travolution, and Nehme Shehab from RXME. Their expertise contributed to identifying the most innovative and impactful stands at the event.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for Arabian Travel Market, expressed her gratitude towards the judges for their dedication and congratulated all winners and highly commended exhibitors. She noted the challenge in selecting winners due to the high level of quality displayed at ATM 2024.

The announcement of the Best Stand Awards winners on day three of ATM 2024 highlighted not only the creativity and innovation present in this year's exhibitors but also set a benchmark for future exhibitions. The event continues to serve as a platform for showcasing advancements in travel and tourism, with a particular focus on accessible and inclusive travel innovations as well as exploring the potential of MENA tourism destinations in the coming decades.

With inputs from WAM