The Arabian Travel Market opened its doors on Monday 25 April for four days of business networking opportunities, insightful seminar sessions, leadership forums, and recognition of 12 months of industry achievement.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, took the honour of opening this grand event providing the opportunity for more than 2500 exhibitors from around the world.

Now in its 23rd year, the 2016 edition, which took off the ground at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 25April 2016, ATM welcomed 423 main stand holders representing 86 countries, with more than 26,000 visitors expected to attend the Middle East’s longest running and largest trade event.

Sri Lanka Tourism participated at ATM for the 14th consecutive time.

Minister for Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs John Amaratunga, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka for UAE, SLTPB Chairman, SLTPB MD and Market Head for Middle East attended the fair along with 54 industry stakeholders on behalf of Sri Lanka tourism. The press conference arranged by SLTPB took place on 25 May

Tourist arrivals from the Middle East region was at 101,066, a 13.6% increase year-on-year and Sri Lanka envisages continuous growth from this region.