ATM 2025: DET wins Sustainable Stand Award for eco excellence
Abu Dhabi, Qatar stands also applauded for sustainability efforts
DUBAI: Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has been awarded the Sustainable Stand Award at the 32nd edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which wraps up today, at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
The accolade recognises DET’s commitment to responsible exhibiting practices, with 84 percent of its exhibition stand constructed from reused materials and 100 percent of the materials sourced locally. DET also achieved a targeted 10 percent reduction in carbon emissions, impressing an independent panel of judges with its measurable approach to sustainability.
The annual ATM stand awards are judged across seven categories, honouring creativity, eco-awareness, and business functionality among exhibitors. Airlines, destinations, and hotel groups were all among the winners at this year’s event.
How did DET go green?
DET’s focus on sustainability extended far beyond construction materials. The food and beverage menu exclusively featured plant-based, seasonal, and locally grown ingredients. Sustainable packaging and portion control were used to minimise food waste throughout the four-day event.
The stand also embraced paperless practices. Instead of printed brochures, visitors could access information via QR codes, with content delivered digitally. Eco-conscious giveaways and digital data capture replaced traditional collateral, sharply reducing paper waste and aligning with global sustainability standards.
The stand was described by judges as a leading example of data-driven, high-impact sustainability in action – a standout model for the industry to emulate.
Who else was recognised?
DET wasn’t alone in its eco push. Judges also highly commended the destination stands from Abu Dhabi and Qatar for their environmentally mindful designs. These recognitions reflect a broader shift across the region’s tourism sector towards integrating sustainability with innovation.
Among other categories, Oman’s Ministry of Heritage & Tourism clinched the Best Stand Design Award (over 150sqm) with its culturally immersive and authentic space, which included live demonstrations of traditional handicrafts and a local food station.
The Best Stand Design Award (50sqm–150sqm) was won by HeyTrip International for its effective use of space and striking colour scheme, while FlyAkeed took home the award in the under 50sqm category, thanks to a futuristic LED-enhanced design.
What other innovations stood out?
Kerzner International Management stood out for its smartly configured two-level stand, winning the Best Stand for Doing Business Award. The layout featured spacious seating and segmented zones for general and private meetings – all designed to optimise both functionality and atmosphere.
The Best Use of Technology Award went to A.A. Al Moosa, whose interactive digital screen and 3D displays impressed judges with both form and function.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Tourism Promotion Board won Best Stand Feature for a large-scale stage used for immersive cultural showcases, which included music and dance performances, making the country’s cultural richness the focal point of its presentation.
The judging panel comprised industry experts including Nehme Shebab (RX Middle East), Philip Woolner (STR), Sarah Duigan (STR), Dominique Exmann (Oxford Economics), and Otag Fida (DXB Live). Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for Arabian Travel Market, praised the outstanding quality and innovation on display across all categories this year.
ATM 2025
Themed ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’, ATM 2025 attracted over 55,000 professionals from 166 countries, solidifying Dubai’s global reputation as a hub for tourism and cross-border collaboration.
Strategic partners for the event included Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner, and DET itself as the Destination Partner – a dual role that underlines its leadership within the tourism sector.