QUOTES OF THE YEAR • INDUSTRY LEADERS•
A destination built for the next generation “The future of travel will be defined by destinations that combine authenticity with innovation and Ajman is ready to lead this transformation. With the establishment of the Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media, we’re operating as a unified force shaping experiences that are culturally rich, digitally advanced and sustainably designed. By celebrating heritage, creativity
Sharjah puts culture and experience at the heart of growth
“Sharjah’s future as a tourism destination will be defined by meaningful experiences, responsible growth, innovation and strong global partnerships. We remain committed to welcoming visitors to an emirate where culture, nature, family
and investing in modern media, we are building a destination that resonates with the traveller of 2040: connected, curious and experience driven. Our mission is to translate our leadership’s vision into real impact, ensuring Ajman thrives as a vibrant, future-ready emirate, remaining true to its identity.” H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General, Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture & Media
experiences and modern tourism offerings come together, while preserving the authenticity that makes Sharjah truly unique.” H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority
Technology and sustainability to enhance the human side of hospitality “We’re building [the] future right now. Tech like Accor’s Travel Concierge and custom LLMs will continue to make travel intuitive, hyper- personalised, and seamless,
Personalisation and local connection will shape future travel experiences “Guests increasingly seek journeys that reflect their individual passions while creating authentic connections with local people, culture and nature. Technology will play an important role in shaping those
[however] AI isn't about replacing people. We’re pioneering an AI agentic
transformation so our teams can focus entirely on genuine human connection, which is what hospitality should always remain focused on. Sustainability isn't optional for us either; through our Hosting Change strategy, we’re turning bold sustainability into real, shared value to benefit our guests, partners, communities, and the planet. Tomorrow’s travel will be smarter, led by travel companies that can seamlessly unite cutting-edge innovation, sustainability, and deep human connection.” Duncan O’Rourke, CEO, Accor, MEA & APAC
experiences, helping us better understand and anticipate guest needs, but people will always be at the heart of hospitality. At IHG, our ambition is simple: create experiences guests remember, deliver stronger returns for owners and contribute positively to the destinations where we operate.” Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts, India, Middle East & Africa
ATM YEARBOOK 2026 | 139
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator