Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Marriott Among Winners at ATM 2026 Best Stand Awards

The 33rd Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 has recognized six exhibitors for exceptional creativity and business-focused exhibition design, with winners spanning destination marketing, hospitality and travel technology as the Middle East’s leading tourism event concluded in Dubai.

Presented at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the ATM 2026 Best Stand Awards celebrated exhibitors that combined striking visual design with practical functionality, immersive visitor experiences and innovative use of technology. The awards were judged by an independent panel of industry experts representing tourism, events and hospitality.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) claimed the Best Stand Design Award (Over 150sqm) after impressing judges with a three-tier exhibition space that accommodated high volumes of business meetings while maintaining an inviting visitor experience. Judges said the stand successfully balanced architectural impact with commercial functionality.

In the medium-sized category, Rove Hotels won Best Stand Design (50–150sqm) for its playful, residential-inspired concept that reflected the brand’s personality. The exhibition space stood out for its attention to detail, vibrant styling and television-themed costumes worn by staff, creating one of the show’s most memorable visitor experiences.

Agilysys secured the Best Stand Design (Under 50sqm) award, demonstrating how thoughtful design can maximise a compact footprint. Despite its smaller size, judges praised the technology company’s contemporary aesthetic and bold visual identity.

The award for Best Stand for Doing Business went to Marriott, whose exhibition recreated the atmosphere of the company’s hotel lobbies and guest spaces. Judges highlighted the welcoming layout and its ability to facilitate productive conversations in the fast-paced exhibition environment.

Meanwhile, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi received the Best Stand Feature Award for an immersive destination showcase that blended Emirati heritage with interactive technology. Its standout attraction, a dune buggy experience featuring integrated digital screens, gave visitors a virtual taste of Abu Dhabi’s desert adventures, while traditional craftsmanship and museum-inspired design celebrated the emirate’s cultural identity.

Within the co-located ATM Travel Tech exhibition, HBX Group was honoured with the Best Use of Technology Award. Judges commended its innovative use of suspended digital features, effective spatial design and seamless integration of technology into the overall visitor experience.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director for RX Global in the UAE, said this year’s exhibitors demonstrated how exhibition spaces have evolved beyond marketing displays into environments that foster meaningful business relationships.

“The standard of this year’s stands has been exceptional,” Curtis said, noting that the judges recognised creativity, immersive experiences and thoughtful design across every category.

Held from 14–17 September under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” Arabian Travel Market 2026 concludes today after bringing together tourism leaders, airlines, destinations, hotels and travel technology companies from around the world.

As the exhibition closes, the Best Stand Awards underscore a broader industry shift: in an increasingly competitive travel marketplace, successful brands are no longer judged solely by what they promote, but by how effectively they create memorable experiences that inspire partnerships and connect with travellers.