ATM 2026 recognises exhibitor creativity and innovation in the Best Stand Awards

• Exhibitors recognised across the ATM 2026 Best Stand Awards, celebrating excellence in design, business functionality, visitor experience and technology 
• Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Marriott, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Rove Hotels and Agilysys among this year’s winners
• HBX Group was presented with the Best Use of Technology Award at ATM Travel Tech, ATM’s co-located show

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 17 September 2026: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 has recognised six exhibitors for outstanding stand design, creativity, technology and visitor experience at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 Best Stand Awards, taking place this week at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

An independent panel of industry experts judged the Awards, recognising exhibitors that went beyond visual impact to create engaging, functional spaces that support business conversations and bring their brands and destinations to life.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) received the Best Stand Design Award (over 150sqm), with judges highlighting the stand's scale and ability to accommodate a high volume of meetings and business activity while maintaining a welcoming visitor experience. The carefully considered three-tier design created distinct spaces for engagement and meetings, combining visual impact with functionality.

Rove Hotels won the Best Stand Design Award (50sqm–150sqm), with judges praising its bold, playful design and attention to detail. The stand successfully brought the personality of the Rove Hotel product to the show floor, using distinctive design elements to differentiate its residential offering from a traditional hotel experience. Judges also highlighted the team's energy and engagement, with quirky, television-inspired costumes adding another memorable, characterful dimension to the stand.

Agilysys secured the Best Stand Design Award (under 50sqm). Despite its relatively compact footprint, the stand caught the judges’ attention with its distinctive contemporary design and clever use of space. Its bold, unconventional appearance created a strong visual presence on the show floor while showing how thoughtful design can maximise a smaller exhibition area.

Marriott was named Best Stand for Doing Business, with judges impressed by the way the hospitality group recreated the atmosphere and functionality of its hotel lobbies and guest spaces. A carefully planned layout created a welcoming setting for meetings and conversations, showing how hospitality-led design can translate effectively into a busy exhibition environment.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi won the Best Stand Feature Award, combining immersive technology, cultural design, and Emirati craftsmanship to bring the destination to life. Judges highlighted an interactive dune buggy activation, featuring an integrated screen experience that gave visitors a taste of dune bashing in Abu Dhabi. The wider stand drew inspiration from the emirate’s world-class museums and architectural icons, while traditional crafts and artistic demonstrations showcased elements of Emirati heritage.

HBX Group, within ATM Travel Tech, received the Best Use of Technology Award for a prominent and highly visual stand that integrated technology throughout its design. Judges highlighted its effective use of space and striking suspended features, which brought together creativity, innovation and technology to create a distinctive presence on the ATM show floor.

The judging panel for the ATM 2026 Best Stand Awards comprised Danielle Azzi Sleiman, Associate Director, Dubai World Trade Centre; Dave Goodger, Managing Director EMEA, Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company; Piers Kelly, Group Operations Director, RX Global; and Sarah Duignan, Director of Client Relationships at STR.

Danielle Curtis said: “The standard of this year’s stands has been exceptional, with exhibitors thinking carefully about how their presence at ATM can create an engaging visitor experience while supporting meaningful business conversations.

“Across every category, the judges saw excellent examples of creativity, technology and thoughtful design, from immersive destination experiences to spaces specifically created to bring people together and facilitate business. Congratulations to all of our 2026 winners.”

This year’s ATM is being held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology,” exploring how innovation, emerging technologies and new ideas are reshaping the future of travel and creating opportunities across the industry.

Arabian Travel Market concludes today, Thursday 17 September.

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