Photos: Day 2 of Arabian Travel Market

Visitors at Dubai pavilion on day 2 of Arabian Travel Market at Dubai World Trade centre and exhibition halls. More than 1,500 exhibiting companies are taking part in the four-day tourism showcase.

Arabian Travel Market is the market-leading international travel and tourism event unlocking the business potential for inbound and outbound tourism professionals within the Middle East. Above, visitors at Emirates pavilion on the second day of Arabian Travel Market.

Air Arabia’s latest airline ventures - Fly Arna and Fly Jinnah - will be operational by late June, according to the CEO Adel Al Ali. Ali, who was speaking at the Arabian Travel Market, noted that both Pakistan and Armenia have significant diasporas, suggesting that traffic on the routes will be supported by strong VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic.

The Abu Dhabi stand at Arabian Travel Market. Amid a recovery in air traffic demand, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways reported an EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of $272.2 million. “We have never made money before in 18 years and the ball is now making a mark in the back of the net,” said Tony Douglas, CEO of the airline. “This is still a work in progress, but what we have seen is a market that’s come back like a fire hydrant going off – yield is still good in terms of ticket pricing.”

Visitors at Jordan stand on day 2 of Arabian Travel Market.

Each emirate is going its own way with what they want to get out of the hospitality and tourism sector.

Visitors at Shurooq stand.

Arabian Travel Market is considered a bellwether for the travel industry in the Middle East, offering an insight into trends for the year ahead.

Visitors at Yas Island Abu Dhabi pavilion.

Visitors getting their photos clicked with cartoon characters at Dubai pavilion.

Visitors at the Emirates Airlines stall.

Visitors at Oman stand during the Arabian Travel Market at Dubai World Trade centre and exhibition halls, Dubai.