Continued Massive Growth Predicted for Arabian Travel Market

The Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East's premier travel and tourism exhibition which is now in its 14th showing at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), could well double in size within the next five years, according to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and Chairman of the Emirates Group.

Sheikh Ahmed made the comment after opening the Arabian Travel Market 2007 - the largest in the annual series with some 2,600 exhibitors from 64 countries – a 24% increase on a record-breaking 2006 event.

Sheikh Ahmed spent one hour 45 minutes on a 1.8 kilometres tour of the show, which takes up nine halls at DICEC - occupying 24,600 square metres, up 11% on last year - accompanied by Tom Nutley, Chairman, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), organisers of the show.

"This exhibition is definitely going to continue on a growth pattern and although it is difficult to say exactly what the growth will be, it could well double in size by 2012," said Sheikh Ahmed.

The Arabian Travel Market 2007 runs at the DICEC until Friday night. It features 116 new exhibiting companies from 34 countries, including first-time representations from China, Croatia, Macau, Palestine, Peru, Ras Al Khaimah, Swaziland, Taiwan and Zimbabwe. The show also marks Visit Palestine's global exhibition debut.

The show also features an expanded educational seminar programme, designed, according to Nutley, to live up to RTE's aim of assisting the progression of the travel and tourism industry.

"We are delivering content," said Nutley. "The show is delivering information, an array of product, services and destinations, innovation and education. We want visitors to walk away from Arabian Travel Market having been immersed in the latest news, launches and visions from this exciting and dynamic travel market. "

"Arabian Travel Market draws people together with common needs and focus, creating a strong community within the travel industry as a whole; fostering productive and often life-long business relationships." 

Nutley said that currently the Middle East is a key focus for the international travel and tourism industry.

"The Middle East has a bright future. Massive development is being undertaken over the whole region and all eyes seem to be turned towards tourism. The World Travel and Tourism Council, in a recent report, states that Middle East tourism is growing by over four per cent year-on-year and that trend is set to continue for the next ten years. There is no better place to be than the Middle East travel industry," he said.

On May 2 and 3, the Arabian Travel Market is a trade-only forum. On Thursday, May 3 from 17.00 and on Friday, May 4 the show is open to the general public. This year, adults pay an AED 20 entry fee, while accompanied youngsters under 16 and American Express cardmembers, are allowed in free.

A percentage of total entry fees will be donated to 'Just a Drop' – RTE's chosen charity providing clean water for needy children around the globe.

Free car parking is available near the Za'abeel hall, opposite the Novotel hotel and close to the Dubai World Trade Centre apartments. Shuttle buses run continuously from 8.00 am between these areas and the exhibition hall entrances near the Novotel and Ibis hotels.

In the evenings, four double decker buses, from the Big Bus Company, run from a designated shuttle area in front of Hall 4 from 4.30 pm until 7.00pm on the first three days of the show. They drop visitors at Wafi City, Grand Hyatt Dubai and Mall of the Emirates.

The opening times of the Arabian Travel Market 2007 are as follows:

Wednesday, May 2 – 10:00 – 18:00 Meridian Club and Trade Visitors
Thursday, May 3 – 10:00 – 20:00 Meridian Club and Trade Visitors / 17:00 – 20:00 Consumer Visitors
Friday, May 4 - 16:00 – 21:00 Meridian Club, Trade and Consumer Visitors

See other recent news regarding: Arabian Travel Market, Reed Exhibitions, Dubai, Travel Trade Shows