ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET 2000 - ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS !

The 7th Arabian Travel Market closed its doors behind a crowd of happy exhibitors and satisfied visitors, altogether convinced that ATM is the travel trade event for the Middle East. The best in international travel & tourism was represented at the show from Hotel Groups, Airlines, Car Hire Companies to Tourism Boards, and Technology plus a host of other leading travel and tourism companies and organisations.

The show featured over 700 companies from 55 countries spanning 4 halls and over 7,000 sq. metres at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It was the largest event in its seven year history.

New countries exhibiting at the 2000 event included Bahrain, Bulgaria, Hungary, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Romania, Slovakia, Tahitiand Ukraine.

Summary of Show Results

* At total of 5962 trade buyers 378 press and 2641 public attended the event from 76 countries.

* International trade visitor attendance was 1743 with significant increases from the following: Far East 15%, Africa 31%, North America 52%, Australasia 20% and Europe (non EU) 5% compared to last year.

* Impressive increases in visitors from Saudi Arabia 11% and Kuwait 13%.

* 64 Hosted Buyers attended the event representing 27 countries.

* 16% increase in Meridian Club attendees.

* 3209 exhibiting personnel

With the significant rise in countries participating and positive feedback we have received already from visitors and exhibitors, the event this year pointed towards being the busiest ever, with business deals being conducted with all travel sectors for the region's inbound, outbound and intra-regional markets. Matt Thompson commented. "The show has entered a new phase for the millennium and the event will be expanding into new halls for next year to fulfil the demand of participants, indicating the continuing growth of the Middle East's tourism industry.

ATM exhibitors found every reason to be pleased with both the quality and quantity of visitors to the show, as a result some have already confirmed their intention to increase their stand space for next year. New exhibitors had a fantastic show and expressed their determination to be back next year.

Brigitte Vanizette, Chief Executive of Tahiti Tourisme commented " It was the first time Tahiti and her islands were promoted in the Middle East. Arabian Travel Market was very successful for our destination. We met many tour operators and travel agencies interested in selling our destination. Some of the wholesalers at the end of the show started to programme Tahiti and her islands in their brochure. It was a tremendous success." Maria Jordache of the Romanian Tourist Office told us "It was our first time at Arabian Travel Market and is has surpassed all of our expectations. We as a tour operator were on the stand looking for inbound and outbound business - and the great thing is most of the interest was for inbound to Romania. It was really, really good with the contacts and interest we received."

The hosted buyer programme grew again this year, with attendance from 64 of the global industry's most senior and influential buyers. 27 countries were represented. These included Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Singapore, the USA and Canada, South Africa, Malaysia and other countries within Europe including the UK. 70% of the buyers reported to have over $500,000 direct purchasing authority.

"ATM was particularly successful for me for a number of reasons; meeting new exhibitors, new countries, a great opportunity to maintain contacts and the timing of the show is excellent." Keith Woodward, ACE Travel, Saudi Arabia. "The programme will be developed for the 2001 event, one of our top priorities is looking at streamlining the appointing setting session on site at the event, comments Kay Adye, Marketing Manager. "We will also be looking at ways to expand the geographical profile of the buyers in order to provide our exhibitors with the opportunity to branch out into new markets."