DESTINATIONS OF THE WORLD TO UNVEIL MAJOR EXPANSION AT ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET 2000

Dubai-headquartered Destinations Of The World ? a wholesaler to the

travel trade ? is to unveil major regional expansion at Arabian Travel

Market 2000, the Middle East’s foremost travel and tourism exhibition

which will be held in Dubai next month (May).

"During the coming year we plan to open offices in Egypt and Syria,"

said Keith Fernandez, General Manager, Destinations Of The World.

The company, which already operates seven offices throughout the region,

is targeting US $11 million of inbound sales into the Middle East this

year ? with a further target of US $13 million for 2001.

"We believe this is achieveable after undertaking US $9.56 million worth

of incoming business to the region in 1999. The market for incoming

tourism is being enhanced by the gradual opening up of Saudi Arabia and

Qatar. When it comes to outgoing business, better oil revenues will be

the key to growth," explained Fernandez.

Destinations Of The World is one of over 100 Gulf headquartered

companies taking part in Arabian Travel Market 2000, which will be held

at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 2-5.

The show, organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), has attracted over

700 exhibitors from 59 nations.

"Gulf participation reflects both the inbound and outbound market, and

mirrors the trend throughout the show," said Matt Thompson, Exhibition

Director, Arabian Travel Market. "Both segments features many show

newcomers ? outbound for instance has Tahiti and New Zealand represented

for the first time, while new inbound exhibitors include start-up hotel

properties and Gulf cruise operators."