Countdown to MTF: Number of countries to be represented at Mediterranean Travel Fair set to rise for 2001

Companies from 18 countries have signed up so far to exhibit at Mediterranean Travel Fair (MTF) in Cairo, held at the Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 24 - 26 September this year.

"This is a very encouraging indication that the show will hit all targets", explains Hibba Bilal, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) Account Manager for the region. "As the marketing campaign gets fully underway with its promotion, sales for the event have dramatically increased."

MTF are happy to welcome back The Government of India, Jordan Tourism Board and Tunisia National Tourist Office who return to the show in an official capacity with significant increases in their stand space.

Bahrain and Dubai will be exhibiting for the first time this year, which is a key indicator that the show continues its momentum of growth throughout the region.

"The regional market focus of MTF is one of the most important sectors for Dubai's tourism industry and it is one of our priorities to stimulate growth in this key sector. Middle Eastern tourists travel frequently and are amongst the highest per capita spenders in the world. Regional tourism is a profitable and sought after segment but the competition's fierce, so we have to market Dubai to our potential visitors at such an important event." comments The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem.

Private sector company Destination Asia from Thailand will be represented for the first time this year as well as the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) who will be taking a stand as a first time exhibitor. PATA will also be organising a seminar focussing on current tourism trends for the region. The Connected International Meeting Professionals Association (CIMPA) and Green Globe will also be running seminars during MTF.

Europe will also be strongly represented at this year's event. Cyprus, Slovakia, Italy and the UK have all confirmed to date. The Spanish Tourist Board are once again exhibiting at MTF and have significantly increased their space this year, which they feel necessary to attract Egyptian tour operators and tourism professionals to their stand.

Mr Guillermo Puerto, Director of the Spanish Tourism Board explains that "MTF delegates will be given the opportunity to meet groups from both the private tourism sector and regional tourism boards. Our aim at the show is to enhance the quality of information we provide on our country and to develop our contacts between Spanish and Egyptian private companies, therefore strengthening relations between our countries. I have no doubt that Egypt will become a booming market for Spain".

MTF has the support of the Egyptian Government, Egyptian Travel Agents Association, The Egyptian Hotel Association and official carrier Egypt Air. A huge number of leading private sector companies will also be present at the show this year including, Travco, National Travel Service, Wings Tours, Misr Travel, Thomas Cook, Eastmar and Emeco Travel who are also the local groundhandler for the event.