All Round Stronger Participation at Mediterranean Travel Fair 2002

Officially opened on 17th September by Dr Mamdouh El Beltagui, Egypt's Minister of Tourism, Mediterranean Travel Fair 2002, was the largest event to date with stronger exhibitor representation and an increase in trade visitors.

"With 31 countries exhibiting, 27 in an official capacity, the international profile of exhibitors has grown year and year" said Tom Nutley, Managing Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions. "Initial visitor figures are also encouraging with an increase in both trade visitors and Meridian Club Members, the premier business club for the travel industry".

This growth however is not based simply on statistics from the 2001 show, which was undoubtedly effected by the events one week prior of September 11th, but on figures from MTF 2000, which is a more realistic comparison.

Results across the board have increased from international visitors, to exhibiting personnel and press. Visitor figures have risen to nearly 2000, (9.8% over the last two years and nearly 19% on 2001) with international attendance by trade visitors up by 7.5% on the first year's event (34% on last year). In addition, international Meridian Club members increased by a staggering 68%. Regional attendance has increased by 12% on the first MTF which helped serve the many exhibitors now focusing on attracting intra-regional travel.

Since the first year, exhibiting personnel have increased by 31% with international participation up by 25% (growth of 69% on the 2001 event). Attendance from the press saw a phenomenal growth of 45% on last year.

Mediterranean Travel Fair 2002 has been the largest and most successful show to-date. "In terms of physical space, MTF occupies 1,866m², an increase of 6.8% on last year. We have 119 main standholders - growth of 9.2% on the 2001 show" said Tom Nutley. 

"The show is much better in terms of presence, both local and international", said Baghat Badawy, Director Technical Sector for the Egyptian Hotel Association (EHA). "This show has been long awaited. Now after the last three years, I think we are going in the right direction".

Exhibitor feedback on the show has been very positive with many exhibitors reporting an increase in business this year. "At MTF we were able to make new business contacts as well as maintain relationships with existing clients. We closed a number of deals. MTF was a very successful and worthwhile show for us", said Andreas Burden, Operations Director, MHR Collections, Greece.

The numbers of deals closed at MTF was highlighted by Robert Nicholas of Nicholas Publishing International (NPI) who signed a contract, set to provide a marketing boost for tourism to Dubai and other Middle Eastern countries. "The deal between Dubai based NPI and CIMPA (Connected International Meeting Professionals Association), USA, will provide the region with a useful marketing boost to the American market, and to a worldwide network of industry professionals" said Robert Nicholas, Managing Director, NPI, Dubai.