p10 Conf mar6 4/3/09 20:38 Page 10
news conference preview
ttglive.com
Arabian Travel Market 2009
May 5-8 ■ Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre ■ Dubai, UAE
Arabian Travel Market will take place amid fears that expansion
HOSTED BUYERS.
of Dubai’s tourism infrastructure is stalling. Mike Lane reports
Buyers’ scheme expanded
to include 150 participants
THE number of first-time
international participants
in Arabian Travel Market’s
Hosted Buyers programme
has been increased from
120 to 150.
The programme identifies
high-quality buyers, based
on purchasing and decision-
making power, and introduces them to potential
partners.
On the opening day, buyers and exhibitors can
Dubai ‘remains strong’
prearrange business meetings in advance.
“Since the Hosted Buyer programme was
implemented, we have seen a steady increase in
the number of ‘quality visitors’ attending the
ARABIAN Travel Market has dismissed reports of received a £6.9 billion loan from the UAE central show,” said Mark Walsh (above), group exhibi-
financial meltdown in the region, claiming the bank, would complete current building projects tions director at Reed Travel Exhibitions.
event is a “must-attend” for the UK travel trade. and continue to invest in tourism. “The decision to increase the number for 2009
Reports of job losses, falls in hotel occupan- “If the Middle East is of interest to you, the is an extension of our ongoing commitment to pro-
cies and construction projects being put on hold organisers of Arabian Travel Market are going to viding direct business channels for the industry.”
have sparked speculation that the bubble has ensure that the experience will be educational The VIP buyers’ Meridian Club, also a feature
burst in the event’s host state, Dubai. and will address what is happening,” said Walsh. of Reed’s London show World Travel Market, has
But Mark Walsh, group exhibition director for While the event has no direct competitors in been rebranded to Buyers’ Club to give it its
Reed Travel Exhibitions, the event’s organiser, the region, Walsh claimed many hoteliers would own identity. It will be sponsored by the Qatar
said the reports were exaggerated. be skipping next week’s ITB show in Berlin and Tourism and Exhibition Authority.
“[The economic downturn] is a global problem opting to do their business in Dubai instead.
and Dubai is affected, but it’s still strong,” he With pre-registration up on last year,
said. “Hoteliers are saying that they have now organisers are expecting 15,000 attendees – the
NEW THEME.
got to knock on doors to get business. highest in the event’s 16-year history.
“Dubai has got hotels, the weather and is safe. Walsh predicted that tourism would continue
Careers Day introduced
It’s a pretty user-friendly place to be and a great to flourish in the region, particularly in Saudi A NEW Careers Day will take place on the final
tourism destination.” Arabia and Oman, as each destination develops day of Arabian Travel Market, giving exhibitors
Walsh added that Dubai, which last week a niche and finds its market. the opportunity to meet up with visitors looking
for jobs or career changes within the travel trade.
There will also be career workshops and
AGENTS’ DAY.
products and services, and meet exhibitors. seminars on writing CVs and covering letters, and
Travel Agents’ Day aims to
There will also be a competition to increase interview techniques.
brand awareness of exhibitors, with prizes Exhibition director Simon Press said: “The
build on inaugural success
awarded on a dedicated stage. travel industry is evolving to the ever-changing
Exhibition director Simon Press said: “Travel needs of the public and there is a constant
ORGANISERS of Arabian Travel Market hope to Agents’ Day proved to be a huge success in its need for individuals within all sectors of this
increase the number of agents attending as first year, as we had more than 3,000 agents industry.
Travel Agents’ Day returns for a second year. through the door. Due to popular demand, we “We see Careers Day as a way of tapping into
On May 7, agents will have the opportunity are repeating the event in 2009, and hope to the fantastic skills sector within the Middle East
to attend destination briefings, discover new welcome even more agents.” and helping to evolve the market in this region.”
10 06.03.2009
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