Mark Walsh, ATM exhibition director says the future is bright for travel and tourism
It’s that time of year again when the travel trade in all its many guises is gearing up for the start of Arabian Travel Market 2010 – the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event.
The last few years presented everyone with tough trading conditions and our industry was of course no different. However we’re beginning to see signs of recovery and here in the Middle East there have been many positive developments.
As we all look to a brighter future it is of utmost importance that we continue to hold events like Arabian Travel Market. The show provides a common ground where issues affecting our industry can be discussed and knowledge shared.
This is an invaluable resource at this time. It allows us to shape the future of our industry together. It’s time to take stock of the last two years and capitalise on the trends that are emerging as we adapt to suit our consumers ever evolving needs.
So it is no surprise that the relevance of Arabian Travel Market is stronger than ever before. 98% of space has already been contracted with most previous exhibitors returning and over 50 new exhibiting companies attending this year’s show.
Every year Arabian Travel Market strives to increase the content available. This year the seminar programme has doubled in size, making it bigger and better than ever before, with top industry speakers examining a number of different issues that really affect the industry such as aviation, hotels, low-cost travel and staffing issues.
Also new this year will be the staging of four ‘zones’ which will provide a more relaxed area for informal networking away from the hustle and bustle of the main floor. These will provide increased opportunities for visitors to interact with various destinations first hand through a series of live shows.
Careers and Travel Agents Days also return in 2010. Careers Day was created to help interested candidates meet potential employers and for employees to meet the most suitable candidates, whereas Travel Agents Day will offer seminars, prize give-aways and entertainment.
Registering at www.arabiantravelmarket.com/register prior to the show allows visitors to take advantage of extensive e-networking tools that will allow them to link up with the most relevant industry players to their business, and so maximising their time at the show.
The future for the region and for travel and tourism is promising. Now we just have to make the most of it.
