The world on show in Dubai

The buyers represent major tour operators, meeting planners and other decision makers from around the globe who have an interest in the market here. Exhibitors are advised to take advantage of this opportunity to network and consolidate their contacts.

Travel agent day

ATM's inaugural Travel Agent Day, sponsored by Arabian Travel News will take place on May 8.

ATN will be handing out passports - sponsored by key travel suppliers - to all agents attending the day.

The idea is that travel agents visit the stand of each exhibitor featured in the passport and answer a question posed by each in their section of the passport document.

If they answer correctly they receive a stamp and will be entered into a prize draw. Each travel supplier is offering a different prize. Winners will be announced at the end of the day.

To register, log onto www.arabiantravelmarket.com and click on ‘Travel Agents Day' on the side bar.

All travel agents will be given an ATN passport on day three at the registration points dotted around the exhibition centre. They will also be distributed with copies of ATN handed out at the event.

Industry seminars

As part of its commitment to deliver a complete package for exhibitors and visitors, ATM officials have beefed up the seminar programme this year, bringing the agenda down to the show floor to make the sessions easier and less time-consuming to attend.

An impressive line-up of industry leaders has been brought in and the topics have been chosen to reflect key areas of concern for regional travel professionals following post-show research carried out last year.

The future of the role of the travel agent, the growth of internet marketing and reservations, human resources and niche markets are among the topics of debate that the major sessions will cover in sessions running on May 6, 7 and 8.

Tuesday, May 6:

1300-1400 Low-fare airline presentation by Andrew Cowen of Saudi Arabia-based Sama Airlines

1530-1630 Mark Turner of American Express speaking on ‘Agent Disintermediation' and how agents are adapting to cope with developments across the global travel industry

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