Sheikh Ahmed kicks off ATM

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RIBBON CUTTING: Sheikh Ahmed (C) opens this year's ATM, which has seen an 8% increase in exhibitors this year. (ITP Images)

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum on Tuesday opened this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the region's largest travel and tourism trade exhibition being held in Dubai.

Sheikh Ahmed, Dubai Civil Aviation president and Emirates Group chairman and CEO, accompanied by numerous dignitaries, cut the ribbon to kick off the 15th edition of ATM at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The expo, which runs from May 6-9, boasts 2,208 exhibitors this year, up 8% on 2007, from 70 different countries.

Event organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions said floorspace bookings from international representatives in Asia, the Americas, Europe and Africa had grown by 10%, with Middle East companies increasing their allocation by 5%.

This year's show also boasts close to 90 new-to-market exhibitors, as well as increased space uptake from over 62 national tourist bodies, Reed said.

Countries represented at ATM for the first time this year include Bangladesh, the Philippines, Djibouti, Georgia, Senegal and Nepal.

"Over the years, Arabian Travel Market has evolved in tandem with the regional travel and tourism industry's growth and development. The show's evolution has been a continuing process and reflects the Middle East's emergence as one of the world's most prominent and exciting tourism hubs," Richard Mortimore, Reed managing director, said in a statement.

"The increased regional and international exhibitor participation is a clear indication of this market's expansion. The diversification of the products and services on display further underlines the industry's growing dynamism and competitiveness."

ATM was launched in 1994, and last year's event welcomed over 23,000 travel industry professionals from 108 countries.

ArabianBusiness.com is exclusively covering ATM live from the conference. To view our dedicated special report click here.

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