Arabian Travel Market 2010 full details

Find out all you need to know about this year’s Arabian Travel Market exhibition, on in Dubai from May 4-7, from the show’s director Mark Walsh.

What are the ATM’s aims and objectives this year?

ATM is a one-stop-shop for the world of travel and tourism. We ensure that we provide our visitors and exhibitors with quality, focused business opportunities, bringing them all the latest industry news and trends in a business friendly, interactive exhibition environment.  Arabian Travel Market has a reputation as being the industry's preferred partner for conducting Middle East business and 2010 will be no different.   Are there any themes behind this year’s ATM?

This year there will be a heavy focus on recovery but compared to the last couple of years we will be looking to the future and positive growth rather then how to cope and ride out the economic downturn.

How do you think this year’s exhibition will compare with last year’s?

Each year we listen to feedback from the industry to help improve year-on-year to make sure the show meet the industry’s needs. This year we have doubled our seminar programme, enhanced our online activity and introduced Zone 8, which will provide a more relaxed area for informal networking away from the hustle and bustle of the main floor. This all goes towards contributing to the business focused content of the show and fosters enhanced interaction. How many visitors are you expecting?

Our main focus is always on the right type of visitors - quality over quantity. High-end influential people within the industry looking to do business is the key to the event being a success. Last year we received over 15,000 visitors and we would expect a similar amount this year.

How do you think the mood at the show will compare to last year?

This year the industry is in recovery and the outlook is much more positive, it’s a very exciting time for business. ATM has always acted as barometer for the industry’s health as the event allows the travel and tourism trade to come together and discuss the future. Progress is being made and interesting developments are beginning to occur as the industry takes its first steps back in to the sunlight after weathering the economic storm.

Have any new exhibitors / destinations signed up?

2010 is already shaping up to be the most comprehensive in the show’s 16 year history. Ninety eight percent of space is already contracted with over 2,200 exhibitors from six continents, including more then 50 new to market representatives.

What do we need to look out for this year?

As mentioned earlier, for 2010 we have doubled the seminar programme due to high demand. This year we have introduced a new room, the Debate Room. This is where top industry speakers will come together in a panel format to discuss key topics such as value tourism, cruise tourism and sports tourism to name just a few. In the single seminar room we will have experts from companies such as Deloitte and EuroMonitor who will focus in-depth on future industry trends. Also new this year is ‘Ásk the Experts,’  these sessions, have been designed to give a step by step guide to public relations, social media and SMS marketing.

Have you added any new features to this year’s event?

Alongside the enhanced seminar programme we have also introduced Zone 8, which allows exhibitors a chance to showcase their destinations to the public through a series of live shows. It also gives visitors a unique chance to experience and interact with a destination first hand. It’s about giving exhibitors a chance to use their imagination and really grab the industry’s attention.

This year we have also expanded our web presence. We have made improvements to our website and we’re now offering visitors and exhibitors a chance to connect much earlier and much easier through our Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter sites. Our Twitter account provides up to the minute news on ATM and key industry developments, and our LinkedIn and Facebook groups are another avenue for exhibitors and visitors to meet and engage prior to the show.

In addition we have just launched connect@ Arabian Travel Market.  This networking tool enables hosted delegates and buyers club members to book appointments with exhibitor pre-event. Exhibitors can view the buying profiles of all hosted delegates.

We recommend that everyone takes advantage of these free tools, to help maximise their time on site.

Why do you think it’s important to attend?

ATM offers unparalleled opportunities for you to promote your destination to the industry’s top-tier professionals. From a visitor’s perspective, you have over 2,200 exhibitors all in once place, allowing you to do six months worth of business and meetings in just four days.

It’s also important to mention that year-on-year this show provides key insights into the economy and predicts and shapes future trends for the travel and tourism trade. During tough economic times it is imperative that the travel trade takes advantage of all ATM has to offer to give them that much needed edge. What’s in store for travel agents at Travel Agents Day this year?

Travel Agent’s Day will be returning for its third year. This year’s event is sponsored by TTN. As in previous editions the day will feature a combination of industry expert debates, educational seminars, fabulous prize give-aways and entertainment features as well as covering aspects such as destination news and education programmes.

The Passport Competition is also back this year. There will be a number of prizes up for grabs, such as city breaks, accommodation packages, MP3 players, car rentals and shopping vouchers. It’s an initiative that brings exhibitors directly into contact with the agents selling their products. Agents can learn about the destination and the services they have on offer which will ultimately secure extra sales.

What are you personally most excited about at this year’s show?

It will be great to see so many of our returning supporters again this year and as always I look forward to meeting new exhibitors as they present their destinations and products, it’s always exciting to see what the future holds for the industry.