This week's Arabian Travel Market will occupy 2% more floor space than last year, a sign that the industry is back on its feet, says the organiser.
Arabian Travel Market will welcome 700 exhibitors from 56 countries and occupy 2% more floor space than last year when it kicks off tomorrow. Exhibition organiser, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), says that the figures are way beyond its earlier expectations and are indicative of a healthy recovery in the travel sector.“This result demonstrates the resilience of this industry and we view it as a positive sign that the sector is now truly rebounding,” said Tom Nutley, managing director, Reed Travel Exhibitions. “We are particularly encouraged that the show has managed to expand its geographic exhibitor spread as well as product range.”The show will occupy around 8,500 square metres and include 212 individual stands. Britain, Cyprus, Switzerland, Slovakia, France and Turkey have all increased their presence. Algeria, South Africa, Mauritius, Korea and Greece will be exhibiting for the first time. The North American presence at the show will be minimal, although “We’ve never had a massive American contingency,” according to Matt Thompson, group exhibition director with RTE. He expects US participation to increase in future years when Emirates begins direct flights to North America.The show runs from tomorrow (Tuesday May 7) to Friday at Airport Expo Dubai. The show is aimed largely at trade visitors, although there will be consumer sessions on Thursday and Friday evenings.
