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AIBTM 2002 is under way
The Arab International Business Travel & Meetings Show (AIBTM<.>), the only dedicated meetings and incentive show for the Middle East market, is now well and truly under way. Early support has been unanimous in its declaration, that there is a need for a Meetings and Incentive exhibition for the rapidly emerging Middle East market for both inbound and outbound activities.

Supporting this initiative, leading international organisations ICCA "The International Meetings Association". Tom Hulton Chief Executive stated "ICCA certainly encourages such initiatives especially in regions where there is considerable potential for the MICE industry. The AIBTM is the only show, which will directly target Meeting Planners in a region where the emphasis and promotion has been - up till now - on developing tourism". MPI "Meetings Professional International" will be presenting an industry related seminar programme.

Exhibitors already include the Bahrain Ministry of Information and Tourism Affairs, Moroccan National Tourist Office, Tunisian National Tourist Office, Kuwait Airways, ICCA, MPI, Meeting Planner Magazine, Bradmans, Gulf Air as the Official Carrier for AIBTM, Gulf Hotel & Gulf International Convention & Exhibition Centre with further support being pledged from TradeArabia.com and TTN Middle East.

Indications lead ITE Middle East to realise their minimum target of 700 square metres of floor space, compared to AIBTM 2001 inaugural show reaching 50 exhibitors coming from mainly Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Egypt.

For 2002 AIBTM are expecting to attract 125 exhibiting companies, with Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, UAE, Malaysia, Britain, Cyprus, Malta and many of the leading hotel groups all expressing a wish to get involved.

Additional emphasis is being placed on a qualitative 200 strong-hosted buyer programme, from Europe, North America, Africa and Asia, who are looking to do business in the Middle East region and beyond. Early registrations are already being received from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Theodore Koumelis - Monday, September 03, 2001