The inaugural ‘New Frontiers Award’ ceremony will now become a permanent feature of the annual Arabian Travel Market in Dubai according to Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of the region’s travel and tourism exhibitions, Arabian Travel Market and Mediterranean Travel Fair.

The award, which will be presented at an exclusive ceremony during the traditional exhibitors’ party, will once again be given to the destination that has made an outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Tom Nutley, Chairman of Reed Travel Exhibitions said, “I am proud to announce the details of the New Frontiers Award 2007. We want to make a practical contribution to the further development of the tourism industry in those destinations that have overcome adversity to contribute to tourism and at the same time clearly demonstrate our commitment to our own corporate social responsibility. Providing US$5,000 worth of free exhibition space at two of the region’s key industry events will give the selected destination a unique opportunity to make direct contact with major international tour operators and potentially the benefits could be unlimited”.

The format for the awards scheme is unchanged, with an independent panel of international judges currently being recruited, representing international charities, global travel and tourism associations and delegates from leading travel and business publications as well as broadcast media professionals. After an exhaustive worldwide search for potential candidates, the panel will initially select twenty worthy destinations and subsequently, short-list the three destinations whom in their opinion, have above all others, made an indelible impact on tourism development over the previous twelve months, against all the odds.

The recipient will be announced during a special awards ceremony, held during Arabian Travel Market 2007, which runs from May 1-4 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Representatives of the nominated destination will be invited to attend the special ceremony in Dubai and rewarded with US$ 5,000 worth of exhibition space for Mediterranean Trade Fair 2007 in Cairo and Arabian Travel Market 2008 in Dubai.

Indeed Phuket, the winners of the inaugural ‘New Frontiers Award 2006’ were able to dramatically increase their overall presence at this year’s MTF, with the generous complimentary exhibition space supplied by Reed Travel Exhibitions.

The original concept for the award was borne out of the remarkable resilience shown by destinations who overcame disasters, either natural or man-made. The New Frontiers Award is designed to recognise these achievements and help in a practical and enduring manner.

Nutley added, “Phuket, was recognised for prevailing through some of the harshest conditions and most difficult circumstances during and post Tsunami. I am delighted to support their marketing efforts here at MTF and I wish them every success next year at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.”