Briton Mark Walsh, Reed Travel Exhibitions’ (RTE) Group Exhibition Director, has taken over direction of Arabian Travel Market. Walsh, 44, takes over the ATM reins from Chris Chackal who has left RTE to pursue career opportunities elsewhere.

“Mark has the experience and knowledge to take ATM forward to the next level having spent 12 years with Reed Travel Exhibitions working across a variety of international travel shows, including World Travel Market,” said Richard Mortimore, Managing Director, RTE.

ATM is the latest show to join the directional portfolio of Mark Walsh, others include the International Golf Travel Market, City Break – the European cities’ B2B travel event and CIS Travel Market – the travel and tourism exhibition for the Commonwealth of Independent States, North West Russia and Baltic markets.

Walsh is no stranger to the Middle East having worked with Kuwait Airways for two years in a marketing role prior to joining RTE.

“My time with Kuwait Airways gave me a knowledgeable insight into the Arabian market and left me with extremely fond memories of the expansive hospitality for which the region is renowned,” said Walsh.

Arabian Travel Market 2007 will run at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from May 1-4.