Abu Dhabi to mount its first Arabian travel market pavilion (THEO, FAIRS+EXHBITIONS, MIDDLE EAST) ATM,Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has taken a 500 square metre pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market 2004 (ATM), the largest stand size available, and the first official representation of the emirate at the show.

The pavilion will house some 56 companies, including Abu Dhabi National Hotels, National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels, The Abu Dhabi Department of Civil Aviation, Royal Jet and Al Ain Economic Development and Tourism Promotion Authority.

Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of Al Ain Economic Development and Tourism Promotion Authority, said: We believe the size of the stand we have taken demonstrates beyond doubt that we are taking the development of tourism seriously.

ATM is critical for us. We will be doing business with a captive audience - one that already understands the benefits of doing business with Arabia and a market that understands many of our niche products.

He added: Al Ain offers new potential for real desert safaris as well as historic, sporting and spa interests.

The meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector (MICE) is crucial for the development of the UAE as an international venue. At Al Ain our future plans certainly involve building on the infrastructure already in place to make these kinds of ambitions a reality.

A total of 4 million visitors flew into Abu Dhabi last year and this number is expected to reach 5 million this year, according to the tourism authority.

This year`s ATM is the largest in the event`s 11-year-history with over 1,400 exhibitors from 55 countries and a 30% increase in occupied floor space.

Matt Thompson, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), which organizes ATM, said: ATM has benefited from a stronger representation of GCC national pavilions as well as the first official presence from both Abu Dhabi and Iran.