The 13th edition of MITT, taking place 22-25 March 2006 at Expocentr, Moscow is…
The 13th edition of MITT, taking place 22-25 March 2006 at Expocentr, Moscow is exceeding all sales expectations. The leading travel and tourism event on the Russian market, MITT2006 is experiencing a surge in interest. The event is poised for new levels of success with many established exhibitors increasing their space as well as new companies and destinations coming on board.
Event Manager, Frederique Maurell, says Over recent years, the Russian tourism market has matured and outbound figures continue to increase. More and more companies are realising the potential of Russia, and are looking to tap into this lucrative market. We are delighted that companies are looking to MITT as key to accessing the Russian market.
New national and regional representations at MITT2006 include Conseil Regional du Tourisme Agadir, Macedonia Ministry of Economy and Taiwan Tourism Bureau.
Newcomers also confirmed include Best Western International, Century Tours, China Partner, Conde Nast Johansens Ltd, Consorzio Terme Euganee, Fab Travel, France Meeting, Golden Tour, Kemer Resort Hotel, North Cyprus Tourism Centre, Tairiku Travel Co Ltd, The World is Yours, Travco, Wineways and Winjet.
The organisers have seen a marked increase in the number of specialised travel companies booking space for the first time, reflecting the development of the tourism market in Russia. One such company is Wineways of Italy, who specialise in gastronomic tours and have booked their first ever participation at MITT.
There has also been a notable growth in the number of five star properties booking space at MITT2006 testimony to the growth of the luxury market in Russia. First time exhibitors include Peninsular Hotels and Burger Davis.
Many established exhibitors have reserved additional space. In Pavilion 2, dedicated to European destinations, the Greek National Tourism Organization has booked a substantial 1924 sqm, doubling its participation compared to last year. The national tourist boards of Bulgaria, Czech Tourism, France, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Denmark and Turkey have all increased their space.
In Pavilion Forum, dedicated to long haul destinations, there has been a large increase in the number of companies booking. Amongst the national pavilions that have confirmed a larger participation are China, Dubai, Fujairah, India, Israel, Malaysia, Maldives, Sharjah and South Africa. The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board has doubled its stand size.
Key Russian companies will again exhibit at MITT2006 in Pavilion 1. 40% of the exhibition is dedicated to Russian exhibitors and to the important inbound and regional domestic travel market. There are a number of new exhibitors confirmed including official participation from the St Petersburg region, Bon Voyage from Kyrgystan, Hotel Orlenok, Moscow and Hotel Morkoy, Odessa.
Maurell continues, The interest shown in the Russian tourism market this year has been phenomenal. We have had to create more space at MITT2006 due to the demand. Visitors will benefit from seeing more destinations represented and a diverse range of products at this year’s show.
The figures confirm the potential of the market. Over 19 million Russians travel abroad each year and this figure is rising. With more airline routes opening throughout Russia, the number of travellers will continue to grow. Furthermore, the spending power of the Russian traveller abroad is high. WTO ranks Russia as the 10th biggest tourism spender in the world. PATA reports, ‘Spending by Russian travelers abroad has increased 15.5% per year since 2000.’
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