Arabian Travel Market, (ATM), the Middle East`s premier travel and tourism show, has become the industry`s first non-European exhibition to join the newly formed International Tourism Trade Fair Association…
Arabian Travel Market, (ATM), the Middle East`s premier travel and tourism show, has become the industry`s first non-European exhibition to join the newly formed International Tourism Trade Fair Association (ITTFA).
Previously known as ETTFA – the European Tourism Trade Fairs Association – the body was renamed to reflect the entry into its ranks of the annual Dubai event. The new name will be adopted at the association`s next general meeting to be held from May 3 – 5 during the three first days of ATM 2005, to be held at Dubai World Trade Centre.
ATM will become the 17th member of the association, which already covers most of the major travel exhibitions in Europe. Several shows in Asia are expected to join over the next 12-18 months, and the long-term plan is to take in shows in North America and Latin America.
ETTFA and Reed Travel Exhibitions Chairman Tom Nutley said: Members agree that we should move into a worldwide mode and Arabian Travel Market will bring a Middle East perspective to our activities. Expansion will give us a wider understanding of trends around the world, and I expect a further three or four exhibitions, mainly in Asia, to join us shortly.
ITTFA will speak with one voice to governments and other bodies, to stress the vital importance of the travel and tourism industry and the role played by exhibitions within that.
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