Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), which organises the Arabian Travel Market has introduced a series of initiatives to ensure the annual event reflects the changing global and regional industry landscape. The…
Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), which organises the Arabian Travel Market has introduced a series of initiatives to ensure the annual event reflects the changing global and regional industry landscape. The floor plan for the 2007 show, which will run at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from May 1-4 next year, has been revised to deliver a more even visitor footprint throughout the exhibition`s halls.
After carefully collating and listening to both exhibitor and visitor feedback we have decided to have the international arenas at the core of the show with the GCC and UAE arenas flanking them, explained Chris Chackal, Group Exhibitions Director, Overseas Events, RTE.
We are also introducing a dedicated pavilion for tourism developments but will restrict participation to projects that are specifically related to the travel and tourism industry. Emerging tourism developments are integral to the show and reflect rising demand and the industry`s seemingly endless need for new destinations. Visitors have told us that it is important for them to be up-dated on the latest developments so that they can better plan their business requirements and opportunities going forward.
Outlining a revised focus for the 2007 show, Chackal said the exhibition would demonstrate particular emphasis on new products, services and destinations.
We will be working very closely with pavilion organizers to assist them in recruiting new-to-market sharers for their stands and creating fresh business opportunities for visitors. We also intend to hold an exhibitor workshop to assist participants with more limited budgets in making the most of their participation and ensuring that they are able to draw visitors to their stands and better compete with the big players.
Other initiatives being introduced for Arabian Travel Market 2007 include an enhanced media centre, working closely with the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) on ways of alleviating parking congestion, partnering ATM ground handler Net Tours on improving hotel-venue transfers for international visitors, an improved industry seminar programme and increased Hosted Buyer Programme.
Our Hosted Buyer Programme for 2007 will be bigger to attract key purchasers from within the GCC and more mainline contractors from the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions segment, which has been identified by exhibitors as one of the sectors for delivering return-on-investment, said Chackal.
Next year will see 150 hosted buyers take part in the programme, all being accommodated at properties in Dubai.
The new initiatives reflect RTE`s commitment to ensuring that Arabian Travel Market unlocks the business potential within the Middle East and the Pan Arab region, said Chackal.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
