Arabian Travel Market 2006 attracted a record number of trade buyers from 99 countries to the Dubai World Trade Centre – with total numbers up 10% on last year’s figures to reach an all-time high of nearly 11,674. ATM 2006 was…
Arabian Travel Market 2006 attracted a record number of trade buyers from 99 countries to the Dubai World Trade Centre – with total numbers up 10% on last year’s figures to reach an all-time high of nearly 11,674. ATM 2006 was attended by 974 media – up 29% – with nearly a third travelling from overseas.
The show had 38% more allocated floor space – spanning 22,229 square metres – to accommodate 1,750 exhibitors from 59 countries – including 114 first time participants.
“This augurs well for next year’s show, which will run from May 1 – 4. With the level of interest already expressed and repeat bookings from exhibitors, next year promises to be even better,” said Chris Chackal, Group Exhibition Director, Overseas Events, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) – organiser of Arabian Travel Market.
Statistics showed significant increases from North and South America, Asia and the Middle East – which accounted for 83.3% of the total number of buyers attending the four day exhibition.
“Trade visitors from the Americas were almost double last year and we believe this indicates new markets opening up for the show,” said Chackal. “Delegates signed in from countries not represented last year – including Andorra, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Croatia, Macau, Mexico and Zimbabwe.”
“We have seen an increase in repeat visits of our Meridian Club members – the top identified buyers attending ATM with the purpose and the authority to source and purchase travel products and services showcased.”
Of the 1,445 Meridian Club members attending ATM 2006, approximately a third returned for business three days in a row.
“Their return visits to the show emphasise the amount of business generated and the range and quality of exhibitors at Arabian Travel Market,” 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.
