UNDAUNTED by the crisis caused by the global recession in the travel industry, Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE) is all set for its fifth edition this month.
BITE 2009, scheduled to be held from May 14 to 16 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, will meet the challenges posed by the downturn and will again come out successful, say organisers Magnum Events and Exhibitions Management (MEEM).
MEEM admits that it’s hard to match the record number of exhibitors and quality hosted buyers that the show received last year. But the show must go on, says Jamil Wafa, founder and group chairman of Magnum Holdings, the parent company of MEEM.
“BITE is a commitment we have made to Bahrain and HH Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who has provided the show a great support. We will continue the commitment despite the challenges,” said Wafa in an exclusive interview with TTN.
Forty countries are participating in the show this year either as exhibitors or hosted buyers, while about 100 exhibitors occupying around 6,500 sq m will showcase their products and services to the discerning visitors at the B2C exhibition.
“Several leading regional and international companies are participating in a big way and there is no compromise on the quality of the show,” adds Wafa, a 77 year old veteran of the region’s hospitality industry. Excerpts from the interview:
BITE has seen tremendous growth during the past few years. How does it look this year?
During the past four years, the growth has been beyond our expectations. The support we have received from HH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and various public and private organisations, has transformed BITE into an internationally recognised B2C event.
Regrettably, this year’s show is not as big as last year and the participation is somewhat less than the previous one due to the global economic crisis. However, considering the severity of the downturn, we are satisfied with the interest and the participation of exhibitors.
What is the focus of BITE 2009? How do you see the interest for the show within the travel and tourism sector?
As in the previous years, our motto continues to be “Bringing the World to Bahrain”. The show has caught the imagination of stake-holders in the industry and consumers. Countries and companies from across the globe are taking part and coming up with special packages for the expo. I can assure everyone that it will be a quality show.
Over the years, we have seen an increased number of companies taking more space. This year many leading airlines and travel agencies have expanded their presence.They feel BITE gives them a platform to promote their services.
Bahrain’s Labour Fund (Tamkeen), along with its associates, is participating in the show to highlight its support to the sector. It will also focus on career opportunities in the industry. A 35 member high profile delegation from Egypt led by Tourism Minister Zuhai Garana will be participating at BITE to promote the country’s deep rooted history and heritage.
What is the impact of the global recession on the show?
I must admit that this is a very challenging year because of the global financial situation and travel and tourism is one of the worst affected sectors. For us, BITE is not purely a commercial venture and our outlook is long term. As our motto clearly states, our aim is to showcase Bahrain to the international audience and we stay committed to this goal. Not everything that we create is for money.
What is the level of participation in the MICE hosted buyers programme this year?
BITE is the first show in the region to have introduced MICE hosted buyers’ programme. We have brought industry players from all parts of the globe to Bahrain so they can understand our culture, tradition, see the sights and sounds and go back home and spread a good word about the kingdom. This year, we are hosting more than 50 high profile quality MICE buyers, corporate event managers and travel writers under the programme.
Are you happy with the support you are receiving from various government agencies and private sector participants?
BITE has received good support from government and private agencies. The Economic Development Board (EDB), various ministries, the airlines and hotels have been backing the show. However, there is room for more. It is important for the various institutions and organisations in the kingdom to understand that this show is for them, for Bahrain. We are not a trading entity, we are service-oriented.
As an industry veteran, what do you think is needed to spur the tourism sector in Bahrain?
Bahrain has a beautiful culture, tradition and places of interest that can make it a destination of choice for tourists. All you need is a dedicated organisation to oversee the industry which is capable of contributing immensely to the kingdom’s economy and create much-needed jobs. However, it’s sad that in spite of several years of demand by the industry, we are still not properly organised. We need leaders who can inspire in this sector.
Tourism is a very competitive professional activity and quality standards are paramount. You can fill a hotel, but what about the service? There should be a body to check if the market is maintaining the necessary standards.
I would hesitate to classify the week-end visitors from neighboring countries as tourists. We need to attract the quality international tourist with the right kind of facilities and attractions. One must bear in mind that travel industry is a professional service sector and not a bazaar.
Other than BITE, what expos are planned by MEEM?
There are three more expos in the pipeline this year, all new ones. They include an auto accessories show in September, the Mother and Baby show in November and the Made in China exhibition in December.
by SREE BHAT