Visa International, the world's leading payment brand, is to sponsor the 8th Arabian Travel Market being held in Dubai from May 1-4, as the Official Payment Card.
"This is a great opportunity to partner with the region's travel industry as the Official payment card sponsor," said Peter Scriven, Visa's Middle East General Manager. "The travel and entertainment sector is one of the most frequent users of Visa today, a credit card really is a prerequisite for international travel. Whether used for booking a hotel room, eating out or renting a car, Visa is the natural travel choice time and again." The Gulf's travel industry accounts for spending of over US$13 billion a year worldwide and Visa continues to grow as the first choice payment option. Visa cardholders can purchase goods and services at over 20 million locations worldwide, cutting out the need for the consumer to carry large quantities of foreign currency. There are more than 643,000 ATM machines around the globe that accept Visa so cardholders can withdraw cash whenever they need it wherever they are. Visa's website www.Visa.com also features a ATM locator function so travellers can double check where their nearest ATM is at their destination. "The Arabian Travel Market is a great forum for Visa to showcase just how essential a card is when travelling, whether it is for a Gulf resident to travel from the GCC, a tourist coming into the region or for those that are travelling around it, Visa is the essential travel companion" added Scriven. Organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), Arabian Travel market 2001 will be the largest in the show's history with 8,000 square metres of available floor space. "Visa is backing the show for the second year running and repeat custom is the best recommendation an event can have as proof of its business generation potential," said Matt Thomp1son, Exhibition Director, Arabian travel Market.