AS THE travel and tourism industry gets ready for the region’s biggest trade fair, TTN speaks to MARK WALSH, Arabian Travel Market’s (ATM) group exhibitions director about what’s in store.
Has the recent unrest in the region affected the show and if so how, have any changes been made to take this into the account for example in the seminar and speaker programmes?
We have noticed that in times of economic difficulties ATM is becoming increasingly important as a barometer of the tourism industry. It is the leading event in the region and will be a major focal point for the industry to discuss the plans for the future.
We have a very strong seminar programme this year with a range of new and exciting seminars taking place covering airlines, luxury, new hotel concepts, sustainability, social media, fashion and events.
What are your expectations for this year’s ATM and how are exhibitor numbers looking in comparison to previous years?
With only three weeks to go, Arabian Travel Market will cover 20,000 sq m of net exhibition space maintaining its position as the leading event for the region. We are expecting more than 2,200 exhibitors and stand-sharers, from 69 countries and over 22,000 industry professionals to attend this year’s show.
We have witnessed around the same numbers as last year, but the extra day of business, updated seminar programme and consumer day have certainly attracted more interest pre-show.
Which new countries/regions/exhibitors are joining the show this year?
This year we welcome representatives from the Iraqi travel sector to the show in Dubai for the first time. The Iraq tourism board/ Al Rafidain Company for travel and tourism, has confirmed 100 sq m of exhibition space and is poised to revive its travel and tourism sector.
Other new exhibitors this year include Poland, Hungary, Mexico, Slovenia, Aqaba, Ukraine and Chad.
What is the theme of the show?
Basically ‘one event, unlimited destinations’, Arabian Travel Market is the travel and tourism event unlocking business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. Tourism destinations from the Middle East and around the world showcase a diverse range of products including accommodation options, travel technology, breathtaking tourism attractions and new airline routes.
Also this year, we decided to change the format of the show after a survey revealed that the majority of participants wanted more time to explore business opportunities, while also retaining a consumer element. With more time for people to conduct business, naturally more business will be done.
The new timings are Monday to Thursday (May 2 to 5), with new opening times creating an extra day of business on Thursday followed by a dedicated consumer session later the same day between 3pm and 9pm.
What can visitors expect at the show in terms of what’s new for 2011?
We have conducted extensive industry research and have identified a number of new industry trends that are gathering significant pace, namely medical and cruise tourism.
To support the growth in these sectors we have incorporated into this year’s show dedicated pavilions to accommodate both of these sectors. Also, luxury is a major focal point for us this year and we are running a luxury initiative with our sister show International Luxury Travel Market, which is renowned as the leading luxury show worldwide.
Also, in conjunction with Hotelier magazine, Millennium Hotel Dubai is running a recruitment project in a similar format to BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’. It is a fast track opportunity for candidates looking for a career in the hotel industry at a junior management entry level.
The New Frontiers Award, which was launched in 2006, will take place once again this year and is designed to recognise outstanding contributions to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity, helping the chosen destination with an exceptional marketing opportunity by donating exhibition space at the show to the value of $10,000.
This year we have added an additional business day due to popular demand and have seen a phenomenal take up of our pre-show diary system, Connect@ATM.