WORLD Travel Market experienced an increase in buyers attending the event to strike deals with Middle Eastern exhibitors in 2012. Almost 1,600 (1,597) buyers attended WTM 2012 with the intention of signing deals with Middle Eastern exhibitors compared to1,510 for WTM 2011, an increase of six per cent. Independent research by Fusion Communications reveals WTM 2012 will generate £1,860 million ($2,860 million) in industry deals through contracts signed at the event or agreed before WTM 2013.
The Middle East regions welcomed seven new main stand holders including Iraqi Tourism Board and Marta Consulting at WTM 2012.
Furthermore, 5,438 of WTM’s almost 29,000 visitors said they were interested in gathering information from Middle East exhibitors – and 25 buyers interested in the Middle East attended the two Speed Networking sessions of last year’s WTM.
Simon Press, director of Reed Travel Exhibitions, World Travel Market, said: “The increase in buyers looking to agree deals with Middle Eastern exhibitors demonstrates the important role the region plays in the global travel and tourism industry.”