Marhaba France is a new business to business to business event that Atout France, Middle East and Turkey office has initiated this year.
“The Middle East traveller in 2013 represented the second most important growth market for France with a 20 per cent increase over 2012 and a 15 per cent growth in hotel nights, so with this growth our office here visited key areas of France to educate them on how important this market is,” said Marc Humphries, deputy director Middle East and Turkey regional office for the France Tourism Development Agency. “We are not participating at the ATM, therefore, Marhaba France gives us the chance to create a buzz among travel agents.” More than 45 suppliers and 120 tour operators/travel agents have registered to attend the event from 10 countries in the Middle East.“We have put a large delegation of the top French destinations together, including regional tourism boards such as Cannes, Nice, Monaco and Paris, but also some other destinations like Lyon, especially with Emirates flights to these secondary cities. “In addition, there will the top hotels and tourist areas such as Rhone –Alps and the major resorts of the French Riveria, but also incoming tour operators as the trade here in the Middle East would like to be introduced to inbound tour operators who can assist them with their clients’ needs while in France,” says Humphries.This workshop is unique to other destination workshops as registered agents will receive their own username and password so that they can utilise the online platform and organise pre-arranged meetings so that supplier and travel agents can make the most of their time. The event will be held May 2 and 3 at the Sofitel Dubai Downtown.By Kim Thomson