ATOUT France, the French tourism development agency, will launch a new event for the Middle East travel trade this month.
“Marhaba France” will be held on May 2 and 3 at Sofitel Downtown Dubai, UAE, and more than 100 operators from 10 countries of the Middle East, including Turkey, will take part in the event, said Karim Mekachera, Atout France director for Middle East and Turkey.Mekachera said the event has drawn good interest with more than 50 French tourism service providers agreeing to take part in the event. The event provides a great networking opportunity for both the regional tour operators and the French firms, he said. The operators will have the chance to organise at least 36 appointments during the two days of the event.“In the small world of tourism, it will create a buzz. We have to be innovative and create something new,” he said.Mekachera revealed that France will not have a pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this year. However, the French participants can optimise their stay in Dubai since the Marhaba France will be held just a few days prior to the ATM.