A greater mix of international participation is set to boost this month's Mediterranean Travel Fair in Cairo, say organisers.
The event takes place at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 17 to 19. Many destinations have signed up to exhibit at MTF 2002 including Bahrain, Cyprus, Dubai, Egypt, India, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Malta, Oman, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and Yemen in an official capacity. Saudi Arabian Airlines will be at the MTF with one of the show's largest pavilions, said organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE). 'This year we have a number of new destinations and companies exhibiting at Mediterranean Travel Fair," said Matt Thompson, RTE's group exhibitions director. "The show will be bigger in terms of space occupied and we will also have representation from a greater number of countries. With the interest currently being displayed in the show, I anticipate that we will have representation from at least 26 countries. "The event is very well supported by the private sector including representation from airlines, hotels, groundhandlers, tour operators, health resorts, spas, technology companies and tourist attractions." Hilton hotels are returning to the show this year after exhibiting at MTF 2001. "Hilton's presence at MTF reinforces Hilton's brand attributes and strengths. We were the first international chain to operate hotels in Egypt and we are still pioneering in expansions in new tourism destinations," said Carmen Ramzy, regional director of public relations, Hilton International Egypt. "MTF is the place to actively communicate with international tour operators and local agents to contract new business." MHR Collections from Athens, Greece are exhibiting at MTF for the first time this year. Jenny Tsioutsis, PR and Marketing Manager, MHR Collections comments: "MHR Collections provides marketing and promotional support to all our hotel members. Part of that support is exposure to different international markets which may offer potential business. Mediterranean Travel Fair is a very important exhibition for us as it allows us to tap in to a different market." Reed Travel Exhibitions is working closely with the network of Egyptian Tourist Authority offices internationally and inviting their most senior buyers to the show. In addition, it is also targeting key buyers from their comprehensive market database. Many buyers have already pre-registered to attend the event this year. One such pre-registered buyer is Andrea Sigler, president, CIMPA (Connected International Meeting Professionals Association), US. "Egypt is one of those few destinations where meeting planners do not need props! Nothing can equal the majesty of the Great Pyramids or the mystique of the Nile," she said. "I have come to know the area and its people very well, hence, am not afraid to travel to this Arab country. When people understand how friendly the locals are, how absolutely magnificent are their treasures and how tourism officials give 110 per cent effort to ensuring the safety of visitors, they would not miss this destination." RTE, which is part of Reed Exhibitions, organises 12 events worldwide, including World Travel Market, Arabian Travel Market, C.I.S. Travel Market, EIBTM, British Travel Trade Fair, La Cumbre, International Golf Travel Market, Mediterranean Travel Fair, Top Resa, AIME, International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) and ICCA Exhibition in association with the ICCA Congress.