Syrian promotion campaign to be launched
SYRIA is to have its biggest-ever ATM presence this year.
The move comes as Syria plans to capitalise on inbound tourism traffic from the Gulf and Middle East. “Inbound tourism from the Gulf countries has been on the rise for the past three years, many factors have played a role in the increase but ATM has played a key role,” said Dr. Saadallah Agha Al Kalaa, Syria’s Minister of Tourism. “We are planning to launch a wide range of highly-competitive tour packages in conjunction with the Damascus Chamber of Tourism and Syrian Air during ATM.”
DTCM stand to host 50 local exhibitors
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will host more than 50 local exhibitors – out of the total 150 local exhibitors participating at the ATM. Models of the ambitious projects currently underway in Dubai, including The Palm, The World and the Hydropolis, will be showcased at the DTCM stand.
BBC World becomes Official Broadcast Partner for ATM
BBC World has been appointed ‘Official Broadcast Partner’ for ATM. The agreement means a BBC World crew will be at ATM filming throughout the show for the channel’s Middle East Business Report and Fast Track programmes. “We have worked hard to integrate the travel trade as part of BBC World programming. We are already the key international broadcaster for the Arab World and this association with ATM will ensure the channel’s reputation continues to build,” said Bill Mould, head of travel distribution, BBC World.
ATM to reflect UAE’s bullish outlook
INBOUND and outbound destination management companies in the UAE are predicting strong growth and are looking to leverage business at ATM. The UAE’s Net Group of Companies and Desert Adventure Tourism are among exhibitors who say regional prospects are on the up and up. “We expect the sector to develop substantially in the Gulf,” said Ali Abu Monassar, vice-chairman of the Net Group of Companies, which is the official ATM ground handler. Desert Adventure Tourism is also in expansionary mode and is preparing to launch outbound services. Managing director Samir Tabbah said: “This year at ATM our main plan is to launch a fully-fledged outbound division offering holiday packages, hotel reservations and airline ticketing. We are already on course to increase the number of inbound tourists.”