ATM is set to showcase some of Britain’s top travel and tourism products in preparation for the summer 2004 holiday season.
More than 30 companies, including those making their first appearance at the show, are joining forces with VisitBritain (VB), the British Incoming Tour Operators Association (BITOA) and five of Britain’s national and regional tourist boards to promote Britain to the Middle East travel trade and visitors.
Commenting on participation of British companies in the show, Mark Miller, VB’s regional area manager for Middle East and Africa, said: “VisitBritain and our partners are delighted to participate in this important travel trade show once again. This year, we have a large number of top British delegates spanning a wide range of travel and tourism products including tour operators, hoteliers, car rental companies, education institutions, shopping, theatre companies and family attractions.
“The range of British products and packages on offer at the Britain Stand will continue to cover the popular destinations such as London, Heart of England, England’s North Country, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In addition, we have a large representation from the UK inbound tour operating industry who provide services to the travel agents, tour operators and airlines when putting Britain travel packages together.
“ATM provides us with a great opportunity to establish new business contacts and network with our long established travel trade and media partners in the region and share some of Britain’s latest tourism developments as well as the official launch of our new VisitBritain toruism website.”
VisitBritain is also using the event to feature some new segment driven initiatives including health and spa, business tourism, London and beyond, special offers on accommodation, chauffer driven cars, tourist attractions and summer English language schools throughout Britain. Stephen Dowd, chief executive of the British Inbound Tour Operators Association, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work with VisitBritain to organise what is a formidable mix of British travel products for this year’s ATM. It is exceptionally good news that the tourism industry and the British government have joined forces together to boost tourism back to the UK with a new strategy commited to strengthening the overseas marketing of Britain. It is time to remind everyone that Britain is a welcoming and exciting place to visit, particularly this year with hundreds of fantastic travel and tourism deals on offer.”