India, which will have its biggest-ever ATM presence, is planning to launch a series of new products at the show.
The move comes as India plans to further boost incoming tourism from the Middle East, as traffic from the region has been climbing gradually each year since 2003 with average annual growth rates of 10 per cent.
India Tourism Dubai, the Mid East representative office of the country’s tourism industry, has a 504 sq m pavilion, an increase of more than 20 per cent compared to last year’s ATM. This year’s event is likely to be attended by Renuka Chowdhury, India’s minister of state for tourism.
“Our participation last year was extremely successful as we achieved substantial mileage with respect to the promotion of India as the destination for the new millennium,” said Prakash Jajoria, regional director, of Dubai India Tourism.
At ATM 2005, India Tourism will launch a host of new holiday packages targeting the region’s budding golfing community and honeymooners. Special adventure holiday packages will also make their debut.
“We are hoping to meet with visitors from the hospitality and airline sectors, as well as with travel agents, tour operators and corporate travel buyers and the general public,” Jajoria added.
Apart from India’s many travel and tourism industry players which will be hosted at the India Tourism pavilion, the country’s representation will see a number of standalone participants, including the flag carrier and some major hotel chains. Indian Airlines and Air Sahara will be accompanied by Taj Group of Hotels, The Bird Group, The Grand Group, The Imperia and The Kumarakom Lake Resort, in its ATM debut. The combined exhibition space occupied by these companies is 122 sq m.