For the fifth consecutive year, Bahrain International Travel Expo - BITE 2009 will be held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, from May 14 to 16.
The annual event is organised and managed by Magnum Events and Exhibitions Management – MEEM and will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The Expo seeks to showcase current travel trends, projects and new emerging destinations around the world.
According to Abraham John, Executive Director of MEEM, “BITE is the first B2C show of the region and provides the end users an ideal platform for the display of new products, special offers & promotions besides the launch of new products and services.”
“Based on feedback and responses we have received from the Exhibitors, we are holding the exhibition for three days over the week end from Thursday 14 to Saturday 16, May. Our growth pattern highlights a steady increase in the number of exhibitor and the stand space booked and this was evident at BITE 2008,” he said.
“From a small show in 2005 when we had just 14 countries, 40 exhibitors occupying 1,100 sqm area and 12,500 visitors we have grown to 44 countries (exhibitors and hosted buyers) , 120 exhibitors occupying 8,000 sqm and 18,180 visitors at BITE 2008. For 2009, we expect to cover a total area of 8500 sq m, with at least 150 exhibitors from 50 countries. Over 50 % of the space has already been booked as of mid Oct.
We have seen tremendous increase in interest from hosted buyers and hope to host 150 hosted buyers in 2009,” he added.
The Hosted Buyer’s program is held on the sidelines of the show dedicated to key international MICE planners as part of the prestigious Bahrain International Travel Expo – BITE . The comprehensive destination program includes one-on-one meetings between buyers and sellers at the travel show and an opportunity to experience and enjoy Bahrain’s renowned Arabian hospitality and delights.
“Wellness and Spas will continue to be highlighted at the show next year. The show will provide scope for education of various options that are available to the consumers through agents and holiday shops,” said Abraham. Abraham believes that BITE 2009 will continue to live up to its objective of being a catalyst to strengthen the rapidly growing tourism business in Bahrain and the region by offering innovative ideas and exciting destinations to existing clients while endeavoring to develop a host of new clientele.
As the slogan says “BITE is a gathering of the right company... meeting the right people... at the right time... A place where great minds meet! Be part of it.