THE seminar programme for Arabian Travel Market 2009 has been increased by the organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions, to include up to 16 free sessions, with more than 25 industry leaders speaking during the first three trade only days.
The sessions will cover a wide range of key industry issues such as the rise of spa tourism, maximising business opportunities in the growing Middle East cruise industry; the outlook for the Gulf’s MICE industry and the future of air travel in the Middle East.
“The current economic climate is generating some of the most severe operating conditions the travel and tourism industry has ever faced. We firmly believe that discussion, debate and examining solutions are going to be essential factors in the sector’s recovery, and this needs to begin happening sooner rather than later,” said Mark Walsh, group exhibition director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
“Based on demand, we have decided to enhance Arabian Travel Market’s seminar programme for 2009. We have been in discussion with exhibitors, travel bodies, organisations and the media to develop a seminar programme and speaker line-up that tackles those issues most critical to our future success.”
Adding weight to the seminar programme again this year is Travel & Tourism News (TTN) Middle East, media seminar programme partners. Under the sponsorship, TTN, one of the Middle East’s leading industry magazines, will add high-level consultation on the programme, speakers and session development.
“TTN is very pleased to sponsor Arabian Travel Market’s successful seminar programmes once again for 2009. These programmes provide excellent insight to the regional travel business relevant to MENA and provide the opportunity for the travel trade to interact with leading industry opinion makers,” said Kim Thomson, publishing director, TTN.
Registration for the seminar’s can be made through the show’s website www.arabiantravelmarket.com
ATM takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 5 to 8. So far more than 400 exhibitors representing 62 countries have signed up for the show, including 60 national tourist bodies and new exhibitors from Mozambique, Philippines, Ecuador and Slovenia.
A total of 150 international first time hosted buyers have joined the programme, up from 120 last year. The New Frontiers Awards runs again, where a destination that has made a remarkable recovery and positive contribution to tourism development in the face of the overwhelming adversity is chosen by a panel of judges.