DELEGATES on the Bahrain stand found this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) productive and members of the Ministry of Culture’s Tourism Sector used the event to secure Gulf-wide support for a cruise seminar to coincide with next year’s BITE (Bahrain International Travel Expo).
Isa Hassani of the Tourism Sector said: “The first two days were good, Wednesday was a little bit slow but it has been good in general and we have been around to the other GCC tourism authorities to form a committee to have a seminar in Bahrain for the cruise business, it will involve port authorities, immigration departments, tourism authorities, travel agents, everyone who is involved and will be attended by representatives from Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaima and all the emirates.”
Abraham John, executive director of Magnum Events and Exhibitions Management (MEEM), which runs BITE, said the seminar is expected to take place on May 12, the day before the expo opens.
He explained that attending WTM on behalf of both MEEM and Sunshine Tours, of which he is general manager, had been very useful.
“I have found it excellent,” said John.
“The stand is very good and offers something different to previous years, it is much brighter and the layout is better.
“We have had good interest with people wanting to do business. We are concentrating on three countries, Russia, China and India for BITE because they have economies that are still strong and fast moving and the volume of people travelling is substantial.”
Sarosh Aibara was attending WTM for the first time in his role as COO of Elite Hospitality.
He said: “We are sponsors, along with Gulf Air, of the Bahrain stand. You need to attend a few times so that you’re well networked and people know that you’re serious about the show.
“Wednesday was very, very busy. For the first two days it was people getting to know us and know that we were here. By Wednesday people were approaching us.
“In terms of tourism Bahrain has some way to go but I think we are now moving with a plan in the right direction.”
Hassani added: “It’s been a good show for us and we will be coming back next year and aiming to increase the size of the stand and bring more people with us for example displaying handicrafts etc.”