The Middle East Travel and Tourism Summit 2006 (METTS) was officially announced at the World Travel Market in London on November 15.
The two-day event will take place at the Dead Sea in Jordan on February 26 and 27, 2006. Supported by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and the Jordan Tourism Board; the World Travel and Tourism Council, UK Trade and Investment as well as Reed Travel Exhibitions, this British-led regional and international event will encourage public/ private sector partnership in the travel and tourism industry.
METTS will bring together 500 industry leaders, finance houses as well as senior government officials, from emerging and developed tourism markets in the region, including North Africa, Turkey and Iran, who will provide a platform for a positive interactive discussion essential to the sustainable development of a competitive national tourism product. “We have decided to stage this event in Jordan for the first year in light of the great progress that has been made by the Jordanian Government to further its tourism industry and promote sustainable development,” commented Samar Ashqar of Events Unlimited.
METTS also announced a strategic partnership with Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), the leading international organisation behind many travel and trade shows including WTM and ATM. Tom Nutley, chairman of RTE, said: “We are pleased to be supporting the Middle East Association of London in its endeavours to establish an annual event that will further sustain development through partnerships in the Middle East and North Africa. We have seen tremendous growth in the travel and tourism markets in the region over the past year, which provides ample opportunities for private sector engagement across the spectrum.”
James Lawday, director general of the Middle East Association (MEA) said, “By combining the MEA’s strength as the foremost trade association in business with the Middle East and North Africa region with Reed Travel’s impressive industry portfolio, we are creating a synergy that will have a durable impact on the economies of the region.”