Arabian Travel Market 2003 bookings remain up despite war

Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East's premier travel and tourism exhibition, say space bookings for this  year's show remains up on last year despite uncertainties in the region.

"Space contracted to date is 10% up on last year," explained Matt Thompson, Group Exhibition Director, Overseas Events, RTE. "In the last  couple of weeks, we have had a small amount of participants withdraw from the event, predominantly European private sector companies. The lost space of 209 square metres is counteracted by an additional 247 square metres booked since the second week in March."

Recently contracted exhibitors include newcomers to the show from Pakistan, South Africa, Malaysia, Kenya, Vietnam and Yemen.

"These include tour operators and hotel and resort operators," explained Thompson.

"With six weeks to go, we have already grown this year's ATM to 9,000 square metres. Much of this space has been taken by existing exhibitors, particularly tourism boards and hotels, some of which are taking on more space to accommodate demand from the private sector and partners. Moreover, we are delighted to welcome a number of new countries to the show as well as a number of destinations, which are returning after missing previous events, the Maldives and Uganda in particular. There are more than 50 countries represented at ATM and stand bookings are still coming in, particularly from the region [Middle East] and Asia."

To date, some 556 exhibitors from 55 countries have contracted for Arabian Travel Market, which will be held at the Airport Expo Dubai from May 6-9.   Thompson added that visitor registrations for this year's show are also looking positive.

"This time last year, we had received 1,509 visitor pre-registrations and to date, for this year's show, we have pre-registered 2,120 travel and tourism professionals, with applications still coming in."