Sharjah, Saudi Arabia, Italy, France and India all increase presence for ATM 2004

Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), organisers of Arabian Travel Market, the Pan Arab world's premier travel and tourism exhibition, has reported that 80% of next year's show is already reserved with six months to go.

"We are extremely bullish about next year's Arabian Travel Market with Sharjah, Saudi Arabia, Italy, France and India having stated their intention to increase their stand sizes and enquiries constantly coming in from new-to-market companies wishing to exhibit for the first time," said Matt Thompson, Group Exhibition Director, Overseas Events, RTE.

"We are also highly optimistic that many of the Asian countries, which missed this year's show because of uncertainties in the region and their own problems with SARS, will now return to the show."

The Arabian Travel Market 2004, which will be held from May 4-7, will also return to its original home - the Dubai World Trade Centre after two years at the Airport Expo Dubai.

"We may be going 'home' so to speak, but it is very much a renovated home. The new Dubai World Trade Centre is not only bigger but the facilities are second-to-none," said Thompson.

RTE says conservative estimates predict a 15% growth in floor space next year compared to Arabian Travel Market 2003. The growth would take the show to around 10,500 square metres of contracted floor space.

"This would be an excellent result for Arabian Travel Market, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in May this year," said Thompson.

"We anticipate we could well be facing a near 'sold-out' scenario once we have concluded our next major sales push at the World Travel Market in London this November."