BBC World becomes official Arabian Travel Market Broadcast Partner

BBC World, the BBC's commercially funded 24-hour international news and information channel, has signed an agreement to be the 'Official Broadcast Partner' for the Arabian Travel Market 2004, the Middle East's premier travel and tourism showcase, which will be held in Dubai in May.

A BBC World crew will also be present at Arabian Travel Market to film interviews for the channel's Middle East Business Report and FASTTRACK programmes.

"This deal with a major high-calibre global broadcast partner further enhances the already considerable credibility of the Arabian Travel Market and its importance to the international travel trade industry," said Matt Thompson, Overseas Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), organisers of Arabian Travel Market.

The show, which is in its 11th year, will run at the Dubai World Trade Centre in the United Arab Emirates, from May 4-7. 

"Over the past few years, we have worked hard to strengthen BBC World's commitment to the travel industry, sharing as we do a target market of affluent, high-spending, frequent travellers. The channel is already the key international broadcaster for the Arab world and this association with Arabian Travel Market will ensure the channel's reputation continues to build," said Bill Mould, Head of Travel Distribution, BBC World.

To date, exhibitors from 52 countries have signed on for ATM 2004, which is already bigger in floor space by 24% on last year's event.

ATM 2004 is expected to benefit from the staging just prior to the event of the 4th Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Doha, Qatar from May 1-3, organised by the World Travel & Tourism Council.

"The synergy between these events is extensive," said Thompson.

"The Summit is the highest-level meeting in the international travel and tourism calendar and together with Arabian Travel Market we will ensure the eyes of the global industry are firmly focused on the Gulf in May."