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When a director of sales of a major hotel
in Asia tells you "I wish they had two shows a year !", you know that
the Arabian Travel Market has firmly established itself as a
major travel trade event, and a 'must attend' show for those
within the industry, interested in the Middle East markets.
Now having just closed the ninth of a continuous and growing
success story, the Arabian Travel Market, held annually in
Dubai, is very much for many of Asia's destinations, a beacon
of light in a time of difficulty since September 11.
From Asia - Australia, New
Zealand, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Korea and for
the first time Indonesia, were all exhibiting. The only major
surprise from the Asian markets was Singapore, who withdrew
from the show at late notice following the change in Visa
regulations for visitors to Singapore from the Middle East.
That in itself, is one reason
among many, which is putting Asia firmly in the sights of the
Middle Eastern traveller. Countries such as the US, in Europe
and many others around the world have changed their visa
requirements for Middle Eastern travellers, meaning that many
of these travellers are now looking for alternative and more
welcoming destinations.
Malaysia jumped on the opportunity
doubling its booth space from 2001, to 198 sqm for the 2002
show and has already confirmed that it will be doubling the
space again for the 2003 Arabian Travel Market when it takes
an impressive 400 sqm !! "We need at least 400
square metres next year because of the overwhelming response
we received," said Aminuddin A. B. Hamid, Deputy Director
Marketing Middle East, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board.
Thailand, whose booth was uncharacteristically
bland and poorly designed this year, has also confirmed that
for 2003 it will be increasing its booth space from this years
96sqm to 130sqm for 2003.
For the very first time Indonesia,
mainly represented through the Jakarta Tourism Board, hotels
and agents, was very much on a discovery mission to assess the
show, and to see how best to break into the new markets, that
the Middle East offers. With only 27 sqm in the 2002 show, and
not the best of locations, they were still very pleased with
the results, and have already confirmed 2003 participation
with a more centrally located booth, and an increase in size
to 64sqm. Jasmina Janik, Director of Sales & Marketing of
the Hotel Borobudur Jakarta, said "I was not really
expecting that much from the show, but I have been
amazed." Mr. Cucu of the Jakarta Tourism Board said that
the "Middle East Markets offered huge potential, and that
Jakarta is concentrating its marketing efforts on the Middle
East and Asian markets rather than further afield."
It is not just Asia though that is
confirming next years participation and increasing booth
space, but countries and companies from all over the world are
doing the same.
Among others, Saudi Arabian
Airlines has pledged to increase its stand by 30% for 2003.
"We had a very successful show
this year and negotiated deals with two Malaysian tour
operators in readiness for this summer when we will increase
our flights to the country," said Mohammed Amin
Turkistani, of the carrier's marketing department. "We
also concluded deals with hotels and tour operators from
Germany and Austria."
Dubai-headquartered Ramee Group of
Hotels was also quick off the mark confirming it has doubled
the size of its stand for 2003.
"We are expanding and need to
raise our profile more and this is the show to do it,"
said Preetha Sharma, Group Business Development Manager, Ramee
Group of Hotels. "This year's show enabled us to tie up
with numerous travel agents from around the GCC who have
bought in bulk."
With figures like these if the
Arabian Travel Market 2003 is not yet penciled in your
calendar of events the only question would be - Why ?!
A Quick Look at the Arabian
Travel Market
1999
- First show
300 companies from 52 countries
participated
1995
(held in Bahrain)
Over 300 companies from 35 nations
1996
(returns to Dubai where it has remained)
400 companies from 49 nations
1997
450 exhibitors from 47 countries
1998
530 exhibitors from 41 nations
1999
619 exhibitors from 42 nations
2000
Over 700 exhibitors from 55
countries
2001
782 exhibitors from 59 countries
2002
over 700 exhibitors from 56
countries |
