Countries gear up to make a stand for 2001

Countries gear up to make a stand for 2001

Destinations look to promote new product

Destinations look to promote new product

After another difficult year, Turkey is nailing its flag firmly to the mast of a gulet.

This increasingly popular type of holiday is a key strength for the troubled Mediterranean country – First Choice is chartering three extra boats for summer 2001.

Besides its gulets, beaches and historic sights, Turkey will be promoting golf and perhaps more unexpectedly, skiing.

Among the other Mediterranean participants will be Cyprus, which will be promoting special interests, including hiking, cycling, golf and diving.

Over on the Greece stand, exhibitors will include the Kefalonia and Ithaca and Halkidiki Hotel Associations. Kefalonia has of course been buoyed by the filming of Captain Corelli’s Mandarin, starring John Hurt and Nicholas Cage.

Though Halkidiki may not have as many film stars, the Hotel Association does have a new president, Makis Athanassopoulos, who will be present at the show.

Portugal is really putting its faithin World Travel Market, with a newtwo-tier stand, 55%larger than last year’s.

Looking to develop its image beyond the sun and sea market, Portugal has opted for a wine and gastronomy theme and will feature a different wine route each day, with demonstrations and wine tastings.

Also exhibiting with a two-tier stand is Spain. Products such as the Pyrenees, Green Spain and the Cities will be pushed as alternatives to the traditional sun and sea holiday.

Details of a new agents’ training scheme will also be available.

Tunisia has its biggest ever stand, promoting the country’s hotels, casinos, thalassotherapy spas, golf courses, conference centres and eco-tourism options.

Morocco too, will be present, with representatives from the six regions including Fes, Marrakesh, Casablanca and Tangiers.

The Maltese have plenty to smile about, with the reopening of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (an ancient burial place and key tourist site) after nine years. The Malta Tourism Authority will be making a big push for its niche diving and short-breaks markets.

In Italy it’s business as usual, its two-tier stand representing every region in the country, together with a total of 600 private operators, including hotel chains and airlines.

“We try to keep the atmosphere business-like – our aim is to create the ideal conditions for the Italian regions to sit down and talk to operators from the UK and elsewhere,” he said.

News Flash

&#42 Turkey stand: Turkish minister of tourism Erkan Mümcu will be in attendance on the Turkish stand – his first visit to meet the UKtrade. It is probable that the replacement for formerTurkish Tourist office UK and Ireland director Savas Kuce will be announced at the show.

Agent Alert

&#42 Cyprus stand:Cyprus is once again running its Discovery Trailpromotion, the winners of which will take part in an educational to the island.

&#42 Tunisia stand:swinging folk should head for the putting competition on the Tunisia stand.

Milan, Italy: the Italian stand will be creating a business-like atmosphere at this year’s WTM

Mediterranean and north africa by Matthew Hampton

Time Out

&#42 Greece stand: Halkidiki’s nowfamiliar 1950s taverna is back again, serving Greek meze snacks, wine and ouzo.

&#42 Portugal stand: the Portugal Café on the second tier of the Portuguese stand will be serving snacks and drinks throughout World Travel Market – visitors will be able to make donations here to the very worthwhile Just a Drop campaign, which is raising money to improve watersupply in the Third World.