Emily Bamber looks ahead to the highlights of Arabian Travel Market 2008, to be held in Dubai this May
The 15th Arabian Travel Market takes place on May 6-9 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
More than 100 stand-holders from 45 countries will be exhibiting, including Jumeirah, Nakheel, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Refad Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt International, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Group and airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air and Etihad Airways.
Nearly 40 national tourist boards will be represented, with Bangladesh, Croatia and Nigeria exhibiting for the first time. Last year 23,000 travel professionals attended from 108 countries. The show is trade-only for the first three days with the public invited on day four.
Fourteen seminars will take place across the four days. Subjects will include human resources, medical tourism, the future of travel agencies, developing online booking facilities and the role of the Internet in travel marketing. The programme will consider issues from both regional and global perspectives.
“We have worked with exhibitors and industry leaders to drive content for the seminars this year,” said show marketing executive Sarah Kitley. “Topics have been developed from last year’s post-show research.”
Exhibition director Simon Press said: “Arabian Travel Market has continued to go from strength to strength as it cements its position as the Middle East’s longest-standing travel forum, in what is arguably the world’s fastest growing tourism region.”
Here are eight things not to miss:
Hosted Buyers’ Programme
More than 120 international and regional buyers are being hosted at this year’s show – flown into Dubai and accommodated at one of the Hyatt hotels in the emirate.
These key operators, buyers and meeting planners are able to book appointments before the show starts. The Appointment-Setting Session on the opening morning is a chance for networking and, as the name suggests, filling diaries for the days ahead.
When: Tuesday May 6, 9am
Low-cost airline model in the Middle East
In 2005, SAMA was launched out of Saudi Arabia by HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid al Faisal. The country’s investment community quickly supported the airline with $50 million of capital.
The carrier has grown rapidly and is now Saudi Arabia’s second-largest scheduled carrier. The investment, regulatory, commercial and operational issues involved in setting up an airline will be addressed by chief executive Andrew Cowen.
When: Tuesday May 6, 1pm
Exhibitor Welcome Party
Networking is all-important at international trade shows, and Arabian Travel Market is no different. Cocktail receptions, parties and social events on the stands will take place throughout the show.
To kick things off, the Exhibitor Welcome Party will be held in the grounds of the Grand Hyatt Hotel on the opening evening, intended to allow those with stands to interact in relaxed surroundings.
When: Tuesday May 6, 7.30pm
Seminar: Meeting in the Middle East
As hotel development in the region continues, so do options for meetings and conference travel – the subject of a seminar led by MeetMe magazine director Rob Nicholas. Research results will be presented covering areas such as supply and demand trends and factors influencing choice of destination and venue.
When: Wednesday May 7, 1.30pm
Travel Agents’ Day
Agents visiting ATM on the Thursday will find a special programme offering product education, skills training and competitions designed for those working in the trade. Attending agents will receive a ‘passport’ which, if stamped at stands around the show, will make them eligible for prize draws.
Throughout the day, announcements and presentations will be made at the Travel Agents’ Day stage. Entry is free for agents and the day is partnered by Arabian Travel News.
When: Thursday May 8 – all day
The Big Debate
The future role of the travel agent plus online booking technology will be among the subjects discussed by a panel of experts in the Middle East region.
Speakers include Europcar sales manager Olivier Boucher, Marriot vice-president international sales Samir Daqaaq, IATA country manager Ibrahim Kamal and Expedia director of market management Walter Lo Faro.
When: Thursday May 8, 2.30pm
Seminar: Low-cost accommodation needed
The Middle East is crying out for quality, affordable accommodation if the predicted increase in visitor numbers is to be realised.
That’s what Yotel chief executive Gerard Greene will tell delegates at this year’s ATM. Greene will host a seminar ’21st-century travel – luxury and affordability in a small space’.
When: Thursday May 8 at 5.30pm.
Daily news
Look out for the Arabian Travel Market Show Daily for more events and news from the exhibitors as it happens.
When: Throughout the show
