ATM records 15% rise in footfall

Dubai: Arabian Travel Market 2008 (ATM) recorded more than 15 per cent increase in trade visitors compared to last year according to Reed Travel Exhibitions, the show organisers.

"We have seen very positive increases in the quality of visitor coming through the show's doors this year," said Simon Press, exhibition director of ATM, which ran at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 6 to 9.

"With considerable purchasing power, these visitors have the authority to sign deals on the spot, reiterating the importance buyers place on the region as a key tourism market."

With over $100 billion worth of tourism development projects being showcased at ATM, the global industry received a look at the Middle East's tourism portfolio.

"The Middle East is the fastest growing and most dynamic travel and tourism market in the world. As such, buyers from across the globe attend Arabian Travel Market to meet with potential customers and to identify key opportunities. As organisers of the event, we have increased the show's offering and developed a more holistic environment for the industry's players to conduct business. This is clearly paying immediate dividends," said Press.

More than 2,200 exhibitors from 70 countries represented at this year's show. Organisers believe destinations and companies from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas are utilising Arabian Travel Market to promote their offerings to an increasingly affluent Middle Eastern customer base.

Close to 90 new-to-market exhibitors signed up for the 2008 outing, with more than 62 national tourist bodies taking space at the exhibition.