The Arabian Travel Market is kicking off in Dubai with a record number of exhibitors. A total of 1,750 travel firms, tourism boards, airlines, hotels and property developers are present from 59 countries. This year’s 13th annual marketplace is 39 percent larger than last year’s in terms of floor space.

“Since the show was first launched in 1994 we have repeatedly recorded growth averaging 10 percent per annum,” says Tom Nutley, chairman of Reed Travel Exhibitions.

This highights the continuing expansion of the tourism industry throughout this region as well as the increasing value of the outbound market with new destinations seeing the Middle East as a key target market.

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has the biggest stand in the show’s history, while the Greek and Argentinian tourism boards boosting their presence.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai attended the event.

Saudi Arabia will launch new tourism destinations and packages, as well as tourism-related investment opportunities that are expected to draw the interest of event participants and guests.

Sama Dubai, the international real estate investment and development arm of Dubai Holding is also participating for the first time in this year’s edition of the Arabian Travel Market.
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