Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of the Arabian Travel Market, has introduced key changes to the 2008 show format.  The four-day event, which celebrates its 15th showing next year, will now be trade-only on the first three days when it runs at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from May 6 - 9.

The Arabian Travel Market 2008 only be open to general public on the last day. Show timings have also been altered, with the event scheduled to open at 11.00 am and close at 7.00 pm on 6, 7 and 8 May 2008 in order to avoid peak Dubai traffic hours, as well as make it convenient for travel trade professionals to attend. On 9 May, the show will open at 4.00pm and close at 9.00pm.

“Working to ensure exhibitor and visitor satisfaction is of the utmost importance for us,” said Simon Press, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market. “At the end of each event, we conduct extensive contact programmes to gauge feedback from industry players.

“Post-show research has revealed that Arabian Travel Market has received very high satisfaction levels from both exhibitors and visitors. Revised timings will allow trade professionals more time to conduct business and network with exhibitors as well as buyers.”

The event’s 2008 showing will see an improved floorplan with hotel, travel and technology companies being flanked by Europe on one side and the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East, on the other side followed by North Africa, Africa, the Americas and Asia.

“Following Arabian Travel Market 2007, we wanted to improve the visitor footprint throughout the show. For the 2008 event, we have decided to give Europe a main entrance and sandwich the hotels, car rental and technology area between the Middle East and Europe halls. By taking this action, the flow from Middle East through to Europe will be time effective for both visitors and exhibitors alike,” added Press.

“We have also grouped the United Arab Emirates with the rest of the Middle East and North Africa so all the tourism products from the region are in one area, which will help visitors locate them easily.”

The Hosted Buyer session will take place on the first day of the event prior to the official opening. This gives exhibitors the opportunity to book key meetings with VIP buyers at the beginning of the Arabian Travel Market week and these key buyers more time to conduct business at the event.
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