News Bits

A Rough Guide to... Arabian Travel Market

What it is? Arabian Travel Market is the industry's leading travel and tourism exhibition dedicated to exploring the business potential within the Middle East. Key market players participate in four days of intensive meetings, seminars, press conferences and social networking opportunities from Tuesday until Friday at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre

It a big deal? Launched in 1994, and last year's exhibition – which marked the show's 15th anniversary – opened with its largest exhibitor base of 2,229 participants from 70 countries.

To date, more than 400 exhibitors representing 62 countries have signed up for the show, with more than 30 exhibitors making their debuts. In addition, the exhibition has seen steady overall space uptake by nearly 60 national tourist bodies representing six continents, including new-to-market showings from Mozambique, Philippines, Ecuador and Slovenia.

What's up for grabs? The event's signature awards scheme, the New Frontiers Awards, will be staged for the fourth time in 2009. It is presented to a destination that has made a strong recovery and positive contribution to tourism development in the face of the overwhelming adversity. The award is chosen by a panel of judges consisting of regional and international industry professionals.

Watch out for The seminar programme and initiatives like career day will directly address today's pertinent issues, said organisers.

This year's seminar will include 16 free-to-attend sessions, with more than 25 industry leaders speaking over the show's first three trade-only days. For details, visit www.arabiantravelmarket.com.


Verbatim

'From the revolution until 2008, under kings, emperors, and presidents, there was never control of the palace's expenses. We must be exemplary'

Christian Fremont, top administrative aide of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who removed free lunches from the Elysee menu to reduce palace expenses.

Senior staff members will now have to pay €8 (Dh40) for a three-course midday meal.

 

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