Dubai/Saudi Arabia. Arabian Travel Market – the Middle East’s travel and tourism event which takes place 5-8th May 2009 in Dubai – will be an important opportunity for Saudi Arabia to promote its ongoing tourism strategy, said the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) – the organisation that manages the country’s tourism industry. Dr. Fahad Ibrahim S. Al-Jarboa, Assistant Vice President for Marketing, SCTA, said that the show was a key pillar in the Kingdom’s increased marketing and sales initiatives and provided a vital platform for local companies to generate positive business leads in a one stop setting.
“SCTA’s participation this year carries wider perspectives and opportunities after the approval of its new regulations, in which it was granted full authority over several vital tourism sectors: travel and tourism agencies, tourism accommodation, tourism investment, antiquities and museums,” said Dr. Al-Jarboa. SCTA’s 529 sqm stand at Arabian Travel Market, which runs at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, comprises three major sections; archeological sites (Al-Ula, Dirry’ah, and Old Jeddah), partners (public and private sector), and a stage for folk performances.
The show’s Hosted Buyers programme will increase to 150 top international, first time participants for 2009 – up from 120 last year. In addition, 2009 will see the debut of Careers Day, a programme designed to enable meetings between exhibitors and members of the general public with a keen interest to work within the industry or developing an existing career. The initiative is held under the patronage of the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Education.
