ATM changes format following participant feedback

Next year's Arabian Travel Market will have an extra day of business than in previous years to allow for extra business opportunities.

The new format will still include a consumer day in the four-day period, while also accommodating extended business sessions.

The 2011 show which takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre will open a day earlier running from Monday to Thursday (May 2-5), with new opening times creating an extra day of business on Thursday followed by a dedicated consumer session later the same day between 3pm and 9pm.

“We have decided to change the format of the show after a survey revealed that the majority of participants wanted more time to explore business opportunities, while also retaining a consumer element. The new format accommodates that request,” said Mark Walsh, group exhibition director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

“Although business will always be the key driver of the event consumers still provide valuable end-user feedback and key insight for industry professionals,” added Walsh.

Next year's show will the the eighteenth year for ATM. This year the show attracted 2,236 exhibitors covering over 20,000 square metres and more than 22,000 visitors.

“This is a logical move for Arabian Travel Market as the Middle East region is one of the fastest growing inbound and outbound markets in the world,” said Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, director, Overseas Promotions and Inward Mission.

" Dubai will continue to provide a platform to support key industry events like Arabian Travel Market, which help to shape the future of the region’s tourism landscape, not only in terms of infrastructure, but also in terms of social, environmental and cultural development."