TDIM to target MENA region's AED 1.2 trillion tourism projects sector

Dubai, the region's tourism powerhouse, has been chosen as the host city for the inaugural edition of Tourism Development Projects & Investment Market 2008 (TDIM 08), to be held from 20 to 22 January 2008 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC). Reed revealed plans for the show today on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market.

Announcing the launch of TDIM, Frederic Theux, President of Reed Exhibitions Middle East, stated that the exhibition will address several critical gaps that existed in the region's tourism development sector.

"There are a number of key governmental and semi-government institutions, private tourism project developers and key industry players who are driving the region's tourism development. Effective cooperation and coordination between them is essential to achieve the region's ambitious tourism development targets. Through TDIM, Reed wants to bring together the world's key players to boost the prospects for tourism in the region".

The industry's response to TDIM has been impressive and already several leading players including the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubailand, a member of Tatweer, and Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) have confirmed their support for TDIM.

Mohammed Al Habbai, Chief Executive Officer of Dubailand, who spoke at the press conference said: "TDIM represents a significant platform in the progress of the tourism industry and we appreciate the opportunity that it offers. At Tatweer we are committed to contributing to the development of the tourism sector, and this commitment stems from our faith in the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai".

TDIM will focus on showcasing tourism projects in the planning stage which are looking to attract investors, operators, global destination brands, planners and financial institutions. Reed's research has shown that stakeholders in the tourism development chain including asset providers such as governments, master developers, large investors, operators, destination brands, architects and industry professionals are seeking a common platform to evaluate latest developments in the field, network and build relationships.

At the press conference, Theux also revealed the results of a market survey carried out by Reed Exhibitions on the tourism projects sector in the MENA region. The survey estimates the value of tourism projects, to be completed by 2018 at over AED 1.2 trillion. GCC countries account for approximately AED 1 trillion or more than 85 percent of this value. The UAE is the dominant player in the region's tourism development with a 85 percent share of the total value of announced projects, amounting to AED 858 billion. Of this amount, tourism projects in Dubai total up to over AED 450 billion, more than 50 percent of the value of UAE projects.

The AED 1 trillion worth of projects in the GCC will occupy an estimated area of 737 million square meters when complete. The UAE's tourism projects are spread over 558 million square meters - more than 75 percent of the GCC total. Elsewhere in the region, projects in North Africa, primarily in Egypt, Sudan, Morocco and Tunisia, are valued at AED 128 billion while those in the Levant (Lebanon, Syria and Jordan) amount to AED 77 billion.

"The move to organise TDIM in Dubai underlines Reed's commitment to conceive and stage events that support the developmental objectives of governments and needs of the corporate sector in the region and I believe the show will play a key role in acting as a catalyst in the region's tourism development", noted Theux.

According to Ara Fernezian, Show Manager of TDIM 2008 the event would provide a platform for investors to identify new projects, initiate discussions and strengthen relationships, give operators and global destination brands the chance to explore joint venture partnerships in the region. It will also provide destinations with exposure among a highly targeted visitor audience. 'Asset' Providers such as national and provincial governments are also expected to derive major benefit from their participation at the show.

In order to provide added value for exhibitors at the show, Reed will organise a unique Business Meeting Programme at TDIM. The programme will provide opportunities for decision-makers and suppliers to meet, interact and conclude business deals, said Fernezian.