ITCA Dubai 2007 ends on high note with a 25% increase in visitors

Speaking on the significance and consequent outcome of the event, Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), said that the Middle East region deserved every bit of the international interest and attention it continues to receive, and that the success of ITCA Dubai was a clear reflection of this fact.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has projected that by 2011, the air transport industry will handle 2.75 billion passengers - 620 million more passengers than in 2006. These numbers are particularly significant for the region. Not only is it ranked as one of the world's biggest growth markets, but with a plethora of new players entering associated sectors, and large expansions planned across the board, the sky is literally the limit.

'ITCA Dubai 2007 served as a stepping stone for many companies keen on tapping into the numerous opportunities this region presents. Forums were created where buyers and suppliers could interface with each other and launch products and services,' he stated.

Al Marri added that another indicator of the success of the event was the active participation of domestic and regional firms, and their keen interest in seeking international experience and expertise. 'Not surprisingly, a large number of business partnerships and alliances were initiated at this event, as both exhibitors and visitors made best use of the networking opportunities presented to them,' he stated.

Exhibitors in attendance at the ITCA Dubai 2007 event confirmed the great measure of global in the Middle East, and that it served the dual purpose of introduction and interaction. According to Jean-Luc Gaignard, Business Development and Sales Director for Middle East and North Africa at first-time exhibitor Gate Gourmet, ITCA Dubai 2007 was an important event in the company's calendar of international activities.

'Exhibiting this year demonstrates Gate Gourmet's commitment to the aviation industry and the region. The industry is developing at a rapid pace, and the exhibition provides multiple opportunities to create partnerships and synergies for everyone involved. In this regard, ITCA Dubai 2007 has proven to be an overall success.'

Virginie de Beco, Marketing Manager MENA at Del Monte Foods UAE, corroborates its success: 'We have met existing and new customers from the region. The quality of the visitors and the set up of the exhibition made it possible for us to really spend time with our customers providing qualitative contact moments that will generate business for all involved'. Bert Gerritsen, General Manager at SOLA , the Netherlands, was impressed with the quality of the visitors, especially meeting with new customers from India.

ITCA Dubai 2007 featured a total of 123 participating companies from 23 countries, representing various sectors within travel catering and in-flight services. Events organised on the sidelines - the ITCA conference 'The Middle East - The New Market', the HACCP workshop organised in association with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, and the tour of the Emirates flight catering kitchen - also attracted widespread participation.

The event was organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre in association with the International Travel Conference Association, and sponsored by Emirates airline, while the exhibition component was sponsored by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).