TDIM opens on Sunday

The show is expected to showcase an estimated Dhs700bn worth of tourism projects with more than 50 leading tourism projects developers exhibiting.

The event will be held from January 20 to 22 and will occupy 19,000 square metres at the Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre, Zabeel Hall & Hall 1.

Over 5,000 local and international corporate and individual investors, tourism officials, tourism facilities operators, global destination brands and specialists are expected to visit the show which will be organized by Reed Exhibitions Middle East with the support of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and DTCM (the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai). TDIM sponsors include Nakheel, Dubai World Central (DWC), Falcon City of Wonders, DUBAILAND™ Destination and Emirates Airlines.

The list of participants at the exhibition is led by DTCM (Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing), Nakheel, DWC (Dubai World Central), DUBAILAND Destination, Global Village, BAWADI, Plantation, Universal Studios DUBAILAND, Falcon City of Wonders, Aldar, Sorouh, Al Qudra, Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, Tamouh, Egyptian Tourism Authority, the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, B&G Hotels & Resorts from Egypt, Travellers, Group RCI, Marina D'or from Spain and Jack Rouse & Associate from the US, among other participants.

Visitors from the following countries have pre-registered to attend TDIM 08: Bahrain, Kuwait, KSA, Qatar, Yemen, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Nigeria, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, the US and Argentina.

In an effort to provide global investors with opportunities to evaluate potential investment prospects in the region's tourism projects sector, an innovative initiative branded HICE (Hosted Investors & Corporate End-Users) is being conduced as part of TDIM. "The programme will facilitate direct contacts between high-end global investors and potential tourism sector projects as our research has pointed to the need for such a platform", said Ara Fernezian, Show Manager, TDIM 08.

TDIM's extensive seminar programme will feature leading international and local speakers including Jean Claude Baumgarten - President, World Travel & Tourism Council and Saleh Al Geziri - Director of Overseas promotion at Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; Government of Dubai, both of whom will address keynote sessions, Charlie Bray - CEO, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), Darrell Metzger - CEO Ruwaad, and the IAAPA Vice Chairman, Nick Turner - Regional Managing Director, Group RCI, Keith James - President and Partner, Jack Rouse Associates and Alistair Gosling - CEO of Extreme Group, UK. 'Showcase seminars' will be presented by representatives from Nakheel, Dubailand, DWC, Falcon City of Wonders, Al Qudra, Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, Tamouh, Hydra Properties, Aldar, Sorouh, Al Hanoo Holding and B&G resorts.

The specialist seminars will run between 2 pm and 6 pm on the 20th of January. Showcase seminars will take place between 11 am and 4 pm on the 21st and the 22nd. The TDIM exhibition will be held in Hall 1 and Zabeel Hall at the Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre. Exhibition timings are 10 AM to 6 PM, 20th to 22nd January, 2008.