H.E. Khalid Bin Sulayem inaugurates TDIM 08

The show takes place from January 20 to 22 and occupies 19,000 square metres at the Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre, Zabeel Hall & Hall 1.

After the opening, H.E Bin Sulayem toured the exhibition and expressed keen interest in the projects that were displayed. He stated that TDIM addressed the challenges of boosting investment flows and know-how into the region's tourism sector.

Organized by Reed Exhibitions Middle East, TDIM has received participation from more than 50 leading tourism projects developers. Visitors to the show on the inaugural day included top tourism officials, investors, tourism facility operators, and tourism specialists.

"We are proud to bring TDIM to the market and we are encouraged with the impressive response. Visitors from 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 are expected to attend the show over the next three days", said Ara Fernezian, Show Manager for TDIM 08.

TDIM 08 is the first-ever show dedicated to developments and investments in the tourism sector. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and DTCM (the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai) are supporters of the show. 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.

TDIM's extensive seminar programme featuring leading international and local speakers was well received by attendees. Key note sessions were delivered by 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. Other speakers included 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' 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 will take place tomorrow.

In an effort to provide global investors with opportunities to evaluate potential investment prospects in the region's tourism projects sector, Reed has also introduced an innovative initiative branded HICE (Hosted Investors & Corporate End-Users) at TDIM.