VisitBritain, tourism partners set for strong presence at Business Travel Show 2008

Britain is the Middle East's leading in-bound market in Europe attracting over half a million UK visitors in 2007 alone, and although nearly 20% of travellers head to the region for business, many often extend their stay for leisure purposes, according to VisitBritain.

Taking place in Dubai from 20-21 October at the Madinat Jumeirah Arena, the Business Travel Show is the region's only dedicated event for corporate travel buyers and VisitBritain will be marking its presence at the show along with partners Tourism Ireland and Radisson Edwardian Hotels.

Carol Maddison, Marketing Manager, VisitBritain UAE, said:

"The Business Travel Show is the perfect platform for VisitBritain to not only reach out and showcase Britain's world-class business facilities to corporate travel buyers, but to highlight tourism attractions business travellers can enjoy during their stay."

Along with its partners Tourism Ireland and Radisson Edwardian, VisitBritain will be collecting business cards from the travel trade for a special prize draw for an exclusive trip for two to the UK and Ireland, including flights and accommodation at the May Fair hotel in London and the Carton House Country Hotel and Golf Club in Dublin.

"Ireland has a rich array of unique experiences to offer both business and leisure travellers and we are pleased to be part of the Business Travel Show as a springboard to gradually channel the Middle East market to our island," said Aiveen Ryan, Key Account Manager, Tourism Ireland Middle East.

"The Radisson Edwardian May Fair Hotel, after having £75m spent on its refurbishment, provides an amazing venue combined with the latest technology for business meetings and conferences. Since the May Fair reopened, the hotel has set benchmarks within the hotel industry and won numerous awards," said Shahdad Jahanbani, Director of Sales for the Middle East.

VisitBritain's Business Travel Market 2008 exhibition stand is located right at the entrance of the Show (Stand# 200), along with partners, Tourism Ireland and Radisson Edwardian Hotels. Representatives from the agency and its partners will be at the booth to host travel trade representatives from across the region.