Railway and cruise sector emerging across Middle East

News of planned railway projects coming on board and more activity around the ports and cruise industries, has built a demand for businesses that cater to the transport industry, particularly across the catering supplies services.

The cruise season has seen the port of Dubai handle 200,000 passenger movements from 2007-2008, and over 98,000 cruise passengers are expected to arrive in Oman during the 2008 winter season.

Joanne Cook, Group Industry Manager - Food Cluster, DWTC, said:

"It is not just the airline industry that is seeing huge growth in the Middle East. There has been tremendous activity across all forms of transport - from railways to water carriers. As a result of this growth, associating industries, particularly businesses catering to transport catering solutions will grow in demand. ITCA 2008 will be the ideal setting bringing together professionals from the transport industry looking to source leading catering specialists from the region."

ITCA Dubai 2008, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre in partnership with the International Travel Conference Association (ITCA), is the only dedicated travel catering services exhibition for the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent region.

The event takes place from 3 - 5 November at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

Running for the third year, this year's show plans to be the most successful to date based on the quality of exhibitors and the growth in demand for catering services to supply the expanding transport industry with more than 100 suppliers showcasing their products and services.

Sponsored by Emirates Airlines, ITCA 2008 is the ideal event for airline representatives, charter service operators, and in-flight service professionals to cruise caterers, government officials, and logistics providers.