Captivating and affordable Britain showcased at Arabian Travel Market 2009

VisitBritain will showcase some of Britain's top travel and tourism products as a preview for the summer 2009 holiday season, at its stand located in Europe Hall, stand number EU 630. VisitBritain is using this event to promote its annual initiatives and campaigns.

Carol Maddison, VisitBritain, Marketing Manager, UAE, said:

"ATM provides VisitBritain with the ideal platform to promote and share some of Britain's latest tourism developments. ATM has always been a major travel trade event for us to reinforce our commitment to the Middle East as a priority market. It provides us with a great opportunity to establish new business contacts and network with our long established travel trade and media partners in the region."

A variety of key British companies will join forces with VisitBritain. They include the UK Border Agency, One NorthEast, Camp Beaumont, Lancaster Landmark, Park Plaza Hotels, Radisson The Mayfair Hotel, The Spires Apartments, Prestigious Travel and the Aviator Hotel in Farnborough. All are aiming to promote Britain and encourage visitors from the Middle East to come and experience what Britain has to offer.

"We look forward to having One NorthEast with VisitBritain for the first time this year at the Arabian Travel Market. One NorthEast is recognised as the official tourism support process for North East England by VisitBritain. Visitors to North East England can experience over 2000 years of history while enjoying luxury accommodation, spas and fantastic city culture. Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa was voted Best UK Spa Destination by Conde Nast Traveller and Best Spa for Style by The Sunday Times," added Maddison.

According to, Jackie Colton, Visa Services Operations Manager, Iran and the Gulf States, of the UK Border Agency International Group, British Embassy Dubai, it has been a busy time since last ATM. The last 12 months have seen continuing increases in the number of UK visas issued across the Gulf region, with applications up 15% in Kuwait and a staggering 40% in Saudi Arabia.

UKBA processed 72,745 applications in UAE 2008-9, of which 24,614 (34%) were from Emirati citizens.

After a successful first year, the UK Border Agency is expanding the popular and convenient Visa Application Centres in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah, to incorporate more space for premium customers.

VisitBritain will heavily promote new regions in the UK as well as its annual campaigns. These campaigns include 'Homecoming 2009', a Scottish government initiative in partnership with VisitScotland which offers the discerning traveller great Scottish holiday ideas for 2009.

"Bond Street is delighted to be joining Visit Britain at the forthcoming ATM event in Dubai. The Arabian Travel Market is hugely important to London's luxury offer and we are keen to show our famous flagship shopping destination, as well as highlighting our rich heritage of craftsmanship and service," said Bruce Dundas, Chairman of The Bond Street Association.

The 'Good Value' campaign will also be launched, with its key message of value for money. Due to the pound's drop in value, VisitBritain lays strong emphasis on Britain's new affordability since the exchange rates have never been better for Middle East travellers.