First of its kind Adventure Show to be held in Dubai

It is the only show of its kind in the Middle East, which brings together the world of adventure travel and action sports. The show, targeted at holidaymakers and adventure aficionados is expected to attract a wide spectrum of exhibitors from across the world.

"In addition to being one of the fastest developing commercial centers of the world, Dubai is also becoming the leisure capital of the region with its assortment of international sporting and tourist events," said David Domoney, Managing Director, International Conferences & Exhibitions. "Moreover, residents of the Arab Gulf States, expatriates as well as GCC Nationals enjoy a very active and affluent lifestyle, which enables them to participate in a variety of action sports. The traveler today is more discerning and requires a custom-made holiday package with a difference. The Adventure Show 2002 will provide a window to a gamut of global adventure travel destinations as well as the latest range of international equipment for action sports. The show will appeal to anyone on the lookout for something innovative and different to do in their spare time, be it holidays or general leisure," he added.

A report by the World Tourism Organization predicts phenomenal rise in long-haul tourism in the course of 2002. It is estimated that the average annual growth rate in international tourism will increase by 4.1 per cent in the next decade. In addition, the number of international tourists travel is expected to reach 1 billion by the year 2010.

The report also forecasts a return of consumer confidence in the travel industry, because of the social necessities deeply embedded in modern lifestyle which include the desire to travel, the necessity that people have to travel for business reasons, but more importantly the need to take an occasional break from business to enjoy relaxation and leisure activities.

The exhibition will be extensively promoted throughout the Gulf with the objective of appealing to an audience of energetic, vibrant and affluent adventurers. It will attract some of the leading names in the sport and adventure travel industry featuring luxury lodges, adventure consultants, mountaineering, surfing, nature and outdoor discovery, farm/home stay holidays, horse safaris, aquatic adventures, skydiving and historical tours, walking tours, 4 wheel drives, paragliding, extreme sports, bungee jumping, bird colony tours and archaeology among others. Exhibitors participating in the show can capitalize on a wide selection of sponsorship opportunities that include adventure lounge, seminars, video walls, climbing wall, banner sites and hospitality suites.

The choice of venue and the timing of the Adventure Show 2002 is expected to be crucial for the tourism industry, which has witnessed considerable fluctuation in recent times. The show will provide an impetus to the international tourism industry that is beginning to show signs of revival after the 11 September tragic events. "The aggressive marketing campaign undertaken by the Middle East tourism sector and the immense support provided by governments in the GCC countries has renewed confidence in the region and opened up a wealth of opportunity. Emerging markets have definitely come of age and new markets are fast appearing where previously none existed," said Domoney.