Paramaster comes to the fore at FME 2004

Dubbed 'One of the 66 Hottest Franchises' by the USA's Entrepreneur Magazine, the company provides the world's first year-round indoor golf training centre franchises.

"We can revolutionise golf training in the Middle East by offering affordable, one-on-one golf lessons in a non-intimidating environment using the proven Straight-Line Golf sport technology," said Emre Bahtoglu, of Golife Inc dba Parmasters Mecaa, (GIDPM), Parmasters' Regional Franchisor.

"We intend to award two area development agreements in the Middle East for eight training centres or more. The Parmasters Mecaa region will contain 11 to 12 area developments with 48 to 52 Parmasters Golf Training centres. Further growth will come from a new product Parmasters Golf Training Centres LLC is developing especially for the Middle East targeting international and business travellers."

At FME 2004 Parmasters Mecaa will award two types of franchises - individual agreements for single golf training centres and large area development agreements for multiple golf training centres.

"We are aware that the franchising industry is growing at a very rapid rate in the Middle East - the staging of FME is proof that there is more focus towards this industry," said Bahtoglu.

"Golf is a growing sport in the Middle East, especially in the UAE. However, it is very difficult to create golf courses in the Middle Eastern peninsula because of geographic and climatic conditions. Once created, the courses are very expensive to maintain. Parmasters offers the opportunity to make golf one's business in countries where it isn't possible or too expensive to build golf courses."

Exhibitors from over 15 countries are expected to participate in FME 2004, which will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from February 17-19. The show is being organised by International Expo-Consults (IEC) and presented on behalf of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders.

"The primary reason for interest in this region is the affluence of Middle Eastern markets, the preference for quality goods, fairly consistent import standards and requirements," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice Chairman, IEC.

"Franchising, essentially, is a coming together of the western business entrepreneurs in the region who exhibit a high degree of professionalism, and the co-operation and dependability of Arab business professionals.

"Franchising in the Middle East is growing at a commendable rate of 27% annually. The franchising industry worldwide has taken notice of the enormous potential of Middle East growth and hence the investment and growth potential of the market is enormous."