Mediterranean Travel Fair remains the key travel trade event for the region

The last edition of MTF took place just two weeks after the events of September 11th but the support from both visitors and exhibitors was extremely positive and helped illustrate the resilience of the travel industry. 'Of course the tragic events of September 11th had an effect on MTF last year but we were delighted that we still had attendance from almost 3000 travel trade delegates and trade buyers from 49 countries.' Says Matt Thompson, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Many destinations and private sector companies have already signed up to exhibit at MTF 2002. These include Jordan, Dubai, Bahrain and Turkey in an official capacity, private sector representation includes Marriott Hotels, Gezira Travel, Thomas Cook, Flash Tour & Nile cruises, Blue Sky Travel and Abercrombie & Kent. Abercrombie and Kent will also offer MTF delegates special rates on pre and post show Nile Cruises.

A new feature planned for the 2002 event is an ecotourism pavilion run in conjunction with the Egyptian Tourism Development Authority which will feature new tourism developments in the Red Sea area. A comprehensive seminar programme will also run at MTF 2002 featuring seminars on ecotourism, ecommerce and the meetings and incentives industry.

'As part of our visitor promotion campaign, we are working with Egyptian Tourist Authority offices internationally and have already identified 1000 of their top operators who will be invited to attend MTF this year.' Comments Lindsey Kavanagh, Marketing Manager for the event, ' We will be hosting these buyers at the event for three nights with complimentary accommodation provided by the Egyptian Hotels Association and heavily discounted flights provided by Egypt Air.'