Hi-tech tourism systems in ATM 2005 launch

In its ATM debut, Dubai-based software specialist Lattice Consultants, will launch its Guest Request Tracking & Guest Grievance Management System for Luxury Hotels & Resorts, a product which has already been successfully tested by 11 Le Meridien properties across the region.

"At ATM we will demonstrate this new software to I.T. specialists from the world's hospitality industry and we are confident that it will soon be an integral part of the sector's critical guest satisfaction procedures," said Talha Shaikh, Marketing Manager, Lattice Consultants.

The great exposure the event offers to participants and their specialist products combined with the congregation of the hospitality industry's top decision-makers from all over the world, are the reasons cited by I.T. companies for investing in ATM.

"Seven years ago we became the first I.T. company to exhibit at ATM and during last year's event we used the show as the forum to announce a Dhs 100 million contract with a major international hospitality player," said Nicholas W. Mobayed, President and CEO, Bond Communications, a UAE-based I.T. technology integrator specialist focusing on the hospitality industry.

"ATM is the right opportunity for us to meet senior I.T. managers from all major hotel chains and learn about their expansion plans and I.T. infrastructure needs," he said.

Bond Communications has offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Beirut and is launching operations in Doha soon.

"The Middle East is one of the world's most booming regions and major investments in the tourism industry scheduled for the next five to ten years will also encourage the simultaneous growth of the region's I.T. sector," said Chris Chackal, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), the organiser of ATM.

RTE says it has already exceeded its target on the size of this year's ATM. Floor space now totals 15,936 sqm, the biggest in the event's history.

Currently, exhibitors from 63 countries, including 56 national tourist boards have confirmed their participation.

This year, entry fees from ATM's public session will be donated to the 'Just A Drop' charity to provide fresh water to communities ravaged by the December tsunami in Asia.

Arabian Travel Market 2005 is held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister and under the auspices of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai.