Kuwait in biggest ATM outing

Kuwait Tourism has increased space at its ATM pavilion to 175 square metres to meet increased interest from the country's tour operators and hotels.

It is joined at ATM 2005 by Refad Hotels & Resorts, with its own 149 square metre stand, more than twice the size of last year's, and Safir International Hotel Management, which has taken 52 square metres of space to promote its 32 regional properties.

Kuwait International Airport-based National Aviation Services is making its debut at the event, which will run at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Nabila Al-Anjari, Assistant Under Secretary for Tourism, said: "Kuwait is preparing a 20 year tourism plan to massively expand this sector and we have a number of exciting developments already under way.

"ATM is the key industry event for us to successfully reach both regional and international buyers to promote Kuwait as a family and business destination."

Kuwait's tourism expansion includes a US$ 3.3 billion project to develop the historic island of Failaka as a major attraction, and the government is also carrying out studies into developing Bubiyan Island.

New regulations allow 100 per cent foreign ownership of tourism projects and this has already seen investment in 20 new hotel complexes and other leisure developments.

Chris Chackal, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) the organiser of ATM said: "Kuwait is actively developing its tourism sector as part of a policy to diversify its economy, and its decision to invest in its largest ever ATM representation reflects the show's status as the key regional travel and tourism industry event.

"Compared to last year's event, Kuwait's ATM 2005 presence has grown by nearly 45% due to a combination of new exhibitors and increased participation from regular exhibitors."

RTE has already exceeded its target for ATM 2005, with 15,936 square metres of floor space booked.

The show runs from May 3-6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and has attracted exhibitors from 63 countries, including 56 national and regional pavilions.

Chackal added: "We have at least 99 first-time exhibitors this year, expanding the range of products and services and offering an even wider range of business opportunities for buyers attending the show."

All entry fees at the consumer session on Friday May 6 will be donated to the 'Just A Drop" charity to provide fresh water to communities damaged by last year's Asian tsunami.

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.