AWTTE 2005 proves resilience of Lebanese market

The Arab World Travel and Tourism Exchange was indeed a Step Furhter by registering over 6,700 visitors, 13 national pavilions and more than 100 exhibiting company over 1718 net squared-meters.

Since its relaunch in 2003 with Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group, AWTTE 2005 reached the highest rates of exhibitors from hotels and resorts (37%) . On the other hand, tour operators and travel agents recorded the highest percentage of trade professionals visiting AWTTE with an increase of 24% over last year's show.

AWTTE 2005 achieved a 26% increase in public visitors over the last edition, whereas 44% trade visitors and 41% public attended the exhibition from over 45 countries.

The opening ceremony took place under the patronage of HE Mr. Joseph Sarkis, Lebanese Minister of Tourism at 16.00 on September 29 followed by the Opening Gala Dinner at Le Royal Beirut, the Gold Host Hotel.

During the Gala Dinner Minister Sarkis appreciated the strong faith and confidence in Lebanon in its remarkable location and promising tourism future. 'Lebanon is not only a tourist destination well-known for its climate and natural attractions, but it is also distinguished for its people, their open-minded culture and strive for freedom and democracy,' he said.

The organizing group's director, Mr. Raouf Abou Zaki, also spoke about the importance of tourism and its potential in Lebanon. He hightlighted the opportunities that AWTTE presents to the toruism industry in the Middle East. 'AWTTE is not merely a gathering for trade professionals. It is an economic, tourist, investment and social convention where participants meet to network and interact. We promise that next year's edition will add to AWTTE portfolio a comprehensive conference and a larger exhibition. However, this objective cannot be achieved without the intensive cooperation between the public and private sectors of tourism, political and economic aspects.'

In appreciation of their work and contribution to develop the tourism industry in the region, Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to:


• Mr. Mohammad Al-Hout, Chairman and CEO of Middle East Airlines


• Mr. Mazen Salha and Mr. Marwan Salha, Owners of Société Grande Hôtels Libanaise, owning company of the InterContinental Phoenicia and Le Vendome Hotels


• Mr. Nadhmi Auchi, Chairman and CEO of General Mediterranean Holding, owning group of Le Royal Hotels chain and ANB TV

'AWTTE was a pleasant opportunity to meet key figures in the travel and investment industries and leading international and Arab authorities and organizations,' says Nadhmi Auchi, Chairman and CEO of General Mediterranean Holding, owning group of Le Royal Hotels Chain and ANB TV.

Qatar, AWTTE 2005 Guest Country, hosted a traditional Qatari night theme at the Habtoor Grand Hotel. Reference to Jan Poul de Boer, Acting Director General for Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in his welcome speech, 'This year AWTTE has already proved to be a huge success for Qatar …. There is great deal of interest in our destination'. He also highlighted Qatar's US$15 billion tourism investment master plan that was unveiled in 2004 saying that 'Over the next 5-10 years, Qatar will emerge into a high quality niche destination with cultural tourism, beach resorts, shopping, lifestyle, MICE, business and sports events.' Moreover, public visitors to AWTTE enjoyed the performance of a Qatari folkloric group and a traditional wedding during the public days with a typical Qatari tent.

The 2005 edition of AWTTE introduced the hotel benefit program, which allowed different hotels in Lebanon the chance to present their products, rooms, banquets, meeting facilities to hosted international tour operators. Furthermore, trade and public visitors benefited from valuable prizes such as round trip tickets, holidays, weekend stays, and cruises. These prizes were presented by exhibiting companies through a raffle draw transmitted live on radio

'The organization of the Exhibition was perfect. This helped the exhibitors know that if the situation was better, the Exhibition as a whole would be more successful,' said Dany Khairallah, Marketing & PR Manager of Grand Hills Hotel & SPA.

AWTTE 2005 was not only a business meeting; it was rather an experience of a whole country, a flavor of what Lebanon can offer. 'Although a full week has passed, the 'hangover' from Beirut is not over yet, and probably will not be over for quite some time, as I have fallen in love with the city...' said Vicky Dalacosta from the EY ZIN magazine in Greece.

Organized by the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism and Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group, the next edition of AWTTE will be announced later in November.