METTS in Jordan - an outstanding success

SPONSORS:
Main sponsors- Saraya Jordan
• Bahrain International Circuit
• Port Ghalib - M.A. Kharafi
• Jordan Tourism Board
• UK Trade & Investment
• Siraj Capital
• Aqaba Development Corporation
• Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority
• Ayla Oasis Development Company
• Zara Investment Holding Company
• Dubai Convention Bureau
• Maltrans Travel & Tourism Company
• WS Atkins

METTS 2007 will be held in the Gulf at a venue to be announced shortly. A brief synopsis of METTS 2006 follows:

Day One: Sustainable Development through Tourism at METTS - realising the potential in the MENA region. Topics discussed included: public and private sector partnership, responsible tourism, aviation and airports, major tourism projects and foreign direct investment

METTS brought together a diverse range of public and private sector professionals involved in the travel and tourism industry. The two-day summit focussed on sharing knowledge and building relationships towards a common goal: realising the potential of this industry to drive sustainable development for the Middle East and North Africa through public private sector partnerships.

Public / private sector partnership was a key issue and focussed on the innovative role taken by Jordan, Egypt and Dubai. Suggestions for more successful and responsible project inception and execution included non -governmental organisations taking a lead role on initiatives related to cultural heritage, tourism promotion and community development.

The importance of engaging local communities and creating jobs through investment featured in all five panels. Some panellists notably Saraya Jordan, Bonyan International Investment Group and Siraj Capital (Iran) made impressive presentations on forthcoming developments and resorts across Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

The Port Ghalib project in Egypt was a noteworthy development. Mr. James Pringle, Senior Counsellor of M.A. Kharafi Group, laid out plans outlined for the resort as a model for blending environmental conservation and cultural preservation with a range of entertainment and leisure facilities.

Earlier to these exciting new resorts was a major point of discussion in the privatisation of airports and aviation panel. Panellists agreed that some responsibility on access rests with the airlines, but that national governments should also fulfil their responsibilities in facilitating entry and visa requirements.

Day Two: Sustaining Tourism Development - education and role models affecting positive development, security, diversification of products, microfinance and investment

Tourism should be a vehicle to train and educate a generation of role models. METTS' contribution to this through the training and leadership session, generously sponsored by UK Trade and Investment and targeted at young executives, set an important precedent for harnessing existing talent and for focusing future generations on the importance of this industry. Training and education in this sector is not only crucial to inspire future role models but also to
encourage individuals to protect and develop their local environment and to give local communities a stake in their future.

The success of tourism is 'people- driven'. Tom Nutley, Chairman of Reed Travel Exhibitions (organisers of World Travel Market and Arabian Travel Market among others) and partners of METTS noted that whilst diversification of tourism products is key, effective human resource allocation, team co-operation and interaction, and the basic human components and workforce are the essential ingredients determining selection of a host destination for international exhibitions.

Following closely on the engagement of local communities, day two also focussed on how private sector enterprise through adequate partnerships can play a role. Lyndall De Marco, from the International Business Leader's Forum (part of the Prince's Trust) gave an inspiring insight into the projects undertaken by IBLF and their positive impact on youth development in local communities across the region.

Mr Namaan Adra (Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance) noted how start-up costs in Tourism can be minimal, making it one of the more easily accessible sectors. This can be enhanced through the use of micro-credit initiatives, an important link between tourism and prosperity that invites further development.
Tourism can flourish only if the resources, assets and clientele base are adequately protected. Olive Group gave a noteworthy presentation on discreet ways of mitigating the risk of security incidents in tourist resorts and destinations. Brian Iselin spoke of an innovative approach to security management and Tourism by introducing Iselin Consulting's latest project of tourism security professionals in Syria to reassure visitors.

Day Two ended with presentations from the Algerian and Sudanese Ministers and a senior official from Bethlehem. All invited investors to share the potential for profitable growth that can overcome economic difficulties and develop sustainable growth for future generations.

METTS Organising Committee and Plans for 2007

METTS will become a major annual event in the region, moving from one country to another. By tackling responsible tourism the message comes over loud and clear that profitability and responsibility must go hand in hand to secure sustainable development of the economies of the region.

The event was organised by the Middle East Association, Compass Rose International and Events Unlimited of Jordan. Michael Thomas, Acting Director General of the MEA, commented that this was the first event of its kind since the MEA and CRI signed a partnership agreement. Susan Sandouka, Director of CRI, said that this was an excellent continuation to the partnership cemented by the successful 'Libya: Opportunity & Challenge' held in Tripoli in 2004 and 'The Middle East Symposium' held in London last July.

The MEA-CRI partnership has some exciting plans in place to organise quality events that will add fresh insights with real value to those involved with business development in the region and most importantly to contribute to the sustainable development of economies.

Samar Ashqar
Managing Director
Events UnLimited
P.O.Box 830998 Amman 11183
Tel/Fax: +962 6 5656550

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