DWTC launches MENA Travel Catering Exhibition in conjunction with ITCA Middle East Conference

The exhibition will run alongside the first-ever ITCA Middle East 2006 Conference, sponsored by Emirates and organised by the leading trade organisation, International Travel Catering Association (ITCA).

The exhibition and conference will bring together the who's who in the Airline, Cruise Line, Ferry, Railway and Hospitality industries from the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent.

Dubai is the perfect location for such an event as it is not only recognised as the business hub for the Middle East, but also one of the fastest growing countries for aviation and transport in the region.

The UAE has recently experienced AED 132 billion investment by the Dubai aviation sector resulting in a 14.4% growth rate in passenger traffic and 10.9% rise in cargo volume. In addition, completion of Dubai's New International Airport in Jebel Ali will result in the handling of 120 million passengers by 2009. Huge growth is also visible in the ferry service as plans to extend routes are being finalised between Dubai and India.

Other developments across the region include a US$ 270 million grant from the World Bank to develop Egypt's railway system, a $1.5 billion Airport Expansion in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia consisting of 2 new terminals accommodating 21 million passengers and a US$ 300 million investment in Oman International Airport, more than doubling the passenger capacity by 2009.

"DWTC is delighted to work with the internationally recognised industry body ITCA, to deliver a targeted catering event. The UAE and the region as a whole is experiencing huge amounts of investment in transport and it is important that we support this sector," said Helal Al Marri, Director General, DWTC.

"We believe that our experience in organising international exhibitions will ensure the success of MENA Travel Catering and will deliver a target exhibition that not only supports ITCA's inaugural Middle East Conference, but also provides a regional platform for its 700 members to engage with this buoyant market"

he added.

Already many leading catering and service suppliers to the in-flight, rail, cruise line and travel industries have confirmed their participation. Some of the key exhibitors include Achenbach Delikatessen, Al Fustaq Foodstuff, Alupack, Aya Enterprises, CFCS, Chatsford, CNT, Driessen Aerospace, Emirates, Food Point, Godiva / Moka General Trading, Hobart, John Horsfall & Sons, Johnson Diversey, LSG Sky Chefs, Medstar, Nabil FFP, SEM, Silverseas, Sola Airline Cutlery, Trapez, Zorayan plus many more.

"We are excited to be taking part in the MENA Travel Catering 2006 Exhibition. This focused event will help us network with key decision makers from across the region within the airline, cruise and railway sectors. It also presents the perfect opportunity for us to launch our new range of assorted nuts for airline in-flight catering to both the buyers attending the exhibition, as well as delegates to the ITCA Middle East Conference," said Dr P Kanchan, Managing Director, Al Fustaq Food Stuff Factory LLC.

The MENA Travel Catering 2006 Exhibition takes place from 4-6 September at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE.