Prime Minister opens prestigious seventh edition of Mediterranean Travel Fair 2006

This year's exhibition, held at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Centre, has generated significant interest among exhibitors and participants. The event has expanded in size and scope over the years to accommodate the demands and anticipations of an ever-increasing population of exhibitors and travel industry professionals.

Trade pre-registration was up 27% on the same figure last year which is testimony to the exhibition's success in growing its resource base of participants. The number of total stand holders in 2006 is 113 and a total of 27 countries are represented in this year's exhibition.4 new countries making their first appearance at MTF are Brazil, Bulgaria, France and Kosovo.

Greece is this year's Feature Country and will host a Gala Dinner tonight at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza Hotel. They will also be exhibiting with 160sqm showcasing all that this unique destination has to offer. Mr.Dimitrios C. Lambadarios , President of GNTO highlighted the historical and culture relations between Egypt and Greece. He added that MTF is one of the most important exhibitions in the Middle East one of the most important issues on the agenda of the Tourism Minister of Greece is developing the tourist relation between both countries.

Minister of Tourism , Zoheir Garranah told attendees that MTF 2006 was a great opportunity for participants and exhibitors as it brings a huge number of key players in the travel industry under one roof. He said 'I believe this is a must-attend event for anybody involved in the travel business in the eastern Mediterranean region. It is also a great opportunity for Egypt, the host country of the event, to market its potential in the markets represented in the event'.

Mr. Tom Nutley Chairman of Reed Travel Exhibitions said he was proud of how MTF had grown over the years to reach such a high level of maturity in 2006. He added that this was a clear recognition of the value of the event as the ultimate networking forum for industry operators in the region.

'I am delighted to see more and more participants and exhibitors coming in every year. MTF offers participants a golden opportunity to market products and services, generate new leads and strengthen existing relations'.