The Arabian Travel Market is expected to grow even bigger both in importance and in size next year, with Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) global director Tom Nutley forecasting an overall growth of 10 per cent in size, number of companies, and trade visitors.
Nutley said the hosted buyers program which brought in 60 buyers to this year's show, may be expanded next year, and RTE is talking to all the Gulf countries to hold more post-mart familiarisation trips for the hosted buyers next year.
Nutley said, "Exhibitions are like children. They go on to different levels, and (ATM) has moved on to another level."
Already, a number of exhibitors at ATM '99 have expressed interest in increasing their space for the 2000 mart. Royal Brunei (BI) executive director Sheikh Jamaluddin bin Sheikh Mohamed said the airline would take a larger booth next year and entice Brunei hotels and travel agents to exhibit with it.
Marriott International vice president worldwide sales Middle East, Africa, South Asia, United States and Canada Samir Daqqaq confirmed that Marriott would be booking a 120-square-metre stand, 20 per cent larger than this year's.
The Italian Tourism Board would increase its participation in ATM 2000 by 60 per cent, with a specially-designed stand.
ATM 2000 will be held from May 2 to 5 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.