The third edition of the Gulf Travel Show, the most important virtual event in the region concluded successfully closing with 2500+ one on one business meetings connecting the trade in the Middle East with some of the most important tourism boards, hotels, resorts, destinations, attractions etc from across the globe. Seema Pande, Co-Founder Elev8 shared, “The Gulf Travel Show, as always, did not disappoint. From the set-up, to the demo calls and having a personalized contact during the show all go towards making this a success. Pre-set appointments are always sent to the exhibitors and while being an on-line show, you can end up missing a few, your personal contact will ensure they find their way back to the booth. It was a great platform to re-connect with old contacts and make some new ones. We attended the show with two of our partner hotels, Le Duc de Praslin, Seychelles and the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort and given our experience, I would highly recommend GTS to my industry colleagues.” In the auditorium the sessions conducted by various experts in the fields of travel, hospitality and technology in the region were viewed and shared by the visitors. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was the key topic everyone was looking at as they recently opened its borders and resumed visa on arrival for leisure travelers of the 49 countries that were announced earlier. Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 has provided a whole new outlook for the tourism industry Sanjeet Director DDP in conversation with Muzzammil Ahussain EVP Seera Group finds out more information with regard to the latest tourism projects in the kingdom. Another important factor currently promoted in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is …
Read More »Promising partnerships at GTS day 2
The second day of the Gulf Travel Show 3.0 closed with over 700 one on one business meetings. It was the perfect networking opportunity with agents sharing their enthusiasm to meet partners attending the event. HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa Chairman Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority shared, “GTS continues to be a valuable platform for the Gulf Travel Industry, providing opportunities to engage and reconnect with key industry players from all over the region. The engaging panel discussions and sharing of knowledge made GTS 2021 an informative and fruitful experience. We, at SCTDA, were very pleased to participate at this event, taking the chance to showcase Sharjah’s natural and cultural attractions alongside the emirate’s newest hospitality and infrastructural developments and ongoing safety measures as we move forward into a new and successful tourism chapter.” Auditorium sessions were in full swing today with travel expert Nasir Jamal Khan – CEO Al Naboodah Travel opening the floor under the theme “Strategies for attracting visitors post covid” the panelists included three of the most proactive tourism boards during the pandemic Daniel Rosado – Director – Spain Tourism, Siobhan Naughton – Marketing Executive Middle East and Asia at Tourism Ireland and Claude Zammit– Senior Manager Destination Marketing – Malta tourism. New partnerships and way forward in travel was the next in the agenda with travel professional Manu Mehrotra – General Manager – Al Tayer Travel with panelists Pierre Thomas – Cruise Director – Swan Hellenic Cruises and Stephen Winter – International Cruise Director – Ponant Cruises. Next on the agenda was Malaysia the World’s Healthcare Marvel moderated by Devika Jeet – Director DDP with panelists Norhaslina Othman Vice President Facilitation – Malaysia Healthcare …
Read More »GTS 3.0 kicks off with VIP Day
The first day of the third edition of the Gulf Travel Show ended with its pre-planned meetings for VIP buyers with 320+ meetings. SanJeet Director DDP Group opened the show welcoming all the exhibitors and buyers to the third edition of the Gulf Travel Show. The special industry expert sessions started off at the auditorium with one of the latest trends in the region, the craving for space tourism findings by Zafar Shah, Research Director- Data Products, YouGov MENA followed by Regional trends in flight searches and post pandemic options presented by Dean Wicks Chief Flights Officer Wego, next in line was the update of travel trends in the region with Stewart Smith – Managing Director MEA – Sojern. Hotel industry has been silently working their way over the past 18 months, Mark Willis – CEO Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India shares the latest growth plan for Accor and Bastien Blanc – Managing Director – KSA and Bahrain IHG Hotels and Resorts shared about IHG in Saudi Arabia. Tourism Malaysia is participating for the third time at the third edition of the Gulf Travel Show (GTS) from 12 to 14 October 2021. As a platinum partner, Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 13 booths consisting of Tourism Malaysia Dubai, Tourism Malaysia Jeddah, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), together with three (3) Destination Management Companies (DMC)/ tour operator partners, one product partner, as well as five hotels and resorts from the island of Langkawi. Following this year’s participation, Mr Manoharan Periasamy, the Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia’s International Promotion Division for Asia & Africa says that GTS 2021 is a platform that allows industry …
Read More »Malaysia participates as platinum partner at GTS 3.0 today 10am UAE time
Tourism Malaysia is participating for the third time at the third edition of the Gulf Travel Show (GTS) from 12 to 14 October 2021. As a platinum partner, Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 13 booths consisting of Tourism Malaysia Dubai, Tourism Malaysia Jeddah, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), together with three (3) Destination Management Companies (DMC)/ tour operator partners, one product partner, as well as five hotels and resorts from the island of Langkawi. Following this year’s participation, Mr Manoharan Periasamy, the Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia’s International Promotion Division for Asia & Africa says that GTS 2021 is a platform that allows industry players to share the development and implementation of safety for domestic and international travellers in preparation for reopening the borders, especially for the Middle East market. “Malaysia has successfully completed the vaccination of more than 90 per cent of its adult population against COVID-19, and as a result, domestic tourism has fully reopened effective Monday, 11 October 2021. In the meantime, Tourism Malaysia is gearing up in preparing to welcome more tourists and also continuing in promoting the #WeMissYou campaign ahead of the reopening of our international borders that is expected after we achieve 90 per cent complete inoculation nationwide,” says Mr Manoharan. Mr Nasaruddin Bin Abdul Muttalib, the Chief Executive Officer of LADA also shares, “On 16 September 2021, the government has announced the reopening of Langkawi as the pilot project for Malaysia’s domestic travel bubble, aimed at reviving the nation’s tourism industry. Langkawi has become the first holiday destination in Malaysia to open its doors to domestic tourists who are fully vaccinated. The visitors are also subject …
Read More »Meet industry leaders at GTS 3.0
The third edition of the most popular virtual trade show the Gulf Travel Show kicks off tomorrow 12th October at 10am UAE time until 4pm until 14th October 2021. It will be an opportunity once again to network for three whole days where partners from the Middle East will meet those from across the world. One of the key events amidst the networking will be the interesting panel discussions with experts from the industry. Finding out the countries or borders that are open, what new initiatives are taken to welcome tourists, for the first time cruise tourism and where it is headed after the pandemic as there has been an increase of bookings for the cruise industry which has always been a niche market, now more than ever they have seen the rise of bookings and the new trends in the industry. Space tourism is another subject which seem to grow very close to the heart of the Middle East, as the first astronaut mission from UAE was a success, more interest is gained in the space tourism initiatives and these findings will be shared. Networking with the trade One on one business meetings is the strength in the one of kind event in its third succession, this time too it promises to host buyers with their personalized timings. They will engage and network with partners from travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies, international agencies and media, the event has kept the momentum of the industry on a proactive level. The success of the first two editions in November 2020 and March 2021 subsequently, led to its third edition of the region’s most popular virtual …
Read More »Sharjah tourism becomes the gold partner for GTS 3.0
Mark your dates from 12th to 14th October 2021, 10am to 4pm to attend the third edition of the Gulf Travel Show, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority pledgedpartnership as the gold sponsor for the event. The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority will include seven partners Air Arabia, SATA – Sharjah Airport Travel Agency, Sharjah Collection by Mysk, The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, Pullman Hotel & Resorts Sharjah, DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel & Residences and Centro Sharjah by Rotana Hotel. GTS 3.0 is known as the region’s most popular virtual event where real time networking with one on one business meetings, a fantastic line up of thought leadership discussions with key trade professionals and an opportunity to personalize and promote businesses within a three day period with partners from travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies, international agencies and media, the event has kept the momentum of the industry on a proactive level. The success of the first two editions in November 2020 and March 2021 subsequently, led to its third edition of the region’s most popular virtual event, the coveted Gulf Travel Show 2021. Specialized thought leadership discussions with industry experts Industry experts share insights on the regional travel trends the latest most interested subjects such as Space tourism, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its vision 2030, women in hospitality leadership in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the latest insights from Malaysia heath travel, regional booking trends etc, just to name a few of the sessions. The exciting line up of experts from the fields of travel, aviation, and hospitality as they share their insightful views with engaging panel discussions. Buyer programme The programme for hosted buyers is one of enthusiasm as each buyer has the opportunity to take one step further and secure their position to derive all pertinent information. Motivating engagement between the buyers …
Read More »Arabian Travel Market 2022 going back to the future
Technology, sustainability, education & training, as well as equity in health, education, and economic opportunity to top the agenda. Popular hybrid format to continue – live and in-person event to take place 8-11 May 2022 – virtual edition will be on 17 and 18 May 2022. RX Global, organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), has announced that the 2022 edition of its annual showcase, will focus on the future of international travel and tourism and the likely challenges and the benefits, for a resilient industry that is still coming to terms with the new normal. “COVID-19 has dominated our lives since March 2020 and continues to do so in many parts of the world. However, although international travel & tourism has learnt from past experiences and adapted in some cases almost seamlessly, we now have an ideal opportunity to look ahead to the future of our industry. “Dwelling too much on the pre-covid past, would not necessarily be productive, especially because so many industry parameters and social attitudes have since been completely reset,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market. “Undoubtedly innovation through IoT, AI, AR, VR and improved connectivity overall, will change the face of our industry dramatically, however, there are other challenges, that we should address together and share industry best practice. “These issues include climate change and broader social challenges, as well as stakeholder attitudes towards equity in health, education and economic opportunity, particularly in the communities that we operate in,” added Curtis. Now in its 29th year and working in collaboration with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the event, will take place live and …
Read More »Tourism Malaysia becomes the platinum sponsor for GTS 3.0
As the countdown begins for the third edition of the Gulf Travel Show, Malaysia pledges partnership as the platinum sponsors for the event. The Malaysia pavilion will include eleven partners, Langkawi development authority (LADA), Adya hotel Langkawi, Westin Langkawi resort and Spa, Dayang Bay Resort Langkawi, Panorama Langkawi Sdn Bhd, Rebak Island Resort, Tropical Charters Sdn Bhd, Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Naam Sdn Bhd, Mega Water Sports and Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah. The success of the first two editions in November 2020 and March 2021 subsequently, led to its third edition of the region’s most popular virtual event, the coveted Gulf Travel Show 2021. Recording over 50 exhibitors, 2,100 one-on-one meetings, 1,500 visitors which included travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies, international agencies and media, the event has kept the momentum of the industry on a proactive level. Special sessions with industry experts The third edition promises an exciting line up of experts from the fields of travel, aviation, and hospitality as they share their insightful views with engaging panel discussions. Space tourism has caught on the Middle East market with the first astronaut from the UAE and then the recent expedition by Jeff Bezos has created a new emerging trend. YouGov will be sharing the research and data of this new venture at one of the sessions at the Gulf Travel Show. Buyer programme The programme for hosted buyers is one of enthusiasm as each buyer has the opportunity to take one step further and secure their position to derive all pertinent information. Motivating engagement between the buyers and exhibitors, the leaderboard play a vital role in ensuring that the information is not just disseminated but …
Read More »Trip.com Group commits as official travel service provider for ITB China 2021
ITB China, the marketplace for China’s travel industry, has announced that Trip.com Group will be the Official Travel Service Partner for this year’s show, held from 24 – 26 November 2021 in Shanghai with a virtual extension from 8 November to 31 December. Trip.com Group is one of the world’s leading online travel service providers with global travel brands under its umbrella providing hundreds of millions of travellers worldwide with accommodation reservation, transportation and attraction ticketing, vacation and tour packages, and corporate travel management services. Trip.com Group’s engagement at ITB China 2021 will include numerous on-site activities, sharing its latest market knowledge and forecasts at the ITB China Conference sessions, and added networking opportunities by co-hosting the ITB China Cruise Night for the fourth consecutive time, this year set to take place on the evening of 24 November. Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, said: “I am very excited to attend ITB China in person this year. It has been a while, but it is wonderful to be able to meet up with industry partners again. While the pandemic has brought global travel to a standstill, we are working together at full speed toward travel recovery. ITB China 2021 will provide the travel industry with a trusted platform for personal encounters and successful business again. I can’t wait to seeing you all in Shanghai again soon!” As one of Trip.com Group’s flagship events, the 2021 ASIA-PACIFIC CORPORATE TRAVEL SUMMIT will be held concurrently to ITB China on 24 November in Shanghai to discuss the future development of the business travel eco-chain together with high-value corporate customers, airlines, hotels, MICE companies, travel payment and expense management companies. The event is also …
Read More »Registration live for Innovative Hybrid WTM London
Travel professionals from around the globe are able to register for WTM London 2021, which will be held for the first time in an innovative hybrid format. The physical event will take place at ExCeL London on Monday, November 1-Wednesday, November 3, 2021, and will be followed by WTM Virtual – November 8-9, 2021. WTM London will be one of the first key opportunities for those working in the world’s travel and tourism to reunite in person as the industry embarks on the road to recovery. The new hybrid format means buyers and exhibitors will be able to conduct business face-to-face – then the virtual element enables companies and organisations to increase their brand awareness and join networking opportunities – even if they are not able to physically attend the show. An important advantage is the fact that all exhibitors who exhibit at the physical event will automatically be included in WTM Virtual as part of their package. The physical event will feature all the elements for which WTM London has become well-known, including the WTM Ministers’ Summit, Responsible Tourism Day & Responsible Tourism Awards, headline speakers, seminars, speed networking, research & trends, Travel Forward – the co-located travel technology show and more. There will also be exclusive networking opportunities for senior buyers to do business. Simon Press, WTM London’s Senior Director, said “WTM London is always a crucial time for the industry to gather together, in order to plan, network and generate ideas. This year it is vital for us to meet face-to-face, to renew business relationships and forge new partnerships as we look to recover. As well as 40+ years of experience organising physical events, the WTM team …
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