Category Archives: Exhibitions

Experience Hub, the trade and promotion arm of Yas Island Abu Dhabi, is participating at the ITB Berlin to further engage and strengthen relationships with the European travel market, while also expanding its network of partners from Europe. Yas Island is positioned to attract a growing number of visitors from across Europe with recent 2018 visitation numbers revealing an increase of 22 per cent in tourists from the United Kingdom, 10 per cent from Germany and a whopping 45 per cent from Russia. “Yas Island delivers a holiday experience unlike any other and that’s what we will showcase to industry leaders at ITB Berlin this year. With attractions that include award-winning theme parks, including the recently-opened Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi and a world-class motor sports facility like the Yas Marina Circuit, which is home to the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, alongside more than 160 restaurants and Yas Mall, we have a portfolio of entertainment attractions to provide unparalleled holiday packages in the UAE capital,” said Marina Cipriano, General Manager, Experience Hub.” Experience Hub is managed by expert travel professionals across a wide global network who continuously cultivate collaboration opportunities to source valuable insights into the preferences of travellers from Europe and beyond. Experience Hub’s B2B booking portal provides travel partners direct access to holiday packages and tickets to Yas Island attractions at exclusive rates, among other services, keeping them in the know about the latest experiences and opportunities to enrich their offering to their travellers. “With our dedicated teams in the UK, Germany, Russia and other international markets, we have found that travellers are keen to experience shopping, dining, culture and the outdoors. With that knowledge, we can …

The Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, saw a flock of sea enthusiasts and families attend the opening day for a look at some of this year’s biggest boat and yacht launches. The 27th edition of the show has brought to the coasts of Dubai for the first time ever a number of launches, including custom yacht-builder Oceanco’s newest project, the 105-meter (345ft) diesel-electric driven Esquel, designed for extensive cruising to remote regions extending from the North Pole to the South Pole and everywhere in between. UAE company Enata, launched and demonstrated the pre-production model of the Foiler, the world’s first flying yacht, which promises to make seasickness a thing of the past. Using four retractable foils, the Foiler lifts itself out of the water to give passengers a sensation of flight as it skims along the water using 740-horsepower hydrostatic propulsion. Bespoke luxury yacht builder Dominator Yachts introduced the HANAA. With connotations of Happiness, Bliss and Felicity in Arabic, the HANAA is a 28M Ilumen, which includes bespoke features including a custom made sofa in the salon, the typical Ilumen moon roof over the owner cabin bed, a private bow terrace or many superyacht features like a Williams jet tender, a video projector on the flybridge or an unfoldable beach platform to enjoy the time spent on sea to the fullest. Riju George, Show Director, Dubai International Boat Show, said, “Exhibitors reported very healthy levels of interest and business. With a number of boat launches and unveilings of premium new yachts, Dubai International Boat Show once again cements its standing in the global maritime industry through its variety of luxurious marine vessels and range …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is set to announce the exclusive business management updates behind its cultural and ecotourism tourism profile at the 53rd edition of ITB Berlin, which will take place from March, 6-10. The Shurooq stand will be featured at the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) pavilion, which will offer the world a platform to view the efforts that Sharjah entities are putting in to realise ‘Sharjah Vision 2021’.  Among Shurooq’s major announcements will be revealing the name of a new management operator for its ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand of ecotourism destinations, Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba – a rich mangroves reserve; Al Faya Lodge at Mleiha archaeological site; and Al Badayer Oasis at Al Badayer desert. Ahmed Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer, Shurooq said, “For the 12th consecutive year, Shurooq participates at ITB Berlin as part of its mission and vision to showcase Sharjah’s biggest achievements in the travel and tourism sectors on leading global platforms. We are returning this year with new and exciting announcements and memorable visitor experiences to reflect the growth in our corporate profile. We will be at the SCTDA pavilion in Hall 2.2, and occupy Stand 102, where we look forward to connecting with existing and new international partners. The level of tourism investment that Sharjah is attracting continues to grow at a phenomenal rate, and this will be an ideal opportunity for us to share our news with all those involved in the hospitality industry as well as fellow developers and foreign investors.”

Expo 2020 and its legacy, District 2020, are expected to have a long-term influence on the growth of inbound arrivals to the UAE from the country’s top five source markets between 2018 and 2023, according to data published ahead of Arabian Travel Market, set to take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28-May 1, 2019. Looking at the country’s top three source markets, the number of Indian visitors travelling to the UAE will increase at a CAGR of 7 per cent to 3.01 million in 2023, while arrivals from Saudi Arabia and the UK will witness an increase of 2 per cent and 1 per cent to 1.76 million and 1.28 million respectively over the same period. While the UAE’s top source market rankings are expected to remain mostly unchanged post-Expo 2020 – the latest research from Colliers International, in partnership with ATM, reveals the Russian and Chinese source markets will show above average annual growth rates for inbound passenger arrivals. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director—ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “The number of Russian tourists travelling to the UAE will increase at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12 per cent to 1.6 million in 2023, while the number of Chinese tourists visiting the UAE will increase at a CAGR of 8 per cent to 1.27 million over the same period, according to the data. Taking a look at the other key drivers, besides Expo 2020, Russian visitors to the UAE have grown in recent years, due to the introduction of additional and direct airline routes. According to some analysts, China’s middle-class will swell to 338 million households by 2020, a 13 per cent increase in just five years. Therefore, the growth …

The Higher Organising Committee of IWAS World Games Sharjah 2019 confirmed that 1,462 participants from 50 countries are set to compete in the world’s largest wheelchair and amputee sports championship in Sharjah from February 10-16. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member Ruler of Sharjah, the IWAS World Games has returned to the emirate for the second time after its successful debut in the city in 2011. The eighth edition of the world championship brings together seven games including archery, athletics, badminton, swimming, shooting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing. New details of the upcoming biennial sports championship were revealed at a press conference held recently at Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa. Global athletes landing in Sharjah over the next few days are set to represent 50 competing nations confirmed by the Higher Organising Committee which include the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Algeria, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, India, Sweden, Ukraine, Thailand, Turkey, Brazil, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, Kenya, Russia, China, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Italy, South Africa, South Korea, Poland, Pakistan, Norway, Kenya, Latvia, Macau, Azerbaijan, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Serbia, France, Georgia, the UK, the US, Hong Kong, Greece, Czech Republic, Austria, Belarus and Comoros.

Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, has announced the launch of Arabian Travel Week – an umbrella brand comprising four co-located shows – ATM 2019; CONNECT Middle East, India and Africa; ILTM Arabia and ATM Holiday Shopper. ATM is set to be held at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 27–May 1, 2019. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director–ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “The success of both ATM and ILTM Arabia has provided us with the platform to not only introduce two new events for 2019 but also create a travel week which encompasses the Middle East’s inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism and luxury travel as well as providing a dedicated networking forum for the region’s top airline specialists, aviation authorities, tourism boards, airports and tour operators.” ATM, the annual global event for the Middle East inbound and outbound travel industry, will showcase over 2,800 products and destinations from around the world to over 28,000 buyers and travel trade visitors. This year’s show will place a spotlight on cutting-edge technology and innovation, integrating the theme across all show verticals, planned activities and seminars. Set to be held on April 30 and May 1, CONNECT Middle East, India and Africa will bring together airports, airlines and aviation suppliers in a format that offers formal one-to-one pre-arranged meetings, engaging industry seminars as well as social opportunities to cement relationships with existing clients and engage with new ones. Also new for 2019, ATM Holiday Shopper to be held on April 27, will showcase over 30 travel and hospitality exhibitors from regional and international destinations who will be offering the very best travel and tourism discounts and deals exclusively …

Dubai South Properties has revealed that preparations are well on track to effectively meet the constantly evolving property and community needs of discerning investors and end-users, who seek to explore the attractive propositions offered in Dubai South. Recognised as the UAE’s flagship urban development, Dubai South builds on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, UAE and Ruler, Dubai and is designed to support the diverse needs of a multitude of businesses, industries, investments current and future residents. Real Estate projects that are currently being developed within Dubai South Residential City including the Pulse – a successful “freehold”, mixed-use community which is set for handover mid 2019 onwards. Featuring townhouses, apartments, shopping destinations and urban design landscape, the Pulse offers a unique lifestyle and is catered to mid-market audience. Mohammed Al Awadhi, CEO, Dubai South Properties, said, “The Emirate of Dubai has always been the number one hub for investors, individuals and families from all over the world, who seek a better life, socially and economically. Besides, Dubai is seen as the number one holiday destination by millions of visitors and tourists. Dubai South aims to be a major contributor to Dubai’s growth and the achievement of its vision by presenting this state-of-the-art development. By creating the most desirable environment for the society, our mission is to deliver a better lifestyle in every sense. We are drawing inspiration from the insights we gained from our experiences in Dubai and worldwide and taking it to the next level, in terms of education, medical care, and offering truly convenient communities, to contribute to the vision of happy cities.” New developments under the hospitality …

Gulf Air has announced partnership with the fifth edition of ‘Shop Bahrain’. The partnership comes in line with Gulf Air’s efforts to support the Kingdom’s initiatives that contribute to boost the tourism sector. ‘Shop Bahrain’ is a 30-day event aimed at celebrating the Kingdom’s hospitality and tourism offering, reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a tourist destination – in particularly visitors coming from neighbouring GCC countries – due to its close proximity. The festival being held from January 1 to February 2, 2019 will offer a unique shopping experience with fun-filled family entertainment and valuable prizes. Commenting on this strategic partnership, Sheikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, CEO, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, said, “We thank Gulf Air for their ongoing support and efforts to promote the fifth edition of ‘Shop Bahrain’ through its different marketing channels. This will increase the Kingdom’s exposure on a regional and global level and encourage travellers to join the festival in the Kingdom. We are honoured by this partnership that supports BTEA’s strategy “Bahrain. Ours. Yours.” and strengthens relations between the public and private sectors to achieve the Economic Vision 2030.” Captain Waleed Al Alawi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air, said, “We are delighted to be amongst the festival’s partners from the very first edition. This partnership comes in line with our efforts to support events and initiatives that revitalise the Kingdom’s economy, such as Formula 1, the Bahrain International Airshow, Ironman and more.” Through its strategic partnership Gulf Air is offering 5000 discounted airline tickets for Business and Economy Class Return tickets, among the 73,000 instant prizes given to the Festival’s winners.

Nordic Travel Fair (MATKA) held from January 16 to 20, 2019 in Messukeskus, Helsinki in Finland this year marked 30 years as the biggest travel industry events in Northern Europe with 940 exhibitors, 86 destinations under the theme ‘hidden treasures.’ The first two days were only for travel industry professionals with workshops and presentations and the last three were dedicated to consumers looking for travel deals and inspiration. MATKA targets travel industry professionals from all around the world. Buyers and suppliers, especially from Finland and Nordic countries find the event valuable. They focused on workshops and networking to boost sales, and on presentations relevant to industry professionals. Sustainable travel and modern sales are highlighted in MATKA 2019. As Nordic destinations is growing among Middle Eastern travellers, MATKA provided a good platform to take a look at these destinations and the travel experiences that are offered for visitors. 2019 had a strong focus on responsible and sustainable travel as well as food tourism with over 70,000 visitors. A number of exhibitors from Middle East has grown in the recent years and in 2019 destinations such as Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah from the United Arab Emirates.

Well-known for its wellness treatment, especially in the European and Asian markets, six of Sri Lanka’s health and wellness resorts will participate at the upcoming Arab Health exhibition and conference at the World Trade Center from January 28 to 31, 2019. Some of the alternative medicine and wellness tourism companies that will attend this event are Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara, Hettigoda Industries (Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort), Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort, Vingnana at Reefs (Kaya Resort and Spa), Sen Wellness Sanctuary and Hotel Tree of Life. The objective of participation at this year’s Arab Health is to establish business links with prospective business partners in promoting Sri Lanka as a prominent wellness tourism destination in the region.