ATM 2013 witnesses increased Mediterranean presence
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The forthcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2013 has witnessed increased participation from Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Morocco and Egypt. This is in view to offset potential declines from austerity-hit Euro zone.
The latest statistics from ATM reveal that demand from new exhibitors at ATM resulting in a 6% increase over last year. In addition there are 27 more exhibition stands than last year, up 7% and an 98 new companies.
“Exhibitor demand from countries on the Mediterranean coast, have been particularly strong this year as the tourism industries turn their attention to the outbound GCC market,” said Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
“GCC travelers with their high disposable income levels are naturally a key target market for Mediterranean destinations, but with traditional Western European source markets facing tough economic challenges, which could cause tourism receipts to decline, the relevance of the GCC markets becomes even more pronounced,” he added.
Morocco is also looking to the region to further develop inbound potential, with the Gulf already accounting for 30% of annual visitor traffic. National carrier Royal Air Maroc is also reportedly eager to pursue a strategic partnership with a regional airline, through a minority stake purchase, thereby allowing it to expand its reach into new profitable territories. Following a GCC tour by Moroccan monarch King Mohammed VI in late 2012, the country signed a five-year strategic investment partnership valued at US$5 billion with the Gulf states. Egypt is placing similar emphasis on attracting Gulf-based travellers to its shores. According to tourism minister, Hisham Zaazou, Egypt is committed to restoring consumer confidence and hoping to achieve pre-2010 tourism levels by the end of 2013.