TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
With 2019 being touted as a record year for WTM London, the Middle East is being considered as a significant contributor to it. The region’s recent strides in both inbound and outbound tourism are being felt across the world.
TT Bureau
Organisers predict 2019 to be a record year for WTM, boosted by a strong contingent of exhibitors from the Middle East region. Several Middle Eastern companies have been shortlisted for the International Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTAs) as well, and nominations include Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Azerbaijan Tourism Board, and The Jordan Trail Association.
Simon Press, Senior Director, WTM London, says, “Part of the growth in tourism can be attributed to the Middle East, in particular to the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s large expatriate population. Relaxation of tourist visa requirements has also provided an additional incentive for Middle Eastern tourists. Over the last decade, the tourism industry in the region has grown ten-fold and developments have been incredible with the tallest buildings and tallest hotels, revolutionary transport infrastructure, as well as theme parks and leisure attractions.”
He adds that it should come as no surprise then that five outstanding campaigns from the MENA region have been shortlisted for the ITTAs. “Both volume and quality of entries received from the region reaffirm the Middle East as one of the most dynamic travel destinations in the world,” Press shares.
