The UK’s Northstar Travel Media, provider of travel information, is planning to establish a Middle East office in July this year. The company’s physical entry into region is to be unveiled at Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East’s travel and tourism exhibition, which will be held in Dubai in May.
“The Middle East has been generating a substantial portion of our revenue, hence the discussion to get closer to the market and its fast developing hospitality industry,” said Dessi Seth of Northstar.
The company is returning to the Arabian Travel Market after a healthy showing at last year’s event.“Arabian Travel Market 2002 was very good for us,” said Seth. “We signed $90,000 worth of new business and new contracts with existing customers.”
Northstar is among 16 British companies scheduled to individually participate at Arabian Travel Market 2003, which will be held at the Airport Expo Dubai from May 6-9. Many more UK companies will also be housed in a 150 square meter pavilion being mounted by the British Tourist Authority.
“Northstar’s experience mirrors a number of occasions when Arabian Travel Market has helped bring a new player to the Middle East market,” said Matt Thompson, Group Exhibition Director, Overseas Events, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), which organises Arabian Travel Market.
To date, companies from 55 countries have contracted to take part in Arabian Travel Market 2003, which this year is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the highly successful annual series. So far, the show is five percent square meters larger than last year’s record-breaking event. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
