The ongoing effects of the Euro zone crisis has prompted Mediterranean destinations to target growth opportunities in the GCC markets at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which reports a sell-out show ahead of next month’s 20th anniversary event.
The latest statistics from ATM organiser, Reed Travel Exhibitions, reveal that demand from new exhibitors at ATM, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on May 6-9, has pushed show floor space to a record of more than 22,000sqm, a 6% increase over last year.
In addition there are 27 more exhibition stands than last year, up 7%.
In terms of vertical sectors, technology continues to grow again this year, up 34% as the digital industry trends gather pace.
"Exhibitor demand from countries on the Mediterranean coast has been particularly strong this year as the tourism industries in Turkey, Morocco and Egypt turn their attention to the outbound GCC market," said Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
"GCC travellers, with their high disposable income levels, are 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," Walsh added.
