Bahrain Training Institute (BTI)—which recently received a license from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), allowing it to operate as an Authorized Training Centre (ATC)—is participating, for the first time, in the fourth edition of the Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE 2008) which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince & Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) from 14-17 May 2008, in the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).
ATCs are organizations specialized in training, and are authorized to teach courses of the IATA/UFTAA (International Air Transport Association - United Federation of Travel Agents Associations).
“We are glad to participate in this exhibition, as this comes in line with the Bahraini Government’s efforts in training and qualifying Bahrainis to fill the gap in the travel and tourism sector.
BTI recently set up a travel academy, the first government organization of its kind to receive the IATA license to operate as its authorized training center in the Gulf.
BTI has always succeeded in pioneering new projects that help to fill the gap between the actual needs of the labour market and the skills and qualifications of Bahrainis. The opening of the new travel academy is part of our endeavors in this regard” remarked Mr. Hameed Salah, BTI - Director General.
Bahrain Training Institute was formed in August, 1992 with the objective of providing high quality training that meets the needs of the manufacturing, construction, commercial and service sectors. It is a semi-autonomous training organization established by the Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs to serve the human resources development needs of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
It provides the most efficient, cost effective and relevant training in the areas of business and technology to satisfy the training requirements of the industrial, commercial, construction, service and public sectors in Bahrain. The BTI is committed to continuously satisfy the needs of its customers through an approach to qualify which also meets the needs of its trainees, staff and the community at large.
Over 120 exhibitors, 100 Hosted Buyers and International Media from 48 countries will be participating at BITE 2008 occupying an approximate area of 8,000 sqm showcasing their products and services to an estimated 20,000 visitors over the course of the four-day event. The exhibition encompasses a wide variety of sectors ranging from Airlines to Car Rental Companies, Conventions & Exhibitions, Cruise Lines, Health Resorts & Spas, Hotel Accommodation Providers, MICE organizers, Tourist Attractions, Tourism Boards, Tourism TV channels, Tour Operators, Travel Insurance as well as Travel and Tourism publications.
A “Hosted Buyers Program” will run alongside the exhibition, which facilitates structured networking sessions between the local tourism professionals and international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) specialists.
The Expo will be inaugurated by His Highness Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 and will open to consumers & visitors from the 15th to 17th May 2008 (Thursday - Saturday).
Platinum Sponsors for BITE 2008 are the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) along with the Ministry of Information – Tourism Affairs; Gulf Air Bahrain has once again come onboard as the official carrier; Qatar Airways are the Gold Sponsor.
The Expo is actively supported by the Five Star Hotel Owners Association, Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority & Central Governorate; Elite Hospitality is the official Hotel, Atlas Travel & Culture Channel (ATC) the Official TV Channel; Al Hilal Group and Akhbar Al Khaleej are the media partners; and ZAIN are the Communications Partner.
For any further information, log on to www.bitebahrain.com .
