The International Travel Catering Association (ITCA) will hold its inaugural Middle East Conference from 5-6 September 2006 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
This key industry conference will run alongside the first MENA Travel Catering 2006 exhibition held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), organised by Dubai World Trade Centre.
Industry figures attending the two-day conference, called “Dubai – A Vision Realised,” are excited by the potential of an event which draws together hospitality experts from around the region to discuss key issues in one of the most dynamic markets.
The opening presentation will be delivered by Terry Daly, the Divisional Senior Vice President, Service Delivery for Emirates Airline, talking about ‘The Airline Today and Tomorrow.’ He will be followed by Khalid Al Duwaisan, the Managing Director of Kuwait Aviation Services Company and the President of ITCA, speaking to delegates about “The Importance of the Region”.
Hamad M bin. Mejren, Department of Tourism & Commerce for Dubai Tourism, will then present an industry overview.
“The Middle East, North Africa and Indian Sub-Continent regions offer major potential for travel catering companies, particularly with the launch of a large number of key aviation, railway and marine projects, and we are delighted to be hosting our first conference for the region here in Dubai,” said Lee Walton, Company Secretary, International Travel Catering Association (ITCA).
“The conference will examine in-depth challenges and opportunities for international companies, with presentations from leading Middle East organisations sharing some of their secrets for success,” he added.
On day two, delegates will also hear on the potential and future of the industry, entitled ‘An Airports Perspective’ from Dr. Ghanem Mohammed Al-Hajri, the Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation and Sharjah Airport Authority. Nabil Rizkallah, the General Manager of Lebanon-based Graham, Wilson & Rizkallah Consulting will also discuss and offer advice about “The Cultural Challenges of Operating in the Region”.
Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “Being selected to host the key conference of such a respected international trade body emphasises the importance and strategic positioning of Dubai in this rapidly growing industry in the region. We look forward to facilitating such a key networking event and welcoming industry professionals over the coming three days.”
An increasing volume of travellers moving through the Middle East coupled with the UAE’s emergence as a travel hub for marine and aviation traffic have combined to make the area vitally important for international travel catering companies.
The region is home to some of the fastest growing airlines in the world including Emirates Airline, Etihad and Qatar Airways. The exhibition will bring together professionals from air, cruise and rail operators from the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.
Such is the interest in the regional market, the inaugural event has attracted representatives from more than 20 countries including Abela Hellas from Greece, Kitco from Kuwait, Salehia from Saudi Arabia, RAK Porcelain from the UAE and Portfolio Partners from the UK.
Other key suppliers present include Nestle Foodservices, LSG Sky Chefs, Godiva, Orvec International, Hero Group and Sabre Airline Solutions.
MENA Travel Catering 2006 is sponsored by Al Accad Group (platinum sponsor) and Adel Abuljadayel Flight Catering (gold sponsor). Emirates are the Official ITCA Carrier for the ITCA Middle East 2006 Conference.
The MENA Travel Catering 2006 Exhibition takes place from 4-6 September 2006 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE. For more details on MENA Travel Catering, please visit www.itcadubai.com or contact Bilal Al-Rais on +971 4 308 6062 or travel.catering@dwtc.com. The exhibition is combined with the prestigious ITCA Middle East Conference taking place from the 5-6 September 2006. For information on ITCA Middle East Conference, please visit www.itcanet.com or contact ITCA Office on +44 (0)1483 419449 or itca@associationservices.co.uk
As the organiser of MENA Travel Catering 2006, Dubai World Trade Centre offers over 27 years’ experience of delivering world-class events in the Middle East, providing local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Our team organises 14 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region.
Our commitment to ongoing innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the region’s leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all conferences deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.
