Exhibitors continue to rush for space at Business Travel Show
Global Credit Crunch fails to have heavy impact on demand for business travel
Its business, or rather business travel, as usual in the Middle East as companies continue to see the value in investing in corporate travel, meetings and incentives, despite the global credit crunch, according to organisers of the Business Travel Show Dubai.
Regional and international travel companies are continuing to seek out prime exhibitor spots at the show, now in its second year and set to take place October 20-21 at Madinat Jumierah.
“We have been receiving an even greater number of enquiries from companies looking to secure space at the show, and are confident that the second edition of the Business Travel Show Dubai will show a marked increase on last year’s figures,” said Sally Maltby, Event Director for show organisers Centaur Exhibitions.
“Despite the global economic downturn, business travel demand is still high in the Middle East, with many companies actually seeing an upturn in business,” Maltby remarked.
A recent MasterCard Survey conducted in the UAE showed that residents have no plans to curtail travel plans, especially when it comes to business travel. 95% of those surveyed said that they would spend more on business travel in 2008, compared to 80% of respondents in the previous year.
Meanwhile, at the NBTA Business Travel Financial Forum, recently concluded in New York, analysts predicted that the economic slow down in the US will be short lived; with corporate travel bookers continuing to book trips for executives.
The general consensus points to growth in the business travel industry in 2008, albeit slighting slower growth than that enjoyed in previous years.
As a result, more travel bookers are expected at this year’s Business Travel Show, as corporations look to spend travel budgets wisely in 2008 and 2009. Sectors tipped for growth in the Middle East include the mid-tier hospitality sector, while low-cost airline models are also expected to continue to enjoy increased load factors.
Gulf-wide travel management company, Alshamel International, will be exhibiting at the Business Travel Show 2008 so that its agents remain up-to-date with industry developments and are best placed to offer their accounts the best value for money when securing corporate travel bookings.
“While it is true to say that there is a global financial crunch, business still needs to be conducted internationally and as a result the need for travel services remains. At Alshamel, we have seen an increase in the number of clients seeking travel management support, secure in the knowledge that we can guarantee real savings in travel expense while delivering world-class reporting and statistics to monitor travel expenditure in real-time,” said Philip Hedges, Corporate Communications Director, Alshamel International.
The Business Travel Show Dubai will welcome some of the region’s travel industry leaders, with PrivatAir, HRS, Kanoo, Rotana Hotels, Dnata, Alshamel, InterContinental Hotels Group, Hilton, Virgin, SilverJet and Jumeirah all exhibiting at the show in October. British Airways, one of the shows founding partners, has also pledged its commitment to the 2008 event.
Over 50 exhibitors took part in the inaugural event, while more than 2,000 visitors attended Business Travel Show Dubai 2007 across the two days. Centaur Exhibitions predict strong growth for 2008 figures.
Business Travel Show Dubai is part of the global Business Travel Shows portfolio, which also includes exhibitions in the UK and Germany. The Business Travel Shows are the only events in the industry that are specifically aimed at buyers and bookers of business travel.
The Business Travel Show Dubai is a joint venture between Centaur Media Plc and Dnata World of Events and takes place at the Madinat Jumeriah Arena on October 20-21, 2008. Visitors can register online to attend for free, by visiting www.businesstravelshow.ae and clicking on ‘registration’
