DESPITE events of the Arab Spring and economic uncertainty in key European markets, there is a bright future ahead for tourism in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a consensus of delegates at the inaugural UNWTO and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) industry forum on Monday.
Speaking at the forum, which is slated to become an annual affair, UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai, called the Middle East & North Africa region a “tourism success story in the first decade of the 21st century”, with the majority of markets registering a strong rebound following the challenges of the past year.
“We are very impressed by the rate of recovery of some of the most affected countries in the region. Countries that were directly affected, like Egypt, Tunisia, Syria and Yemen, saw a downturn of 80-85 per cent as political events unfolded, but minimised their losses considerably in 2011, closing the year down by 25-30 per cent,” he said.
This year’s ATM, which takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 30 to May 3, features representatives from 87 countries, and 54 national tourism organisations participating as exhibitors.
The event saw a 46-per cent rise in visitor pre-registrations and 213-per cent increase in travel consultant registrations, compared to last year’s edition.
Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, which organised ATM 2012, said: “The record figures we’re receiving for this year’s event reflects the region’s positive approach to the tourism sector as a major economic driver.”
“Eighteen months on from the Arab Spring, we have seen a significant jump in interest from within the Gulf Cooperation Council States, which is confirmed by the positive pre-show figures we have seen across the board.”
