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Arab Tourism 2008
09 April - 12 April 2008
The first Arab Tourism Exhibition & Conference
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| Exhibition Overview |
Arab Tourism 2008 Exhibition & Conference: Shaping the future of the tourism industry in Lebanon and the Arab region.
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The Arab world turns to the tourism industry
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| The Arab countries are turning more and more to the travel and tourism industry. According to the World Tourism Organization, governments in the region have been actively making efforts to tap tourism’s potential. Improved product development, enhanced funding for tourism and an increase in marketing and promotion have all facilitated the task and helped to secure good return on investment. For the Middle East, Travel & Tourism activity is expected to grow by 4.4% per annum in real terms between 2007 and 2016. The travel and tourism sector will generate $148 billion in the Middle East in 2006, according to a UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The target, however, is set to grow to $279.4 billion by 2016, according to industry experts. Mega projects are already underway in the region or are planned for the near future and they are focused mainly on providing the infrastructure basis of the tourism industry. |
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Lebanon is rapidly re-establishing itself as a leading tourism and business hub in the Middle East
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| The major regional investments in tourism and tourism infrastructure continue to make headlines around the world and Lebanon is at the forefront of such developments. Lebanon is one of those countries blessed with most of what it takes to attract visitors year round: sun, sand, stunning scenery, snow and a burgeoning hospitality industry catering to the whims of holiday-makers. While many of the attractions that made Lebanon a favourite with European tourists still remain, the demographics of overseas visitors has changed after 2001. Up to 45% of overseas arrivals are currently from Arab countries, especially those from the GCC countries. This shift has also been reflected in foreign investment in the Lebanese tourism sector, with firms from a number of GCC countries buying into the industry. The current regional economic boom, driven by factors such as high oil prices and a strong real estate sector, is resulting in investor-friendly conditions that form a critical phase for furthering Lebanon’s economic prosperity especially in competitive sectors such as tourism. |
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Arab Tourism Organization to help Lebanon’s tourism industry
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| In its efforts to support the tourism industry in Lebanon, the Arab Tourism Organization has decided to promote travel to the country at a meeting of the Arab League Council of Ministers of Tourism scheduled in April 2007. The Organization believes that Lebanon has been and remains the showcase of Arab tourism and it has expressed confidence about the ability of the Lebanese to rebuild this very important sector. Accordingly, the Arab Tourism Organization in cooperation with IFP (International Fairs and Promotions) has decided to hold the Arab Tourism 2008 Exhibition and Conference in April 2008. |
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Arab Tourism 2008 Exhibition and Conference organized to facilitate networking and business development
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| Arab Tourism 2008 Exhibition is organized to provide Lebanese travel industry professionals, Arab and international travel agents, national tourism boards, resorts, hotels, airlines, convention and incentive tour operators, with an ideal setting to present information on the latest attractions, and to offer and exchange inbound and outbound travel. In addition, tour operators, travel agents, hotels and tourism authorities from Lebanon, the region and throughout the world will be able to offer their packages and attractions to the Arab tourism market at large. To be held concurrently with the Arab Tourism 2008 Exhibition, the Arab Tourism 2008 Conference will include a number of high profile speakers from Lebanon and the Arab World. The Conference program will include keynote speeches by important government and tourism organization representatives, regional tourism industry leaders, and prominent international experts on tourism development and marketing as well as competitively selected paper presentations by researchers. The objectives of the Conference will be to create awareness of this rapidly growing industry and promote dialogue amongst industry professionals aiming to shape the future of the tourism industry in Lebanon and the Arab World. |
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WTTC expects travel and tourism in Lebanon to generate $8.7 billion in 2016
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| In a report released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Lebanon’s travel and tourism industry’s economic activity is expected to grow by 4.4% per annum, in real terms, between 2007 and 2016. Globally, the industry’s total economic activity is estimated to grow by 4.2% per annum, in real terms, over the next 10 years, while regionally, it is expected to post average annualized gains of 4.4% between 2007 and 2016. Furthermore, the report indicates that the Lebanese travel and tourism industry’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to rise from 10.9% of GDP, or $2,456.4 million in 2006 to 14.4% of GDP, or $5,547.1 million in 2016. In comparison, the global industry is expected to contribute 10.3% to world GDP in 2006, and the Middle East industry is expected to contribute 9.6% to its GDP. |
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Showcased at the event
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Airlines |
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Casinos |
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Coach Operators |
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Country Clubs |
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Credit Card and Travelers Cheques |
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Cruise Lines |
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Festivals & Events |
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Health Spas |
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Hotels |
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Incentives Travel |
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Meeting Industry |
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Museums |
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Related Services |
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Rent-a-Car |
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Reservation Systems |
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Resorts |
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Theme Parks |
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Time Share |
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Travel Agents |
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Travel Media & Directories |
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Tour Operators |
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Tourism Boards |
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