Dubai, November 24, 2020:

The first-ever virtual event in the region, the Gulf Travel Show 2020 ended its final day with 40 plus exhibitors, 3,000 one-on-one meetings, 2,500 visitors which included travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies, international agencies and media.

San Jeet, Director, DDP group reiterated in his address, “Advancing connections in a changing world has never been more important. We want you to make the most of this platform and help us shape the future. Our goal is to offer a virtual show that is as dynamic and as rewarding as a physical one. As we embark on this new endeavour, we intend to build connections, grow businesses and establish long-term mutually beneficial relationships.”

Kai Miethig, a travel buyer from Bahrain said, “As a participant and attendee of the first-ever virtual Gulf Travel Show, I was very impressed by the presentation, the platform and the show. Theuser-friendly design, the entrance, the overview hall, pre-scheduled meetings, the quality of exhibitors and information was absolutely great. Overall, it was a splendid experience.”

Beverly Au Yong, Area Director, Singapore Tourism Board, Middle East said, “Singapore Tourism Board is delighted to have participated in the Gulf Travel Show organised by TravTalk. The event gave us an opportunity to reconnect with our valued partners from the region and engage in many meaningful conversations with them. We also witnessed and participated in some outstanding panel discussions led by stalwarts of the travel industry, which were insightful and topical. This show has brought together industry experts, world-class speakers and attendees from across the region under one roof, allowing them to engage, connect and better their relationship.”

Local and international industry leaders attracted viewers with their insightful and engaging panel discussions.

For the first time, the first female Emirati General Manager interviewed the first female Saudi General Manager in a very engaging conversation that shared many aspects of promoting more youth to the hospitality industry in the region. Sharihan Al Mashary, Hotelier, General Manager, Asia Society United Nations SDSN Youth interviewed Maram Kokandi, General Manager of the Park Inn by Radisson Jeddah.

Re-connecting with the region: what to expect now? Nasir Jamal Khan, CEO of Al Naboodah Travel, raised this question with Khaled S. Al-Idrissi, Regional Director of Sales, Middle East and Africa – Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts; Siobhan Naughton, Trade Executive, Tourism Ireland; and Nina Gupte, Head of Administration, Al Tamimi Co.

Jamal Abdulnazar, CEO, Cozmo Travel highlighted how to deal with the new normal in conversation with Arijit Munshi, General Manager, Tune Protect; Sanjay D’souza, General Manager, Sayara Rent a Car; and Binoy Ouseph, Commercial Director,ibytab2btravel.

Trends defined by technology companies were explained during insightful discussions with Travelport and Amadeus.

Gulf Travel Show’s exclusive buyer programme gained the most traction during the show. Buyers appreciated the personalised services and enjoyed the competitive Leader Board. A lot of exciting giveaways kept the agents working till late evening.