Strong Business Deals Highlight Strength in MENA;
ITCA Dubai Conference Helped Set the Direction for 2010
Dubai, United Arab Emirates,Leading industry executives have hailed ITCA Dubai, the only travel catering and in-flight services exhibition for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, as the year's 'must attend industry event' following three days of impressive business and networking.
More than 45 companies from 18 different countries met at the new Sheikh Saeed Halls of Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) to develop new business opportunities in the travel catering exhibition and help set the agenda for future trends in the industry.
Leading companies including Aire Inflight, Chatsford, Emirates, Fit Fresh, Gourmet House, Hobart, Johnson Diversey and Medstar were among those participating in ITCA Dubai.
"Emirates was extremely pleased to participate in ITCA Dubai," said Robin Padgett, Vice President Aircraft Catering, Emirates. "This event is now firmly placed in our calendar as the must attend travel catering show in the region. It provides us with a unique opportunity to network with existing suppliers, meet new ones, to see innovative new products and to hear about the latest trends in on-board service - all in one place!"
"We have received a number of very good enquiries, and instigated a lot of enquiries for the future," said Bhavik Shah, CEO, Al Salem Trading Enterprises, which supplies disposable, food and non-food products. "We were able to show that a UAE company can have a global presence by highlighting that we manufacture everything in-house and build confidence in our brand."
ITCA Dubai has rapidly expanded in recent years to bring together the entire travel catering market, representing Airline, Cruise, Ferry and Railway hospitality industries from across the Middle East, Africa, and Indian Subcontinent.
"ITCA Dubai offers the international travel catering industry a one-stop-shop to generate new business in one of the only growing regions in this sector," said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre. "The exhibition has developed into the focal point of the year for companies looking to generate and strengthen business ties in the region."
"ITCA Dubai provided us with the perfect opportunity to meet with our customers in person," said Adel El Menshawy, Export Manger, Medstar, which produces plastic meal trays for the travel industry. "We have been able to confirm a number of deals and meet with key people in the industry who we have been trying to contact for a long time."
"ITCA Dubai 2009 is a beautiful show," said Sawsan Darwish, Operation Manager, Ghraoui, manufacturers of luxury chocolate. "We have been able to promote our chocolate and have generated good business which will lead to deals being confirmed."
The show also included the prestigious ITCA Dubai Conference, organised by the International Catering Association (ITCA). Key speakers included Terry Daly, Division Senior Vice President, Service Delivery, Emirates; David Young, President, ITCA; Neil James, Executive Director, Corporate Sales & Product Management, Panasonic and Basel Arrar, Chairman & CEO, Royal Wings Aviation Services, who delivered their speeches to more than 80 delegates.
The fifth ITCA Dubai will take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 31 October 2010 - 2 November 2010. For more information, please visit www.itcadubai.com
- Ends -
About ITCA Dubai
Website: www.itcadubai.com
Launched in 2006, ITCA Dubai has grown from strength to strength and is now one of the world's largest exhibitions of its kind.
The ITCA Dubai Conference attracts hundreds of delegates each year, with key industry speakers including Emirates Airlines to discuss new trends in the industry.
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
Website: www.dwtc.com
As the organiser of ITCA Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre offers more than 30 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 18 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 leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.
For more information, please contact:
Jon Barber
Dubai World Trade Centre
Tel: (+971) 4 308 6124
E-mail: jon.barber@dwtc.com
© Press Release 2009
