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Dubai to host the Middle East's inaugural ITCA conference

DUBAI — In order to augment the Middle East travel catering market along with the airline catering industry estimated at $500 million per annum, The International Travel Catering Association (ITCA) will hold its inaugural Middle East conference on September 5 and 6 in Dubai.

The two-day conference, called “Dubai - A Vision Realised’’ will run alongside the first MENA Travel Catering 2006 exhibition to be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), organised by Dubai World Trade Centre. Industry figures attending are excited by the potential of an event which draws together hospitality experts from around the region to discuss key issues in one of the most dynamic markets.

“The Middle East, North Africa and Indian subcontinent regions offer major potential for travel catering companies, particularly with the launch of a large number of key aviation, railway and marine projects, and we are delighted to be hosting our first conference for the region here in Dubai," said Lee Walton, Company Secretary, International Travel Catering Association (ITCA). “The conference will examine in depth challenges and opportunities for international companies, with presentations from leading Middle East organisations sharing some of their secrets for success," he added.

An increasing volume of travellers moving through the Middle East coupled with the UAE's emergence as a travel hub for marine and aviation traffic have combined to make the area important for international travel catering companies.

Moreover, the region is home to some of the fastest growing airlines in the world including Emirates Airline, Etihad and Qatar Airways. The exhibition will bring together professionals from air, cruise and rail operators from the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, said, “Being selected to host the key conference of such a respected international trade body emphasises the importance and strategic positioning of Dubai in this rapidly growing industry in the region. We look forward to facilitating such a key networking event and welcoming industry professionals over the coming three days."