Kathmandu, May 8: The Nepal Tourism Board participated in the 7th Arabian Travel Market at World Trade Centres, Dubai from 2-5 May 2000. The Arabian Travel Market is recognised as the largest travel trade event in the Middle East for the trade and consumer alike. The Exhibition covered an area of 7,000 sq., metres featuring 700 companies from 59 countries. The Travel Market was formally inaugurated by the Crown Prince H.H. Sheikh Abdullah, according to the Nepal Tourism Board.

The Nepal Stand promoting Nepal as a safe and exotic destination, was decorated in an ethnic eye-catching colourful design depicting the culture, nature and adventure attractions of the country. Various queries pertaining to sightseeing, trekking, rafting, accommodation, visa formalities and accessibility etc. were entertained from the visitors.

Lasting four days, the visitors figure to Nepal Stand totaled more than 10,000 comprising of travel trade sector, print and TV media, diplomats, and the general public. Promotional materials like brochures, travel guides, lokta bags, lokta diaries, video documentaries and CD ROM’s were distributed to the visitors who showed great interest in visiting Nepal. More than 500 tour operators and travel agencies visited the Nepal Stand and had discussions with the Nepalese delegation of tour operators and hoteliers.

Prior to the commencement of the Exhibition, NTB had advertised and invited people to visit the Nepal Stand at the ATM in the top local newspapers. The media was especially very interested in adventure and cultural attractions of Nepal. NTB has invited most of the major print and TV media for a FAM Trip in Oct 2000.

The growing interest in Nepal in the Middle East Market was encouraging. The participating travel trade sector expressed that there was a marked increase in interest in selling Nepal among the local tour operators compared to last year. Market leaders like DNATA, Kanoo Group and Destinations of the World all expressed interest in marketing Nepal aggressively in this region. The topographical attractions of Nepal sharply contrasts with that of the Middle East and with 13 flights a week from Gulf region to Kathmandu, Nepal has a very potential market in the Middle East both among the local and the expatriates.

A major attraction at the Stand was a lucky draw of one week holiday in Nepal with return airfare for two couples sponsored by RNAC, Transavia and the rest of the private sector participants.