New product launches designed specifically for the in-flight, cruise and rail travel sector will be exhibited at an upcoming dedicated travel catering services event for the Mena region in Dubai.

Now in its fifth year, the International Travel Catering Exhibition (ITCA Dubai) will run from October 31 to November 2 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Middle East is an exception to global trends and regional carriers were helped in 2010 by an increased share of the long haul market, with a boost of 17 per cent in premium travel on 2009 according to IATA, the airline industry watchdog.

“Dubai is the ideal location for this global industry to meet- it is the recognised business hub for the growth market of the Middle East with significant investment in regional airports and infrastructure for tourism and business,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, organisers of the event.

Trade visitors will have the opportunity to meet an international showcase of exhibitors from countries including Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UK as well as the UAE.

Key exhibitors at the event will include Brand Stand, who will showcase their award winning snack product Oloves and organic meltdown chocolates.

Best Partner produce Stollen snack packs and muesli-rice in addition to fully baked, freshly frozen sandwiches and wraps for in-flight consumption, will also be present at the event, and boast Halal certified food prepared by renowned chefs.

Skysupply, who are a leading supplier of high quality comfort items such as amenity kits, blankets, pyjamas and slippers will showcase at the event and supply to some of the world’s most recognised airlines.

“The Middle East is a growing market, and as the hub between Europe and Asia holds a lot of potential for our business,” said Wolfgang Bücherl, managing director for sales and marketing, Skysupply.

Long Prosper, an ISO certified manufacturer of headphones, will display products ranging from noise cancellation and surround sound headphones to those suitable for the economy class traveller. Nordyun will be unveiling its Quantum trolley, featuring new non-skid material for tray mats.

Combined with the co-located events Sweets & Snacks Middle East, Sweet & SnackTec Middle East and The Speciality Food Festival, all four dedicated food industry events will run alongside each other providing visitors and exhibitors alike an environment for trading, networking and cross-selling.

The International Travel Catering Association gala dinner is held alongside the event and will feature the PAX International Readership Awards. – TradeArabia News Service