BITE to bring world to Bahrain
Manama, February 24, 2008
More than 110 exhibitors from 46 countries are expected to take part in the fourth Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE 2008) in May.
The show is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, from May 14-17 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.
To be held under the slogan ‘Bringing the World to Bahrain’, BITE is expected to draw more than 20,000 visitors to the show.
BITE, launched in 2005, has grown significantly over the years and the response from the travel trade for the event this year is very encouraging, said Jamil A Wafa, founder and group chairman of Magnum Holdings, parent company of Magnum Events and Exhibitions Management (Meem), organisers of BITE.
He said the show, which started with just 1,100 sq m of space in 2005, will cover 8,000 sq m this year.
Wafa said the aim of the show is to promote Bahrain to the international audience.
Ten new countries will take part in the show this year, taking the total to 46 countries.
“BITE offers an ideal platform for showcasing new products and services, in a dynamic and inspired setting, said Hisham Al Baradie, chairman of Meem.
The exhibition will cover a wide variety of sectors ranging from airlines to car rental companies, conventions and exhibitions, cruise lines, education, health resorts and spas, hotel accommodation providers, MICE organisers, tourist attractions, tourism boards, tour operators, travel insurance, as well as travel and tourism publications, he said.
With a view to promoting Bahrain as a meeting and conferences destination, the organisers will host about 120 MICE buyers.
BITE 2008 has received a tremendous response to its MICE hosted buyers programme, said Abraham John, executive director of BITE. “More than 580 people have applied to be part of the programme. However, we will be able to host only 120 people,” said John.
He said a schedule of conferences is being worked out and top speakers are expected to take part in them. – TradeArabia News Service
