More than 9,500 people visited the Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE 2009) on the first two days, organisers have said.

The fifth edition of the show, being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, was opened by Magnum Holdings founder and group chairman Jamil Wafa.

Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi and Defence Minister Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa accompanied Wafa on a tour around the exhibition and spoke to various exhibitors.

The exhibition, organised by Magnum Holdings' company, Magnum Events and Exhibitions Management (MEEM), is the first business-to-consumer focused travel and tourism event in the region and expects to attract more than 20,000 people by the time it closes today.

Wafa described the show as a vibrant event and said exhibitors and organisers had shown their trust in Bahrain once again.

"Every year, through BITE, we bring the world to Bahrain. We welcome the travel industry and consumer community to experience this wonderful expo."

He said this is extremely creditable in the face of unprecedented industry challenges including the global economic downturn and recent pandemic scares.

A wide variety of exhibitors are presenting their packages and holiday options, ranging from airlines to car rental companies, conventions and exhibitions, cruise lines, health resorts and spas and hotel accommodation providers.

Wafa said BITE has grown exponentially over the past five years from its inaugural show in 2005 which featured 14 countries and 40 exhibitors, in a space totalling 1,100sqm to a show which encompasses 40 nationalities, more than 100 exhibitors, and approximately 20,000 visitors in a total area of 7,500sqm in 2009.

This expo will be open to the public today from 10am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 9pm. Entrance is free.-TradeArabia News Service