The three-day Bahrain International Travel Expo 2009, which concluded on May 16, received about 13,000 visitors, according to the organisers.

Jamil Wafa, founder and chairman of Magnum Holdings, the parent company of Magnum Events and Exhibitions Management (MEEM), the organizer, expressed his satisfaction over the positive response the exhibition drew from visitors, participants, hosted buyers and media.

“Many international tourism boards who exhibited at BITE 2009 echoed Mr Wafa’s sentiments. They have expressed their keen interest in returning next year with bigger stalls, more information, and cultural shows representing the rich culture and heritage of their countries,” a statement said.

“BITE is not only an important international annual event for the global travel industry, but also for international MICE organisations and consumers who find great value in the many exciting packages and deals offered at the expo,” said Wafa.

“BITE has definitely put Bahrain on the world map and on the annual itinerary for the travel industry,”  Wafa added.

As part of BITE’s MICE hosted buyers programme, 55 high-profile MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) buyers, corporate event managers and travel writers were flown in from around the world. They were taken on several visits and excursions across the Kingdom.

BITE 2010 will be held from May 13 to 15 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. – TradeArabia News Service