| The Middle East Travel and Tourism Summit 2006 (METTS) is a two-day event that will take place at the Dead Sea in Jordan on 26 and 27 February 2006. Supported by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board; as well as other international and regional organisations and companies, this British-led regional and international conference will focus on sustainable development through tourism by building strong partnerships between local, regional and international private & public sectors. METTS is produced and organized by the Middle East Association (MEA) and Compass Rose International, both of the UK, in association with Events Unlimited of Jordan.
METTS will provide a forum for senior international and regional executives to discuss the opportunities and challenges in developing this sector. This will allow executives to identify the major opportunities in the region, implement successful development strategies, and meet international and regional partners.
"The Middle East travel and tourism market experienced significant recovery in 2005 and is expected to grow in 2006 and beyond", said Michael Thomas, Director of Trade at the MEA. "Forecasts describe a boom in all aspects of the tourism sector, from internal demand and consumption, to government spending, investment and international visitors. Tourism is becoming recognised as the fastest growing economic sector in the Middle East, providing substantial foreign exchange earnings and job creation throughout most of the region", added Thomas. The MEA is responsible for over 75% of UK trade with the Middle East.
"Designed to assist in developing tourism markets in the Middle East, METTS will, through its 12 panels and dedicated networking sessions, explore a broad spectrum of topics assisting in developing this key sector", said Susan Sandouka, Managing Director of Compass Rose International. These include:
- Attracting foreign direct investment and infrastructure development
- Sustainable development and responsible tourism
- Update on major regional development projects
- Preserving cultural heritage and identity
- The role of aviation in realising regional tourism growth
- Successful destination management and marketing
- Sports, Business, Health, Religious Tourism
"We have decided to stage this event in Jordan for the first year in light of the great progress that has been made by the Jordanian Government to further its tourism industry and promote sustainable development", commented Samar Ashqar of Events Unlimited. "Tourism is of vital importance to the national economy of Jordan. It is Jordan's largest export sector; the 2nd largest private sector employer; and the 2nd highest producer of foreign exchange – contributing approximately 10% of Jordan’s GDP", added Ashqar.
METTS will bring together 500 industry leaders, finance houses as well as senior Government officials, from emerging and developed tourism markets in the region, including North Africa, Turkey and Iran, who will provide a platform for a positive interactive discussion essential to the sustainable development of a competitive national tourism product.
|
