Reed Exhibitions. For the first time ever, one country has been chosen to be the feature at the world renowned Mediterranean Travel Fair (MTF).

Tunisia has been selected because of its fast-growing and thriving tourist industry that plays a crucial role in the development of the country and its economy.

Funds for promoting Tunisia abroad have been increasing with each year and more than six million visitors flock to visit the country's historical treasures and sun-drenched beaches.

The Tunisian Minister of Tourism, Mr Tijani Haddad is taking advantage of the Feature Country status by announcing a week long festival to celebrate Tunisia and all that the country has to offer visitors.

One in six people in Tunisia works in the travel and tourism industry at present and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) research suggests the Tunisian travel industry will grow by a staggering 12.9% in 2005, bringing more choice, availability and convenience for visitors.

To launch Tunisia as MTF's first featured country, a Gala dinner will be held with the Egyptian Prime Minister and other leading dignitaries in attendance. A select group of guests will also be invited to take part in a familiarisation trip to the feature country.

"We are delighted to announce that Tunisia has been selected as the feature country for 2005," said Chris Chackal, Group Exhibitions Director at Reed Travel Exhibitions. The thousands of visitors who attend MTF will see what Tunisia has to offer visitors and how it is able to merge a rich historical past with luxurious beach resorts and a modern and impressive infrastructure of hotels, international airports and restaurants."

Mediterranean Travel Fair is the must attend event for the Eastern Mediterranean region. Over 4000 travel professionals attended the event last year أƒآ¢أ¢â€ڑآ¬أ¢â‚¬إ“ one visitor for every 20 seconds that the show was open. And with a record number of guests expected at the impressive venue in Cairo this September, organisers have every confidence that this yearأ¢â‚¬â„¢s MTF will be the biggest yet.