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Motaz Othman. ITM
Damascus – Syria
With the participation from official Tourism Boards as Greece, Thailand, Jordan, Turkey, India, Malaysia and Syria together with Airlines, Hotels, Tour Operators, Restaurants and Travel and Tourism services companies, the Arab Tourism Borsa in its 6th edition was concluded with a new record for visitors that exceeds 1200 trade professionals and over 6000 from the public.
This year ATB was special and much better than last years as the Minister of Syria Tourism Dr. Sadaala Agha Al Qalaa, opened the fair together with an official team, The minister spend around three hours and paid visits to all stands in particular the foreign participation where he warmly welcomed them.
Syria as One of the best and most attracted travel and tourism destination in the Middle East in particular and in the world in general, the only thing that ATB is missing a Hosted Buyers and Hosted Media program, the organizer of the event Mr. Emad Sarayri, said that Hotels in Damascus are nor offering rooms and they are not supporting the event, simply because its known that Syria still have a shortage in 5 starts room Hotels, even if few 5 starts Hotels are under construction.
Dr. Sadallah visited ITM stand and I confirmed to him that we are supporting Syria Tourism in all aspects including its MICE industry.
The organizers held a dinner in the second day in Al Raya restaurant, where the Popular Syrian food was served accompanied with Arabic Music and singers, the “ Tabla “ and the “ Oud’ is a major music tolls, the dinner also host a Malaysian folklore team who played and sings traditional Malawi songs. The Ambassador of China attended the diner and give a 5 minutes speech to the attendance and confirmed China participation next year.
The next day, the organizers invites the exhibitors to a Lunch in Al Khawali restaurant located in the old city of Damascus, the old city is being a real Tourism attraction where most of the old houses turn into restaurants, showrooms for the Syrian hand made furniture and the popular mosaic.
A Jordanian delegate arrived on the 3rd day of the event and held meetings one to one with Syrian major Tour Operators, confirming that tourism and travel between Jordan and Syria is at its best time, as Taxes will be left off between Travelers from Jordan and Syria to increase the traffic and business between the two neighboring and friend countries.
The Minister informed the organizers to go in a partnership with an international event organizer to attract more exhibitors and to organize a hosting buyer and media program.
Ms. Fotini Nakou, Greece representative said that we are happy to participate in Syria as Greece is the closest European country in addition to similarity in food and culture. Mr Gangadhar, the assistant director of India. Middle East, said that we are always exhibiting here and we believe that Syria and the Arab world is attractive for us. Mr. Zaid Malhas, representing Thailand said , we are here to invite Syrian to the honey moon programs, also to the SPA and wonderful nature in Thailand as its an excellent destination. Mr. Maher Al Qaryouti, head of Arab countries division in Jordan Tourism Board, mention that as the relation between the two countries are going better, we will also as tourism board have to support this good relation. Kuwait is a regular exhibitor as thousands of Syrians are working in Kuwait and tenth of thousands Kuwait tourists arrived to Syria each year.
I really enjoyed this year event and want to assure that Syria is working very hard to attract tourists where for sure they will enjoy their journey.
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