The Middle East at WTM London

I had a great time checking out the Middle East at WTM London.

WTM - Excel - London
WTM – Excel – London

The World Travel Market is held at EXCEL, owned itself by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company. The area for the Middle East was tucked between the USA and  Africa.

Oman Stand - WTM
Oman Stand – WTM

The Gulf States had substantial stands with Oman at the event having a number of Hotels including Anantara.

Qatar Stand - WTM - London
Qatar Stand – WTM – London

Qatar also had a substantial stand, a reflection of its wealth and Tourism’s place in its public face.

Sharjah Stand - WTM
Sharjah Stand – WTM

Sharjah also had a large stand with a focus of its natural environment.

Jordan Stand - WTM
Jordan Stand – WTM

Surprising was the size of the Jordan stand, clearly, tourism is a big part on Jordan’s relatively smaller economy, and likely to be even larger in the years to come.

Iran Stand - WTM
Iran Stand – WTM

Despite the appeal of Iran, their stand was not only smaller but much less opulent in design.

Despite being half the size of the overall space at ITB Berlin, the simpler layout and more useable space of EXCEL may well enable the WTM to become the key European travel event.

 

Author: Tony Walsh

Book author including the current Bradt guide to Oman