Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Undaunted by the crisis caused due to the global recession in the travel industry, Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE) 2009 - the first business to consumers tourism event in the region - is all set to open for a fifth successful year.
BITE has grown over the past five years from a show in 2005 with 14 countries, 40 exhibitors and attracting 12,500 visitors to 44 countries, 120 exhibitors and 18,000 visitors in 2008.
This year's event is expected to have around 100 exhibitors from 40. Organiser Magnum Events and Exhibitions Management (MEEM) admit that it will be hard to match last year's record number of exhibitors but the quality of stands will shine through. Around 100 exhibitors from approximately 40 countries are still expected to take part.
The show must go on, said Jamil Wafa, founder and group chairman, Magnum Holding, the parent company of MEEM. "BITE is a commitment we have made to Bahrain and to the Crown Prince who has supported the exhibition since its inception. We will continue despite the challenges.
"Several leading regional and international companies are participating in a big way and there is no compromise on the quality of the show."
BITE offers a forum for the coming together of leading international operators from a cross section of travel related businesses including airlines, car rental companies, conventions and exhibitions, cruise lines, health resorts and spas, hotel accommodation providers amongst others.
There are many surprises and attractions planned for the BITE stage extravaganza as some exhibitors are preparing special activities including national dancers, singers, musicians and performers as part of a cultural treat at this year's show.
BITE 2009 will run from May 14-16 under the patronage of Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board.
