An Egyptian tourism ministry delegation headed by the minister, Rania Al-Mashat, arrived in Dubai on Saturday to take part in the Arabian Travel Market exhibition, which takes place next week. The business-to-business exhibition, which has been running for 25 years, features a range of exhibitors and national pavilions from around the world, and will take place from 22 to 25 April. According to its website, Arabian Travel Market “showcases over 2,800 products and destinations from around the world to over 28,000 buyers and travel trade visitors.” Ahead of her departure, Al-Mashat said in press statements that the Middle Eastern market was one of the most important sources of tourists for Egypt. The minister said that Egypt's contribution to the forum this year will feature a virtual reality showcase of the country's touristic sites. The Egyptian pavilion is 423 square metres and will feature 42 participants, including 19 companies, 19 hotels, EgyptAir and Air Cairo, as well as a special pavilion for tourism destinations in Red Sea and South Sinai governorates, and a business suite (a corporate room, hotel room, Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers), according to the tourism ministry. Participating in the forum comes in light of the tourism ministry's plan to attract more Arab tourists, Al-Mashat said. The minister is scheduled to meet with professionals in the field as well as tour guide and airline companies.
