The 2nd Bahrain International Travel Expo, BITE 2006 has received an encouraging response from the Business Community with enthusiastic participation from the travel trade and tourism boards from across the world.

At a Press Briefing conducted by the organizers Magnum Exhibitions & Events Management (MEEM), it was stated that BITE 2006 had achieved a business focus that synchronizes with the tourism objectives laid out by the Bahrain Government.

The main highlight of this year’s BITE is the invitation of 75 key MICE (Meetings Incentives Conference Events) buyers from Germany, France, UK, Ireland, Greece, South Africa and India.

Mr. Jamil A Wafa, Chairman & Chief Executive, Unitag Group, stated, “For the first time in the Middle East, we will be hosting 75 senior MICE buyers, comprising of senior corporate executives, MICE travel experts and professional journalists.”

Mr. Wafa added. “ As I have said before, this is a definite step on the part of the private sector to compliment the Government’s efforts to showcase Bahrain as the most desirable tourism hub. Bahrain represents an ideal destination for the Incentive travelers and Conference organizers. The Kingdom is popular amongst tourists from all over the world for its warm hospitality and friendly people. Additionally, the country is strategically located in the heart of the Arabian Gulf and offers sound infrastructural facilities, excellent exhibition and conference facilities..”

The MICE buyers visitors at BITE 2006 represent organizations, which collectively have an annual spend of USD 2.5 billion.

MICE tourism is an industry of its own generating a total of 652 billion dollars per annum. Mr. Hisham Albaradie, Chairman of MEEM, said, “With its booming economy, good access to the neighbouring countries and a surge of forthcoming attractions such as the Bahrain Financial Harbor and the AlAreen projects, Bahrain is getting ready for the MICE industry. The Kingdom has all the features to position itself to the MICE visitor, as a valued destination that blends business and tourism interests”.

The MICE Hosted Buyers’ visit to BITE 2006 will be facilitated by scheduled one on one meetings.

This way the Expo provides the opportunity for buyer – seller interaction. The Buyers will have an opportunity to take part in a comprehensive destination programme where they will experience the delights of everything Bahrain has to offer to the International MICE Market.

They will be exposed to the excellent conference and hospitality facilities Bahrain has to offer, The Bahrain Financial Harbour, the Bahrain International Circuit, the Golf course and the various cultural and historical attractions in the Kingdom.

Mr. Abraham John, Executive Director, MEEM said, “The MICE representatives at BITE 2006 are individuals who are empowered and responsible for organizing, influencing or making budgetary decisions for business travel, conferences, meetings, incentive travel, international conventions, product launches, staff training or special events. BITE 2006 will now ensure a solid start of MICE tourism in the milestone map of Bahrain Tourism Industry.”

Gulf Air, the exclusive Official Carrier for BITE 2006, are actively participating at the show and sponsoring the air tickets for the hosted buyers. The Five Star Hotel Owners Committee will be supporting BITE 2006 by hosting the guests throughout their stay in Bahrain.

Exhibitors from Australia, Bahrain, Brunei, Cyprus, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Singapore, Syria and Turkey have already signed up for BITE 2006. The expo has generated keen interest from Travel agents, Airlines, International Hotel Chains, Tourism Boards and Tourist Operators from across the world.

BITE 2006 will be held under the patronage of His Highness, Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, Kingdom of Bahrain.

The main sponsor for BITE 2006 is the Economic Development Board (EDB), who are the Platinum Sponsors and there is phenomenal support extended by the Ministry of Information –Tourism Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Bahrain International Exhibition Center. Al Hilal Group and Akhbar Al Khaleej are the official Media Partners and the Arab Tourism Channel is the Official Television Channel. Other Platinum Sponsors are Gulf Finance House, Bahrain Financial Harbor and Al Areen. The Gold Sponsors are MORE International Calling Cards. Silver Sponsors are Vodafone and Ahli United Bank.

MEEM has organized free satellite time for publicity and interviews of the Exhibitors and Sponsors. The three day event is scheduled to be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Center from May 9 to 11 2006. The Expo is expected to draw in over 18000 visitors from Bahrain and neighboring countries.