Representatives from Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen and the GCC countries participate in a workshop jointly held by QTA and the UNWTO and entitled “Preparing a model to establish and successfully operate a tourism security unit”

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) concluded its second day of a training workshop entitled “Preparing a model to establish and successfully operate a tourism security unit” today, in cooperation with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

A brand new trade show for the US meetings industry was announced in Las Vegas today (October 28th, 2009) by Ray Bloom, Chairman of the IMEX Group.

Bloom was joined by Bruce MacMillan, CEO of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), IMEX America’s strategic partner and Chris Meyer, Vice President of Sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) in announcing the launch of IMEX America – America’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events.

Codeshare flights to Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Phuket available for booking

Air Berlin strengthens its presence in Thailand. In addition to the direct flights already available to Bangkok and Phuket, Air Berlin passengers can now book connecting flights from the Thai capital to Koh Samui, Chiang Mai and Phuket. This has been made possible by the cooperation agreement with Bangkok Airways.

Brand new BRIDEX all set for ATF 2010 at Brunei Darussalam

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), the region’s foremost tourism and travel event, to be hosted by member-nation, Brunei Darussalam, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei from 21 to 28 January 2010, is well on its way to bringing more than 400 seller organisations and 400 hosted buyers together to traverse new horizons at TRAVEX

Tourism-Insider’s editor-in-chief Joachim Fischer was one of many to congratulate Sutera Harbour Resort from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, on their newly acquired award. For the third time, the resort was recognized by TTG Asia as Best Incentive Hotel during travel tradeshow IT&CMA.

The 2nd ITB Asia closed in Singapore with 6,149 attendees joining the three-day event, compared to 6,208 last year. Messe Berlin (Singapore) Director, Dr Martin Buck, said: “The result is solid considering the nature of 2009. The performance is a strong base which promises real growth in 2010.”

While the number of exhibiting organizations increased to 679 compared to 651 last year, companies sent fewer representatives. Invited buyers declined from 812 last year to 553 because Messe Berlin implemented higher vetting standards. It was a policy that paid off.