The International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA) has entered a partnership with MENATA, The Middle East & North Africa Travel Association, to encourage communication and build relationships between members of both associations.

Launched in January, MENATA aims to raise the profile of the Arab tourism industry by providing a catalyst and platform for travel industry representatives with a shared interest in the region to work together more closely. Stretching over 4,000 miles from the Atlantic coast to the Indian Ocean, the MENATA region covers 18 Arab countries and territories together with Cyprus, Iran and Turkey.

“The Middle East and North Africa has to be one of the most exciting, distinctive and rewarding tourism areas anywhere in the world with a vast array of attractions to appeal to every type of visitor. The region has made huge steps over the past decade, Dubai has been a major instigator in this development, but there is still a great deal of growth to come in all areas of this amazing region,” said Executive Director Peter Lilley.

As well as beautiful beaches, blue seas and luxurious hotels, an unrivaled list of world-class sporting events, magnificent architecture and shopping to die for, MENA is home to almost 90 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage listing. MENATA also seeks to play a role in fostering much greater understanding of the Middle East & North Africa, its peoples and cultures.

Tom Nutley has been chairman of ITTFA since its inception almost two decades ago. “The MENA region is one of the most exciting markets in terms of growth and development and has much to offer. Travel exhibitions have sprung up across the region to showcase the many attractions of the area as well as encourage trade and visitors. MENATA will further support this growth industry and we are pleased to be able to assist by opening channels of communication between our members and theirs. Encouraging new and improved relationships in the international tourism trade fair industry is a key objective for the association which will further enable all of our members to obtain maximum benefit from opportunities worldwide.”

ITTFA, secretariat@ittfa.org. www.ittfa.org; MENATA, www.menata.org