Tourism Flanders is announced as premier partner at World Travel Market

Flanders has been confirmed as the Premier Partner at World Travel Market (WTM) in London for 2013 and 2014. This will ensure that Flanders will feature as a "guest region" at WTM for the next two years, at one of the most important tourism exhibitions in Europe.

Flemish Minister for Tourism, Geert Bourgeois said: "I am delighted with the exclusive co-operation agreement which has just been signed by Tourism Flanders and the organisers of WTM, Reed Exhibitions. This provides an ideal position to present "2014-2018 the Great War Centenary" to the attention of the travel industry. With this agreement we will also look forward to promoting a greater awareness of Flanders and Brussels as a tourism destination." 

More than 48,000 international tourism professionals visit WTM annually. WTM 2011 facilitated a massive £1,653 million in business deals for travel and tourism exhibitors over the four days. Furthermore, WTM is the most important trade fair in the world for English speaking markets and Commonwealth countries. 

Each year, WTM focuses on one specific country or region to promote its "Premier Partnership". Last year, Abu Dhabi had this opportunity.

"We are very proud to become the new Premier Partner at WTM for the next two editions. As Britain and the Commonwealth are the most important foreign target groups for the remembrance of The Great War Centenary, it is strategically very beneficial for Tourism Flanders to be able to deploy such a large promotional tool via this partnership, over the next couple of years at WTM," Bourgeonis added. 

Tourism Flanders will use its position as the Premier Partner primarily to bring "2014-2018, The Great War Centenary" to attention in its association with the international travel industry. There will be a particular focus on the English speaking markets and the Commonwealth countries to promote this project.  

The new partnership also provides a unique opportunity for Tourism Flanders to strategically brand itself at Excel during WTM in 2013 and 2014. Opportunities include the decoration and branding of several spaces at the Excel hall in line with its international marketing branding strategy. A clear emphasis on "2014-2018 the Great War Centenary" will be visible throughout. Examples include a "poppy pathway", created using the image of 51 square metres of imaged tiles from the main entrance hall to the main Flanders stand.  

Reed Travel Exhibitions Director World Travel Market, Simon Press said: "I am delighted to welcome Flanders as WTM's Premier Partner for the next two events in 2013 and 2014.  

WTM is the event where the industry conducts its business, making it ideal for Flanders to promote its Great War Centenary. All at WTM look forward to helping Flanders achieve its objectives over the next two years." 

Luxury travel firm opens Dubai HQ

The Travel Attaché, a premier luxury travel specialist, has launched its Dubai headquarters, the first in a series of offices to be unveiled across the Middle East and Asia by 2015.

Working with over 200,000 of the globe’s leading suppliers, The Travel Attaché enjoys access to the world’s most desirable properties and offers a diverse portfolio of sumptuous hotels, villas, chalets, yachts, cruises and private jets, a statement said.

In addition, the independent consultant presents a unique experiential offering, a first for the region, with tailor-made experiences ranging from kite skiing in Antarctica to private viewings of the Northern Lights.

Founded by a panel of industry experts with over 50 years combined experience across the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors, The Travel Attaché is run by a team of connoisseurs who each enjoy individual acclaim as leaders in their field.

Chairman Mishal Kanoo, deputy chairman of the Kanoo Group, is joined by vice chairman Gaurav Sinha, Founder and managing director of Insignia, the Middle East’s first luxury branding and brand marketing agency; Liam Wholey, chief executive officer, formerly CEO for elite concierge service Quintessentially Group’s Middle East & Africa division; and managing director Jeremy Sutton, founder and former managing director of Quintessentially Travel.

The announcement comes the day the World Travel Market opens in London, a reflection of the company’s international outlook.

“Our decision to create The Travel Attaché is reflective of the region’s growing need and desire for an exceptional travel proposition,” said Wholey.

“The Middle East remains one of the most dynamic parts of the world with a rapidly progressive consumer base and we are excited at the prospect of redefining levels of service and expertise in the leisure and business booking sectors.

“With our unique offering, we are confident that we can deliver unforgettable experiences in a seamless and sophisticated manner and redefine the region’s perception of travel,” he added.