Travel Catering and Services Event Starts

The Middle East is an exception to global trends and regional carriers were helped in 2010 by an increased share of the long haul market, with a boost of 17% in premium travel on 2009 according to IATA, the airline industry watchdog.

ITCA Dubai takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 31 October to 2 November 2010. Now in its fifth year, ITCA Dubai is organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and held in partnership with the International Travel Catering Association. The ITCA Gala Dinner is held alongside the event and will feature the PAX International Readership Awards, tickets will be available to purchase at the event.

Speaking on behalf of Dubai World Trade Centre, Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO said: “Dubai is the ideal location for this global industry to meet- it is the recognised business hub for the growth market of the Middle East with significant investment in regional airports and infrastructure for tourism and business.”

Trade visitors will have the unique opportunity during the three-day event to meet an international showcase of exhibitors from countries including Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, UK as well as the UAE.

Key exhibitors at the event will include Brand Stand, who will showcase their award winning snack product Oloves. These 100% healthy, natural deli-style olives are free from preservatives, and are the perfect grab-n-go snack for the travel catering industry. Awards won by Oloves include the Mercury Award at ITCA Barcelona. Organic Meltdown Chocolate is another creation from Brand Stand; this fair-trade, organic chocolate reflects the nature of the product with a tree saved for every bar sold!

Best Partner produce Stollen snack packs and muesli-rice in addition to fully baked, freshly frozen sandwiches and wraps for in-flight consumption, will also be present at the event, and boast Halal certified food prepared by renowned chefs.

Skysupply, who are a leading supplier of high quality comfort items such as amenity kits, blankets, pyjamas and slippers will showcase at the event and supply to some of the world’s most recognised airlines including Lufthansa and Thai Airways. Their bespoke product design means they cater for economy traveller to business and first-class requirements. Speaking of Skysupply’s participation at ITCA Dubai 2010, Wolfgang Bücherl, Managing Director for Sales and Marketing said “The Middle East is a growing market, and as the hub between Europe and Asia holds a lot of potential for our business. We are delighted to be a part of ITCA Dubai this year, and look forward to meeting with our industry partners.”

Long Prosper is an ISO certified manufacturer of headphones and will display products ranging from noise cancellation and surround sound headphones to those suitable for the economy class traveller. Nordyun will be unveiling the much anticipated Quantum trolley- the lightest and most innovative certified product example in the world- at the event. New non-skid material for tray mats from Flight Service Products will be showcased at the show, and will prove to be a welcome addition to the industry.

Combined with the co-located events Sweets & Snacks Middle East, Sweet & SnackTec Middle East and The Speciality Food Festival, all four dedicated food industry events will run alongside each other providing visitors and exhibitors alike with the perfect trading, networking and cross-selling environment.