Nigeria, Cambodia, and Romania were among the countries displaying their stand at the Arabian Travel Market for the first time this year. With the weaker economy slowing tourism demand there is more interest in the Middle East because it is one of the travel industry’s few bright spots. Romanian mineral water spas, ancient Cambodian ruins, and Nigerian warthogs were some of the least familiar attractions being promoted.
Tourism officials from the emerging destinations said they were impressed with the positive feedback from tour operators and travel agents. President of the Association of Cambodian Travel agents said the ATM 2009 is the best show he has been to this year. There are some commercial links between Cambodia and the Gulf region. Cambodia recently signed tourism agreements with Kuwait and Qatar.
