São Paulo – Middle East tourist destinations will be part of the 42nd ABAV Expo International Tourism Fair, which will be held from September 24th to 28th at the Anhembi Exhibition Centre, in the city of São Paulo. From the Arab world, Palestine and Morocco will have stands, as well as Abu Dhabi, which is one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates; the airline Etihad Airways; and travel agency Egípcia Tours, based on Brazil but belonging to an Egyptian, which offers trips to the Arab world.
“The Arab countries have always been present,” says the International Affairs vice-president of the Brazilian Travel Agencies Association (ABAV), Leonel Rossi Júnior, about the region’s participation in ABAV’s fair. According to him, however, in view of the importance of such countries, Arab presence at the fair could be much stronger. “The Arab world is very important, tourism and culture-wise,” said the vice-president.
According to Rossi, ongoing political and military turmoil in some countries has prevented a larger representation of countries such as, for instance, Syria and Iraq. He says he is also missing Lebanon, a country with strong ties to Brazil, and stresses Egypt’s importance as a tourist destination. “Egypt is one of the most important countries in the world regarding tourism and culture.”
Over 65 countries will be represented at the ABAV fair, besides destinations within Brazil. The fair will have three days for industry professionals only, from September 24th to 26th, and in the last two days, September 27th and 28th, respectively Saturday and Sunday, the general public will be welcomed. According to Rossi, last year, on the professional-only days, 26,000 people visited the fair.
According to figures from the ABAV, Brazil will have a 5% increase in domestic and international tourism flows this year. The growth regards outbound and domestic tourists.
According to data released by the fair’s public relations office earlier this month, visitors from 640 cities around the world have already confirmed their attendance. A total of 3,500 exhibitors and 40,000 visitors are expected to attend the fair. On the days the fair is open to the general public, domestic and international tour packages at a discount and exclusive special offers will be available to visitors.
Service:
42nd ABAV International Tourism Fair
Anhembi Exhibition Centre – Av. Olavo Fontoura, 1209 – São Paulo – SP
From September 24th to 28th 2014
Open only for professionals from September 24th to 26th (Wednesday to Friday), from 10am to 6pm
Open for the general public on September 27th and 28th (Saturday and Sunday), from 2pm to 8 pm
For further information: http://www.abavexpo.com.br/en/ (in English)
*Translated by Rodrigo Mendonça
