May 8- The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2010 closed today, reflecting renewed strength and optimism from the travel and tourism industry. The event closed on a high note this Friday showing the industry has built up momentum for growth. The number of visitors to the four day event increased by 3 percent compared to last year, and there was also an increase in the number of Gulf Cooperation Council visitors.

Turkey recorded the biggest increase in visitor numbers among participating countries, and there was an increase in the number of quality visitors and participants coming back each day to conduct business. “Even before the show opened, ATM has witnessed positive consolidation of exhibition and stand sharers and a record 72 participating countries included more than 60 new-to-market representatives” said Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organizers of ATM 2010.