Arabian travel show postponed due to coronavirus fears

Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), on Monday announced the postponement of the June 28 to July 1 ATM, the Arab world’s biggest travel show, which was scheduled to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, due to the threat from the coronavirus.
This follows the cancellation of German travel show ITB earlier this month, again over concerns of the virus which has spread to many countries from China, its base. Both travel shows see a large participation of Sri Lanka travel companies.
“Due to the escalation of the COVID-19 epidemic around the world, after consultation with all our stakeholders, the venue management, supporting associations, and in alignment with the advice from the UAE public health authorities regarding travel to and from impacted countries, we have taken the decision to postpone our event which was due to take place on 19 – 22 April 2020 in Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC),” Reed said in a public announcement. 
“Whilst the UAE is following the strictest medical and hygiene protocols in line with international standards, we have made this decision in the best interest of the industry to enable us to organise an event which provides effective participation and experience for all. The announcement has been made at the earliest opportunity to give as much notice as possible to all stakeholders enabling them to make the necessary arrangements to reschedule their plans, and ensure even stronger attendance in June,” it said.