After the May 1 maiden voyage of new cruise liner Carnival Magic, the Arabian Travel Market gets underway next week, with announcements and analysis expected from international brands eyeing the Middle East region.
Carnival Magic debut
May 1
Venice, Italy
Carnival's newest 130,000 ton ship can carry nearly 3,700 guests and will sail a nine-day inaugural voyage to Barcelona. On board, it offers the WaterWorks aqua park, an on-board pub with its own home brews and the first ropes course at sea, featuring an above-deck net with dizzying views of the water 45 m below.
http://www.carnival.com
World Travel Awards - Middle East
May 2
Dubai, UAE
The season begins again for the travel world's leading award program, honoring the best destinations and travel businesses in the Middle East. It's the first of five regional ceremonies before the finalists progress to the grand final ceremony later this year.
http://worldtravelawards.com
18th Arabian Travel Market
May 2-5
Dubai, UAE
The Arabian Travel Market examines the potential of the Middle East as both an outbound and rapidly growing inbound region. Expect major announcements from some of the world's leading hotel brands and a sneak peak at some of the exciting developments in the region.
http://www.arabiantravelmarket.com/
28th Fort Lauderdale: Unleashed
May 10-15
Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
The largest event in the LGBT travel community, Fort Lauderdale: Unleashed is organized by the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association to bring together industry experts, LGBT brands and gay-friendly brands.
http://www.igltaconvention.org
WTTC Global Travel & Tourism Summit
May 17-19
Las Vegas, NV, USA
The movers and the shakers of the travel world come together once again in America's 'Sin City' for a three-day conference looking at market trends and insight from the CEOs of the world's 100 largest tourism companies. The focus, predictably, is on the future of middle class travel from developing countries.
http://www.globaltraveltourism.com
Luxtofair 2011
May 20-22
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Targeted at a luxury travel market which is on the rise again following the recession, the Lifestyle & Luxury Tourism Fair 2011 styles itself the first high-end event in its part of the world. Everything from luxury golf vacations to yachts will be on offer at the event, which also includes workshops and stage performances.
http://www.luxtofair.com/
International Pow Wow
May 21-25
San Francisco, CA, USA
The US Travel Association's annual bash comes to California this year, with travel buyers, executives and journalists coming together to take stock of the industry and highlight the best of US travel to visitors from over 70 countries.
http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/powwow2011/index.html
Connected Traveler Technology Showcase
May 23
San Francisco, CA, USA
The inside of our vehicles are set to change beyond recognition in the comng years and automakers leverage new technology to bring drivers closer to the digital world - this Silicon Valley event highlights some of the latest technology, from GPS to smartphones to augmented reality.
http://connectedtraveler.com
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