Expansion within the airline industry in the region has created strong demand across one of the most important associated sectors - catering services and facilities. Airport expansion work in the region amounts to $38 billion, while in 2012 the 10 leading airports in the Middle East will have a combined capacity of 320 million passengers. The International Air Transportation Association (IATA) international passenger forecasts place the Middle East and North Africa as the largest region for growth worldwide climbing to 6.8 percent ahead of global average of 5.1 percent. As a result, ICTA Dubai 2008, taking place from 3 - 5 November at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), the only dedicated travel catering services exhibition for the Middle East, Africa and Indian Subcontinent region, is set to receive a record number of visitors in its third edition. ITCA Dubai 2008 is organized by Dubai World Trade Centre in partnership with the International Travel Conference Association (ITCA). Joanne Cook, Group Industry manager - Food Cluster, DWTC, said: “Plans for the airline industry in the region continue to expand, positioning the Middle East as one of the world's major travel hubs. With the increase in airlines and the continuous change in passenger preference, travel catering is a crucial factor and an important element that compliments this growth. ITCA Dubai will be a dedicated event providing the region's travel industry with complete specialist catering solutions.” ITCA Dubai is the event of choice for suppliers in the airline, cruise, ferry and railway catering and services industries looking to meet with leading airline, cruise, rail operators and ship chandlers. __
