Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Demetris Demetriou:
"Ukraine is a high priority market for the Cyprus Tourism Organization and by participating in UITT, we are able to make the new business contacts we need and to keep in touch with changes and developments in the Ukraine. Following another successful participation in UITT this year, we are convinced that this is the best travel and tourism exhibition in the region and we will continue to include it as an integral part of our marketing efforts for the Ukraine."


The leading travel trade event for the Ukrainian market, UITT, concluded its 2001 edition on the 7th April with a palpable sense of optimism for the future development of the Ukrainian travel and tourism market. The 4 day show brought together both the international and Ukrainian tourism communities in a lively and productive atmosphere at the Sports Palace in Kiev, where on-site business negotiations reflected the confidence of the industry in this region and the huge potential it offers.

Official Opening Ceremony
UITT2001 was opened by a host of VIP guests including: Mr Tsibukh, Chairman of the State Committee of Youth Policies, Sport & Tourism of Ukraine and Chairman of the CIS Tourism Board; Mr Taryanik, Minister for Tourism of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea; Mr Yevdokimenko, General Director of the Association of Hotel Unions & Hotels of Ukraine; Mr Grytsyk, Deputy Chief of the Central Administrative Board and Chief of Tourism Administrative Board of Kiev. They were joined by distinguished guests from all over Ukraine and by representatives from international Tourism Boards and Embassies.

Exhibitor Profile
As interest grows in the region, UITT2001 saw new destinations such as Indonesia, the Maldives and the Seychelles exhibiting alongside the already established exhibitors from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Hungary, Singapore, South Africa and Turkey amongst others. In all some 500 companies from over 35 countries and regions were represented at this year's edition. All sectors of the travel and tourism industry were present from tour operators to travel IT solutions companies and national tourism boards.

UITT2001 also saw an increase in the participation of domestic participants, which reflects the Ukrainian government's proactive efforts to promote the tourism industry as a priority for the development of the Ukrainian economy. Key players from the industry were present including Crimea and western regions of Ukraine as well as such companies as Hamaliya, Panorama Tour, and Vremena Goda.

Visitor Profile
This year there was a noticeable increase in the quality of the visitors at the event with many contracts finalised and a huge interest generated in the products and destinations promoted. Over 20,000 visitors were in attendance with some 6,000 registered.

Events at UITT2001
Equip'Hotel Ukraine exhibition was once again held alongside UITT. 48 companies participated at this event showcasing different sectors of the leisure industry including interiors and hotel furniture, catering and tableware. There was international representation from Norway, Germany, Poland, USA and Russia as well as numerous domestic organisations. The successful synchronisation of the two shows demonstrates the positive synergy between the travel and leisure industry.

In addition to a range of stand presentations and competitions, exhibitors such as Amadeus, Israel Ministry of Tourism and Vremena Goda amongst others gave seminars promoting their products to the visiting trade.

As part of the Welcome Reception celebrations, awards were presented in recognition of particularly outstanding participation at the exhibition. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation was awarded the Best International Participation prize with the Egyptian Tourist Board as runners up and the Best Ukrainian Participation prize went to Sam Travel with the runners up being Kiy Avia Company.

"I think our exhibitors will agree with me when I say that the trade days at this year's edition of UITT had an added special quality to them," says David Hammond, Director of ITE Travel Exhibitions. "The high standard of visitors and the exceptionally positive atmosphere in the Sports Palace contributed to the most productive UITT to date. To our delight UITT is proving to be a worthy subsidiary of our flagship event in Moscow and we look forward to developing the event further ensuring that it remains the No 1 Ukraine International Travel and Tourism exhibition."