The Middle East is proving to be an economic hotspot when it comes to the travel industry, and according to organisers of the Middle East Duty Free Conference 2007, it offers massive potential for further development over the next two decades.

Almost 400 delegates at the event took part in seminars, debates and Q & A sessions; all of them in no doubt that Dubai is fast establishing itself as the Middle East hub for business and tourism. According to conference organisers the entire Middle East can now be considered ‘the crossroads to the future', and although issues such as global warming and social responsibility could pose threats to the area's well-being, delegates were confident that those particular issues could be overcome.

The quality and the innovative design of new property developments in the area are proving winning factors in attracting new business and tourism to the region. An almost exponential increase in numbers of tourists and business visitors over the past decade means that airlines have had to rapidly increase their fleets and routes to be able to satisfy demand.

So it's no surprise that airline success stories were particularly prevalent at the conference, typified by the meteoric rise of carrier Eithad Airways. A brand new enterprise four years ago, it has become the fastest growing passenger airline ever, with a predicted fleet of 52 aircraft by the end of 2011; an increase of almost 50% on 2007's numbers. Chief Executive James Hogan believes that Eithad is set be the Middle Eastern air bridge between East and West.

Also revealed in the conference rooms of Dubai was Emirates Airline's in-flight recipe for success - adoption and expansion of the higher end price products. CEO Terry Daly urged other carriers to re-think their approach to retailing within the cabin if they wanted to enjoy a similar level of success. His tips included investing more in quality in-flight brochures, improving crew incentives and training, and even redesigning the bar trolley.

To keep up with the region's ever-expanding airlines, airports are continuing to grow at a phenomenal rate. Jebel Ali now boasts an annual 120million passenger capacity, and new airports in Abu Dhabi have more than trebled capacity from 6million to 20million.

If any further evidence that the region was booming was needed then that came with figures recording passenger traffic growth at 17.8% - three times above the global average. By 2012, passenger throughput for the region is predicted to hit 400million, and tourist arrivals by 2020 will number 68.5million, eventually affirming the Middle East's status as the 'crossroads of the future'.

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