In the Bag(hdad)
Page 34
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
E' EARS that the Baghdad Trade Fair will fail through a lack of accommodation for visitors and' exhibitors' staffs seem to be premature. Difficulties exist and some of the exhibitors have had discouraging experiences, but the importance of billeting has not been overlooked by the promoters. Accommodation will be expensive, for the local hotel proprietors have been seized with the urgency of the occasion, and it may not always be comfortable, but every effort will be made to house visitors. Six of the leading hotels are taking over premises as annexes, with the object of doubling their accommodation, and a new 60bedroomed hotel will be completed by the time the Fair opens. In addition, two or three trains of ait-conditioned sleeping cars, with electricity and running water, will be available, and two large river barges will serve as hotels. The British Ambassador has asked all British residents who have space, to take in European visitors, and many staff and buyers should in this way find quarters. There is a billeting officer working on the spot and a representative of the promoters is going to Baghdad next month to ensure that the arrangements are working smoothly.
To exhibit at Baghdad will be costly and the promoters have a heavy responsibility to ensure that the greatest possible number of buyers is attracted. A British motor manufacturer is reputed to be spending £10,000 on the event and will have to do a great deal of business to recover this sum. There is, however, at this stage no reason to suppose that intending visitors will be turned away because of a lack of accommodation.