GERMANY - Great Lakes Safaris in Uganda, the new Hof centre in Iceland and the alpine village of Morzine, France, have clinched this year’s IMEX 2010 Wild Card places. None of the three has previously exhibited at an international trade show.
 
Each will receive a free stand at the IMEX Wild Card Pavilion at Messe Frankfurt in May, as well as free accommodation.
 
The programme is part of IMEX's commitment to fostering development in the global meetings industry.

"Many newer destinations often have good travel and hospitality infrastructures and have proven their success in the leisure market,” says IMEX group chairman, Ray Bloom.
“The Wild Card programme, however, offers them the ideal platform for focusing their marketing efforts on the meetings industry. It's a low-risk, extremely high value opportunity that puts them in front of thousands of high quality international buyers."
 
The winners will receive ongoing marketing guidance and support from the IMEX project team all year round.
 
Morzine (nominated by ski company Chillypowder) has dedicated conference and meetings facilities opening at the Hotel au Coin du Feu in May.
 
By contrast, Great Lakes Safaris of Uganda in East Africa, feels confident about its entry into the meetings market as a result of recent improvements to flight schedules and roads in the region.
 
The new Hof Conference and Cultural Centre in northern Iceland, is set to open in August and will provide meeting facilities for up to 500 people. A second conference centre is due to open in the University area, five minutes from the centre of the town (Akureyri).