MIDDLE EAST – Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of the Gulf Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings tradeshow (GIBTM), is expecting a “substantial increase” in the number of European exhibitors for its March trade show in Abu Dhabi. It says the European exhibitor presence has quadrupled for this year compared to the 2012 edition of the show.
A European exhibitor pavilion has been introduced alongside ‘Market Focus Spotlight’ networking sessions on 26 March and, according to the organiser, have driven extra interest from Europe.
New European exhibitors confirmed to attend GIBTM include Serbia Convention Bureau, Circuito Ascari, The Marmara Collection, Adile Sultan Sarayi Palace, Athens Convention Bureau, Georgian National Tourism Agency, Madrid Convention Bureau, and Cnidus.
The Hungarian National Tourist Office will also be attending, returning for their third year. “We have exhibited at GIBTM since 2011 and it has given us the perfect introduction to key stakeholders from both the Gulf region and from Asia,” says Director of HNTO Aniko Ferenczy.
Recent research conducted by Reed Travel Exhibitions confirmed an increase in the number of Middle Eastern buyers, who specified a direct interest in placing outbound business into Europe. In addition, 65 per cent of MENA buyers surveyed reported an increase in events placed over the next 12 months, and 54 per cent reported an increase in budget.
GIBTM Exhibition Manager at Reed Travel Exhibitions, Lois Hall, says: “Air links between the Middle East and Europe are also improving, making Europe a much more feasible destination for Middle Eastern meeting planners. Direct flights are available from Abu Dhabi to several European airports, including London Heathrow, Paris, Dublin, Frankfurt, Berlin, Amsterdam and Geneva.”
GIBTM 2013 takes place at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, 25–27 March 2013.
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