GIBTM 2013 (www.gibtm.com), the leading event for the meetings, incentives and business travel industry in the GCC Region, has witnessed a substantial increase in European exhibitors signed up to take part in the show.
The increased presence in suppliers attending from Europe has been supported by the introduction of a specialist European exhibitor pavilion and ‘Market Focus Spotlight’ networking sessions, which will take place on 26th March at 8:30am.
New European exhibitors already 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.
Hungarian National Tourist Office who will also be attending, returning to the show for their third year commented, “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. Through GIBTM we have been able to arrange quality meetings, which have resulted in us introducing Hungary as a new destination to MICE industry professionals in the Middle East. We are very much looking forward to attending GIBTM 2013,” concluded Aniko Ferenczy, Director, Hungarian Tourism PLC.
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 to this 65% of MENA buyers surveyed also reported an increase in events placed over the next 12 months, and 54% reported an increase in budget.
Lois Hall, GIBTM Exhibition Manager, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented, “We are delighted with the level of interest from European buyers this year. Exhibiting at GIBTM provides the perfect platform for European exhibitors to build profitable relationships with MENA buyers and showcase themselves in this sector of the industry. We already have a significant number of European exhibitors singed up for GIBTM 2013, most of which are attending the show for the first time.”
“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,” Hall concluded.
GIBTM 2013 takes place on the 25th – 27th March, 2013. More information on the event, exhibitors, hosted buyers’ required qualifications, partners, networking and educational opportunities is available at www.gibtm.com
