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At CIBTM 2010, Ms Gu, Deputy Director General of the Beijing Tourism Administration (BTA) and the co-organiser of the event, announced that they expect CIBTM will become the leading event for the meetings industry in ASEAN within the next three years.
Increased numbers of exhibitors, representing 26 countries, the largest ever Hosted Buyer Programme and number of trade visitors, helped set the trend for growth and secure the future of CIBTM which took place in Beijing this week.
Shane Jameson, Director of Sales for Jebel Ali International Hotels Dubai, supported the BTA’s vision. “CIBTM takes place in the most prolifically fast moving market in the world. We are here for the long term – 150% – we will not survive as a destination without business from China and CIBTM will help us deliver it.”
On closing, indications are that the total number of Hosted Buyers and trade visitors increased by 16% on 2009. The official figures are subject to an independent official audit.
Sean Mahoney, Global Vice President of Corporate & Incentive Sales for Silversea Cruises said: “We are big fans of the RTE portfolio of meetings events and attend them all. What appeals to us about CIBTM is that everyone here sees the potential in this market. We are building brand awareness, finding potential partners, and as China is the No 1 market in Asia for us, we have a serious strategy for our business here.”
“Incentive and corporate groups from China are very interested in London for pre-Olympics, not only to see the infrastructure and stadiums but to also experience some sporting activities for themselves. The interest from Hosted Buyers at CIBTM has been very good. It’s our first year, but we are here to stay”, commented Kyle de Klerk, Business Development Manager for Chelsea Football Club part of the Visit London stand.
The thirst for knowledge and education about the MICE industry continued this year with some 20 speakers, of which nearly half were international, to help satisfy the demand for information on the meetings and incentive industry. Attendees to the 17 sessions were up over 30%.
Hosted Buyer Lai Ying, Manager of Zhejiang China International Travel Service said: “It’s my first time here. The dedicated three day business platform taught me a lot about running a MICE business. The two seminars held in the morning impressed me and helped widen my knowledge. I would like to return next year.”
Shawn Pisani MIH: Director Industry Relations EMEA, Helms Briscoe commented: “We are new to the China market and are attending to establish business networks with Chinese counterparts. Today I had good talks with local companies such as Regalia Hotel Group and Gloria Hotels & Resorts to name but a few.”
The 4th China and Asia Meetings Industry Research Report, which was launched at the show, demonstrated that the meetings business in China and Asia is growing and that there has been a significant increase in the number of events held and a wider range of industry sectors are generating meetings and events.
Zhu Qian, Marketing Centre Director, Naning China International Travel Service Co. Ltd commented: “The educational seminars were excellent. They provided a lot of insightful information and I learned a lot. It is very useful indeed and I recommend it to my peers. Thank you CIBTM.”
Exhibition Manager Jeffrey Xu comments: “The meetings industry in China is now really beginning to take shape. We are delighted with the response and feedback at this year’s show. In 2009 we launched China Meetings Week and this has clearly increased the profile of the show dramatically, resulting in larger numbers of corporate Chinese buyers – key to the development of the show and its exhibitors.”
Dates for CIBTM 2011 are 30th August – 1st September at the China National Convention Centre, (CNCC) Beijing.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
