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With over six months until EIBTM 2010 opens its doors in Barcelona on 30 November, and on the back of record 2009 audited figures, the leading international event for the meetings industry has announced a raft of new exhibitors, rebookings and those increasing space.
Marriott International, through Neal Jones, Vice President Marriott International, Global Sales, Europe confirmed they “are delighted to be returning as an exhibitor to this year’s EIBTM. The show has become a ‘must attend’ event for the European MICE buyer, and as Marriott International’s global hotel expansion continues at an aggressive pace, it is critical we continue to forge strong partnerships with these very important and valuable customers. EIBTM offers a strong platform to achieve this.”
Other leading hotels who have signed up to EIBTM 2010 include GHM Hotels, AC Hotels SA, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, IHG, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, The Rezidor Hotel Group, NH Hotels, Zacchera Hotels, Preferred Hotel Group, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Plc.
Following a highly successful EIBTM 2009, a number of exhibitors have increased their stand space including Oman with a 30% increase; Uruguay, 25%; Visit Scotland, 12.5%; Preferred Hotel Group, 38%; Allied Europe, Europe’s premier destination management company, up 60%.
Destinations already committed to the show include Korea -returning to the show- Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Monaco, Qatar, Catalunya de Turisme and Turespana.
Congresses and convention bureaus are represented by Bonn/Rhein-Sieg/Ahrweiler, Valencia, Taiwan, Iceland, Cuba and Nurnberg.
Other exhibitors recognising the value of exhibiting at EIBTM include Jungfrau Region Marketing AG, Skyteam Global Meetings, Essence of Bali DMC, Kuoni Destination Management S.L, Global Events Partners, Liberty International, Exotissimo Travel Group, Creative Travel India PVT Ltd, and Cube Technologies.
EIBTM has also attracted first timers, Lithuanian Exhibition and Convention Centre (LITEXPO), Principal Hayley and Indian tour operator Incent Tours.
The continued support of EIBTM by the industry is well illustrated by last year’s show post event research, which highlighted that 96% of exhibitors were satisfied with EIBTM and the same figure satisfied with the quality of appointments.
Commenting on the numbers and quality of exhibitors who have committed to EIBTM at such an early stage, Graeme Barnett, EIBTM’s new Event Director said: “With 80% of space already taken for this year’s show, it is clear that the industry is in an optimistic and upbeat frame of mind as Meetings professionals around the world recognize the importance of attending EIBTM to create new business opportunities. As the flagship event of Reed Travel Exhibitions portfolio of global Meetings events, the EIBTM team is totally committed to delivering a world-class event that meets the needs of the industry it serves.
“Marriott International’s return to EIBTM, joining so many hotel groups, and their acknowledgement of the show being ‘a must attend event’ is a great indication of the role EIBTM plays in helping companies achieve their sales and marketing goals.”
This optimism in the industry is additionally reflected by Hosted Buyer Groups. Groups who have committed – coming from Europe, Africa, Australasia, the Americas and Asia – are already 31% up on this time last year.
June Clark, Manager, Hosted Buyer Programmes comments: “We are delighted by the response from Hosted Buyers Groups who know the value of attending EIBTM in that it delivers return on investment and return on objectives.”
TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific editorial team has an experience of over 35 years in B2B travel journalism as well as in tourism & hospitality marketing and communications.
