The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM), organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions announced its largest ever line up of exhibitors for the exhibition taking place from 8-10 April 2008 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company Centre (ADNEC).

Europe will have a strong presence at the show with new confirmed exhibitors such Maison de la France, Tourism Ireland, Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions, Czech Tourism and Visit Britain. Other new international exhibitors who will be present for the first time include the Monarch Dubai, Barclay’s Group Travel a DMC from Tunisia, Argentina Travel Partners who are a DMC, Cape Town and Western Cape Convention Bureau.

“Tourism Ireland already exhibits at EIBTM, and with its recent full time representation in the GCC, it is a natural transition for us to exhibit at GIBTM. It is the right fit for us in providing awareness of Ireland as a MICE destination. The exhibition taking place in Abu Dhabi is also an added benefit as Etihad now flies directly from the UAE capital to Dublin” commented Aiveen Ryan, Key Account Manager for Tourism Ireland, GCC.

Highlights for GIBTM 2008 include a rise in the number of Hosted Buyers planned to attend in order to meet exhibitors at the event and discover the opportunities available in the region and internationally.  The Hosted Buyers will have the opportunity to take part in a pre show Abu Dhabi tour, on 7th April, entitled “Experience the Magic” organised in partnership with NCC (member of the Net Group) and sponsored by ADTA, with lunch being provided by the Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers. Other initiatives for this year include the move to new halls and an increased exhibitor representation on the show floor, new feature areas including the Technology and Event Services Village @ GIBTM, the Global Media Partners Lounge and Internet Cafe.

Graeme Barnett, Event Director says “The meetings industry in the region is booming and we hope to see this reflected at GIBTM now and in the future. We want to ensure that time spent out of the office at GIBTM is valuable from a business perspective, but also a fruitful experience in terms of networking and personal development thanks to our education programme. We are expecting a healthy increase in visitor numbers due to a high profile PR and marketing campaign, which we have implemented across the region and this is all geared towards driving the recognition of the meetings industry across the Gulf.”