The results of the region’s second Industry Survey carried out by the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) taking place at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, will be presented during a keynote session at GIBTM 2008 on the first day of the show, Tuesday April 8th.

The research has been undertaken during January and February 2008 in conjunction with meetme NPI Publishing and Reed Travel Exhibitions, both sent to their combined regional and global databases of international meeting planners and suppliers. The survey was also available online on the event’s website after the seminar session.

The seminar session will present the findings which will show several key economic indicators including; how buyers expect to place forthcoming business in the region, the volume of events they are planning to organise in 2008; the popularity of the Gulf, Middle East and North Africa destinations will be scrutinised with  the top five most popular destinations unveiled; plus the projected top destinations chosen to hold business events in the next 12 months. The research also identifies the key influencing factors that sway buyers decisions when placing international events.  Last year this part of the research revealed that cost and quality of accommodation were the main top two criteria.

Paul Kennedy MBE, Group Exhibition Director commented: “This annual research is a key economic indicator for a sector of business tourism that has grown exponentially in the region over the past few years. The results will reveal some significant business patterns and identify how international and regional buyers and planners select their preferred destinations, venues and suppliers and which countries within the Gulf Region are the most popular choices and why".