The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM), second global research study was revealed  at a seminar during the first day of GIBTM which is being held at ADNEC until 10th April. The research was undertaken during January and February 2008 in conjunction with meetme (NPI Publishing) and Reed Travel Exhibitions, both using their regional and global databases of international meeting planners and suppliers. The survey was also available online on the event’s website.

The 2008 survey produced hundreds of responses from buyers in 52 countries and suppliers in 42 countries, with approximately 50% of them based in the Middle East region. Buyers represented third party organisers and agencies, corporate buyers and the not-for-profit sector. The respondents from corporations listed activities that covered more than 10 industries with the largest proportion for financial services, pharmaceutical / medical sectors, manufacturing / industrial, property and retail. Suppliers were from destination management companies, hotels and spas, incentive specialists, travel suppliers, airlines and venues.

Highlights of the results from the BUYERS include:

• 74% will hold events in destinations in the Gulf/Middle East/North Africa within the next 12 months
• 74% expect the number of events they organise in the Middle East to increase within the next 12 months.
• 59% think that the Middle East will be the prime region for their events by 2012
• 55% of buyers say the volume of events they organise will increase in 2008

The top five destinations where events have been held during the past 12 months include: Dubai, Egypt, Morocco, Abu Dhabi and Jordan. Although Dubai is the most popular destination (and was in 2007 as well) Abu Dhabi is increasing its market share by ranking as the 4th preferred destination this year while last year it was in 6th position. However, Oman is generating clear interest from buyers with the destination coming 5th in the tally of countries where buyers plan to organise their next event in the future (the first four countries are: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Egypt and Morocco).

The top influencing factors swaying buyers when placing international events has radically changed from last year but the cost and quality of accommodation remain the top two criteria. Availability of venues and hotel rooms is now higher on the agenda, moving from 5th place in 2007 to 3rd position in 2008. Surprisingly the quality of meetings facilities, which was ranked as the 4th most important factor last year, has plummeted to a 9th ranking this year. As a result the 4th most important factor is the quality of service, moving down by one rank since 2007.

The top influencing factors for choice of hotels and meetings venues are exactly the same as in 2007:

• Location
• Price
• Facilities
• Service Level
• Client preference
• Brand

Highlights of the research from SUPPLIERS include:

• 53% say the volume of events they organise will increase in 2008
• 62% think it is the region of the world that offers most growth potential
• 87% are keen to develop new business from the Gulf/Middle East region

Corporate social responsibility and environmental issues are either extremely or somewhat influential for 79% of suppliers in an event organisation.

As per last year, the top destinations where suppliers believe they will attract business in the future are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain. 

Paul Kennedy MBE, Group Exhibition Director commented: “The annual research conducted by GIBTM is proving once again to be a valuable data source about the fast developing meetings industry in the region as well as providing clear indications on future potential. It is undeniable that the region will have to address key issues to continue to increase its market share on a global scale. CSR responsibilities, building the right specialist facilities to host the expected increase in volume and also ensuring that there is adequate training in place should be a key focus for all the countries in the region, whether they are the clear leaders of the moment or hot destinations to watch.”

The results were compiled and analysed by Sally Greenhill, Director of The Right Solution and a conference market consultant. Sally is also an independent industry commentator.

First launched in 2007, the research began the process of establishing key trends for the industry at all levels, for the Gulf and wider Middle East region. It aims to bridge the gap in the information available for the region, which has seen one of the most dramatic rises in terms of development of any region globally within the meetings industry.