The second Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) 2008, held at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi this week has demonstrated strong growth across the board with more exhibitors, a double digit growth in visitor attendance and a record number of pre-scheduled appointments.

The pre-audited figures show an attendance of 1,588 which includes 229 Hosted Buyers and an increase of 34% on 2007. Exhibitors increased to 688 attending personnel. Before the show opened almost 5,000 pre-scheduled business appointments had been confirmed.  Officially audited numbers by ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulation) will soon be available.

Paul Kennedy MBE, Group Exhibition Director commented: “We have been delighted at the way the second GIBTM has been received by the industry and the region. The feedback from the show floor has been very positive with everyone noticing the increase in size, and the number of pre-scheduled appointments taking place. Our aim at GIBTM, and for the rest of the RTE portfolio of meeting events, is to bring buyers and sellers together in a professional way; they want to see an ROI from the event for their financial and time investment. From what we have heard over the last three days, we have achieved these objectives.”

Cecelia Amory, Managing Member Egypt & Beyond, South Africa and one of this year’s Hosted Buyers said “I have found GIBTM very informative.  I had not been to Abu Dhabi before, but can see the destination has a lot to offer.  I can see GIBTM growing and feel very positive about it”. 

Shakti Ghosal, General Manager Business Development, National Travel & Tourism Oman commented; “It is an extremely well organised show, considering the event is only in its second year.  I have met with a diverse set of people who are serious about business.  GIBTM addresses a niche market and I wish the show the very best, and would like to visit again”.

For exhibitors, Karen Whittle, Senior Manager Groups, Gulf region Jumeirah, Dubai said; “The show has been really good for us.  It’s been busy and the seminars have been really informative.  We have met lots of people who have not been very aware of Jumeirah so it has been a great educational process too”.

Adrian Rudin, General Manager, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi commented; “Despite being only in its second year, I think the show has grown quite nicely.  We have had a very busy agenda for each day and the quality of people coming through is very high.  We are very happy with the outcome”.

The results of the second GIBTM annual research survey launched on the first day of the event showed that both buyers and suppliers continue to see further growth in the Middle East meetings market and attracted a record attendance.  The whole education programme for 2008 beat expectations, with a 150% increase recorded in delegates over the three days.  “We have been overwhelmed by the response this year to the whole professional education programme. This is a key strategic brand value of all the RTE meetings events and Hosted Buyers, exhibiting personnel and visitors have been using the sessions as intensive industry training,” says Graeme Barnett, GIBTM Event Director.