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The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) 2009, held at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi last week welcomed a record number of exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and trade visitors, creating the largest gathering of meeting professionals in the Gulf region. The pre-audited figures show a total visitor attendance of 1904, which includes 236 Hosted Buyers – an increase of 15% on 2008. Exhibitors increased to 768 attending personnel. 6,390 pre-scheduled appointments were undertaken at the event – up 23% on 2008.
Filip Remenec, Head of Media, Czech Tourism commented. “We were here last year and it was great for us. Already my expectations are satisfied because today (Tuesday) we had 10 meetings and already have potential business for a conference for 2000 people to come to Prague, so that’s great”.
Medhat El Sisi, Manager, Embassy Suites Hotel, Sharjah added, “I can see that GIBTM is a strong show. There is a lot of focus on inviting key players. We have had appointments all day and the quality is good. This is one of the rare exhibitions where they pre-arrange the appointments.”
The third annual Middle East Meetings Industry Research Report, which surveyed a global database, was launched on the first day of GIBTM and attracted a packed seminar room. The results revealed that the region has the most growth potential of all global markets for meetings and incentives, topping other growth markets such as China and India which came in second and third place respectively.
Charles Drewe “Each year the quality of Hosted Buyers from the region is getting better, which means that the industry here is really beginning to take shape. Year one, there was a lot of learning, year two the seeds were sewn and business started to shape, this year we really have met some serious planners. It’s the developing markets which are really becoming exciting and it’s the time to be brave and try them in this time of economic turmoil.”
New exhibitors found that despite the turbulence of the business world, their attendance was worth it. Mr Sin Chen, Project Leader, Taiwan Bureau of Foreign Trade said “We are exploring this part of the world, this was an investment for us to introduce Taiwan to a new region. The results have been fantastic, the quality of buyer was way above other trade shows, and we have been overwhelmed with appointments. We didn’t really expect to get any business from our first visit, but the whole experience means we will now definitely be back in 2010”.
“This is my first time at GIBTM. This is an amazing exhibition centre and with the support of ADTA I can see this event is going to keep getting better and better. Next year we hope to quadruple our stand. This is a good business opportunity for us and we have talked to a lot of people. It’s definitely exceeded my expectations”; commented Richard W Riley, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi National Hotels.
Graeme Barnett, Event Director commented: “We are delighted. One of our aims since we first launched the show in 2007 was to drive the development of the meetings industry in the region and I think what we’ve seen this week is the culmination of three years work with everyone involved.”
GIBTM 2010 will take place from 29th – 31st March at ADNEC Abu Dhabi.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
