BIEC to generate US$19M economic benefits for Bahrain in 2007

Ms. Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, Director for MICE (Meetings, incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions), Destination Marketing & PR at BECA, says the Centre has been receiving a steady stream of booking requests from local, regional and international event organisers since the first quarter of 2007, guaranteeing record growth in the number of exhibitions, conferences and functions taking place in Bahrain for the current year and the next two years.

"We have also received requests for international medical congresses in 2010 and 2012, respectively, for 800 to 1,000 international delegates. Bringing trade exhibitions to Bahrain have benefited many Bahraini traders who participate in B2B events and have signed thousands of dollars worth of business deals with foreign companies. These initiatives give foreign agents the chance to appoint Bahraini companies as their representatives in the region. Moreover, a MICE event in Bahrain raises the profile and reputation of the Kingdom as a key MICE destination, a significant indirect impact on its economy which cannot be quantified in terms of dinars and fils," says Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen.

On average, a delegate or an exhibitor spends BD 139 (US$369) per day in Bahrain (Source : AUMA, UFI, DMAI, ICCA, Business Tourism Company). Delegate and exhibitor spending are accounted for by lodging, food and beverage, transportation and entertainment. The average length of stay of an out-of-towner is five days.

For 2007, a total of 44 exhibitions, conferences and functions have been scheduled at BIEC, of which 30 are confirmed international exhibitions and conferences, drawing the participation of thousands of delegates, exhibitors and spouses.

Majority of the confirmed trade shows and public events booked at BIEC are organised by repeat clients who choose to hold these events on an annual or biennial basis at BIEC. BECA operates the Centre, the largest pillar-free trade show and meeting facility in Bahrain.

"As well as reflecting the economic growth in Bahrain and the strengthening of the exhibition and meetings industry in the Gulf, the increase in long-term booking cycles at BIEC is indicative of BECA's success in responding to the requirements of our clients. In addition, BIEC's performance has a significant impact on hotel occupancy rates in the Kingdom and in shaping the MICE sector of Bahrain," says Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen.

Compared to 59 per cent in 2006, BIEC's occupancy rate for the current year has increased to 85 per cent. According to Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen, the Centre's improved performance was the result of BECA's new strategy of increasing the number of trade shows and conferences, focusing on key target markets in Europe and Asia and building on Bahrain's strengths.

"BIEC's confirmed 2007 to 2009 bookings calendar comprises high-profile international trade events organised by BECA in joint venture with world-renowned partners within the MICE industry in addition to exhibitions and functions organised by third party companies. For 2009, we currently have a total of 49 exhibitions, conferences and events booked. However, this figure will certanly increase as more bookings are confirmed over the coming months," says Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen.