Abu Dhabi primed to take lead role at EIBTM exhibition in Spain

The emirate will use the three-day trade show to display the results of initiatives taken to transform its conferences and incentives sector.

H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, the ADTA's chairman, said on the eve of the exhibition, that the emirate now had all the components in place to become a leader in the regional incentives and conferences tourism industry. He highlighted the benefits of Abu Dhabi's geographical position, infrastructure, and its outstanding facilities and services and said work was continuing to boost the sector's development by adding further tourism projects and facilities.

Sheikh Sultan said an important contributor to efforts to boost the sector had been Abu Dhabi's hosting of the Gulf Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM) in March. This showcased the emirate's superb facilities and infrastructure and confirmed its readiness and ability to host even the biggest trade events. The success of the first GIBTM has paved the way for a second edition next March.

Sheikh Sultan said: "Abu Dhabi has made strenuous efforts to become a major force in this sector. The progress we have seen is in with the emirate's overall tourism development plans. Abu Dhabi is well on the way towards creating a significant tourism sector that is a significant contributor to the emirate's non-oil economy."

More than 3,000 international suppliers of incentive and conference tourism services attended last year's EIBTM exhibition, confirming its position as one of the leading forums for this specialist industry. It is one of the leading networking and knowledge sharing events in the sector and allows participants to showcase their facilities and services directly to the trade. More than 6,000 decision-makers from around the world and nearly 3,000 commercial visitors from 85 countries are expected at the Fira Gran Via venue for the conference in Barcelona.

Abu Dhabi will use the event to highlight its latest tourism projects and visitor trends, while strengthening its relations with its current clients. It also expects to explore new business opportunities in the sector.

Participants joining ADTA on the Abu Dhabi stand include Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), Emirates Palace, Rotana Beach Hotel and Tower, Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Hotel, Millennium Hotel, the General Trading and Food Processing Company (TRAFCO), Net Group, Qurban Tourism & Travel and other bodies operating in the field of travel and tourism.