GIBTM attracts top destinations and hotels

Recent signings to GIBTM, which is set to attract the largest gathering of meeting professionals in the Gulf in 2010, include Visit London, Dragonfly Africa, Beijing Tourism Administration, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Indonesia, Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions, Turkey, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, Yas Hotels and Tourism Ireland.

Both Jumeirah and Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority have increased their stand space from 2009.

Commenting on Visit London's participation, Zanine Adams, Head of Event Solutions and UK sales, said, "This is the second time that Visit London has attended GIBTM and we're extremely excited about continuing to understand the market. Last year was so successful and we hope to build on that momentum and gain further industry contacts and strengthen relationships we made this time last year."

Adams added, "For GIBTM 2010 our key message for GIBTM is the new content that London has to offer - major business benefits such as ExCeL phase two opening and the wealth of new hotels such as Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, The Jumeirah Hotel at Beetham Tower in Blackfriars and the eagerly anticipated Shard of Glass with the new Shangri - La. We will also be sharing information of London's luxury Michelin starred restaurants and shopping venues such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, whilst highlighting the major business objectives and hospitality offerings for London both pre and post 2012 Olympics."

Eric Bakermans, Marketing Manager Meetings & Conventions, Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, comments, "In our business, it's not about quick wins. It's about gaining trust, especially in this part of the world. When we first exhibited at GIBTM, we knew this was not going to be just for one year."

As first timers to the event, Robin Mcleod, Dragonfly Hotels, said, "We at Dragonfly have heard good reports about the quality of Hosted Buyers at GIBTM, buyers that would not necessarily attend other shows. This show forms part of our global marketing plan to investigate new emerging markets."

Following successful attendance at last year's GIBTM, exhibitors who have chosen to return and take advantage of the unrivalled business opportunities include Shangri-la, the Seoul Tourism Organisation, Aldar, Bedouk Meetings & Events Media, Meet Taiwan, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Cape Town International Convention Center, Costa del Sol Convention Bureau, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Czech Tourist Authority - Czech Tourism, ICCA, Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts, MPI, Silversea Cruises, Site, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Toerisme Vlaanderen, Ungerboeck Systems International, Egyptian Tourist Authority, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority, Etihad Airways, Government of Dubai, Oman Ministry of Tourism, IHG.

Graeme Barnett, GIBTM Exhibition Director, comments, "Over the past three years GIBTM has established itself as the pivot of the MICE industry in the Region as exhibitors are continuing to recognise the importance GIBTM plays in maintaining, developing and attracting regional and international business. This year's exhibitor list is a testament to the event's growing influence and reputation."