Exhibitors from 50+ Countries Expected at AIME 2009

Exhibitors from more than 50 countries are expected to participate in AIME 2009.

Asia will be well represented with a number of countries introducing new marketing measures to attract meetings and incentives.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has established a “Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong” (MEHK) office, tasked with providing one- top professional support to MICE organisers. It is the first in a series of measures by HKTB to ensure that Hong Kong stays ahead of the competition in the global MICE sector.

The Hong Kong Government has earmarked an additional HK $150 million for the HKTB to strengthen its MICE promotions over the next five years. At AIME 09 the MEHK office will introduce its marketing campaign “Hong Kong – Converging Possibilities”.

Visitors and Hosted Buyers can also expect to see a stronger presence from Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei and Macau, who have all increased their space for AIME 09.

Other Asian countries returning to AIME include Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, China, India and Korea.

AIME also attracts strong representation from the beautiful islands of the South Pacific and participants in 2009 will include Fiji, with a larger presence than previously, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Tahiti.

South Africa intends to increase brand awareness at AIME 2009 with a larger stand, more co-exhibitors and additional marketing through its sponsorship of the Globe Restaurant & Bar, where you will be able to sample a taste of South Africa.

Five years after its establishment the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is hoping to gain approval - prior to AIME 09 - to create the greenest building in South Africa – CTICC Phase 2.

The six-star green building will be designed to use 40% less energy per square metre than the present CTICC, 95% less potable water and 25% less waste to landfill. The 30,000 square metre development, of which 9,500 square metres will be exhibition space, will incorporate water and energy saving technologies including special wind turbines to harvest electricity, while simultaneously ventilating the parking garages.

Etihad Airways which has previous exhibited under the Abu Dhabi banner is taking its own 75sqm stand at AIME 2009. LAN Airlines will also have its own, larger stand space, while Qantas and Virgin Blue will have significant booth space.

Dubai returns to AIME, once again with a significant showcase of meetings and incentive products and services from this rapidly growing Emirate.

Jumeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxury hotel company that manages the world famous Burj Al Arab, has confirmed that it will continue its determined commitment to the Asia Pacific region by participating for the first time with its own stand at AIME 2009.

“With the opening of our first hotel in Asia, Jumeirah HanTang Xintiandi in Shanghai, in 2009, and our ambition to open 12 hotels and resorts in the Asia Pacific region by 2012, the Australian market and particularly AIME represent a key priority for Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts,” said Tony Cousens, Senior Vice President – Asia Pacific.

AIME 2009 will be held 17 and 18 February at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Australia.

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