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With eight months to go to EIBTM 2004, sales for Barcelona have already
overtaken last year’s event in Geneva with more floor space sold than EIBTM in
2003.
Many European countries such as Britain, France, Italy and Portugal are
increasing their space at EIBTM. Along with Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, the
Middle East is proving to be a major growth area with increased space booked by
Abu Dhabi, Lebanon coming as a new exhibitor, the Jordanian Tourism
Board returning, and other stands booked by Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, Syria,
and Qatar Tourism Authority.
Fred Van Eijk, CEO of Qatar Tourism Authority,
said he sees EIBTM as an important
platform to promote Qatar, which hosts world events such as the 9th Islamic
Summit in 2000, the World Trade Conference Meeting in 2001 and the forthcoming
Global Travel and Tourism Summit in May 2004. He confirms: “Our participation in
the EIBTM exhibition in Barcelona comes from our conviction that this is one of
the most important exhibitions for the MICE sector”.
Over 25 Hotel Chains have booked stands which include groups returning to
EIBTM such as Le Meridien, Marriott and Corinthia Hotels International, and new to
the event, Starhotels, Warwick International Hotels and Occidental.
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