Asia-Pacific visitors to this year's EIBTM will meet a strong, optimistic contingent of US exhibitors, who are gearing up to announce ambitious plans, major launches, new services and state of the art facilities to capture the attention of international
buyers.
US exhibitors are aiming for a high profile presence at this year's leading annual event for the international incentive, business travel and meetings industry, to be held 21-23 May,
Palexpo, Geneva.
Debbie Jackson, EIBTM's Exhibition Director said that US exhibitors are lining up an impressive representation, covering every aspect of the industry. "With the US having been hit hard by recent events it is encouraging to see so many US exhibitors, which reflects the optimism and confidence for the future of the industry."
Below is some of what visitors to the event can expect to see from US exhibitors:
Texas
The Texas Economic Development - Tourism Division and its partners from Fort Worth, Dallas and Houston, including representatives from American Airlines and Continental Airlines, are working together to promote incentive travel to Texas.
The Texas team will be promoting incentive products based on its upscale shopping areas, unique venues, first class golf resorts and sports venues, spas, diverse music scene, world class symphonies, top cuisine and fascinating cultural history.
Three new Texas hotels are set to open in the next eighteen months. Houston is expected to see the completion of The Hilton Americas Hotel in 2003, Dallas sees the opening of the 'totally cool' luxury Hotel ZaZa, and on the banks of the San Antonio River, the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is set to open in November 2002.
Las Vegas
Despite a downturn in the tourism industry following the events of September 11, Las Vegas welcomed more than 35 million visitors in 2001. The number of people attending
meetings or conventions topped 4 million, an increase of over 5% on the previous year. Non-gaming revenue generated by convention delegates rose by 12.8% in 2001, climbing to more than $4.8 billion.
Commenting on the figures, Rossi Ralenkotter, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's (LVCVA) Vice President of Marketing said: "Having hosted more than 3,700 conventions, trade shows and meetings in 2001, such substantial growth is remarkable given the challenges faced by the convention industry. It attests to the strength of Las Vegas and all that it offers visitors. In a nine day period alone during February this year we played host to nine shows simultaneously."
New York
By late 2003 visitors to New York will have a new luxury hotel, the Mandarin Oriental, housed in the new AOL Time Warner Centre. Located in the heart of Manhattan on the northwest corner of Central Park, it is destined to become one of the city's most prestigious addresses.
The development features a new world-class performance hall for Jazz as well as luxury retail outlets, entertainment venues and restaurants.
Chicago
Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB), now providing a 'one stop shopping' base for travel trade professionals, has introduced the Travel Professionals Guide (TPG) - a comprehensive guide specifically for tour operators, group leaders and other professional travel planners.
"Producing a 150 page full colour publication is a way to show Chicago's commitment to all aspects of the tourism industry," says Jim Reilly, CCTB's President and CEO.
Colorado
Colorado will be using EIBTM to promote the wide range of activities and packages available to international groups travelling to the state, particularly those looking for outdoor adventure.
Colorado's major gateway is the capital city of Denver. Recently, the city built a $140 million amusement park, an aquarium and two major shopping/entertainment districts.
For the adventurous, Colorado is renowned for its outdoor activities. World famous Aspen incorporates Aspen and Snowmass Village, housing the Silvertree Hotel, an all-year conference resort offering 410 guestrooms and 12,000 square feet in meeting space. The adjacent Snowmass Conference Centre contains a further 25,000 square feet of in-house meeting space.
Baltimore
Baltimore will be highlighting Power Plant Live! at EIBTM - a $30 million entertainment district located next to the city's famous Inner Harbour. The development features 300,000 square feet of entertainment, restaurants and night clubs, spilling out into a plaza with outdoor seating. A 3,500-seat live performance venue will open later this year.
One of the most interesting ways for visitors to see Baltimore is via 'Ride the Ducks' amphibious sightseeing vehicles, to be introduced in Spring 2002. The vehicles are converted 1945 Army DUKW's, and accommodate 38 passengers each.
Bermuda
Throughout 2001 several Bermuda hotels carried out extensive refurbishments.
The Fairmont Southampton Princess has undergone a multi-stage $37 million refurbishment including the new Entre Gold Floor.
Cambridge Beaches, the luxury cottage colony for smaller groups, has been given a $9 million makeover with eighteen new suites.
Mandarin Oriental's Elbow Beach Hotel is upgrading its garden suites and popular Caf Lido restaurant.
2004 will see the opening of the 104-suite Rosewood Hotel at Tucker Point.
Victoria Whatley, Bermuda Tourism's Group and Incentive Sales Manager said: "Bermuda has so much to offer the conference and incentive market. Our hotels have been working hard to improve and enhance their facilities and we believe this has been borne out in increased enquiries."
Bermuda's delegation at EIBTM will be led by The Hon. David Allen, Minister of Tourism. Champagne and strawberries will be served to visitors to stand 4131 from 1600 to 1700 on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 May.
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