Substantial Growth for EIBTM 2006 - Barcelona

Sales figures for EIBTM 2006, being held from 28-30 November at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, show a marked growth in re-bookings and requests for increased stand space. Over 85% of stands were re-booked within three months of EIBTM 2005.

Research conducted during EIBTM 2005 indicated that 93% of exhibitors were likely to return in 2006 and sales trends strongly suggest this figure will be exceeded.

EIBTM 2005 attracted a total audience of 5,689 people from 78 countries and 2,733 exhibitors from 95 different countries. Hosted Buyer numbers rose to 2,505.

Mara Patterson, Manager of Business Events, Tourism Australia said EIBTM 2005 was very lively with good buyers from all markets. “Barcelona is a buzzy fun city in the spirit of the show, so it’s been a good move from Geneva,” she said.

Mandy Torrens, EIBTM Event Manager said that early indications suggest further growth for 2006.

“Greece has more than doubled its stand size while Holland’s stand will be 25% larger and Slovakia and Russia are also expanding. Austria, Poland and the Canary Islands have increased their stands for EIBTM 2006 as have Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, India, Greater Boston CVB, Starwood Hotels, Turisme de Cataluna, Sol Melia, Accor, Consorcio Turistica de Madrid, AC Hotels, and Hoteles Silken amongst others,” she said.

“Morocco has taken a larger percentage of the North African section to accommodate an increased number of stand partners. Latin America will be strongly represented with Paraguay participating for the first time this year and Brazil sustaining its strong presence taking over 300 square metres. Argentina is increasing its presence by over 60% as will the Central American states.”

This year will also see a rise in Hosted Buyers from key European markets as well as areas such as Canada, Scandinavia and the US.

The Hosted Buyer Programme at EIBTM 2006 will include new partnerships with pan-global companies and the development of post-event tour programmes for Hosted Buyers to a larger selection of European destinations.

Hosted Buyers may choose between a number of niche programmes specifically tailored for their sector combining education with networking. The upgraded education will include exhibitor focused sessions such as the Emerging Markets Symposium as well as drop-in seminars and the second meeting of the highly successful CEO Summit.

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