EIBTM's move to Barcelona greeted with Accolades and an Award

Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organisers of EIBTM - the leading global incentive, business travel and meetings industry event, has been inundated with positive feedback from the industry in regard to its decision to move the event to Barcelona for five years starting from December 2004. At the same time the Catalan Government has awarded RTE with an ‘Honour Plate’ in recognition of its contribution to tourism in Catalonia.

Every year at the prestigious Nit Del Tourisme dinner the President of the Catalan Government “Generalitat de Catalunya” awards 10 Honour Plates to institutions, companies, corporations or entities, either public or private, that have contributed with their dedication and effort to the promotion of Tourism in Catalonia.

RTE Chairman, Tom Nutley, accepted the award on behalf of EIBTM from the President of the Catalan Government, Honourable Mr. Jordi Pujol. After receiving the award Tom Nutley commented on the warmth of the Catalonian people and his excitement about the move: “The enthusiasm the Catalonian people showed in hosting EIBTM was a key factor in our choice of Barcelona as the event’s new home.

"The EIBTM team at RTE are extremely honoured to receive this award, which cements our partnership with the Catalonian Government.

“I am certain that with this level of support and the fantastic response we have received from the industry, EIBTM Barcelona 30 November – 2 December 2004 will be a huge success,” added Mr. Nutley.

The move was announced in October 2002 following a competitive pitch that included current hosts Geneva – EIBTM’s home for the last 16 years. RTE’s decision to move EIBTM from its current month of May to December followed the latest research findings with international buyers, which demonstrates that April and May is one of their busiest periods of the year.

The industry has given its backing to both decisions. Feedback includes:

‘This is great news, I am impressed and I think Barcelona is a fabulous choice, a place that everyone will be motivated to go to and I truly believe the timing fits in much better. Well done in taking the risk to make changes.' Auriol Moores, Zeal Marketing Ltd., formerly of Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

‘Great news both location and timing good way to enliven interest’  Moulden Marketing Ltd

‘Congratulations on choosing Barcelona. I think you have chosen wisely, and December is a good month.’ Lee Dowell, Travel Contacts

‘Great decision. That is very exciting.’ Andrea Sigler, CIMPA

‘I think it is a very good decision to move to Barcelona and to change the date of the show.' Monika Fritsch, Maison de la France Deutschland

‘This is great news and we look forward to keeping the continued co-operation between both of us in the success of EIBTM as the only major incentive and conferences exhibition in the world.’ Ibrahim Ahli, Government of Dubai

‘Thank you so much for the wonderful announcement concerning EIBTM's move to Barcelona in 2004. Nothing breathes new life into a travel exhibition like a change in venue.....good news!’ Barbara Shapiro, Moulden Marketing USA

‘I find the choice very appropriate, for the city and the date and I am sure all will proceed for the better.’ Marie-Jeanne Perpignani, Tiscali