Singapore – European meetings show EITBM, which moves this year to Barcelona, after staying in Geneva since its launch in 1988, is 24 per cent larger compared to last year.At press time, EIBTM spokesman, Mr Richard Cook, said the November 30 to December 2 event, held at Fira Gran Via, will feature 2,000 companies occupying 10,500m2 of space.
There will also be a bigger Asia-Pacific presence and the number of exhibitors has increased 27 per cent to occupy 768m2 this year.
Asia-Pacific's 20 main stands will house 118 companies and more are expected to register in the run-up to the event.
New exhibitors include Mongolei Reisen, SITA World Travel and Bharat Hotels, while Sri Lanka has returned.
Mr Cook said: "Mauritius and Hong Kong have increased their stands by more than 20m2, Singapore has increased from 49m2 to 63m2 and will have 14 co-exhibitors, and Taiwan and the Philippines have also increased their space."
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will use EIBTM to distribute the latest edition of its Hong Kong Incentives - The Planning Guide, and an innovative new leisure guide for corporate travellers.
Some 3,000 buyers will be hosted, including 45 from Asia, representing Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
An additional 2,000 trade visitors are also expected to attend.
Mr Cook said the move to Barcelona had proved to be very popular with exhibitors and visitors. "Certainly one of the big challenges was to make sure we had the right venue for EIBTM."
New features organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions has introduced include more networking opportunities under The Hosted Buyer Programme and the Destination Pre-scheduled Appointments where buyers can visit destinations of interest to them in groups of 10.
