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China travel expo seen big success

Beijing, September 5, 2010

The China Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM) was a big success with increased numbers of exhibitors from 26 countries, the largest ever hosted buyer programme and record number of trade visitors, said its organisers.

The expo is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) portfolio of global meetings and incentives events.

At CIBTM 2010, Gu, deputy director general of the Beijing Tourism Administration (BTA) and the co-organiser of the event, said that the company expected CIBTM to become the leading event for the meetings industry in ASEAN within next three years.

Shane Jameson, sales director at Jebel Ali International Hotels Dubai, supported the BTA's vision. 'CIBTM takes place in the most prolifically fast moving market in the world.  We are here for the long term - 150 per cent - we will not survive as a destination without business from China and CIBTM will help us deliver it.'

On closing, indications are that the total number of hosted buyers and trade visitors increased by 16 per cent on 2009, the organisers said.

Sean Mahoney, global vice president of Corporate & Incentive Sales for Silversea Cruises said: 'We are big fans of RTE portfolio of meetings events and attend them all. What appeals to us about CIBTM is that everyone here sees the potential in this market.'

'We are building brand awareness, finding potential partners, and as China is the No 1 market in Asia for us, we have a serious strategy for our business here,' he added.

'Incentive and corporate groups from China are very interested in London for pre-Olympics, not only to see infrastructure and stadiums but also experience some sporting activities. The interest from hosted buyers at CIBTM has been very good,' commented Kyle de Klerk, BDM for Chelsea Football Club part of the Visit London stand.

'It’s our first year, but we are here to stay', he added.

The thirst for knowledge bout Mice industry continued this year with some 20 speakers, of which nearly half were international, discussing key issues of the meetings and incentive industry. Attendees to the 17 sessions were up over 30 per cent.

Hosted buyer Lai Ying, manager of Zhejiang China International Travel Service said: 'It's my first time here. The dedicated three-day business platform taught me a lot about running a Mice business. The two seminars held in the morning impressed me and helped widen my knowledge. I would like to return next year.'

The travel expo will run from August 30 to September 1 next year at the China National Convention Centre, (CNCC) Beijing.-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: China | Reed Travel Exhibitions | . CITBM |

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