Substantial Growth Expected for EIBTM 2006

Current sales figures for EIBTM 2006 show a marked growth in re-bookings and requests for increased stand space, with over 85 percent already rebooked within only three months of the end of the last event.

Research conducted during EIBTM 2005 indicated that 93 percent of exhibitors were likely to return to EIBTM in 2006 and sales trends strongly suggest that even this high figure will be exceeded. Greece has more than doubled its stand size while Holland´s stand will be 25 percent 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, Catalonian Tourism, Sol Meliá, Accor, The Madrid Tourism Office, AC Hotels, and Hotels Silken amongst others.

Argentina is increasing its presence by over 60 percent as will the Central American states. In line with the growth in exhibitors, this year will see an additional rise in Hosted Buyers from both the key European markets as well as areas such as Canada, Scandinavia and the U.S.

The Hosted Buyer Program at EIBTM 2006 will include new partnerships with pan-global companies and the development of post-event tour programs for Hosted Buyers to a larger selection of European destinations. Hosted Buyers will be able to choose between a number of niche programs specifically tailored for their sector combining education with networking.

The upgraded education will provide something for everyone with 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. EIBTM 2006 will take place from November 28 to 30 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.