EXCITEMENT about the region’s very own MICE industry show is building with days to go to the opening of the first GIBTM, which runs March 13 to 15 at the new exhibition centre ADNEC in Abu Dhabi.

Already some 160 major meeting destinations, venues and suppliers from the Middle East and across the globe have confirmed their participation with other last minute bookings due to confirm.
The global line-up of countries, regions and exhibitors now represented includes: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Ras Al Khaimah, Egypt, Cyprus, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Belgium, Brussels, Barcelona Convention Bureau, Taipei ICC, Charles Drewe (South Africa), Dubai World Trade Centre, Gold Coast Tourism Australia, as well as major hotel groups, such as Starwood, Kempinski, Jumeirah, Rotana and Accor Hotels Dubai. 
Over 200 Hosted Buyers from 28 countries representing meeting planners, incentive travel buyers and business travel decision makers, have already been accepted on to the Hosted Buyers Programme. These include registrations from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Russia, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.
Based on the successful format and brand values of its sister show EIBTM in Barcelona, the event will, for the first time bring the industry together in Abu Dhabi. “Our objectives for GIBTM is to quickly establish the event as the region’s focused and dedicated event where the sector both regionally and internationally can meet, debate and do business together. We are looking forward to achieving these goals with our first show,” said Graeme Barnett, event director for GIBTM.