ABU Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) unveiled a high-profile exhibit on the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) stand at ITB, the promotion being part of an extensive campaign to mark ADNEC’s first anniversary celebrations and promote the emirate as a top tourism and event destination.
The ITB Berlin exhibition came only weeks after ADNEC wrapped up other international exhibits at CONFEX 2008, the UK's leading event for organisers; AIME 2008 in Australia; and UFI Open Seminar in Asia.
“International events such as this are extremely successful marketing platforms for both ADNEC and Capital Centre’” said Simon Horgan, CEO ADNEC.
“The major real estate and tourism developments ongoing in the emirate have stimulated a lot of international interest in Abu Dhabi as a destination; illustrated by the fact that Abu Dhabi recently posted one of the highest growth rates in the global tourism industry. ITB Berlin, in addition to the other events that we are attending, was an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our product to the world,” Horgan added.
ITB was ADNEC’s final exhibit before this year’s Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM) exhibition kicks off, with Reed Travel Exhibitions preparing to accommodate an expected record turnout at the second edition of the event, being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from April 08 to 10, 2008.
“The expectations for GIBTM 2008 have been steadily increasing. We have visibly noticed a year on year growth in the MICE industry in Gulf, which is why we are keen to create new opportunities in this sector,” said Graeme Barnett, exhibition director for GIBTM (Abu Dhabi) and CIBTM (Beijing), Reed Travel Exhibitions.
An estimated 1,500 visitors and more than 250 suppliers from the Gulf and abroad are expected to take part in the GIBTM 2008 MICE forum.