GIBTM 2011 has attracted a number of new exhibitors from around the Arab world for the very first time. New exhibitors from Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria and Fujairah will be joining already established participants from across the region in what will be the biggest show in the event’s five-year history.
Nada Yaseen, the acting assistant undersecretary of Bahrain’s tourism sector, part of the Ministry of Culture, explained that GIBTM was central to raising the level of Mice activity within Bahrain’s developing tourism infrastructure.
“As Bahrain continues to reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons, the kingdom is emphasising its status as a strategic financial hub and business centre,” Yaseen said.
She continued: “The country’s Mice segment, whilst a substantial contributor to the local industry, has already made a significant contribution the country’s GDP and will be a future driver of economic growth.
“Bahrain is expected to generate revenue of more than $250 million from the sector in the next two years, having already shown a healthy growth since 2008, when the island launched its ‘Business-Friendly’ brand to build on the country’s reputation as a leading market for international business and Mice tourism.
“Bahrain’s excellent reputation for hosting of the Formula 1 Grand Prix continues to draw tens of thousands of visitors and we have a number of other attractions that make the kingdom a venue of choice for those looking for a Mice destination with a difference. We will be using GIBTM as a platform to inform potential visitors of what we have to offer.”
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Fujairah, too, will be exhibiting for the first time this year. It will be the fourth of the emirates appearing at GIBTM, alongside Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, and will be hoping to attract new business following in the footsteps of its neighbours.
Lebanon and Syria are also viewed as important new exhibitors at the show and many see their presence as a reflection of the growing popularity of Middle Eastern destinations in the overall Mice sector.
Dr Nada Sardouk of the Lebanon Ministry of Tourism said: “Lebanon is a fantastic place and a great Mediterranean destination in close proximity to Europe and the Gulf region. The tourism industry contributes as much as 23 per cent to the country’s GDP (gross domestic product).”
“More than $3 billion is being invested in Lebanon’s tourism sector, with 20 international hotels currently under construction in Beirut, which will add an additional 1,000 rooms,” said Lloyd Kenyon, exhibition manager of GIBTM.
“And the overall number of tourists visiting Syria rose 63 per cent in the first half of 2010 to nearly 4.5 million. Both countries have unique offerings which many who organise incentive travel and exhibitions will find irresistible.”