BY the time you read this column, 2010 will have arrived and with it many new year resolutions and hopes for the future, particularly the next 12 months.
I look to 2010 with a healthy dose of optimism about the continuing expansion of the meetings sector in the Gulf despite the overall effects of global economic uncertainty.
The meetings industry, still in its infancy in the Gulf, is set to take major strides in the coming year and the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Event (GIBTM) will play a significant role in focusing minds on the benefits from this lucrative sector.
With a major focus on business, GIBTM, staged at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (Adnec) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has, in just three years, become the largest gathering in the Gulf of meetings (Mice) suppliers and buyers with a specific focus on the services required for the regional and international sector.
It is clear that there is a growing understanding and appreciation of the potential of the meetings industry.
Only last month I visited Yas Island, the home of Abu Dhabi’s futuristic Formula 1 Yas Marina circuit which will, with the opening of Ferrari World Theme Park, become a true world-class incentive destination in its own right.
So, it’s not all doom and gloom and, despite a downturn in forecasts, it is predicted 300,000 jobs will be created in the next two years in the hospitality sector alone in the Middle East; 20 per cent within the meetings and event sector.
Of course, world class infrastructure is nothing without people to bring it to life, delivering high levels of service and customer experience.
While cost, quality of accommodation and meeting facilities are all high-influencing factors when creating and selecting a destination in the Gulf, service standards make or break an event so training and development must continue to be at the forefront.
What is clear is that the region has, in abundance, an infrastructure that can confidently cater for any type of event.
As it is the new year I hope readers will forgive me for highlighting the importance of GIBTM to the Region. By registering for the event all attendees, will increase their knowledge of international and regional travel destinations and outbound business and learn from the experience of mixing with peers and fellow industry professionals. Gulf Meetings Week incorporating GIBTM will also help to raise the profile of the industry.
Graeme Barnett is exhibition director of GIBTM, taking place from March 29 to 31 at Adnec.