GIBTM_DAY2_March2012

MARCH 26 – dAy one | MARCH 27 And 28 – dAy two And dAy tHRee

The official show daily for The Gulf incenTive, Business Travel & MeeTinGs exhiBiTion 2012

POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR GULF MEETINGS

inside 04 exhibitor news 16 iBTM Meetings industry research – analysis and response 18 education seminars 20 The show in pictures 22 The vision's ali abu Monassar on abu dhabi as a global meetings hub 23 focus on exhibiting destinations 26 delegate soundbites

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Regional professionals more bullish than global counterparts A resounding sense of optimism was identified for buyers and suppliers based in the Gulf at the IBTM Annual Meetings Research seminar, with an amazing 64.5 percent of buyers expecting their volume of events to increase and just 8.4 percent expecting to hold fewer events over the next 12 months.

This compared to 56.4 percent of global buyers anticipating better volume in the forthcoming year.

Speaking at the launch of the GIBTM research seminar, Sally Greenhill, MD of The Right Solution, stressed the bullish state of the sector in the Middle East and North Africa: “Over 90 percent of regional buyers predicted that their budgets will either rise or remain the same over the next 12 months, and we are seeing a much more positive attitude here compared to the global situation.”

While respondents had a healthy budget per event in the Middle East of US$46,117, the highest spend was devoted to events in Iraq and Palestine (US$87,500) and the lowest for Sharjah (US$20,000). One of the more surprising results was the fact that Abu Dhabi topped the bill when it came to holding events for under US$10,000 – good news for the capital’s corporate meetings sector.

But there were plenty of positives for Dubai too, which featured as the number one destination for global buyers over the last 12 months, being used by 55.7 percent of those who were active in the region.

It was also the most popular destination for events with budgets in excess of US$100,000 with an average spend per event of US$58,000.

sheikh sultan Bin Tahnoon Al nahyan officially opens GiBTM and walks the show with Craig Moyes and Lois Hall of Reed Travel exhibitions

The top industry sectors for the regional meetings industry were oil and gas; pharmaceuticals; and finance and banking, with no real change over last year’s results. Another highlight from the IBTM research was the focus on rates, added value and intelligent pricing as the top three priorities of buyers that could impact on choice of destination and venue.

“Price is the most common response to this question,” stressed Greenhill.

The IBTM research also indicated that India was front of mind for Middle East buyers, nominated as the top destination for outbound preference in the next 12 months: “India was followed by Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, France, Japan and the UK,” said Greenhill.

Turning to where meeting and event business was sourced in the region, she said that while nearly three-quarters came from corporate clients, the biggest growth had been in the association market: “While this sector made up around 30 per cent of business, this figure has increased from just five percent when we started our research five years ago.”

This latest result is testament to the region’s push towards infrastructure development devoted to large-scale meetings, including new convention centres and a more mixed inventory of hotels across star categories.

Reactions from key regional meetings industry players on the challenges and opportunities highlighted by the research are featured on pages 16 and 17.

RECORD SEMINAR ATTENDANCE 20 Seminar highlights Tuesday 10.00 - 11.00

Optimising travel payment systems in the Middle East

Tuesday 14.30 - 15.30

Majlis culture in business tourism (Arabic session)

Tuesday 16.00 - 17.00

Delivering savings in an upbeat Middle East market

Wednesday 10.00 - 11.00

Sustainability in the incentive, business travel and meetings industry

Wednesday 11.15 - 12.15

The future of meetings and creating training to stay ahead

A ramped up educational programme at GIBTM has received an overwhelming response by attendees to the 2012 event, with sessions on day one attracting quadruple the attendance year-on-year.

“Our corporate travel seminars in association with ACTE have added a new string to GIBTM’s bow and we

had great attendance at both sessions on day one. The ICCA seminar and the IBTM Middle East Research seminar were standing room only, with the former attracting record participation of over 90 attendees,” said Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director – Meetings and Events Portfolio.

Ron DiLeo, Executive Director of ACTE echoed Moyes’ comments, saying that response to their education seminars was very positive. “We had a full house and delegates were hanging on every word of our panellists, demonstrating need for development of the corporate travel management in the region where global travel policies tend not to be implemented in full.”

Reed Travel Exhibitions attributes the success of the seminar programme to the region’s thirst for knowledge and a desire for education including best practice lessons from the industry’s leading proponents.

Seminars this year are being held in a purpose-built Seminar Theatre on the show floor, making them more accessible to visitors and exhibitors.

GIBTM had a strong opening , with pre-scheduled meetings up nine percent over 2011 results and a busy show floor throughout the day.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Al Qasr

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Whatever the size of your event, it’s all in good hands.

At Jumeirah we understand events, big or small, matter. That’s why our dedicated team meticulously plan every last detail to make a real difference to excite and inspire creativity. With exhilarating venues, state of the art conferencing technology, world class cuisines, generous service and an unequalled level of hospitality, we always go further to ensure expectations are not just met, they are exceeded.

For further information please contact Jumeirah Dubai Group Sales, Tel: +971 4 366 6380 Email: MyEvent@Jumeirah.com

JMH023-GIBTM-PressAd-SHOW DAILIES-DPS-41X56-V1.indd 1

Behind every great event is a great team from Jumeirah.

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Opening Summer 2012

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Mina A’Salam

3/19/12 9:07 AM

| EXHIBITOR NEWS |

ICCA VOCAL ON BUILDING LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Professionals eager to compete in attracting international association events to the Middle East are being urged to improve their local knowledge in addition to event expertise.

The comments came from Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA, who presented a seminar on the theme. “The opportunities in this region are enormous, and it is an exciting time to be involved in the industry,” he said.

“Demonstrating knowledge of hosting large scale events in the Gulf, especially in growth fields

such as education, healthcare, research and development and technology, is an advantage that doesn’t require lots of money, but rather a change in mindset.”

Speaker Trevor McCartney, Director of Business Development, Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) revealed that a key part of the strategy is working with local partners who can act as brand ambassadors for each international association. “Pairing associations with local partners not only gives them a point of

YOUNG LEADERS TO SIGN UP TO SITE The UAE Chapter of SITE has recruited its first Young Leader and hopes to boost its total number of members from almost 30 to 40 by the end of 2012 – 40 percent of which are targeted to be Young Leaders.

Young Leader Airaj Isaacs, Associate Director Business Development, MCI Middle East, joined the forum in January this year and will be led by Jan Kaspar Reinermann, Director of Sales Groups Dubai, Jumeirah Group.

Isaacs said: “More young people are looking for educational content as there are few specific courses available in this region.

Signing up to SITE will expose me to all aspects of the industry and put me in touch with people who are more established.”

“When you are starting out in the industry it can be quite daunting. The idea behind the initiative is to help and

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develop young people, encourage knowledge exchange, offer motivational experiences such as travel opportunities and ways for them to develop their network,” added Kaspar.

The UAE Chapter, which launched in early 2011, is now working hard to raise awareness of the initiative in the region.

You need to be aged 25-35 with no more than five years' experience in the industry to join SITE’s Young Leaders programme and applications can be collected from the stand.

Pictured from left to right: Gaby Seikaly, Managing Director, Gulf Circle Tours; Jan Kaspar Reinermann, Director of Sales Groups Dubai, Jumeirah Group; Airaj Isaacs, Associate Director Business Development, MCI Middle East; and Sian Thomas, Director of Sales – Groups, The Address Hotels & Resorts.

Visit Stand J105

contact but it helps them tailor incentives,” he said.

“Most of the work by successful destinations is taking place locally as, often, this is where the most important people are based,” agreed Sirk. He went on to describe how focusing on areas of perceived ‘weakness’, such as the rise in diabetes, can be a useful tool for attracting international association events.

There needs to be a longerterm perspective in order to build relationships with decision-makers, and although the process is longer, the results will provide solid milestones in the forward diary.

When it comes to finding enough hotel rooms for largescale events, Karina Lance, Head of Sales and Convention Services, Dubai Convention Bureau shared insight into how the Dubai Bid Alliance has helped build a conglomerate of hotels, making it easier to offer a variation of rooms at pre-agreed rates with

discounts. “Meetings planners are delighted about it,” she said.

Speakers Medhat Nassar, Managing Director at Meeting Minds and Michael Christian Schultz-Tholen from the Federation of International Polo and a Hosted Buyer, went on to describe the unique appeal of the Middle East.

“As well as being good for outdoor events most of the year, there are few venues in the world that are surrounded by so many premier hotels,” said Schultz-Tholen.

More practical advice on attracting international association events came from Sirk, who said the “tourism and culture appeal was just the wrapping paper” and that we should approach the events as tools to solve problems, as Abu Dhabi’s recent World Ophthalmology Congress was to blindness, and developing leading knowledge and education programmes for all those involved.

Looking to place business in Europe? Make sure you visit the all-new European Pavilion, which is showcasing the very best European destinations, venues, hotels and more

FIRST FLIGHT TO THE SHOW

GIBTM show dailies published on behalf of: ®

Gateway House, 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DN, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 8910 7711, Email: gibtm@reedexpo.co.uk Web: www.gibtm.com GIBTM is owned and protected by Elsevier Properties SA and used under licence.

Reed Travel Exhibitions/Reed Exhibitions is a registered trade mark of Reed Elsevier Group PLC. “Hosted Buyer” is a registered trade mark of Reed Exhibitions Limited.

Published by: Nicholas Publishing International P.O. Box 500573, Damac Executive Heights, Office 704, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 4243600, Fax: +971 4 432 7505 Email: meet@npimedia.com Web: www.meetmiddleeast.com © Copyright This show daily is published under licence by Reed Exhibitions Limited. The copyright in the design and content of the show daily is owned by Reed Exhibitions Limited or its licensors.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, by any means – electronic, photocopying or otherwise – without the prior permission of Reed Exhibitions Limited.

SHOW DAILY TEAM: EDITORIAL Group Editor Faye Rowe faye.rowe@npimedia.com Production Editor Debra Freeman-Thorpe Contributors Claire Malcolm Gemma Greenwood Scott Birch STUDIO Senior Art Director Andrea Tempesta Senior Designers Prachi Bhaumik Kelly Massie Tim MacDonald Contributing Designer Tia Seifert Photographer Adham Sneeh

Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) the flagship carrier of the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam is exhibiting for the first time at GIBTM. The move represents RBA’s strategy to showcase the airline’s offering for the meetings industry and business travellers. The team is hoping to meet with and reach out to corporate groups and potential business and leisure travellers, particularly promoting its daily flights to London and the recently-announced service to Melbourne.

“This is an exciting time for RBA with the introduction of our daily Melbourne service.

For Dubai customers, there has never been a better range of flight options on RBA with daily services to London and Bandar Seri Begawan, with great connections to Melbourne, Manila, Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok and Kota Kinabalu; where RBA has also recently received the accolade of the Best Foreign Airline from Sabah Tourism,” said Deputy Chairman Dermot Mannion.

Visit Stand A35

Production Coordinator Naveed Aziz ADVERTISING Advertising Manager Irene Fernandez irene.fernandez@npimedia.com International Sales Manager Rose D'Souza rose.dsouza@npimedia.com PUBLISHING Publisher Rob Nicholas Visit NPI at stand E125

For further information visit www.visitabudhabi.ae or contact advantage@adta.ae

| EXHIBITOR NEWS |

OCEC unvEilEd as tOp-Class vEnuE Geoff Donaghy

The Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) is making its debut at GIBTM this week in a bid to showcase the world-class facilities the venue will offer when it opens in 2014.

“Our message to decisionmakers attending GIBTM is that Oman is constructing a worldclass venue that will have the capacity to host some of the

world’s and region’s most prestigious events that may have not been possible previously,” explained Geoff Donaghy, the Director of Convention Centres for AEG Ogden, the company managing OCEC. “Not only will this inspirational project open the world to Oman, it will open Oman to the world of business events.”

ST. REGIS OPEN FOR GROUP BOOKINGS

Located in Muscat’s Hayy Al Irfan district, just four kilometres from Muscat International Airport, OCEC will be one of the first Middle East venues to meet the rigorous LEED Certification by the US Green Building Council. It will feature a tiered auditorium to seat 3,200, while the exhibition halls will include 22,000 square metres of column-free exhibition space, divisible into five separate halls.

Halls one and two will create a multi-purpose space for plenary sessions, concerts, performances and gala events for up to 10,000 people.

There will also be 14 additional meeting rooms for 70 to 360 delegates, two ballrooms seating up to 2,360, a VIP pavilion, a food court and a multi-storey car park with a 4,000-vehicle capacity.

Donaghy said AEG Ogden would utilise its global expertise to deliver service excellence in all areas of the OCEC’s operation, including catering, technology and event management.

“AEG Ogden will provide a memorable first-class experience for all attendees adopting the spirit of the traditional Omani hospitality that the Sultanate is renowned for,” he said.

Visit Stand E110

NEWS IN BRIEf MEETING PRIORITY As Dubai’s meeting infrastructure is bolstered by 27 new hotels this year, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has pinpointed the meetings industry as its key target for filling new and existing room stock. visit stand G110

WHAT’S NEW IN ABU DHABI It's not just new hotels being showcased on the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority stand this year.

Attractions being promoted include three new offerings – the exclusive Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Wadi Adventure (the man-made white water rafting, kayaking and surf facility) and Belevari Marine Catamaran Cruise. visit stand d100

QATAR jOINS SHOW A dedicated Qatar Pavilion has been set up at GIBTM for the first time to showcase opportunities from the Gulf State's growing meetings industry.

Set to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar is investing huge amounts in tourism infrastructure, with landmark facilities such as Qatar National Convention Centre now open. visit Qatar pavilion (stand a110)

JUMEIRAH AT ETIHAd TOWERS cOURTS cONFERENcES The newly opened Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is enticing international conferences to Abu Dhabi with mix of luxury settings, gourmet banqueting and bespoke event support services.

Demand and advance bookings for the hotel’s conference centre and event banqueting services are increasing, resulting in the number of planned events targeted for 2012 to exceed the original forecasts, according to Doris Greif, General Manager.

“Since opening in November 2011, both awareness and bookings for our conference centre have continued to grow. The state-of-the-art technology, refined luxury interiors, gourmet banqueting options and in-house support services available at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Conference Centre have provided new options for clients to hold bespoke events in spectacular surroundings.

We see our Conference Centre as a setting of elegance and “theatre” for clients to add their own individualised flair, and this

approach has been warmly welcomed by event organisers and their clients.”

Since the hotel’s opening, demand for the Conference Centre as a venue for local cultural exhibitions and events, and regional conferences in particular have witnessed increased demand, as too has demand for the centre as a venue for wedding events. With awareness of the property growing overseas as the first Jumeirah property to open in Abu Dhabi, demand from international clients is expected to increase significantly from 2013 due to the tendency of international clients to plan events at least 12 to 18 months ahead.

“By participating at events like GIBTM and spreading the awareness of our unique facilities and services, our goal is not only to expand on the business for our Conference Centre, but to win and attract international conferences and exhibitions to the city of Abu Dhabi,” added Greif..

Visit Stand D100

fast faCt 4,900: The number of UAE visitors to Indonesia between 2009 and 2010 – an increase of more than 30%

Source: Indonesia National Statistical Bureau

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

dOWNlOAd THE GIBTM MOBIlE APP! St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

The brand new St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi is now taking bookings for groups and events.

The hotly-anticipated property, featuring 377 rooms and suites and located on Saadiyat Island, offers extensive state-of-the-art meeting, event and conference facilities spanning 4,000 square metres. The space includes Abu Dhabi’s largest ballroom, as well as four meeting rooms and a business centre.

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The 3,000-square-metre Regal Ballroom is fully equipped with lighting and sound equipment and also features an outdoor terrace with sea views, making it the perfect place to host a large function or small, more intimate event.

It can accommodate up to 1,500 guests in a reception-style set-up and can be divided into three equal sections for smaller functions.

Visit Stand D100

GIBTM delegates are being reminded that it’s not too late to download the GIBTM app. The smartphone event application is free to download and has been designed to meet the information and networking needs of show delegates by providing up-to-the-minute event details.

“The app is a mobile event guide offering the latest exhibitor information, delegate profiles, schedule and session details, local information and the event floorplan,” explained Marie-Claire Andrews, the CEO of New Zealand-based SmartShow, the parent company of event application specialist ShowGizmo – the firm that has developed the GIBTM app.

“It includes free lead capture for exhibitors who display the QR-code poster we provide and which delegates then scan, automatically updating their phone with that exhibitor's information. In return, the delegate’s name and email is passed to the exhibitor as a lead.” She said visitors could also use the application to search for other delegates or exhibitors and use the in-built meeting scheduler to arrange a meeting.

“They can also rate speakers at the education sessions and forward their presentations to friends,” Andrews added.

ShowGizmo is one of the key companies exhibiting within GIBTM’s brand

new Technology Zone.

Here the firm is demonstrating its industry-leading iPhone, iPad, Android, MobileWeb and BlackBerry apps that include a digital show guide, floorplans, social media and a complete networking tool for event participants.

Show delegates can also keep up to date with the latest show news and information by using one of several social-media channels provided, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Exhibitors can share their news with other GIBTM followers by tweeting GIBTMEvent and share their videos, comments and links

via GIBTM on Facebook, as well as getting involved with the discussions on GIBTM’s LinkedIn page.

GIBTM delegates can download the ShowGizmo app from the three well-known app stores – iTunes, BlackBerry App World and the Android Marketplace.

The official show daily for The Gulf incenTive Business Travel & MeeTinGs exhiBiTion

| EXHIBITOR NEWS |

acte moves to tackle everyday challenges

Ron DiLeo

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) will today run two practical education sessions aimed at helping travel planners tackle everyday operational challenges.

The first session, entitled ‘Improve finance processes and optimise travel payment systems in the Middle Eastern Region’ (10am) will see speaker Alfred Dagher, Vice President Global Products & Sales at MasterCard, discuss

what payment processes are realistically deliverable given constraints such as lowerthan-average adoption of the corporate credit card in the Gulf. Travel managers and bookers will learn how and when alternative payment methods can work.

The second session, ‘Delivering savings in an upbeat Middle Eastern market’ (4pm), will see Tariq Hayat, Principal at Arcapita Bank, Bahrain; Benjo van Laarhoven, Executive Advisor at Pfifferloh Group, Kuwait; and Michelle Thompson, Senior Manager Indirect Spend, PepsiCo EME, share the secrets of travel spend management.

Travel planners and bookers will learn how to achieve a positive return on investment on their travel programmes, even when market prices are on the increase.

Panelists will provide advice on how to negotiate local deals and the value that can be brought to a company, while identifying

examples of measurable, readyto-implement methods to achieve savings on process, procurement and management costs.

ACTE’s involvement in the GIBTM education programme is part of a strategic alliance formed earlier this year between the organisation and GIBTM organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE).

The partnership will see ACTE perform similar sessions across RTE’s global IBTM meetings portfolio. “The business and corporate-travel community is a vital aspect of the meeting and event industry and is one of our main priorities across the RTEs portfolio,” said Craig Moyes, Portfolio Director, Meetings & Event Portfolio, RTE. “Our shows are tailored to the markets they serve and guarantee attendance of top-level decision makers through our Hosted Buyer programmes." He also said the tie-up with ACTE delivers “unprecedented and highly

sought-after solutions for business travellers across the globe”.

ACTE Executive Director Ron DiLeo, who is moderating the GIBTM ACTE sessions, added: "This collaboration is extremely timely, as business travel and meetings continue to converge. Face-to-face meetings are vital to business success and a healthy economy. Executives must travel to network and push forward initiatives.

“Through this partnership, ACTE is pleased to bring its unique level of knowledge, insight and expertise to Reed Travel Exhibitions, increasing educational deliverables to the meetings industry.”

Serving more than 31,000 executives in more than 80 countries, ACTE is a not-forprofit association established to provide executive-level global education and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.

Visit the Seminar Theatre at 10am and 4pm.

radisson offers neW NEWS ‘Brain food’ initiative IN BRIEf Hotel group Radisson has launched a brand new culinaryfocused concept for meetings and conferences designed to ensure participants fire on all cylinders throughout their sessions.

The ‘Brain Food’ concept, to be rolled out in the Middle East market soon, is a menu reportedly proven to keep blood sugar levels stable and provide optimum cerebral nutrition, helping to maintain a high degree of brain activity and reactivity – making meetings happy, healthy, productive and successful.

The Brain Food initiative was created on the back of research and development conducted

by the Radisson Blu team in the Nordic countries in conjunction with key supplier and partner BAMA and its Kulinariske Akademi (Culinary Academy).

Scientific studies have shown how food affects brain functions and how eating the right nutrients, at the right time, improves our ability to learn and concentrate.

Rezidor’s Nordic chefs got together with nutrition experts and BAMA to develop delicious, brain-friendly recipes.

“Brain Food is not magic.

It’s just healthy, good common sense, delivered with tasteful enthusiasm,” said The Rezidor

Hotel Group President and CEO Kurt Ritter.

“As one of the world’s most important hotel companies, we have continuously signalled our commitment to offer healthy lifestyle options to our guests when they stay with us. Brain food is our latest addition to that ongoing commitment to smart eating, smart thinking and smart living.”

To date, around 90 to 95 percent of meeting bookers have opted for the Brain Food menu in the markets where it is available, although less 'brain-friendly' selections are still being offered if planners prefer.

Visit Stand G110

Brain Food concept: the right food at the right time

HERE TO SPEND A total of 273 Hosted Buyers with high spending power are attending GIBTM. Show organiser, Reed Travel Exhibitions, has revealed that 44 percent of Hosted Buyers attending last year’s event had an annual meetings budget of more than US$1 million and they expected a higher percentage of large budget holders to be attending this year. Additionally, prescheduled appointments lined-up during the twoand-a-half day show are up a total of nine percent year-on-year. visit www.gibtm.com to find out more about benefits for hosted Buyers.

SEOUL ATTENDANCE Seoul is taking a conventional approach to GIBTM as it highlights success with the recent Seoul Nuclear Summit (March 23 to 24). The event was the destination’s largest to date, welcoming over 20,000 delegates, including 55 heads of state, and took place at the capital’s premier meeting venue, COEX Convention & Exhibition Center, which gained world attention in 2010 as the host for the G-20 Summit. visit stand B120

Patrick Payne and Adrian Bell

mobile partnership signed at show QuickMobile announced a strategic partnership with Eventware FZ LLC on the first day of GIBTM, which will help to accelerate the adoption of mobile event solutions in the Middle East’s conference and meeting industry according to Patrick Payne, CEO of QuickMobile.

The partnership combines QuickMobile’s Mobile Event 2.0 technology and experience developing mobile meeting apps for global brands with Eventware’s mission to advance the event experience and understanding of the Middle East market. The companies are demonstrating their mobile event solutions at GIBTM. As a result of the partnership, Eventware will market and sell QuickMobile’s branded mobile event apps and QuickStart

Platform. The dynamic platform provides real-time data connectivity and Content Management System capabilities, such as real-time event schedules, personalisation, interactive and Push messaging, social networking, mCommerce, advertising and analytics.

“Together, QuickMobile and Eventware are providing mobile event solutions that are literally changing how event marketers plan and manage events, and how attendees engage at meetings and conferences,” said Payne. “Mobile is a gamechanging platform for the events industry, and in the short time that mobile event technology has been available in the Middle East, we have seen tremendous response among event organisers and users.”

Visit stand F151

mCi wins Cardiology ContraCt For 2015 Following the expansion of MCI Middle East & Ovation Arabia’s operations in Abu Dhabi, the global association management, communications and event agency, has won the bid to organise the emirate’s Asia Pacific Congress of Cardiology in 2015.

“We received the good news earlier this week,” said Ajay Bhojwani, Deputy Managing Director, MCI Middle East. “This is the first time that the event will be held in this region and we expect it to welcome around 3,500 participants.”

Having submitted its tender in the summer of 2011, MCI believes its core strength in looking

after healthcare events – which constitutes around 60 percent of its business – and specifically cardiology-based congresses, helped pave the way for the successful bid.

“It is a full service contract which will take the show from start to finish,” said Bhojwani.

The news marks MCI’s role as a key player in the UAE. Headquartered in Dubai since 2006, MCI has had a presence in Abu Dhabi since 2008 but in the past three years its involvement in events in the emirate has grown by as much as up to 60 percent year-on-year and it shows no sign of slowing.

Visit Stand D100

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| EXHIBITOR NEWS |

Ministry reVeals oMan tarGets The Sultanate of Oman is eyeing a 10 percent growth in tourism arrivals for 2012.

Oman’s Ministry of Tourism has also revealed plans to increase the GDP contribution of tourism from two percent in 2011 to around 3.5 percent in 2015, while making sweeping changes to visa arrangements that should assist its goals to boost inbound visitor numbers.

These targets and changes in strategy come as Oman celebrates many accolades.

The destination was ranked among the ‘20 Top Tourist Destinations in the World’ in the latest edition of the National Geographic magazine – the only Arab country to figure in the elite list, while the capital Muscat has been ranked the second best city in the world to visit in 2012 by Lonely Planet.

The city has also been declared the Arab Tourism Capital for 2012 by the Arab Tourism Ministers’ Council.

“These recent recognitions affirm the strong global interest in Muscat and Oman in general as a leisure, lifestyle and business destination,” said

Haitham Mohammed Ghasani

Haitham Mohammed Ghasani, Director of Tourism Promotion, Oman Ministry of Tourism.

“We take great pride in the diversity of our country’s tourist attractions throughout different seasons, which include scenic spots, adventure destinations and eco-tourism packages.

We expect 2012 to be a turning point in our efforts to take the performance of our tourism sector to the next level.”

Oman’s on-going tourism plans include the study of around 30 locations across the country such as the Al Hoota, Majlis al Jinn and Suhoor Caves for potential tourism

development and the construction of an archaeological park and museum at the recentlydiscovered Friday Mosque in Qalhat built around 1300 AD. Meanwhile, Oman’s Minister of Tourism His Excellency Sheikh Abdulmalik Al Khalili has given the green light to change visa arrangements in a bid to lure more visitors to the Sultanate.

The new arrangements include an US$13 fee for a single-entry tourism visa for up to 10 days and US$52 for a single-entry visa for stays between 10 days and a month.

Visa fees for passengers arriving on cruise ships and staying for less than 48 hours are to be waived and multiple-entry visas will be priced US$13.

“This is great news for Oman’s tourism industry and our trade network,” said Al Khalili.

“The changes will build business across all markets and lure more stop-over, shortbreak, incentive and business travel to Oman and we expect more convention and meetings organisers to look at Oman as a conference location.”

Visit Stand E110

For up-to-the-minute event details, download the free GIBTM app

by ShowGizmo. Simply click on your smart device’s app market to download, login with password gibtm12 and follow the instructions

Meydan hotels adds new attractions Those looking to add some fun to their events can now put sunbathing and a round of golf on their list of options when booking with Meydan Hotels & Hospitality.

The company, which has the Meydan Racecourse and Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, is opening the new Meydan Beach Club at Jumeirah Beach Residence and the nine-hole floodlit Meydan Golf Course The Track. Both attractions are set to open in April.

“These two new properties add to the hospitality products locked into both hotels and are ideal for groups wanting more leisure time,” said Craig Senior, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing Meydan Hotels & Hospitality. “The Meydan Hotel has 285 rooms but can host meetings for up to 3,500 people whereas Bab Al Shams’ outdoor restaurant can seat up

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Ali Al Saloom

GiBtM offers araBic education session GIBTM will today hold the first Arabic-language education session in the event’s six-year history.

The free-to-attend event entitled ‘Business tourism – the Majlis of the 21st century’ (14.3015.30), will be presented by wellknown Emirati presenter and industry expert, Ali Al Saloom of Ask Ali (ask-ali.com), which is an official GIBTM sponsor.

Al Saloom, who is also a cultural tourism consultant at Embrace Arabia Consultancy, will discuss how business travel involving face-to-face meetings is a modern interpretation of the age-old concept of the Majlis, identifying an regionwide opportunity to link business tourism with Arabic traditions and culture.

“This new Arabic addition to the educational programme is groundbreaking for GIBTM,” said the show's Exhibition Manager Lois Hall.

NEWS IN BRIEf VISIT EUROPE

to 600 for a dinner steeped in culture and heritage.”

The majority of the company’s business comes from the UAE and Gulf States, but Senior said that China is also proving to be a strong market at the moment, as well as the major European feeder markets.

“For our Chinese guests, we have developed an interactive iPad presentation which offers a 360-degree look at the properties. We also print our brochures in English, Chinese and Arabic.

“Meydan will continue looking for new ways to develop in the UAE and potentially outside the emirates. It would be very helpful if buyers could give us longer lead times for booking their events, as the hotels are always very busy – the Dubai World Cup coming up this weekend, which is attracting a huge number of individual owners, trainers and companies linked to the event, is a case in point.”

Visit Stand G110

GIBTM has created a European Pavilion for the first time in the show’s history to accommodate European businesses expanding their reach into the Gulf. Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Turkey are among the countries open for business on the GIBTM show floor. Hungary is also in the spotlight, seeking to establish itself further in the international meetings market. Discover more by visiting stand H110. european Pavilion (stands h110, h111, h117)

“It marks the first time Arabic seminars have been run in the region solely dedicated to the meetings industry and will promote the Middle East as an important business hub of the 21st century.”

Al Saloom will bring his expertise of the local culture to the global audience at GIBTM, offering participants a deeper understanding of how to protect, promote and develop the authentic Arabic meeting format of the Majlis, while ensuring compatibility with international trends.

“It is a great honour for me to be chosen to introduce the wonderful world of meetings to my fellow countrymen and to the people of the region,” he said.

“The meetings industry has enormous regional significance and great potential. However, I think many local and regional market players don’t fully understand that potential.

“It is in our nature as Arabs, if we don’t know or understand something, to feel embarrassed to ask. So I look forward to explaining why this industry matters and to do so, Inshallah, in the Arabic language in my native Khaleeji dialect.”

This seminar will highlight how businesses can add a local touch to otherwise 'business as usual' events to cater to their Arabic clients’ needs.

Ali Al Saloom (aka Ask Ali) will inspire session participants to become aware of the regional traditions and use them to their advantage and for regional branding.

The website ask-ali.com is the leading regional website for travellers, enabling them to ask all kinds of questions regarding Emirati and Arabic culture including travel tips, history, religion, architecture and even archaeology news.

Visit Seminar Theatre

BSL FOCUSES EFFORT ON GLOBAL DRIVE Event management consultancy BSL Middle East is hoping to lure more international business to the UAE capital in 2012.

The firm, which has offices in London and Abu Dhabi, said the UK was a prime target market for events business given the Wimbledon Village location of its headquarters.

“BSL is keen to promote itself to the international meetings and business travel market at this year’s GIBTM,” said company spokesperson Nancy Power.

“It is essential to have a presence at the event to promote our services, meet with potential leads

or clients and raise BSL’s profile in the region.”

BSL, which already works with many major Abu Dhabibased companies, said the show would provide the firm with an opportunity to highlight its “diverse capabilities as an events agency”, which was “able to take care of a client’s full event requirements, from hotel and flight bookings to logistics, staffing and full event management”.

“BSL has the added advantage of having an extensive database of regional and freelance staff and so has the ability to manage an event of any scale,” Power said.

Visit Stand D140

The official show daily for The Gulf incenTive Business Travel & MeeTinGs exhiBiTion

| EXHIBITOR NEWS |

ShowGizmo promoteS lateSt appS

New Zealand-based event app specialist ShowGizmo is showcasing a range of cuttingedge apps at this year’s GIBTM. The company, part of parent firm SmartShow, is demonstrating the latest event technology at GIBTM’s brand new feature for 2012 – the Technology Zone.

“We’re showing off our beautiful new iPad native app and also our Producer Support Package. We pride ourselves on the strategic advice and support we put around all our deployments of the mobile app and we've put that into a

package that will help producers maximise uptake and integrate the mobile app easily into their event life-cycle,” explained SmartShow CEO Marie-Claire Andrews.

“We're event people, not geeks and work hard to help our clients really make the most of their mobile app.”

Show Gizmo has created the official GIBTM App, which Andrews said would provide her company with “fantastic exposure” in the marketplace and provide a “great case study” relevant to its Middle East clients.

ShowGizmo’s fellow Technology Zone exhibitors include Etouches (stand G145); PSideo SA (stand G141); Matrix Audio Visual & Entertainment (stand F140); and The London Speaker Bureau - Middle East (stand F142).

Visit Stand G136

anantara extendS arabian hoSpitality

Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara

Guests of Anantara’s award-winning resorts will be pleased to know that the company is set to open a third property in the UAE. The five-star Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, which is near completion, will occupy a prime position along a 1.2 kilometre stretch of Abu Dhabi’s protected Eastern Mangroves District and has been carefully designed to protect and enhance its unique setting.

The hotel boasts a variety of room options, restaurants and health facilities, with highlights including its hammam – the largest in the UAE – and the opulent Royal Mangroves Residence’ which is ideal for dignitaries and VIPs. The hotel’s ballroom, decorated in rich tones and touches of 18-carat gold, will have capacity for up to 320 guests for banquets, with audio-visual

connections to facilitate presentations, as well as breakout rooms seating between twenty and forty guests available for private corporate meetings.

A project wholly-owned

by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa forms part of an integrated hotel, marina, retail and residential destination and is ideally located just 15 minutes from the International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown.

This new addition builds on Anantara’s current property portfolio which comprises Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, located in the Liwa Desert in the Empty Quarter and Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara on Sir Bani Yas Island. The latter now boasts a state-of-the-art riding facility, Sir Bani Yas Stables, which has capacity for 30 horses, including those trained in dressage and western riding.

The purpose-built stables were designed with a strong focus on protecting the environment, featuring sustainable lighting and irrigation. Facilities include two stable barns, six sand paddocks, two large grass paddocks, a lunge ring, a covered riding arena, training ring and riding ring. For a five-star equestrian experience, there is a variety of horseback riding activities and lessons, each tailored to meet individual needs and abilities.

Visit Stand D100

Anantara stand

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| EXHIBITOR NEWS |

Jumeirah adapts to meet trends UAE-based hospitality group, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, has tweaked its meetings offering to cater to everevolving industry needs.

“Since organisations have employees’ wellbeing and CSR on their agenda, we at Jumeirah are able to add value with healthy food options and meeting packages that reduce the carbon footprint,” explained Christian Pertl, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts Dubai.

With environmental issues at the forefront, he said, Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai was recently fully certified under the Green Globe Certification Standard – the premier worldwide certification and performance improvement programme developed specifically for the travel and tourism industry.

“The Green Globe Certification Standard provides hotels and hotel organisations with a framework to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their environmental sustainability performance, through which they can monitor improvements and achieve certification,” said Pertl.

He also revealed that while incentives provided the most MICE business for the group to

Christian Pertl

date, Jumeirah had earmarked meetings and conferences as prime future growth markets.

“These are being targeted aggressively by Dubai and all alliance partners as their impact on the destination’s economy and positioning can be very high,” he said.

“Aside from the luxury goods sector, which traditionally sits well with our product, we aim to further grow meetings business from our strongest sectors, including healthcare, medical and pharmaceutical industries, the financial sector and everything around logistics, oil and gas, government, transportation and more specifically aviation,” Pertl continued.

“The majority of the largescale events hosted in Dubai

in the last three years are linked to those industries.”

He revealed that 20 percent of Jumeirah’s business was meeting industry-related and that group room nights had bounced back with a 40 percent increase from 2010 to 2012.

“We are quite proud of these numbers as they match exactly our initial target,” Pertl said.

“In the future we may see that number increase, especially with additional hotels and resorts entering our portfolio.”

Key source markets for the group, he revealed, were the UK and Germany.

“We have global sales offices in the US, UK, Germany, France, Russia, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, China, Thailand, Australia, India and the UAE and, in addition to working in these markets, we will also organise sales trips and roadshows in Scandinavia, Khazakstan and Benelux throughout the year,” Pertl said.

“Two years ago we began to invite buyers from this region to attend global trade shows with us such as EIBTM as they have global business potential. There are many MENA, EMEA or MEASA HQs in Dubai from which corporate meeting travel is planned.”

Visit Stand G110

QnCC boosts business

The newly opened Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is fast transforming Qatar’s meetings and events industry to be a global premier business destination. Already, the Centre has hosted a number of high-profile events and, to date, 52 events with more than 30,000 visitors have been hosted there.

The estimated delegate spend from overseas visitors is over QR41 million (US$11.2 million).

This year, the Centre will play host to a number of prestigious international events including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD XIII), April 21-26, and the 25th Universal Postal Congress (UPU) in September and October 2012.

The upcoming quadrennial UNCTAD XIII is expected to attract a minimum of 4,000 delegates from all over the world including high profile political figures from the Arab region

mÖVenpiCK reVeaLs pLan Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts at GIBTM

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts at GIBTM Toufic Tamim,

The upscale Swiss hospitality company is showcasing 24 new projects at GIBTM, with 10 hotels under development in the Middle East, including properties in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and 14 new projects in Asia. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts already has 25 hotels in the Middle East and seven in Asia.

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This year marks the fourth time Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has taken part in GIBTM and Toufic Tamim, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Middle East Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, said the company looked forward to strengthening existing relationships and exploring fresh business possibilities

particularly in relation to its new hotel projects and the growing potential of the Asian market.

“As the travel industry continues to adapt to a challenging landscape, exhibitions such as GIBTM are an important barometer of business trends,” he said. “We have seen worldwide economic challenges in the past year and

new social dynamics in parts of the Arab world. Now more than ever it is important to understand how the MICE business is changing, how we can work together in a constantly evolving business environment and, most importantly, how we can all adapt to succeed.”

This year is shaping up to be a significant year for the Middle Eastern MICE industry, the Vice President said and expectations are high that there will be an increase in intra-regional corporate meetings and improved incentive business as well as strong performances from the Russian and Indian incentive market to the UAE. “A key company focus is also the development of the Chinese incentive market, which has the potential to triple within a few years,” Tamim said. “We have already opened our sales office in Shanghai, translated our website into Chinese and planning workshops and road shows throughout China.”

Visit Stand C120

and ministers and dignitaries from the European Union. This is the first time the conference will have been hosted in the region and it will be preceded by a series of events, among which are the third World Investment Forum, Civil Society Forum and Global Services Forum to be attended by global corporations, non-governmental organisations and government officials.

Trevor McCartney, Director of Business Development of QNCC announced that QNCC is hosting one of the largest and most high-profile conferences in the world, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 18) from November 26 to December 7. He said, “This is a challenging event but at the same time, it poses a

great opportunity for QNCC to take centre stage in showcasing its capabilities and flexibility as the host venue. The success of this event will put us in a superior position to attract many more large conferences and exhibitions to the country.”

McCartney added, “QNCC was built as part of Qatar Foundation’s strategies, in line with Qatar’s national vision of transforming the country into a knowledge-based economy.

Naturally, our key target market is the association market – specifically knowledge-based conferences and exhibitions from the MENA region. We recently concluded a familiarisation trip for a group of potential association clients and received very positive feedback.”

According to Qatar Tourism Authority, the country recorded a massive jump in the number of visitors in 2011. Visitation from the Gulf soared 50 percent compared to the previous year along with 12 percent growth from international visitors.

Business tourism accounted for 72 percent of visitors received

by Qatar last year.

Visit Stand A110/QNCC

fast faCt 86.2%: Dubai occupancy in January 2012 – placing it number one worldwide Source: STR Global

Cyprus launChes booking inCentive

Vassilis Theocharides

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO) has launched an incentive programme for Destination Management Companies (DMCs) booking Cyprus. The initiative includes meals priced at up to AED125 (US$34) per person, gifts for participants and a CTO official presence at Larnaka airport.

Cyprus is highlighting this programme at GIBTM, as well as staging a workshop for meetings professionals on the last day of the show.

The event will take place at 11am at Dine Restaurant at the Aloft Hotel, adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

This will be followed up with another event, still part of the roadshow, at 11am on Thursday March 29, at Le Metro at the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Dubai.

Both events will allow buyers of business and leisure to meet with travel industry suppliers from Cyprus.

CTO director Middle East and Arabian Gulf Vassilis Theocharides said the meetings and incentives industry was a “key element” driving tourism arrivals growth in Cyprus.

“The Cyprus Convention Bureau has now been officially launched as a part of the CTO and the stakeholders of the private sector will be involved in this through a steering committee, which will be chaired by CTO,” he revealed.

Visit Stand C120

ferrariworldabudhabi.com

IT’S YOUR TURN

TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE RACE

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For sales enquiries and group bookings, please contact +971 2 4968001 or email sales@ferrariworldabudhabi.com

 The stock exchange.  The housing market.  The conference ✓ facilities.

Hotels you can rely on:

3 hotels in central locations welcome you with unique meeting facilities and modern audio visual equipment.

Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Al Khobar Muscat

Park Inn. SM Adding Color to Life

parkinn.com/meetings

| EXHIBITOR NEWS |

Indonesia pinpoints Gulf as key market

Indonesia is targeting the Middle East as a key source market for future meetings business and is getting this message across with a powerfully branded pavilion at this year’s GIBTM. The stand will carry the 'Wonderful Indonesia' banner and branding, which simply describes the 'wonderful nature, wonderful culture, wonderful cuisine, wonderful

people and wonderful calue for money' the destination offers to the meetings industry.

The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia Mari Elka Pangestu has announced that Indonesia will target eight million international visitors in 2012, a five percent increase on 2011, when the destination welcomed 7.6 million foreign visitors, with the average individual spend per stay reaching US$1,000.

The number of visitors from the Middle East to Indonesia is growing steadily year on year, up 19.75 percent in 2011 compared to 2010 totalling more than 93,273 visitors.

This year, through its participation in GIBTM and taking favourable Middle East economic conditions into considerations, Indonesia hopes to attract 200,000 visitors from Middle East.

Indonesian delegates, led by Berman Lubis, Director of MICE from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, along with the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Garuda Indonesia, will be on-hand on the Indonesian Pavilion.

The Republic of Indonesia is the largest archipelagic nation in the world comprising 17,504 large and small tropical islands fringed with white sandy beaches, many of which remain uninhabited. The five most wellknown islands are Sumatra, Java, Bali, Sulawesi (formerly Celebes) and Papua.

Lubis said Indonesia’s main cities were suited to hosting international events, but noted that the destination’s main reason for exhibiting at GIBTM 2012 was to win incentives business for West Java, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and other cities in Indonesia.

Visit Stand A130

Danat Hotels & Resorts seeks to reaffirm status Rima Rawass

Danat Hotels & Resorts is exhibiting at this year’s GIBTM to inform meetings buyers about new properties and enhancements to existing ones.

The company, which is the

networking in europe The Italian Convention Bureau's EUR Congressi Roma is under construction

Outdoor events drive guest surge for Abu Dhabi

The Italian Convention Bureau is exhibiting for the first time at GIBTM on a dedicated pavilion for European exhibitors. The bureau is looking to attract new business for its two divisions: associations and corporate.

“Association events in the pharmaceutical, culture, art and technology industries make up The number of hotel guests staying in Abu Dhabi’s 127 hotels, hotel apartments and resorts rose by 29 percent in January this year compared to the same month last year, acc­o­rding to the latest figures released by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. Some 198,139 guests stayed in Abu Dhabi in January 2012, with the number of guest nights also rising, this time by 20 percent to 571,672.

“The strong increase in guest arrivals and guest nights appears to have been significantly influenced by January’s dynamic events calendar, which included the hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race and the fortnight of activities staged to coincide with it, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

14

and the World Future Energy Summit, which attracted some 650 exhibiting companies to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre,” explained the auth­ ority’s Director General, His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi.

“Stays are also likely to have benefited from increased air access to the destination.”

Combined revenue for Abu Dhabi’s hotels rose 11 percent in January compared to January 2011, representing AED408 million (US$111 million) and hotel occupancy stabilised at

66 percent – the same rate as January 2010. Average length of stay was down slightly by seven percent to 2.89 days and the average room rate dropped by six percent on comparative months to now stand at AED503 (US$137).

Key source markets for January included the GCC (120 percent in arrivals year on year), primarily driven by a 218 percent rise in guests from Saudi Arabia who totalled 8,574 in all, accounting for 18,415 guest nights.

Visit Stand D100

FAST FACT 37,000,000: The number of Arab outbound tourists by 2040 Source: World Tourism Organisation

hotel management division of the National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels operating a portfolio of four- and five-star properties in Abu Dhabi (Danat Al Ain Resort, Danat Jebel

Dhanna Resort, Al Raha Beach Hotel, Tilal Liwa Hotel, Sands Hotel and Dhafra Beach Hotel), will soon be opening a new hotel in the city.

In addition, the company is expanding Al Raha Beach Hotel by 147 rooms and new outlets; refurbishing Sands Hotel; and has added a new ballroom at Danat Al Ain Resort.

‘The Pearl’ ballroom can accommodate up to 1,000 guests and the property also has newly refurbished guest rooms available.

The hotel group’s Marketing Manager Rima Rawass said she hopes to meet new contacts and “network to seek the best business-to-business opportunities” for the Danat group of hotels.

Visit Stand D100

around 70 percent of our business while corporate clients in fields such as energy, fashion and food and beverage contribute to the rest,” said Sales & Marketing Manager Diana Cora Tenderini.

“Reed Travel Exhibitions convinced us of the good networking opportunities at the show. We hope that exhibiting

will be a good way to improve our relationships with people in this region and, at the same time, help us introduce our office in Dubai,” she added.

Up-and-coming venues managed by the Italian Convention Bureau include MiCo in Milan, which will claim the title of Europe’s largest congress centre when it opens its doors in Milan in May and the EUR Congressi Roma, designed by architect Massimilano Fuksas, which is under construction in the Eur district of Rome. Additionally, Rimini’s Palacongressi expo centre and the Cinecitta Studios in the south of Rome complete the line-up. Other exhibitors on the European Pavilion include the Hungarian Convention Bureau and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation.

Visit Stand H11o/H111/H117

Go for the eXtra mile

Dubai-based event management firm, eXtramile Events will be launching creative meeting packages at GIBTM in a bid to encourage international buyers to place business in the UAE. “eXtramile’s objective is to help our clients rapidly move

to a culture of strategic planning and execution excellence.

We accomplish this by providing a wide range of practical and proven products, services and training programmes, delivered by experienced and talented professionals,” explained the firm’s

Operations Director, Eman Atef.

“We are the only event management company in the region to own an online registration and group booking tool. We also have two divisions – eXtramile Production and eXtramile Advertising – meaning an event, conference or incentive will be developed and executed inhouse from the concept stage to the execution stage.”

Atef said eXtramile aimed to provide the optimum level of quality and services to its clients and recently doubled the number of staff to ensure it achieved this goal.

Visit Stand G110

The official show daily for The Gulf incenTive Business Travel & MeeTinGs exhiBiTion

| EXHIBITOR NEWS |

busan points to track record Busan is showcasing its meeting and event credentials at this year’s GIBTM, highlighting its success in hosting major events that include the 2009 OECD World Forum, the 2010 World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems and the 2011 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness.

Busan aims to build awareness of the destination and reinforce its status as a respected convention and tourism destination. It is currently ranked as the fourth most popular convention city in Asia by the Union of International Associations (UIA).

For organisers looking for a one-stop service for their

meetings, all the facilities needed such as accommodation, restaurants, shopping and tourist spots (beach, galleries, etc) are within five-minutes of the convention centre in Busan.

Busan Metropolitan City’s newly established Exhibition and Convention division now provides organisers with greater support in attracting participants and hosting a meeting. Busan Convention and Visitors’ Bureau is dedicated to providing visitors or event planners with a wide range of services, from accommodation and transport advice to financial and services support and consulting.

Visit stand A10

istanbul moves to match demand

Istanbul stand

The Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB) is promoting the Turkish city’s everexpanding portfolio of meetings venues at this week’s GIBTM. Istanbul’s meeting infrastructure is expanding to meet the increasing potential and demands of international congresses and the city’s reputation in the market,” said ICVB General Manager Elif Balci Fisunoglu.

“The Istanbul Congress Centre opened its doors for

the IMF World Bank meeting in October 2009 and raised the capacity of Congress Valley to 20,000 people in combination with other venues within walking distance, such as the Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Centre and the Hilton Convention Centre.

“The Golden Horn Convention and Cultural Centre, hosted the 5th World Water Forum with 25,000 participants.”

He said new international hotel brands were entering the

market while established players were expanding their presence.

“Indeed, a significant demand exists for both accommodation and meeting space at fivestar hotels. There are 100 hotels currently under construction in Istanbul, of which 39 will provide five-star accommodation,” Fisunoglu continued.

“Seventy-four of these new properties will be located on the European side of Istanbul, and 26 will be located on the Anatolian side, adding

20,000 new rooms in total to Istanbul's already impressive accommodation capacity.”

He said this expansion attested to the appeal of investing in demand and was fuelled by “very real demand”.

“The city has become one of the top destinations for world travellers – professionals and tourists alike. Arrivals are growing at a rate of 20 percent a year.”

In 2003, Istanbul received three million visitors. This is estimated to increase to 9.4 million in 2012, making the Turkish hub the world's seventh most-visited city.

“As Istanbul grows as a regional hub, multinational corporations increasingly find that having a regional headquarters in the city is strategically necessary,” said Fisunoglu.

ICVB is one of the exhibitors showcasing within GIBTM's new European Pavilion.

Other European destinations represented at this year’s GIBTM include Hungary, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland and Monaco.

Visit Stand F120

A PLACE TO INSPIRE AND A SPACE TO SUCCEED Imagine your next event at a place where delegates can engage, connect and be inspired by a country that has been trading for more than 5,000 years. This place is in the city of Muscat, Oman’s new home for business.

Surrounded by nature it overlooks a wadi that is a haven for Oman’s exotic birdlife, yet is within a precinct with everything you need to host a successful event.

The place is the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, set to become an iconic landmark for the Sultanate of Oman and ideally positioned only 10 minutes from Muscat International Airport.

Opening in late 2015, this world-class facility is perfectly suited to host global conferences and exhibitions, as well as significant international, regional and national events.

Experience a warm Omani welcome; explore its beauty, diversity and opportunity, as we open Oman to the world of business events.

Proudly managed by AEG Ogden

| research |

DestinAtions tAke meAsure in the wAke of reseArch results While the IBTM Industry Research results revealed a bullish sentiment for the growth of meetings in the region, key areas of opportunity and challenge were also highlighted

the meetings industry research seminar attracted double the number of attendees compared to 2011

16

emirates. Taylor stressed the shorter lead time required for these meetings: “While we are winning association events for 2015 and beyond, we know we have to work hard to get business this year and next. The programme has been designed to tempt planners with the offer of free hotel rooms, meeting packages, tours and dinners – we are also working on an additional incentive that will offer

even more benefits according to the size of the group.

Bigger groups will equal bigger benefits.”

Asian emphasis One major shift in business revealed in the research has been the rise in importance of Asia as a source market, with India as well as China becoming more important for the regional meetings sector. Abu Dhabi experienced an impressive 30

percent rise in tourism arrivals from India in 2011.

“We have not done enough in the past in India given the size of the potential market, the short flying time and strong links between the two countries,” said Taylor.

In China, the emphasis for Abu Dhabi has been to build awareness through roadshows in order to capitalise on new air links between the UAE capital and Shanghai.

grAPhs show the Difference in outlook Between regionAl AnD gloBAl BuYers in terms of Both Volume of eVents AnD BuDget BuDget in next 12 months %

MiddLE EASt BuyERS GLOBAL BuyERS

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Volume of eVents in next 12 months %

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Advantage Abu Dhabi While business in Dubai is booming across all sectors, this has opened up opportunities for destinations newer to market to grab a slice of the cake, said Rob Nicholas, MD of Nicholas Publishing International and meetme magazine.

“The hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have traditionally run in parallel in terms of pricing and occupancy, but

as Abu Dhabi builds inventory we are seeing significant differences between the two cities,” he said. “If I were an Abu Dhabi hotel, I would be actively targeting business that might usually place in Dubai and using my value proposition as the draw card.”

Additionally, with new room stock in Dubai, some properties there are focusing on leisure rather than longerterm business events.

“While some hotels have learned from their experiences in the past few years and are retaining room blocks for this sector, others are looking more short-term and this does offer another opening for the capital,” said Nicholas.

Alert to the need to maintain commercially viable occupancies and rates while building the destination, Gillian Taylor, business tourism and MICE manager at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism & Culture revealed that the Advantage Abu Dhabi incentive programme was being rolled out to boost corporate events in the

SAME

numbers, overall it has reinforced our reputation as a stable and secure destination,” he said.

Of more pressing relevance has been the unprecedented rebound of visitor numbers to Dubai that have boosted occupancies and rates to levels not seen since before the global financial crisis.

“I don’t think anyone expected Dubai to come back this quickly, but as a result, we are working with our stakeholders to ensure we have a diversified product both in terms of clients and events, from incentives through to association business,” he said.

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ttendees at the seminar announcing results of the annual meetings industry research may have been pleased with the news that the UAE (Abu Dhabi and Dubai) features in the top ten list of countries selected by both Middle East and global respondents to host their events, but were cautioned that rate and overall pricing, innovation in products, political stability and visa restrictions were identified as factors that could impact future prospects for the sector.

The Arab Spring and more recent turmoil in the Middle East has had a major effect on inbound business to countries such as Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan, but in the GCC, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have experienced an uplift – although this has been most apparent in the boost to inbound leisure.

According to Dubai Convention Bureau (DCB) Director, Jerad Bachar, there was very little impact on the meetings and events sector.

“While the immediate reaction was some dampening of

MiddLE EASt BuyERS GLOBAL BuyERS

The official show daily for The Gulf incenTive Business Travel & MeeTinGs exhiBiTion

| research | Dubai, meanwhile, has witnessed a major increase in its Chinese business – group numbers have risen dramatically and confirmed bookings in 2011 were up 60 percent.

“We are participating in more regional roadshows that will target second tier cities as well as the major hubs – meanwhile, we are seeing success with the coming two months being very busy with groups from China,” said DCB’s Bachar.

“These groups average in size between 25 and 500, and often include a visit to Abu Dhabi to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as well as Ferrari World and Dubai attractions such as the malls and Burj Khalifa.”

In addition, DCB has targeted another of the BRIC markets – Brazil – and is looking at opening a representative office there, he added.

“We are currently doing due diligence to look at the potential and are already seeing nuggets of business coming from destinations such as São Paulo.”

Wowing the audience While pricing, rates and addons top the list as having he most impact on event venue decisions, Sally Greenhill of The Right Solution revealed in her presentation that product and that indefinable wow factor still played a role in attracting meeting and event business, a situation reinforced over the past two years. “It has been a buyers’ market and they are all looking for added value now in terms of product as well as price,” she said.

The situation is exacerbated for destinations such

as Dubai that have a history of hosting events – and which have more need to offer something new and original – but Bachar said there was potential here for regional combinations to create new wow factors for the incentive market in particular.

“Dubai and Abu Dhabi have different attractions and can work in combination – as well as with Oman – and while we are all focused on our own development, we need to cooperate as a region,” he said.

“There are enough products around and we should not just look in our own backyard.”

Complementary approach In targeting association and congress business, Gulf destinations are also looking to complement each other in the sectors they target, rather than compete against their neighbours as well as other global venues.

Qatar is focusing on United Nations and other big governmental events, as well as research and educationbased meetings, according to Trevor McCartney, Director of Business Development at the new Qatar National Convention Centre.

“We are trying to bring in additional events, not just competing with regional destinations,” he said. “For Qatar, being awarded the 2022 World Cup has been instrumental in raising awareness of the destination and putting it on the map – this helps everyone in the meetings and events sector.”

Top regional event generators remain relatively unchanged, however, with oil and gas and pharmaceuticals still leading the way, with

Sally Greenhill

other key sectors including banking and insurance, education and electronics.

“We have seen the emphasis on the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries in the past year, most recently with the International Diabetes Congress in Dubai and the World Ophthalmology Congress in Abu Dhabi,” commented Nicholas. “The latter event alone had an economic impact of US$22 million according to figures from the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.”

On a positive note, Greenhill did note the scope for increasing market share in this sector, saying the Union of International Associations reported there were 12,000 large-scale meetings worldwide in 2010. “Of these, 85 were held in the UAE – this compares to 900 in the United States and 725 in Singapore,” she said.

Virtual issues In terms of other industry trends, Greenhill made a point for regional hotels that planners had focused on the lack of free Wi-Fi as a deterrent in some instances, while easy availability of visas, cost of airport taxes and airlift were other considerations for buyers.

In addition, she said there was an increased focus on technology with the use of social media, apps and cloud computing becoming of vital importance: “Nearly three-quarters of supplier respondents cited social media as vital, as well as 53 percent of buyers,” she said.

“Virtual meetings were also cited by 39 percent of buyers, although anecdotal experience from a recent focus group I organised suggests that this will only be used as an additional tool rather than replacing face to face events.”

Exhibitors in the Technology Zone at GIBTM underlined the key role that social media is now developing in the industry, citing the potential to grow databases and drive delegate numbers: “We are definitely seeing meeting planners increase attendance and ROI by using social media,” said Christopher Rose, Senior Associate at US-based Cvent, a global provider of webbased software solutions.

“When delegates are registering for an event, they can forward the invitation on to their colleagues and business associates – so-called viral marketing – and it is then easy

Rob Nicholas

Panelist Dr. Edith Szivas

Panelist Ayman El Aridi

Of more pressing relevance has been the unprecedented rebound of visitor numbers to Dubai that have boosted occupancies and rates to levels not seen since before the global financial crisis for the planner to collect this information and grow their databases, by between 20 and 30 percent in many cases.”

Also stressing the importance of social networks such as LinkedIn and Facebook, B-Com Event Technology’s Edouard Duverger cited viral marketing as an important development that is now mandated by both association members and clients.

“Feedback and communication are important elements

for event planners,” he remarked. The company, which has developed its Event Management Platform as a joint venture with MCI, claims the latest technology solutions are a vital area through which to increase efficiency and cut costs, enabling the same number of staff to work on up to 30 percent more events through the use of central software.

According to Greenhill, the demand for technology to

drive business had escalated even during the six months between the pilot research project and the launch of the report, as she explained: “Cloud computing that is easy to access on the move is another area expected to grow even more, while electronics RFPs and audience response systems were also mentioned by respondents.”

A copy of the report will be available at www.gibtm.com

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|THE LINE-UP |

GibtM 2012 ProfeSSional education ProGraMMe

WednesdaY marcH 28 Time

session informaTion

10.00 - 11.00 Sustainability in the incentive, business travel and Meetings industry This session will examine the evolution and growth of sustainable tourism globally and in the Gulf with a special focus on the meetings industry. The speaker will review current trends and challenges and highlight best-practice examples to show how businesses and policy-makers can leverage sustainable practices for a profitable, innovative and sustainable future. speaker: Dr Edith M Szivas, Director of Research and Consultancy, Jumeirah Group, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, Dubai

With brand-new sessions brought to you by ACTE (The Association of Corporate Travel Executives), you can attend a world-class educational programme and learn cutting-edge techniques in delivering the ultimate experience to your delegates and clients.

All education seminars take place in the Seminar Theatre on the show floor.

TuesdaY marcH 27 Time

session informaTion

10.00 - 11.00 acte conference – Session 3 Improve finance processes and optimise travel payment systems in the Middle Eastern region With GCC corporate credit-card adoption well below other global market levels, this session will identify what payment processes are realistically deliverable with regional constraints. Hear how corporations and suppliers save money and improve cashflow by implementing regional best practice in their payment processes.

Learning outcome: Learn from corporations and suppliers how and when alternative payment methods can work in the region.

Who should attend: Local, regional and global travel managers, travel bookers, buyers and suppliers of corporate travel services. moderated by: Ron DiLeo, Executive Director, ACTE speakers: Alfred Dagher, VP Global Products & Sales at MasterCard; Julia Sullivan, Head of Programme Management, Alshamel Travel & Tourism; Thomas Grundner, Vice President, Global Sales, Jumeirah Group and Jonathan Taylor, Vice President Corporate Services, AECOM, Middle East 11.30 - 12.30 leading in turbulent times The past three years have been a roller-coaster ride in the financial and political world, yet some organisations are managing to continue a growing trend and effortlessly motivate their teams to grow. This keynote address will show delegates how the leaders of those successful organisations turned external challenges into growth opportunities. speaker: Camil El Khoury, Chief Vision Officer, ideas group, Beirut, Lebanon 13.00 - 14.00 Search & Social: to be heard You need to be found If developing a website is a science then gaining visibility in search engines and social media is an art form.

Yet the opportunity is a blank canvas and a little knowledge can produce a masterpiece. Mancini will explain some of the very basic principles that you can use to outrank your competitors. What is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and how can you take advantage of this and make a dramatic difference to your website’s performance? How is social media playing an ever-increasing role in search-engine rankings and what simple techniques should you keep in mind when conducting your social-media strategy which doesn’t ignore your search strategy? There is no search without social and no social without search! speaker: Lee Mancini, Manager, Sekari, Dubai 14.30 - 15.30 business tourism - the Majlis of the 21st century® Arabic Session Business tourism in the Arabian world is the 21st century version of the Majlis and offers a great opportunity to add a local touch to otherwise business-as-usual events. The process of reinventing the Majlis culture in the context of business tourism will be explained as a way to protect, promote and develop this authentic meeting format and, at the same time, make it compatible with international trends.

Participants will receive an overview of business-tourism services and gain a better understanding of the chances and potential business opportunities that innovative. Sustainable business tourism can add to a destination and international organisers can benefit from the opportunities of a region with year-round sunshine, expansive desert, a practically crime-free country and a service and hospitality industry that is ready and able to please even the most demanding guest.

During the seminar the speaker will highlight how the biggest opportunity in the region is linking business tourism with Arabic traditions and culture. It’s hoped this will inspire participants to become aware of regional traditions and use them to gain a better understanding of regional branding. speaker: Ali Al Saloom, Ask Ali (ask-ali.com), Abu Dhabi 16.00 - 17.00 acte conference – Session 4 Delivering savings in an upbeat Middle Eastern market Corporate purchasers and travel managers are always under pressure to cut costs and adapt processes.

This panel will discuss how to develop a localised foundation for travel-spend management.

Learning outcome: Learn how to achieve a positive ROI on your travel programme when market prices are rising.

Who should attend: Local, regional and global travel managers, travel bookers, buyers and suppliers of corporate travel services. moderated by: Ron DiLeo, Executive Director, ACTE. speakers: Tariq Hayat, Principal at Arcapita Bank, Bahrain; Benjo van Laarhoven, Executive Advisor at Pfifferloh Group, Kuwait; and Danny Barranger, VP Global Sales, Etihad Airways

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11.15 - 12.15 exploring new territory: the future of Meetings and creating training to Stay MPI and MPI Foundation are stewards of many research projects funded by investors ranging from PSAV, Omni Hotels and Jumeirah Group to the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. The many products that result from these explorations into new trends, areas of focus and needs for event and meeting professionals are part of a number of road maps that provide direction into this new territory. Join MPI for a look at some of the tools and discoveries that its staff, researchers and developers have uncovered in their explorations and be part of the journey into new ways of thinking and looking at the future of the profession.

Learning outcomes:

• Identify and consider the key themes and drivers that meeting planners have identified as

important factors in shaping the future of the industry.

• Appreciate and begin to prepare for how trends are changing and informing meeting practice.

• Discover how to utilise existing tools and content, along with feedback from multiple stakeholders, to create new and unique training for your event, organisation or industry to prepare for the future. speaker: Didier Scaillet, Chief Development Officer, MPI

Shuttle-buS ServiceS Complimentary shuttle-bus services are provided to and from ADNEC, official GIBTM hotels, receptions and the airport for all GIBTM participants, including visitors, exhibitors and Hosted Buyers.

Time and daTe

Transfer rouTe

Tuesday march 27 08.00 - 09.30 18:15 21:30

From official hotels to ADNEC From ADNEC to GIBTM networking function From GIBTM networking function to official hotels

Wednesday march 28 08.00 - 09.30 13:15 13:30

From official hotels to ADNEC From ADNEC to official hotels From ADNEC to Abu Dhabi Day (invitation only)

airporT services Shuttles will run at regular intervals between the times specified.

Tuesday march 27 09.00 – 16.00

From airport to ADNEC and ADNEC to airport

Wednesday march 28 10.00 – 15.30

From airport to ADNEC and ADNEC to airport

Transfers from/To dubai GIBTM is pleased to provide a daily coach transfer service from/to Dubai for all event attendees. Please look out for the GIBTM branded coaches and arrive 10-15 minutes before the departure time. Places on the transfers will be provided on a first-comefirst-served basis.

Tuesday march 27 08.15 09.00 18.15

Wednesday march 28 08.15 09.00 13.00

Pick up from the parking area of Dnata Emirates Group Centre, Deira Pick up from the entrance of Dubai Media City, Sheikh Zayed Road and transfer to ADNEC Departure transfer from ADNEC to Dubai and drop off at Dubai Media City, Sheikh Zayed Road and parking area of Dnata Emirates Group Centre, Deira Pick up from the parking area of Dnata Emirates Group Centre, Deira Pick up from the entrance of Dubai Media City, Sheikh Zayed Road and transfer to ADNEC Departure transfer from ADNEC to Dubai and drop off at Dubai Media City, Sheikh Zayed Road and parking area of Dnata Emirates Group Centre, Deira

| EXHIBITION |

the show in pictures From the show opening to education seminars and meetings on the stands – we capture the day's events through the lens

20

The official show daily for The Gulf incenTive Business Travel & MeeTinGs exhiBiTion

| EXHIBITION |

21

| INTERVIEW |

INSPIRING CONFIDENCE

Ali Abu Monassar, owner and chairman of The Vision Destination Management, champions the UAE capital’s credentials as a leading global meetings hub

Ali Abu Monassar

Abu Dhabi’s growing status as a significant meetings destination is undoubtedly a result of the hard work of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s business tourism team. However, the destination’s key industry stakeholders have been pivotal in attracting visitors to this flourishing emirate.

Integral to Abu Dhabi’s success as an up-and-coming corporate and leisure destination are DMCs who ensure the visitor experience is a positive one. Among them is established industry player The Vision Destination Management, a rapidly expanding DMC, owned by chairman Ali Abu Monassar, a traveltrade veteran boasting more than 25 years’ experience.

As an expert in the field, Monassar has steered his company to take command of many major DMC projects in Abu Dhabi, including the ground handling for GIBTM. He provides valuable insight into the future potential of the emirate and his forecasts are based both on track record and plans for further enhancements to infrastructure.

“We witnessed a huge increase in meetings business for Abu Dhabi in 2011, with many associations making the UAE a

22

Abu Dhabi has spent a lot of time and money promoting and establishing the capital as an elite hub for meetings and sports events over the last six years and that campaign is starting to bear fruit hub for their conferences, incentives and product launches,” he said.

A huge part of the allure is the world-class facilities offered at new hotels, such as the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, as well as city properties including Hyatt Capital Gate and Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, he commented, pinpointing the GCC and India as key source markets for business.

Another boost to Abu Dhabi’s events status has been the staging of big-brand crowd-pleaser events, such as the Volvo Ocean Race, which took place in January.

“These have put the UAE capital in the spotlight,” said Monassar.

“Abu Dhabi has spent a lot of time and money promoting and establishing the capital as an elite hub for meetings and sports events over the last six years and that campaign is starting to bear fruit.

“In 2011, the total number of visitor arrivals increased

by 25 percent, while arrivals from some destinations exceeded this. For example, visitation from countries such as India and Saudi Arabia rose as much as 30 percent.

“The impact of the Arab Spring did boost arrivals, especially from the GCC, as the UAE proved a safe alternative to destinations such as Egypt,” he said.

It is no surprise then that The Vision almost doubled its business in 2011, aided by lucrative contracts such as the ground handling for MSC Lirica cruises, which now has home ports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai during the winter cruise season.

“Cruises have become a mainstay of the tourism proposition and MSC Lirica alone has increased arrivals to the emirates by more than 30,000 visitors. Consequently, it has had a positive impact on our company's business,” he explained.

The year ahead According to Monassar, 2012 is already showing signs of improvement for both Abu

Dhabi and his company, with business from the GCC, Europe, the CIS countries and China, on the rise. The Vision’s growth as a company will also be achieved on the back of investments made in sales and marketing in 2012.

“We will promote the UAE and Oman by being present at more than 22 exhibitions

and roadshows in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, as well as targeting new markets such as China, the CIS and others,” Monassar said.

The prospects for Abu Dhabi, however, are firmly under the spotlight with planned infrastructure developments, such as the Saadiyat Island cultural district, which is expected to create huge interest while helping to diversify the offer.

“The UAE is showing the world the best example of how to believe and invest to create new possibilities for living and generating business,” he said. “Naturally there are challenges for any new venture, but the UAE has demonstrated to the world that it is able to overcome difficulties.”

Monassar does, however, note that one problem the destination and DMCs must look at solving is how to educate hoteliers about the benefits of the meetings industry, given that many are reluctant to allocate sufficient space and offer competitive prices to win large-scale meeting bids.

“There are some gaps in our knowledge to fill and there needs to be a longer-term attitude in place when it comes to meetings and conferences as they have a major economic impact on the destination,” he said. “I believe we need more awareness and training and to partner with the most qualified associations, such as MPI,

Site and ICCA, to take onboard the best international industry practices and to understand the criteria that destinations must meet if they are serious about becoming established meetings hubs.”

The UAE’s key business and tourism stakeholders must also join forces to drive professionalism in the meetings industry, Monassar continued. “In order to make the UAE a hub in this field, governments, authorities, the private sector, media, meeting planners and conference and exhibition organisers must all work together to promote the UAE as the meeting place linking East and West,” he said.

The message to the world, he stressed, is that the UAE is “a safe country and a positive environment in which to do business. It is also the gateway to key sectors, such as world finance and real estate”.

“If we can find a common goal we will succeed and in making the UAE the ultimate hub for meetings,” concluded Monassar.

Visit Stand G130

FACTS ABOUT THE VISION • The Vision Destination Management specialises in providing inbound ground-handling services to travellers visiting the UAE and Oman.

• The brainchild of owner and chairman Ali Abu Monassar, who has 25 years of industry experience, the company focuses on leisure destination management (FITs, leisure groups, cruise handling, back-to-back and charter operations, plus series and ad-hoc itineraries); business meetings destination management (incentive groups, product launches, conventions, conferences, exhibitions and sporting events); plus consultancy services, including advice on bidding processes, event management and operations handling.

• The Vision is the official DMC for GIBTM.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

The official show daily for The Gulf incenTive Business Travel & MeeTinGs exhiBiTion

| destination profiles |

Dubai Just 15 years ago, relatively few people outside of the Middle East knew much of Dubai, let alone visited the small city with astronomical ambitions.

Yet dramatic developments that have taken place since then, and Dubai's profile has soared as high as its breathtaking skyline.

In 1999, the Burj Al Arab was unveiled and this landmark building was soon complemented by Emirates Towers, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa.

Visiting Dubai in 2012, it is almost impossible to grasp how the city has changed in

The Dubai Fountain on Burj Khalifa Lake

so short a timespan. Although attitudes before the worldwide financial crisis were bullish and developments then slowed by comparison, Dubai is now showing positive signs that its future looks just as bright as before.

Last year was another record-breaking one for the emirate in terms of visitors, with numbers rising an unprecedented 10 percent to 9.3 million, according to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). The top five source markets are also a good indication of Dubai’s unique global appeal, with Saudi Arabian visitors topping the list ahead of India, the UK, Iran and the US. Guest nights also increased 23 percent on 2010 to 32,848,190, with average length of stay up 12 percent to 3.6 days.

Those visitors were attracted by the superior shopping, yearround sunshine, fabulous beach resorts, dazzling desert and the Arabian heritage and culture – which is also good news for meeting planners looking at Dubai as an exciting and diversified destination.

“We have been successful in boosting the number of tourists to Dubai due to our initiatives to enhance

our position in established markets and tap into new and emerging tourism source markets,” said DTCM Director General Khalid A bin Sulayem. “The substantial gains by hotels and hotel apartments reflect, once again, the vibrancy and dynamism of the tourism industry in the emirate.”

As far as its location is concerned, Dubai is ideally positioned between Europe and Asia, with direct flights to more than 200 destinations.

Dubai is famous as a fabulous leisure destination, but it has an equal reputation for excellence when it comes to meetings, incentives, conferences and events.

The emirate has emerged as a leading regional commercial hub with a state-of-the art infrastructure.

For large-scale international meetings, Dubai ticks all the right boxes. There are more than 50,000 guest rooms available across all star ratings.

The Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre has 90,000-squaremetres of exhibition space, while four other hotels can accommodate conferences for up to 2,000 delegates.

Dubai is also climbing the ICCA rankings. In 2009, the city was ranked 68th, but rose to 51st place in 2010. A strong showing is expected in the 2011 ranking figures,

and meeting experiences, as well as world-class surfing, diving and wild jungle treks.

When it comes to international business travellers visiting for meetings and events, in recent years there has been a clear preference for Bali and Jakarta.

Bali has successfully attracted incentive business from the Asia Pacific region, boosted by new hotels and resorts,

including Aman Resorts, Four Seasons Resort, Bulgari Resort, and the St. Regis Resort. Jakarta is the destination of choice for many international conferences and exhibitions because it is not only the capital of the country, but also the economic, business and political powerhouse of Indonesia.

Indonesia’s hotels are regularly listed as some of the best in the world. Whether located

on white sandy beaches, overlooking green river valleys, or situated in the heart of the busy capital, Jakarta, they are great escapes for meeting planners.

Some of the international events that have been hosted in Indonesia include the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) Summit, the ASEAN Tourism Forum and the World Economic Forum.

The vibrant cities of Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya and Makassar are hives of activity ready to be explored. Visitors can shop in designer boutiques or at roadside stalls, dine at gourmet restaurants or sample local street food, while the range of spas is renowned for invigorating both body and mind.

Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Padang, Bandung, Solo, Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Makassar are connected by direct international flights and many regular and low-cost carriers fly passengers to Indonesia’s towns

Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing has one of the largest stands at the show

following another successful year that culminated in the World Diabetes Congress in December 2011. The calendar for 2012 looks impressive, too, with upcoming events including the World Congress of Cardiology (WCC), the TETRA World Congress and the annual Conference of the Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SICOT).

“We are committed to bringing leading global forums to Dubai and are confident that the growing number of high-profile international congresses currently hosted at our venue will achieve strong results in terms of both regional investment and next-generation innovation,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre.

“Dubai is firmly established as one of the world’s most attractive business destinations both geographically and strategically in terms of infrastructure and facilities and we remain committed to providing the ideal global networking platform to host these prestigious events.”

Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is exhibiting at GIBTM alongside many stand sharers. Please visit stand G110.

inDonesia The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Mari Elka Pangestu, announced that Indonesia is targeting eight million international visitors in 2012, a rise of five percent on 2011.

Last year, Indonesia welcomed 7,649,731 visitors, with an average individual spend of around US$1,000.

The number of visitors from the Middle East to Indonesia is growing steadily year on year. In 2011, numbers increased almost 20 percent compared to 2010, accounting for more than 93,000 visitors.

This year, through participation at GIBTM and also considering the Middle East’s economic strength, Indonesia hopes to attract 200,000 visitors from the region.

The Republic of Indonesia comprises more than 17,500 tropical islands that are home to 238 million people. Straddling the equator, Indonesia is

situated between Asia and Australia and between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It has a multicultural population encompassing more than 200 diverse ethnic groups.

The best known islands are Sumatra, Java, Bali and Sulawesi. Bali is renowned for its beaches, culture, hotels and spas. This exotic island has much to offer, from inspirational spirituality to fine dining

Indonesia is targeting eight million international visitors in 2012

or remote locations. The tourism ministry would like to secure many more events during GIBTM 2012, including incentive tours for West Java, Jakarta, Yogyakarta and other cities in Indonesia.

Indonesian delegates, led

by Berman Lubis, Director of MICE from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, along with the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Garuda Indonesia, will occupy a 36-square-metre pavilion.

Indonesia’s pavilion at GIBTM is branded 'Wonderful Indonesia', which refers to its wonderful nature, wonderful culture, wonderful cuisine wonderful people and wonderful value for money.

Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of The Republic of Indonesia is exhibiting alongside Widya Muti Event. Please visit stand A130.

23

| destination profiles |

Italy

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Italy, a newcomer to the GIBTM show floor, needs little introduction as a leisure destination or centre of culture and history. However, it is also adept when it comes to hosting international meetings, conferences and events.

According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Italy is placed 6th in the international ranking of 'corporate travel' destinations in 2010, while the estimated number of participants hosted at all

meetings confirmed Italy in second place after the US. The Italian Convention Bureau (ICB) is one organisation hoping to reinforce Italy’s attractions at GIBTM. The ICB is a new national corporation, providing information about Italy as a meetings destination. Founded in 2011, it serves as the first point of contact for planners.

Headquartered in Rome, at the offices of the national tourism board (ENIT), ICB aims to promote the destinations and stunning scenery that make any trip a success. ICB's remit is to be the initial contact point for meeting planners considering Italy as a destination, tgether with promoting it internationally at trade fairs.

Selling any country as a destination is not without challenges, but Italy's attractions are plentiful. From the ancient history and grandeur of Rome to the romance of Venice, the fashionable streets of Milan to the beaches of Rimini, Italy has much to offer all year round.

The country stretches from the Alps in the north to the Mediterranean Sea in the south and is mostly covered in mountains. It includes the islands of Sicily and Sardinia (represented at GIBTM), as well as around 70 other smaller islands.

There are also two small independent states within Italy – Vatican City in Rome and the Republic of San Marino. The

main economic sectors are tourism, fashion, engineering, chemicals, motor vehicles and food.

Italian cuisine is worldfamous and has been made popular by pasta dishes and pizza, but in reality covers a wealth of delicacies to suit all tastes.

Italy offers a wide range of venues from the most technologically advanced to historical sites. Meetings can be organised in many locations, such as

the Italian Riviera, on picturesque islands, charming lakes or in the spectacular mountains.

There are many convention centres around the country, as well as resort hotels with their own extensive and up-to-date meetings facilities. Two new convention centres are also set to add to Italy's appeal, each with modern designs and cutting-edge technology.

MiCo (Milano Congressi) in

The Italian Convention Bureau is exhibiting in the European Pavilion

Milan is due to open in May and claims to be Europe’s largest convention centre, with an extension catering for up to 18,000 people in 70 conference rooms. Built at a cost of EU64 million (US$84.7 million), the exhibition halls cover 54,000 square metres, with state-ofthe-art technology throughout.

A new convention centre in Rome is currently under construction – the EUR Congressi Roma, scheduled to open in 2013. The centre is referred to as the 'Cloud' because of its futuristic and flowing roof design.

Until the centre opens, the Rome Marriott Park Hotel is Europe’s largest convention centre hotel, with 560 rooms and 40 meeting rooms, covering 38,700 square metres.

Italian Convention Bureau is participating at GIBTM for the first time this year. Please visit stand H117. Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu, in Sardinia, can also be visited on stand H111.

CZECH REPUBlIC Situated in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic benefits greatly from its location. However, geography alone is not its greatest asset – as a record year for visitor numbers will testify.

According to consultancy firm Mag Consulting, 5.2 million people visited the country's capital city Prague in 2011, breaking the previous 2010 record when it received some 4.7 million visitors, as calculated by

the Czech Statistical Office.

Most travellers to the Czech capital – around 4.5 million – came from overseas.

Mag Consulting also registered a record 13.2 million hotel stays in Prague last year. Part of the rise is attributed to unrest in other parts of the world.

Situated on the River Vltava, Prague is a city of romance and idealism, which has inspired artists and writers alike. Writer Franz Kafka lived

and worked in the city, while the composer Mozart completed and first performed his opera Don Giovanni here.

This legacy continues, with the city hosting a varied programme of music, theatre and the arts all year round.

Also referred to as the city of a 'hundred spires', Prague is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Rich in architecture, cultural heritage and historical sights, yet with a young

Cesky Krumlov, southern Czech Republic

24

and dynamic heart, the city is said to have an unforgettable atmosphere. Prague also boasts a range of shopping and dining experiences you would expect from a European city.

The country provides a typical slice of European diversity.

There are sunny vineyards, thermal springs, mountains and 'rock towns' natural rock

formations perfect for avid rock climbers. Add to these the historic towns, unique castles, traditional spas and a dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it is small wonder this is a burgeoning meetings destination.

Indeed, the Czech Republic is ranked in 30th position globally under ICCA statistics

when it comes to the number of meetings per country.

The Czech Convention Bureau was formed in 2009 in order to promote the country as an ideal destination for conferences and incentive events. However, when it comes to international business tourism, the vast majority of planners look no further than Prague.

The Prague Congress Centre is one of the largest and best equipped of its kind in Europe, with a total floor area of 9,000 square metres.

Other popular conference venues include the extensive Sazka Arena, Fair Palace, Prague Castle and the Municipal House.

Prague’s location also means it is easy to reach, with 51 airlines flying to 105 destinations in 46 countries from Prague Ruzyne˘ airport.

Czech Tourism – Czech Convention Bureau is participating at GIBTM with stand sharers who include, InterContinental Prague and Meeting Europe Centrale, s.r.o. Please visit stand J101.

The official show daily for The Gulf incenTive Business Travel & MeeTinGs exhiBiTion

| destination profiles |

Kuwait Kuwait is a rich oil-producing nation with a high dependence on the petrochemical industry. Compared to other Gulf countries, Kuwait's leisure tourism industry is not highly developed, as the bulk of the 554,000 inbound arrivals in 2010 were for business.

With 10 percent of the world’s oil reserves and seen as a peaceful and stable country, Kuwait will continue to attract

business meetings and events.

Petroleum accounts for nearly half of Kuwait’s GDP and 95 percent of government income. In 2009, the government passed an economic development plan to spend US$140 billion over five years to diversify the economy, attract investment and boost the private sector.

According to a Euromonitor Report from 2011, the global financial crisis dampened

Madinat al-Hareer ("City of Silk"), Kuwait

Kuwait’s 2020 vision for tourism, originally launched in 2004.

That said, there are new developments and enough historical sites and leisure attractions (including superior shopping) to keep visitors occupied.

The iconic Kuwait Towers in Kuwait City are the capital's most famous landmarks.

Featuring an observation deck and a revolving restaurant, they provide panoramic views of the city. Other places of interest are: the Kuwait National Museum; Marina World; The Avenues shopping mall; Souk Sharq and Souk al-Mubarakiya for traditional items; and the Scientific Center.

Meetings and events in Kuwait currently revolve around a number of international hotel brands in the city.

The Kuwait Hotel Owners Association has a presence at GIBTM along with several hotel partners, all keen to push the destination, not just for business, but also for visiting GCC families.

as extensive meetings facilities.

Boasting 8,000 square metres of meetings space, there are 21 meeting rooms, two ballrooms and a 2,600-square-metre exhibition hall. The Regency can accommodate and cater to a broad range of events for up to 4,500 guests. The exhibition hall, the largest venue of its kind in Kuwait, is operated by its own management team.

The Courtyard by Marriott Kuwait has seven meeting rooms and the Arraya Ballroom with a maximum seating capacity of 2,000.

For more details of Kuwait’s hotel options for business meetings, visit their stand, which features major international brands.

One of the most time-consuming decisions for any meeting planner organising an event in Kuwait is choosing the type of hotel.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait is a five-star resort with extensive meetings and events facilities. There are six meeting rooms capable of hosting up to

1,000 guests. The highlight is the Al Hashemi Grand Ballroom, spanning 1,200 square metres with state-of-the-art audio and video technology. The hotel also has an authentic Arabian dhow for dinner cruises along the coast.

The Regency Kuwait Hotel has two private beaches and five swimming pools, as well

Kuwait Tourism Services Co is participating at GIBTM with stand sharers including Kuwait Hotel Owners Association, Kuwait Airways Corporation, Kuwait Airways Holidays, InterContinental Kuwait, JW Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Mövenpick Hotel and Holiday Inn Kuwait. Please visit stand E140.

entitled ‘Malaysia – Asia’s Business Events Hub’, was launched at EIBTM in Barcelona. MyCEB hopes to make Malaysia one of Asia Pacific’s top five meetings destinations by 2020.

Malaysia has a number of world-class conference and exhibition centres, suiting various requirements and budgets. Among them are the award-winning Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) and the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

Next to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC is at the heart of over 12,000 hotel rooms, extensive shopping and entertainment facilities,

and convenient transport connections. The convention centre enjoyed a successful 2011 with a 15 percent growth in the number of events held, attracting around 1.7 million delegates and visitors to more than 1,340 events.

KLCC is also due to receive an additional 2,700 square metres of exhibition space by June this year with the opening of Lot 195 adjacent to the centre. Lot 195 will be inaugurated at the 25th World Gas Conference 2012 in June.

Only a 90-minute flight away is BCCK, located in the eco-friendly state of Sarawak, East Malaysia. BCCK has rainforest-themed architecture

and combines spacious design, flexible and elegant conference halls with a professional and experienced management team.

The International Events Unit (IEU) was established in 2011 to attract and support major international events.

This includes international events considering Malaysia as a potential host destination and home-grown events that have demonstrated potential to attract an international audience and media profile.

Accessibility for inbound visitors is a key part of Malaysia’s appeal. Malaysia Airlines has a wide network to more than 100 destinations across six continents and 35 domestic destinations on a fleet of 110 aircraft flying over 3,000 flights a week.

Malaysia

Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur

‘Malaysia – truly Asia’ is perhaps one of the most successful destination marketing campaigns in recent memory.

Accompanied by sweeping vistas of outstanding natural beauty and the soaring Petronas Twin Towers, there is no doubt that perceptions or impressions of Malaysia as a destination for business or leisure have changed.

At the heart of South East Asia and located between the increasingly important

markets of India and China, Malaysia is a vibrant Englishspeaking, yet multilingual, economic and business centre. Regarded as one of the world’s friendliest nations and a value destination complete with first-class infrastructure and facilities, it’s easy to see why Malaysia is popular with planners.

While manufacturing constitutes the largest component of Malaysia’s economy, tourism and commodities

such as petroleum, palm oil, natural rubber and timber are major contributors.

In a difficult year for international tourism, Malaysia still managed to record 24.7 million arrivals in 2011, a slight increase on 2010.

Minister of Tourism Ng Yen Yen launched a new national tourism strategy in October, the ‘Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 towards 36:168’ at the World Tourism Conference in Kuala Lumpur. The numbers '36:168' refer to the country’s aims of attracting 36 million tourists and generating US$168 million in annual tourism revenue by 2020.

The Ministry of Tourism has prioritised five areas of tourism: affordable luxury, family fun, events and entertainment, business tourism and nature adventure. The government is also keen to attract more middle- to high-income visitors.

The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) also unveiled a new branding campaign aimed at increasing the amount of business travel. The campaign,

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau is participating at GIBTM with stand sharers, including Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi Development Authority.

Please visit stand A120.

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VIEW FROM THE FLOOR

GIBTM attendees shared their thoughts and experiences on day two of the show

Omer Kaddouri

Anees Bawab

Jean-Philippe Bittencourt

It will be an action-packed few days for Rotana at GIBTM. We have around 250 appointments scheduled which is well above what we had last year, so that is a good indicator of the attitude towards meetings and events. Rotana's main drive is MICE. We feel that we have the leisure side of the business sorted, so our focus for 2012 and 2013 will be on business. Our main market is the UAE and we have some great meetings facilities with 14,000 square metres of meetings space.

We look forward to meeting clients from around the GCC and India and to get more business to Jordan.

It’s our first time exhibiting at GIBTM. Jordan is a well-established leisure destination and we have great facilities for events. We have luxury hotels with meeting spaces and unique places for incentives, such as the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on Earth, and Petra, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

We are in soft opening phase, but we expect to be fully up and running by the end of April. GIBTM is an important exhibition for us as we have a large capacity for events. Abu Dhabi is a main destination for corporate business so GIBTM helps to attract more events to the city. Ours is the first Sofitel hotel in Abu Dhabi and we are in a prime location, close to the financial centre, and major oil and gas companies.

Sushmita Kurup

Isaac Mathew

Muffriz Hussain

As a hosted buyer I use GIBTM to meet suppliers and hotels. We are a large venue-finding company so we work with corporates to organise events in Dubai and worldwide. GIBTM is a perfect event for us – it is the best place to meet hotels from the GCC. One area that we are particularly interested in at the moment is Saudi Arabia. Doha is also really picking up – it is probably the most important emerging destination for us.

We are a business travel agency that deals mostly with corporate travel, so that is our reason for being at GIBTM. It has been busy so far and I have had quite a few meetings. Since this is a small exhibition it gives the hosted buyers more time for meetings, which is one of the major attractions of GIBTM. Our target here is the GCC countries and I will be in Abu Dhabi for the duration of the event.

We are exhibiting at GIBTM this year as part of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau stand. It’s our second time here – the first was in 2010. Our aim is to promote Sri Lanka and Colombo, in particular, however we also discuss our special fares to Singapore, Malaysia and Bangkok. We have a lot of appointments scheduled so it will be a good two-and-a-half days for us.

Executive Vice President & COO Rotana Hotels & Resorts

Manager, Global Accounts Helms Briscoe

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Managing Director Emilio Travel

General Manager Algosaibi Travel

General Manager Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche

Sales Executive SriLankan Airlines

Gareth Greening

Director of Sales and Marketing Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel This is my first time at GIBTM, however the hotel has exhibited in the past. We try to appeal to the corporate meetings and incentives market, more so than for conventions and congresses as that area is catered for by the Qatar National Convention Centre. At GIBTM we focus on promoting the destination rather than just our individual hotel, however we do use the power of the international brand.

Mike Assad

Marketing and Group Sales Manager Wadi Adventures Wadi Adventures opened in January and our main aim at GIBTM is to meet with hotels and tour operators so that they can include us in any packages they organise. Wadi Adventures is the only facility in the Middle East where people can go surfing, whitewater rafting and kayaking, so it is adventurous, fun and exciting. It’s an ideal venue for group activities, corporate events and team building as we can accommodate up to 1,500 people.

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The burgeoning business travel sector has been declared a major focus at this year’s GIBTM. meetme asks show organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) and the region’s major corporate travel players to discuss the challenges and opportunities for the industry in 2012 and beyond

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The very foundations of the GCC’s travel industry are built on the corporate travel sector. The sector is still by far the highest revenue generator compared to meetings and leisure travel (relative fledgling industries in the region) yet, to date, no trade show organiser has successfully, or rather consistently, produced an event that caters to this lucrative market.

With a gap for a show catering to the needs of the business travel community, it is no surprise that Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has taken the bull by the horns and declared its intention to make corporate travel a centerpiece at this year’s Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM), which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from March 26-28.

“The business and corporate travel community is an intrinsic part of the meetings industry and has been expanding steadily, so this year we are making business travel a key focus at GIBTM,” explains the show’s new exhibition manager Lois Hall.

“With the UAE witnessing a five percent increase in air traffic this year and recording the largest number of hotel rooms underway in the Middle East and Africa region, we expect to see even greater growth in the business travel sector.” She adds that business travel has “always been a part of GIBTM. However, with business becoming increasingly global, meetings and events held by corporate companies in the GCC and globally are often organised in other parts of the world, fueling the business travel industry”.

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Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition

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