MARCH 25 – day one | March 26 and 27– day two AND DAY THREE
The official show daily for the Gulf Incentives, Business travel & Meetings Exhibition 2013
Perfect storm drives sector prospects
inside
04 Exhibitor news
Latest IBTM Middle East Meetings Industry Report revealed
16 IBTM Midde East Meetings Industry Research analysis 20 Education programme 21 Ali Al Saloom's vision to revive Abu Dhabi's pearling heritage 22 The show in pictures 24 Focus on exhibiting destinations 30 Soundbites from the show floor
06 HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan surveys the show
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The Gulf, Middle East and North Africa (GMENA) is topping the regional shopping list for buyers looking to stage meetings and events in 2013, according to the IBTM Middle East Meetings Industry Research Report, which was released yesterday in a keynote seminar. The seventh annual edition surveyed 209 buyers and 210 suppliers from the Middle East and key international source markets, with industry professionals across the board responding positively about business prospects for the year ahead. A total of 80 percent of buyers surveyed predicted overall conference and events growth supported by an increase in client budgets and business volume. The majority of all Middle East
buyers surveyed (68.5%) and 63.5 percent of global buyers expect the number of events to increase in the next 12 months, following on from 2012 volume gains which saw 58.3 percent of Middle East buyers and 49.1 percent of global buyers reporting growth in the past year. Top-ranking destinations in terms of event volume were the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Qatar also making the top six. “It’s a very different picture in this region compared to the rest of the world and we’ve had a ‘perfect storm’ scenario in terms of intra-regional tourism opportunity, with the Gulf seen as a safe haven despite ongoing political upheaval
in the wider Middle East,” said Rob Nicholas, Managing Director, NPI. "In terms of most popular meeting destinations, Saudi Arabia has been the Gulf’s big success story; climbing from 10th place back in 2010 to the second spot this year. Regional meetings growth has been the springboard, supported by government investment in business tourism” he added. The region’s key destinations are also factoring in international associations business as part of their long term strategy for success. “High profile destinations like the UAE and Qatar offer a strong infrastructure and government focus on long term economic diversification, and are active in targeting major peripatetic events. The pharmaceutical and financial sectors are top agenda priorities across the region, and so there is excellent synergy with international associations looking for destinationrelevant opportunities,” said Lois Hall, Exhibition Manager, GIBTM, who copresented the research findings. Buyers are also scouting new locations in which to hold meetings and incentives, with 53 percent of those surveyed expecting to increase the use of new destinations over the next 12 months and 63 percent of suppliers echoing this trend. “The growth in locations across the region, from Oman to Qatar, is creating an increasingly competitive environment and has prompted existing suppliers and destinations to reinvent, repackage and re-promote their offering.,” remarked Nicholas. Report continued on page 16.
Inspiring digital interaction 26 Seminar highlights Tuesday 10.00 - 11.00
ACTE on maximising a managed travel programme
Tuesday 11.30 - 12.30 An insight into meeting design
Tuesday 14.30 - 15.30 Embracing Arabic culture (Arabic session)
Tuesday 16.00 - 17.00 Hosted Buyer Q & As
Wednesday 10.30 - 12.00 The GIBTM 20x20 Challenge – powered by PechaKucha
The inaugural Event Camp Middle East is proving to be a big success among both GIBTM delegates and meeting professionals around the world who are logging on to participate in sessions being streamed live online. “Yesterday’s sessions reached almost 16,000 users and generated 63 Tweets from 15 users across 10 countries over two hours. We expect an even bigger audience tomorrow,” said Josh Dry, Marketing Executive, ShowGizmo. “Created by event professionals for event professionals, Event Camp provides a live hybrid environment where delegates can share insights with experts anywhere. For those who could not make it to Abu Dhabi, it’s like having GIBTM in your living room.” A highlight of the line up is a session on augmented reality (AR) presented on Tuesday March 26 at 14:15 by Tom Wood, Founder & President of Kudan. From virtual product display, which
Event Camp Middle East 2013
allows exhibitors and attendees to visualise physical products in an on-stand environment, to virtual teleportation to venues, AR is sure to attract attention. It’s more than just a novelty, however, as Wood is certain the technology is here to stay.
“Many of the current applications using the ‘AR browsers’ have been highly gimmicky as their business model requires many clients’ experiences on the same platform,” he said. Report continued on page 4.
exhibitor news
Atlantis The Palm moves with the times Bespoke solutions for meeting planners are order of the day As the ultimate one-stop-shop for everything from large meetings to boutique incentives, Atlantis, The Palm is forging ahead with customised packages that cater to planners’ evolving needs. “In 2013, incentive travel planners are also looking towards more family-friendly travel options and something that would motivate employees who don’t have a lot of time to travel with loved ones during their leave,” said Carl Palmlund, Vice President Group Sales. “At Atlantis, The Palm, delegates can wake up and swim with dolphins, enjoy a worldclass conference, then move on to a sophisticated cocktail party under the stars at Nobu Japanese Garden with elegant entertainment, before retiring to sleep in luxury,” he added, citing just one example of the type of packages on offer. With Aquaventure waterpark, 20 restaurants, retail zone The
A meeting on the Atlantis, The Palm stand
Avenues and activity clubs for kids and teens, the property is well geared to guests of all ages. “What really sets us apart, however, is the standard of luxury service offered throughout the resort and the personalised approach taken in order to deliver to each guest a bespoke and unforgettable experience during their stay,” he said. While it may be famous for its grand scale, Atlantis, The Palm is launching a Small Events division focused on providing customized events for smaller delegations.
“Smaller gatherings are catered to with The Silk and Spice Ballrooms offering two separate spaces with similar flexibility, functioning either as one large ballroom or as two or three large rooms. Each can accommodate 25 or more delegates in boardroom layout, up to 100 in theatre style or up to 200 as a reception," he said. Stylish outdoor locations include the Palm Grove and Nobu Japanese Garden, as well as the larger Aquaventure beach. “Inside the property, The Royal Bridge and Grand Atlantis Suites are perfect for smaller, more intimate gatherings, private tasting events and bespoke dinners with butler service. Our restaurants also cater to groups, with the outdoor terraces at the three celebrity chef restaurants Nobu, Ronda Locatelli and Rostang, The French Brasserie, providing an excellent atmosphere to sit back, relax and soak up the incomparable scenery.”
Keeping pace with the trend for increased use of technology and a preference for online bookings, Atlantis, The Palm has also launched a free mobile App providing 24/7 mobile access to essential resort information. “Attending GIBTM, a major exhibition on home soil, is an excellent opportunity to showcase our exceptional hospitality and allows us to network with potential guests, suppliers and colleagues in one place,” said Palmlund. “It also allows us to see what the competition is up to and keep us on our toes in terms of our world-class MICE facilities and services.” Carl Palmlund is on the panel at ACTE Session 3 – Unearthing Savings: Consolidating Business Travel Management, Meetings & Conferences, taking place in the Knowledge Hub from 13.00 to 14.00 on Tuesday March 26. Visit Stand D10
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 4 424 3600, 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:
For the full event schedule, personalised agenda, exhibitor listings, floor plan, social networking events, speaker listings and lots more, download the free IBTM Global Events App on your smart phone today!
“We believe all AR should be integrated into the brand’s own or event apps. When applied and measured properly for one of the above applications, AR can offer significant brand and consumer benefit, ultimately driving sales.” The benefits for those who get it right are huge. “AR allows a far deeper level of on-device user engagement than QR codes, for instance. It showcases products virtually, unlocks video and interactive content and offers in-depth tracking at multiple consumer engagement points.” Having produced awardwinning work for Captain Morgan's Rum in New York and with more high-profile clients, including eBay, Ford and the BCC, Kudan is inviting new customers to explore the potential and cost-effectiveness of AR. In his Event Camp session, Wood will be discussing how AR
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can be a great driver of footfall within exhibitions and, when used correctly, can increase on-stand dwell time and engagement. “I’ll also be talking about some of our experiences in the West and Japan and how to apply this technology appropriately while avoiding potentially damaging gimmicks,” he added. “We are expecting a great response from the events and marketing industries within the Middle East. Awareness of this new technology is growing rapidly and Kudan is experiencing an increase in inbound enquiries from the region. With hospitality and events growing rapidly, the potential for AR is growing fast.” Event Camp Middle East sessions are being streamed live on the GIBTM website (www. gibtm.com) and at www.eventcampmiddleeast.com. Follow the hashtag #ECME13 on Twitter.
editorial Group Editor Faye Rowe faye.rowe@npimedia.com Contributors Sarah McCay Will Rankin Kay Wicklow Claire Malcolm studio Senior Art Director Andrea Tempesta
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be presenting activities
Art Editor Kerri Bennett Senior Designer Prachi Bhaumik Contributing Designer Hiral Kapadia
Where’s Hamad?
Photographer Adham Sneeh Production Co-ordinator Naveed Aziz
Hosted Buyers set off in search of Hamad
Production Co-ordinator Carol Milan
GIBTM’s ‘Where’s Hamad?’ post-show familiarisation tour of Abu Dhabi – departing from ADNEC at 13.00 on Wednesday March 27 – will take Hosted Buyers on a journey of discovery through the emirate, designed around a quest to find ‘Hamad’. At several pre-arranged stops during the tour, Hosted Buyers must find and identify the character of Hamad, who will then provide an educational talk on
advertising Advertising Manager Irene Fernandez irene.fernandez@npimedia.com
the location. Hamad will be wearing traditional dress with a UAE flag around his neck to distinguish him from the crowds. The tour will take in a host of top attractions, including the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, the Dates Market, Manarat Al Saadiyat and Heritage Village. Around 250 Hosted Buyers are expected to join the tour. English speaking guides will be on board the coaches.
International Sales Manager Rose D'Souza rose.dsouza@npimedia.com publishing Publisher Rob Nicholas rob.nicholas@npimedia.com Visit NPI at stand F50
Qatar, the ultimate authentic experience. Qatar – where you can follow in the footsteps of Arabian legends. Marvel at the breathtaking architecture of the past, present and future. Unwind on the golden sands of the Arabian peninsula, with its deep blue sea gently lapping at your feet.
qatartourism.gov.qa
Driving Business in the Middle East at Yas Marina Circuit
Team Building
Meeting Rooms
Corporate Driving
The region’s most modern full service venue Conveniently located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Yas Marina Circuit is the newest addition to the UAE’s unique event venue offering with an unrivalled passion for delivering first-class events. Known throughout the world for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,
Yas Marina Circuit provides the region’s most modern full-service venue for a range of events from trackside team building days to large-scale conferences or exhibitions both indoors and outdoors. Yas Marina Circuit is a venue like no other – Drive your Business with us!
“Our attendees were amazed by the venue, It was very special for our overseas attendees.” Karen Sloan - Head of Events, Etihad Airways
Visit us at GIBTM or visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com for more information.
| EXHIBITOR NEWS |
Anantara’s Eastern promise
The Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa leverages breadth of facilities within the Anantara portfolio The Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara team
Anantara is ramping up its efforts to showcase the unique proposition of the latest property in its portfolio, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa. As well as being the host venue for the Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception last night, the Anantara team is highlighting all the features
Get set to Tweet
of the property from its stand on the show floor. “GIBTM is a great platform for us to attract international business, based on Anantara’s unique offerings which add something different aside from excellent, flexible meeting space and amazing locations,” said Moritz Klein,
General Manager for Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa and Area General Manager, Abu Dhabi. “The MICE segment is vital for Abu Dhabi’s continued growth and development. Showcasing unique elements of destination Abu Dhabi is key to attracting high-profile business and inspiring leading events.”
A tropical setting
Everyone’s been Tweeting about #GIBTM13. Find our pick of the best Tweets below and stay in the loop by following @ GIBTMevent today. Lucy Taylor @ LucyTaylor_UAE #UAENEWS: Abu Dhabi’s meetings and conventions segment set to contribute AED 2.6 billion to economy this year, say @ GIBTMevent organisers. SIAN THOMAS @SIANTH @GIBTMevent This show is going to be incredible! So much colour, cities and great connections! Roll on tomorrow. ShowGizmo @ showgizmo #ECME13 going live at @GIBTMevent in an hour! Join us here for FREE: http://ow.ly/jnAX8
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The 222-room Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara has a prime location nestled among Abu Dhabi’s protected mangrove reserves. A five-star property, it is just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 10 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and ADNEC. Meeting and banqueting facilities include the 560-squaremetre Mangroves Ballroom which accommodates up to 550 guests at a reception, or 320 at a gala dinner. The space can also be divided into three separate sections. There are five meeting rooms that span between 30 and 55 square metres. “Anantara’s portfolio is unique in the UAE, as the only hospitality operator that can offer a luxury destination experience across city, desert and island, all well rooted
and adapted to the local Arabian culture,” said Klein. Klein will oversee the expansion of Anantara’s Abu Dhabi portfolio in 2013, which includes the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Al Yamm Villas – 30 luxury beachfront villas on the east coast of Sir Bani Yas Island and the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Al Sahel Villas, comprising 30 luxury villas located within the Arabian Wildlife Park on the island. Visit Stand B10
Moritz Klein
News in brief A Group EFFORT Having staged more than 1,000 events in just three years in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Trip Wise Travel & Tours is drawing on the unique attributes of businesses also working under the Hadani Group of Companies in order to boost its offer. Director Snehal Hadani said: “Within the group we have an advertising agency (East West), an event and promotions company (Proclient) and a travel and tours division (Tripwise) ensuring minimum outsourcing so customers enjoy a competitive cost advantage. “Hadani Group also has a new loyalty card programme called ‘My Next Event’, which we are showcasing at GIBTM,” he said. “We also have expanding business plans and new concepts to talk about." Visit Stand D10
Join us at the GIBTM Networking Reception taking place at Emirates Palace on Tuesday March 26 from 18.30 to 21.30. Remember to bring your GIBTM name badge.
CIBTM offers route to China
Emirates Palace, host of the GIBTM Networking Reception taking place on Tuesday 26 March at 18:30 to 21:30, is putting on a spectacular show for guests with live music and three cooking stations situated around its tropical East Beach Club area. “Our aim is to provide a chilled out space where guests can feel happy, relaxed and ready to network,” said Anita Cremer, Director of Sales & Marketing. “After an Arabian style welcome with dates and refreshing rose water, we will usher guests through to the beach club. We expect the reception to be especially popular with the large number of exhibitors from Europe this year, many of which are coming direct from chilly climes." Emirates Palace, which is currently fully booked, is also viewing the reception as the perfect opportunity to showcase its spectacular
outdoor venues. “We have so much to offer, from 394 rooms and suites to three football pitches and a cricket field that are ideal for incentives and much more,” said Cremer. “We have around two to three corporate events a day at the moment and a lot of incentive groups, most recently from Germany, Brazil and Spain, so our customer base is quite international.” Visit Stand B10 Anita Cremer
The Chinese meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) industry has witnessed rapid growth over the past 12 months, especially in the outbound market. The Chinese National Tourism Administration (CNTA) forecasts that China’s outbound tourism will continue to grow by 12 percent in the coming year and top the
tables for global outbound tourism, overtaking Japan and the US. It is predicted that the total number of Chinese outbound travellers will reach 79 million with a total spend amounting to US$80 billion. IBTM Global Meeting Industry Research conducted by Reed Travel Exhibitions supports these findings and has identified that 72 percent of Chinese buyers will use
new destinations for meetings and events in the next 12 months. The findings also identified the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) as one of the top 10 destinations (outside Asia) selected by Asian meetings planners as a preferred destination for holding an outbound MICE event. Wang Yingchen, ViceGeneral Manager, Grand Tour Golf Travel Service, said: “It has been a great help for my company to attend GIBTM as we have sent several medium-sized groups to the UAE every month since last year. The clients were impressed with the unique experiences offered. “People like me have steady business to the Gulf region and I discovered that my clients are looking for new destinations in addition to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This will definitely provide more business opportunities to my company and my partners in the Gulf.” CIBTM will take place from September 2 to 4, 2013 at the China National Convention Centre (CNCC), Beijing, China. Companies interested in exhibiting at CIBTM 2013 can contact Simon Young by emailing simon.young@ reedexpo.co.uk.
| EXHIBITOR NEWS |
SAY 'Hola' to the Gulf Madrid promotes infrastructure and attractions to Hosted Buyers Already one of the world’s most popular destinations for international business meetings and with bolstered interest from the Gulf, Madrid’s success looks set to continue. According to the latest air traffic statistics, air travel between the UAE and the Spanish city of Madrid grew by 40 percent year on year during the past nine months. At the same time, the number of passengers received in Madrid increased by 71 percent from 2011 to 2012. First time exhibitor Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau (MCB) will be promoting its meetings infrastructure along with the unique features of the destination at this year’s GIBTM. Home to Real Madrid football club and no less than nine Michelin-starred restaurants, one of Madrid’s key attractions is the Royal Palace, while special venues include the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. “Madrid is attending GIBTM for the first time with the aim of making strong contacts with tourism companies in the Middle East,” said the bureau’s Isabel Martín. “We realise that the economies of the Middle East are increasing their visibility in the world, especially in
The Madrid Visitors &
the tourism market. We are also conscious that the quality of our services and products and how we adapt them to suit customers is what will help us stand out from other similar cities, which is why one of our main objectives is to acquire knowledge about the specific needs of the business travellers of the countries represented at this event.” Placed sixth in ICCA rankings, with 11,276 national and international events held there in 2011, business tourism represents around 40 percent of Madrid’s total revenue from the tourism sector. Quality, price,
infrastructure and climate are listed as key draw cards. “The first step in attracting more business to Madrid is for us to become known as a MICE destination among Middle East professionals and GIBTM is the best showcase for this,” said Martín. “The Madrid Convention Bureau is tasked with identifying levels of interest in the city and to promote it around the world by attending important forums such as this and identifying the most valuable contacts for us and our partner companies. We trust in the advantages of
Madrid as a MICE destination and, especially for customers in the Middle East, there are many reasons to visit us from our cultural links with Spain to the state-of-the-art facilities and leisure options.” Upcoming events at MCB include this year’s EULAR, set to attract 15,000 delegates. In 2014, the European Atherosclerosis Society Congress will lure 5,000 delegates, the ESMO – European Society of Medical Oncology – will bring 15,000 and the World Congress on Psychiatry will attract 6,000 delegates. Visit Stand D70
ROTANA MEANS BUSINESS at gibtm The next few years will see a heavy focus on business tourism for Rotana with a bullish expansion plan earmarked for 2014 to 2015. In addition to extending its reach further overseas by drumming up interest from planners in Europe, India and Russia, the group is developing its portfolio of hotels across the Middle East and North Africa. Omer Kaddouri, Executive Vice President & COO of Rotana said: “We’re very focused on business tourism right now and 2014 to 2015 will see an even bigger surge in efforts to grow our MICE element. At the moment we are sending more representatives further afield to encourage conference organisers in Germany, Moscow, Mumbai and beyond to bring visitors into the Rotana region.” With over 40 properties exhibiting at this year’s GIBTM, the group also plans to drive
up its share of the local visitor market. “Abu Dhabi has huge potential within the meetings and events industry, and so far it has barely scratched the surface. ADNEC plays a key role in developing the sector here and as a city we are reliant on the venue’s support, particularly in terms of developing its annual events calendar,” said Kaddouri. Visitor numbers in Abu Dhabi are displaying a steady growth year-on-year but a constant influx of new hotels keeps competition high across the hospitality sector. “In the current market, it’s not just about the product; the difference is in the service. At the end of the day a ballroom is a ballroom and Rotana’s focus is delivering the responsive, flexible and reliable service we promise event organisers at our properties,” added Kaddouri. Visit Stand D40
Omer Kaddouri
Ask Ali
Cultural & Tourism Consultant, Ali Al Saloom, founder of AskAli.com, shares his advice on doing business in the UAE and the Gulf Q. When is the best time to schedule a meeting? When scheduling meetings with your contacts in the UAE or the Gulf, try to avoid the weekends and especially Friday afternoons, which are regarded as holy and a time for family. Arabs tend to place a high priority on family life. Therefore, try and schedule everything during weekdays if possible.
St. Regis Abu Dhabi HAS the edge With a premier location in the heart of the city, close to the headquarters of major oil and gas companies as well as government institutions, St. Regis Abu Dhabi believes it will have the corporate edge over its competitors when it opens in April. “We will have a predominant focus on the corporate
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi team
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segment,” said General Manager Oliver Key. “We will have a magnificent ballroom and meetings facilities which, together with 283 guest room and suites, will offer MICE clientele an outstanding option for small- to medium-sized meetings and large catered events, such as weddings for up to 750 people.” Visit Stand B10
Sharjah visitor numbers up Replicating tourism growth in neighbouring emirates, Sharjah has also posted impressive tourism statistics for 2012 with more than 1.7 million visitors registered alongside a growth in the number of hotel guests and room nights. The number of visitors represents an increase of 11 percent over 2011, when 1.56 million visitors stayed in the emirate, according to Sharjah’s annual statistics report. Hotel occupancy in the emirate hovered around 75 percent last year, while 72 percent of hotel apartments were full, on average. At the same time, more than two million hotel nights were booked, an increase of 13 percent compared with 2011. The number
of hotels and hotel apartments was 101, with 9,141 rooms. European and Arabian Gulf countries were the emirate’s largest markets, providing 72 percent of visitors. More than 621,000 Europeans visited, giving them a marginal lead over the number of GCC tourists, at 618,000. Visitors from other Arab countries made up a further 13 percent, with Asian tourists accounting for 13 percent. Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority, said the rise in visitors was testament to progress in the emirate's tourism sector. The authority has been working to showcase Sharjah at
Sharjah skyline
international exhibitions, conferences and travel and tourism sector events, including GIBTM. Events such as the Sharjah Light Festival and Sharjah Water Festival attract hundreds of thousands of people from the region and beyond. “This growing international recognition and accolades and honours coming Sharjah’s way,
also reflected in the significant increase in the number of tourists last year, adds to our responsibility to work for greater success and growth, developing integrated strategies to promote Sharjah locally, regionally and internationally and attract more visitors,” said Al Noman. Visit Stand E10
| EXHIBITOR NEWS |
Jumeirah Beach Hotel casts net out to planners Dubai's iconic 'wave' hotel celebrates 15 years of business with a host of launches Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Hotel is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2013 and is showcasing a variety of new developments at this year’s GIBTM. General Manager Mahmoud Sakr said: “GIBTM presents the perfect opportunity for us to highlight our new guest room renovations and our Executive Club, together with our exclusive Beit Al Bahar villas, the launch of Talise, the new lifestyle and wellness brand and to underline the excellence in the MICE sector we constantly strive for.” While Jumeirah Beach Hotel is a family resort, with a host
of sport and leisure facilities, Jumeirah’s global partnership with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) underlines its commitment to meetings and events. The hotel’s standalone, two-level conference centre features the Safinah Ballroom which can accommodate up to 1,500 guests and is divisible into four separate areas. It is ideal for banquets, weddings, product launches and largescale conferences. The Meyana auditorium, at the heart of the conference centre, seats 400. Three executive boardrooms feature sea views,
permanent conference tables and ergonomic chairs. Located on the first floor, eight meeting rooms can be arranged in a number of ways to suit individual requirements. “The property’s extensive grounds also allow for a range of outdoor events from small, private garden parties shaded by palm trees, to sprawling galas on the expansive shores of the Gulf – and don’t forget the hotel benefits not only from stunning ocean views, but a backdrop featuring another Dubai icon – the Burj Al Arab,” said Sakr. Visit Stand D10
Jumeirah Beach Hotel Stand
News in brief TRAVELSHOP TARGETS MIDDLE EAST Georgia-based Travelshop by SC Travel is embarking on its first foray into Middle Eastern markets with its inaugural attendance at GIBTM this year. The company, which is jointly exhibiting with Georgia National Tourism, has seen a significant increase in business from Iran and Iraq and is confident about expanding into the region. As part of its expansion plans, Travelshop is also hoping to connect with new markets, including Asia. “I am truly happy and optimistic about attending the fair for the first time,” said Nick Manjgaladze, Tourism Council member and General Manager of Travelshop. “I am absolutely sure that it will be interesting and insightful for us.” Visit Stand E65
ICCA’s green thinking
AIBTM 2012
Education seminar highlights opportunities for sustainable meetings in the region
Windy city ready to welcome industry AIBTM, The Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (www. aibtm.com), will take place from June 11 to 13 in McCormick Place, Chicago. AIBTM 2013 offers three days of thought-provoking education, in addition to strategic business meetings and networking on the exhibition floor. Michael Lyons, AIBTM Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, commented: “With less than two months to go before the show, excitement around AIBTM is really growing. We are delighted to confirm attendance from a range of both new and returning exhibitors and we are currently welcoming Hosted Buyers to register online. This is our first year in Chicago and we are looking forward to a successful show.” Among the new exhibitors already confirmed is a
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number of top names in the meetings and events industry including United Airlines, Monaco Government Tourist & Convention Authority, Sustainable Travel/Namibia Tourism, Visit Anchorage, Orient-Express, Sonesta Collection, Savoya and many others from across the globe. The Hosted Buyer programme, which is at the core of AIBTM, offers top-level buyers the opportunity to pre-schedule appointments with exhibitors of their choice as well as receive complimentary travel and accommodation. Hosted Buyers are also invited to attend exclusive Hosted Buyer networking events and dedicated Hosted Buyer CEU-accredited education sessions. Prospective Hosted Buyers can visit www.aibtm.com/register for further information.
ICCA hosted ‘The Middle East Going Green’ seminar at the GIBTM Knowledge Hub yesterday from 11:30 to 12:30, providing a unique opportunity for suppliers and association meeting planners to discuss initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of their meetings. The event was moderated by Steen Jakobsen from the Wonderful Copenhagen Convention Bureau in Denmark who was joined by Salma Ghuznavi from the Dubai Convention and Events Bureau and Trevor McCartney from the Qatar National Convention Centre. The speakers talked through examples of best practice and case studies including the UN Climate Change Conference COP18/CMP8, which took place in Qatar last year. “I think the perception at the moment is that green initiatives are more expensive, but you have to look at the whole picture as you can actually save money in the long run as a result. Plus, it leads to more innovation in meetings,” said McCartney. “Demand for sustainable meetings is not yet enough, however, as there is still a long way to go with the education process in this region.” ICCA CEO Martin Sirk said: “Doha winning COP18/CMP8 is massively significant. It is a statement from the UN about the region and that it is serious
Steen Jakobsen
about sustainability. Four or five years ago, meetings in the region focused on gas and oil and, while those sectors are not being ignored now, there is a focus on alternative energy and how the money from fossil fuels can be used to develop new technologies.” From building new cities in the desert to efforts to harness solar power, initiatives in both Qatar and the UAE in particular are showcasing the region’s
long-term vision for diversity and conference organisers are taking note. “Qatar made no secret of the fact that it has the highest emissions per capita but it also has the highest ranked sustainable building, which demonstrates the right mindset,” said Sirk. “Other destinations pay attention to those that are leading the way, assess the opportunities and then set about putting their own twist on it.”
ICCA is now looking to expand its activities in the Middle East, having recently opened its first regional office, designed to leverage the association’s key expertise in the international association meetings sector and provide members with data and business development opportunities. The association has named Gamal Sadek from Al Ketbi Consultancy as the newly appointed Dubaibased ICCA Regional Director for the Middle East. “Our first priority is providing a hands on service to all of our members, ensuring they are making the most of their membership. Gamal is helping us to get to know our individual members better so we can improve the way we work with them,” said Sirk. “We are also planning to design country specific development plans and take membership to the next level by providing sophisticated information to help industry leaders shape their strategies to be more successful. Now that some of the barriers that international associations faced in setting up local offices in the UAE have been removed, we expect this to be an interesting time ahead for us all.” Visit Stand D72
Dynamic locations with many possibilities.
Meydan offers a rare combination of large, contemporary and flexible venue options alongside 5 star accommodation at The Meydan Hotel. A prestigious location with breathtaking surroundings that is only 10 minutes from both the heart of Dubai business districts and the airport. 72 interconnected Grandstand Suites host from 20-250 people, while beneath Meydan’s iconic crescent roof, the famous Sky Bubble can cater for over 4,500. Rooftop terraces provide unique and multifunctional outdoor spaces for conferences or receptions on any scale. The Falcon Lounge, Parade Ring, Tiered Restaurant, Turf Lounge, Receiving Barns and an indoor food court with 32 units, all offer unique opportunities for event planners. The Ballroom, with the capacity to host 400 people, is a lavish yet versatile space that can be adapted to your requirements. It is the ideal choice for when you want to make a great first impression. Outdoor spaces include the super-flexible blank canvas of The Apron, a vast trackside location ideal for concerts, live events, sporting events and larger functions. Also just a short drive away, the sister hotel Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, is an oasis for business meetings, conferences, corporate events, product launches and team building activities. The four falcon meeting rooms are ideal for board room style meetings while Endurance City, adjacent to the resort, is a multi-purpose venue featuring indoor and outdoor meeting spaces up to 3000 guests. Only 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, this leading desert resort will redefine the way you do business.
For more information and to find out how we can make the most of your meeting or event, please contact The Meydan Hotels team on: +971 4 381 3333 or events@meydanhotels.com www.meydanhotels.com
| research |
middle east INDUSTRY INSIGHT REVEALED in keynote session The IBTM Middle East Meetings Industry Research Report 2013 projects an encouraging outlook for the year ahead from buyers and suppliers based regionally and internationally
Lois Hall presenting the research
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he Gulf, Middle East and Africa (GMENA) region is fast becoming the destination of choice for both regional and international buyers, with figures from the 2013 IBTM Middle East Meetings Industry Research Report painting an “overwhelmingly positive” picture of opportunity for its top meetings destinations. Produced by GIBTM, in association with The Right Solution and meetme magazine, the research incorporated responses from an online survey with 209 regional and international buyer respondents and 210 suppliers – 75 percent based within the region. “This research was undertaken at a time of fragile global recovery for many parts of the world, but it is clear that this region is standing apart with a much more optimistic projection for the year ahead,” he said. “With US$1 trillion of
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infrastructure projects underway in the Middle East, 50 percent of which are in the UAE alone, the encouraging feedback from surveyed buyers and suppliers provides a clear endorsement of the potential of the industry,” he adds. Event categories for 2012 were once again led by meetings and conventions at 67.4 percent and 58.5 percent respectively, grown from just 27 percent and 15 percent in 2010. Delegate growth is also showing similarly impressive figures, jumping from 25 percent to 50 percent in the same period. “This growth is a result of the development of the meetings infrastructure across the region, such as the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, the International Convention Centre in Abu Dhabi and will be further driven by the debut of underconstruction projects such as Oman’s new multi-million
dollar convention centre in 2016,” says Nicholas. ASSOCIATION POTENTIAL International association meetings are also on the rise in the region following several high profile events. Dubai’s own success rate has seen it host 79 meetings in 2011 and the forthcoming launch of its new associations ‘free zone’ as well as ICC at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi and the newly debuted Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, is creating a force to be reckoned with for bids. “We have seen impressive growth in associations business for Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which has come from virtually nowhere just five years ago. Demand from the pharmaceutical and financial sectors reflect the region’s own development agenda, with renowned events such as the World Diabetes Congress choosing the UAE as their location,” said Nicholas. ICCA’s Martin Sirk is
excited about the forthcoming changes in legislation that are set to change the face of association opportunity for the UAE. “It is going to become much easier for associations to set up here. Previously, this part of the world wasn’t even eligible for consideration as associations needed branch members in place, but once they are able to operate there will be the opportunity to engage with local ambassadors, see more bids being put forward and also share knowledge to create more winning bids – and that’s good for the region as a whole.” BUSINESS ORIGINS With 58 percent of Middle East based buyers reporting they had organised more events in the last 12 months, compared to 49 percent globally, the forecast for the year ahead is even more upbeat with 69 percent of locally based buyers predicting more events for the next 12 months.
Interest registered by international buyers comes a close second, with 64 percent forecasting more events to be placed in the region, and this is reflected on the show floor, as Lois Hall, GIBTM Exhibition Manager, explained: “The results from this year’s research can be seen in action with no less than 19 European destinations taking part this year and the introduction of a European market focus initiative designed to directly connect buyers with destinations to fast track future business.” In terms of actual business origin, intra-regional activity once again takes the lion’s share, rising from 43 percent in 2010 to a staggering 90 percent in 2012. BUDGET PRESSURE Unlike other regions of the world where procurement departments are keeping tight control on the purse strings – despite a potential rise in
business volume - 59.4 percent of Middle East buyers are forecasting increased budgets for the next 12 months. “Even global buyers are reporting an increase of 50.9 percent on last year’s budgets and it’s great to see this translate not only to Middle East budget growth but across the board internationally,” remarks NPI’s Nicholas. This optimism also translates to overall conference and event business potential, with 80 percent of survey respondents confident of sector growth in the next year. Marketing and promotional budgets are similarly expected to see an increase say 43 percent of surveyed buyers, supported by a predicted 47 percent increase in new technology investment including a strong focus on social media activity, with 72.3 percent of buyers relying on this channel of communication both before and after an event.
The official show daily for the Gulf Incentives Business travel & Meetings Exhibition
| research | RISING STAR In the Gulf region, the UAE remains the undoubted frontrunner, retaining top spot for the seventh consecutive year when it comes to event volume, but Saudi Arabia stole the coveted second place, marking a meetings milestone for the Kingdom. “Saudi Arabia is becoming increasingly receptive to inbound opportunity and has made significant investments into its growing portfolio of facilities to drive domestic demand, as well as promoting itself as a new, appealing destination to its GCC and Arab world neighbours,” comments Nicholas. Egypt and Lebanon ranked third and fourth, with Egypt also occupying second place in terms of event value, at US$468,750 spend per buyer. Saudi Arabia also attracted the highest spend per buyer with a figure of US$627,500. The average number of attendees at events in the Middle East region for the last twelve months stood at 153 delegates with buyers reporting a 50 percent increase in attendance at their events over the last year.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Investment into service as well as physical infrastructure is also helping to secure business for the region’s meetings industry leaders, with Qatar and the UAE taking joint first place in the satisfaction stakes followed by Jordan and Saudi Arabia. “This is a fantastic achievement for Qatar, with the Gulf state climbing from eighth spot previously. Clearly the US$20 billion government investment into tourism infrastructure ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup is leapfrogging it ahead of its neighbours in client credibility,” says Nicholas. SUPPLIER FOCUS The client mix from the suppliers’ perspective has also witnessed a shift over the last year with government/administration entities dropping to fifth place in the top 10 listing. “This indicates the continued growth of the private sector across the region, which has pushed an historically dominant sector from its usual top three slot,” says Nicholas. The same intra-regional
pattern was evident in event volume with the UAE leading the category race followed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Internationally, the top generating countries per region in terms of clients’ for events were again topped by the UAE for the Middle East, with BRIC giants India and Brazil dominating the Asia and Americas categories.
Both buyers and suppliers are on the lookout for new destinations for their meeting events (53% and 63% respectively). This bodes well for the development of emerging destinations, Qatar and Oman. Qatar National Convention Centre has already hosted around 250 meetings since opening and has attracted
numerous regional events to date. Trevor McCartney says that the venue will start to host more international events from the end of 2013. According to Nicholas, destination reinvention is key for existing locations moving forward against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive market. “As buyers look for the ‘next big thing’,
existing destinations need to constantly reinvent their product to attract new clients and entice back previous customers.” Sirk from ICCA, agrees. “Many ICCA members are quite nervous of increasing competition, but having more choice and diversity will put the region on to more people’s agendas.”
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. Due for completion in 2016, 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
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| social pictures |
THE PERFECT HOST Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara pulled out the stops for the Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception last night
Alberto Ibarz, Sergio Lorente, Rosie Gamble, Katja Hammond and Jonathan Gomez
Eva Wang, Jun Wang and Henna Wang
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Sulaiman Ali Al Romi, Sulaiman Saleh Al-Dobaye, Karen Hardan, Dorien Smit and Panayoti Athanassiou
|THE LINE-UP |
GIBTM 2013 Professional Education Programme
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KNOWLEDGE HUB2013
Welcome to the GIBTM Knowledge Hub education programme. Aimed towards senior executives in the meetings and events industry, this year's sessions will deliver up-to-date regional content designed to offer the best in industry relevant education. Attend this world-class educational programme and learn cutting edge techniques for delivering the ultimate experience to your delegates and clients. All sessions take place in the Knowledge Hub on the show floor. TUESDAY MARCH 26 Time
session information
10.00 - 11.00 ACTE – Session 2 An Interactive Panel Discussion: How to Maximise your Middle East Travel Management Programme Attendees of this session will receive a free ACTE Session 2 certificate. A panel discussion on the critical success factors which enable local and international business travel buyers and suppliers to maximise managed travel programme output in the Middle East. Discuss the merits of direct negotiations versus intermediaries; online booking channels, payment mechanisms, data collection, internal corporate structure and whether social media can help achieve programme goals. Moderator: Nasser Batha, Regional Director, Markets Middle East & North Africa, Amadeus IT Group Speakers: Thomas Grundner, VP Sales, Jumeirah Group Danny Barranger, VP Global Sales, Etihad Airways Michel Oulevay, Director of Consulting Middle East & Africa, Areka Consulting
16.00 - 17.00 HOSTED BUYER SESSION Come and Ask Ali all things Emirati! This informal session has been designed to give Hosted Buyers a better understanding of doing business in the UAE. Hosted Buyers are invited to come and put all their questions to Arabia’s ‘cultural ambassador’. You ask: he’ll answer! Open to Hosted Buyers only. Speaker: Ali Al Saloom, www.askali.com
WEDNESDAY MARCH 27 Time
session information
10.30 - 12.00 THE GIBTM 20X20 CHALLENGE – Powered by PechaKucha® Join in the fun at GIBTM as we invite you to vote on our very first 20x20 Challenge. Creative juices are flowing as the successful participants present 20 slides on any subject of their choice. The aim is simple: excite, impress and innovate! Our audience of meetings and event planners from all over the world will choose the best presentation using the Sendsteps voting platform and the winner will receive an unforgettable two-night stay in a Dead Sea hotel, sponsored by Jordan Tourist Board. Good PechaKucha presentations are the ones that uncover talent and ideas. Some PechaKuchas tell great stories about a project or a trip. Some are incredibly personal, some are incredibly funny, but all are very different.
11.30 - 12.30 INTO THE HEART OF MEETINGS What do we see when we look at meetings as if we have never seen one before? And subsequently, do we have ways to influence the things we see? Finally, why should we want to influence them? In this session the co-author of Into the Heart of Meetings gives you an insight in what the relatively new profession of meeting design could do to help us meet the three (new) standards in meetings: one, good results; two, excellent results and three, outstanding results. The session itself will contain a dash of meeting design. Speaker: Eric de Groot, Author, Into the Heart of Meetings and Meeting Designer, MindMeeting 13.00 - 14.00 ACTE - Session 3 Unearthing Savings: Consolidating Business Travel Management, Meetings & Conferences Attendees of this session will receive a free ACTE Session 3 certificate. What can buyers do to create value and cut costs, and how can suppliers support their corporate client’s cost reduction initiatives? This session will share ideas of how business travel and meetings managers can collaborate to leverage consolidated spend in order to create significant time and process efficiencies and cost savings. Learn practical steps to get your arms around total spend, increase negotiation potential, consolidate suppliers to save time and money, and how to capture board attention and support to deliver real returns to the bottom line. Moderator: Thomas Grundner, VP Sales, Jumeirah Group Speakers: Gaby Seikaly, Managing Director, Gulf Circle Tours and Partner, Discovery Global Holding Carl Palmlund, Vice President Sales, Groups and Corporate, Atlantis The Palm Floyd Widener, SVP Global Meetings and Events, Carlson Wagonlit Travel 14.30 - 15.30 ARABIC SESSION ةيبرعلا ةرودلا In this new era of globalisation and with international travel to worldwide conferences becoming the norm, client travel decisions are becoming increasingly influenced by service standards, brand image and the ability to offer an authentic cultural experience. One of the biggest assets for any city or country is its human capital, and business travellers to the Arab world not only expect warm professional and knowledgeable service from local hospitality and travel professionals, but a sense of the heritage and culture of the destination. In this session, Culture and Tourism Consultant Ali Al Saloom will share his insight and tips on how the industry can capitalise on this opportunity to combine service excellence with cultural experiences. Ali will take participants on a ‘MICE 101 journey’ and help them unleash their mental creativity in order to appreciate and understand how hospitality and travel professionals can add value to their business, and their city, and develop a tailored business travel product. في عصر العولمة الجديد وظاهرة السفر والتنقل بين دول العالم لحضور المؤتمرات والفعاليات التي باتت قرارات العمالء الخاصة بالسفر تعتمد بشكل متزايد على معايير،أصبحت تمثل قاعدة عامة .الخدمة وسمعة الشركات والعالمات التجارية والقدرة على تقديم تجربة ثقافية أصيلة ومتميزة كما. يعتبر العنصر البشري واحدا من أهم األصول بالنسبة ألية مدينة أو بلد،وكما هو معلوم أن الزوار الوافدين إلى المنطقة العربية يتطلعون إلى الترحيب بهم من قبل العاملين المحليين في قطاع الضيافة والسفر من خالل توفير منتجات وخدمات مهنية راقية واعطاء الصورة الحسنة .عن ثقافة وتراث البلد للحضور، المستشار في شؤون الثقافة والسياحة، سيقدم االستاذ علي السلوم،وفي هذه الجلسة رؤيته المعمقة حول الكيفية التي يمكن من خاللها استغالل هذه الفرصة لتقديم صورة جيدة عن وسيقوم االستاذ علي.تميز الخدمات المقدمة في مجال صناعة سياحة األعمال والحوافز والفعاليات بمساعدة الحضور علي إطالق العنان ألفكارهم اإلبداعية من أجل استيعاب وفهم وتقدير مدى ما يمكن أن يضيفه العاملين في قطاع الضيافة والسفر من قيمة ألعمالهم ولمدنهم وكذلك .تمكنهم من تطوير منتجات وخدمات مناسبة لقطاع سياحة األعمال
Speaker: Ali Al Saloom, Experienced Cultural Consultant, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Tourist Guide and Founder of askali.com
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Shuttle-bus Services Complimentary shuttle bus services are provided to and from the venue, official hotels, receptions and the airport for all GIBTM participants, including visitors, exhibitors and Hosted Buyers. Time and Date
Transfer Route
Tuesday March 26 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 27 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 Abu Dhabi International Airport and ADNEC at the times specified.
Tuesday March 26 09.00 – 16.00
From the airport to ADNEC and ADNEC to the airport
Wednesday March 27 10.00 – 15.30
From the airport to ADNEC and ADNEC to the 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 allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Tuesday March 26 08.15 Pick up from the parking area of Dnata Emirates Group Centre, Deira 09.00 Pick up from the entrance of Radisson Blu Hotel Media City, and transfer to ADNEC 18.15 Departure transfer from ADNEC to Dubai and drop off at Radisson Blu Hotel Media City, and parking area of Dnata Emirates Group Centre, Deira Wednesday March 27 08.15 Pick up from the parking area of Dnata Emirates Group Centre, Deira 09.00 Pick up from the entrance of Radisson Blu Hotel Media City, and transfer to ADNEC 13.00 Departure transfer from ADNEC to Dubai and drop off at Radisson Blu Hotel Media City, and parking area of Dnata Emirates Group Centre, Deira
The official show daily for the Gulf IncentiveS, Business travel & Meetings Exhibition
| feature |
Reviving Abu Dhabi’s pearl culture Visitors to the UAE can now experience the rich heritage of pearl diving first-hand thanks to a unique edutainment experience founded by cultural expert Ali Al Saloom As a culture and tourism expert, Ali Al Saloom takes his job very seriously. No stone is left unturned in the quest to build his knowledge of the UAE’s rich history. However, when he embarked on a mission to find out more about the country’s marine heritage, he could not have imagined that his research would lead him to a new business idea that would make waves in the tourism industry. “Around a year ago I felt that my understanding of the UAE history of pearl diving needed a boost so I started reading up on the topic,” said Al Saloom. “I was surprised that, despite the country’s links to pearl diving, local women were rarely seen wearing pearls back then. Discovering that the gems our forefathers worked so hard to get were simply sold overseas was a massive culture shock to me. I thought that pearls should be a bigger part of our lives so I set about trying to change that.” A quick poll among friends revealed that most people would visit a museum to find out more. However, Al Saloom was certain that there could be a more engaging way to raise awareness. His enquiries led him to fellow countryman and owner of a local cultured pearl farm, Abdulla Rashid Al Suwaidi – a man who would later become Al Saloom’s business partner. “We shared the same passion for pearls,” said Al Saloom. “He explained
the Japanese technology behind producing cultured pearls. However, his farm had found a way to make the process even more natural. We visited the site together, brought the oysters out of the sea and saw the pearls inside which, because of the conditions they grew in were very unique. I was overwhelmed that this could be experienced again on Abu Dhabi shores.” The oysters are irritated by an expert through the insertion of a nucleus that prompts the animals to start producing layers of nacre, ultimately forming a pearl. It takes around six to eight months for a pearl to develop and although the shells are regularly maintained, the growth process is entirely organic. The end result is a lustrous gem that can be plucked straight from the shell. Each one varies in shape, colour and size, which is what makes the opening process so exciting. “Opening the oysters is such an amazing feeling that many Emirati’s and people from the Gulf will have never experienced. I thought that this engaging, hands-on task would be a fantastic way to get people involved again,” said Al Saloom. The culture expert hit upon the idea to start educational, entertaining tours that would give people an up-close look at the history of pearl diving. He purchased an authentic Jalboot (dhow) fitted with a traditional majlis
area and acquired docking space within the picturesque InterContinental Abu Dhabi Marina. After finalising all the details needed to create a winning attraction, Al Saloom’s Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey was open for business in December 2012. Each trip takes up to 15 people and lasts for around 90 minutes. The journey starts with guests boarding the dhow and being served Arabic snacks and beverages before setting sail to the nearby farm. An experienced Emirati guide talks passengers through the history of pearl diving and its significance t o the people of the UAE. “We have German, English, French, Russian, Arabic and Korean speaking guides on hand to answer any questions,” said Al Saloom. “We sail in a
channel rather than the open sea, which is a beautifully calm spot where dolphins can often be seen.” The highlight of the trip, however, is acquiring the pearls. “During the winter we prime the shells in advance,” said Al Saloom. “However, during the summer months from April to September, people can jump into the water to find the oysters. Whatever the season, those who take part in the journey will be able to open an oyster, find a pearl and take it home with them.” The experience is already proving popular with corporate groups. “We have had a few MICE requests including from one company who wanted us to send a professional diver to collect the oysters to make it even more realistic,” he said. “Of course, we can provide
special packages for tour operators and hotels. We are still meeting key contacts to put these offers in place.” So far business is booming. For corporates seeking a teambuilding experience, there is the option to actually work on the boat. “From the captain to the technicians who open the shells, there is a great learning experience to be had from taking on these roles in a controlled environment. Combined with the educational aspect of learning about the local culture, this programme is well suited to corporates,” said Al Saloom. “With the recent launch of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, the destination is moving more into business tourism. We can see that there is a need for boutique attractions and, as it is a peak time of year for corporate business in the emirate, we
are targeting this segment,” he continued. There are plans in place to build franchises in Qatar and Oman, as well as elsewhere in the UAE and Al Saloom will be spearheading a promotional campaign by joining local authorities on overseas road shows. “We are excited about speaking with the Hosted Buyers at GIBTM,” said Al Saloom. “As a show sponsor, we are keen to get our message out there.” Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey tours run every day from 09.00 to 19.00 and cost AED500 per adult and AED400 for guests aged under 12 years old. A special price of AED450 per person is offered for groups. Bespoke packages can be arranged. To make a reservation call +971 (0) 2 641 9914 or visit www.adpearljourney.com.
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| 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
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THE OFFICIAL SHOW DAILY FOR THE GULF INCENTIVES BUSINESS TRAVEL & MEETINGS EXHIBITION
| EXHIBITION |
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| destination profiles |
athens Once you have an Olympic Games under your belt it’s easy to sell your destination to the events market. When that destination is Athens and you are the birthplace of the Olympics, that sell becomes even easier. Athens hosted the Olympic Games in summer 2004. In preparation for the games, the city’s tourism and transport facilities were overhauled and expanded, much to the benefit of the meetings and conventions industry. Since then, the city has continued to be a meeting place of choice. According to the 2011 ICCA rankings, Athens hosted
55 meetings, making it the 22nd most popular destination in Europe and the 35th worldwide. According to the Athens Convention Bureau, the city is an ideal congress destination, combining state-of-theart infrastructure, worldclass conference facilities and easy access from all over the world, with excellent cultural attractions, modern amenities, diverse entertainment and natural beauty. Athens is easily accessible from all European countries and most destinations around the world. Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, opened
The Temple of Jupiter and the Acropolis, Athens
in March 2001 and is connected daily with over 60 cities worldwide. The airport is located 33 kilometres southeast of Athens. The state-of-the-art Athens Metro opened just before the 2004 Olympic Games. It serves all major city spots and sites of interest. The metro also gives users the chance to see the ancient ruins and statues that were discovered during its construction and are on display at various metro stations. Athens offers an array of luxury and mid-range accommodation. Most hotels were upgraded or completely renovated for the 2004 Olympics, or built after that. There are 29,050 hotel rooms in 493 hotels in the city and the surrounding area. For large-scale events, the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre (MAICC) offers a total meeting space of 143,000 square metres, 18 meeting rooms, exhibitions areas and foyers. The Ethniki Conference Centre, managed by the Athenaeum InterContinental Athens, offers conference and exhibition space and is capable of holding plenary
meetings for up to 1,000 delegates. On the seventh floor of the main building, the Ethniki Rooftop offers 2,000 square metres of open space with panoramic views of the Acropolis and the city. The Mediterranean Exhibition Centre (MEC) opened in 1989 and underwent
renovation in 2011. It is located 10 minutes from Athens International Airport and offers 200,000 square metres of indoor exhibition space. The Athens Convention Bureau (ACB) is the official events and meetings board of the city of Athens and surrounding area. ACB is a
The hotel also offers three selfcontained meeting rooms. Stademos Hotels owns and operates the four-star Mediterranean Beach Hotel in Limassol and the fivestar Elysium in Paphos. The Basilica Grand Hall at the Elysium offers a pillar-free function hall with a separate entrance. It can be subdivided into three smaller rooms and is ideally suited for banquets as well as smaller meetings and receptions for 15 to 400 guests.
Thanos Hotels is a family run company in Cyprus offering three five-star hotels – the Anassa, Almyra and Annabelle – located in or around Paphos. For larger delegations, the Cyprus State Fair Authority in the capital Nicosia can provide exhibition and conference space for up to 1,200 delegates. The island’s championship golf courses provide an ideal location for mixing business with pleasure, while incentive groups can choose from
beach-based activities, private yacht charters, 4x4 mountain safaris and wine tours. Cyprus has more than 10,000 years of history and is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, providing some unique backdrops to corporate events. At present, the Cyprus Tourism Office (CTO) and the island’s Antiquities Department are working towards making some of Cyprus’ most famous archaeological sites available for corporate and incentive events. Groups could soon see their team-building activities taking centre-stage at the Kourion amphitheatre, board meetings being conducted at the crusader stronghold of Colossi Castle or post-conference wind down at Aphrodite’s Temple. CTO has had an office in the Middle East since 2005 and has been attending GIBTM on an annual basis since the show’s first edition in 2007.
A bird's eye view of Athens, Greece
business division of the Athens Development & Destination Management Agency and serves as the focal point between meeting planners and the local meetings industry. The Athens Convention Bureau is exhibiting at GIBTM at stand D64.
cyprus The third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus sits at a geographical crossroads between Europe and the Middle East. Served by direct air links from cities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Cyprus has been a meeting place for cultures, religions and politicians for millennia. The island, which covers 9,250 square kilometres, attracts 2.4 million tourists a year, while some 600 cyprus
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companies and associations are drawn to its shores for meetings and incentives. Cyprus boasts a wide range of four- and five-star resorts, from idyllic beachfront settings to golf resorts, spas and mountain retreats, most of which offer meeting facilities. Limassol’s five-star Grand Resort offers one of the largest venues on the island. Its Grand Hall can accommodate up to 1,200 delegates or be subdivided into three areas.
“Cyprus wants to continue to maintain its presence in the Middle East as a top meetings destination. Due to the fantastic properties, size of the country, original activities, short flight time and competitive rates, the demand is growing year on year,” said Vassilis Theocharides, Director, CTO. “Our participation in GIBTM since the creation of the exhibition is a proof of our commitment and interest in the meetings and incentives business from the region. Meetings also extend the season and assist the hoteliers during those tough shoulder months with small or large groups,” he added.
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation is exhibiting at GIBTM alongside partner hotels and destination management companies. Please visit stand D61.
The official show daily for the Gulf Incentives, Business travel & Meetings Exhibition
| destination profiles |
turkey A country straddling both east and west, Turkey has been an important meeting place for millennia. Today, the country is the 23rd most popular meetings destination worldwide and 14th most popular in Europe, according to International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2011 rankings. The country hosted 159 meetings in that year and welcomed 31.4 million visitors. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. A city of 13 million people, a dynamic engine of the economy and a place offering countless historic and natural attractions, it is also equipped with many hotels, venues, fair and convention centres, making it an ideal city for international congresses and conventions. Promoting the city’s meeting and incentive facilities and attractions is the main mandate of the Istanbul
Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB). A non-profit destination marketing organisation, ICVB represents Istanbul around the world. The city has hosted many important and large-scale international congresses and events, including the 2009 IMF/World Bank meeting for some 20,000 delegates and the 5th World Water Forum for more than 30,000. The city’s leading meeting venue, the Istanbul Lütfi Kırdar Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC) opened in 1996 with the Habitat 2 Conference. The main building offers 19 halls and meeting rooms, capable of hosting six to 2,000 delegates. The Rumeli building offers 7,000 square metres of exhibition space. Nearby, the Istanbul Congress Centre (ICC) opened in time for the IMF/ World Bank meeting at the end of September 2009 and
offers an auditorium for 3,500 people, foyer and exhibition space of approximately 10,000 square metres and further flexible meeting rooms. For a more alternative meeting venue, the Adile Sultan Palace offers a unique setting with its splendid halls featuring high gold leaf ceilings and its gardens boasting magnificent Bosphorus views. The Oval Hall can host up to 500 guests, while the gardens can accommodate up to 1,500 people on two levels. For incentives, groups can bag a bargain at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, get giddy with a whirling dervish show, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Bosphorus, or visit the commanding landmark that is the Blue Mosque, which dominates the skyline with its domes and six minarets. Antalya is the main holiday destination on the Turkish Riviera. However, the Antalya
The Bosphorus
Convention Bureau believes its facilities also make it the perfect business destination. The resort offers hotel accommodation for more than 50,000 delegates. Izmir in western Turkey is also working hard to establish its meetings credentials. The Izmir Promotion Foundation established the Izmir Convention and Visitors
Bureau in 2007 to handle destination marketing. As well as an array of international hotels, Turkey also boasts its own local hospitality brands. The Marmara Collection offers six hotels, three residences and the Esma Sultan Mansion event venue. The five-star Vertia Luxury Resort in Antalya is a recently opened property offering an
in-house congress centre that consists of eight meeting and conference rooms, a pillarfree congress hall and foyer. Antalya Convention Bureau is exhibiting at GIBTM on stand F10; sharers include 7 TUR Tourism, Istanbul Congress Center, Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau and Turkish Airlines. Adile Sultan Palace is on stand D66.
| soundbites |
SnippetS from the Show floor Hosted Buyers and exhibitors share their key goals for attending GIBTM
Amr Ali
Hassan Mahmoud
Yigit Can
This is my first time at GIBTM and I have come to assess the destination and find partners for future events here. We have 228 member associations in 62 countries around the world and hold more than 100 congresses in different destinations each year. With its emphasis on building a bridge between different cultures, Abu Dhabi is a natural host for us and I am certain that we will be back in the near future.
Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer as an incentives destination, both in terms of the cultural and historical attractions and its luxurious leisure facilities. This is a city with life and character, which is why I have come to GIBTM with the intention of building my contact base and hosting events here.
I have been coming to GIBTM for the past 10 years to catch up with current associates and source new suppliers, destinations and hotels. I’m based in Saudi Arabia and arrange travel for corporate groups, predominantly from the pharmaceutical and real estate industries. This year I’m on the look out to see what’s new and am particularly interested in Abu Dhabi itself as more and more of our clients are demanding to come here for business-related events.
We are an incentive travel agency that arranges trips for corporate customers in the finance, automotive, cosmetics and energy industries, among others. My focus is on groups travelling from Turkey, but we also have an inbound segment and an event-planning department. This is my first year at GIBTM and one thing that I am finding really useful is the number of great hotels with a presence here.
Iyung Masruroh
Mehboob Mulla
Emad Momtaz
Abdulla Malalla AlBader
I come to GIBTM on an annual basis with a view to sourcing more suppliers. As a Hosted Buyer I use this as an opportunity to get more hotels and conference centres on our books in order to broaden our scope when planning events in the region. Conference centres are particularly important as not all hotels have them so it provides the added value for business groups if we can provide one.
I’m here on the lookout for new destinations. We are a travel operation that specialises in corporate groups. At present our focus for groups is on three destinations: Lebanon, the UAE and Turkey, while for individuals it is Europe. This is my second time at GIBTM and I hope to add some new destinations to our books while I’m here.
GIBTM is great for us because it concentrates on the GCC region, bringing together all the destinations we are focusing on. This year’s show is extremely busy for us with back-to-back meetings every day. Business tourism is hugely important to Qatar and we are looking to forge new relationships while we are here and ultimately increase the number of corporate groups choosing Qatar as a destination for business travel.
Jeffery Huang Beijing Congress Ambassador The World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies
Deputy Director of MICE and Special Interests Promotion Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Republic of Indonesia GIBTM is the event to go to for those who want to tap into MENA. We’ve been here every year since 2010 in order to facilitate the growth of the meetings sector in Indonesia and promote our destination to buyers that are interested in Asia. We looking to build new relationships with travel agents and meetings and incentives companies that want to take advantage of all our country has to offer.
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Inbound Team Leader American Express Travel Services, Egypt
Supervisor – MICE and Groups Al Rais Tours & Holidays
Deputy General Manager Areen Travel
Tourism Manager Gezira Travel
Outgoing Manager Bluechip Incentive Travel
Director of Tourism Department Qatar Tourism Authority
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