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Pre-audited top line figures announced by Reed Travel Exhibitions for EIBTM’s first show in Barcelona last month report a 47% increase in total visitor numbers over 2003 with more than 6,100 people attending which means EIBTM 2004 was the busiest yet.
These figures represent 2,503 Hosted Buyers (an increase of 16.8% over last year) and 3,300 trade visitors (an increase of 75% over 2003). Visitors from Spanish markets increased by over 4000%.
A record number of over 24,000 pre-scheduled appointments were matched between exhibitors and visitors and new initiatives at this year’s event included increasing the number of pre-scheduled appointments for Hosted Buyers with a new Destination Pre-Scheduled Appointment system to showcase destinations and tourist boards.
Key to the new location and date was the opportunity to launch new initiatives and features, as well as increase the visibility of others. The Relaxation and Wellbeing Spa area was introduced this year providing visitors with treatments to release stress and tension as well as education on relaxation techniques – it resulted in all appointments being fully booked for the three days. This year’s MPI Technology Village was the biggest yet with 24 exhibitors and 83% already re-booked for next year. Over 140 association buyers were flown to Barcelona – the largest to date.
The show’s new Exhibition Director, Paul Kennedy sees the potential for growth in Barcelona. “We spent a lot of time this year talking to exhibitors and visitors taking note of all they had to say and recommend for 2005. The venue and the city have been fantastic throughout and will be working very closely with us in 2005 to ensure that we improve upon the successes of 2004”.
EIBTM 2005 will take place at the Fira Gran Via from 29 November to 1 December and the organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions have over 70% of this year’s exhibitors already re-booked.
