GIBTM Europe pavilion gets bigger
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The recent announcement of exempting Emiratis from obtaining visas to Schengen countries will result in increased business from UAE. A similar decision by the UK to relax visa requirements for UAE nationals (online visa applications 48 hours in advance) has set the stage for a whole new chapter of business travel from the region, certainly if the scheme is extended to other Gulf nations.
Ready to benefit from the new ruling at this year’s GIBTM, is the European pavilion, which contains 19 companies and destinations, and is 66% larger than last year. Debutants include companies such as Spain’s Iberostar, Barcelo Hotels and Resorts, I’way Express from the Czech Republic, Talaria Experience from Madrid, as well as Arsenal Football Club.
France alone receives over 22,000 visitors from the UAE, each year, and according to an exclusive Ernst & Young report which is to be revealed at GIBTM, Paris is the most preferred destination for Middle Eastern business travellers. London comes in at number two and Frankfurt at number five. The report also forecasts an acceleration in business travel, both inbound, and outbound from the Middle East region.
“Over 66% of the world’s population lies within an eight hour flight of UAE, giving the region unparalleled leverage to become a future global hub for business travellers. Indeed Middle Eastern carriers already share seven of the global market which the Airbus Global Market Forecast 2013 estimates will grow to 11% by 2031, an annual growth rate of 7.3%, higher by 2% than any other geographical region in the world,” said Lois Hall, exhibition manager of the Gulf Incentives, Business Travel and Meetings Expo, (GIBTM).
It is not just the UK and the EU looking for a greater share of the regional MICE market. The Asia pavilion including Thailand and Korea are also looking to attract the lucrative Middle East outbound business.
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