Barcelona. This year´s 22nd EIBTM has attracted 3,125 exhibiting companies from over 90 countries and created three days packed with non-stop meetings and activities, according to organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions. Whilst EIBTM took place in a week that saw some of the worst weather conditions to hit Northern Europe in many years, all stands were open for business from the first day of the event. However, some Hosted Buyers and exhibitiors from Germany and the UK were stranded when Lufthansa and other carriers operating through Frankfurt Airport cancelled many of their flights on Monday whilst Gatwick entirely closed for 48 hours.
That is why this year´s unaudited figures will reflect a small drop in Hosted Buyers – currently 3,582, 45 less than 2009. The number of trade visitors was 4,010, reflecting a 5% increase on last year. Total attendance at the show reached 8,395, a 1% increase on 2009. “We tried to do everything in our power to get these Buyers out of the UK but sadly, the conditions prevented them leaving. However, we are obviously delighted that those who did get to the event – some having travelled via alternative routes, and many taking up to 12 hours to arrive – proved that this was where they needed to be for their business”, said Graeme Barnett, Event Director for EIBTM.
Having launched many new features, created a record 59 professional education sessions and held over 100 events in and around the show, the objective for organisers Reed Travel Exhibitions has been to drive business and deliver value for all those attending the event.
