OUTRIGGER RESORTS WINS ‘BEST HOTEL/RESORT GROUP’

OUTRIGGER RESORTS WINS ‘BEST HOTEL/RESORT GROUP’

The Outrigger Resorts brand has beaten off strong challenges from some of the world’s largest hotel and resort operators to win one of Australia’s most prestigious travel industry awards.

PHUKET,  THAILAND – Outrigger Resorts has been hailed as the “Best Hotel/Resort Group” in the Australian Federation of Travel Agents’ National Tourism Industry Awards for Excellence,  which took place in Sydney on July 16. Outrigger saw off competition from other finalists such as Accor Hotels,  Club Med,  Starwood Hotels & Resorts,  and Leading Hotels of the World.,  , More than 500 travel industry representatives turned out for what is the Australian hospitality industry’s night of nights at Darling Harbour in Sydney to recognise and celebrate excellence across a range of categories.,  , The Hawaiian-based Outrigger Enterprises Group is a privately held,  leisure lodging,  retail and hospitality company operating in the Asia Pacific,  Oceania and Indian Ocean regions. Guided by more than 68 years of family leadership,  Outrigger runs a multi-branded portfolio of hotels,  beachfront resorts,  condominiums and vacation resort properties located in Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island); Guam; Fiji (Coral Coast VitiLevu, Castaway Island); Thailand (Phuket, KohSamui); Mauritius; and the Maldives. The portfolio currently has 38 properties with approximately 8, 000 rooms.,  , Representatives from Outrigger’s Sydney Regional Sales Office,  Andrew Gee – Regional Director of Sales & Marketing Australia & New Zealand,  Maria Alaveras – Sales Manager- Retail Travel,  Wholesale & Industry Partners and Juliet Hudson – Sales Manager Destination Weddings,  Groups& M.I.C.E were on hand to accept the award.,  , “I can’t begin to say how proud I am of our Australia-based team, particularly Maria Alaveras who has established an excellent relationship with the travel industry community,” said Mr Gee.,  , “This really is an outstanding acknowledgement of our hard work and commitment in this market. We sincerely thank the industry for getting behind us to make this award possible. We are a very close team with an enormous passion for our wonderful values-led brand,” he said.,  , Mark Simmons,  Vice President Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific for Outrigger said that the award was of major importance.,  , “The Australian outbound market to Outrigger globally is significant and we are fortunate to have a very strong team to generate this business,” he said.,  , Outrigger Resorts has opened five properties in the last three years: in Mauritius,  Maldives,  Phuket,  Koh Samui and Fiji. The company continues to carefully assess further expansion opportunities in warm water beachfront resort destinations around the world.

Leading Global DMCs Form Strategic Alliance

Leading Global DMCs Form Strategic Alliance
JTB Global Marketing & Travel and Pacific World partner to offer integrated DMC services in Japan

Pacific World (www.pacificworld.com) has recently confirmed a strategic alliance with JTB Global Marketing & Travel (www.jtbgmt.com), Japan’s leading Destination Management Company, starting as of 1st May 2015.

Through this partnership, Pacific World will leverage the strength of JTB Global Marketing & Travels’ incoming business and align themselves to provide leading meetings & events services in Japan.

The strategic alliance will enable Pacific World to showcase Japan as a meetings and incentive destination – to their network of corporate and agency meeting planners worldwide.

Herve Joseph-Antoine, Global MD of Pacific World commented, “Japan is known as an inspiring traditional destination, but the country is recently being rediscovered by corporates and associations based in the Americas and Europe as a key strategic destination for conferences and events in the Asia Pacific region. We have a long past working relationship with JTB, now is the time to formalize this commercial alliance and offer a ‘new Japan’ value proposition to our clients together.”

Haruhiko Sakano, Director of Sales & Marketing at JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc. commented, “Pacific World is one of the most reputable DMC in the MICE industry. We are confident that with this strategic alliance we are able to cover the Asian region and both our companies will be able to strongly promote our destinations along with the rapidly growing Asian market.”

Through its strategic alliances, Pacific World now covers two of the most important markets and destinations for meetings & events; Japan and USA. Together Pacific World, JTB Global Marketing & Travel and ACCESS Destination Services provide the most complete, integrated and global DMC solution available to clients.

For more information, please visit www.pacificworld.com

Long haul arrivals in Europe rested on the shoulders of Asia & Oceania markets during fourth quarter of 2014

Long haul arrivals in Europe rested on the shoulders of Asia & Oceania markets during fourth quarter of 2014

The new results from the Air Travellers’ Traffic Barometer* produced by European Cities Marketing and ForwardKeys highlight that 2014 international arrivals increased by 3.2% compared to 2013 driven by long-haul markets and more particularly Asia and Middle East.

During the fourth quarter of 2014, Asia & Pacific continued driving the growth in long-haul arrivals to Europe, compensating the severe decrease in Africa (-6.9%) caused partly by the Ebola outbreak.
Regaining its bigger market share of 67% during winter season, intra-European flow, however, suffered a modest decrease of -1%, mostly due to the collapse of Russia & Ukraine markets in November and December 2014.
Yearly performance showed overall constant growths in all source subcontinents (+3.2%), despite the slowing down in the last quarter.

Solid market shares were seen in solo and couple travellers, last-month bookers, as well as vacationers staying 6 to 13 nights, for the fourth quarter of 2014. However the fastest growths were seen in group traveller (+32.7%) as well as early booker segment (+11.8%).

Current forward bookings trends for international arrivals in Europe during the first quarter of 2015 show a depressing situation for intra-regional (-0.3%) and African (-2.5%) flows while Asia & Pacific and Middle East perform above the promising average long-haul growth with respectively +17.6% and +16.1% growth compared to the first quarter of 2014.
Top 5 destinations in terms of market share remain the same for both historical and expected arrivals, among which Paris, Istanbul, and Rome stand out in advanced bookings compared to previous year.

All ECM members have exclusive access to the complete European Cities Marketing-ForwardKeys Air Travellers’ Traffic Barometer with all the graphs and analysis.

ibtm arabia delivers new format MICE event for the Gulf Region

ibtm arabia delivers new format MICE event for the Gulf Region

International Hosted Buyers from 36 countries representing key and influential planners of MICE business have descended on Abu Dhabi for an exclusive closed door one-to-one meeting format in a revamped ibtm arabia (formerly GIBTM).

Opening at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi today, the event will be the only one in the region to introduce international buyers from Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, Africa and the Middle East, all representing leading corporations, associations, and agencies, to a mix of suppliers from the region and overseas.

With twice as many exhibitors as GIBTM 2014, 24 will be participating for the first time. There will also be 5 new countries represented including Scotland, Ethiopia, Japan, Mexico and Canada.

“ibtm arabia’s successful introduction is an endorsement of the strength of Abu Dhabi’s MICE proposition and proves we have evolved an established industry event to make it more relevant for delegates, buyers and exhibitors,” said Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, a division of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

The new exhibition format provides a platform for Abu Dhabi’s MICE sector to introduce new products and services, and present their products to industry experts specialising in a number of diverse fields such as international corporate groups and the expanding local wedding business, and promote packages to the local and GCC markets.

The “new” event brings everyone together for three days during which they will participate in “Discovery Day” where both buyers and suppliers get a taste of Abu Dhabi, and the experiences it offers for the MICE industry, followed by the opportunity to attend the ibtm arabia Knowledge Forum giving inspiration from two thought provoking speakers. Two days of business will follow, where over 3000 appointments will be held between buyers and suppliers with a diary of up to 30 appointments for each of them, plus networking and social events will bring everyone together.

“The significance of ibtm arabia is fundamental to the continuing growth of the MICE sector and has been built on the success of GIBTM. This new format however, creates a community for this industry, and for the first time everyone will work, learn and network together giving endless opportunities to meet, connect and do business as well as make new friends. ibtm arabia offers real exclusivity and with the quality of both buyers and suppliers, matched to have real influence on each other, we believe this new formula can enhance the experience of all our attendees,” said Lois Wilcox, Exhibition Manager ibtm arabia.

Highlights of ibtm arabia include: Discovery Day, Knowledge Forum, Pre-scheduled appointments, 9 networking events.

For further information please visit www.ibtmarabia.com

 

IBTM AFRICA NOW ACCEPTING HOSTED BUYER APPLICATIONS

IBTM AFRICA NOW ACCEPTING HOSTED BUYER APPLICATIONS#

www.ibtmafrica.com/hbapply

Hosted Buyer applications are now being accepted for ibtm africa 2015 (www.ibtmafrica.com), a highly targeted, exclusive event for Africa’s incentives and meetings industry, taking place at the Cape Town Convention Centre from 13 – 15 April 2015.

ibtm africa offers an exclusive opportunity for top level international decision makers to connect and engage with African and Indian Ocean exhibitors including destinations, venues, hotels, DMC’s and MICE support services over three days of one-to-one pre-scheduled appointments, networking and education.

In addition to their diary of up to 36 pre-scheduled business appointments with MICE exhibitors, qualified buyers will benefit from complimentary accommodation and transfers as well as a substantial contribution towards international flights to Cape Town and will have the opportunity to apply to attend a post event tour.

Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager for ibtm africa, comments: “Africa holds enormous potential for the MICE industry with great investment in infrastructure. The rapidly growing demand for meetings industry suppliers within Africa has been reflected in the unprecedented interest witnessed from international Hosted Buyers who applied to attend the first ibtm africa and is expected to pave the way for the 2015 event.”

Suresh Puri, Spice Travel, India who was a Hosted buyer at last year’s show commented: “It’s very well organised and full of quality and I see it on both sides not only as a buyer but also the exhibitors, who are representing the region very adequately. So my impression is that the intimate one-to-one sessions give buyers an opportunity and an insight into the products the region has to offer, my compliments to Reed Exhibitions.”

Meetings and incentives professionals who apply to attend this event as Hosted Buyers will be qualified under strict criteria including their purchasing authority, their annual MICE business, their annual budget and future business to place in Africa. They will also be first-time attendees at ibtm africa. Successful applicants will be senior decision makers from the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, South America and Russia, therefore representing a cross-section of the most senior meeting and incentives planners in the industry.

The second edition of ibtm africa, taking place in Cape Town (13-15 April) as part of Africa Travel Week, will bring together up to 60 African and Indian Ocean suppliers and international buyers over three days for business, networking and education.

To find out more about ibtm africa or to register to attend as a Hosted Buyer, please visit www.ibtmafrica.com

 

STRONG INTEREST FROM REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HOSTED BUYERS FOR IBTM AMERICA

STRONG INTEREST FROM REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HOSTED BUYERS FOR IBTM AMERICA
“Exhibitors requesting buyers according to their objectives”

Working in partnership with ibtm america exhibitors, the new format 2015 event is in the process of recruiting buyers who exhibitors have specifically requested according to their business objectives. Registrations are currently being qualified and already represent some of the leading associations across the US including: Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO, National Air Traffic Controllers Association and National Association of African American Studies and Affiliates, that have been confirmed to attend the show.

Qualified corporate buyers attending the show also include The Wendy’s Company, (ISC)2, Mars Petcare, Wintrust Mortgage and Sharp Healthcare among others.

Hosted Buyers will come from North America, South America, Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa, and are qualified under a strict criteria that includes; proof of their purchasing authority, annual U.S. and international meetings and events business organised, confirmation of their annual budget and future business to place at ibtm america.

The new show format will have up to 250 suppliers who will meet with 250 carefully selected planners in the US and international MICE industry on a 1:1 ratio. All exhibitors and buyers select who they would like to have appointments with and a sophisticated software system matches the preferences of buyers and suppliers resulting in up to 30 pre-scheduled mutually matched appointments.

Taking advantage of this new dynamic event format, exhibitors already confirmed to attend ibtm america 2015 include Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (U.S.), Dolce Hotels & Resorts (U.S.), etouches (U.S.), Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (U.S.), Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce (U.S.), Jamaica Tourist Board (Jamaica), Langham Hotels International (Hong Kong), Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau (U.S.), Marriott International Inc (U.S.), quickmobile (Canada), Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB (U.S.) and Wyndham Hotel Group (U.S.).

“Hosted Buyer registration has begun and the process of building this new community is taking shape. When everyone is onsite, those attending ibtm america will join together for tailored networking events, and the inspirational ibtm america professional Knowledge Forum, part of Discovery Day,” said Jaime Rosov, ibtm america Event Director.

To find out more about ibtm america 2015, please visit www.ibtmamerica.com

IMEX America’s growth story powers on with biggest show yet

IMEX America’s growth story powers on with biggest show yet

Las Vegas, Oct 14 2014 – IMEX America opened for business today at the Sands Expo® in Las Vegas with the announcement that the fourth edition of the trade show for the international meetings, incentive travel and events industry is the biggest yet.

With a total of 2,900 companies exhibiting representing 150+ countries (2013: 2,694 from 150 countries) the number of exhibitors joining the show has risen by 8 percent. By the time IMEX America closes on Thursday, the number of hosted buyers and other attendees is also expected to be higher than previous years.

As a result of over 70 new exhibitor booths and 83 existing exhibitors increasing the size of their booths the show floor has also enlarged by 13 per cent.

Some of the global regions that have expanded this year are the USA & Canada, which is 16.5 percent bigger; Latin America (6.5 percent); Europe, which is bigger by 3 percent and Asia-Pacific, which has grown
by nearly 8 percent.

Other sectors within the market have shown significant growth too. Space taken by the hotel groups is up by 26 percent; private sector company booth space has increased by 37.5 percent; space taken by technology suppliers is up by 20 percent and incentive products have risen by 50 percent.

Says IMEX Group Chairman, Ray Bloom: “We are delighted with the industry’s continued strong response to IMEX America. Every year we set out to add more value, fresh ideas, new partnerships and more choice while maintaining a sharp focus on high quality all round – and that covers the quality of hosted buyers attending as well as the education and networking events on offer. We want every single participant to leave in no doubt that IMEX America provided them with an unparalleled business experience.”

With buyers able to use the unique IMEX appointment system to preschedule appointments with exhibitors before the show opens, IMEX has developed a reputation as an efficient and buyer-friendly trade show that also satisfies the needs of exhibitors. Buyers pre-arranged 53,000 one-to-one appointments and booth presentations prior to today. In addition a total of 1,200 group appointments are also scheduled.

Smart Monday – powered by MPI – kicked off the week of IMEX America yesterday with a stronger than ever program that combined an opening keynote with a day of intensive professional development. This included the first ever PCMA Business School plus the show’s annual Association Focus for association executives.

Before the show opened at 10am Pacific time today 12 other events had already taken place,
including several sets of industry certification programs, the CIC Hall of Leaders Gala, Association Evening,
Site Nite North America, the first ever CEIR IMEX America Golf Classic, the Site Young Leaders Conference and the IMEX Challenge.

Outrigger Acquires Two Fiji Properties

Outrigger Acquires Two Fiji Properties
Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji join the Outrigger portfolio as ‘owned and managed’ resorts

PRESS RELEASE
Bangkok, 3 February, 2014 Hawaii-based Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality companies in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions, continues to expand its global portfolio of absolute beachfront properties with the announcement today that it has purchased from its partner, Mr. Geoffrey Shaw, the complete shareholding in the ownership company of Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji, and his privately held Castaway Island, Fiji – an iconic “private” island escape accessible only by boat, seaplane or helicopter. The two award-winning resorts combine to offer the perfect Fiji islands holiday experience. The transaction closed on January 31, 2014, for an undisclosed amount and gives Outrigger 100% ownership of Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji.

“This acquisition is consistent with the strategic growth of Outrigger in the Asia-Pacific region,” said David Carey, president and chief executive officer of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “With over 66 years of experience in tropical resort destinations, our full acquisition of these two beautiful, absolute beachfront properties fits perfectly with our expansion strategies. We plan to have Outrigger resorts in the best beachfront locations in the best resort destinations in the Asia-Pacific region,” he added.

Since starting its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region in 2008, Outrigger has grown its global presence to include properties currently open or under development in Australia; Guam; Bali; Phuket and Phi Phi Island, Thailand; Mauritius; Hainan Island, China; and Vietnam.

Mr. Shaw will continue as a consultant to Outrigger. “We have enjoyed a long working relationship with Geoff and look forward to utilizing his expertise as a consultant as Outrigger continues to work with the Fijian community to welcome visitors to the islands,” Mr. Carey said.

Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji
The Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji is located on a 140 hectare (346 acre) piece of beachfront property in the heart of Fiji’s Coral Coast, one hour’s drive from Nadi International Airport. Australian businessman, Geoffrey Shaw, as company owner and developer of the hotel site, selected Outrigger Hotels and Resorts to manage the resort on opening, largely because of the success and values the Outrigger brand brings in operating hotels and resorts in island destinations.

Construction of the resort commenced in late 1998, with Mr.Shaw’s company overseeing the hotel’s development. Outrigger purchased a minority interest during the construction stage and provided extensive technical support throughout the development period. The resort opened on October 1, 2000, and today is branded the Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji.

According to Mr. Carey, Mr. Shaw has been instrumental in the property’s success over the past thirteen years. He obtained the necessary government approvals and community consent to redevelop the site into his vision of a unique Fijian waterfront village, combining individual bungalow ‘bure’ and hotel room accommodations set amongst lush tropical vegetation.The herculean task included moving a portion of the Queen’s Highway, the main road between Nadi and the capital city of Suva, and transplanting 250,000 tropical plants and trees. Today, individual bures set amongst the gardens and beachside along the water’s edge, together with modern low-rise hotel rooms and suites, swimming pools, multiple restaurants and a wide range of recreational facilities, combine with the genuine hospitality of the Fijians to deliver a unique guest experience.

Castaway Island, Fiji
Castaway Island, Fiji is a pristine private island resort located in the heart of Fiji’s Mamanuca Island group approximately 30 kilometres (18 miles) offshore from the main Fijian island of Viti Levu. The island’s 70 hectares (174 acres) are covered in rich tropical rainforest and surrounded by white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and the azure waters of the South Pacific.

Sixty-six spacious bungalow ‘bures’ featuring traditional Fijian style thatched roofs are nestled amongst lush tropical gardens or beachside at the water’s edge. Stylish air conditioned interiors feature natural rattan and local timber furnishings and high vaulted ceilings lined with hand painted ‘tapa’ cloth — each one a unique and individual design. This private island resort, which boasts an annual 44% guest return rate, offers two fresh water swimming pools, four restaurants and bars, a wide range of water sports and activities including PADI scuba diving, surfing, and a renowned kids club.

Operations of both Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island will be overseen by the Outrigger Asia-Pacific team from its regional offices in Phuket, Thailand. “We are excited to have both of these outstanding resorts in our portfolio. The unique and natural service culture of Fiji is a perfect fit for the Outrigger brand,” said Darren Edmonstone, Outrigger managing director, Asia-Pacific.

For more information on Outrigger on the Lagoon * Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji, or to make reservations, visit http://www.outrigger.com or call toll free 800-OUTRIGGER (1-800-688-7444). You can also e-mail reservations@outrigger.com or contact your preferred travel agent.

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Now Open

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Now Open

The Hawaii-based company’s portfolio of beachfront leisure resorts increases its presence across the Pacific, Asia and now the Indian Ocean

The beachfront Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is now open. The Deluxe 181-room, all sea-view resort opened 30 January and is the first in the Indian Ocean belonging to Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, the 66-year old Hawaii-based hospitality company which now has 45 properties open or under development in eight countries.

“The expansion of the Outrigger brand into the Indian Ocean is the latest development showing the strategic commitment of Outrigger to open stunning resorts in desirable and iconic warm water beachfront locations around the world,” said Darren Edmonstone, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts.

“Ownership of the property in Mauritius gives Outrigger the unique opportunity to share the locally-rich sense of place and discovery that guests look for when they go on holiday,” he said. “The wonderful warmth, colour and exotic mixes that characterise Mauritius can now be experienced at the new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa,” he added.

The Republic of Mauritius is located 2,000 kms off the southeast coast of Africa and 1,100 kms from the east coast of Madagascar. In Mauritius the absolute beachfront property has an idyllic location on the southern tip of the island in the Bel Ombre nature reserve, adjacent to the Heritage Golf Club. The new Outrigger resort is surrounded on the landward side by expansive sugar cane plantations.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts purchased the property in May 2013 and have completed an extensive refurbishment program.

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa General Manager, Frederic Chretien, said: “The Outrigger dream for Mauritius has come true. From today we are delivering our acclaimed Outrigger hospitality that blends the needs of the most discerning traveller with the charm and tradition of an early 17th century Mauritian sugar cane plantation on the island’s southern coast.”

Getting to Mauritius from Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa is easy. Direct flights connect Mauritius with Perth, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Paris, London, Dubai, Johannesburg and numerous other cities in Africa.

The new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is a 45-minute drive from the international airport (MRU) and a 90-minute drive from the capital, Port Louis.

Outrigger will host an official grand opening ceremony and celebration at the resort on 18 April this year.

For bookings visit http://www.outriggermauritius.com or email resa.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com

For further information contact Mr. Frederick de Marcy Chelin, the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Director of Sales and Marketing. Email: dosm.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com. Tel: +230 6235000; Mobile: +230 4994275; Skype: frederick.de.marcy.chelin
—
About Outrigger Enterprises Group
Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality companies in the Asia Pacific and Oceania regions and continues to expand its presence throughout the area. A family-owned company with 66 years of hospitality experience, Outrigger runs a highly-successful, multi-branded portfolio of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger® Hotels & Resorts, OHANA® Hotels & Resorts, Embassy Suites®, Holiday Inn® Best Western®, Wyndham Vacation Ownership® and Hilton Grand Vacations. Currently, Outrigger operates and/or has under development 45 properties with approximately 11,000 rooms located in Hawaii; Australia; Guam; Fiji; Bali; Thailand; Mauritius; Vietnam; and Hainan Island, China. Outrigger Enterprises Group also operates and develops hotel properties and hospitality-related retail and real estate opportunities for partners in Hawaii, the Pacific, and Asia. For on-line information, log on at http://www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and http://www.outrigger.com.

HOSTED BUYER REGISTRATION OPENS FOR IBTM AFRICA

HOSTED BUYER REGISTRATION OPENS FOR IBTM AFRICA

The organisers of the IBTM Global Events Portfolio have today announced that Hosted Buyer registration has gone live for IBTM Africa (www.ibtmevents.com/ibtmafrica), which is set to take place in the Cape Town Convention Centre, Cape Town (28-30 April 2014).

The Hosted Buyer Programme will provide meetings industry buyers with the opportunity to meet and do business with a number of suppliers from across the continent, with pre-scheduled appointments being mutually matched ahead of the show.

IBTM Africa will personally select 50 meetings professionals based on their business influence and buying power in the region, each of whom will be international senior decision makers from Europe, Americas, Middle East and Asia Pacific, representing corporations, associations and agencies.

Successful applicants will be able to take advantage of a number of exclusive benefits including a personal diary of approximately 36 business appointments with African & Indian Ocean MICE exhibitors, complimentary 4/5* accommodation and transfers, a substantial contribution towards international flights to Cape Town and access to a number of exclusive networking events.

David Dodgeon, Green Route, who will attend IBTM Africa with a group of qualified international buyers commented, “Trade shows are one of the most effective ways of obtaining and securing new business. We have supported EIBTM, the flagship event of the IBTM Global Events Portfolio since the early days and we are very pleased to be bringing a group of 16 International Buyers to their new show set to launch in Africa.

“Africa provides a perfect meetings industry destination for a number of reasons. The continent offers a huge contrast in terms of culture and history and is well situated in terms of flight routes and global access.”

To find out more about IBTM Africa or to register to attend as a Hosted Buyer please visit www.ibtmevents.com/hosted or email ibtmafrica@reedexpo.co.uk

For press enquiries, please contact:

Cut Communications
Nina Gardiner
Tel: +44 (0) 208 334 4004
Mob: +44 (0)7770 306 689
Email: nina.gardiner@cut-coms.co.uk