Representatives from the UK and Ireland confirmed their attendance at the annual EIBTM conference on Nov. 19-21 in Barcelona, Spain. The decision for London & Partners, VisitScotland and Meet in Ireland to attend the show supports its strategic business objectives, which are to extend its global presence and market the UK and Ireland as a key meetings and incentives destination to an international audience.
Various UK meetings and destination companies revealed their strategies for engaging buyers and EIBTM attendees.
London & Partners
“By exhibiting at the show, we aim to promote London as a top business tourism destination, with a focus on corporate, incentive and association events,” said Barbara Jamison, head of business development, Europe, London & Partners. “It provides a platform to promote the new marketing messages of London, namely, its diversity, innovation, value and the legacy of London.
“We are also able to introduce partners to market contacts they do not already have whilst gaining market intelligence and competitor information to formulate our overall market strategy…London is where people can tap into key markets and network with business professionals that are experts in their field.”
VisitScotland
“Scotland is a destination on the move, offering a globally recognized culture that adds splendor, character and humor to any occasion and that is supported by a 250-year heritage in hospitality that creates a welcome so deep rooted in the population’s character that it’s impossible to miss,” said Amanda Henderson, meetings and incentives marketing manager, UK & Europe, VisitScotland. “Combine this with a truly breathtaking landscape, a playground of incentive choices – from outdoor pursuits, cultural explorations, geographical delights and world renowned sport – and with an equally enticing contemporary choice of destinations, attractions, hotels and venues; Scotland is a country ready-made for the ambitious and demanding event business.”
Meet in Ireland
“Meet in Ireland attends EIBTM each year as the show provides another opportunity to promote Ireland as a MICE destination to international buyers particularly those from our key source markets of U.S., UK, France and Germany,” said Keith McCormack, head of business tourism and events, Fáilte Ireland. “Our presence at the show gives our Irish trade partners a platform to showcase their business, and we pass on as many contacts to our partners as we can.
“Meeting new buyers who are considering Ireland as an option for their MICE business enables us, as a destination, to convince these buyers that Ireland is the right choice for their group and also gives us an opportunity to introduce new ideas and product to them. Meet in Ireland’s role is to educate buyers on what Ireland has to offer from a MICE perspective and to advise buyers on the best fit for their meeting, conference or incentive program.”
VisitEngland
“Following a hugely successful Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 and a host of major sporting events on the horizon, including the 2014 British Open, the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the 2017 World Athletics Championships, VisitEngland will be celebrating all things ‘sport’ and showcasing our great event destinations and venues at EIBTM in 2013,” said Simon Gidman, head of business visits and events, VisitEngland. “As the national tourism organization for England, it is our job to encourage international visitors to our country, and given that just over 25% of international spend is by business visitors, this is a very important market for us. A recent report suggests that the UK meetings industry is worth an estimated £58 billion to the UK economy and employs over 530,000 people.
“EIBTM provides us with an excellent platform to showcase England as one of the world’s leading destinations for corporate, incentive and association events. Our key messages are around easy access, excellence in key economic sectors – particularly those in the advanced knowledge sectors such as engineering and life sciences – a diverse range of quality venues and our warm English welcome.”
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