Kiwi flag flies high at international trade show

Kiwi flag flies high at international trade show

The world’s largest conventions and incentives trade show has seen international delegates showing unprecedented interest in New Zealand as a destination.

“We’re amazed at the high level of interest we attracted in Europe and thrilled so many people are beginning to appreciate how much New Zealand has to offer as a destination for conferences and incentive events,” says Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) chief executive Alan Trotter.

CINZ, along with five of its business partners, flew the flag for New Zealand at the EIBTM in Barcelona, Spain, at the start of this month. The three-day event is the world’s largest expo for the meetings and events industry, attracting more than 3500 buyers and more than 4000 trade visitors.

This year some 90 countries were represented at EIBTM.

“Our stand attracted unprecedented interest, with people particularly interested in Rugby World Cup 2011 and how they could be part of the action,” says Mr Trotter.

“The message is clearly getting through to international buyers that New Zealand makes a great destination for conferences and incentive events and they wanted to take the opportunity offered by EIBTM to find out more about exactly what we can offer.

“If even a small proportion of the enquiries we fielded result in bookings we will be absolutely thrilled. Business tourism is a very important money-earner for this country and it is fantastic to see us more than holding our own in the competitive global market place,” Mr Trotter says.

ENDS

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