The business travel, meetings and events industry continues
to evolve, and 2013 will likely reflect some significant shifts that will
influence where, when and how we meet in the future.
Even though the economy has been sluggish for the industry
2013 looks promising. Overall spending
on business trips is predicted to grow 5.1% in 2013 and Group travel also on
increase by as much as 6%, as more will be attending conventions and industry events.
So where are the up and coming locations for business events? London, Shanghai and the Riviera Maya
(Mexico) are likely to be top destinations for business meetings in their
regions, according to the 2013 Global Meetings Forecast by American
Express Meetings & Events. London should gain greater longer-term
visibility by leveraging its Olympics legacy status to attract other major
events and programs, starting this fall when Olympic Park will become available
for private events. Other destinations that made the list include Las Vegas, Barcelona,
Singapore and San Juan (Puerto Rico). Barcelona’s moderate winter
climate and dedication to hospitality will always attract business travelers.
And Singapore consistently appears as one of the top cities for international
meetings, having a reputation for a high concentration of business and leisure
activities. Other destinations on Business Travel Destinations’ watch list
include (but are not limited to) Berlin, Madrid, Mexico City, New York
City and Thailand.
Destination management companies (DMC) have grown from the
ranks of ground transportation into their reputations today for serving as
destination event experts, known for their ability to create unique experiences
at unique venues. With the volume of destination information today, many
meeting planners expect this, but are also requiring greater involvement from
the DMCs they hire.
Business meetings and events will contribute to the growth
of travel industry jobs.
Travel and tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, supporting 255 million jobs and generating 9% of the world’s GDP, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Travel will to continue to expand annually between now and 2021.
Travel and tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, supporting 255 million jobs and generating 9% of the world’s GDP, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Travel will to continue to expand annually between now and 2021.
Business travelers and meeting professionals will play a key
role in that growth. In doing so the industry will gain greater recognition for
its favorable economic impact on local communities and countries around the
world.
AIBTM Chicago being held June 11-13 is for you to connect
with many of the DMC’s and international suppliers to take you meetings and
events to the next level. Visit their Website at www.aibtm.com
for more details.
Join me next month as we discuss ~ What are the shifts in
the Meetings Industry!
For additional tips and trends on creating impactful and profitable
events, please connect with Ellegant Affairs by Juanita online on twitter @EllegantAffairs, LinkedIn, Facebook, and of
course on I-Meet.
Blog post sponsored in part by:
*AIBTM Chicago - June 11-13, 2013*
Join i-Meet at AIBTM as a Hosted Buyer in Chicago (June
11-13). Start your application today: http://www.i-meet.info/aibtm
