Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) today (Wednesday, March 05, 2008) kicked off its participation at this year's ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show, by unveiling a high-profile exhibit within the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) stand. The promotion is part of an extensive campaign to mark ADNEC's first anniversary celebrations and promote the emirate as a top tourism and event destination.

The ITB Berlin exhibition comes only weeks after ADNEC wrapped-up other international exhibits at CONFEX 2008, the UK's leading event for organisers; AIME 2008 in Australia; and UFI Open Seminar in Asia.

"We are gearing up for a very successful participation at this year's ITB.  International events such as this are extremely successful marketing platforms for both ADNEC and Capital Centre. said Simon Horgan, CEO ADNEC.

"The major real-estate and tourism developments ongoing in the emirate have stimulated a lot of international interest in Abu Dhabi as a destination; illustrated by the fact that Abu Dhabi recently posted one of the highest growth rates in the global tourism industry. ITB Berlin, in addition to the other events that we are attending, is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our product to the world," Horgan added.

International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin is the business-to-business platform for the global tourism industry, annually attracting around 180,000 visitors and 10,000 exhibitors from 180 countries. The world's largest tourism convention ‘Market Trends & Innovations' runs concurrently, and provides unique opportunities to benefit from the leading think tank of the global tourism industry. ADNEC will be exhibiting at the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) stand during the exhibition, at Stand 212, Hall 22B.

ITB is ADNEC's final exhibit before this year's Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM) exhibition kicks off, with Reed Travel Exhibitions intensifying its preparations to accommodate an expected record turnout at the second edition of the event, being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from April 08 - 10, 2008.

"The expectations for GIBTM 2008 have been steadily increasing.  We have visibly noticed a year-on-year growth in the MICE industry in Gulf, which is why we are keen to create new opportunities in this sector," said Graeme Barnett, Exhibition Director for GIBTM (Abu Dhabi) and CIBTM (Beijing), Reed Travel Exhibitions -  the world's leading events organiser for the travel industry.

An estimated 1,500 visitors and more than 250 suppliers from the Gulf and abroad are expected to take part in GIBTM 2008, the Gulf's premier meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) forum. The Hosted Buyer Program can be accessed on the website:www.gibtm.travel/hostedbuyers

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For further information please contact:

Nicky Neville-Smith
Marketing & PR Account Manager
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)
Tel: +971 2 4446900
Dir Tel: +971 2 4063275
Fax: +971 2 4446135
Email: nicola.nevillesmith@adnec.ae
Web: http://www.capitalcentre.ae/ & http://www.capitalgate.ae/

Or

Orient Planet, PR & Marketing Communications
P.O. Box 23345, Dubai UAE
Tel: 00 971 4 3988901
Fax: 00 971 4 3988941
Email: info@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com