Expect to see a range of new product and destinations when AIME 2006, the AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo opens 6 & 7 June at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

With less than a month to go, over 150 new exhibitors have taken stands with more enquires being processed daily.

Rosemarie Sama, AIME Event Director, says the interest received from first time exhibitors to AIME 2006 has been extremely positive.

“AIME’s reputation as the region’s most important event for the business events industry continues to grow. The success of AIME 2005 as well as a strong start to the year for the business events industry has undoubtedly increased interest from new exhibitors,” she said.

New exhibitors come from over 25 different countries including: Argentina, Australia, Chile, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea South, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Russian Federation, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.

Maui Visitors Bureau has experienced increased growth in Australian visitors in 2005. Visitors to AIME will find out why the island was named “Best Island in the World” for the 12^th consecutive year in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

Singapore Zoo and Night Safari will show its range of ‘wild’ dining experiences, with special animal appearances such as the elephant, python and orang utan and performances from fire-eaters, tribal dancers and musicians. 

Vidotour Indochina Travel recently managed corporate and group events for Coca-Cola, Philips and Fuji. As the country continues to grow at an astonishing rate with an increasing number of high quality international standard hotels and resorts, Vidotour are ideally placed to provide innovative and rewarding MICE programs.

Ever wanted to see the Great Wall of China or the home of Confucius? Visit the China CYTS Business Travel International stand to see why the company brings in 680,000 tourists annually.

Stay at the four star deluxe Hoi An Pacific Hotel and explore one destination with two world cultural heritages: Hoi An Town and My Son sanctuary, Vietnam. 

The Philippines stand will showcase various venues including the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) and the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

Visit London will demonstrate why London was chosen as the host for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games; chosen for the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in 2007 and chosen as the world’s leading destination at the World Travel Awards in 2005.

Event Venues Rotorua will update visitors on the construction of the $25 million multi-purpose exhibition and conference venue Energy Events Centre. The state-of-the-art centre, due to open for business in early 2007, will be one of the largest specialist convention and exhibition facilities in New Zealand.

Visitors to the Australian Conference and Events Bureau (ACEB) stand could be in the running for a great prize from Sofitel. Launched in January, ACEB is an alliance of events, meetings, exhibition and incentive companies. Originally formed in Queensland, the alliance now has partners in all Australian states, New Zealand and FIJI.

Kuranda Scenic Railway (KSR) will introduce you to its new luxury, personalized, touring experience for the discerning traveler, commencing in June. Almost 150 years since the first trains traversed the Barron Gorge through spectacular World Heritage rainforest, a new and exclusive class of travel has been born - KSR Gold Class.

The Great Corporate Race from The Solution Network Australia is a great team building activity that also raises money to help eradicate youth homelessness. Contestants on the Great Corporate Race travel through venues on the Sunshine Coast from Australia Zoo and Underwater World to Aussie World and The Big Kart Track.

Jungle Tours (owned by the CaPTA Group) operates out of Cairns and Port Douglas and specializes in day and extended tours to the World Heritage areas of Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Wilderness.

The recently opened, Q1 Resort and Spa on Australia’s Gold Coast will showcase its unique event space - the Skylight Room on level 78 which is part of the two level beachside observation deck, and the only one of its kind in Australia.

For an action packed incentive why not try sport fishing? Angling Adventures can take you on a fishing trip of a lifetime anywhere from Canada to Alaska to Egypt. Angling Adventures specialise in remote and exotic fishing locations worldwide.

It’s important to move delegates in style and quality vehicles are a must. Visit Down Under Tours to hear about their brand new fleet of vehicles in both Cairns and Alice Springs.

HARPS Marketing, a one stop shop when selling and gaining recognition into the business tourism market, will be at AIME with 3 co-exhibitors Coral Sea Resort, Pinnacles and Kooralbyn Resort. HARPS Marketing will also represent Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, situated in the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest and The Spire Queenstown.

Rapidly approaching its first birthday, The Spire Queenstown is celebrating its debut on two of the world’s most influential lists, the Conde Nast Traveller Hot List and the UK’s Tatler 101 Best Hotels in the World list.

AIME 2006, 14^th AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, will be held on 6 & 7 June at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. To register for seminars, to visit the show, or apply to be a Hosted Buyer visit the website.