Michael von Zitzewitz, Chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt, highlighted the importance of Bahrain's geographical location and its impact on increasing the volume of trade fair business in the region at a presentation entitled, "Trade Fair Business in Bahrain - Creating the Future."
Hosted by the Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA) at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIECC), the event was part of the series of initiatives lined up for 2009 and led by BECA Deputy CEO Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen for the destination's Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) sector working group, Team Bahrain.
"Bahrain is always halfway between the global markets of Europe, Far East and Africa with more than 274 million people within 1,300 miles," said Mr. von Zitzewitz.
According to the German executive, 2008 - the ninth year in a row in which Messe Frankfurt has increased its sales - was the most successful financial year in the history of the group.
"The company set a new sales record of €440 million, with foreign sales passing the €100 million mark for the first time ever (€104 million). We conducted excellent shows inside and outside of Frankfurt that increased our revenues," said Mr. Von Zitzewitz who emphasised that the group made significant investments in order to expand Frankfurt's exhibitions infrastructure which have positively impacted on the finances of the company.
In 2008, 42 trade fairs were hosted at Messe Frankfurt with the attendance of over 43,600 exhibitors and some 1.68 million visitors.
Team Bahrain, whose membership is by invitation only, is comprised of more than 40 representatives from the country's business and leisure tourism sectors with significant public/private representation.
It will convene for its next meeting at BIECC on 22nd July 2009 with Mr. Shane Hamman, Reed Travel Exhibitions, UK as the guest speaker.
For more information, visit Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority
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