Dubrovnik presented its tourist and MICE offer at world meetings

The end of November and the beginning of December was very intense in terms of tourist and congress-incentive events in the world and in Croatia. The Convention Bureau of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board thus participated in the USTOA conference from November 28 to December 1 and, at the same time, presented itself at one of the world's most important MICE trade shows - IBTM World in Barcelona. This year's edition of this international trade show was held from November 29 to December 1, and in three days it gathered more than 10,000 participants who held more than 100,000 prearranged business meetings. More than 2,200 exhibiting companies from 150 countries around the world presented themselves to high-quality buyers - hosted buyers from the world of corporations, associations and agencies, which numbered more than 3,500.
IBTM World, after the pandemic editions, was again held in full glory this year along with all the accompanying content. Exceeding all expectations of the organizers, the number of held individual business meetings per participant was higher than in 2019, and their quality is also visible in the numerous agreed collaborations and jobs for 2023 and 2024.

 

Great interest in Dubrovnik as an incentive destination
Croatia also presented its MICE offer led by the Croatian National Tourist Board as the main exhibitor. At the Croatian stand, ten co-exhibitors presented their offer, including the Convention Bureaus of the tourist boards of Dubrovnik, Zagreb and Opatija, the hotel companies Valamar, Liburnia Hotels & Villas, Adriatic Luxury Hotels, AC Split, then the DMC agencies INTOURS and Spektar, and the National Park Plitvice Lakes.
The Dubrovnik Tourist Board – Convention Bureau hosted a total of 43 prearranged meetings. The most interested agents were from Europe - Germany, France, Great Britain and the Netherlands, followed by the USA and South America. Dubrovnik has presented itself as a high-quality meetings destination thanks to its transport connections, quality infrastructure, rich cultural and historical heritage and beautiful nature, top-quality food and wine offerings, and the perception of the destination's safety. Most of the specific inquiries were for Dubrovnik as an incentive destination for events of 50 to 100 participants for the period of 2023, 2024 and beyond.
In addition to prearranged meetings with interested buyers, two group presentations were held every day at the Croatian stand for 10-15 participants who were interested in information about the meetings and incentive offer of Croatia and Dubrovnik, along with a tasting of top Croatian wines and delicacies.

Interactive educational program
In addition to business meetings, as every year, IBTM World included numerous educational contents. In partnership with ACS, IBTM World's Knowledge Program was well attended with interactive lectures and panels focusing on the main theme of the trade show - creating culture in companies, including lectures on networking and partnerships, business, careers, brands and experiences.
During the three days of the trade show, several presentations were devoted to the latest market trends and insights, including a trend report of global meetings and events presented by AMEX. In addition, the annual IBTM World Trends Watch report, presented by its author, Alistair Turner of Eight PR, explored how current world events are shaping business culture, influencing both business events and their attendees.
The new edition of the IBTM World (MICE) trade show in Barcelona will take place from November 28 to 30, 2023.