CIBTM, the meetings industry event in China, is attracting interest from European suppliers, with a number of new exhibitors signing up for this year’s show.

Taking place at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing from 12-14 September, CIBTM has confirmed that Madrid Convention Bureau will be exhibiting for the first time and Flanders, Vienna Convention Bureau, Barcelona Convention Bureau and Switzerland, will all be returning to the show.

The 2011 China and Asia Meetings Industry Research Report identified Europe as an emerging destination and one of the most popular for outbound events from the region, with particular focus on countries including France, UK, Italy, Germany and Spain. The research also found that 48 per cent of respondents from the survey said that the hosted buyers they had seen at the show were interested in placing business in Europe.

Mercedes García, marketing manager at Barcelona's Tourism Convention Bureau, said: “We are delighted to be participating in CIBTM once again, last year’s show delivered for us on all fronts and we achieved a great deal of business leads following our participation. CIBTM continually delivers a great quality audience of hosted buyers and we are looking forward to exhibiting again later this year.”

Jeffrey Xu, Reed Travel Exhibitions, event director CIBTM added: “The China Meetings market is expected to grow significantly in 2012 as the market continues to lead others we expect to see the number of meetings increase. According to the American Express 2011 China Business Travel Barometer, business travel industry sectors are booming in China and there is a great deal of potential for more growth in the travel sector.”