News

Green on top

GREENER EVENTS, environmentally conscious venues and companies demonstrating higher levels of corporate social responsibility have accelerated during the past year, according to the latest EIBTM Industry Trends & Market Share Report.

Compiled by Rob Davidson, senior lecturer in business travel and tourism at the University of Westminster, the report was presented at December's global meetings and incentive exhibition in Barcelona. Countries and regions enjoying high levels of growth during the last 12 months include the Middle East and China, where the interest was further highlighted by the response shown by exhibitors, hosted buyers and trade visitors in supporting the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings exhibition (GIBTM), in Abu Dhabi, and a similar event (CIBTM) in Beijing, China.

The report found that the past year had witnessed the integration and consolidation of the sector, reducing the number of small firms but enabling a more global approach to the management of meetings and events. It has also expanded the application of best practices worldwide through sharing experiences and this has impacted on the importance placed on procurement and purchasing departments as the industry looks to control costs.