As EIBTM 2007 drew to a close in Barcelona last week, the shows organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions announced that it had seen a record-breaking 6,900 visitors and hosted buyers (subject to ABC audit) come through its doors over the three days. This represents an increase of over 20% compared to last year's show.

Feedback from the show floor had been hugely positive, particularly about the quality of buyers, the number of appointments and the business generated. The networking events held alongside the event were well attended, including over 2,000 people enjoying the Welcome Party on Tuesday.

Paul Kennedy, MBE, group exhibition director at Reed Travel Exhibitions, said: “Our success is reflected in the comments and testimonials of our exhibitors, visitors and hosted buyers. To see the number of business appointments already planned prior to the event hitting a record of 41,500+ we knew that this year´s show was set to be very busy, but we could not have predicted the huge increase in business opportunities for everyone with more than 6,900 people attending over the three days. We can also report that in many of the seminars we reached full capacity and attendance was over and above our expectations. Finally, we have also been overwhelmed by the number of exhibitors re-booking onsite for 2008 – it doesn´t get much better than this.”