Registrations close on New Deal Europe with record numbers.
Over 3,000 appointments scheduled.
New Deal Europe Marketplace, the only travel trade event dedicated to the entire Balkans region
of Europe, will take place on Monday with record numbers attending. Registrations closed today
with over 200 buyers from 38 countries preparing to meet with 148 suppliers from all 12
countries of the region. Over 3,000 appointments have been scheduled.
‘The event has really captured the imagination of everyone working in tourism in South East Europe’
said Robert Dee, co-founder of the event. ‘We had so many people trying to register last minute
that we had no option but to extend the official deadline by a week. It seems that news of the restart
and the willingness of many destinations to look at vaccinations and testing as a way of opening their
countries to tourism this Summer has really prompted a surge in demand. Romania was one of the
first countries to state that they will accept vaccination proof as a passport to entry, followed by
Greece and this week by Croatia, so interest is high.’
‘The Balkans offers the tourist every type of experience’ added Tine Murn, the event’s other cofounder,
‘and all of this is represented by our delegates. The region might be better known in the UK
as both a lakes and mountains and a seaside destination, but it is gradually emerging as a world
leader in sustainable tourism offerings. The range of activities and authentic experiences you can
find across the 12 countries is mind blowing, and all this just a couple of hours from all major
markets.’
The diversity is also covered at the event by the Forum sessions, which includes presentations
on Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and a new destination for NDE, Moldova. ‘We will also have a
forum session looking at the restart of tourism and where business is likely to come from’ added
Murn. ‘It really will be a very full day’.
Faruk Caluk, from Visit Sarajevo said: ‘We are really delighted for Sarajevo to be participating at
New Deal Europe for the first time. It is the biggest travel trade event in the region and for us it’s very
important to be present here.’
Travel agents internationally have welcomed the event. Micky Dixon of Texas based CCRA
International said ‘It is important for us to meet any way we can and I am thrilled to participate.
When Americans are allowed to travel again, I really want to be able to share new destinations with them
When Americans are allowed to travel again, I really want to be able to share new destinations with them
and the event partners and the countries they represent are exactly what I am looking for.’
Tour operators have also been quick to offer support. Simon Murie Founder of Swimtrek was
one of the first to say ‘Well done on creating this event!’, while Malcolm Lindop, Director of inbound
operator New Concept Travel commented, ‘It’s a really impressive collection of suppliers attending.
Excellent work and delighted to see the Directors of NDE introducing a key event into the travel trade
calendar.’
New Deal Europe is the only travel market platform dedicated to generating business to the Greater Balkan region of Europe.
back