The soaring heat of Athens was a fitting backdrop for City Break 2007, the exhibition for the European city break market. The three-day event, 11th–13th June 2007, attracted leading buyers from around the world who are helping to shape the future of the city break holiday market. During the show, held at the Faliro Pavilion, over 3000 appointments were held between buyers and specialist suppliers who ranged from city tourism offices, airlines, city hotels and destination management companies.

As the city break holiday gathers pace, aided by the low cost airlines increasing their routes, Reed Travel Exhibitions are reflecting the changes in our travel patterns and committing their support to Belgrade for 2008’s City Break exhibition. The city of Belgrade will welcome some of the key purchasers and influencers of the short break holiday from the 9th – 11th June 2008.

The show in Athens saw an increase of 7% of floor space occupied and a record attendance of 221 exhibitors all looking to capitalise on the profitable short break market. Buyers from across the world were drawn to the show including delegates from Singapore, China and the United Arab Emirates.

New exhibitors represented at this niche exhibition included: 13 official city tourist offices including Nantes, Reims and Toulouse plus Berlin and Stuttgart. Other new cities included Thessaloniki, Salzburg, Ghent, Pardubice, Gibraltar, San Sebastian, Zaragoza and Bern.

Exhibitor, Dubravaka Micic from the Zagreb Tourist Board said: “We have been surrounded by fantastic opportunities thanks to City Break 2007. We have met some excellent buyers, all of whom were not fully aware of our destination and its possibilities as a short break destination. We have also made some excellent synergies with ancillary suppliers who will be able to help promote Zagreb”.

James Wood, Campaign Manager for the Mersey Partnership who were promoting Liverpool’s status as the European Capital of Culture in 2008 said; “The show has been integral to us in promoting Liverpool as The European Capital of Culture in 2008. The in-bound short break market is key. Hence, meeting buyers from across the globe has been a platform to ensuring our success. The show has been a great springboard that will inevitably help Liverpool and the surrounding areas both financially and in terms of European recognition”.

City Break 2007 was organised in association with the City of Athens and the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Agency, in co-operation with the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organisation.

Mark Walsh, Group Exhibitor Director, said: Judging by the positive response already received on City Break 2007 from both buyers and suppliers, Athens, as Host City, proved to be wise choice. Our Hosts provided a memorable, imaginative and well organised experience for all. We would be delighted to work with Athens again in the future.

Concluding on the feedback from the exhibition, Panagiotis Arkoumaneas, managing director of Athens Tourism and Economic Development Agency said: The success of City Break Expo 2007 in Athens is testament to Athens` ever-increasing standing among Europe`s leading tourist and business travel destinations. We are pleased that Reed Travel Exhibitions chose Athens to host this new expo dedicated to city tourism. There is no doubt that Athens` Post-Olympic reinvention has brought the city and its tourism product to new heights. We welcome the increased visitors travelling to our historic city and subsequent awareness of Athens as one of Europe`s leading destinations. The success of City Break 2007 is certainly a contributing factor.

Source: *ECT REPORT 2000-2005