The fifth edition of the MEETEX - Croatian Meeting Experience Summit was successfully completed, where almost 2,000 meetings were held between around 50 Croatian exhibitors and more than 60 international hosted buyers from 17 countries around the world. Of these, 1,200 were prearranged meetings, and the rest were held during breaks reserved for mingling, at social events and fam trips. The working part of the Croatian MICE trade show was held from March 28 to 30, at The Westin Hotel in Zagreb. At the beginning of the event, the director of MEETEX, Adem Braco Suljić and the president of the Croatian Meeting Professionals Association (CMPA) Ranko Filipović, greeted everyone on behalf of the organizers, wishing everyone many fruitful business meetings, new events in Croatia and long-term partnerships. Slavko Štefičar, director of the Directorate for Sustainable Development and Competitiveness of Tourist Destinations at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, addressed the exhibitors and buyers. The program was led by the well-known international moderator of congress events, Peter Hopwood, public speaking expert and consultant, presenter and TEDx speaker. He also gave a short inspiring presentation on how storytelling can contribute to interactivity, engagement and the connection of event participants.
Dubrovnik is world famous - buyer interest in the organization of corporate events and incentives
During these three days, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board – Convention Bureau presented an interesting and comprehensive Dubrovnik congress-incentive offer. More than 25 meetings were held with clients from Germany, France, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Great Britain, USA and Canada. The largest number of inquiries was for the organization of corporate events and travel incentives for large international companies.
Most of the hosted buyers participated in MEETEX for the first time and are just getting to know the Croatian MICE offer, but almost all of them have already heard of Dubrovnik. That Dubrovnik has a good reputation in the meetings world was confirmed by Mr. Yun (Benny) Wang, director of the event organization company Uuguru Travel China from London, who said that Dubrovnik is "a small city with a big name". He added that they are considering Dubrovnik for a three-day event in October 2023 for 150 people. "Dubrovnik is recognized as one of the most sought-after destinations in the field of luxury travel, and that's why I've already heard a lot about it. Most often, I organize high-end luxury trips for the Chinese market. I heard about Dubrovnik at major world events such as ILTM in Cannes, where I learned that it has interesting and unique boutique hotels, historical villas, etc.
It's my first time at MEETEX, and after 20 years of experience in this industry and visiting numerous trade fairs, I can say that MEETEX has two advantages. The first is that it is small, but in the best sense of the word - it feels intimate and you can talk to most of the exhibitors, as well as other customers. Another advantage is that it is focused only on Croatia and business trips, so it is very specific in the business sense."
Sandrine Lelong Villemin, founder and director of COULEURS VOYAGES & Events from Nancy, France, pointed out: "This is my first time in Croatia and at MEETEX, and I am very pleased to be able to meet most of the Croatian suppliers this way. You cannot meet so many Croatian hotels and DMC agencies at major world fairs. We have plans for MICE groups in Dubrovnik during 2024, so this was a great opportunity for me to get to know the MICE offer of the city at meetings, as well as on a fam trip, so that I could convey it to clients as best as possible."
Post-MEETEX fam trip in Dubrovnik delighted clients from Austria and France
After the business part of the trade show, part of the international buyers continued their research on Croatia and its congress-incentive offer on organized post-MEETEX study trips to Dubrovnik and Kvarner. The Dubrovnik Tourist Board – Convention Bureau thus hosted 5 buyers from Austria and France. They stayed at the Rixos Premium Dubrovnik hotel, where they also had the opportunity to get to know its meeting facilities.
On the first day, they visited the impressive galleon Karaka, where they heard the story of the famous captain of the Republic of Dubrovnik, Miho Pracat. They were also surprised by the vocal group Kaše klapa, who completed the experience with harmonious song. This was followed by an evening meal in the famous Posat restaurant in Dubrovnik.
The second day was reserved for visiting the historical part of the city and the most impressive historical sites where various types of events can be held. They visited the Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik, the Revelin Fortress and the Lazareti, and by walking along the Stradun through the very centre of the city they also experienced the Sponza Palace, the Rector’s Palace, the Marin Držić Theatre and the Franciscan Monastery. The event "Dubrovnik Flower Market" was in progress, so the guests visited the flower fair as well. This was followed by a visit to the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik hotel, where they learned about its meeting facilities. After refreshments and a short rest, the guests went to Ston to become acquainted with its centuries-old walls and salt pan, and probably the most attractive part of the visit to Dubrovnik, which really delighted the guests, a boat trip to the Mali Ston oyster farm Bota Šare. There they had the opportunity to taste fresh oysters, which are at their juiciest at this time of year. In addition, they rewarded their taste buds with a homemade mixed seafood “Buzara” a traditional Croatian way of seafood by cooking it in a mixture of olive oil, wine, garlic and fresh herbs. At the end of this inspiring day, they visited one of the largest hotel and meeting venue in Dubrovnik, the Dubrovnik Sun Gardens. Before leaving, on the third day of the fam trip, the guests also visited the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel.
We believe that international buyers of the MICE world left MEETEX and Dubrovnik full of positive impressions, ready to offer their clients new, unique ideas for organizing unforgettable events in Dubrovnik.