On Friday 15th September VB Brussels staged its ninth edition of "Meet the Belgian Trade" attracting some 30 key Belgian travel trade companies, who came to do instant business with our British partners.  All key Belgian tour operators, niche operators and agencies were present for what proved to be a most productive and interesting event.  

The following day our brand new "Teachers' Workshop" attracted over 70 teachers (mainly teachers of English), who organise yearly school trips to meet our British partners. Many participants commented on the success of the event and as a first attempt we are extremely pleased with the results. We look forward to improving the range of regions represented and the number of teachers involved.

Holding these two events back-to-back certainly optimised both travel time and costs for our British partners who promised to come back next year.

Global Insights estimates that there were 16.7 million outbound overnight trips from Belgium in 2004 - an 18% increase on the previous year.  This is forecast to increase to 19 million by 2010.  The UK currently accounts for 6.6% of outbound trips from Belgium.  

Meet the Trade & Meet the Teachers is one of many opportunities for you to reach this market.  For information and advice on other marketing opportunities targeting Belgium, please contact Kevin Jones, T: 020 8563 3212, E: kevin.jones@visitbritain.org.

Date: 25.09.06