Helsinki to hoist cities show

New dedicated City Break 2006 event reflects importance of fast-growing sector

THE Finnish capital Helsinki will next year host the first-ever show dedicated to the city-break market.

City Break 2006, organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, will take place on June 12-14 at Wanha Satama in the centre of the city.

Around 250 buyers, including city break, cruise and short-break operators, predominantly from Europe, will be invited to attend. The 165 exhibitors expected will include city and regional tourist boards and suppliers of city breaks. Pre-scheduled appointments mean buyers can have one-on-one meetings with up to 36 exhibitors over the two days.

The event is sponsored by European Cities Tourism, which has 95 member cities, and will follow on from the ECT's conference in Helsinki.

City-break travel is one of the fastest growing segments in leisure tourism and interest in the show has been strong, said Reed Travel Exhibitions marketing manager Lindsey Kavanagh.

"There's been a massive increase in the number of European city breaks and the sector doesn't have a dedicated event. Our market research has shown it would greatly benefit the industry," said Kavanagh. "Helsinki is a good choice for the show as it's an increasingly popular city-break destination with a lot to offer."

With exhibitors having six-metre booths, the show will feel more like a workshop than a vast trade fair, with the emphasis on business, she added.

"The show is very focused and will give smaller cities, which might be swallowed up at shows such as World Travel Market, a higher profile. It's not open to the public, it is a business event."

A buyer-meet-supplier session at the Marina Congress Centre on the opening morning will give all suppliers the chance to showcase their product. There will be networking opportunities at gala dinners and lunches.