Aimed at promoting the Southeast European and Balkans – dubbed ‘the last exotic part of Europe” – and increasing tourism from North America, the New Deal Europe Virtual Marketplace will take place Dec. 12 and 13. Co-funded by the European Union, the event is the largest travel trade event focussed solely on the region.
New Deal Europe’s flagship virtual workshop allows travel planners and product developers to meet businesses from 12 destinations of The Balkans and South-East Europe and acts as a precursor to the travel market platform’s signature annual event, ‘New Deal Europe Marketplace and Forum,’ set to take place in central London on April 16, 2024.
Key to both events’ success are the pre-arranged meetings for participants, with buyers given priority in selection. These B2B meetings, centred around mutual interest, have ensured a consistently positive feedback from participants attending past NDE marketplaces, underlining the relevance of their events for buyers interested in this exciting part of Europe.
Robert Dee, co-founder of New Deal Europe, highlighted that, “On Dec. 12, we focus on exhibitors from Serbia, Montenegro, and Romania as part of the EU-sponsored Essential Balkans project. These destinations epitomize the core of the Balkans. Our sales blitzes in the USA and Canada, coupled with our presence at the USTOA Conference, have revealed enormous interest from the travel trade in the Essential Balkans and the wider region. This part of Europe, we believe, represents the last exotic frontier for North American tourists.”
Tine Murn, another co-founder, adds, “Our conversations with key travel trade personnel show a significant market gap for tourism into the old continent. With the waning interest in Eastern Europe and the Middle East due to conflicts, the Balkan region and Southeast Europe are emerging as attractive alternatives.
“The region offers affordability, safety, and a unique blend of culture, history, gastronomy, and diverse experiences. We’re thrilled to see the growing interest in destinations beyond the well-known spots like Croatia, Greece, and Slovenia. Our virtual event in December will be an excellent opportunity for travel advisors to explore these unique destinations and learn more about what they have to offer.”
New Deal Europe is the only travel market platform dedicated to generating business to Southeast Europe and the Greater Balkan region, which includes Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia.
New Deal Europe is also planning workshops in Western Canada next year.
For information and free registration (for buyers), click HERE.