A trade event dedicated to southeast Europe will be bigger than ever when its seventh edition takes place in London in March.
The New Deal Europe Marketplace and Forum has secured more supplier spaces than last year, which generated a record attendance, for its return to Congress Centre on March 25.
Robert Dee, founder and director of New Deal Europe, said: “The New Deal Europe Marketplace and Forum is now a key event in the travel industry calendar. Buyers, media, and stakeholders recognise its value and we are thrilled to see the event growing year after year.”
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The event, which was launched during the pandemic in a virtual format, covers destinations from the Alps to the Aegean, with increasing numbers of tour operators and travel agents from the UK, Europe and the Americas taking part.
Last year, it attracted more than 90 buyers and 65 supplier companies – a 30% increase on the previous year. Organisers expect similar growth at the 2025 edition.
Dee described southeastern destinations as among the “hottest” in Europe at the moment based on spikes in interest and visitors numbers.
Albania welcomed over 10 million visitors for the first time last year, New Deal Europe noted, while Slovenia exceeded pre-pandemic levels in 2023, when visitors grew by 2% compared with 2019.
Slovenia, Croatia, and Albania have consistently been among the most represented destinations at the New Deal Europe Marketplace and Forum.
Tine Murn, co-founder of New Deal Europe, said promoting long-term, responsible tourism was key.
“We want to help destinations grow sustainably, focusing on quality over quantity, supporting local communities, and preserving natural and cultural heritage,” he added.
Albania stock image. Credit: Shutterstock/Andrew Mayovskyy