Saturday 26th. and Sunday 27th. February 2011 Amsterdam - RAI
Was it wise to expand considerably at the crest, or actually the depth of the economic malaise? We thought so, because cycling and rambling tourism continues to grow; in fact it is the fastest growing sector in tourism. Our expectations turned out to be correct. The last ‘Fiets en Wandelbeurs (Cycling & Rambling Fair) at the end of February this year was a success once again. Despite the expansion to include a third hall, the event was sold out earlier than in the previous year. Visitor numbers also continued to increase and grew by almost 6% to 18,800. In 2011 we are not going to expand. Growth is fine, but it mustn’t be too rapid. The quality of the offering, the programme and the atmosphere are our calling card. So we are careful and protective of our quality and reputation.
The planning for the last Fair was to fit out the extra hall as a dedicated cycling hall. But when the floor plan was being worked out, the demand turned out to be too great to fit everyone in to the hall as intended. A number of exhibitors also expressed their opinion that they did not really like the idea of a separate cycling hall. It was precisely the mixed offering on the exhibition floor that they valued so highly in the ‘Fiets en Wandelbeurs’.
So we have continued along the same lines of the existing layout and only adapted a few of the parts. The offering from the Benelux countries was so large that it had to be divided across two halls (halls 9 and 11). By doing this in adjacent areas, it still formed a nicely connected whole. One new addition was the GPS-pavilion in hall 9 with its large presentation room, workshops and an information market with enthusiastic contributors. This turned out to be a great success and will certainly be repeated at the ‘Fiets en Wandelbeurs’ 2011. Alongside this the presentation of the Theme Country was set out. The combination of specialised exhibitors, an attractive stand of the tourist board in question, enthusiastic cyclists and ramblers who could recount their own experiences, a terrace with regional catering and lively music adding to the congenial atmosphere clearly appealed to the public. So there will certainly be a Theme Country in 2011 as well. The definitive choice of Theme Country will be made known after the summer holidays. Hall 10 will once again be the location in which a great deal of attention will be devoted to rambling and outdoor products. In the last few months we have been hard at work to ensure that we can provide an even better service to visitors. Last year, the exhibitors’ section of the website was given a makeover, now it is the turn of the visitors’ site to be renewed. In a few months time this will also go live with a new look, even better accessibility, and filled to the brim with useful information.
As in previous years the brochure with all of the information and enrolment form will be sent out on September 1st. However, you can already find all the information on our website (www.fietsenwandelbeurs.nl). The enrolment forms are also available there. So you can enrol now.
