THE RESULTS ARE IN…
A look into this year’s New Deal Europe survey results from buyers and suppliers representing the Balkans and South East Europe.
Following the annual New Deal Europe Marketplace & Forum, held in London at the end of March, we asked this year’s attendees to answer some questions based on this year’s event.
To ensure New Deal Europe can meet the expectations of global buyers, some travelling from as far as North America and the Far East, and suppliers representing the Balkans and South East Europe, the results of this survey will be used to direct next year’s event on the 24th March.
Participants in the questionnaire were made up of 60% buyers and 40% suppliers.
When asked how they would rate the quality of this year’s suppliers and buyers on a scale of 1–10, 80% of them voted above a 7, with the majority voting 9 or 10. One buyer commented “well organised event with friendly people and excellent communication, this was exactly what I needed to vet suppliers and find the best experiences for my clients”.
In spite of interruptions to airline services at Heathrow Airport on the day of the event, which resulted in some last minute cancellations from attendees, it did not appear to have an impact on the value of the meetings. Almost all participants ranked the meeting system a full score of 10/10 (very easy to use).
The data shows that although the quality of suppliers were ranked particularly high this year, the ratio of buyers to suppliers meant some buyers felt they needed more time with suppliers, a key takeaway that should be remedied next year, as supplier numbers will be even bigger.
This year New Deal Europe hosted three Destinations Presentations;
- Julian Alps & Karst-Carso, Slovenia
- Moldova: Unexpectedly Cosy & Visit Chisinau
- Zagreb: Capital of Croatia
All presentations were reviewed extremely positively with consistent high ranking from participants across all three. Buyers felt the presentations were insightful and inspiring and scheduled efficiently to ensure a “professional yet relaxed environment”. The presentation aspect of the event is a chance to spotlight suppliers and provide an authentic look into destinations from the people who call them home. It is particularly fulfilling to read “The New Deal Europe team are doing a tremendous job of promoting the Balkans region and giving the UK market access to key local providers. A very effective business event and a very enjoyable occasion”
The Forum explored how destinations can generate more revenue per tourist.
The findings of this year’s forum discussion in association with the European Tourism Association (ETOA) were explored in our most recent blog post. We asked attendees how useful they found this year’s discussion. Around 30% of attendees did not feel the subject of the forum was of use to them. However, given that the topic was particularly useful to suppliers, who made up less of the overall percentage of attendees, it is positive to see that 70% found it useful. Forum topics are decided in collaboration with our partners based on current trends and real market insight.
If you are reading this and have a suggestion on what you feel needs to be explored deeper, please leave a comment, we would love to know what you think.
To conclude the survey, all participants were asked if they would be willing to return to the New Deal Europe Marketplace & Forum. A staggering 93% said they would be returning. A fantastic result leaving the team satisfied and motivated to deliver an even bigger event for 2026.
In the final remarks of this year’s event it was announced that New Deal Europe Marketplace & Forum 2026 would be held at Emirates Stadium, home of the famous Arsenal Football Club. This development is the result of a growing number of attendees each year. When asked what they thought of the change in venue, almost 80% of participants were in favour of a change in venue, having recognised the growing awareness of the event and the interest in the regions as tourism destinations, therefore calling for a bigger venue.
Unfortunately one participant was clearly not happy about this change, having ranked a sad number ‘1’. One can only assume they’re a Spurs fan.
