The New Deal Europe Marketplace & Forum 2025, held this week in London, proved to be a resounding success.
This year’s event set new records with over 200 delegates attending. Tourism professionals from all 12 destinations of Southeast Europe with tour operator and travel agent buyers from the UK, Europe, and USA for a day of insightful discussions, valuable networking, and fruitful business meetings.
The B2B marketplace delivered over 1,500 successful meetings, paving the way for increased tourism to the region from markets from around the World.
The official opening was conducted by the author of the best-selling cookery book ‘Balkan Kitchen’, Irina Janakievska. The event included three destinations presentations focused on Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, the Julian Alps and Karst region of Slovenia and a special feature on Moldova, which included a Moldovan wine and food tasting for the international and the representatives of the biggest UK travel trade media.
The forum element of the event, hosted by the European Tourism Association (ETOA) and chaired by Rachel Read, their Director of Insight, opened with some primary research commissioned by New Deal Europe and delivered by statistician David Edwards on visitor spend in the destinations.
The panel debate examined how to increase revenue per tourist, with contributions from Menno van Ijssel of the European Travel Commission, Claire Hanney from The Travel Corporation, Viljam Kvalic from Kompas, the largest DMC in the region, and Tim Hennigan from US luxury agency, The Travel Collaborative. The discussion provided valuable insights and innovative ideas on capitalising on the region’s tourism potential.
“Thanks to the quality of attendees we attract, we have managed to build this event into one of the most well regarded and attended regional B2B events in London,” New Deal Europe co-founder, Tine Murn, said. “The positive feedback from participants at this year’s event has been overwhelming. We know for sure that many new programs to the region were established based on meetings that happened at our past events, and it is clear that the connections made here this week will greatly benefit tourism development in the Southeast Europe region in the future.”
“The New Deal Europe network event is an invaluable opportunity to connect with many of our Balkan partners, all under one roof,” Regent Holidays UK managing director, Andrea Godfrey, said. “I particularly appreciate how the event balances meetings with great destination presentations, plus plenty of time to network over coffee breaks and lunch. It’s all seamlessly held together by NDE’s fantastic organisation, destination knowledge, and sense of humour – making it a standout event.”
“Attending the New Deal Europe Marketplace and Forum in London was a great opportunity to connect with partners and explore the immense potential of the Balkans and Southeast Europe as a travel destination,” The Travel Department Ireland’s Dea Banic, said. “I connected with many amazing suppliers, and, as a result, I look forward to collaborating with new partners as well as expanding our offerings in the area.”
“I had the pleasure to be invited to attend New Deal Europe show in London,” G Adventures’ David Lutz, said. “For me this is the seminal event bringing together the movers and shakers of the Balkan region. Super productive meetings, insightful forums. Thank you for bringing us all together to grow this amazing region.”
New Deal Europe has also announced that next year’s Marketplace & Forum will take place on 24 March at Emirates Stadium in London. Building on the success of this year’s event, New Deal Europe are looking forward to creating even more opportunities for business and collaboration in the tourism sector of Southeast Europe and the Balkans.
“New Deal Europe brings great value to us with its well-curated selection of buyers,” Bohemia Travel’s Dr. Bayko Boykov, said. “Looking ahead, we plan to bring more delegates from our company to make the most of the numerous meetings and opportunities that this valuable event offers.”
