TWO-thirds of the companies which exhibited at last month's Business Travel exhibition in Manchester have re-booked their stands for next year.

The two-day event at G-Mex attracted 1,423 visitors compared with 1,275 in 1999 and 882 in 1998, when the first event was held.

The 2001 show will feature more stands, as seminars will be moved from the main exhibition hall to a purpose-built centre to free additional space.

Paul Robin, of organisers Centaur Exhibitions, said: ''We have witness year-on-year growth and expect that to continue next year with a similar, two-day format.''