MICEtalk

Rs. 100

A DDP Publication 64 Pages

Vo lu me I I I

Issue 5

May 2012

Meetings in Barcelona Business & Pleasure in Kashmir

Legend Golf & Safari Resort South Africa

MICE in the Hawai’i Islands

Meetings U Incentives U Conferences U Events

Durga Das Publications Private Limited New Delhi : 72, Todarmal Road, New Delhi 110001, India Tel: +91-11-23731971, 23710793, 23716318, Fax: +91-11-23351503 E-mail: micetalk@ddppl.com Mumbai: 504 Marine Chambers, 43 New Marine Lines, Mumbai 400 020 Tel: +91-22-22070129, 22070130 Fax: +91-22-22070131 E-mail: mumbai@ddppl.com UAE: P.O. Box: 9348, Sharjah, UAE Tel: +971-6-5573508, Fax: +971-6-5573509 E-mail: uae@ddppl.com All information in MICEtalk is derived from sources, which we consider reliable. Information is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The contents of this publication contain views of authors and are not the views of Durga Das Publications.

Similarly, opinions/views expressed by any party in abstract and/ or in interviews are not necessarily shared/do not necessarily reflect any opinion of Durga Das Publications. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Material appearing in MICEtalk cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission. The same rule applies when there is a copyright or the article is taken from another publication.

Publications reproducing material either in part or in whole, without permission would face legal action.

Mercet Santa Caterina, a must explore option for visitors to Barcelona Publisher

SanJeet

Editorial Director

Rupali Narasimhan

Editor

Deepa Sethi

DELHI: Associate Editor

Ipshita Sengupta Nag

Editorial enquiries and enquiries concerning the reproduction of articles should be emailed to ipshita@ddppl.com, advertising and circulation enquiries should be e-mailed to gunjan@ddppl.com

Desk Editor

Neelam Singh

Sub Editor

Divya Goyal

The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning unsolicited material nor is he responsible for material lost or damaged in transit. Any material submitted to MICEtalk will not be returned.

The publisher reserves the rights to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian Advertisements Code as well as the Advertisements Code of South Asia. The publisher will not be liable for any damage or loss caused by the late publication, error or failure or advertisement or editorial to appear.

Design

Alpana Khare Neeraj Aggarwal Neeraj Nath

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MICEtalk is printed, published and owned by SanJeet, 72, Todarmal Road, New Delhi -110001 and is printed at Cirrus Graphics Pvt. Ltd. B-62/14, Phase-II, Naraina Industrial Area, New Delhi - 110 028

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MICEtalk May 2012

5

pg 23

pg 21

pg 38 pg 41

contents 8

Facts

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Cover Story AIME 2012, Melbourne

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Destination Hawai’i Islands

32

MICE City Barcelona, Catalonia

40

Domestic MICE Kashmir

46

Sample This Legend Golf and Safari Resort South Africa

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Expert Talk Marriott International

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Corporate Choice Eaton Smart, T3, IGI Airport

59

People on the Move

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Yours Officially Karen Bollinger, CEO Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau

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Events

pg 48

pg 56

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MICEtalk May 2012

reader’s page Dear Reader, Business is slow in the summer months; it’s also holiday time at schools and colleges. Everyone wants to get away and beat the heat. It’s the best time to mix business and pleasure and organise a great brainstorming meeting, or a motivational get-together, which then extends into a family holiday for all participants.

This is why hotels and convention centres always plan side events for the spouse and kids. Summer, which used to be considered low season has suddenly picked up, with special packages and deals being offered to lure the customer with attractive offers to detoxify and rejuvenate the body, with water activities and treks into the mountains.

to the editor...

Thanks to you and your team for a very nice report on Estonia at www.micetalk.com

Kadri Karu Managing Director Estonian Convention Bureau

Hawai’i, Barcelona, South Africa, Australia and closer to home, Kashmir, are some of the destinations we have written about with details to make your visit more informed, giving you the possibility of finding places and the right things to do. Other regular sections concentrate on hotels and conference centres and personalities who have the experience to advise and recommend.

We wish you a cool summer!

Deepa Sethi Editor

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facts

facts facts Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre upgrades its audio-visual equipment standard The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), Queensland, Australia, has upgraded its inhouse audio-visual equipment and is now going to have a giant screen, which measures 27m wide by 5.5m high. It is fed by three Barco HDX W14 high definition projectors. For the giant screen, 3 individual projector images are blended, using the Encore system, to create a single, crystal-clear image. This addition is expected to bring out a dramatic change in the event experience for visitors.

The Centre has also added a smaller 16m wide by 5.5m high screen to its range of AV equipment. Both these screens will be available to use in the GCCEC’s Arena and Halls in various room configurations. The GCCEC is preparing to launch its inhouse AV from July 1, 2012.

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facts

IAPCO 2013 Website Launched The official website for the International Association of Professional Conference Organisers (IAPCO) 2013 Annual Meeting and General Assembly has been launched and can be found at www.iapco2013.ie. The website will act as a hub for announcements, social media activities and discussions between IAPCO members and delegates.

The IAPCO Annual Meeting is taking place in Dublin on 14 – 17 February 2013 and will explore how today’s PCO has to rethink old strategies and create a progressive, forward-looking industry that can realise its customers’ vision for their meetings.

The IAPCO 2013 programme will include visits to some of Ireland’s major meeting facilities, including the state-of-the-art Convention Centre Dublin, the Aviva Stadium and the Guinness Storehouse. The meeting will also see the gala dinner hosted in Number Six, one of Ireland’s prestigious addresses and home to the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland.

IAPCO 2013 will take place in The Westbury Hotel, one of Dublin’s premier meeting establishments and will draw from more than 100 members of the association based in 35 countries.

IAPCO says meetings’ numbers fell in 2011 According to the new figures released by the IIAPCO, there was a downturn in overall attendees for 2011. The total number of participants managed by IAPCO members during 2011 increased from nearly 2,250,000 to more than 2,285,000. However, when comparing the equivalent 2010 and 2011 returns, excluding the new members and growth in membership, the figures show that there was a 4.49 per cent drop, with the total number of participants less than 2,219,000 compared to 2,245,994 in 2010. IAPCO cites the global economic climate for the fall and says it is far less than might have been expected.

Comparing with like, the number of corporate meetings organised fell by 8.45 per cent, the number of association meetings rose by 3.72 per cent and governmental meetings increased by a 22.69 per cent. The IAPCO survey also shows a continuing fall in attendance size - from 486 participants per event in 2006 to 345 in 2011. Taking the total number of meetings managed by IAPCO members during 2011 and utilising the same benchmark figure of EUR1,620 spend per participant, the economic impact of the 6621 meetings organised represents some EUR3.71 billion to local economies, and has grown year-on-year.

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facts

Scandinavian Countries create world’s 1st Sustainable Meetings Region Convention bureaus, destination marketing organisations, venues and agencies from the five Scandinavian member countries, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) got into an agreement to create the world´s first sustainable meetings region.

This agreement was signed at the annual meeting of the ICCA Scandinavian Chapter in Tampere, Finland, and outlines 10 specific actions that all the signatories must commit to bring about sustainable development in the meetings and events industry.

Erika Eischer, Head of Congress Department, Tampere Hall and Chair of the ICCA Scandinavian Chapter, comments, “Our clients are concerned about the ethical, social and environmental performance of their suppliers.

We need to make it easier for our clients to organise a sustainable meeting in our destinations. As a first step, convention bureaus, congress centres and other meetings industry professionals from Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Denmark have agreed on a common set of indicators that we can all use to benchmark and transparently communicate our performance and progress.”

Over the next six months, the Scandinavian ICCA Chapter will expand the number of signatories to the Accord by reaching out to business leaders across the Scandinavian countries. They will encourage others to join their commitment to measure and improve environmental impacts.

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facts

Puerto Rico CVB Launches ‘Soar & Stay’ Giveaway The Puerto Rico Convention Bureau has launched ‘Soar and Stay Giveaway’, a new booking incentive for groups choosing Puerto Rico for their meeting or convention. This invites groups to ‘take-off’ to Puerto Rico with one free flight for every one-hundred booked room nights.

The promotion is available to groups with a minimum of 200 room night bookings and is offered to new groups booking between now and December 21st, 2012.

The maximum rebate for air credit is $1000.00 per air ticket. A maximum of 10 tickets with a maximum value of up to $10,000 per booking will be reimbursed. Air rebate will be awarded based upon consumed room nights. If consumed room nights fall below 200 room nights minimum, the group will no longer qualify for the Soar and Stay Giveaway promotion. All billing must be issued by a Puerto Rico Convention Bureau hotel member for the cash rebate sponsorship to be disbursed.

For each hotel property, all dates are subject to availability of rooms and the terms and conditions will vary according to each member hotel property.

The Philippines relaxes visa norms for visitors Promoting the idea that, “It is more fun in the Philippines” the government has announced that tourists from 166 countries can now avail the expanded 30-day free visa upon arrival and six months for retirees.

Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez said this in a speech before the General Membership Meeting of the Makati Business Club that the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration have issued circular to extend the free visa upon arrival to 166 countries, from 21 days to 30 days. Retirees to enjoy six month free visa upon arrival.

“This is to show that the Philippines is more fun no matter what age you are,” Jimenez added. Jimenez also reported that the National Tourism Plan has just been finalised and this should be soon ready for President Aquino’s approval.

The National Tourism Plan, which identifies all tourism programmes until 2016, includes 21 clusters for development around the country placed under a digital catalog. The program also identifies 9 tourism product categories. These are nature; culture; sand and beach; cruise; meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions; health and wellness; marine, entertainment; and education.

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facts

Best Book in The World For Food Professionals Richmond Lim, the Executive Chef of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre recently found a reason to celebrate as his book, The Stainless Steel Kitchen, emerged at the top out of 71 finalists to walk away with the ‘Best Book in the World for Food Professionals’, title at the ‘Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2011’ held in Paris, France, recently. The book is a detailed guide for professionals in the culinary industry and provides innovative ideas to deal with challenges in banqueting encountered by chefs all over the world.

Chef Richmond represented Malaysia at the ‘Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2012’ after The Stainless Steel Kitchen took the ‘Best Book for Food Professionals in Malaysia’ title. The annual ‘Gourmand Best in the World Awards’ see winners from each country compete against other worldwide winners in the same category for the coveted ‘Best in the World’ title.

Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts launches website to assist MICE Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts (‘Starwood’), a leader in the hospitality and meetings industry, has launched StarwoodMeetings.com – a new simple, engaging and intuitive website that makes it easy to research meetings at more than 1,000 Starwood properties worldwide and provides information on the respective properties and key information on Starwood’s brands. Meeting planners now have full property details complete with hotel features, integrated maps with points of interest, photos and floor plans, on-site meeting services, a Compare View tool to compare hotels, special offers, and meeting management tools on an easy to navigate site. The new site also includes information on signature services including Starwood Preferred Planner, Starwood Convention Collection, On-Site Specialty Events, and Starwood’s sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.

The website has been developed together with Starwood’s Asia-Pacific MICE Advisory Board – a group comprising influential industry leaders who provide Starwood with guidance and insight into the important MICE segment.

Kyoto welcomes new member Kyoto Convention Bureau has welcomed the Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort as its newest member. As a member, the Funatsuru will contribute their support through involvement in convention events in the Kyoto region. The Funatsuru is a high class restaurant and inn, which dates back to 1870 and has recently been reopened.

It offers three main event spaces which can accommodate a variety of events, with a capacity of 24 to 200 guests.

The Kyoto Convention Bureau works to promote and support meetings, conferences, incentives and other events in Kyoto, one of Japan’s leading business destinations. It offers a mix of modern facilities and cultural attractions which is unrivalled by other business destinations.

Kyoto is consistently ranked as Japan’s second most popular city for meetings, conferences and events and offers a range of modern meeting facilities, unrivalled international access, low-cost high-quality service, special venues, and plethora of sightseeing and cultural attractions.

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facts

IT&CM India delegates will also gain access to ICPB’s Conventions India Conclave (CIC) 2012 IT&CM India, which is being in collaboration with India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB), with the bureau being the event’s endorsing association. Hence, IT&CM India delegates will also gain access to ICPB’s Conventions India Conclave (CIC) that features educational sessions on industry topics focussing on doing business in India.

For the uninitiated, IT&CM India is an international MICE business, education and networking event that advances opportunities of ‘Promoting India to the World and the World to India’. It is the first in the IT&CM series of events that also offers international and leading India exhibitors and buyers in the industry a dedicated avenue to showcase and procure luxury travel.

IT&CM India promises to deliver an equal mix of international and Indian delegates across exhibitors, buyers and media categories. This promotes business opportunities on all fronts – inbound, outbound and domestic. This first IT&CM India is expected to field some 300 exhibiting companies and an equal number of buyers.

Moreover, IT&CM India will adopt the proven IT&CM programme formula of business, education and networking.

Industry professionals already familiar with the IT&CM concept can however expect a couple of added features to this latest event.

facts

Pullman debuts in India with Pullman Gurgaon Central Park The Accor group opened its first Pullman property in India with the Pullman Gurgaon Central Park. Recognised as an upscale brand the world over, this new Pullman property is a delightful amalgamation of comfortable accommodation, modern art, culinary innovation and warm hospitality. Also, it is ideally located in the corporate satellite of Gurgaon.

Pullman Gurgaon Central Park is also looking at wooing MICE travellers, with 17,000 sq ft state-of-the-art meeting space; 9 meeting spaces to the Connectivity Lounge and Chill Out zone. Phoenix ballroom and wedding pavilion give the groups plenty of choice. Recognising the fast growth and demands of this niche business, this new Pullman Gurgaon property provides a wide range of customised services.

This new offering of the Accor group, will offer a dedicated events manager and a dedicated IT solutions manager to every event, to enable an efficient execution of an event.

Pullman Gurgaon Central Park includes 285 rooms, which includes 120 Superior rooms, 90 Deluxe rooms and 75 executive floor rooms, including 22 suites. The property includes an all-day dining restaurant -- La Riviera with its French cuisine. The end of the year will see the launch of Pondichery, an opulent rooftop restaurant, offering cuisine inspired by India’s South Indian coastline and its namesake’s oldest inhabitants, the French.

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facts

New – Free Wi-ďŹ at IMEX 2012 One of the most signiďŹ cant changes that buyers and exhibitors will notice this year at IMEX Frankfurt 2012 is the introduction of free Wi-Fi throughout the show. The service will allow everyone to browse the web and check emails on the go. Exhibitors are being encouraged to make good use of this to oer ‘stand presentations’ to groups of individual buyers.

This new facility will allow exhibitors to open their group appointments to more buyers and to invite individuals to join a group presentation through their online diaries, thereby making the most of business opportunities and meeting time during the show. IMEX 2012 takes place for three days from May 22, 2012 and this is the 10th edition of the event

Key Insights of ďŹ rst IMEX America Executive Meeting IMEX America recently announced the key insights of its ďŹ rst IMEX America executive Meeting, which was held in Las Vegas in October 2011. The executive forum aims to identify fresh ideas, solutions and strategies for corporate meetings and events executives and the idea is to develop, implement and measure successful meetings and discuss the long-term future of this industry.

The idea behind the forum basically was to focus on the speciďŹ c queries for 2012 and beyond. Capturing ROI and its power to build stakeholder support was a pressing and common thread discussed, supported by a strong desire to ďŹ nd improved ways to measure, package, and demonstrate the positive impact of events and strategic meetings management programmes. Other areas of interest included: t .PSF QSF BOE QPTU NFFUJOH TVSWFZT BOE DPTU CFOFmU BOBMZTJT t 4FDVSJOH VQGSPOU BHSFFNFOU PO HPBMT PCKFDUJWFT BOE NFBTVSFNFOUT and undertaking better training and expectation management with key stakeholder business groups - especially ďŹ nance. Having more reports that show the true value of professional event planners managing contracts and meetings t %FWFMPQJOH DPNNPOMZ BHSFFE JOEVTUSZ NFUSJDT GPS SJTL NJUJHBUJPO DPOUSBDU DMBVTFT GPSDF NBKFVSF BOE PUIFS DPNQMFY QSBDUJDFT t #VJMEJOH NPSF OFHPUJBUJPO DPOTJTUFODZ BOE QPXFS JOUP TPVSDJOH TUSBUFHJFT "EEJUJPOBMMZ BU UIF GPSVN HMPCBM 4..1 XBT DPWFSFE BT BO area of great opportunity and excitement but also one that requires more structure.

Finally, during the forum discussion, the role of technology continued to provoke strong debates, with virtual spaces, emerging technologies, and speakers using multimedia engagement dominating the agenda.

Executives are also closely watching technologies such as Radio 'SFRVFODZ *EFOUJmDBUJPO 3'*% BOE UFMFQSFTFODF XJUI BO FZF UP striking the right balance between technology and access for younger vs. older event or meeting participants.

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cover story

AIME 2012

in Melbourne Deepa Sethi

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MICEtalk May 2012

cover story

AIME 2012 was held at the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCVB) in Melbourne, Australia. AIME celebrated its 20 years of success this year. “Every year MCVB, along with their partner Reed Travel Exhibitions, strives to create an event that delivers on quality and excellence, and brings together some of the world’s premier business events suppliers,” said Karen Bolinger, CEO, Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau.

cover story

M

elbourne has earned the reputation of being a leader in knowledge and innovation and continues to excel in the MICE fields of medicine, science, technology, engineering, finance, research and development. These attributes and the state-of-the-art infrastructure have seen the city acclaimed as one of the world’s premier conference destinations.

“The Victorian state government is a strong advocate for the business events industry, facilitating its growth

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MICEtalk May 2012

by providing support and recognising the contribution that conferences make to furthering critical research on a global scale,” says Ted Baillieu MLA, Premier of Victoria. Its reputation for delivering successful business events is derived from the city’s outstanding conference facilities, transport and accommodation options, an unrivalled major events calendar, unique attractions and an impressive track record.

The AIME 2012 show was buzzing this year with more quality buyers than in 2011, undertaking prescheduled appointments with exhibitors. Around 779 exhibitors were present at the show and an impressive figure of 3,384 visitors attended over the two days.

From 27countries, 500 hosted buyers attended the show, which was an increase of 16.5 per cent from last year.

“We are extremely pleased with the feedback we have received during and post-show and our refreshed program provided our visitors with more opportunities to network, conduct business and be educated,” said Sally de Swart, Director for AIME, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is a world-class venue that caters for both national and international business events, public and trade exhibitions, gala dinners, concerts and specialised events. MCEC is Australia’s most versatile facility featuring 52 meeting rooms of various sizes; a grand banquet room; a spectacular entry level foyer; and a 5540 state-of-the-art plenary that can be divided into three self-contained, acoustically

cover story

separate theatres, offering free Wi-Fi—the first centre in Australia to provide visitors with this technology.

Internet coverage extends throughout the venue including meeting rooms, exhibition bays, the plenary and all other public spaces.

Sitting alongside and internally linked to the convention centre is the exhibition centre featuring 30,000 square metres of purpose-built clearspan exhibition space, meeting rooms, a 466-seat auditorium and the Clarendon Room with spectacular views over the Yarra River.

As the first 6-Star Green Star rated convention centre in the world, the MCEC represents world leadership in best practice, innovation and sustainability and is raising standards to new heights in technology, imaginative catering and service options.

Easy access MCEC is accessible from every direction by foot, car, train, bus or tram, and within walking distance or short ride on public transport. At the venue’s doorstep are walking paths and footbridges, providing easy access to almost everything that Melbourne city has to offer.

Other Activities Dine in the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant in Melbourne Dining in Melbourne can be a fabulous experience aboard the historical trams. These restaurants on wheels are the first travelling Tramcar restaurants in the world and ensure a delightful approach to dining.

To ensure a smooth ride, stabilizers have been fitted so that not even a glass trembles as the trams glide along.

The food itself is prepared on the trams and a Maitre d’ oversees the traditional silver & white linen service.

Through the one-way glass windows, diners can enjoy the passing scenes of Melbourne.

Visit the Birthplace of cricket’s most famous trophy, the ‘Ashes’ at Rupertswood Mansion.

Cricket enthusiasts sit gazing here at the cricket bat kept safely with the signatures of the first Australian ‘Ashes’ team.

If you are a lover of heritage architecture then Rupertswood Mansion is something you must experience. It also caters for a large variety of business meetings, conferences, expos and product launches.

Delegates can make use of the numerous breakout rooms during working hours and retire to more intimate areas for dinner and relaxation.

Top: A blow-up of the cover of the album Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band Left: Reliving the hysteria generated by The Beatles

Meet Champion horses at Living Legends Living Legends brings champion horses to the people.

This historic homestead has beautiful gardens and picturesque walking, biking and horseriding trails with abundant wildlife, which combine to make Living Legends a perfect destination. Full catering services, historic dining, meeting rooms and heritage gardens make it the ideal location for corporate functions, promotions, seminars and workshops. Guided tours of the horses with unique photo opportunities are offered with all events held here.

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Hawai’i: Isle of Exotic MICE Opportunities Ipshita Sengupta Nag

Very few destinations can combine a breathtaking holiday experience with a near perfect MICE environment. The Hawai’i Islands have been able to do that, creating a perfect sojourn for a business offsite, with modern facilities and a hospitality infrastructure that is drawing the world’s attention.

MICEtalk decided to find out more about what this exotic island nation has placed on its MICE platter.

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destination

T Hawai’i currently has direct flights from Japan and China. Airlines from India connect to these hubs in Japan and China. There are no direct flights to Hawai’i from India.

Business visas to Hawai’i If you are planning a business-related travel to the United States on a temporary basis, it’s important to have information about the type of non-immigrant visa you will need for travel.

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts regarding your plans will determine what type of visa is required under immigration law.

For more information visit: http://travel.state.gov/pdf/BusinessVisa.pdf

he six islands of Hawai’i, namely O’ahu, Kaua’i, Maui, Lana’i, Moloka’i and Hawai’i Big Island, each offers a distinct experience but they all stand together to let visitors experience the famous Aloha spirit, which is characterised by friendliness and a warm hospitality.

Michael Murray, CMP, CMM, CASE, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Corporate Meetings and Incentives (CMI), Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) reiterates this, “The island chapters are fantastic partners. We all work closely together with a single goal in mind—to make a meeting in Hawai’i the best, most rewarding and value-added experience possible for groups wanting to combine business with the thrill of being in one of the world’s great destinations.”

Facing Page: Celebrating the spirit of Hawaii during a parade in Oahu Photographer: Tor Johnson Top: Hawaiin colours and friendliness of its people on display on a tableau for a parade

Hawai‘i’s core strengths as a leisure destination also make it ideal for MICE. The weather yearround is nearly perfect, and there are abundant pre- and post-meeting activities possible on all islands and this includes world-class spas, 80-plus championship golf courses, and a multitude of other attractions.

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destination

Past event Hawai’i hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting (APEC) in November 2011, bringing political and business leaders from 21 nations to Hawai’i. The event was a success despite the challenges of having people from different cultures. Hawai’i’s private and public sector had prepared extensively for APEC by investing millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements. Groups coming to Hawai’i now enjoy the benefits of these improvements.

Hawai’i has a 4.166 per cent general excise tax (4.712 on O’ahu) for most business activities and a 9.25 per cent accommodation tax. For more information www.hawaii.gov/tax

Top: Colourful parade attracts both locals and visitors Picture courtesy: Hawai’i Tourism Authority Photographer: Tor Johnson Above: A local market in Hawai’i Picture courtesy: Hawai’i Tourism Authority Photographer: Tor Johnson

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Know More About Hawai’i The islands of Hawai’i with their outstanding MICE offerings include…

O’ahu Island The heart of Hawai’i beats at O’ahu Island, where the capital Honolulu is located. Home to the famous Waikiki Beach, O’ahu is the most vibrant and cosmopolitan face of this island nation. The island offers a host of pre- and post-event opportunities; t &OKPZ B HVJEFE UPVS PG *PMBOJ QBMBDF XIJDI JT Honolulu’s most famous and honoured landmarks, t 8BML UISPVHI $IJOB UPXO QBSUBLF PG UIF TUVOOJOH beauty of the Nu’uanu Pali Lookout which offers a spectacular view of the Ko’olau cliffs t )JLF UP UIF UPQ PG -F BIJ B TFWFOUZ GPPU IJHI FYUJODU volcanic cone

MICEtalk May 2012

t 7JTJU UIF 1PMZOFTJBO $VMUVSBM $FOUSF XIJDI IBT recreated the South Pacific Islands on a 42 acres area.

Honolulu occupies a significant page in history texts as the location of the Pearl Harbour, which blew the bugle for America’s entry into the Second World War. But the height of O’ahu experience is the Waikiki area, which means world class hotels, a lively nightlife and some great dining and shopping experiences.

The Waikiki Beach opens up some of the best surfing lessons in the world.

The Hawai’i Convention Centre The O’ahu Island is home to The Hawai’i Convention Center which is one of the most well-equipped convention venues in the world today, and the source of much pride for this cluster of islands.

destination

Fact File t NBYJNVN DBQBDJUZ UP IPTU QFPQMF t -FWFM POF DPNQSJTFT UISFF FYIJCJUJPO )BMMT o Kamehameha I, II and III t -FWFM UXP DPNQSJTFT UIF QBSLJOH BSFB accommodating up to 700 vehicles t -FWFM JODMVEFT NFFUJOH BSFBT BOE UXP QFSNBOFOU tiered theatres/auditoriums t -FWFM GPVS IBT B MBOETDBQFE SPPGUPQ HBSEFO BOE B ballroom that can be demarcated into smaller areas for smaller groups.

Other facilities t 0WFS TR GU EJWJTJCMF FYIJCJU IBMM XJUI ESJWF on-oor access t TR GU PG UPUBM NFFUJOH TQBDF t CSFBLPVU SPPNT QMVT UXP QFSNBOFOU UIFBUFST with tiered seating t *O IPVTF BVEJP WJTVBM DPNQBOZ

Maui Island Often referred to as the magic isle, Maui Island has four major resort areas, namely –Wailea, Mäkena, Kä’anapali and Kapalua, which have a range of properties that can host meetings and conventions for around 3,000 attendees. The island has more than 16,000 rooms in 130 hotels and condominium properties, with indoor and outdoor meeting space totaling up to 28,000 sq.ft. There are various things

Technology at the Hawai’i Convention Center UĂŠ ĂŠ ]ĂŠ7 ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂƒÂ…>Ă€i`ĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠ`i`ˆV>ĂŒi`ĂŠ ĂŒÂ…iĂ€Â˜iĂŒĂŠ connections UĂŠ

ĂŠ Âœ>Ă?ˆ>Â?ĂŠV>LÂ?iĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠĂ›Âˆ`iÂœĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŒiĂ€Vœ˜˜iVĂŒĂƒĂŠ>Â?Â?ĂŠ “>Â?ÂœĂ€ĂŠLĂ•ÂˆÂ?`ˆ˜}ĂŠ>Ă€i>ĂƒĂ†ĂŠ7iL‡V>ĂƒĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂ›Âˆ`iÂœĂŠ conferencing available UĂŠ ĂŠ7ÂˆĂ€iÂ?iĂƒĂƒĂŠÂŤÂ…ÂœÂ˜iĂŠĂƒiĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂƒĂŠ>Ă›>ˆÂ?>LÂ?iĂŠĂ•ÂŤÂœÂ˜ĂŠ request UĂŠ ĂŠ-ˆĂ?Â‡ĂƒĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂƒÂˆÂ“Ă•Â?ĂŒ>˜iÂœĂ•ĂƒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŒiÀÀiĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂ€ÂœÂœÂ“ĂƒĂŠ allow translators to view speaker via a video monitor for maximum privacy UĂŠ * ĂŠ Ă€iĂƒiÂ˜ĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂ…i>ĂŒĂ€iĂŠvi>ĂŒĂ•Ă€iĂƒĂŠ>ĂŠLĂ•ÂˆÂ?ĂŒÂ‡ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ projection room and state-of-the-art multimedia presentation environment UĂŠ 6œˆViÂ‡ÂœĂ›iÀÊ *ĂŠ>Ă›>ˆÂ?>LÂ?iĂŠĂ•ÂŤÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂ€i¾ÕiĂƒĂŒ UĂŠ

ĂŠ œ˜˜iVĂŒÂˆĂ›ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ>Ă›>ˆÂ?>LÂ?iĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ >Ă•ÂˆĂŠ-Ă•ÂŤiÀÊ Computer, 10th fastest in the world UĂŠ ĂŠ->ĂŒiÂ?Â?ÂˆĂŒiĂŠĂ•ÂŤÂ?ÂˆÂ˜ÂŽĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ`ÂœĂœÂ˜Â?ÂˆÂ˜ÂŽĂŠV>ÂŤ>LˆÂ?ÂˆĂŒÂˆiĂƒ]ĂŠ>ĂƒĂŠ well as microwave transmission UĂŠ ĂŠ Â?iVĂŒĂ€ÂœÂ˜ÂˆVʓiĂƒĂƒ>}iĂŠLÂœ>Ă€`ĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠVÂ?ÂœĂƒi`ĂŠVÂˆĂ€VĂ•ÂˆĂŒĂŠ monitors located throughout the building UĂŠ * ĂŠ Â?Ă•}‡>˜`‡Â?>ÞÊVœ˜˜iVĂŒÂˆĂ›ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ>Â?Â?ÂœĂœĂƒĂŠ>ĂŒĂŒi˜`iiĂƒĂŠ to plug into pay phone data ports and access information via kiosks throughout the center UĂŠ {xĂŠ LÂŤĂƒĂŠ Â˜ĂŒiĂ€Â˜iĂŒĂŠVœ˜˜iVĂŒÂˆĂ›ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ>Ă›>ˆÂ?>LÂ?i

Picture courtesy: Hawai’i Tourism Authority Photographer: Tor Johnson

Ala Moana center, the largest shopping center in the PaciďŹ c is just a few steps away from the Hawai’i Convention Center.

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25

destination

Below: Trinkets on display in a shop Picture courtesy: Hawai’i Tourism Authority Photographer: Tor Johnson

to do and see for a MICE traveller, whether it is the nightlife of Lahaina or experiences of whale watching there or hiking in the lush beauty in the Iao valley State Park or snorkeling in Molokini which is a couple of miles off Maui’s Southern coast. One can also try snorkeling, beach combing and kayaking or watching a giant humpback whale at Kihei.

Attractions of Molokai UÊ > >Ü>Ê6> iÞ UÊ > > ÕÊ*ÀiÃiÀÛi UÊ*>« > ÕÊ i>V Ê*>À UÊ >Õ > > > Ê7 >Àv

Hotspots and hotter activities in Maui t ,BBOBQBMJ BOE -BQBMVB o TXJNNJOH TVOCBUIJOH PS snorkeling t .BLFOB o )JLJOH BOE #FBDI BDUJWJUJFT MBUUFS OPU advisable in winters because of powerful waves) t 8BJMFB o (PMmOH t )BOB o #FBDIFT IJLJOH BOE FYQMPSJOH VOEFSHSPVOE caves t (PMmOH JO .BVJ

Molokai Island It is here that you will find the world’s largest sea cliffs overlooking turquoise waters and a 250-foot jungle waterfall! Molokai is protected by 28 miles of fringed reef on its southern shore and 3 miles of white sand on the western shore. The island is known for kayaking, hiking, snorkeling experiences and is believed to be the cradle of nature’s bounty.

Lana’i Island Public and Private Venues on the Hawaiian Islands Venue

Capacity

Website/Contact

50,000 (stadium) 450 (reception) 350 (banquet)

www.alohastadiun.hawaii.gov

1,500

www.bishopmuseum.org

Neal S. Blaisdell Center

8,800 7,200 (reception) 5,000 (theatre)

www.blaisdellcenter.com

Dole Ballrooms

2,000 (reception)

www.dole-cannery.com/meetingfacilities/meeting.htm

>ÃÌ 7iÃÌÊ i ÌiÀ

300

www.eastwestcenter.org/about-cc.asp

Events at the Tower

500

www.eventsatthetower.com

Fort Derussy Park

10,000

www.filcom.org

Hawai’i Theatre Center

1,400

www.hawaiitheatre.com

7i̼ ½7 `Ê >Ü>

2,500

www.wetnwildhawaii.com

Polynesian Cultural Center

6,000

www.polynesia.com/groups-and-conventions.html

5000 (Amphitheatre)

www.mauiarts.org/mtg-plan.htm

O’ahu Aloha Stadium Bishop Museum

MAUI Maui Arts and Cultural center 7>ÀÊ i À > Ê-Ì>` Õ

20,000 (Stadium)

7 ½ Ê Ê - Ê Ho’olulu Complex

4,500

www.recreation@co.hawaii.hi.us

Parker Ranch

1,200

ww.parkerranch.com

>Õ ½ Ê7>ÀÊ i À > Ê Ûi Ì Ê >

9,000

edsarita@kuai.gov

Vidinha Stadium

5,000

www.kauai.gov

1 ½

26

MICEtalk May 2012

destination

Above: Hawaii Convention Center O’ahu Picture courtesy: Hawai’i Tourism Authority Photographer: Chuck Painter

With clean air and nature’s bounty as your companions, Lanai is probably the quietest corners of Hawai’i but with a lot of scope for adventure.

Lana’i Island attractions t )VMPQP F #BZ t 1V V QFIF 4XFFUIFBSU 3PDL

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Left: An event in progress in O’ahu Picture courtesy: Hawai’i Tourism Authority Photographer: Kirk Lee Aeder

Hawai’i – The Big Island It is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, the most characteristic sight here is of molten lava flowing down the slopes of the Kilauea and into the sea. This expands the shoreline and is the reason why this island is often described as a ‘Landscape under Construction’. The island is also known for its rich culture and temples.

meeting facilities—the largest of which is more than 20,000 square feet and can accommodate 1,500 banquet guests. Nine magnificent golf courses present a favorite pre- and post-meeting activity. Kaua’i’s spectacular and varied landscape keeps it in demand with Hollywood and fans of eco-travel.

Explore Hawai’i Island through… t "LBLB 'BMMT 4UBUF 1BSL t )BXBJ J 7PMDBOPFT /BUJPOBM 1BSL t -ZNBO .VTFVN BOE .JTTJPO )PVTF t 8BJQJ P WBMMFZ 0WFSMPPL t ,BJMVB 7JMMBHF t )JMP 'BSNFST .BSLFU t 1V VIPOVB 0 )POBVOBV /BUJPOBM )JTUPSJDBM 1BSL t )VMJIF J 1BMBDF

Kaua’i Island Kaua’i offers approximately 3,000 hotel rooms and 3,000 condominium units to support a variety of

Other MICE venues at Hawai’i t *PMBOJ 1BMBDF 0 BIV o ͳF PĊDJBM SFTJEFODF PG UIF Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs from 1882 to 1893: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani, it is suitable for up to 8,000 people. It accommodates large corporate events, lectures, or small business luncheons. The Palace is conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Honolulu, a 10-minute drive from the Hawai’i Convention Center and 15 minutes from Waikiki hotels. http://www.iolanipalace.org/ t #BUUMFTIJQ .JTTPVSJ .FNPSJBM 0 BIV o

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27

destination

Hotel

Guest Rooms

Capacity (Reception)

E-mail/Website

O’ahu Island Ala Moana Hotel

1,176

1000

www.alamoanahotel.com

Halekulani

453

500

www.halekulani.com

>Ü> Ê*À ViÊ Ìi Ê7>

521

900

www.princeresortshawaii.com

Turtle bay Resort

443

600

www.turtlebayresort.com

Maui Island / iÊ > À ÌÊ i>Ê > ]Ê >Õ Ê

450

750

www.fairmont.com

À> `Ê7> i>Ê,ià ÀÌÊ Ìi ÊEÊ-«>

780

3,200

www.grandwailea.com

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

800

1,500

www.maui.hyatt.com

/ iÊ, Ìâ >À Ì ]Ê >«> Õ>

463

1,800

www.ritzcarlton.com

236

500

www.fourseasons.com/manelebay

>«Õ >Ê i>V Ê*À ViÊ Ìi Ê>ÌÊ >Õ >Ê i>Ê,ià ÀÌÊ

350

900

www.hapunabeachprincehotel.com

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows

343

1000

www.maunalani.com

Aston Aloha Beach hotel

216

250

www.astonalohabeachhotel.com

>Õ>½ Ê >ÀÀ ÌÌÊ,ià ÀÌÊ Ê > >«> Ê i>V Ê

356

1,450

www.maeeiott.com/lihhi

Lana’i Island Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay Hawai’i Big Island

>Õ>½ Ê Ã > `Ê

Affectionately known to many as the “Mighty Mo”, it was launched on January 29, 1944, and is the last U.S. battleship ever built. After joining the battles for Iwo Jima and Okinawa, she became the site of the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. Now docked at Pearl Harbor and available for corporate meetings or special events, the iconic ship spans the equivalent of three football fields in length and towers heroically over 20 stories tall. http://www. ussmissouri.com/ t ,VBMPB 3BODI 0 BIV o*U JT USVMZ B QBSBEJTF GPS outdoor recreation with many places accessible Picture courtesy: Hawai’i Tourism Authority

28

MICEtalk May 2012

only by horseback, on an all-terrain vehicle, or by hiking. Located on the northeastern side of O’ahu approximately 45 minutes from Honolulu, the ranch offers a stunning location for corporate meetings, events and/or retreats. http://www.kualoa.com/

The Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau The Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) is a one-stop shop for meeting planners. It provides the necessary information needed for their programme objectives. This includes marketing materials to whet recipients’ appetite for the Hawai’i experience and

destination

help motivate them to meet company goals. HVCB also works very closely with its Island Chapter Bureaus representing Kauai, O’ahu, Maui County, and Hawaii Island, and industry partners representing hotels and accommodations, activities and attractions across the island nation.

MICE offerings

Left: An island nation Hawaii means various kinds of watersports Picture courtesy: Hawai’i Tourism Authority Photographer: Tor Johnson

HVCB offers the Added Value Resource Center, which is available online at BusinessAloha.com and features eight cost-saving or incentive-laden programmes to help planners and clients stretch their travel budgets and enhance their ROI. Examples of the programme benefits include savings on hotel room rates, a listing of free activities to incorporate in an itinerary, and corporate social responsibility projects to volunteer their time.

For more ionformation: www.BusinessAloha.com Hawai’i is knows for its cuisine, with the local chefs combining the best flavours of Europe and Asia with fresh local ingredients.

MICE planners in Hawai’i www.attcoinc.com www.hawaiiconvention.com www.thewrightcompany.com

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Hawaiian Haven Day 1 O’ahu Morning/Afternoon: Arrivals Evening: Dinner reception at host hotel

Day 2 O’ahu Morning: Meetings/Conferences Afternoon: Shopping and free cultural activities at Royal Hawaiian Center (http://www. royalhawaiiancenter.com/) Evening: Royal Sunset Dinner Cruise with Atlantis Submarines (http://www. atlantisadventures.com/book/details/23752/ royal-sunset-dinner-cruise)

Day 3 O’ahu Morning: Meetings/Conferences Afternoon: Stand-up paddleboarding lesson or outrigger canoe ride with Waikiki Beach Services (http://www.waikikibeachservices.com/) Evening: Luau dinner and show

Day 4 O’ahu Morning: Meetings/Conferences Afternoon: Explore the Honolulu Farmers’ Market (http://www.yelp.com/biz/honolulufarmers-market-honolulu-2) Evening: Dinner in Chinatown (downtown Honolulu)

Day 6-9 Day 5 O’ahu Morning: Meetings/Conferences Afternoon: Hike Diamond Head Evening: Enjoy live Hawaiian music and dinner at Kani Ka Pila Grille in Waikiki (http://www.outriggerreef-onthebeach.com/ resort-experience/dining-and-entertainment.cfm)

O’ahu All-day activities on O’ahu t 8PSME 8BS ** 7BMPS JO UIF 1BDJmD /BUJPOBM Monument (http://www.nps.gov/valr/index.htm) t &YQMPSF 0 BIV T /PSUI 4IPSF CFBDIFT TIBWF ice, shrimp trucks) t 1PMZOFTJBO $VMUVSBM $FOUFS (http://www.polynesia.com/)

This is only a suggested itinerary which can be adjusted/customised around a conference and to the requirement of the client.

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MICEtalk May 2012

itinerary

Another option is to visit a second island (Kauai, Maui, or Hawaii Island)

Day 7 Hawaii Island Morning: Hilo Farmers’ Market (http://www.hilofarmersmarket.com/) Afternoon: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (http://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm) Evening: Overnight in Hilo

Day 8 Hawaii Island Morning: Drive towards Kona Afternoon: Puuhonua o Honaunau National Park Evening: Manta Ray dive (http://www. jacksdivinglocker.com/charters2/mantanight.htm); Overnight on Kona or Kohala coast

Day 9 Hawaii Island Morning – relax at beach nearby hotel Afternoon/evening – Return home

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MICE city

Barcelona

Brandishing its Business Pride

Experience a new side of MICE in this prestigious Catalan capital, which according to ICCA ranking, is the second most popular destination for meeting tourism and host of EIBTM, the main European business fair. Be it world class conferencing/events facilities or an opportunity to indulge your shopaholic doppelganger, Barcelonian boulevards welcome you with open arms for an unforgettable MICE experience‌ Divya Goyal

MICE city

>ÀVi >Ê ÃÊÌ iÊ ÞÊV ÌÞÊ ÊÌ iÊÜ À `ÊÜ Ì Ê iÊ1 - "Ê7 À `Ê iÀ Ì>}iÊ Sites. They are modernista masterpieces that include seven buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí and two by Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

A

n exceptional event deserves an exceptional space. And to make your corporate event an instant success, Barcelona provides you with options such as the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB) and Fira de Barcelona among other stand-alone venues.

Park Güell Escala Principal by Antoni Gaudí

Barcelona’s International Convention Centre (CCIB) This Convention Centre provides a versatile, multifunctional space, open to the sea. It comprises 38 spacious rooms dispersed across 3 levels and 2 mezzanine floors (which can be combined). These rooms include the large Exhibition Hall (Level 0), which, in turn, can be adapted into 8 separate spaces and an extravagant Banquet Hall on Level 2 with the view of the Mediterranean.

TRIVIA International conferences generally book the space at least a year before the actual events. Fira de Barcelona is already booking events for 2018.

But events are also organised on short notice.

VISA Requirements UÊÊ*>Ãë ÀÌÊÛ> `Ê>ÌÊ i>ÃÌÊà ÝÊ Ì Ã UÊÊ{ÊÛ Ã>Êv À ÃÊL>V ÊÌ ÊL>V Ê«À Ì UÊÊ{Ê« Ì }À>« ÃÊÜ Ì ÊÜ ÌiÊL>V }À Õ `Ê 35x45mm UÊÊ ÛiÀ }Ê iÌÌiÀÊv ÀÊÃÌ>Ì }Ê«ÕÀ« ÃiÊ vÊÛ Ã ÌÊvÀ Ê company UÊÊ Õà iÃÃÊ Û Ì>Ì Ê iÌÌiÀÊ Ê À } > UÊÊ,iÌÕÀ ÊV wÀ ÊÌ V iÌ UÊÊ i` V> Ê ÃÕÀ> Vi UÊÊ Ìi ÊV wÀ >Ì UÊÊ > ÊÃÌ>Ìi i ÌÃÊ >ÃÌÊà ÝÊ Ì ÃÊ«iÀà > Ê> `Ê company both UÊÊ V iÊ/>ÝÊÀiÌÕÀ ÃÊ >ÃÌÊÌ ÀiiÊÞi>ÀÃÊ> `Ê company both UÊÊ*> ÊV>À`ÊV «Þ UÊÊ Ài } Ê ÝV > }iÊ ÀÊ ÌiÀ >Ì > Ê Ài` ÌÊV>À`Ê copy UÊÊ*>Ãë ÀÌÊV «ÞÊv ÀÊ> Ê«>}iÃ

MICEtalk May 2012

33

Conferencing with responsibility Barcelona’s International Convention Centre offers its clients the chance to calculate the CO2 footprint of their event and invites them to offset any emissions generated to make their event Carbon Neutral.

The Forum building houses the Forum Auditorium, which can accommodate 3,140 people and is connected to the Convention Centre by an underground connecting avenue. The Auditorium has hosted numerous plenary meetings for conventions, conferences, board meetings of large corporations and shareholders meetings of sports bodies. In addition to this, it has recently been recognised as the new venue to host concerts and other such events.

Fira de Barcelona Fira de Barcelona, an institution opened in 1932, manages Gran Via and Montjuïc, the historic venues, whose names are synonymous with successful

Barcelona’s International Convention Centre is one of the world’s most technologically advanced convention centres offering its clients a wide range of high quality services that place it among Europe’s top centres.

Among other features, the convention centre includes the following services: UÊÊ } ÃÌ Và UÊÊ-iVÕÀ ÌÞÊ UÊÊ i> }ÊÃiÀÛ ViÃÊ UÊÊ ÕÀ ÌÕÀiÊ UÊÊ /]ÊÌi i« iÊV iVÌ Ê> `Ê7 UÊÊ > À ÊÊÊÊ UÊÊ ÃÌiÃÃiÃÊÊÊÊÊ UÊÊ Õ` Û ÃÕ> ÊÃiÀÛ ViÃÊ­Ã Õ `]ÊÀ }} }]ÊÛ `i Ê> `Ê lighting) UÊÊ- } >}i UÊÊ/iV V> Ê>Ãà ÃÌ> ViÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ UÊÊ- Õ Ì> i ÕÃÊ ÌiÀ«ÀiÌ>Ì UÊÊ ÀÃÌ > `Ê UÊÊ iVÌÀ V> Ê ÃÌ> >Ì Ã UÊÊ ÜiÀÊ>ÀÀ> }i i ÌÃÊÊÊÊÊ UÊÊ* Ì }À>« iÀ UÊÊ,i} ÃÌÀ>Ì Ê>Ài> UÊÊ Õ ` }Ê vÊÃÌ> `ÃÉiÝ L Ì Ê >ÌiÀ > UÊÊ"Ü ÊÀiÃÌ>ÕÀ> ÌÊÃiÀÛ Vi\Ê

Ê / , UÊÊ > VÕ >ÌiÊiÛi ̽ÃÊV>ÀL Êv Ì«À Ì And any other service required for an event.

34

MICEtalk May 2012

international meetings, conferences and exhibitions business. The venues boast of the most contemporary facilities. Also, Fira Gran Via hosted EIBTM 2011.

Near both the Gran Via and Montjuïc venues there are many hotels. For instance, within a radius of few kilometers around the Gran Via venue and just 30 minutes away from Europa Square, where the Southern entrance of the venue is located, there are hotels, offering a total of 25,996 rooms. Barcelona is known for its large accommodation offering, especially for its four and three star properties.

Incentivising Barcelona Explore this beautiful city to your hearts content because Barcelona has a plethora of architectural and cultural attractions in every imaginable way. Be it the ancient Roman city, Barcino founded in 1 AD to the relics from Middle Ages it has inherited in the form of religious and civil buildings, Barcelona has retained its legacy astoundingly well.

Modernisme, the home-grown art-nouveau style that emerged towards the end of the 19th century, is certainly one of the elements that best identifies Barcelona.

In addition to the historical marvels that highlight the cultural milieu of Barcelona, there is a green Barcelona which emphasis on the green city. The Barcelona green-scape in this city often combine nature with its home-grown artistic elements such as modernisme and contemporary sculpture.

Like a cherry on the top, Barcelona has nearly five km of beaches, offering every amenity for bathing and easily accessible by public transport. From the Barceloneta to the Forum Park, you will find the following beaches: Sant Sebastià, Barceloneta, Nova Icària, Bogatell, Mar Bella, Nova Mar Bella, Llevant and the Forum swimming area.

Barcelona Every Shoppers’ Delight!

Having given brands such as Prada and Armani to the world, Barcelona will surely give you plenty of reasons to part with your money. Be it the vintage fashion shops or other boutique stores, the Catalan capital will

MICE city

present you ample choice. In addition to this, you can shop in the rich food and ea markets of Barcelona.

Also, browse through the bookshops, antique stores or explore the plenitude of gift and souvenir shops or buy bags made out of recycled PVC posters.

Barcelona: For a Foodie’s Soul When in Barcelona, treat yourself to the traditional Catalan Food. Savour Mediterranean cuisine with a Catalan twist the specialities of which are based on ďŹ sh and seafood. You can also try sumptuous rice and meat dishes (beef, duck, chicken, lamb and rabbit). Or eat healthy fresh salads and vegetables.

You can savour Catalonian Cava, some delicious Spanish farmhouse cheeses. La Boqueria Market is a must visit if you wish to treat anyone.

Barcelona Nightlife UĂŠLas Ramblas: On either side of Las Ramblas you will be entertained by street performers. The boulevard also has plenty of bars and clubs, like ĂŒÂ…iĂŠ Âœ>`>ĂƒĂŠVÂœVÂŽĂŒ>ˆÂ?ĂŠL>Ă€]ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ ÂˆÂœĂƒÂŽĂŠ >ĂŠ >â>Â?Â?>]ĂŠ Sports Bar Rambles and Boulevard Club to name a few.

UĂŠGothic Quarter: Here you will ďŹ nd more authentic local venues and an implausible selection of Irish and British pubs, such as Flaherty’s.

UĂŠĂŠEl Born: For a slightly classy slice of Barcelona’s nightlife, here you’ll ďŹ nd trendily-attired crowd in the cafes and bars—especially in the district’s heart, the Passeig del Born.

UĂŠRambla de Raval: In the Rambla de Raval hip bars like Zentraus and Ambar are sprinkled with kebab joints, whilst a more glam crowd congregate at cocktail bars like the suave Marmalade, where you can order a ‘Pornstar Martini’ or the ‘lusty 7Sins’.

UĂŠĂŠPort Olimpic: For a more upmarket experience, set towards a string of upmarket lounge bars, such as CDLC, Shoko and Sotavento.

Where to Shop – Barcelona Shopping Streets & Districts UĂŠĂŠ/Â…iĂŠ*ÂœĂ€ĂŒ>Â?ĂŠ`iĂŠÂ?½ ˜}iÂ?ĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠÂ?ˆ˜i`ĂŠĂœÂˆĂŒÂ…ĂŠ>Â˜ĂŠi˜`Â?iĂƒĂƒĂŠ array of shops selling the most exclusive brands of clothing and accessories.

UĂŠĂŠ*Â?>X>ĂŠ`iĂŠ->Â˜ĂŒĂŠ ÂœĂƒiÂŤĂŠ"Ă€ÂˆÂœÂ?ĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠĂ€iÂŤÂ?iĂŒiĂŠĂœÂˆĂŒÂ…ĂŠ designer boutiques and handicraft shops.

UĂŠĂŠ Ă›ÂˆÂ˜}Ă•`>ĂŠ ˆ>}œ˜>Â?ĂŠÂˆÂ˜VÂ?Ă•`iĂŠ >Â?Ă›ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ Â?iˆ˜]ĂŠ ÂˆÂœĂ€}ÂˆÂœĂŠ Armani, Gianni Versace and Gucci while Passeig de Gracia is Barcelona’s best boulevard for designer brands like Chanel, Luis Vuitton, Dolce EĂŠ >LL>˜>]ĂŠ ˆiĂƒiÂ?ĂŠ>˜`ʓ>Â˜ĂžĂŠÂ“ÂœĂ€i°Ê UĂŠĂŠ Ă•Â?iĂ›>Ă€`ĂŠ`iÂ?ĂƒĂŠ Â˜ĂŒÂˆÂľĂ•>Ă€ÂˆĂƒĂŠÂ…>ĂƒĂŠÂ“ÂœĂ€iĂŠĂŒÂ…>Â˜ĂŠĂ‡Ă¤ĂŠ antiques shops, mostly furnishings, paintings and decorative items Bear in mind UĂŠĂŠ,iĂƒÂˆ`iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒĂŠvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠÂœĂ•ĂŒĂƒÂˆ`iĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ Ă•Ă€ÂœÂŤi>Â˜ĂŠ1Â˜ÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠ may have their Value Added Tax (VAT) returned for purchases of more than Euro 90.15.

UĂŠĂŠ-Փ“iĂ€ĂŠĂƒ>Â?iĂƒĂŠLi}ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠÂœÂ˜ĂŠ Ă•Â?ÞÊ£Ê>˜`ĂŠÂ?>ĂƒĂŒĂŠĂ•Â˜ĂŒÂˆÂ?ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ end of August!

Gran Via venue UĂŠĂŠ/Â…iĂŠ Ă€>Â˜ĂŠ6ˆ>ĂŠĂ›iÂ˜Ă•iĂŠĂœÂ…ÂˆVÂ…ĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠ>ĂŒĂŠ>ĂŠ`ÂˆĂƒĂŒ>˜ViĂŠÂœvÊÓ°xʎ“ÊvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠ the MontjuĂŻc premises has 8 pavilions, with 2,40,000 sqm of exhibition area out of which 22,288 sqm is outdoor.

UĂŠĂŠ ĂŒĂƒĂŠnĂŠÂŤ>Ă›ÂˆÂ?ÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂƒĂŠĂœiĂ€iĂŠvĂ•Â?Â?ĂžĂŠÂœVVĂ•ÂŤÂˆi`ĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠwĂ€ĂƒĂŒĂŠĂŒÂˆÂ“iĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ-iÂŤĂŒi“LiÀÊ with the celebration of ITMA 2011, the International Exhibition of Textile Machinery.

UĂŠĂŠ7ÂˆĂŒÂ…ĂŠÂˆĂŒĂƒĂŠĂŒĂœÂœĂŠ`ˆvviĂ€iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠĂ›iÂ˜Ă•iĂƒ]ĂŠ ÂˆĂ€>ĂŠ`iĂŠ >Ă€ViÂ?œ˜>ĂŠ>``ĂƒĂŠ>ĂŠĂŒÂœĂŒ>Â?ĂŠÂœvĂŠ 4,05,000 sqm exhibition space, which makes it one of the largest exhibition grounds in Europe UĂŠĂŠ/Â…iĂŠ >Ă€ViÂ?œ˜>ĂŠ Â˜ĂŒiĂ€Â˜>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜>Â?ĂŠ ÂœĂŒÂœĂ€ĂŠ-Â…ÂœĂœ]ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ >ĂŒ>Â?Ă•Â˜Ăž>ĂŠ International Tourism Show, The International Boat Show, The International Food and Drinks Exhibition are some of the fairs/ exhibitions being held here

UĂŠĂŠ ĂŒĂŠÂ…>ĂƒĂŠĂ“ĂˆĂŠVœ˜viĂ€i˜ViĂŠĂ€ÂœÂœÂ“ĂƒĂŠĂœÂˆĂŒÂ…ĂŠ>ĂŠĂŒÂœĂŒ>Â?ĂŠ>Ă€i>ĂŠÂœvĂŠĂŽ]Ă¤Ă¤Ă¤ĂŠĂƒÂľÂ“ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ capacity for upto 6,600 people UĂŠĂŠ-œ“iĂŠÂœvĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠVœ˜viĂ€i˜ViĂŠĂ€ÂœÂœÂ“ĂƒĂŠ>Ă€iĂŠÂ?ÂœV>ĂŒi`ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ ÂœÂ˜Ă›iÂ˜ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠ Centre, a multifunctional and modular space with an auditorium for more than 3,000 people UĂŠĂŠ/Â…iĂŠĂ›iÂ˜Ă•iĂŠ>Â?ĂƒÂœĂŠÂ…>ĂƒĂŠ>ĂŠÂ…Ă•}iĂŠV>Àʍ>Ă€ÂŽĂŠĂŒÂ…>ĂŒĂŠV>Â˜ĂŠ>VVœ““œ`>ĂŒiĂŠx]äääÊ vehicles UĂŠĂŠ Â˜ĂŠ Ă€>Â˜ĂŠ6ˆ>ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂ€iĂŠ>Ă€iĂŠxÂŁĂŠĂ€iĂƒĂŒ>Ă•Ă€>Â˜ĂŒĂƒ]ĂŠÂŁĂ“ĂŠÂœvĂŠĂœÂ…ÂˆVÂ…ĂŠLiÂ?œ˜}ĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠ GastroďŹ ra. Here you can also ďŹ nd the haute cuisine restaurant Nuclo. Jordi Narro, Nuclo’s chef, is one of Ferran Adrià ’s (believed to be one of the most creative chefs in the world) pupils For more information: http://www.ďŹ rabcn.es

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MICE city

At the airport Bustransit is the free bus service connecting terminals T1 and T2.

UÊÊ ÕÃÌÀ> à ÌÊ/£ /ÓÊ­ÌiÀ > ®Ê ÊiÛiÀÞÊÈÊ ÕÌiÃ]Ê Journey time: 10 minutes UÊÊ ÕÃÌÀ> à ÌÊ/£ /ÓÊ­À> Ü>ÞÊÃÌ>Ì ®Ê ÊiÛiÀÞÊÎäÊ minutes, Journey time: 10 minutes UÊÊ ÀÊvÕÀÌ iÀÊ v À >Ì \ÊÜÜÜ°>i >°ià UÊÊ/ iÊ> À« ÀÌÊ ÃÊV iVÌi`ÊLÞÊ iÀ LÕÃ]ÊLÕÃÊ> `Ê train too.

Airport services Accessibility: Barcelona Airport provides free assistance to disabled or reduced-mobility passengers (deaf, hearing-impaired, visually impaired, or mobility-disabled). Bookings must be made 48 hours in advance on www.aena.es Other services Shops, pharmacies, cafés, restaurants, children’s play areas, tobacconists’, press office, meeting room, Meeting Point, multimedia terminals, wi-fi areas, etc.

Car rental Avis - www.avis.es Europcar - www.europcar.es Hertz - www.hertz.com National Atesa - www.atesa.es Sol-Mar - www.solmar.es

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Fira de Barcelona – Quick Facts Montjuïc Exhibition Centre UÊÊ vÌiÀÊ>ÊV « iÌiÊÀi `i }]Ê Ì Õ VÊ Exhibition centre has the most advanced equipment to host all kinds of events UÊÊ- ÌÕ>Ìi`Ê£xÊ ÕÌiÃÊvÀ ÊÌ iÊ ÌiÀ >Ì > Ê airport, the venue has its own Convention Centre, called Palacio de Congresos, with an auditorium for 1,650 people and 11 separate meeting/conference rooms with a total capacity of 1,200 people UÊÊ ià `iÃÊÌ iÃiÊV viÀi ViÊÀ Ã]ÊÌ iÊ*> >V Ê de Congressos also has over 5,800 sqm of exhibition space UÊÊ Ì Õ VÊ >ÃÊ>ÊÌ Ì> Ê vÊÓäÊL>ÀÃÊ> `ÊÀiÃÌ>ÕÀ> ÌÃ]Ê five of which are under the management of Gastrofira, Fira de Barcelona’s catering service, the rest are managed by external companies

Travel Fira, the official travel agency operating for Fira de Barcelona, offers customised packages for each event, depending on the specific characteristics. These are designed together with the event organisers. Generally, the package includes hotel and local transport, restaurant bookings as well as leisure activities or any other personal request.

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MICE city

The city has an extensive rail network and a number of mainline stations linking the city with other towns in Spain and the rest of Europe. It also has a large fleet of buses to compliment this service.

In the context of maritime transport, Barcelona has consolidated the leading cruise port in the Mediterranean and now has seven cruise terminals, where 800 ships docked in 2009, bringing more than two million passengers. The city also has three ferry terminals serving the Balearic Islands and Genoa.

In 2009, Barcelona Airport launched its new terminal, T1 that can handle 30 million passengers a year, making Barcelona a well-connected city when it comes to air travelling.

Stay in Barcelona

Exploring the Catalan Capital Travelling to and within Barcelona can be a smooth experience. Due to its opportune location, close to France and in the Mediterranean, Barcelona has very good transport links with the rest of the world, either by land, sea or air.

INTRA-CITY TRANSPORT Bus: More than 1,000 buses link the entire city’s districts between 0425- 2300 hours. Most of these are adapted for people with reduced mobility and a number of private companies complete the city’s public bus services. (www.tmb.net) Bicing: Bicing is Barcelona’s new means of public transport. This ‘pay-as-you-go’ bike hire service was introduced in March 2007 and there are 100 Bicing stands around the city, particularly near railway and metro stations. The service operates 365 days a year and users have to buy a card or pay an annual subscription to use it. (www.bicing.com) Taxis: Barcelona has a fleet of 11,000 taxis, which can be identified by their yellow and black livery. A clearly visible green roof light is displayed when they are available for hire. (www.taxibarcelona.cat) Tram: There are six tram services which were re-launched and provide a modern, accessible, environmentally friendly and more sustainable means of transport. (www.trambcn.com) Ferry services: Barcelona harbour has direct connections and operates regular passenger and vehicle transport services to the Balearic Islands, Genoa, Rome, Cerdeña/Livorno and Tangiers.

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Barcelona offers its visitors a wide range of state-ofthe-art accommodation vis-à-vis hotels, apartments, guesthouses, halls of residence and campsites.

Even as the city’s hotel infrastructure continues to grow, it currently includes more than 321 establishments offering over 61,000 bedspaces. The city has a wide variety of hotels of every category and in every neighbourhood, which cater to the diverse demands of the travellers. Which means, the type of ambience the delegates cherish, equipped with the latest technological breakthroughs (computerised assistance service, broadband, etc.), can be made available. And all of them, of course, backed up by a highly professional and friendly service that makes you want to go back.

So, is Barcelona your next MICE City?

For more information: info@barcelonaturisme.cat

Vehicle Hire: Coaches and minibuses, chauffeurdriven cars and limousines, motorcycles, bicycles and other special vehicles such as scooters (Segway HT) can be hired for intra-city mobility purposes.

Metro: Barcelona currently has seven metro lines serving 125 stations and covering 88.4-kilometre with a new metro line under construction OTHERS Orsom Catamarà: Modern pleasure boats that travel along the city’s coastline. (www.barcelona-orsom.com) Golondrinas: These are the traditional pleasure boats that cruise around the harbour. (www.lasgolondrinas.com) Montjuïc Cable Car: This modern cable car connects the Avinguda Miramar (next to the upper cable car station) and Montjuïc Castle. (www.tmb. cat) Bus Montjuïc turístic: Open-top microbus that takes visitors on a sightseeing tour of Montjuïc Park.

Passengers can combine two routes with one ticket and get on and off as many times and for as long as they like at any of the stops throughout the day.

domestic MICE

Business Meets Pleasure in Paradise Divya Goyal

Kashmir, blessed with the bounty of Mother Nature, provides world class MICE facilities to make your corporate event a spectacular show.

Surrounded by the lush green expanse, the Crown of India welcomes the delegates from around the world to experience the Kashimiri hospitality and an altogether new façade of Indian MICE.

T

he Government of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has equipped the state with cutting edge conference and meetings facilities. Therefore, be it the charm of houseboats in Srinagar or a Shikara ride in the Dal Lake, Skiing in Leh or a whole new golďŹ ng experience along with conference facilities, J&K has all that it takes to make your convention tour a mighty success.

MICE in Kashmir Valley One of the most prominent and oldest convention centres in J&K is the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) which commenced in 1984. It is a world class conference and exhibition centre in J&K, which can become a nodal agency to facilitate MICE to get the best deals. The venue is recognised as one of the ten largest convention centres in Asia.

SKICC has played host to a number of national and international events over the years, which include corporates such as Vodafone and Utratech.

SKICC has tie-ups with the best hotels and

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Trivia In 2011, Germany became the ďŹ rst European country to lift the travel advisory for its citizens Ă›ÂˆĂƒÂˆĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ E ]ĂŠ ˜`ˆ>°

transport providers in the state. Being a Government of J&K facility, corporates will have easy access to the best services and all the tourist attractions across the state.

Other Offerings for MICE Apart from SKICC, business events can be successfully conducted in the 5-star hotels such as The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar and in Vivanta by Taj Dal View Srinagar. These hotels have excellent banqueting and exhibition space and are surrounded by idyllic scenery. In addition to this, other stand-alone venues such as Pahalgam Club (which is nearing completion) also oer up-to-date conferencing facilities.

However, for an out-of-the-box meeting, locale

opt for the Royal Springs Golf Course, which provides state-of-the-art MICE facilities and adds a splendid and elegant charm to the event. At the golf course, both open-air and on-floor meetings, events and even cultural programmes for a group of 100-150 people can be organised. Tents can also be pitched in to add a special touch to your event (conditions apply).

Another unique venue is the Donga houseboats.

They are hollow houseboats, often used during marriages and other functions. For a conference / meeting of 30-40 people, these houseboats are furnished with Kashmiri carpets, pillows and cushions to add the ethnic Kashmiri touch, complete with Kashmiri hospitality. These conferences can be aided with internet facility on request.

Kashmiri Delectables UÊ Ê >Û ÕÀÊÌ iÊ >à À Êv `Ê ÀÊ>ÀÀ> }iÊv ÀÊÌ iÊ ÎÈ V ÕÀÃiÊL> µÕiÌÊV> i`Ê7>â>Ü> °Ê >à ÀÊ ÃÊ v> ÕÃÊv ÀÊ ÌÃÊ7>âÜ> ÊÜ V Ê ÃÊ«Ài` > Ì ÞÊ non-vegetarian.

UÊ Ê ÃÌi>`Ê vÊÃÜiiÌÃÊ i Ü> ]Ê*iÀÃ > ÊÌi>]Ê ÃÊÃiÀÛi`Ê after wazwan which is usually served 7 to 10 courses at weddings and parties- a sign of lavish hospitality.

UÊ Ê iÛiÀ> ÊÀiÃÌ>ÕÀ> ÌÃÊ Ê-À >}>À]Ê > ÞÊ>ÌÊ ,ià `i VÞÊ, >`]ÊÃiÀÛiÊ >à À Ê7>âÜ> °Ê ÊÌ iÊ better hotels have restaurants generally serving ` > ]Ê Ì i Ì> Ê> `Ê >à À ÊVÕ Ã i°Ê"Ì iÀÊ restaurants are mainly located at Boulevard, Lambert Lane and Lal Chowk.

Incentive, expedition and more!

The Director for Jammu and Kashmir Tourism & Shere-Kashmir International Convention Centre, Farooq Ahmad Shah is of the opinion that the delegates who come for a corporate event would shop for handicrafts, Banquet and Conference facilities in Vivanta by Taj Dal View Srinagar If you are organising an important business meet, Tango is a spacious 5,500 sq. ft. hall with modern conference facilities overlooking Dal Lake.

– TANGO 1 – 42.8ft*56.3 = 2400 sq. ft.

– TANGO II - 42ft*56.3ft = 2365 sq. ft.

Style

Capacity

Classroom

100

Theater Style

400

Banquet

500

Vivanta by Taj Dal View Srinagar UÊÊÊ{nÊë>V ÕÃÊÀ ÃÊ vÊ ÛiÀÊxääÊõ°ÊvÌ° – Superior Charm - 8 – Deluxe Delight – 40 UÊÊ ià } i`ÊÜ Ì ÊV >Ãà V]Êi i}> ÌÊ`jV ÀÊ> `Ê>Ê variety of comforts.

UÊÊ >V ÊÀ Ê ÕÃiÃÊ>ÊV v ÀÌ>L iÊÃÌÕ`ÞÊÌ>L iÊ and a 37” LCD TV UÊÊ >À}iÊ« Õà ÊL>Ì À ÃÊÜ Ì ÊL>Ì ÌÕLÃÊ> `ÊÀ> Ê showers UÊÊ VVi Ìi`Ê ÊV ««iÀ]Ê V> ÊÌ LiÀÊV>ÀÛ }ÃÊ> `Ê warm earthy colours

go for golfing and try adventure sports too. “Therefore, MICE has a multi-layered effect on the economy and boosts tourism prospects,” he said.

U Shape

60

Apart from MICE

Sit Down

200

Recently, J&K was recoginsed as the ‘Best Adventure Tourism Destination’ in India. Therefore, for an exemplary pre- and post-convention tour experience enjoy white water rafting in Kargil, Pahalgam and even

Board Room

60

Casual

500

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domestic MICE

Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) For booking an accommodation at any destination contact

Accommodation Type

>““ÕÊEĂŠ >ĂƒÂ…Â“ÂˆĂ€ĂŠ/ÂœĂ•Ă€ÂˆĂƒÂ“ĂŠ iĂ›iÂ?ÂœÂŤÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ Corporation Srinagar: +91 0194-2483834 Jammu: +91 0191-2549065 7iLĂƒÂˆĂŒi\ĂŠÂ…ĂŒĂŒÂŤ\Ă‰Ă‰ĂœĂœĂœÂ°Â?ÂŽĂŒ`V°VÂœÂ°ÂˆÂ˜Ă‰

For booking an accommodation on a houseboat please contact Houseboat Owners Association Tel: + 91 194 2450326 7iLĂƒÂˆĂŒi\ĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°Â…ÂœĂ•ĂƒiLÂœ>ĂŒÂœĂœÂ˜iĂ€ĂƒÂ°ÂœĂ€}

in parts of Jammu and Leh. Or, go for an exotic camel safari in the cold desert of Leh. You can even challenge your colleagues in skiing or try a thrilling Heli-skiing adventure in Gulmarg.

GolďŹ ng in J&K If adventure and thrill are not on your mind then Kashmir has something else to oer. Over the years J&K has been developed for an elegant golďŹ ng experience. The state has international standard Golf course with 18 holes in Pahalgam which is incidentally the oldest Golf course here while the one in Leh is the highest altitude Golf course! “Kashmir is a natural tourism industry,â€? said Shah, “Kashmir has everything. It is, in fact, the premier state to give the concept of tourism to India.â€?

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Rate Per Night

Includes / Excludes

Heritage House

Rs. 20, 000/-

Including Golf / Excluding Food

Huts

Rs. 10, 000/-

Including Golf / Excluding Food

Tents

Rs. 5, 000/-

Including Golf / Excluding Food

RSGC can accommodate 40 people (on twin-sharing basis) in their 20 bedrooms which are spread across the expansive golf course. And to enhance the accommodation on the golf course premises, the option to add tents that would be capable of accommodating 50 people will soon be offered to the tourists.

Your ComďŹ Stay in the MICE valley The government of J&K fully supports corporate activities and extends help in organising a successful MICE event. It even facilitates the accommodation of the delegates even though many organisers oer to do it too.

Royal Springs Golf Course And now, in Srinagar explore another unique option - Royal Springs Golf Course. Live among the rolling hills, natural marsh, lakes and wilderness spread over nearly 300 acres of land. Situated on the peninsula tip of the Dal Lake, this international standard 18hole golf course oers not only a splendid view of the Kashmir Valley but also state-of-the-art facilities to make your stay a comfortable one.

domestic MICE

Travel by Air >ĂƒÂ…Â“ÂˆĂ€ UĂŠĂŠ-Ă€ÂˆÂ˜>}>Ă€ĂŠÂ˜ÂœĂœĂŠÂ…>ĂƒĂŠ>Â˜ĂŠ Â˜ĂŒiĂ€Â˜>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜>Â?ĂŠ ÂˆĂ€ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠ and direct weekly ights are operating from Dubai.

UĂŠĂŠ Â?Â?ʓ>Â?ÂœĂ€ĂŠ>ÂˆĂ€Â?ˆ˜iĂƒĂŠÂœÂŤiĂ€>ĂŒiĂŠĂ€i}Ă•Â?>ÀÊ`>ˆÂ?ÞÊyˆ}Â…ĂŒĂƒĂŠ to Srinagar from New Delhi and other major cities in India UĂŠĂŠ-Ă€ÂˆÂ˜>}>ÀÊ ÂˆĂ€ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠ>ĂŒĂŠ>ĂŠ`ÂˆĂƒĂŒ>˜ViĂŠÂœvĂŠÂŁ{ĂŠÂŽÂ“ĂƒĂŠ from the city Ladakh UĂŠĂŠ ˜`ˆ>Â˜ĂŠ ÂˆĂ€Â?ˆ˜iĂƒĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ iĂŒĂŠ ÂˆĂ€Ăœ>ĂžĂƒĂŠÂœÂŤiĂ€>ĂŒiĂŠ regular ights to Leh from Delhi and Shuttle ĂƒiĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂƒĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠ-Ă€ÂˆÂ˜>}>ÀÊEĂŠ >Â“Â“Ă•ĂŠÂ­ĂŒÂ…Ă€ÂˆViĂŠĂœiiÂŽÂ?ÞÊ to each city) and to Chandigarh (twice weekly) UĂŠĂŠ iÂ…ĂŠ>ÂˆĂ€ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠĂˆĂŠÂŽÂ“ĂŠ>Ăœ>ÞÊvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠ ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠViÂ˜ĂŒĂ€i Jammu UĂŠĂŠ ˜`ˆ>Â˜ĂŠ ÂˆĂ€Â?ˆ˜iĂƒ]ĂŠ iĂŒĂŠ ÂˆĂ€Ăœ>ĂžĂƒ]ĂŠ ˆ˜}wĂƒÂ…iĂ€ĂƒĂŠ operate scheduled services between Jammu and Delhi and Jammu and Srinagar/Leh UĂŠĂŠ >““ÕÊ>ÂˆĂ€ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠnʎ“ÊvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠVÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠViÂ˜ĂŒĂ€i° Travel Reservation Indian Airlines; Tourist Reception Centre, Vir Marg Tel: 2531582, 2542735 Airport OfďŹ ce Tel: 2431433, 2430449,2520770 Jet Airways: Airport OfďŹ ce, Tel: 2453666, 2453999 and 2453888, 2454568 Go Airways: 2435668 ˆ˜}wĂƒÂ…iĂ€\ĂŠĂ“{ÎÇää£ Travel by Rail >ĂƒÂ…Â“ÂˆĂ€ UĂŠĂŠĂŠ >““ÕÊ/>ĂœÂˆ]ĂŠ>ʓ>Â?ÂœĂ€ĂŠĂ€>ˆÂ?Ăœ>ÞÊÂ?Ă•Â˜VĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠ of North India, and Udampur in Jammu province, Srinagar’s nearest railhead (202 km) receive a large number of trains from most parts of India UĂŠĂŠ/Ă€>ÂˆÂ˜ĂƒĂŠ>Ă€iĂŠÂœÂŤiĂ€>ĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠĂœÂˆĂŒÂ…ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ >ĂƒÂ…Â“ÂˆĂ€ĂŠĂ›>Â?Â?iÞÊ from Anantnag to Baramulla UĂŠĂŠĂŠ >ĂƒÂ…Â“ÂˆĂ€ĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠLiˆ˜}ĂŠVœ˜˜iVĂŒi`ĂŠLÞÊÀ>ˆÂ?ĂŠĂœÂˆĂŒÂ…ĂŠ Jammu and the project is expected to be commissioned within the next 5-7 years Jammu UĂŠĂŠ/Â…iʓ>ÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂŒĂ€>ÂˆÂ˜ĂƒĂŠÂœÂŤiĂ€>ĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠĂŒÂœĂ‰vĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠ >““ÕÊ are: Malwa Express, Super Fast, Jammu Mail, Jammu Express, Shalimar Express, Sealdah Express, Jhelum Express, Himgiri Express, Himsagar Express, Lohit Express, Sarwodaya Express, Sarvodaya Rajkot Express, Happa Express, Navyug Express, Gorakhpur Express, Barauni Express, Madras Express, Rajdhani Express and Ferozpur Express.

The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar Number of Rooms

Accommodation

115

Palace Style Palace Suites

44

Palace Rooms Palace Cottages

In-room Facilities

60 6 (2 bedroom) and 4 (1 bedroom)

Tea/coffee makers, room service, laundry, television with entertainment channels, telephone with international dialling and more

Hotels and Cottages In J&K, accommodation will never be a problem as they have more than 20,000 rooms under dierent grading. In addition to this, some houses have been registered as guesthouses. The Director for Tourism said that even groups as large as 2000 can be accommodated. You can also enjoy a stay in the cottages which come with a royal touch in Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, etc.

Shop@Kashmir 7Â…iÂ˜ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠ >ĂƒÂ…Â“ÂˆĂ€ĂŠ`ÂœĂŠĂƒÂ…ÂœÂŤĂŠvÂœĂ€\ Shawls as nothing epitomises the beautiful VĂ€>vĂŒĂƒÂ“>Â˜ĂƒÂ…ÂˆÂŤĂŠÂœvĂŠ >ĂƒÂ…Â“ÂˆĂ€ĂŠ>ĂƒĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠĂœ>À“Ê>˜`ĂŠ marvellous Pashmina.

It may be the most expensive thing you shop for in >ĂƒÂ…Â“ÂˆĂ€ĂŠLĂ•ĂŒĂŠcarpetsĂŠvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠ >ĂƒÂ…Â“ÂˆĂ€ĂŠÂ“Ă•ĂƒĂŒĂŠLiĂŠÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ shopping list as ďŹ rstly they are unique since they are handmade, never machine made and secondly, they are always knotted, never tufted.

The shopping places in Kashmir consist of privately owned as well as the government emporia. You can shop at: UĂŠ >Â?ĂŠ Â…ÂœĂœÂŽĂŠÂ­-Ă€ÂˆÂ˜>}>ÀŽ UĂŠ >`ĂƒÂ…>Â…ĂŠ Â…ÂœĂœÂŽĂŠÂ­-Ă€ÂˆÂ˜>}>ÀŽ UĂŠ *ÂœÂ?ÂœĂŠ6ˆiĂœĂŠÂ­-Ă€ÂˆÂ˜>}>ÀŽ

MICEtalk May 2012

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domestic MICE

Conference and Banquet Facilties at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre Seating

Dimension

Hall

Division

Plenary Hall

Mail Floor and Balcony

600

600

7 ÌiÀÊ > Ê

Divisible into two

300/150 each

140/70 each

20x20

65x65

Conference , ÃÊ{ÊEÊx

Divisible into two

40

25

20x6

Conference Rooms 3

-

70

40

20x6

Banquet Hall

Divisible into three

670, 225, 200 and 50 each

200, 90, 90 and 20 each

Auditorium Style

Classroom Style

Meters

30x30

20x54

Feet

Area Sq.Mt.

Sq.Mt.

Facilities

9604

35, 16 and 8mm Projections, Green Rooms, Separate VIP Entrance, VIP Lounge, Recording Facilities, Simultaneous 5-language interpretation, Press gallery

400

4225

Simultaneous Interpretation, 16 mm Projections Overhead and Slide Projection, Chalk Boards, Recording Facilities.

65x19

120

1235

16 mm Slide and Overhead Projectors

65x19

120

1235

16 mm Slide and Overhead Projectors

11700

In two divisible areas, Simultaneous Interpretation, 16 mm, Slide and Overhead Projectors. Chalk Board, Recording Facilities

98x98

65x180

900

1080

EXHIBITION AREA: On Two Lounge Levels: The upper level, suitable for informal gathering and exhibitions, is 210 sq.ft. The lower level is 440 sq.m. or 4680 sq.ft.

Banquet and Conference facilities in The Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar Area (sq ft)

Theatre

Sit Down

U-Shape

Classroom

Reception

Durbar Hall

Hall

2,000

180

80

60

50

200

North Room

1,175

100

56

40

30

100

South Room

1,175

100

56

40

30

100

Garden Area

40,000

-

600

-

-

500

The Lalit Grand has a full service business centre with internet access with a range of conference equipment, along with other support services to make your event successful

House boats Many delegates are attracted to Srinagar by the charm of staying on a houseboat, which provides the unique experience of living on the water with the convenience of a luxury hotel. t ͳFSF BSF BQQSPYJNBUFMZ IPVTFCPBUT JO Kashmir with normally four bedrooms and some with seven moored along sections of the Dal and Nagin Lakes and river Jhelum t &WFSZ TUBOEBSE IPVTFCPBU QSPWJEFT B CBMDPOZ JO the front, a lounge, dining room and a pantry t JLF IPUFMT IPVTFCPBUT WBSZ JO EFHSFF PG luxury and have been accordingly graded by the Department of Tourism t "MM IPVTFCPBUT SFHBSEMFTT PG DBUFHPSZ IBWF highly personalised service. The owner and his family are never far away. t $PTU QFS IFBE PO B EFMVYF IPVTFCPBU XJUI GPPE

will be approximately Rs. 4,000 With world class conference facilities to match the comfortable accommodation options along with the plethora of pre- and post-convention tour options in the breathtaking and splendid valley of J&K, your MICE experience is bound to be an unforgettable one.

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MICEtalk May 2012

sample this

MICE with

South Africa’s Legend(ary) Hospitality Ipshita Sengupta Nag

A mix of cosmopolitan city life and nature’s wild beauty, South Africa has earned itself the tag of one of the most fascinating destinations of modern times. The country is now promoting newer niche tourism products. MICEtalk was invited to Legend Golf and Safari Resort, in the Limpopo province of South Africa, which brings together South Africa’s age old attraction, its wild bush, with its fast developing luxury offering, Golf. It is hardly surprising that it is wooing the MICE traveller in a big way.

Legend Golf and Safari Resort is a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg Event space The resort sets aside exclusive space for conferences and meetings > `ÊÌ ÃÊ V Õ`iÃÊ ÕÌ` ÀÊë>ViðÊ/ iʼ7 ÌiÊ Ê >½Ê ÃÊ> Ê exclusive space for outdoor events and is just a few metres away vÀ ÊÌ iÊ Ã > `ÃÊÌ >ÌÊ>ÀiÊ iÊÌ ÊÌ iÊ ÞÌ V> ʼ7 ÌiÊ Ã½°Ê6 Ã Ì ÀÃÊ can sometimes hear the roar of these lions as they settle down for an event, which can be accompanied by African music and delicious African food.

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MICEtalk May 2012

sample this

S

ituated in the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, Legend Golf and Safari Resort is a new venture that is promising to provide an exclusive experience of everything that is unique to South Africa. With an entrance styled like the Zimbabwe ruins, the resort proudly aunts an 18-hole signature golf course, luxurious accommodations and the fact that it is situated right at the heart of a Big 5 Game Reserve that is Entabeni

Golf at the Legend MICE at Legend also means the opportunity to experience‌ t ÍłF MPOHFTU (PMG DPVSTF JO 4PVUI "GSJDB DPVSTF QMBZT at 6,534 metres for daily play and can be extended to 7,748 metres for tournaments t ÍłF 4JHOBUVSF $PVSTF XIFSF FBDI IPMF JT EFTJHOFE by one of the world’s leading golfers. It is recognised as “Best New Course in South Africaâ€? by Golf Digest

t ͳF &YUSFNF UI o UIF XPSME T MPOHFTU BOE IJHIFTU Par 3. This is accessible only by helicopter and is situated at the top of Hanglip Mountain; 361 metres shot – 400 breathtaking metres below Tee. t 5SJCVUF $PVSTF It is generally advised to book well in advance for a game of Golf. All golf activities are closed on Mondays.

Playing Information t (SFFO GFFT BSF 3 QFS SPVOE ÍłF GFF JODMVEFT B cart and Halfway House. Golf carts are available but are not compulsory t $BEEZ 3BOHFST BSF BWBJMBCMF BU B SBUF PG 3 per caddy Ranger. The initiative forms part of our overall social development plan. t ÍłF HPMG DPVSTF XJMM PQFSBUF PO B POF UFF TUBSU TZTUFN with strict control over the pace of play. Players who do not adhere to the pace of play will be asked to leave.

Visitors to the resort are encouraged to use the resort transportation system to get around. This comprises the 10-seater game vehicle. They function as shuttles taking visitors to different parts of the resort.

sample this

t ÍłFSF BSF XJME BOJNBMT PO UIF HPMG DPVSTF CVU OPOF of the dangerous animals or Big ďŹ ve. t 1MBZFST XJMM CF BCMF UP QMBZ Pĉ BOZ POF PG TFUT PG UFF markers. t ÍłF $MVCIPVTF PĉFST B 1SP 4IPQ (FOUT BOE -BEJFT locker rooms, lounge and bar area and restauant. t 3FOUBM DMVCT XJMM CF BWBJMBCMF GSPN UIF QSP TIPQ t 7BSJPVT UPVSOBNFOUT XJMM CF IPTUFE BU UIF 4JHOBUVSF Course: these will include both professional and amateur tournaments.

Post-event activities MICE activities at Legend Golf and Safari Resort also means that groups can enjoy a host of post-event activities‌ Game Viewing The Entabeni Safari Conservancy is home to a number of species of animals, with the Big 5 taking centre stage. Wildlife enthusiasts can wake up with the ďŹ rst light of the sun to watch these animals waking up from their slumber. The thrill of watching these wild beasts from an open 8-seater vehicle and to see them nonchalantly overlook your presence will stay with you forever.

The Sanctuary is also home to a number of plant and animal species. Game viewing here is also an opportunity to see diverse ecosystems – grasslands, bushveld, forests, mountains, riverbeds.

Endangered wild life centre The highlight of the centre is the White Lions. African legend says that they are the “son of the God,� and have the task of saving the world. The animals live in an island, secured with electric fences and guests have plenty of opportunity to capture their beauty in Venues for meetings/conferences Venue

48

Capacity

Power/Technology

Add ons

Monomotapa Banqueting Pavilion

Round table-200 Cocktail-350 U-Shape – 80 Herringbone_200

80 amp electricity ÂœĂŠ7ˆ‡w

7>ĂŒiÀÊ>˜`ĂŠ ÂœĂ€`ˆ>Â?]ĂŠĂƒĂœiiĂŒĂƒ]ĂŠĂƒĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜>ÀÞ]ĂŠ projector, screen

Sofala Conferencing Pavilion

U-Shape- 80 Herringbone-200 Cocktail-350

28 amps electricity 15 plug points 7ˆ‡ ÂˆĂŠ>Ă›>ˆÂ?>LÂ?i

same as above‌ Additional equipments can be hired at extra cost

Brul Bar

Round table-200 Cocktail-250

40 amps electricity ÂœĂŠ7ˆ‡ ˆ

Same as above‌Entertainment in the form of Jukebox, 2 pooltables, 2 foosball tables

MICEtalk May 2012

sample this

New Additions Legend Golf and Safari Resort has a brand new purpose-built venue called the Sheba Conference Centre. This African-style complex boasts of a capacity to seat 500 people in cinema style. It has important additions like rigging points (15 in number each capable of carrying 350 kgs) and a spacious foyer. The facilitieshere bring Legend Golf and Safari Resort closer to its commitment of being recognised as a premier events and incentive venue. The venue takes special care of its physically-challenged guests.

Internet Services The remote location of Legend Golf and Safari Resort enables the telecom service provider to supply a single-link digital broadband service.

The service is available in the public areas as V viÀi ViÊv>V Ì iÃÊ­7 wÊ>VViÃÃÊJÊx£ÓÊ L«ÃÊ per user). Maximum 50 users can avail the service at a time otherwise quality of service will deteriorate. In the Resort Suites, direct connection is available through network cables.

Here again, maximum 80 users can avail this service or quality cannot be assured.

Event capacity at the venue UÊ1 à >«i £ää UÊ ÕL iÊ1 à >«i UÊ >ÃÃÀ Îxä UÊ i > xää UÊ iÀÀ }L i ÎääÊ UÊ >L>ÀiÌ ÓnäÊÊ

cameras, without the obstruction of cages. The wildlife centre also provides an opportunity to see other species like cheetahs, parrots and macaws in all their splendid beauty. In the winter months, guests can go on buffalo breeding tour. Incidentally, these are considered to be the most dangerous and unpredictable animals here.

Spa Facilities Enjoy a number of spa pleasures here. Visitors are advised to make their bookings for the spa facilities at the reception, as they check into the resort for their stay.

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Helicopter flights Enjoy the indescribable natural beauty of Ì iÊ7>ÌiÀLiÀ}Ê Ê>Ê i V «ÌiÀ°Ê ÌÊV> ÊLiÊ>Ê jaw-dropping experience and first timers on a helicopter are known to shout themselves hoarse as the copter takes its various ingenuous turns.

The rooms are wonderful

Pre-event tour of Meetings Africa 2012 Legend Golf and Safari Resort welcomed a swarm of media and buyers as part of the preevent weekend tour. This included a host of activities for the visitors, like early morning game drives, volunteer work to set up a village school, helicopter rides, a tour of the endangered wild life centre, not to mention some very comfortable hours in the spa.

Grand buffet meals were set up on both evenings, which gave the guests an opportunity to taste the sumptuous South African food. Local music added a special flavour to evenings, and there was much fun and laughter to create a rapport between the buyers, prior to Meetings Africa 2012.

The warm hospitality of the staff made the weekend at Legend Golf and Safari Resort more memorable.

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MICEtalk May 2012

A befitting support to the activities at the Legend Golf and Safari Resort are the luxurious accommodations here. The resort has 201 rooms built across the bush.

Each of these comprises a spacious bedroom, a small seating area, luxurious ensuite bathroom with spacious shower and bath area.

Walking out to the patio outside a room after sunset can be a surreal experience, with the surrounding enveloped in darkness. Even as you lose the sense of time and space for a few seconds, look up to the sky above you. In the clear, pollution free environment, the twinkling stars in the sky, hundreds and hundreds in number, seem to be smiling down at you.

Legend Golf and Safari Resort, in short, encompasses the spirit of Africa, which remains pristine, beautiful and warm, welcoming travellers to experience its uniqueness that remains untouched, despite the fast pace of life characteristic of modern times.

Land and Water Activities at Legend Watersports possible Doorndraai Dam Area UÊ Ã }Ê UÊ 7>ÌiÀ à } UÊ `Ûi ÌÕÀiÊ/ÕL } UÊ *>À>Ã> } UÊ >Þ> } Outdoors UÊ Õ Ì> Ê ià UÊ /i à UÊ ÀV iÀÞ UÊ +Õ>`Ê } UÊ LÃi } UÊ Õà Ê7> à UÊ i> ÃÊ ÊÌ iÊ Õ Ì> Ê

expert talk

Marriott Progresses towards Growth with MICE Megha Paul

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MICEtalk May 2012

expert talk

Identifying a prospective growth segment in India’s MICE industry, Marriott International has ramped up its MICE portfolio in the country. Making moves to sharpen its forte in serving the corporate travel and events segment, the global hotel chain is expecting a 15 per cent growth in revenue from its MICE segment.

J

ohn Woolley, Area Director of Sales & Marketing, Marriott International elaborates on the rampedup focus on the regional MICE market, “After creating brand-specific strategies in India, the outlook for MICE is fairly positive this year. We are building a clear understanding of meeting clients today and in the future.”

The opening of JW Marriott Delhi later this year will be another landmark for the MICE segment, he added. Going forward, the hotel is also looking at micro markets for developing its MICE activities.

“For example- Bengaluru will witness a major spurt in MICE activities as it is the IT hub. Hence, we will open two important hotels -- JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru in the business district next to UB city and Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield in the Whitefield region this year,” Samir Kant Avasthi, Director MICE Sales – India, Marriott International informed.

The hotel giant also has a dedicated MICE department. Giving more information about the team, Avasthi revealed, “MICE is group business which usually comes from corporates or the intermediaries.

This dedicated team of six people pan-India talks directly to the intermediaries to help them get clients for large-format meetings in India and even overseas. Thus, we are now tapping business that we were not getting earlier.” Currently, hotels in the Marriott kitty that excel in MICE facilities include Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and Jaipur Marriott Hotel. The US-based chain is tapping medical conventions in a big way. According to Woolley, medical conventions have been a driving factor for their MICE activities. “Jaipur Marriott Hotel has made its own space in the northern region in India. Right next to the airport, it is attracting a lot of MICE, especially the medical conferences in the region. Even the Chandigarh property, which is close to the pharmaceutical belt of Baddi is witnessing major pharmaceutical conventions,” Woolley said.

Going West, The Pune Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre is the only hotel in Pune with convention facilities to accommodate around 1,500 people under one single roof, claimed Avasthi. Due to the existence of the property, considerable number of conferences has shifted from Mumbai to Pune, he revealed. “Pune always had the potential for MICE as it is the auto,

John Woolley Area Director of Sales & Marketing Marriott International

Samir Kant Avasthi Director MICE Sales – India Marriott International

Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel UÊÊ Ài> ÓÎä]äääÊõÊvÌÊÊ, à £ÇÊ iiÌ }ÊÀ à UÊÊ Õ ÊL }Êv ÀÊ ÊiÛi ÌÊ Ê ÌÊ i>ÃÌÊ 150 attendees. The hotel can provide a maximum of 300 rooms on the night of the conference UÊÊ V> ÊÀiÃÌÀ VÌ ÃÊ ÌÊ>ÊV > i }iÊÜ i Ê incorporated into the meeting planning process at an early stage UÊÊ/ iÊ Ìi ÊÌÀ iÃÊÌ ÊVÕÃÌ ÃiÊ«À V }°Ê ÌÊ ÃÊ ÌÊ common to offer packages for the MICE business as the requirement and size for each Group or Conference varies tremendously.

UÊÊ/ iÊ Ìi Ê> ÜÃÊ Ê À Õ«ÊÌ Ê}iÌÊÌ i ÀÊ Ü Ê suppliers for items except beverages and food

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expert talk

Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre / iÊ Ìi Êi >L i`ÊÜ Ì Ê7 ÊV iVÌ Û ÌÞÊ Ê> Ê «ÕL VÊ>Ài>ÃÊ> `ÊV Ûi Ì ÊEÊ iiÌ }Êë>ViÃ°Ê / iÊ7 ÊV iVÌ Û ÌÞÊV> ÊLiÊÕÃi`Ê>ÌÊ > Ê charges mentioned below: 1 Day 2500+ Taxes 4 Hours 1000 + Taxes x£ÓÊ L«ÃÊ £Ç]äääʳÊ/>Ýià 1 Mbps 32,000 + Taxes 2 Mbps 74,000 + Taxes

medical and ancilliary hub of Maharashtra. However, as there was a dearth of hotels to cater to the MICE segment earlier, Mumbai became the safest bet for these MICE activities.” The Pune Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre is now luring a lot of medical conferences and dealers meet.

The objective of the chain is to not let the client move away from the Marriott portfolio. And with a large network of our hotels across all segments and spanning all regions, this is not an impossible task.

“What drives our MICE business is the vast array of our offerings. The clients can experience our JW, Renaissance and even Courtyards, which have some decent banqueting for their various meetings. Just recently in February, we hosted a medical conference in Jaipur. The 2013 conference has already been booked with us for the upcoming JW Marriott in Delhi,”

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MICEtalk May 2012

Avathi stated. With multiple advantages, challenging layouts and its international reputation, the strong selling points at the Marriott properties will surely be a booster for MICE activities in India.

The hotel as a complex has a total room inventory of 405 rooms in its various categories. The hotel accommodates bookings from a minimum of 30 guests to a maximum of 1200 guest for meetings and conferences.

The hotel is also an ideal destination for Residential conferences and can provide 300 rooms at one time.

The hotel supports a certified event planning team under the concept ‘Events by Marriott’.

Guests have the option of getting their own suppliers or renting the facilities from the hotel; in either scenario the hotel offers to closely co-ordinate with the guest’s supplier for all requirements through the event.

Jaipur Marriott UÊ-«>Vi Ê{ÎäääÊõÊviiÌÊÊÊ UÊÊ Õ ÊL }Ê ÃÊ£x ÓäÊ«i « iÊ Ê>Ê meeting room up to 1500 people for a larger conference.

UÊÊ/ iÊ Ìi ÊV> Ê«À Û `iÊÕ«ÊÌ ÊÎääÊÀ ÃÊÊ UÊÊ/ iÊ Ìi Ê> ÜÃÊ Ü ÊÃÕ«« iÀÃÊ vÊÌ iÀiÊ ÃÊ>Ê request or requirement UÊÊ/ iÊ Ìi Ê«À Û `iÃÊ>``Ê ÊÃiÀÛ ViÃÊ iÊ«Õ««iÌÊ shows, customised key cards, tags, traditional welcomes, elephant welcomes

corporate choice

On Land, In Air Sanjeev Bhar

Now flight delays, long layovers and erratic flight schedules related to Delhi’s International Airport have got a new connotation. The long wait has been converted into an interesting hospitality proposition through India’s first airport transit hotel – Eaton Smart – at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The hotel is successfully establishing a new relationship between the capital city and her passengers on air transit.

E

Raju Shahani Executive Consultant – Development & Operations (India & Sri Lanka) Langham Hospitality Group

56

aton Smart at the Delhi International Airport, commonly known as T3, has a distinction of having the fifth airport transit hotel of the world. The first airport transit hotel came in Changi International Airport (Singapore) followed by Schipol (Amsterdam), Heathrow (London) and Dubai International Airport, tells Raju Shahani, Executive Consultant – Development & Operations (India & Sri Lanka), Langham Hospitality Group. The Delhi property is positioned as a midscale accommodation. It is Langham’s first project in India on a management basis and has a unique distinction. It is group’s first airport transit hotel marking its entry in this market that it has been eyeing for many years. He says, “We are selective and distinguish ourselves in defining simplicity in our

MICEtalk May 2012

services. The services should touch the customers who come and stay with us. This is a new concept not only for us but also for many Indians, and therefore, we have picked up confidence in servicing them slowly once they got used to this transit hotel concept. After all, it is an unknown concept in the Indian hospitality trade.”

International & Domestic The hotel has been divided into two wings, i.e., international and domestic. Here, international refers to the air side of the airport and domestic signifies the land. The international wing of the hotel (having 57 rooms) opened in June last year and just three months back, the domestic wing (having 36 rooms) was made operational. “We have realised within these three

corporate choice

Advantage for MICE groups Eaton Smart is particularly relevant for corporate travelers, who converge in New Delhi from different town and smaller metros, to continue together as a group to their international destination for MICE activities. This also means long periods of waiting at New Delhi’s international airport, for the connecting flights which almost always keep late night hours .

In such a case, paying huge sum for a single day at an up-market hotel and just for some time to relax has never been a good proposition. Here, Eaton Smart positions itself with élan. One pays here by slots of five hours; it is right at the airport and reduces additional hassle of catching the flight on time apart from extending the stay when flights get delayed.

In case of a flight delay, business professionals in a group can invariably enjoy various options at the property. They can even have an informal meetings at the dining area or simply work out in the gym (to create a rapport before they continue as a team) or head for a relaxing massage ahead of their forthcoming hectic schedule.

months that the potential of the domestic wing, which is crossing over 100 per cent occupancy in comparison to around 55-60 per cent of that of international wing, is tremendous,” informs Shahani.

The hotel primarily gets its customers as walkins, which comprise of 30-35 per cent of the total occupancy. Twenty five to thirty per cent bookings are made through GDS, website, travel agents, etc.

“We have been active in social media marketing and promoting to those travelling to SAARC countries with connecting flights from New Delhi. We need to market to domestic feeder market like Lucknow, Raipur, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Chennai, etc.

Internationally, we are looking at the US and UK market,” informs Shahani.

A Challenging Proposition Though the initial results may sound all rosy, but there are some issues that limit the hotel’s scope for potential optimum growth. For example, the stay option is limited to a maximum of 24 hours. Since it is primarily meant for air passengers, a day has been divided into five hours of slots for four times a day, which means the scope for customers get curtailed.

Shahani tells, “Restrictions are many for this hotel.

Stay at the international wing is only allowed if a passenger is coming from an international destination and going to another one where Delhi happens to be a changeover point.”

In this context, the hotel is seeking if the time schedule to enter the airport could be relaxed for passengers in certain cases. “People who are taking international flights from Delhi can’t avail this stay option, as the boarding pass is given only three hours in advance. It is not that important for Delhi-based traffic but it surely is for those coming from other cities by different mode of transport finding it difficult to lodge them,” Shahani explains. He is, in fact, taking

Room Tariff - >ÀÌÊ, Ê+Õii ÉÊÌÜ ÊqÊ,ðÊÎ]äääÊ­ °ÊxÊ ÕÀÊL V ® - >ÀÌÊ, Ê+Õii ÉÊÌÜ ÊqÊ,ðÊÇ]äääÊ­ ÛiÀ } ÌÊÃÌ>Þ® Hourly Extension – Rs. 750 per hour (Max. up to 3 hours only) Aqua Pods – Rs. 500 per hour

a few suggestions forward with the authority for due consideration.

Passengers would be able to use this airport facility only if boarding passes could be issued 6-7 hours before an international flight takes off. Usually no one prefers to come to the airport before time and only those who wish to reach and relax would eventually use this proposition. This, in all propositions, would not hurt the airport authorities about the concern of security.

“Also, if domestic passengers are allowed to enter the airport from the existing 6 hours to 12 hours before the flight, they would be able to use the domestic wing services we offer, as many business travellers coming from smaller cities to Delhi at awkward hours find it difficult due to the existing norms. Also, one can use the domestic wing of the hotel before the security checks,” he explains.

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corporate choice

Extending Comfort Though it may sound simple, the fact that the hotel is right at the heart of the airport, the security issue will always remain a critical one. At every possible point, travellers are frisked to ensure that safety is at its peak.

Shahani says, “In order to ensure that travellers – who are anyway hassled by long flights – don’t face any trouble to check into the hotel, we have positioned ourselves through counters and help desk at various areas of both the sides of the immigration, at arrival as well as departure zones. Guests are personally escorted from a particular point and it is ensured that they smoothly pass through the entire tedious security checks. It is completely a ‘Meet & Greet’ service that we offer.”

Further, restrictions also take staff into its scope of scrutiny. A three month pass by the FRRO authority is issued to the hotel staff and a new one is issued after its expiry. He argues, “At times, it becomes difficult for them to work with so much of frisking but considering the issue of security, we go by the rulebook.” Not only the guests, even the staff of the hotel are frisked consistently by the airport authorities while their entry and exit making it a cumbersome process for all involved. “While we extend comfort to our customers, we hope to get a comfort zone as well to operate it even more easily. We can’t blame authorities as this is a new concept for all, be it us, airports or the security agencies involved. We are at the initial stage of this concept and hopefully, everything will fall into place in due course of time,” expects Shahani.

The hotel, nonetheless, is extending its unique services to add a comforting touch to the airport giving it a dimension to be proud about. It has been priced nominally to suit the requirements of all sorts of passengers where they pay for what they avail.

Hospitality concept in India is surely getting redefined with new products like this one.

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MICEtalk May 2012

Getting Rejuvenated Between Flights Aqua Pods: Just like any other busy airport’s lounge facilities, it is very relaxing to get an opportunity to refresh yourself with quick shower.

But the options are always limited. Eaton Smart’s Aqua Pods is an answer to those travellers who want to freshen up pre- or post-flights. Just 9 sqm of space has been well-saccepted by the passengers, the hotel informs.

Essentials Spa: Easily accessible, the Essentials Spa offers weary travellers a range of treatments for pre-and post-flight spa therapies. The option varies from individual treatment rooms to massage chairs for complete rejuvenating experience. From relaxing head and foot massages to full body therapies, treatments are designed to ease jetlag, aid sleep and allow guests to treat themselves to a little therapeutic indulgence between flights.

Fitness Centre: The fitness centre helps those who don’t want to miss out on their fitness regime even when on transit. The centre is equipped with modern facilities in a compact atmosphere giving ample reason to get involved into cardio-machines to free weights, etc.

Eat & Drink: T Lounge - located on the lobby levels of both the International and Domestic wings - serves an all-day menu of freshly prepared favourites, from simple buffet breakfasts, to light snacks, hearty international cuisine and local specialties. Addressing every taste, there is a mix of continental and Indian which are light and apt for those who are scheduled for a flight journey.

For those in need of liquid refreshments, it also serves a wide selection of signature teas and alcoholic beverages.

people on the move

Michael Glennie appointed President and COO at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) announced the appointment of Michael Glennie as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

In this capacity he will be responsible for the global operations of all three leading hotel brands and other entities within the FRHI portfolio and will also provide direction, guidance and leadership support in the areas of financial performance, strategic planning and owner relations.

Recently, Glennie had held the position of President Real Estate & Development for FRHI and was responsible for directing the company’s global growth and development strategy, asset management activity and real estate functions. Prior to this, he also served as the company’s Executive Vice President, Real Estate, where he spearheaded several programmes and initiatives related to the company’s hotel real estate portfolio. Glennie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Administration from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom.

Simon Burgess joins as Director of marketing and sales of ACC Australia’s Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC) has appointed Simon Burgess Director of marketing and sales, replacing Joanne Robinson who has returned to Auckland, New Zealand.

Burgess is currently Assistant Vice-President of the global sales for the hotel chain Dusit International and will join ACC in mid-May.

Knight to manage Meetings Show UK Steve Knight has been appointed Exhibition Director for the inaugural Meetings Show UK. Knight has worked on a variety of global events, most recently with Business Travel at VisitBritain.

Auckland Convention Bureau Welcomes New Expertise The Auckland Convention Bureau (ACB) welcomes Rebecca Nelson as Project Manager – International Bids. She has joined the team in a contract role dedicated to developing international bidding and to maximising ACB’s investment in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Nelson brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked for Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) in a marketing capacity, as well as managing the Conference Assistance Programme (CAP) for CINZ during 2008 and 2009.

Barcelona Convention Bureau Director Steps Down After a fruitful 29 years in management, the Barcelona Convention Bureau (BCB) founder Airy Garrigosa, will be stepping down from her title as Director.

Moving forward, Christoph Tessmar, an expert in the organisation of national and international conferences for large companies, will be succeeding Ms. Garrigosa as the new Director for the highly accredited BCB. Tessmar began his professional career at Boehringer Mannheim as the Area Manager for several countries in South America. In January 1990, he moved to the Boehringer Mannheim offices in Barcelona where he got his start in the organisation of events and congresses.

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yours officially

Moving MICE into Melbourne Karen Bollinger CEO Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau How are Tourism Australia/Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau supporting more MICE visitors to Melbourne?

A lot of infrastructure development is taking place in Melbourne, both from the accommodation perspective and also from the venue perspective; Many new hotels are coming up in the city; two in the immediate future from the Sheraton group. Another unique concept, what was formerly Vic Hall has been converted to a sparkling new space hotel. We have plenty of rooms in every category to cater to different demands.

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to bring with incentives and corporate meetings area.

Travelling to Melbourne means high ticket costs, primarily because of the distance factor. Do you have good value hotels to balance out this steep travel expense?

At present, there are 26,000 hotel rooms in Melbourne of which 11,000 are in the central city area and they range from 2 star to 6 star properties. We also have apartment style accommodation options. They are all of very good quality.

How is Melbourne looking at India as a market for tourism?

What are the different types of conferences being organised in Melbourne?

Our Singapore representative looks after the India market. Our Premier is currently in India taking up among other issues, tourism; particularly tourism Victoria, to encourage Indians to invest in the tourism industry here and to encourage travel to Australia. We are active in the Indian market. We don’t have huge budgets for marketing but what we do is talk to the right people in the Indian market who have business

MCVB does a lot of work with Association congresses, which get delegates from across the world. They, in turn bring in more groups from their respective countries.

MICEtalk May 2012

How do you promote Melbourne as a destination for MICE? We attend a lot of international conferences, where we talk about Melbourne as an ideal destination

yours officially

for travellers, distribute flyers, etc. The result of these events is that more people are interested now. Melbourne is a dream destination and MCVB facilitates this dream to come true.

Do you do a lot of incentives?

We are planning an incentive trip for a very large group from Amway India and are customising it to give the people exactly what they want.

How do you assist large groups coming to Melbourne?

We help them organise the events in the appropriate venues. For instance, the Melbourne cricket ground can host big events. Here also, at the Melbourne convention and Exhibition centre, they have a lot of choice in venues, both indoor and outdoors. Depending on the budget of the group and the amount of time they have on hand, we can customise a memorable experience of Melbourne. Generally, in a 4-day itinerary, we are able to accommodate a lot of things.

Do you think there is a lack of awareness about the unique products of Melbourne?

Melbourne has a lot to offer. Recently we did a walking tour with a group of three from India. They left raving about Melbourne. There are also other unique experiences in Melbourne, like Wine tasting, Bush walking, etc. A unique thing about the city is that a 90-minute drive from the city could take you to an entirely different environment – beach, mountains, farms and other natural beauty.

are expecting it to further grow after AIME 2012. We have done quite a few fam tours in the last couple of months, primarily corporate. We are hoping that they will yield good results.

From which part of the world do you have more visitors?

How many groups from India have come to Melbourne?

India is a growing market for Melbourne. And we

It is difficult to give an exact number as not all come through us. Some get in touch with the hotels and venues directly.

Does the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCVB) work with the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) to promote Melbourne as a destination for MICE? Yes, the two work hand-in-hand to organise events in Melbourne. We have a very healthy relationship, which makes organisation of events and conferences much simpler for us. MCEC had a Stars of Bollywood night last year when stars were flown down from India. It sold out. It was very colourful.

Indians are almost always looking for vegetarian options on the menu. How do you handle this?

Melbourne can cater to the vegetarians. We also get a lot of requests for Indian food. We get Indian chefs to advise and execute these specific orders. This is definitely a priority on our agenda.Melbourne has a large Indian population. Recently we took a group from India to a winery that is owned by an Indian.

He greeted us in his traditional Indian attire and then cooked an Indian meal for the guests. This is exactly the kind of thing we as a Bureau would facilitate.

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Postal Registration No.:DL(ND)/6150/2011-12-13 WPP No.:U(C)-305/2011-13 for Posting on 29th-30th of Advance Month at New Delhi P.S.O. Date of Publication:22/04/2012, RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144