KONGRES MAGAZINE MTLG2016 by KONGRES MAGAZINE

/08/ TOP 10 COUNTRIES TO WATCH IN 2016 Slovak Republic, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Slovenia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece /24, 50, 80/ MEET BUSTERS Prague, Dubrovnik, Soča Valley

/49/ KONGRES FACE 2FACE Prague vs. Istanbul

/190/ CONVENTA EXPERIENCE New edition 2016

PLANNERS’ GUIDE 2016 /57/ MEETINGS STAR 2016 RANKING National Destinations 2016 Regional Destinations 2016 Tourist Destinations 2016

www.kongres-magazine.eu SPECIAL ISSUE // MEETOLOGUES 2016 // May 2016

NEW EUROPE MEETINGS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

ENT INDEPENDS W REVIE

2016 EDITION

Let’s Meet in NEW EUROPE

A TALE OF TWO CITIES â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Let your business demonstrate its flare and imagination by choosing Istanbul as your next meeting destination. Istanbul is uniquely positioned, geographically and historically, to inspire and connect people like you to a cultural backdrop of the old and new. A tale of two cities makes Istanbul like no other.

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DID YOU KNOW

WHAT‘S NEW 2016

There are some 750,000 concrete bunkers scattered around Albania. Driving through Albania you are probably going to notice quite a few concrete bunkers. There were over 700,000 of them built during Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship to protect the country from an invasion that never happened, so, needless to say, many Albanians view them as unpleasant and annoying reminders of the 50 or so years of isolation.

1. The Tirana Smart City Conference 2016 – 2026 / January 2016 - The Municipality of Tirana, in collaboration with UNDP, hosts Tirana Smart City Conference 2016-2026, an event that reaches out to the private sector, investors, and donors that can find common interests in this vision. 2. 2nd HydroTech Albania Conference and Exhibition / February 2016 The conference is intended to support hydro development in Albania, to increase foreign direct investment and aid further privatisation of the hydro power industry. 3. HoReCa® Fair Albania / March 2016 - The fair where you will find everything for hotels, restaurants and cafés. 4. TEDx Tirana / May 2016 - At TEDxTirana 2016 they aim to deepen the individual and collective sense of the common good through bold and engaging talks from visionary individuals. 5. 10th Balkan Congress of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery / June 2016 - The Congress programme focuses on all the topics of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and will appeal to an audience of over 500 attendees from the Balkan countries and beyond.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Jeep Safari in North Albania - A jeep safari in Theth, Albania, takes you to the heart of the Theth national park where you will be free to explore the village, visit the waterfall and discover the “Blue eye”. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the Albanian lifestyle, this is the right place, as you will learn about daily life in the mountains from your more-than-welcoming hosts. Prepare to fall in love with Albania.

WHO TO CONTACT A contact point in the form of a convention bureau doesn’t yet exist, so you will have to contact one of the DMCs in Tirana.

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SAVINJA VALLEY INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2016 Natural and cultural factors:

4.72

General and transport infrastructure:

4.20

Tourist infrastructure:

4.42

Meeting infrastructure:

4.05

Subjective grade:

4.51

Marketing Buzz:

4.30

ICCA index:

1.00

Numbeo quality of life Index:

4.20

Global Peace Index:

4.07

Destination grade:

3.94

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UPPER SAVINJA VALLEY OFF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK

he first association you’ll get when you think of Upper Savinja Valley is with a number of different municipalities, as the Valley covers a magical seven of them: Mozirje, Nazarje, Gordnji Grad, Rečica ob Savinji, Ljubno, Luče and Solčava together represent a rounded geographical area of outstanding natural beauty that has a special charm thanks to its four glacial valleys, The Logar valley, Matkov kot, Robanov kot and Lučko Belo. Logar Valley is considered as one of the most beautiful alpine valleys in Europe, which in 1987 was declared as a landscape park. It offers numerous natural attractions, such as cultural, ethnological and archaeological attractions, and its experiential identity creates a rich architectural, artistic and urban heritage. The Savinja river has formed a very diverse landscape from its source under Okrešelj to a gorge at Letuš, where the Lower Savinja Valley or Celje Valley continues, with the most striking stretch being the Savinja Alps west of Raduha. The whole region is extremely mountainous as 70% of the territory lies at more than 600m above sea level. Alongside the interesting cultural heritage it offers an unprecedented experiential diversity that is embodied by the stunningly picturesque Logar Valley, the setting for the filming of the famous advertisement “Slovenia my country” because of its exceptional nature. Throughout history the economy of this region has been based on the extensive forest and timber trades, with livestock breeding also an important strand. As a result of this rafting was begun here in the 16th century and Mozirje developed as a central point of the region. To reach the valley in the headwaters of the Savinja at the Solčavsko area it is just a one and a half hour’s drive from Ljubljana and along the road you will come across areas that are completely authentic with untouched nature and many culinary specialities. It was before the Second World War that tourism started to develop here, as the Logar Valley was already known then as a tourist and vacation spot. The Upper Savinja Valley was not hit by the wave of mass construction of tourist facilities at the end of 60s and fortunately the valley remained intact with its ecologically clean nature maintained. Today, people in this area largely live off tourism, which given their local natural resources is certainly not difficult to attract, with numerous tourist farms and other offers such as hiking, climbing, mountain-biking, archery, paragliding, rafting and in the winter the alpine and cross-country skiing, sledding, recreational skiing and much more.

The summer tourist season is the most important one though. Water sports such as rafting on Savinja river are very popular. Winter season takes place mainly at Golte, which following investment in a renovation is among most modern of Slovenian ski resorts. The Upper Savinja Valley offers three camps that mostly attract foreign tourists looking pitch up in the midst of nature and participate in sports activities. In Luče there is the Šmica camp, at Spodnje Pobrežje the Savinja camp and on the left bank of the Savinja is the Menina camp. Upper Savinja also offers some hotel accommodations and the valley has a total of six hotels, including Hotel Golte, which in 2010 underwent a thorough renovation. In the Upper Savinja Valley you can find a wide range of tourist farms, most of them being are at Solčavo, Lučkih and Ljubno Hills. The legendary Hotel Plesnik is the one that can claim to be the origin of congress tourism in the valley. The Plesnik family has been involved in the hotel industry more than 60 years and they are famous for excellent facilities and the fact that guests are guaranteed discretion and the ability to escape the world’s prying eyes. Consequently they often have high visit levels, all spreading the good word about the hotel and the valley. With a comprehensive and innovative offer the hotel is a very common decision for congress and incentive groups, no less so because of the world-class cuisine and hospitality of the Plesnik family. Hotel Golte, located by the top cable car station, can be reached by an 8-minute cable car ride that brings you right to the reception at an altitude of 1,430m. The hotel has 54 rooms and a modern conference hall for 100 people. Many people think that this is the best ski slope with guaranteed snow, but it’s even more attractive in the summer season. A rich offer is rounded off by excellent incentive options in the Savinjska and Šaleška valley, accompanied by an interesting local culinary tradition, which goes hand in hand with all the incentive programmes. There is also the legendary Mozirska cottage that exudes relaxation and attracts cheerful gatherings where you will enjoy the genuine Slovenian alpine experience, be it playing alpine billiards or learning to bake homemade bread. The full offer is rounded off with incentive programme providers who delight with their authenticity, sincerity and honest products. The Menina camp, owned by Jurij Kolenc, is something of an epicentre of this and with the help of its team you will learn all about the life, the joys and difficulties of local people, experience real rafting, test yourself in the adrenalin park or by sorbing.

The legendary Hotel Plesnik is the one that can claim to be the origin of congress tourism in the valley. The Plesnik family has been involved in the hotel industry more than 80 years and they are famous for excellent facilities and the fact that guests are guaranteed discretion and the ability to escape the world’s prying eyes.

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A special story of the valley can be found in Luče, where House Raduha is located and is a spot that, with its firstclass cuisine, will satisfy even the most demanding congress guests. The restaurant is considered to be one of the best in Slovenia, after which you can also spend the night in a hayrack. The entire facility represents a merger of tradition, modern architecture, nature and exquisite food. Far from the traditional hotel resorts often with their generic offer, the Herbal Glamping in Ljubno ob Savinji offers you a freshness for both the body and the soul, as well as an unforgettable experience. As part of a new brand, ‘Charming Slovenia’ is planning to open a number of such ‘glamping’ resorts that will be located in different parts of the country. The first, located in Ljubno ob Savinji, opened in late August in 2015 and is designed as a boutique resort with a central theme of herbs and spices. The resort is suitable for small meeting groups of up to 40 participants who get the chance to experience a very special energy and genuine contact with nature. Attendees will gather around the campfire as their central outdoor event space, one that is calling out for social teambuilding activities or just socialising with the memories of old scouting time in mind… The entire village is interwoven with sustainable stories, from its idyllic herb and vegetable gardens to the natural pool. In the Upper Savinja Valley guests today are particularly looking for the kind of pleasures in nature that are becoming less and less in today’s mass tourism. If the Upper Savinja Valley is for now considered as an excursion point, in the future it will for sure become a significant incentive point in Slovenia. They have everything an offer needs, it’s just that congress guests don’t yet know it due to a lack of connectivity. You will be hard pushed to find so many incentive pearls in such a small area in Slovenia or anywhere else. With such a range and exclusivity of supply this is one of the largest congress hidden gems of Slovenia.

3.96

INDIVIDUAL GRADES: A. Natural and cultural factors 4.72 The Valley boasts a pristine and ecologically clean nature. The area has over 100 natural, cultural, historical, ethnographic and archaeological attractions. There are plenty of options for recreation and incentive programmes. This is a region with exceptional tourist potential and a high experiential value. B. General and transport infrastructure 4.20 Given its location the valley is less accessible and the main transport hub is the regional road from the Lower Savinja Valley. Travellers are often surprised by the good municipal services, however, and all of the municipal centres have wastewater treatment plants. The main challenge is public transport, which is currently not properly regulated other than in the high summer tourist season. C. Tourist infrastructure 4.42 There is a lot of potential for the development of congress tourism in the valley and the number of visitors is increasing year on year, especially in the summer. In addition to the traditional tourism at Golte and Logar Valley, camping near Savinja is also popular. The EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence award) award given to Solčavo in 2009 has contributed to its profile and visibility. D. Meetings infrastructure 4.05 The pioneer of congress tourism in the valley is certainly the Plesnik family with its legendary hotel. They have been synonymous with boutique congress tourism at the highest level for many years. As a result of their offer and professionalism many 116

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WHAT‘S NEW 2016 1. World Cup Ski Jumping Ladies: It’s one of the most attractive winter sports events thayt will take place from 13th to 14th February 2016. 2. Raftsmen Ball: Raftsmen ball is a traditional event that has been held in Ljubno ob Savinji since 1961 in memory of all things rafting. 3. Mozirski gaj: an exhibition of flowers that has the tradition of being annually opened on May 1st. 4. Days of Solčava: held in the last weekend of July to display the pulse of the city in which they lived many years ago. 5. Mozirje Carnival: this carnival has quite a long tradition, as the first written sources talk about “Mozirje Pustnaki” being already active around 1891. The procession that includes at least one or more local stories from the past year has become one of the key elements of the carnival.

corporate and government clients have learned about its advantages. Others are slowly following them and together they are building a recognizable brand. E. Subjective grade 4.53 The selected suppliers and their offer are an undiscovered incentive pearl of Slovenia in the heart of the SAVINJSKIH ALP regional park. Unfortunately they stand apart and without the clear strategic orientation that would enable them to bring the most demanding congress guests into the valley. An incentive office that should be placed above the partial municipal interests would be a great help. The prospects for the marketing and sales of an integrated congress product are enormous. F. Marketing buzz 4.39 In terms of promotion the individual suppliers are left to themselves. Some of them, like Hotel Plesnik, are carrying out a superior level of marketing, but a more connected tourism appearance could really improve the visibility of the entire valley. Disconnected marketing of destinations within individual municipalities or micro-meeting destinations simply won’t produce the kind of results required or desired. Comparison with the region: Upper Savinja Valley is one of Slovenia’s natural jewels of. Its tourism offer is undoubtedly getting more diverse with every passing year, but still many of its foreign guests are not getting a comprehensive source of information about the full range of events and activities offer. The valley can be compared with the Soča Valley, which in many respects has a similar congress offer and the advantage of a functioning destination organisation (LTO Sotočje). Both valleys are two uncut diamonds of the Slovenian meetings offer that we believe will sooner or later be discovered by European event organisers. Given the advantages of this valley that is really impressive with its diversity, its natural resources and the charms of the Savinja river, it will undoubtedly succeed. Cool meetings: Zgornje-Savinjski stomach: One of the most famous dishes is certainly the geographically protected Zgornje-Savinjski stomach - dried sausage made from high-quality pork meat and bacon. 117

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA 1. Cycling through the Solčava panoramic road: Cycling along the most picturesque Slovenian alpine route, the trail leads through unspoiled nature offering breathtaking panoramas of immense peaks and lush valleys whilst simultaneously telling the tale of the harmony of pristine nature and human ingenuity. 2. Doživetje gorske turistične kmetije: A presentation of peasant traditions, tasting selected dishes and participating in workshops of baking delicious pastries or preparing selected local dishes. 3. Kayaking or rafting: Rafting on the quiet river is possible from May to October, with the entire programme taking a solid two hours. 4. Herbal workshops: The Glamping Resort is connected to its herb and vegetable gardens. At their workshops you will learn about herbs and their use in the manufacture of cosmetics, teas, liquors and herbal spirits.

DID YOU KNOW LJUBNO – Cradle of women’s ski jumping The first attempts at jumping took place there before the Second World War and after 1947 a contract to build a 60-metre ski jump was signed with Stanko Bloudek from Planica, the legendary ski-jump hill engineer. Since then, the ski jumps have been constantly upgraded and improved. As the first organiser of the continental cup for women Ljubno made an extremely important campaign on the international scene in holding the first meeting of countries that had relatively developed woman ski-jumpers. After the long and hard road they had to travel, female jumpers finally won their hard-earned place in this discipline.

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SUBOTICA INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2016 Natural and cultural factors:

4,45

General and transport infrastructure: 3,97 Tourist infrastructure:

4,12

Meeting infrastructure:

4,25

Subjective grade:

4,12

Marketing Buzz:

4,31

ICCA index:

1,00

Numbeo quality of life index:

3,90

Global Peace Index:

3,25

Destination grade:

3,71

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SUBOTICA COLOURFUL CONGRESS VARIETY

stroll around Subotica is full of surprises and if you’re a lover of architecture here you will be able to enjoy outstanding Art Nouveau, neo-baroque, classical and modernist buildings all in a small area and very tightly bound into a visitor-friendly package. The city is the cultural capital and surprises with its intellectual drive and multicultural ease. Each year Subotica hosts around 18 festivals, from music to children’s theatre. It has three theatres, a Philharmonic and numerous cultural associations… in fact, it would be difficult to find anything similar anywhere else in Serbia. During the summer months virtually not a week goes by without some kind of significant festival or other cultural event being held in Subotica. Culture is here the bedrock for a positive experience for congress participants and organisers. THE SALT TRAIL Whichever direction you look in the view extends to the expansive fields - when the Pannonian Sea retreated, it left Subotica filled with sand deposits. The Subotica-Horgos desert has nothing in common with other deserts as we know them, as the sand deposits north of the city are ideal for wine and fruit growing. Vast wheat fields in the south are the basis for a highly developed food industry, which is best represented to the gourmets by the Pionir factory. As a rule, through-

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out history cities grew alongside rivers, just as Subotica was developed on the confluence of the rivers Tisa and Danube in the middle of the sandy desert. Due to its natural features the former nomads liked to stop at this point. Later it spontaneously began to develop trade, initially mainly with salt on the way from the Carpathian mines northward to Budapest and Vienna. Subotica has been a trading post for centuries. Although it may seem at first sight a bit remote, it still successfully performs its strategic role today. THE HEAVENLY PALIĆ Another striking image that imprints itself in the memory is the green area - everything gravitates to the famous Lake Palić that in 1845 was declared a health resort. The Hungarians arranged its surroundings, built a park and the beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. It quickly became a cosmopolitan resort known throughout the wider region. Today it is a popular resort that especially in the summer time attracts tourists from Serbia and Hungary. The reason for its popularity can probably be traced to the fact that the original soul of Lake Palić was preserved - a soul from the times when Subotica was the third most important city in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, just behind Belgrade and Zagreb, and Lake Palić was its most important tourist spot.

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THE CITY OF RESPECT AND UNDERSTANDING OF DIVERSITY It seems that it is through cultural events and festivals that Subotica is showing its most precious face. The city has today 150,000 inhabitants from 20 different nationalities. The decoration of the city are its many churches that give the town its seal and are part of the famous city panorama that can be admired from the roof of the Hotel Galleria. At every step you can find churches of all religions, the most powerful one being the Jewish synagogue, which is currently being renovated. The remarkable culture of the city is being manifested through its relationship to architecture and preservation of traditions.

SECESSION CITY In less than two decades, Subotica developed into a modern Central European city. The development was accelerated by the arrival of the railway in 1869 and at the turn of the 19th century the city recorded an amazing level of development. At that time the buildings that we can still admire today emerged: the City Hall, Raichl Palace and the Synagogue define Subotica as the European City of secession. For

many, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city is the City Hall. This huge property, which today manages city administration, was built in a record two years, from 1908 to 1910. One can today organise various events at the town hall. There are four meeting rooms with the largest, “vječnica”, proudly representing the artisanal skills of Art Nouveau masters. In our experience, this hall makes it on to the Top 10 list of special venues of this region. 120

MANY CULINARY DELIGHTS FOR LITTLE MONEY If you’re on a diet then you’ll be disappointed, as for real gourmets it is clear that Subotica is one of Serbia’s gourmet capitals. The mixture of cultures is the local cuisine’s biggest charm. For an unforgettable stew you will need to take your time and enjoy the slow rhythm of the locals. The organic ingredients are truly organic in Subotica and we promise you that the forgotten flavours of childhood will here be fully restored. There is a variety of flavours, both traditional and modern tastes; food is high on the list of priorities of the people of Subotica and the sounds of tambourine players will make you forget the passage of time. Exceptional wines and spirits of the region complement the experience. Incentive programmes, from the cutting-edge contemporary cuisine that you can enjoy at the excellent Zvonko Bogdan wine cellar to authentic experiences in one of the “salaši” (farms), are all available.

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FAMOUS WINERIES Because of the wines, the New York Times added Subotica to the list of destinations one must visit. The Serbian wine revolution began in Vojvodina and we can easily say that the Subotica-Horgos wine region is among the best in Serbia. We were convinced immediately after visiting the Zvonko Bogdan winery, that has no competition in the region when it comes to technology and appearance. The impressive building itself speaks of the passion the owners have in perfecting their offer of wines and the winery experience. The broader offer varies from family wineries to world-class wineries. Some names that you have to remember are Tonković, Vinski dvor, WOW vinarija and DiBonis Winery. Conference guests will be enchanted by the local wine varieties of kadarka and kevedinka, as well as over the excellent Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet offers. CONGRESS VOX POPULI The heart of the city’s congress offer is the Galleria hotel. The property is an exciting contextual crossover, which dictates the rhythm of Subotica’s meetings industry. The hotel’s main advantage is its multifunctional offer that is very convincing as a package. Below the line, for the amount paid you get a lot of space, quality services and the priceless Pannonian friendliness. The congress offer at Best Western Galleria is also

very agreeable, offering a medieval congress experience in a former Franciscan monastery. The Patria hotel also has a solid and diversified hotel offer. All of the congress hotels are located in the city centre, so in the case of a large number of participants the logistics are pretty simple. Everything is within a short walking distance. SPECIAL VENUES WITH SUBOTICA ENERGY The city is overflowing with special venues that have a unique energy. The City Hall, reflecting the unique spirit of the city and taking you to the heart of its Art Nouveau past, takes first place. Another secessionist story is the Palič convention centre that offers a large terrace, Eco Centre and a summer theater. The large multifunctional hall of the Eco Centre can accommodate up to 360 participants, while the summer theatre has a capacity of 800 people. During the visit we were also impressed by the Raichle palace, which is today a museum of modern art as well as a remarkable event space in Art Nouveau style. The offer of special venues complements the “salaši” and already mentioned wine cellars, which are located in the vicinity of Subotica. “Salaš” names like Majkin, Rokin, Jelen are names to remember if you are looking for an authentic experience.

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3.71

INDIVIDUAL GRADES: A. Natural and cultural factors: 4.45 Serbia’s most northern city lies at the confluence of the Danube and Tisa rivers. It is defined by a rich history, picturesque architecture and multiculturalism, all of which gives the city a special charm. The experience value of Subotica is rounded off by the Nature Park Palić with its lake and the historic Grand Park. As a whole, the city has great potential for adventure and as the seat of various institutions also a high potential as a congress destination. B. General and transport infrastructure: 3.97 Just 200km away are three of the nearest airports (Belgrade, Budapest, Temišvar). Given the current development of transport, the main aviation hub is Belgrade. Most congress guests arrive at their destination by car via the E-75international highway. This is one of the most important European routes linking Central Europe with the Aegean and the Black Sea. Subotica is also easily accessible by train. Just how important and competitive the destination actually is can be seen in the fact that the famous Swarowski opened one of its factories right here in Subotica. C. Tourist infrastructure: 4.12 Subotica is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, good food and quality wines. In recent years it has also greatly improved its tourism infrastructure. 63 % of its total capacity is represented by hotels, among which the 4 **** category dominates, which is all very positive for congress tourism. Tourist traffic is dominated by visitors from the region coming mainly from Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Macedonia. Key tourist products are transit, health and congress and business tourism. Especially noteworthy is the transit during the summer months.

destinations in Serbia. We find Subotica is an ideal regional conference destination for all types of events with up to 300 participants. F. Marketing buzz 4.31 Subotica is represented on the international market by the Subotica Convention Bureau, acting in concert with Serbia Convention Bureau. The result of the work is clearly profiling the city amongst local regional convention destinations. It is necessary to highlight the marketing efforts of the key Hotel Galleria that takes a large part of the credit for the congress breakthrough. Given the great potential of the city, a more coordinated and targeted international marketing with a clear positioning of the destination will have to follow in the stage of motivating customers. Brand Subotica is in fact very well known locally, but much less regionally and virtually unknown internationally. COMPARISONS WITH THE REGION Subotica has a soul. It is a city where it seems that time has stopped. The proud town centre merges almost imperceptibly into the surrounding melancholy plains. Economically and culturally Subotica is one of the most developed cities in Serbia. Congress guests will be impressed by the multicultural spirit and European charm, which is reflected in a large number of special venues in a small area. Welldeveloped albeit not connected is the offer of various incentive programmes. Subotica has a functioning Congress bureau, the hotel facilities are good and the culinary tradition is an extra plus. All of this represents an exciting congress package calling out for more penetrating international or at least regional marketing to exploit the full potential of the city. We see this especially in the development of incentive programmes and smaller professional meetings and conferences taking advantage of the scientific and cultural potential of the city. To top it all off, Subotica offers a lot of music for little money.

D. Congress infrastructure: 4.25 The solid hotel and convention infrastructure is especially suitable for smaller events with up to 300 participants. Taking the size of the city into consideration, we were very impressed by the numerous special venues Subotica has to offer. The extremely well developed gastronomic offer has great potential for the development of different incentive programmes. Another major advantage is the operation of the Convention Bureau, which connects the offer of the whole destination and successfully takes care of its promotion with a range of modern tools and highly transparent online presentation. E. Subjective grade 4.12 The city’s energy and numerous attractions signal the potential for further development of congress tourism. The key drivers today are mostly the hotels, with the biggest hotel Galleria right at the forefront. Thanks to them Subotica has quickly transformed into one of the four key congress 122

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DID YOU KNOW Subotica Synagogue: Designed in the late 1890s and built in 1902, the Subotica Synagogue is among the most impressive examples of art nouveau ecclesiastical architecture in the region. As such, it is a significant monument in the region and a visible reminder of the long and prominent history of Jewish culture in the area.

WHAT‘S NEW 2016 1. Femus Festival, March 11 - 13, 2016. Femus is a music festival of international character that brings together students and teachers of elementary and high music schools from Serbia and abroad. 2. European Youth Go Championship, March 25-27, 2016. The tournament will be in the Congress Centre “Grand terrace” Palić. 3. Stringtown festival, April 30, 2016. Rock festival at Palić Lake that brings together the biggest rock stars of the former Yugoslavia. 4. Etnofest, June 21-26, 2016. 13th festival edition of world and ethno music. 5. European Film festival, July 16-22, 2016. The International Film Festival Palić was founded in 1992 by the Municipality of Subotica. From the earliest small and unpretentious film screenings in Palić, it has grown into an important spot on the European film festivals map.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Stallion spirit: At the northernmost point of Serbia, at the very border crossing and just minutes from Subotica city centre lies the widely renowned Kelebija Horse Farm. Modern stables with a Coach Museum under the same roof, a race track, an artificial lake and a nice park are just some of the highlights. The famous Lipizzaner horse have been bred here since 1580 and the times of the former Habsburg monarchy. Race your own race. Choose your favourite horse and compete with others. Or have a nice horse ride through the forest area in one of the thirty authentic coaches. For winter groups you will be afforded an unforgettable sleigh-ride across the Subotica fields.

WHO TO CONTACT Congress Departement/ Tourist Organisation of Subotica Trg slobode 1, Subotica, T: +381 24 670 350 www.meetinsubotica.rs, info@meetinsubotica.rs

COOL MEETINGS Pörkölt (gulas with special pasta) – hearty and savoury, accompanied by a wine from the vineyards surrounding Palić Lake.

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PODGORICA INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2016 Natural and cultural factors:

4.35

General and transport infrastructure:

4.49

Tourist infrastructure:

4.56

Meeting infrastructure:

4.36

Subjective grade:

4.05

Marketing Buzz:

4.45

ICCA index:

1.00

Numbeo quality of life Index:

3.50

Global Peace Index:

3.05

Destination grade:

3.76

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PODGORICA REGION’S WARMEST CITY

odgorica is usually not on Montenegro’s list of sexiest destinations. Mostly it is in the shadow of Lovčen, Kotor, Budva and other places full of history, culture and charm. It seems that it became the capital of the small country, and thereby took the primacy of the royal capital Cetinje, more or less by chance. Less known is the fact that this is one of the oldest towns of Montenegro, which is somewhat inconsistent with its current image. Today’s modern image of the town can be attributed to a bombing during World War II, in which it was practically totally destroyed. After liberation, the town bore the name of Tito and was called Titograd until 1992. The town today is home to nearly a third of the population of Montenegro, precisely 186,000 out of the country’s 625,000 population. For a long time the town has been more than just an addition to the more developed Montenegrin coast. The town lies on the fertile Zetska plain, which led to its rapid growth and almost unlimited expansion. In addition, it is intersected by rivers, which give it charm as well as coolness during the hot summer months. It is known for the warm climate and is one of the hottest cities in SE Europe. In the heart of wild beauty During my previous trips, I was more of a transit guest and usually I pretty quickly pushed to the coast or towards the hilly inlands. Over this time I have witnessed a rapid transformation of the town. It is actually in the heart of wild beauty, accessible at every step, and makes for a great adventure in a variety of landscapes. On one side there is Durmitor, with the Piva and Tara canyons, on the other there is the Montenegrin coast and the Skadar Lake, all readily accessible and in a very wild state, which Montenegrins regard as ecological. Indeed, the attitude towards sustainable development is the worst part of the offer, with litter and other phenomena at every turn. National parks occupy 7% of the country. The most famous are the Durmitor, the Biograd Mountain, the Skadar Lake, and Lovčen. Interestingly, Montenegro became the first ecological state in the world in 1991. In practice, I got the feeling that these are topics that are much talked about and not worked on. Additionally, these feelings are enhanced because of numerous billboards, whose abundance and gaudy images are a unique kind of pollution. Today’s image of the town does not present its rich history Near the town centre the settlement Duklja evolved, which was in Roman times the regional centre, and later the town Ribnica formed, which in the Middle Ages became Podgorica. In 1484 the Turks prevailed in the town, ruling for over 400 years until the passage of Montenegro in 1878. There is little history left in the town since it got a ‘soc-realistic’ look during the socialist reconstruction. This look is today also much faded, and in some parts of the town in a dire state. Nevertheless, a few remains of the past can be found. In the Old Varoš there are the Turkish baths that have been convert125

ed into a bookstore, Sahat Kula is still counting time and with a bit of time and effort you will find many other attractions. Drivers in Montenegro drive ‘Montenegrin style’ Arriving in the capital by road requires some patience and nerves and reminds of the good old journeys from my childhood. Highways will long remain wishful thinking and for the trail on the main roads you simply need to take time. Drivers in Montenegro drive ‘Montenegrin style’ and it happens not infrequently that a bus will be overtaking a car. The vehicle fleet in Podgorica is above average age, and German car manufacturers have grateful customers in Montenegro. While walking around town, you will need a good orientation, since clear markings of attractions are missing. Another alternative is the train, which connects Belgrade and Bar along a picturesque route. With the frequency of trains and time taken it looks like the time has completely stopped here and reminds of the time when there was still ‘Chiro’ train ( a train that rode on a narrow gauge railway) riding on this route. All routes cross in Podgorica. The only alternative is to arrive by plane at Podgorica or Tivat Airport, which is 41 km away. Both airports are well equipped and are constantly increasing the number of flights, but from the perspective of the meeting industry it is still inadequate. A further airport is Cilipi in Dubrovnik. The national carrier Montenegro Airlines has in recent years significantly increased the number of aircraft in its fleet, and connects the country with sixteen international destinations. The grand announcement of the arrival of low-cost carrier Ryanair has unfortunately failed miserably and with it the announced 50,000 new tourists annually. Taxi services and rent-a-car are well organised, but as everywhere in the Balkans, the price of the ride should be agreed in advance. Podgorica is a safe city within the heart of Wild Beauty Although the destination might appear slightly chaotic, scattered and wild at first sight, it is completely safe. Telecommunications operate regardless of the mountainous and difficult terrain everywhere, although you should be careful with the price of calls, as it is the highest in Europe. The much talked about invasion by the Russians in the media is more myth than truth, as today in Montenegro other investors prevail, with Rothschilds at the forefront of investing in Porto Montenegro luxury marina for mega yachts. However, the Russians are frequent guests, due to a relaxed visa system and the traditional association of nations. Montenegro and the City of Podgorica are improving the region‘s accessibility by looking for new connections between the international airport and important international hub airports. Montenegrins love to promenade The streets become alive late in the afternoon and in the evening, with the numerous bars and restaurants full. Some of the owners’ deco taste borders on kitsch, however you can

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also find quite a decent offer. In the tourism sector the unsurpassed Balkan hospitality is the king. Montenegrin cuisine with a touch of the Mediterranean is also well worth trying. Hotel infrastructure In the town transit tourists prevail, who stay for just a short time. Because of this, the town is in sixth place (taking into account the number of overnight stays), with popular coastal resorts taking the top spots. The Hilton Hotel will be the new star in town, otherwise considered not to be very touristic, with his ‘sister’ Hotel Ramada having just been opened. Most of the hotel rooms in town are controlled by hotel company Utip, who apart from Hilton also owns the hotels Podgorica and City. The renovation of hotel Črna Gora into the Hilton will give a boost to the touristic development of the town. This will be the second Hilton hotel in the region, which is a prerequisite for a serious standing on the meetings industry market. That the development of convention tourism is not only connected to a tradition, it is shown in Podgorica, where they believe that the future is also in this segment and where some conventions have already been organised. In the future, the Hilton hotel, with a conference centre for 300 participants, will be the centre of meetings industry tourism. Congress Vox Populi Today you can already organise congresses in the hotels Podgorica, Ramada, City or Best Western. We believe that the meeting industry will develop an entrance into the market and international hotel brands will be very important. At the same time the establishment of a local convention bureau will be necessary and the development of a host of convention suppliers that can today be counted on the fingers of one hand. In parallel an offer of incentive programmes will be developed, which is today relying on the offer of the costal part of the country, despite extremely favourable conditions in the town’s surroundings. A remarkable unexploited potential that, in addition, they have failed to pack into an appropriate brand. When I visited Montenegro for the first time, I was fascinated by the combination of gorgeous landscape, biodiversity and its pleasant climate. The extraordinary natural resources have not been managed well, however, a consequence of non-sustainable development in the past. The same applies to the potential for the development of the meeting industry in Podgorica, which is remarkable, but poorly utilised. Moreover, the country is small but has a remarkable history and, consequently, a high concentration of tourist attractions that could become an integral part of the meeting industry, or simply offer a cooling down from the searing summer heat. The town is thus in the shadow of the bigger tourist places and unfortunately also touristically quite boring. Montenegro is probably one of the rare countries with two capitals, the formal one in Podgorica and its capital of the ‘heart’ in Cetinje. If you want to find the true heart of the country, you will have to have to go on a trip there.

3.76

INDIVIDUAL GRADES: A. Natural and cultural factors: 4.35 Podgorica lies at the cultural and transport crossroads of the middle of the Zetska plains, only a hop from the varied Montenegrin landscape. Montenegrins are justifiably a proud people, reflected in the awareness of outstanding natural and cultural heritage, which is the main attribute of the touristic / meetings offer. B. General and transport infrastructure: 4.49 The worst part of the meetings offer, largely based on air accessibility, is that roads, railways and other traffic infrastructure is poorly developed. Also poor is the tourist information infrastructure of signs and directions around town. The attitude towards the environment is not proportional to the environmental statements, because the infrastructure is governed more or less ‘domestically’ and it is the weakest link in the tourist offer. C. Tourist infrastructure: 4.56 According to statistical data Podgorica has 31 hotels, 580 rooms, 156 apartments and a total of 1,600 beds. Approximately half of the hotel rooms are appropriate for meeting industry guests (11 hotels are of 4* category), a hotel with 5 stars is lacking. Taking into account the size of the town, it has the largest concentration of bars and restaurants, over 700 in total. D. Meetings infrastructure: 4.36 Meeting facilities currently are mostly located at hotels. For now the best choice is the Hotel Ramada, with a smaller congress centre for 200 participants, but after the opening of the Hilton Hotel that everyone is waiting for there will be a larger multifunctional centre. The greatest weaknesses are the undeveloped meetings brand of Podgorica, the lack of a convention bureau and the needed development of a network of meetings industry suppliers. E. Subjective grade: 4.05 Podgorica is more a transit tourist destination, waiting to present itself to congress guests. F. Marketing buzz: 4.45 The most common stereotype of Montenegro is that of sun and sea, meaning the fast growing Montenegro capital is often overlooked as a viable bussines destination. To a degree, the meetings industry’s tourism hasn’t been clearly defined yet. We forsee great potential for Montenegro, but it will be necessary to establish a well-working Convention Bureau that connects the providers.

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WHAT’S HOT 1. Hilton Podgorica – Hotel accommodation in the Capital City Podgorica will enrich hotel Hilton which under construction as the first hotel brand of that type in the country. 2. Duklja and Medun – Archeological sites Duklja and Medun and Orthodox Temple of Christ s Resurrection are interesting as a very important part of the cultural and religious tourism. 3. Atlas Capital Center – A model of lifestyle and business with the first Hard Rock Cafe in the Adriatic Region, which is opened in 2015. 4. Wine&Dine – Podgorica is recognized as a wine region such as the Cemovsko field as largest vineyards in Europe (as a complex) and it also has several wine cellars and wineries of local producers. 5. Visit to national parks – National park “Skadar Lake” (active holiday including cruising, bird watching...hiking&byking...) and Regional Natural park “Komovi” with glacial lakes Bukumirsko and Rikavacko

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA DID YOU KNOW That the Saint George Church, the oldest church in Podgorica, dates from the 9th to the 11th century.

4×4 WD IN THE HISTORICAL HEART OF MONTENEGRO – Self drive to Cetinje, the best witness of the Montenegrin turbulent history and the former seat of Montenegrin rulers. Experience adventurous roads which will take you high above Boka Bay and onto the beautiful and majestic Lovcen Mountain. Enjoy a luxury picnic lunch in intact nature, numerous outdoor activities and culinary workshops.

Comparisons with the region For now Podgorica can rarely be found on the meetings industry map. Considering the outstanding potential it will over time come to have all that is necessary to be a true meeting destination. Among its advantages there is its strategic position, which enables easy access to the most attractive parts of Montenegro for incentives. Among the weaknesses we have to point out the current state of the meeting infrastructure and its transport isolation. Being an air travel destination it is highly dependant on the number of flight connections, including low cost ones. A convention bureau for the town would greatly help in positioning the destination, which it deserves as a capital city. The town is developing quickly and is looking for the right image, torn between the classic tourism flow and the idea of development into a meeting destination. Cool meetings Vranac – an aromatic and intoxicating wine, a true elixir of life, that put you in a good mood. The best known is from the Plantaže vinyards, where they produce the best Vranac, pro corde and loza (brandy made from grapes).

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WHO TO CONTACT Tourism Board Podgorica, Ulica Slobode 47, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro, Ms. Biserka Stamatović, E: biserka.stamatovic@ podgorica.travel, T: +382 20 667 535, www.podgorica.travel

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SOÄ&#x152;A VALLEY INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2016 Natural and cultural factors:

4.76

General and transport infrastructure:

4.21

Tourist infrastructure:

4.41

Meeting infrastructure:

4.02

Subjective grade:

4.40

Marketing Buzz:

4.31

ICCA index:

1.02

Numbeo quality of life Index:

4.20

Global Peace Index:

4.07

Destination grade:

3.93

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SOČA VALLEY EPICENTRE OF INCENTIVE INSPIRATIONS

esidents of Posočje are accustomed to alternating national flags, being at a windswept location at the crossroads of major empires and Slavic, Latin and Germanic worlds. When visiting the Kluže fortress at the door to the Soča valley you can relive fateful moments from World War I with the help of enthusiasts of Society 1313. With this you can get to know how radically history has repeatedly toyed with this beautiful alpine valley. This year is the 100th anniversary of the start of World War 1 and in almost every corner of the Soca Valley you will find memories of this event. Caves, trenches, ossuaries and cemeteries remind us of one of the biggest mountains of conflict in human history. Key scenes are connected by the Path of Peace, a unique project in that it promotes a positive view and peace in the war. At the same time it is also the best experiential guide through one of Europe’s most beautiful alpine valleys. The path that winds from the Alps to the Adriatic along the Soča River connects the natural beauty of the alpine, subalpine and karst world in addition to the heritage of the Soča Front, all of which has mountains, cultural monuments, museums with private collections, tourist-information centres and many tourism suppliers. It makes this valley also very attractive for conference guests. Three key places for congress tourism – Bovec, Kobarid and Tolmin – are connected by the Soča river, one of the most pristine Alpine rivers that, with its beauty, creates a highly experiential diversity. Soča river is perfect for postcards and adrenaline water sports. The roots of rafting and kayaking in the 1980s were a revolution and considered to be one of the first organised forms of teambuilding in Slovenia and the wider region. The destination is safe, enjoyable and full of inspiration for congress participants. Despite its remoteness the communal infrastructure in the three major towns is very well arranged. Access to the Soča Valley is good, despite the relatively poor local road connections, as in the immediate vicinity there are of the four airports: Ronchi (Aeroporto Trieste), Venice (Aeroporto Marco Polo) Ljubljana (Airport Brnik) and the airport in Klagenfurt (Klagenfurt Airport). There is also a more romantic way to get to the Soča Valley – the museum train to Most na Soči. A railway was built through Baška ravine, which due to its attractions - tunnels, bridges, views – is increasingly popular with tourists. A special attraction is the museum train (steam composition), but the car-train connection to Bohinj and Bled is most comfortable. As an incentive pearl the Soča Valley is somewhat remote, so for a visit it requires a bit more logistics planning. However, the reward once there is so much bigger, because you find yourself in one of the European incentive epicentres that offers a complete infrastructure for adrenaline and active incentive programmes, from agencies to guide services and accompanying services, including all the necessary equipment for the most unusual desires. Soča Valley has for many years been attracting guests interested in active holidays and adrenaline challenges. At the same time they are seeking peace and contact with nature 129

through other sport on Soča, such as fishing and hiking, as well as exploring the rich history. Emphasis has been for many years on the summer season, although the incentive offer is also quite rich in winter. Fortunately the destination is not too populated and offers a special feeling of exclusivity, which in the more notorious places is hard to find. Bovec (483 m) is the largest tourist centre in the Soča valley. It has the most tourist facilities in the area and is recognised primarily as a centre of sporting activities in nature. Kayaking, rafting, hydrospeed, canyoning, paragliding, rock climbing and hiking, mountain biking, sledding, cross country skiing, etc. is all on offer by more than 15 specialised sports agencies. The small town of Kobarid (234 m) sits under the mighty Krn mountain (2,244 m) and has in its surroundings Breginj, Livško, and Trnovsko gorge - the centre of rafting and kayaking exploits – as well as the beautiful mountain villages under Krn (Drežnica, Vrsno, Krn). The greatest impression made on Kobarid is by the first World War. The narrative of the history of the place and especially on the Soča front can be taken in at the Kobarid Museum, the best museum of Europe in 1993. Kobarid is also the Slovenian town that can boast the highest number of excellent restaurants in one spot. Even for the most pampered lovers of good food and fine wines a visit to Kobarid will be a great experience. Tolmin (200m) is the largest settlement and administrative centre of the Soča valley. To the Tolmin municipality belong Tolmin and Most na Soči with the surrounding areas of Baška ravine, Šentviška plateau, the edge of the Idrijca valley and the mysterious and thinly populated area of Trebuše. Tolminska offers great opportunities for active incentive programmes. Numerous forest roads and trails offer excellent conditions for mountain biking. Fishing is the most popular tourist activity in the area, as the rivers Soča, Tolminka, Idrijca and Bača are full of trout and grayling and offer a superb diversity of natural environments that attracts many anglers from around the world. The congress story relies on a responsible and unforgettable connection to the nature and culture of the region. It is therefore a boutique congress tourism, with no large hotel resorts. Perhaps Soča Valley, because of its remoteness, comes closest to responsible green tourism. There are a number of programmes that provide unforgettable green congress experiences in the middle of the Triglav National Park. In Bovec there are a number of sites that are potentially interesting and allow the preparation of interesting incentive programmes, although they are limited in terms of capacity, for example the Kekec Homestead, Pristava Lepena and Dobra Vila ecological tourist farms, as well as in the House of Franko and Nebesa (Heaven) in Kobarid. The main classic congress infrastructure is otherwise currently available in a smaller conference centre, Šiglič house in the centre of Bovec. The multi-purpose centre is very nicely renovated and can accommodate up to 100 conference delegates. The main hotel and meetings supplier at this moment in Bovec is Hotel Alp, which operates during the summer season. Suitable conference halls in Bovec can also

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be found in Mangrt hotel and boutique Dobra Vila, as well as in pension Boka. The largest hotel in the valley, the Hotel Kanin that has congress facilities and a considerable number of rooms, is currently closed and waiting on a restart. In Kobarid smaller meeting rooms are offered by the Hotel Hvala (Thank you!). An event can easily be combined with the adjacent spaces in the TIC. In Tolmin the main provider is Hotel Krn. All over the valley there are a number smaller suppliers of apartments and restaurants that accommodate and provide space for smaller congress groups. The key challenge is currently a very fragmented offer that is not adequately linked and presented on the international congress map. Given the enormous potential a functioning convention or incentive bureau would greatly help and would help to improve the image. In addition, the joint offer would also be easier to market to specific types of congress clients. Soča Valley is probably one of the most photogenic venues to launch new cars. Numerous film crews and car launch programme organisers have already understood this. A connected performance would facilitate marketing and access to specific clients, who are currently coming to the Soča Valley more by chance. Incentive meetings stories thrive best where the picturesque is intertwined with the cultural and historical heritage to a solid tourist offer. This is the maximum potential of the Soča Valley; incentive tourism in terms of development is one of the most promising market segments, which due to the possibility of a combination of active leisure, relaxation and professional work is an ideal product. All of the spots in the Soča Valley can boast an exceptional natural heritage and a wide range of incentive stories: rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed, mountain biking, paragliding, hiking, mountaineering, fishing. For all of the above reasons the Soča Valley is an unpolished incentive gem that with appropriate development would be an incentive epicentre of Europe.

Tourist infrastructure 4.41 A tourist destination that is not yet besieged by crowds of tourists, outstanding gastronomic offer, visibility through top festivals amd good sports facilities are the key benefits of the destination. The weakest part of the offer is currently accommodation facilities. A large number of agencies (over 20) that are offering highly developed products for sports and also incentive tourism programmes is important.

Destination grade: QUALITY MEETINGS DESTINATION Grades: 5 excellent meetings destination 4 quality meetings destination 3 recommendable meetings destination 2 average meetings destination 1 so so

The main advantage of the destination is a developed incentive product, gastronomy and preserved natural and cultural heritage, which is unequalled. A weakness in comparison to some other destinations is the offer’s disjointedness. In terms of marketing some other destinations are also better, despite significantly worse conditions. Given the capital of the destination, represented by a number of already developed stories and awards (EDEN European Destinations of Excellence), the incentive meetings product awaits a bright future.

3.93

INDIVIDUAL GRADES: Natural and cultural factors 4.76 Variety of offer in a small space with preserved nature, the Soča, a culinary and wine offer, authenticity, a rich cultural and historical heritage, the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park all make for an extreme experiential diversity and attractiveness.

Meetings infrastructure 4.02 Soča Valley is suitable for smaller boutique conferences and incentive programmes in the middle of genuine Alpine nature. Unfortunately, the product is currently fragmented and poorly represented in the international market. Given the potential creation of meetings an incentive bureau is essential and would link key providers of existing products in all three places and present this extraordinary offer to the international congress market.

Klavdij Rakušček

Subjective grade 4.40 Soča, set in the middle of the Triglav National Park, offers an exceptional number of different experiences in a small area. Particularly impressive is the top culinary offer concentrated in restaurants such as House of Franko, Kotlar and others. Also, the balance between price and quality is acceptable, which makes the destination very competitive in comparison with more notorious destinations. The disadvantage is a poorer image of the destination than it should actually have. Comparison with the region: In the narrow micro-region the Soča Valley is currently not facing increased competition. On the Italian side in Friuli Venezia Giulia, incentive tourism is underdeveloped and the development of the product in Brda and Nova Gorica is also at the embryonic stages. More serious competition is in Istria and neighbouring Carinthia, as well as within the wider Slovenian Julian Alps.

Cool meetings: ČOMPE - the original dish, based on combining cottage cheese and potato, grows abundantly in the Bovec region. Photo credit LTO SOTOČJE

General and transport infrastructure 4.27 Geographic location, proximity to key markets and a good communal arrangement are the key advantages. Very close are also important transit points with entrances to the European motorway network (Udine and Treviso). If you want to get away from the bustle of the city, you will be excited about the quality of living in the picturesque Soča valley. 130

Srdjan Živulovič - Bobo

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Paolo Petrignani

WHAT’S HOT 1. 100 years from the start of the First World War - the memory of a turbulent and eventful history from the period of World War 1, will be the red thread of many events in 2014 2. Path of Peace – is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the First World War and is worth a visit 3. Alpe Adria Trail - 690 km long journey through three countries and three cultures this year. National Geographic Traveller ranked it among the 10 best new hiking trails 4. Ana Roš, House of Franko – that she is a culinary artist was demonstrated by her hosting in the famous Redbull restaurant Ikarus. Ana is in the company of the top 12 masters of Europe. We recommend a visit. 5. Soča - one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, famous for its beautiful emerald colour, is the heart of the incentive offer for 2014.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA ZIPLINE BOVEC –in addition to the traditional teambuilding programmes on the river Soča, when in Bovec try one of the largest zip line parks in Europe with panoramic views over the whole of the Upper Soča Valley.

WHO TO CONTACT Tatjana Humar, LTO SOTOČJE, Petra Skalarja 4, 5220 Tolmin Telefon: 05 380 04 80, Faks: 05 380 04 83, e-mail: info@lto-sotocje.si www.visit-soca.eu

»Soča river is perfect for postcards and adrenaline water sports.«

Leonardo Olmi

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OPATIJA INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2016 Natural and cultural factors:

4.55

General and transport infrastructure:

4.29

Tourist infrastructure:

4.85

Meeting infrastructure:

4.65

Subjective grade:

4.59

Marketing Buzz:

4.58

ICCA index:

1.22

Numbeo quality of life Index:

4.00

Global Peace Index:

3.70

Destination grade:

4.05

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OPATIJA EPICENTRE OF INCENTIVE INSPIRATIONS

patija is with no doubt an ultimate meetings destination. Why? Because few destinations provide such rich assortment of luxury accommodations in such a small area, whilst Opatija provides 32 hotels offering 2700 rooms, 60 congress and conferences halls within a radius of just 3 km of its coastline. This little Adriatic city also known as the “Old Dame”, the “Nice of the Adriatic” or the ‘Queen of Croatian Tourism” certainly deserves all the flattering titles since the tradition of business and leisure tourism dates back in the late 19th century, when in 1885 the first congress, the Congress of balneologists, was organised by the Austrian Southern Railway Company. Back then Opatija was still part of the AustroHungarian Empire which played a crucial role in placing this Northern Adriatic gem on the map of most sophisticated tourist destinations in the Balkan region and in the world. The day I visited Opatija was not really a representative one in terms of weather and temperatures (I visited Opatija in late march this year), but luckily I have been regularly visiting Opatija for the past 20 years and have experienced it in all its splendour so the dark clouds and the mild rain didn’t disturb my overall impression and judgement of the city. On the contrary despite bad weather conditions the city was bursting with life, revealing its unique belle époque architectural style and landscape charms, which were only complemented with the warm and welcoming approach of the locals who in many ways seem to have inherited the noble spirit of the former monarchy, treating each guest with respect, complaisance and catching cordiality. In the words of Goran Pavlović, the head of convention and incentive bureau at the Tourist Board of Opatija, “Opatija is a rare mixture of history, tradition, enchanting cultural and natural diversity, supplemented with proximity and closeness to all major Central European cities”. When it all began - following the empire’s footsteps Opatija was formed in the 12th century, when St. Jacob’s church was built with a corresponding monastery - a Benedictine abbey for its ministers, which gave name to Opatija. Namely Opatija in Croatian means abbey, the St. Jacob’s abbey, who is also the guardian of the city. Later on in 19th century Opatija became a part of the Austro Hungarian Monarchy and soon became a fashionable resort of AustroHungarian nobility. As mentioned above the Congress of balneologists, where Opatija was officially declared as the first bathing and climatic health resort on the Adriatic Sea, represented the springboard for future development of the city which today reigns as the unbeatable queen in the field of leisure and business tourism in Croatia and beyond. By 1913 Opatija turned into an elite resort, boasting with dozen hotels, 44 bed and breakfasts, 83 villas and even 5 baths surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens and didn’t cease to flourish during all these years, positioning itself as a world renowned, distinguished tourism destination. Opatija was one of Europe’s most important health resorts of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century, alongside Nice, Karlovy 133

Vary, Cannes and Biarritz. Even famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud advised to his patients: “Go take your cure in the waters of Opatija!”. Considered as one of the most beautiful Croatian cities, Opatija today represents a social and cultural intersection of the region combining Italian, Austrian and Croatian cultural heritage. At the crossroads of central and southern Europe Opatija’s favourable central position in the Alpe-Adria region, which includes countries of Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Austria and Hungary certainly adds to its everlasting popularity. Opatija is situated in the Kvarner Gulf, the northern part of the Croatian Adriatic Sea, and is therefore the closest sea resort to all Central and Western Europe countries which is why Kvarner bay was and still is a very popular tourist destination. It is also located at the geographical crossroads of southern Croatia, southern Slovenia and eastern Italy, lying at the foot of the mountain Učka, a natural preserve, and covering an area of 54 square kilometres. The best thing about this noble seaside resort is precisely its location. Opatija is within the radius of 5-hour-drive from some of the most important cities in South and Central Europe like Zagreb, Ljubljana, Venice, Milan, Vienna, Budapest, Salzburg, Munich, Milan, Belgrade etc. In close proximity there are five international airports - Rijeka airport (connecting Rijeka with Munich and London (Heathrow)), island of Krk, Pula, Zagreb, LjubljanaBrnik and Trieste, not to mention Venice airport which is the best choice for transcontinental flights. Opatija in between green and blue horizons As sea side resort, Opatija’s great advantage is the sea with the nearby islands Krk, Cres and Lošinj, the mild climate and the Natural Park Učka massif which protects Opatija from the cold northern winds. The vegetation in this part of Croatia is absolutely stunning. Opatija enjoys the microclimate of the Kvarner region, characterised by mild temperatures throughout the whole year and light rain that supports the growth of lush subtropical vegetation surrounded by laurel woods, pine and palm trees, not to mention the majestic oak forests/trees covering the slopes of the mountain Učka. The forest is interlaced with many stone paved paths that speak of the glorious Austrian- Hungarian period when the emperor Franz Joseph, in order to maintain the image of an exquisite tourist resort, arranged many walking paths in the hills of the Učka massif and built the famous coastal promende - the Lungomare, more than a 100 year old and 12 km long coastal walking path connecting Opatija and Lovran. All this abundant vegetation gives Opatija a fresh and vital look especially in combination with the town’s parks like Park Angiolina and Park St. Juraj which represent the monumental park architecture of Opatija. The Park of St. Juraj was recently also awarded the prize for the most beautiful Croatian park. There you can find more than 150 plant species, one of most prominent are: laurel, the leafless magnolia, cedar trees, pines, cherry-laurel, wood date-palms and camelias that have become symbols of Opatija.

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“Old dame” with rich experiences, exquisite looks and a vision It seems that the geographical position, the rich historical background and mostly the beautiful natural scenery enabled Opatija to keep reinventing itself and maintaining its leading position as a unique tourist destination. It continues to deliver and create new attractive stories in all cultural, touristic, urban and business areas. One of town’s new acquisition is the Marino Cvetković sports hall. Namely, after 40 years of waiting and planning, Opatija opened its very firs sports hall in 2014, which hosts not only sporting events, but also cultural and business events, exhibitions and fairs, entertainment programmes, concerts, conventions and congresses. The hall covers an area of 11,000 square metres with the large sports court providing 1,217 seats including movable stands (900 + 317 seats). In the basement there is a car parking area with 137 parking spaces and five bus parking spaces which is a fantastic news and a welcoming acquisition since Opatija has limited parking space and parking still remains a big challenge. Opatija may appear as an “Old Lady”, but this olds lady has rich experiences in the leisure and business tourism sector, incomparable charm accompanied with strong architectural, natural and cultural features that has been inviting, inspiring and fascinating visitors for more than 170 years. A rich architectural heritage of well preserved and magnificent villas – the prime examples of Belle Époque architecture, that dom-

inate the coastline, nicely decorated gardens which give the city an aristocratic feel, luxury restaurants, spa facilities etc. all this gives the city its vital dynamics and a youthful spirit. The most intriguing thing about Opatija is that its core is more vivid than most of the top touristic destinations on the Adriatic. Namely, Opatija is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Croatia, since it offers an all year round tourist buzz. Congress is king Opatija is a synonym for congress tourism and has been considered as a major convention destination for several decades now. Namely, Opatija hosts more than 500 congresses, seminars, various meetings and events each year, more than 50% of them are organized by Opatija’s regular customers and partners who have been coming to Opatija for the past 40 years. Opatija’s main focus is to provide an all year round tourism offer and has until today succeeded in doing exactly that. For instance in January Opatija covers 10% of the entire Croatian tourism income, which can be a surprising fact if we compare it to other mega tourism hubs like Dubrovnik or Rovinj which have up to 30,000 sleeping accommodations (Opatija has all together 8,000 sleeping accommodations) but are fulfilled only during high season period. Today Opatija boasts with 3 major congress hotels: the 4 Opatijska Cvjeta (can host up to 500 people) with the new corresponding Design Hotel Royal (built in 2014 within the Milenij 134

hotel Group) that prides with a large Royal Hall - banquet hall for congresses, conferences, weddings covering 750m2 of surface (500 + 200m2) and is the largest congress hall in Opatija by surface, able to host up to 800 people. The second one is the Remenisens Hotel Ambasador, built in 1960 with a congress hall welcoming 515 delegates and with 7 break-out rooms. The third one is the Grand Hotel Adriatic, situated on the exit from Opatija, and a hotel with the longest congress tourism tradition in modern time. The hotel includes two different complexes and an amphitheatrical congress hall with 550 seats. Each of the mentioned hotels can host up to 500 people, in case of a larger event, the hotel 4 Opatijska Cvijeta, the Design Hotel Royal and the hotel Ambassador can join together to host a larger event up to 1000 delegates. New hotels and renovations In the past 5 years Opatija has succumbed to some serious renovations and adjustments of hotels and other tourist facilities. Namely in 2014 Hotel Kvarner became a part of the Remisens Premium Hotel brand and today operates under the new name “Remisens Premium Hotel Kvarner”. This was the first hotel built on the Adriatic coast, built in 1884 and represents the elegance and delicacy of Opatija and is best known for its Crystall hall. The hotel underwent a complete redecoration of all rooms and is now categorized as a 4-star hotel. The already mentioned the Design Hotel Royal, opened

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in summer 2014, is a 4-star hotel arranged as a 5-star hotel, with 54 luxury rooms and is considered as an extension to the “4 Opatijska cvijeta hotel”as both hotels are connected via underground corridors. Special feature of the hotel is the largest conference hall in Opatija, the Royal Hall, which is complementing the 7 meetings halls of the “4 Opatijska Cvijeta” hotel. The Remisens Hotel Bellevue Palace in 2016 is becoming one of the holders of trademarks Remisens on the Opatija Riviera. New investments include refurbishment of rooms and common areas by maintaining discreet neo baroque style arrangements, a new wellness center, and expanding and improving the quality of content and services. Another not so recent novelty, but certainly worth mentioning is the new hotel Bevanda (opened in 2013). A top class 5-star boutique hotel established within a world famous Chain of luxury hotels, Relais & Chateaux, constructed right above the famous restaurant Bevanda. This truly exclusive hotel has 10 rooms (5 in each floor, floors can be separated from each other offering more intimate space for closed groups), each of them tastefully decorated with top notch equipment and offering impressive sea views. The hotel also operates the corresponding beach - the Bevanda beach resort, which was completely renovated and is ideal for hosting evening events. Conceptually completely different 5-star hotel, hotel Navis opened in 2014 and represents a

welcoming refreshment in terms of the existing Riviera’s hotel offer. The modern and abstract design of the hotel with amazing interior and outdoor decoration, with heavy patina finishes on the walls, unique furniture, wooden details, rooms with separated living rooms all offering majestic views of the sea, a fantastic restaurant that in just 2 years become a recognizable and respectable gastronomy zone and above all the 135

overall conceptual design (Navis is designed as a cruise ship) that delivers an intriguing hotel story are just some of the features that contributed to the hotel’s prompt success. The hotel has 40 designer-decorated rooms and 4 suites and also a small meetings room, to welcome maximum 40 guests.

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Top Event Venues The Villa Ariston has a magnificent garden and represents a perfect venue place to host events like receptions, presentations, evening ceremonies for about 200-300 people. Here you can open a fashion show or have an intimate corporate party, with local food tastings, exclusive presentation of a new product, business partners party, etc. Then there is the Bevanda Beach resort, a special open air venue place with removable sliding glass doors so events can be organized also in winter time. The place is really remarkable, located directly at the sea side offering unique views of the city of Opatija and its exclusive architectural masterpieces. It is best for hosting evening events, cocktails, receptions, etc. for up to 300 participants or more. The Bevanda Beach resort is a new Opatija’s hotspot taking a whole touristic experience to another level. In the proximity of park Angiolina there is Art pavilion Šporer, ideal for receptions, and Opatija’s Open Air Theatre - a large amphitheatre-shaped auditorium with a capacity of 2,500 seats. It is a perfect venue for concerts and open air events. In addition to the large central stage, there is another, smaller stage, suitable for more intimate performances, cocktail parties and similar events. Top Restaurants Tourist Board of the Kvarner region created a project in 2014 with intention to brand top quality restaurants called the Kvarner Gourmet and Kvarner Food project, where among 67 most excellent restaurants in the Kvarner bay 50% of them are located in Opatija’s Riviera and obtained the highest quality mark, the “Kvarner gourmet mark”. Among them are the restaurant Kukuriku (Kastav), Draga di Lovrana, Lovranska Draga, Johnsson - excellent fish restaurant in Moscenicka Draga, Najade, Lovran , restaurant Bevanda providing an ambiance of exclusivity and a memorable menu, restaurant Laurus (Hotel Vila Kapetanović), restaurant Ariston. Destination grade: QUALITY MEETINGS DESTINATION Grades: 5 excellent meetings destination 4 quality meetings destination 3 recommendable meetings destination 2 average meetings destination 1 so so

4.05

INDIVIDUAL GRADES: A. Natural and cultural factors: 4,55 The whole part of the Kvarner below the Učka mountain is famous for its mild climate, due to the sunny position below Učka, which allows all year-round tourism. This combined with lush vegetation and a clean Kvarner sea is main reason for the development of 30 kilometres of the Opatija or Liburnia Riviera. The primary tourist motive is therefore natural wellness that nicely upgrades the needs of congress organisers.

C. Tourist infrastructure: 4,85 Almost every stone and building in Opatija is a witness to the rich history of the city’s tourism, which was once called the ‘Nice of the Adriatic’. With the renovation of hotels, which is in full swing, it will again shine in its former beauty and with an upscale hotel offer. A rich gastronomy offer thrills, with some restaurants at the peak of Croatian cuisine. D. Meetings infrastructure: 4,65 The ratio between hotel rooms and congress facilities enables the organisation of medium sized conferences with up to 600 participants. In Opatija there is virtually no hotel without meeting facilities, and also very attractive is the accompanying offer with its well-developed incentive programmes and the offer connected by the Opatija Convention Bureau. E. Subjective grade: 4,59 An elegant tourist lady who is showing her old age but has managed to overcome the old-fashioned habits and with major investments made in the past 3 years is ready to once again position herslef as a leading congress destination with emphasis on tradition, style and exclusivity. Comparison with the region: 170 years of tourism tradition is based on the positive energy of the riviera and the exceptional natural conditions. This is a great sign for the revival of Opatija congress tourism, which has recently relaxed slightly in comparison with the hyperactive Croatian Adriatic competitors. The city already boasts the entire infrastructure, but it is beaten mostly by an unfavourable image and somewhat slow adjustment to the new congress market conditions. A change of the structure of hotels is also necessary, as ‘cosmopolitan’ Opatija today only boasts three hotels in the 5-star category, whilst in Dubrovnik there are now 14 Cool meetings: Kvarner scampi: are considered to be the best in the world. Identified by the pale red colour and thinner armour, their specialty is – experts say – in that they live here in a very shallow sea with a lot of drinkable water springs and are therefore very soft and sweet.

B. General and transport infrastructure: 4,29 Connections with Rijeka are good and also at Opatija’s disposal is the relative proximity to the major population conglomerates of Central Europe. In terms of infrastructure Opatija appears tidy and offers a truly diverse tourism story with the legendary tourist Adriatic Riviera connected with an attractive Lungomare promenade. 136

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WHAT‘S NEW 2016 1. New Cultural and Touristic Center - Another novelty which will significantly contribute to the implementation of Opatija’s cultural and urban scene is the establishment of a new Cultural and touristic centre which is now in construction and is due to be opened in December 2016. This new city complex is envisaged to strengthen the cultural and tourism infrastructure of the city, offering a full-year program that will raise the cultural diversity and increase the city’s offer hosting different artistic, educational, entertainment and similar events. Conceptually, it is designed so it can accommodate theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions and at the same time host various conference and other business events. The first floor will be designed as an amphitheatrical hall with a gallery, offering 450 seats, with cabins for simultaneous translation, a stage of 220m2 of surface with digital projection equipment and a large screen. The ground floor is reserved for a congress hall of 330m2 with the possibility of splitting it into three smaller halls (3 x 110m2 or 2x 160m2) and will thus serve as a multi-purpose hall. In the second basement there will be a banquet room for catering, equipped with its own kitchen, covering 650m2 of surface and ideal for hosting exhibitions, cocktail receptions, etc. The centre is one of the key investments of the city of Opatija, after getting a sports hall Marino Cvetković.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Imperial dinner - In cooperation with the City of Vienna, each year a “Viennese Ball” is organized in hotel Kvarner or Hotel Royal in Opatija where everyone is dressed in the clothes worn in the period of AustroHungarian Empire and dance to the 19th century music. An incentive can be organized as an imperial dinner where costumed staff and guests can relive the historic period of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This sort of event can be organized any time of the year. The Hotel Continental’s brilliant Gastro world - If you are looking for a really intense and rich culinary journey all in one place, to get a wow effect from your guests than the Gastro World of the Hotel Continental is the place you are looking for. At first glance when entering the lobby of the hotel Continental where the Gastro world begins it seems as if you are entering an ordinary café bar, but soon the 6 different gastronomic zones reveal themselves one by one, and you can hardly decide which one to visit. The best thing to do is to take your time and visit all of them. On the surface of 1000 m2 you can either choose to start your visit at the Juicy Champagne Bar and get the vitamins flowing in your bloodstream. Then continue to the Délicatesse “Bokunić” to get a taste of the best quality ‘pršut’ (prosciutto), cheeses, olives and other delicacies from the best producers. To quench your thirst stop at the “Antiqua Osteria da Ugo” and choose among more than 40 domestic and foreign types of beer or treat yourself with delicious coffee or tea and then descend to the basement where you will discover a mini chocolate factory, the Milenij Choco World” where you can see the process of making chocolate, cakes and other chocolate products, and be the first to taste them. Bevanda Wine Cellar - Hotel Bevanda owns a small but authentic wine cellar, in the basement of the hotel where you can chose from a rich selection of over 700 labels of the greatest wines from the world carefully selected by Croatian’s top sommelier Claudio Jurčič. The wine cellar can host 8-10 people to hold a wine tasting event. The hotel organizes a several wine tasting workshops and works closely with the Istrian winery Kozlović, offering wine varieties like Ribolla, Malvasia, Kabola, sparkling wine Bevanda and Kozlović.

WHO TO CONTACT Tourist board Opatija, Congress departement Goran Pavlović, Tel. +385 51 603 273, +385 99 226 3229 www.visitopatija.com, goran@visitOpatija.com

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TRIESTE IMPRESSIONS AT THE JUNCTION OF ROMAN AND SLAVIC

he congress shape of the city gives the impression of hibernation. Due to numerous scientific institutions the meetings industry is functioning, but not developing. It seems the huge congress potential of the city is unexploited. The city is pleasant and tidy, but it seems economically and socially stagnant for decades. This can mostly be seen in the image of the destination, which needs a serious boost considering the cosmopolitan nature of the city. The convention bureau appears somewhat rusty so maybe the abolition of the border can offer a new opportunity to cooperate with the hinterland in Slovenia. Trieste used to be one of the leading cities in Europe, which attracted business and was an

example of multiculturalism. Today the meetings industry shares its faith with the city’s, despite a number of development opportunities. Globalisation and border abolition enable Trieste to turn to its hinterlands. This can contribute to the revitalization of the meetings industry if there is interest on both sides of the border, which may be gone now, but is still present in the minds. In cooperation with Ljubljana, Trieste could become a large player in the meetings industry of the broader European space.

DID YOU KNOW That the poet James Joyce lived in Trieste. What was his home until the outbreak of World War I is now the Hotel Victoria.

COOL MEETINGS Trieste is the second name for coffee. In Trieste coffee is great and is the first on the daily schedule. Espresso from Trieste rules. And to quote the coffee doctor Ernesto Illy, “cappuccino is the female side of coffee, espresso is for men”. There are over 50 coffee companies working in Trieste today.

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ICCA 2014 Country and City Ranking Wordlwide: 354th place Europe: 183th place Destination grade: Recommendable Meetings Destination

3.85 4.11

The Mediterranean climate, unspoilt Karst hinterland and extraordinary diversity of the landscape contribute to high attractiveness of Trieste and surroundings. The Karst hinterland with its extraordinary cultural heritage poses a contrast to the city which demonstrates its former cosmopolitan spirit at every step. The mixture of cultures left its mark on the city and makes the meetings industry that much more interesting.

B General and transport infrastructure

4.15

Trieste was an important traffic juncture and main port of the region for centuries. Traffic infrastructure is still good, but air access is poor. The most sensitive historical centre is neat and tidy but the feeling of industrial degradation around the harbours is less pleasant. General feel and quality of living are adequate.

C Tourism infrastructure

4.22

The trump cards of tourism are numerous cafes, bistros and restaurants. Sports and recreation offer is well developed. The city offers some great hotels and a number of smaller boutique ones. Due to the demographic situation and the abolition of the border it regressed somewhat in the once leading shopping and entertainment area, which can now be found on the Slovenian side of the border.

D Meetings infrastructure

4.19

Despite the oldest convention centre in the region Trieste lost its previous high position on the international market. The convention centre is in dire need of renovation. Hotel Savoia is the flagship hotel others don’t reach its level. The agencies are strong, but Trieste lacks some really strong PCO agencies and a more innovative incentive offer.

E Subjective assessment

4.26

The meetings industry of Trieste is actually fine, it’s just missing something to make it an above average congress destination. The city is safe, tidy, has a good price to quality ratio, the locals are hospitable and professional. The something extra that’s missing is a more attractive offer, which would take advantage of the hidden potentials of Trieste.

F Marketing buzz

1. Trieste Film Festival / January 2016 - The most rich and articulated Italian film festival dedicated to films from Central and Eastern Europe and beyond. 2. Maratona d’Europa / May 2016 - The first Sunday of May sees the running of one of Italy’s biggest running events, the Maratona d’Europa .

INDIVIDUAL GRADES:

A Natural and cultural factors

WHAT’S HOT

4.29

Trieste is today promoted mostly through large events, such as Barcolana, with congress promotion currently resting in the hands of the FVG Convention Bureau. The city seems, however, to be simply an overlooked destination that offers so much more than the current marketing promises, with congress tourism seeming to be left behind. The fact is that the potential of Trieste for further development of congress tourism is simply outstanding.

3. Barcolana Regatta / October 2016 - Barcolana is a major sailing spectacle with thousands of sailing boats filling the gulf on the second Sunday in October. 4. Trieste Coffee Capital / All year round - Trieste, coffee capital – a legend made history... the outstanding Salone degli Incanti overlooking the sea will host an incredible exhibition presenting coffee and all its secrets 5. Portopiccolo / All year round - A new destination with a unique congress centre to host important events, a beautiful setting for those looking for an emotional experience. Its capacity up to 300 persons, with a terrace overlooking the sea and a breathtaking view, this new congress centre is designed to accommodate professional, scientific, economic and cultural meetings 6. The taste of Karst / All year round - Tasting itineraries on a plateau suspended above the sea. Tour the farms and you will taste the special typical products of the Carso!

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA If you want to experience the full excitement and spirit of a sailing regatta, Trieste can be the challenging location for this successful incentive or team building activity. In October do not miss the “Barcolana”, the biggest international regatta in the Mediterranean: more than 3,000 boats take part in the 20 mile triangle sea contest & sailing fair!

WHO TO CONTACT PromoTurismoFVG, Villa Chiozza, via Carso 3, 33052 Cervignano del Friuli (UD), Italy, Ms. Brenda Lee Fabbro, T: +39 0431 387 122, E: brenda.fabbro@promoturismo.fvg.it, www.turismofvg.it

G ICCA index:

1.26

H Numbeo quality of life Index:

4.70

I Global Peace Index:

3.45

Comparison to the Region: Today, Trieste is mostly known for its coffee, rather than the meetings industry. The geo-political location could make Trieste a leading Adriatic congress destination, yet it is now being overtaken by less accessible and geographically located destinations. Solid infrastructure is a good foundation for development. The image of the city on the regional and world market needs to be improved. When key stakeholders on both sides of the border realize the potential of the city, it can become much more important than it is today.

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PODČETRTEK THE SUCCESS STORY

mallest place in our analysis is big in its offer and an example to all of us involved with tourism. Its epicentre is a thermal spring, around which a success story was created. Hotel Sotelia was never hiding its ambitions to bring to the meetings industry a genuine wellness experience, which other competitors do not yet know. In addition, the distinctive architectural design has many admirers; small details always attract the eye. Together with the rich tourist and sports offer Podčetrtek is ideal for the implementation of various incentives and other incentive programmes. At every step the locals you meet, be it a wine-grower, a caterer or a priest, will let it be known that you are welcome.

DID YOU KNOW That these parts of Slovenia are known for their beauty, with Podčetrtek and the town of Olimje winning a gold award in the Entente Florale Europe competition.

COOL MEETINGS What is more sustainable than the old, indigenous varieties of apples, which in Kozjansko they maintain with love. On the now traditional event Kozjansko apple farms offer the old varieties of apples, healthy agricultural products grown in a sustainable way and original and imaginatively processed fruit in home canning. Apple is still the most sympathetic attention that you can offer to the participants of your event!

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Not Available

WHAT’S HOT Destination grade: Quality Meetings Destination

3.69

INDIVIDUAL GRADES:

A Natural and Cultural factors

4.21

Podčetrtek is the tourist centre of Posotelje near the Slovenian-Croatian border. The wine-growing soil and especially the thermal water are two of its natural resources and tourism potential of the place. Thermal spring was discovered in the mid-sixties, the main development occurred in the mid eighties with the increase of hotel and spa capacities. The castle from the 13th century certainly gives a historical mark to the place, which is one of the oldest in Slovenia and the Franciscan monastery Olimje, built in the 16th century. While the castle is still waiting for the right investor for renewal, you will be welcomed at the Franciscan monastery by hospitable Franciscans who will provide you with herbs from their pharmacy.

B General and Transport Infrastructure

4.04

One rarely finds a place with such a positive attitude towards tourism as Podčetrtek. Alliance of the municipality, the largest provider Terme Olimia, associations and all smaller suppliers is reflected in the new projects that increase the value of the place. In the past year, among other things, they have created new cycle paths that open up new opportunities for the surrounding farms and the development of additional offer. The whole offer, from historical, sports and gastro-oenological is calling for incentive events which finish with pampering in the beautiful wellness centre Orhidelia, which in 2009 added the icing on the cake of spa and wellness offer.

D Meetings Infrastructure

3.43

As a part of the Wellness Hotel Sotelia, the convention centre in the spa Olimia was opened in 2006. The largest of eight technically perfectly equipped halls and meeting rooms can tale up to 350 participants in theatre style and can be divided into two rooms. The entire hotel has been awarded for architecture, mainly due to its placement in the environment; the architects have used a common thread of modern design also in halls, which are attractive to professional, business or social gatherings. Perhaps sometimes a larger lobby for breaks or on-site meetings might come in handy as well as daylight in Primula halls.

E Subjective Grade

2. New special train route – Historical train from Celje to Podčetrtek 3. Wellness Orhidelia again: Best Slovenian wellness for the 6th time in a row 4. In your pocket award –Terme Olimia as the best Slovenian Spa resort 5. Upgrading Wellness to Selfness – Terme Olimia are the first comprehensive provider of selfness services in Slovenia, a new trend in the tourism world

3.81

In terms of traffic a pretty closed region influenced the development of places in the past. Highway has shortened the route to Podčetrtek, but it is still necessary to use local scenic road that leads to one of the most beautiful wine-growing towns in Slovenia. Increasing connections to the Zagreb airport, which is only 1 hour and 20minute drive away, put Podčetrtek in an improved position for the organisation of international events.

C Tourist Infrastructure

1. First time ever – Festival of Wine&Chocolate in Sports hall Podčetrtek

4.21

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Enjoy the vineyard covered hills, a spa day in Terme Olimia, visit the biggest regional park in Slovenia and marvel at Olimje and Podčetrtek, two of the most beautiful villages in Europe. Come and discover one of the most beautiful and friendly parts of Slovenia.

WHO TO CONTACT Terme Olimia d.d., Zdraviliška cesta 24, 3254 Podčetrtek, Slovenia Mr. Jani Golob, E: kongresi@terme-olimia.com T: +386 51 66 70 66; www.terme-olimia.com be advantageously applied for congress guests. The biggest advantage is a diverse offer and a range of adventure and variety in a small area, which makes it a good use of time also for business guests.

F Marketing buzz

4.21

For Podčetrtek their tourism is spurred on by Terme Olimia, a company that quickly grasped the potential of congress tourism and today, especially in the corporate area, is managing to stand up well to some much stronger players. The destination is well connected and for its size the marketing is incredibly innovative and progressive.

G ICCA index:

1.00

H Numbeo quality of life Index:

4.20

I Global Peace Index:

4.07

The complete offer of Podčetrtek is intended primarily for tourism. However, everything intended for recreation can

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MARIBOR

MEETINGS STAR AWARD FINALIST - BEST MEETING DESTINATION 2014

EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE

eographically the city is defined by the Drava River basin and the green Pohorje, which is one of Slovenia’s largest forested areas. If there is fog in Ljubljana, Maribor will probably be having sunshine. Maribor is a small and friendly city, especially friendly and easy to use for conference and congress guests. Maribor has no shortage of special venues for events. Lent, the former Drava River Maribor has everything bigger ones have (only in a smaller format). Compared to other Slovenian Meetings destinations like Ljubljana, Portorož and Bled it possibly has a

bit less experience in the field of meetings industry, which it compensates with friendly attitude of suppliers, that give the client a feeling that he or she is wanted.

DID YOU KNOW That in Maribor grows ‘Old Vine’, the oldest vine in the world and the oldest living specimen on our planet of a noble grape vine that still bears grapes! At an age of over 400 years it is registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest vine on the planet.

COOL MEETINGS Before downing the “Pohorje blue berries” liquor, try the “Pohorje pot”. It is a traditional dish that can be found in huts all over Pohorje; on special request it will also be prepared for your guests at Hotel Habakuk!

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ICCA 2013 Country and City Ranking Wordlwide: 328th place Europe: 164th place Destination grade: Quality Meetings Destination

3.84

4.23 A Nature and Cultural Factors Maribor is in the centre of Styria with a rich history that is reflected in its cultural heritage. The landscape diversity of fertile soil, beautiful nature, forests, clean streams, and the green Pohorje are the basics for all kinds of add-ons for the meetings industry. Maribor is also the cultural centre of the country. 4.15

Transport Infrastructure, mostly because of the inactive Maribor Airport, is the weakest part of the Maribor meetings industry offer. Otherwise Maribor is a safe and pleasant city to live in. Its speciality is an extraordinary access to nature.

C Tourist Infrastructure

1. International rowing regatta in 2016 – This exciting international sports event is particularly exciting because of performances by finalists and medal winners of the Youth World Championship! 2. Lent festival - Celebrates its 21st anniversary this year.

INDIVIDUAL GRADES:

B General and Transport Infrastructure

WHAT’S HOT

4.15

3. Pruning the oldest Wine in the world – in 2014 Maribor will celebrate 35th Anniversary of Pruning the oldest Wine in the wordl. Pruning of the Old Vine is one of the highlights of the entire cycle of events dedicated to the Old Vine, which end with a ceremonial grape harvest. An attractive cultural program invites each year visitors from near and far to one of the banks of the river Drava. 4. New Film 2014 – Maribor the City on river Drava: The film presents the most popular and beautiful spots in the city of Maribor - old town, city wine hills, oldest vine tree in the world, Pohorje Mountain, city park - during romantic winter time through the eyes of a foreign visitor. 5. Habakuk Hotel****, Terme Maribor d.o.o. is the winner of Brand Leader Award2014: The Leading provider of wellness and medical tourism in South East Europe. Award is awarded based on standardized criteria: innovation, high market visibility and positioning of the authentic product.

In Maribor and its immediate surroundings there are over 109 accommodation facilities with some 1,500 rooms. A little over half of these are in hotels that are mostly of medium or higher categories and are suitable for business tourism. The additional tourist offer is well developed, especially for sports and recreation.

D Meetings Infrastructure

4.12

Congress offer of Maribor is concentrated in company Terme Maribor and their hotels Habakuk, Piramida (Pyramid) and Bellevue. This company and partly also Sports Centre Pohorje and City Hotel are carriers of offer and development. The town is very rich with additional convention programmes suitable for incentives but unfortunately a comprehensive offer of Pohorje and the town is under-utilised and not presented, convention bureau does not operate, and there are chronic shortages of specialised agencies. A more intensive co-operation between all players of the destination is essential and we hope that the ECC Project will have a positive impact on the destination.

E Subjective mark

4.14

Maribor is an excellent meetings destination whose biggest problem is its meetings identity and visibility and the absence of co-operation between the suppliers. In Maribor you will not be able to find a specialised DMC agency with local knowledge.

F Marketing buzz

4.35

Maribor has for some time had its own convention bureau and is firmly on the meetings industry map, but unfortunately the crisis hit them the hardest in all of Slovenia, with the consequence that they had to reduce their promotional budget. The destination is making every effort to maintain its presence and given this hard work the promotional part of the Maribor story will soon improve.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Lent, the oldest part of the city, where you can explore the oldest city sights, try a traditional raft ride, and in summertime visit the international multi-cultural Festival Lent, when the Drava embankment turns into a whirlpool of top cultural events and entertainment, and where many bars, coffeehouses and restaurants with international cuisine invite you to sit around and enjoy their excellent catering offers.

WHO TO CONTACT Maribor - Pohorje Tourist Board, Tkalski prehod 4, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia, Ms. Bernarda Karo, E: bernarda.karo@maribor.si, T: +386 2 234 66 08, www.maribor-pohorje.si

G ICCA index:

1.19

H Numbeo quality of life Index:

4.20

I Global Peace Index:

4.07

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PIRAN CITY OF SALT

edieval Piran is definitely one of the most portrayed cities on Slovenian tourist postcards. It stays in my memory as a place where many movies from my youth were filmed. During the 1950s, it was the centre of the Slovenian film industry and the movie scenes filmed there left an unforgettable impression in the memory of the viewers and awakened in them a desire to come visit it. Personally, I see Piran as a cultural and creative Mediterranean city, as for many years it has been delighting visitors of the Golden Drum Advertising Festival and many other events, which are all represented in the statue of the Serbian

DID YOU KNOW The Tartini kiss – a kiss under the statue dedicated to the famous musician from Piran, Tartini – is a guarantee of luck and prosperity. Maybe you will find your luck on 6 July, International Kissing Day.

advertising pioneer Dragan Sakan standing next to the Teater Café. Only a few places are capable of paying tribute to the legend and the advertising genius of the Balkans in such a manner as Piran did. Top of the Adriatic The lighthouse of Piran, the most exposed and attractive sight, represents a symbolic peak of the Northern Adriatic Sea and is known by all sailors. Together with St. George’s Church it is a symbolic centre of the Mediterranean. Piran and its surroundings feature many natural landmarks. The highest flysch wall on the Adriatic, the Strunjan cliff, with its peak 80 meters above sea level, olive groves in the hinterland and the famous Sečovlje saltpans are just a fraction of the rich natural and cultural heritage of this city. The list of cultural monuments is endless; to start off, there is Tartini Square, the Minorite Monastery, the famous “Benečanka”, a building that dates back to the era of the Venetian Republic, and the Tartini’s House.

COOL MEETINGS Piran sea bass – it became a local culinary specialty owing to the Fonda family, which has been breading this “king of all fishes” with passion and commitment on a sea farm in the middle of the Piran gulf. Each sea bass bears a designation of origin and a quality guarantee.

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WHAT’S HOT Destination grade: Quality Meetings Destination

3.93

INDIVIDUAL GRADES:

A Natural and cultural factors

4.82

Piran has always been a meeting point of different languages and cultures, due to its prestigious strategic location, and the centre of northern Istria. Because of the seabed formation and the diverse flora and fauna, the underwater world which surrounds the cape of Piran is probably the most beautiful and the most vivid part of the Slovenian sea. Despite the shallow waters, the short coastline and intensive urbanisation, the Slovenian sea is invaluable from the viewpoint of biodiversity.

B General and traffic infrastructure

4.15

As its window to the rest of the world, the Slovenian coast plays a crucial role for Slovenia. In terms of traffic connections, we cannot avoid the fact that this is the only part of Slovenian territory which is not only accessible by road and air but also by sea. With the rapid development of the airports in Venice and Trieste it is well connected to the rest of the world from the standpoint of congress guests.

C Tourist infrastructure

4.02

One could say that the Bernardin hotels are the main hotel resort in Piran, although one could easily place them in Portorož. On the one hand the complex offers a wide enough and sufficiently comprehensive range of services for all tastes, and on the other there are quite a few boutique hotels in the city, among which the Piran and the Tartini hotel are the most popular. The destination is persistently trying to improve its tourist services, which have not yet reached their full potential, and that is probably what makes it so attractive.

D Meetings infrastructure

4.15

The Bernardin Congress Centre is the first and the largest hotel congress centre in Slovenia. Its multifunctional design sets the standards for all similar centres in the region. The biggest hall can host up to 1,100 participants. In Piran, you will find a true treasure from the Secession period of architecture, the Tartini Theatre. Furthermore, it has to be pointed out that you probably will not find more picturesque openair venues elsewhere on the Slovenian coastline.

E Subjective grade

4.26

The locals and everyone involved in organising events must realize that they live in a historically and culturally important environment, which is full of interesting stories. These make the city unique and the guest curious. Stories can be a source of inspiration for incentive programmes, some of which have already been successfully implemented. One such example is the innovative incentive programmes organised by the Fonda family.

F Marketing buzz

4.66

The joint promotion of Piran and Portorož may seem logical at first glance; however, a different approach is worth considering because these are two quite different MICE stories. The weakest link is the fact that Piran does not have an active office for the meetings industry which would summarise

1. Saltpans Feast – The Saltpans Feast takes place at the end of April (the last weekend in April). A new season of salt gathering begins on St. George’s Day. 2. Internautica – In the first weeks of May, the international boat and nautical equipment fair Internautica takes place in Portorož. Every year, the Internautica Fair is visited by more than 10,000 people. 3. Tartini Festival – An international festival of chamber music dedicated to the memory of the life and spirit of Giuseppe Tartini, the famous classical composer who was born in Piran. 4. Slovenian Film Festival – A cultural and business event, a meeting place for filmmakers, film enthusiasts, experts and business partners. 5. The Golden Drum – The Golden Drum is an annual international advertising festival that takes place in October in Portorož and Piran. 6. Piran Days of Architecture – An international architectural conference with one of the oldest traditions in the world.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Find the lost Tartini violin in Piran – this adventure will lead you through the hidden streets of Piran, Casa Veneziana, Monastery Cloister, to the many secrets of the past search- ing for pieces of violin. At the market place which will give you an introduction to the Istrain culinary delights the great final act will be performed – a music performance by the founder of the hidden violin. One idea with a triple remix: culture, culinary and active involvement of the whole team.

WHO TO CONTACT Bernardin Resorts & Hotels, Obala 2, 6320 Portorož, Ms. Mojca Gobina, E: mojca.gobina@bernardingroup.si; T: +386 5 690 7302, www.portoroz.si/en

everything the city has to offer under one roof and place it on international markets. Besides, for an external observer, congress services seem poorly structured and stiff.

G ICCA index:

1.02

H Numbeo quality of life Index:

4.20

I Global Peace Index:

4.07

Comparison with the region: Piran is probably the most inspiring Slovenian meetings destination. In the past, the people living in the city were inspired to discover things and to make more out of them, and therefore today Piran is full of artwork, marvellous facades and creative MICE stories. At each step exceptional encoun- ters are waiting to be discovered and what they need is only a bit of a boost and some extra energy. For quite some time the city has been living in the shadow of its notorious tourist neighbour Portorož; the truth is, however, that in the future Piran will stand out if it decides for the right differentiationIncentive programmes do not have much competition in the Istrian region, and another big advantage is a fully developed meetings industry product and a tourist tradition. What is missing is better oriented destination management, which would ensure joint marketing with a stronger emphasis on Piran. To congress guests Piran can offer more than Portorož – the gastronomic scene is better and the spirit of the city is still largely untapped. 145

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UMAG AND NORTHERN ISTRIA DOOR TO THE ADRIATIC

orth-western Istria offers a genuine and very active conference experience. Options of activities with which you will fill up the schedule of your conference guests are countless. In Umag and its surroundings there is a very special spirit of sport in the air. It is an interesting and attractive congress destination because of its proximity to major convention markets in the region. Perhaps at the moment we can only reproach it a slightly reduced visibility. The establishment of a convention bureau would help it a lot in terms of development and promotion of the congress product and improve its image on the international convention scene. That the destination is capable is demonstrated by some big events that have recently moved to Umag from some much more famous Croatian convention places.

DID YOU KNOW Did you know that Umag is the first city you will reach when approaching Colours of istria from western Europe?

COOL MEETINGS Istrian truffles are rightly called Istrian gold and represent the culmination of gastronomy offer of the largest Adriatic peninsula. It is most prevalent in Mirna valley. White truffle is the most prized species; it is picked from the beginning of October until the end of December. Truffles are an indicator of pristine nature. We recommend tasting in the form of ‘fuži’ with truffles.

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WHAT’S HOT Destination grade: Quality Meetings Destination

3.74

INDIVIDUAL GRADES:

A Natural and Cultural Factors

4.35

Hinterland of Umag has retained some of its primal nature. Olive groves are intertwined with vines and produce excellent wine and olive oil. Specific climate, cultural heritage and rich history excite tourists, but especially excite Istrans who impress with their distinctive positive energy.

B General and Transport Infrastructure

4.05

Door to Istria literally means that Umag is nearest to some major convention markets in the vicinity. The highway Ypsilon connected Istria to the mainland and also improved accessibility to guest who arrive by plane. Umag is a destination that is accessible from three airports (Ljubljana, Trieste, Pula) in less than two hours, which should not be an obstacle for international congress organisers to think about it for organisation of international congresses and events.

C Tourist Infrastructure

4.45

By connecting to the hotel chain Sol Melia Istraturist has got a fresh wind and a higher standard of hotels. Where before there were holiday villages of lower categories there are now apartments and villas for the most discerning guests. Changes of the major tourist player in north-western Istria, were also followed by Laguna Novigrad, whose accommodation offer has also much improved in recent years. Sports facilities, from golf courses to indoor swimming pools complement the offer and Umag is from the summer increasingly turning into a destination for all seasons.

D Meetings Infrastructure

3.65

Unlike some destinations that have congress centres, but lack additional offer, Umag has planned and developed co-operation with suppliers in the Istrian hinterland, which is certainly an additional motive for event organisers. Although the largest hotel hall can only accommodate 350 participants, the Istraturist team is not intimidated even by an event for 1.500 participants, for which they are ready to shake up even the tennis hall.

E Subjective Grade

4.33

Sometimes we inadvertently overlook destinations that we remember as leisure. With what has changed in recent years in Umag and north-western Istria, it gives a whole new dimension to the destination. Umag is primarily an incentive destination, where we were convinced by hospitable locals and employees in hotels. It provides security, comfort and a range of environmentally friendly outdoor activities. Integration of local suppliers is in full swing and gives the impression that the entire destination aspires toward worldclass incentive, sports, culinary and experiential services.

F Marketing buzz

4.12

Umag has all the conditions and requirements to become one of the hottest incentive destinations in the region. We are eagerly awaiting the establishment of the first Incentive

1. 14th Anniversary of Moto Meeting Old Rockers – Once again this year one of the biggest and most visited motorcycle meetups in the region offers to thrill all bikers and fans of fast two-wheeled machines a frenetic and loud opening of the season at the Stella Maris camp in the vicinity of Umag 2. 26th Croatia Open Umag – The town is the host to world-ranking tennis players, while the cream of society, journalists and reporters, sports experts and tennis aficionados spend time in and around the luxurious tennis complex Stella Maris. 3. International Festival of Antique Sepomaia viva – Popular among the inhabitants and the guests, the historic festival Sepomaia viva invites some ancient times when Istria was ruled by the Romans. White wine was drunk with honey, and rose petals were added to the red one. 4. MIK – the Festival of Melodies of Istria and Kvarner – The Festival of Melodies of Istria and Kvarner, the only travelling music festival in Croatia, will go on another journey through Istria, Kvarner and islands, reviving the tradition of indigenous chakavian speech blended in the melodic expression of Istria and Primorje. This year, MIK’s caravan tour is making a stop in Umag. 5. Kempinski Hotel Adriatic will host another exhibition of Devin Miles artwork – Devin Miles is a pioneer of the German neo-pop movement. Fascinated by the iconic movie stars of the 1950’s and the 60’, such as Audrey Hepburn, Romy Schneider, Brigitte Bardot, James Dean and Steve McQueen, this German artist pays homage to them in his own innovative way.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Hunt for the Istrian white truffle, one of the most renowned in the world, near Gračišće and Livade, accompanied by a professional truffle hunter and a trained dog.

WHO TO CONTACT Umag Tourist Board, Trgovačka 6, 52470 Umag, Croatia Ms. Sanda Bravar, E: info@istria-umag.com, T: +385 (0)52 741-363 www.coloursofistria.com/destinations/umag Bureau in the region, which we believe will also take care of appropriate promotion.

G ICCA index:

1.00

H Numbeo quality of life Index:

4.00

I Global Peace Index:

3.70

Comparison with the region: Among the competing congress destinations, Umag even a year ago would be easily overlooked, but today it is already hosting the most demanding events such as the most important Microsoft event Windays. This proves that the destination is profiled as a congress and especially incentive location. To the good functioning a great destination management contributes a great deal, which in a form of a cluster from 2010 is promoted under the brand “Colours of Istria”.

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Off The Beaten Track

OFF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK TRIESTE TRAM “El tram de Opicina”

• OUT THERE •

• STAY •

• MEET IN STYLE •

The famous Trieste–Opicine tramway has been connecting Trieste and Opicine since 1902 and is today considered as one of the symbols of the city. The tram has both a remarkable historical and a transport importance for Trieste, but in our present times it is more than anything else an important tourist means of getting about that provides a unique incentive experience. The tramway is one of the few in world that operates on one part of the track as a wire funicular, a section that is named Škorklja (it. Scorcola). The tram stops at 11 stations that are located near to attractions that are all worth a visit, such as the Obelisk dedicated to Austrian Emperor Franz I., the church on Kolonje dedicated to Mary, Queen of peace, and the Škorklja peak, from where you have a view right over Trieste.

Trieste is a lovely city with a great soul and many attractions, making it well worth a visit and an excellent convention destination. The first choice of the hotels is definitely the Savoia Excelsior Palace. It is a really good example of why hotels like it are still complete bestsellers and it is a beacon in an otherwise fairly jaded Trieste hotel scene. With its offer the hotel can be a good launch pad for reinvigorating Trieste as a congress destination. The most elegant first-category hotel probably of the wider region also impresses with its location and superior level of service.

The journey takes about 20 minutes in total and anyone who has ever travelled by tram already knows it is a unique experience. The track meanders between Trieste’s steep streets and descends from a height of 330 metres to sea level, offering magnificent views of the gulf. The vehicle fleet includes six classic blue trams from 1935 and two from the starting period of 1902 that operate only on special occasions. These old-timers can be driven only by “legendary” tram drivers, among them Rudolf Purič (often called by his nickname Dolfi), who has been a tramviere for 17 years. This is an extraordinary experience for all lovers of technical history and marvellous views.

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Off The Beaten Track TOP 3 INCENTIVE IDEAS 1. Coffee Academy –in the city of coffee experience rounds lecture at Illy Academy followed by a guided tour of the production of one of the most famous coffee roasting mills in the world. 2. Culinary Adventure in Karst – wandering through karst farms, tasting the authentic flavours of karst, karst prosciutto and top quality wines, all of which you then prepare by yourself in a perfect dinner for you and your colleagues. 3. Geo-coaching adventure – the world famous game, by which you will find the hidden objects at interesting locations between Trieste and the famous castle of Miramar, is suitable for all those with an adventurous soul.

• OFF THE EATEN TRACK •

• LOCALISM •

• GETTING THERE •

Among the outstanding cuisine of Trieste there is a healthy selection of restaurants, so it is more a matter of the daily inspiration and the depth of your wallet. The range is remarkable and takes in the legendary Buffet da Pepi, a café in the city centre that was opened in 1897 by Trieste Slovenian Pepi Klajnšič and where today you can enjoy well cooked pork. The main square has one more Trieste attraction worth a peek: Harry’s Bar. This is a culinary magnet of the city, especially renowned for its interior design in the Venetian style, and it has been awarded three Michelin guide medals, making it considered to be one of the most prestigious restaurants in the city.

If coffee has an alternative name, then it is ‘Trieste’. Coffee has been connected with Trieste in several ways and for a long time, and not only because it is in Trieste, as elsewhere in Italy, that the culture of drinking this aromatic beverage developed and that the Viennese cafes – some of them surviving until today – were defining social life back then when Trieste was under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but also because they load the majority of the raw coffee in Italy right in Trieste itself. So it is then that the process of making the coffee continues here, from choosing the best mixture to the roasting and the packaging. It is no coincidence that there are also some of the world’s largest coffee processors, such as Illy, Hausbrandt and Cremcaffe, all in Trieste.

It is recommended that you take the tram from Opicine, as there are numerous free parking spaces there and you can avoid the nerve-wracking drive through Trieste and frantic search for a parking space, which in any case are all payable. Trieste is also easily accessible by a modern highway from Venice and the improved flight connections are also worth a mention.

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DIRECTORY Trieste Trasporti S.p.A. Via dei Lavoratori, 2 34144 Trieste, Italy www.triestetrasporti.it

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OFF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK PIVOVARNA UNION “The Union Experience”

• OUT THERE • Pivovarna Union d.d. is one of the largest jointstock enterprises in Slovenia with a brewing tradition dating back to 1864. With their stateof-the-art technology and equipment, premium-quality ingredients and years of expertise they brew the best beer in the country and produce a wide range of refreshing non-alcoholic beverages as well. History buffs and devoted beer lovers like us have the possibility of taking a guided tour of the brewery that the Kosler family started to build in 1864 and experiencing the whole production process - from brewing to packaging and storing of beer - as well as visiting the Brewery Museum that was established in 1986. It was the first museum of brewing in Slovenia and one of the largest on the European continent, but that’s not all it is: in 2014 Pivovarna Union extended its offer by opening ‘The Union Brewery Pub’ set in the old malting plant building. The Pub soon became the place to be on the Slovenian Beer Scene and is nowadays also popular with foreign guests who cherish the local experience and love trying something new. Another change that is shaping the future of the brewery is also the fact that in 2015 Heineken acquired a majority stake in

Pivovarna Union d.d. With their joint powers they now intend to fully follow market trends, further improve the existing product ranges as well as develop and introduce new ones. We look forward to seeing what’s next! • STAY • Arranging accommodation within walking distance of Pivovarna Union is easy. The closest hotel is Hotel Lev, which is perfect for anyone looking for classical elegance and modern comfort. It is also a great meeting hotel, with its largest hall welcoming up to 400 guests. In the near vicinity are also lovely hotels like Hotel Slon, City Hotel, Grand Hotel Union and a number of others. Although Ljubljana is a small city, it offers a wide range of apartments and hostels suitable for every wallet and taste. • MEET IN STYLE • The Union Experience unveils a rich mix of history, technology and pleasure. It is an amazing experience ideal for incentives, or just as a part of a social programme within the remit of a conference, congress or meeting. It can definitely be that “icing on the cake” you might have been looking for. Depending on the time 152

and level of curiosity you can decide between Union Experience2 and Union Experience3. The first programme includes a museum visit with a free glass of beer that can be enjoyed later at the Union Brewery Pub, while the second programme also adds a guided tour through the production facilities, where the secrets of beer production and the other beverages of Pivovarna Union are revealed. If you are looking for a get-together in a pleasant brewery style atmosphere, the Union Experience is definitely something that will bring a smile on the faces of your clients, not to mention quench their thirst “Union style”… • OFF THE EATEN TRACK • You might think that in a brewery the focus would be exclusively on beer, but Branko Podmenik, chef of Pivnica Union, is definitely succeeding in mixing modern food with traditional values along with their home-made beers. Together with the attentive and friendly staff helping you select the right beer with your food choice, they offer a really perfect mix for the food & beer experience.

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TOP 3 INCENTIVE IDEAS 1. Beer tasting – Indulge your taste buds with a variety of different beers brewed by Pivovarna Union and served nice and cold in the Union Brewery Pub. Enjoy a selection of culinary creations that complement the different types of beers or surprise your guests with à la carte dishes prepared in front of their eyes at the pub’s open kitchen. 2. A walk through the beer history – Understand the significance of beer brewing by visiting the Brewery Museum. Learn how the brewing process has changed over the years. 3. Beer is brewed in Union heaven – Find out how professionals brew beer. Visit the production and take a walk through a technological process of brewing, packaging and storing of this globally popular beverage.

The open kitchen of the Union Brewery Pub cooks up a combination of some traditional Slovenian food with some modern cuisine, the menu offering both a broad food selection and price range, from a weekly menu serving lunch and snacks to à la carte food, house specials with beer, warm and cold appetizers, soups, steaks, desserts and more. A full choice is at your disposal - depending on how much time and money you have, of course. The food offer is topped off with the house’s main focus – the beer from the Pivovarna Union brewery, where it has been brewed since 1867. They offer a huge choice of Union, Laško and Heineken beers, bottled and on tap, and the personnel is always there to help out with the right combination depending on your food choice. With all of this it is no wonder that the Union Brewery Pub is featuring among the top rated experiences in Ljubljana and is very popular with tourists and locals. • LOCALISM • “Brewers choice” – an exclusive offer of beer! We agree with Plato, who said: “He was a wise man who invented beer.” Everywhere we go we love to try something local, and what can

be more local than the local beer offer? From the “King” Union pale beer to a dark beer and a selection of unfiltered beers, the popular Union drink is always brewed only from selected natural ingredients. Staying local is the key to success. Only a few aficionados know that the Union Brewery even today draws the total amount of exquisite water from their own wells and use only Slovenian hops. Most varieties of beer they produce can be bought in restaurants and shops around the country and abroad, but a special selection, called the “Brewers selection”, can be imbibed only at their pub. So whether you are organising an event, incentive, meeting, celebrating a birthday, a promotion at your job or would like to enjoy a cold glass of this tasty Slovenian beer with a great Champions League match, the Union Brewery Pub is the best place to do it. • GETTING THERE • Pivovarna Union is located in the centre of Ljubljana. It is about a 30-minute drive from the Jože Pučnik airport, a 15-minute walk from the railway station and just a few minutes’ walk from the main sightseeing attractions. There are no free parking spaces on the premises, but 153

you can park your car across the street in the Tivoli Park car park. To get around the city you can also use the free “BicikeLJ” bicycle-sharing system, or public buses for which lines 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 25 will take you directly to the brewery, as the bus station is located in front of the main entrance. DIRECTORY Pivovarna Union Union Experience Celovška cesta 22, Ljubljana T: 041 30 30 50; 01 47 17 335 E: info@union-experience.si ; rezervacije@pivnica-union.si www.union-experience.si www.pivnica-union.si

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OFF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK NIKOLA TESLA. THE PRESENT IS THEIRS, THE FUTURE IS MINE

• OUT THERE •

• STAY •

• MEET IN STYLE •

The genius scientist, engineer and inventor has in the past often been overlooked, but more recently has been gaining his deserved recognition. Contributing to this recognition is the excellent exhibition currently on display at the CD Congress Centre in Ljubljana. The ambitious project is a co-production of the CD Congress Centre and the Museum of Nikola Tesla in Belgrade, the home of Dr. Branislav Jovanović, author of the exhibition. Tesla mostly worked in the USA, where he patented more than 300 inventions, and in addition to these inventions the exhibition also showcases the issues of creativity and innovation in contemporary society, comprising several thematic sections illustrated by models, from operating models of Tesla’s inventions to video and sound recordings as well as, among others, also a scale model of a hydro power plant on the Niagara and an aircraft with vertical take-off!

Ljubljana offers a wide range of hotels suitable to meet the spectrum of different traveller needs and budgets. With the boutique hotel offer in mind, we strongly recommend Hotel Cubo in the immediate vicinity of the CD Congress Centre. It offers 26 designer rooms, furnished with top quality materials and stylish furniture, and since its opening the hotel has been scooping up one award after the next. For larger groups, we recommend the city’s famous Grand Hotel Union, which last year celebrated its 110th anniversary. The hotel is known for its stunning Art Nouveau style and is also the largest congress hotel in Ljubljana.

Running to 6 November 2016 the current exhibition is interesting for every participant of professional congresses as well as for the general public visiting Ljubljana. It is a special congress experience suitable for small groups as well as individual excursions. In this the year of Ljubljana holding the title of ‘The European Green Capital of Europe’, Tesla’s study from the year 1900 on “The problem of increasing human energy” is extremely relevant. It identifies the key challenges for mankind that until now we have been unable to solve. Tesla was a man before his time with a great understanding of the future, so much so that he and his definition of what a great man is (one who gathers knowledge like a bee is gathering honey and uses this knowledge to help his fellow men out of trouble, disease...) are still relevant today.

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Kongres meetologue TOP 3 INCENTIVE IDEAS 1. Urban beekeeping – A guided tour of some of the unique characteristics of CD Congress centre, the urban beehives located on the roof are a clear statement of an environmentally-friendly business philosophy at the core of their thinking. 2. Heroes of SFRY – Learning about the city’s streets, places and buildings that will give a good impression of the modernist architecture of the Slovenian capital. It is to a large extent shaped by Edvard Ravnikar, who was the first to bring the architectural and urban planning principles of Le Corbusier to this region. 3. Green Urban Experience – Trnulja offers a genuine congress experience by which you will fall straight from the city into a parallel world that is also fairly unknown to the locals of Ljubljana but is close to the childhood world of Nikola Tesla.

• OFF THE EATEN TRACK • CD Congress Centre is located in the heart of the administrative and gourmet centre of Ljubljana. The capital city is becoming an important stop for fans of gastronomy and new Slovenian cuisine. For better orientation of the city’s Epicuream trail we recommend that you use a guide that we ourselves trust due to its quality criteria - “Teden restavracij” (Restaurant Week) is available at www.tedenrestavracij.si. 86 Slovenian restaurants and pubs were a part of this year’s Spring Restaurant Week. • LOCALISM • CD Congress Centre is the work of architect Edvard Ravnikar and is an integral part of the Republic Square. It was built in the era of modernism and stands as a clear example of monumental architecture, comparable to the achievements of Alvar Aalto and his Finlandia congress hall. Many of its small details surprise the visitor, but what impresses most of all is the

fact that the venue’s architecture has preserved its value. The current renovation, which generated voluble controversy, gave the convention centre a more elegant and contemporary feel with more natural materials. By visiting the exhibition you also have a good chance to take in an architectural tour of this part of Ljubljana. • GETTING THERE • The administrative zone where CD Congress Centre is located is easily accessible by foot, car or public transport. There is a big car park below Republic Square, while the city’s newest car park is just a stone’s throw away under Congress Square. Both meet the needs of those congress guests arriving in the city by car. The biggest advantage of the location is that all of the city’s sights, and especially the key hotels, are within walking distance. With all of this in mind we can confidently claim say that CD Congress Centre is a congress- and guest-friendly location.

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Directory CANKARJEV DOM Prešernova cesta 10 1000 Ljubljana T.: +386 (0)1 241 71 22 E.: congress@cd-cc.si www.cd-cc.si

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OFF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK TATRE SHERPAS. The Kings of the Mountains

• OUT THERE •

• STAY •

• MEET IN STYLE •

The High Tatras is the highest mountain range of the Carpathian Mountains, which stretches right from the west to the east side of the SlovakPolish border and with the highest peak being Gerlachovcky Štit (2,655m). With its natural beauty the High Tatras are truly remarkable; in addition to the beautiful mountains and relatively easily accessible peaks there is also a wealth of lakes, well-marked hiking trails and the secret Tartras Sherpas. The cabins in the Tatras are supplied by the Sherpas, who to this day compete for which of them is able to carry the most cargo. It’s a unique subculture and a lifestyle personified by Števo Bačkor – Pišta, your guide to the world of the Tatra Sherpa culture. Although they are not as renowned as their Himalayan namesakes, a meeting with them is definitely exotic and full of life lessons.

It’s not difficult to find accommodation in Horny Smokovec, where there is everything from firstclass hotels to private boarding houses. Grand Hotel Bellevue is the largest and most functional convention hotel in the Tatras, with a comprehensive range that even offers bowling. Grand Hotel Stary Smokovec is an institution where many celebrities have stayed and during 1945 the hotel was even the office of the President of Czechoslovakia. In addition to the diverse hotel offer there is an option to stay at a number of different villas, private boarding houses or in hotels in nearby cities. For the most demanding guests we recommend the iconic Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras that is considered to be one of the best hotels of Europe.

In a picturesque Swiss chalet the culture of the Sherpas in the Tatras will be introduced to you by Števo Bačkor. In “developed” Europe mountain cabin supplies are provided by helicopter, the same practice that is used in Tatras, and yet the Sherpa culture that is admired by many has survived and proved that it is an important way of life which in Europe not to be found anywhere else. It is a one-of-a-kind sense of dependence and unique specialty of the Tatras. The Swiss chalet that is the centre point for all of the Sherpas is also special. The picturesque building is from the turn of the century and the time of the beginning of tourism. Along with the legendary chalet we suggest you also get to know the Sherpa culture on the roads that they use - in Slovakia they are well marked out with signs and signposts. Your efforts will ultimately pay off with a genuine experience in one of the mountain chalets (Chata). For starters we recommend the path to Rainer’s, the oldest chalet, at an altitude of 1,295m.

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TOP 3 INCENTIVE IDEAS 1. Sherpa Caffe – Do you have any idea what the maximum weight is that a Sherpa can carry? On average 50-80kg, but through an enlightening experience in the museum you will get to learn more about the various record holders. 2. Sherpa Rally – How much cargo can you carry? Try putting a heavy load on your back and test your own strength and skills in the Tatra valleys, or compete at the annual Sherpa rally. 3. Tatratea at 2,634 m – There is also a more elegant way to get to the Tatras peaks - a Gondola will take you to Lomnický Štit where spectacular views of the surrounding mountains will leave you breathless. As there is only one gondola that carries 15 people the time for enjoying the view is limited to 50 minutes, during which time we recommend you try “Tatratea”, the local herbal potion that will give you wings. If with a group you can also arrange to reserve the entire, very pleasantly decorated cafe at 2,634 m.

• OFF THE EATEN TRACK • Various mountain chalets offer congress guests an overnight stay and invite them to visit some of the authentic local restaurants. For the more demanding diner, we recommend a visit to Culinarium in Horný Smokovc, where celebrity chef Gabriel Kočak prepares traditional dishes with a modern twist but fear not, for you can also try the Slovak national dish of “bryndzové halušky” here, dumplings made of potato dough and coated with a mixture of sheep’s ricotta and cream and dressed with crackling. • LOCALISM • The charismatic Gabriel Kocak is a Slovak celebrity chef from the Tatras who places a great emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. A visit to the Cullinarium restaurant is thus an ultra-culinary experience. If the inside of the restaurant does not impress you enough, Gabriel’s creations that he draws from Scandinavian cuisine will undoubtedly leave you in awe. He studied under the best masters in Michelin

star restaurants and has cooked for celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz and George Michael.

est cargo carried up the mountain by a Sherpa goes to Laco Kulanga, who carried 211kg to the Skalnatá chata cabin.

• GETTING THERE •

DIRECTORY SHERPA CAFFE Švajčiarsky dom Starý Smokovec č.7 062 01 STARÝ SMOKOVEC Slovakia T: +421 903 319 591 E: pista.backor@gmail.com www.sherpacaffe.sk

Travelling between places in the Tatras is easy due to Tatras Mountain Railway, which connects Poprad, the centre of the region, with Tatra tourist destinations. The scenic railway is nostalgic as well as a sustainable way to travel between spots. Road links are also excellent and there is a highway most of the way to Bratislava or Kosice, with the exception of some short sections. An option is also to fly, as the airport in Poprad is well connected with other destinations through Wizz Air, the largest low-cost airline in Central and Eastern Europe that has recently opened a connection to London. • MEET BUSTERS • The average age of the Sherpa is somewhere between 20-30 years old and most of them work as freelancers. The record for the heavi157

Kongres meetologue

OFF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK A TOKAJ ADVENTURE. The wine of the King and the King of wine

• OUT THERE • We’re going to start by assuming that you didn’t know that the Tokaj viticultural area extends into Slovakia, something that triggered a dispute between the Slovaks and Hungarians a few years ago that was settled in 2012 at the General Court of the European Union. As this part of Slovakia was once a part of Hungary, the Slovak story about Tokaj was often overlooked. Regardless of the geography and agricultural policies, the most typical product of this famous wine region are the Tokaj sweet dessert wines, obtained from grapes attacked by Botrytis cinerea and thereby causing the fermentation to occur at low temperatures. King Louis XIV of France once said that this is ‘the wine of Kings and King of wines’. In cultivating the grapes they use a special microflora and a necrotrophic fungus, Botrytis cinerea, that causes a “noble” rotting of the grapes. From such overripe and mildew infected grapes they then hand pick the ripest berries and put them in 32-litre grape baskets. From these berries they get the must that is the main

reason for the famous Tokaj and because of the high sugar content is very poorly fermented. • STAY • There are many possibilities for accommodation for smaller incentive groups, one of which is staying with the lovely, hospitable Macik family. Their welcoming Bed & Breakfast in the village of Mala Trna can accommodate up to 23 guests. In addition to overnight accommodation they also offer fine cuisine in the heart of the wine region. Also popular among incentive groups is the Zlatá Putňa boarding house, with its wholesome hotel and culinary offer. If you are visiting this part of Slovakia as a part of a larger group, we suggest finding congress accommodation in Košice, Slovakia’s second largest city that is only an hour away. There are many options for congress hotels, from Yasmin and Double Tree by Hilton to smaller boutique hotels. Most wineries can accommodate groups of up to 100 people.

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• MEET IN STYLE • We familiarized ourselves with the whole process of wine production in the Macik Winery, one of the more reputed Slovak wine cellars. It is considered a part of the Tokaj wine region, which on the Slovak side comprises of 908 hectares, or 17% of the total famed wine region. The fifth generation of winemakers continues the family tradition, which has been frequently awarded at different European wine festivals. At this special and magical place some of the best tipples to be had are with their Mono, Axism Tokaj Selection and Tokaj Classic wines. The highlight of the wine adventure is a candlelit walk through the wine cellars, where new corners appear before your eyes with wine vintages of a venerable old age. Erika Macik is an excellent oenologist who adds an interesting and insightful story or two about Tokaj spiced with tales from the times when the winery was also used as hiding places before the Turkish raids.

Kongres meetologue

TOP 3 INCENTIVE IDEAS 1. Wines story of Slovak Tokaj – a wine tasting in the heart of the Macik wine cellar led by the outstanding Erika Macik. The onus is on you to be able to taste the characteristics and the differences between wines and vintages. 2. Safari in the Tokaj region – A tour of the Tokaj region with off-road vehicles, where its hidden corners will be explored in a dynamic way. Refreshments and a meet with local winemakers are all included in the package. 3. Cycling through the Tokaj region – The picturesque region can best be explored by a team building bicycle ride, with bikes available for rent at the Macik wine cellar.

• OFF THE EATEN TRACK • Although the production of Tokaj wines varies, all Tokaj wines are white and made from only three grape varietals, of which Furmit and Lipovina prevail. Tokaj is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world and its recognizable smell and taste put it among the most popular sweet white wines to go along superbly with deserts. However, a wide range of wine from the Macik cellars opens up completely new possibilities, as their dry Tokaj can be combined with a wide variety of dishes. • LOCALISM • The young master of the Macik wine estates is a big fan of Harley-Davidson motorbikes and as motorbikes and beer go hand in hand it is no surprise that, in cooperation with the Slovak craft brewery Kaltenecker, he brews his own craft beer, Tokaj Macik Winery Ipa and Tokaj Ipa. The beer is full-bodied with a citrus aftertaste and sweet raisin aroma reminiscent of the Tokaj wine. It can be found in all the better stocked

wine bars in Bratislava, Košice and also elsewhere in Slovakia. • GETTING THERE • The Tokaj wine region is situated in the Lower Zemplín in the north-eastern corner of Slovakia. It is the smallest and most attractive wine-growing region of Slovakia. The closest major airport is in Kosice, 44 miles (71km) north-east of the Tokaj region, with regular connecting flights to Prague and other Eastern European capitals. The fastest route is by car, taking the E-50 east from Kosice and then 79km south. The drive takes a little over an hour. Alternately, you can take a 45-minute train ride from Kosice to Trebisov and then the regional bus from Trebisov to Vinicky (approx 1 hour).

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• MEET BUSTERS • 2004: AN ARGUMENT lasting almost 40 years between Slovakia and Hungary regarding the Tokaj wine trademark is finally coming to an end. The Agriculture Ministers of both countries signed an agreement on June 3 by which Hungary officially recognised that the Tokaj vineyard area is also located on Slovak territory. Directory TOKAJ MACIK WINERY s.r.o. Medzipivničná 174 076 82 Malá Tŕňa, Slovakia E: info@tokajmacik.sk T: +421 56 679 34 66 www.tokajmacik.sk

Kongres meetologue

OFF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK AN INCENTIVE FOR THE HEART, With wines from the heart

• OUT THERE •

• STAY •

The Šipčanik wine cellar is set in the restored Yugoslav People’s Army underground aircraft hangar, where an explosion in 1999 incinerated seventeen type Galeb G4 aircraft in the interior of the building. One of the biggest wine producers in Eastern Europe, 13 Jul Plantaže AD from Podgorica, Montenegro, ordered the reconstruction of the underground facility that is today a wine cellar and a wonderfully arranged area for special events. They host everything here, from protocol events to conferences where the participants can learn about the unique culture of wine production. You could say that with the restoration of the aviation hangar in 2007 a new era of wine tourism in Montenegro was set in motion and a visit to the cellar has quickly become popular among tourists and congress organisers.

The hotel scene in Podgorica is very lively and offers everything from boutique hotels to the first Montenegro Hilton hotel, which opens its doors this year (the owners of the Hilton also managing two congress hotels in the city). Among the international hotel chains Ramada and Best Western Premier are worthy of a mention and the Podgorica boutique hotel selection is truly rich, with Hemera Hotel and Hotel Ziya particular standouts. If you’re more excited by the picturesque Montenegro coast, it is at your fingertips here - Budva is located about 45 minutes away and you can already choose from the best Adriatic hotels in Budva and Tivat. • MEET IN STYLE • The estate, which employs 700 people, is harvesting 11.5 million vines planted across 2,310 hectares, and as they like to say, this is the largest vineyard in one complex in Europe. It is quite interesting that before 1970 in this region vines practically didn’t mature with any 160

success, although experts knew back then that the geo-morphological conditions and more than 2,500 hours of sunshine a year is ideal for wine production. They now fill about 15 million bottles of wine each year and the assortment is very wide, as 28 varieties were planted, 65% of them being red wine and the leading of these being Vranac, the indigenous Montenegro variety, which they’ve been cultivating traditionally in Crmnica, the area around Lake Skadar towards the Adriatic Sea, at an altitude of 500 metres. Of the white wines the dominant variety is the indigenous Krstač. You can taste the richness of all of the wine varieties at an event, or have a guided tasting that is held in the wine cellar.

Kongres meetologue

TOP 3 INCENTIVE IDEAS 1. Wine Route - Visiting estates with guides is possible on foot in the form of a wine trek or with a small tourist train. 2. Guided wine tasting – A professionally managed “wedding” of wine varieties with local Montenegrin cuisine, which can last from 2 to 8 hours. 3. Photo Safari on Skadar Lake - Photo safari by boat on Skadar Lake, which ends with lunch at a Lakeside restaurant (one of the estate’s restaurants)

• OFF THE EATEN TRACK • Estates are today synonymous with Montenegrin wine and Vranac is the unique Montenegrin varietal known worldwide. Over the last 50 years Vranac has won more than 600 awards, a testament to its quality. It is produced in eight versions and the one they are most proud of is the Vranac Pro corde, which has a typically dark red colour and pronounced aromas of berries, with cherries, dried herbs and coffee all discernible in the background. The wine is served at a temperature of 16 to 18°C with beef (steak), roast lamb or dark poultry goose or duck. It also goes well with spicy goulash and grilled tuna, and perfectly with hard cheese. A guided oenological tour in a very special atmosphere is the most authentic part of Šipčanik, where you get to feel the full power of the ‘terroir’, including the microclimate, the exceptional location of the vineyards and most especially the local winegrowing tradition. The guided tasting is peppered with exquisite

cuisine, as the estates have quite a few restaurants. The temperature in the basement cellar is favourable, with a constant temperature of 17-19 degrees. Organisers can use the conference room for 50 participants, which is very popular, and the whole facility can accommodate up to 600 participants. • LOCALISM • The remains of the former military airport is a highly conserved airstrip that is perfect for various automobile events. It is 3,000 metres in length and 30 metres wide. By agreement with the estate it can be used for automotive industry events. • GETTING THERE • The Šipčanik wine cellar is just a short hop from Podgorica. Montenegro is an increasingly accessible aviation destination and also becoming more available in the off-season, when in our opinion it is the most beautiful time for visiting the wine cellar. 161

• MEET BUSTERS • The indigenous Montenegrin wine varieties are Kratošija, Vranac, Krstač and Žižak. In 2004 DNA analysis discovered that the Montenegro Kratošija variety has a similar genetic profile to Zinfandel and that they are direct relatives. Experts are unanimous that the Californian Zinfandel originates from Montenegro and not from Croatia (Plavac variety), as has been claimed in the past decade. Directory PLANTAŽE Put Radomira Ivanovića 2 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro T: +382 67 099 099 E: visit@plantaze.com www.plantaze.com

Kongres meetologue

OFF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK PADRE CRAFT BEERS. Meet a Gypsy Brewer

• OUT THERE •

• STAY •

• MEET IN STYLE •

It all started in 1996, with the first trip to Great Britain and the first connection with craft beers and their diversity. It was there that Padre made the decision that beer-making will be more than just a hobby for him; his love of beer was stronger than his love for IT, so in 2013 Padre abandoned his well-paid job and decided to pursue his passion for brewing. The bold idea stuck and today Padre is a synonym for top quality Slovak craft beers and nomad brewing. Beers of rich aromas and amazing combinations have taken it into a different world, spiced by hops from all over the planet. The total number of craft brewers in Slovakia today isn’t known, but because of Padre the culture of beer production and consumption has changed a lot over the past couple of years.

There are quite a lot of options for incentive groups in Kosice. As the city centre is pedestrian friendly, everything is to hand and choosing a hotel is simply a matter of taste. Hotel Yasmin is an excellent business hotel, with well-equipped rooms and all the extras too. Doubletree by Hilton is the biggest congress hotel in the city and is of course to a reliably high quality standard. If you are tempted by boutique hotels the offer is also quite diverse. We recommend Hotel Ambasador, which is located on the city’s main street. The accommodation in Kosice is wrapped within a generally very favourable package in terms of price.

The best way to get in touch with Padre Craft beers is to visit Hostinec Pivovar, the legendary and the oldest pub in the centre of Košice. It is where Padre makes and creates its new flavours. Along with an excellent culinary experience you will get to learn about craft brewing in all its dimensions, from the founding idea to the realisation and production of the foamy nectar. The production base here is first-rate ingredients, spiced up by Padre’s creativity and amazing recipes. The result is beer that is full of fresh flavours, amazing colours and savory aftertastes. The uncertainty and expectation of what will come out of the brewing process adds an extra charm to its making. Socialising through beer drinking is for anybody who gets a little smile on their face when they take that first sip of a good home-brewed beer.

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TOP 3 INCENTIVE IDEAS 1. Guided beer and wine degustation - Do you know which craft beer is the best in Slovakia? In a foodie heaven called ‘Dva Dve’ they offer a guided tasting through the country’s best beers. If you are more into wine, there is also an excellent offer here too. 2. Marriage of beer and food - What do you think would happen if beer and chocolate got married? In Hostinec pub you will get an insight into how to enrich the flavours of your dishes through the selection of the perfect beer. 3. Craft brewing school - Do you know how beer is made? Find out how the winning IPA recipe was created, starting with the idea, going through the brewing, the fermentation, gestation, filtration and of course finishing off with your own jug of the heavenly liquid.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

• GETTING THERE •

The boutique beer experience is topped off by excellent cuisine, as the Hostinec pub offers a mix of modern and traditional cooking in an imposing ambience that will definitely make you feel both hungry and thirsty. Everything is fresh and selected locally with great care. All the dishes of the menu are simple and locally oriented.

Travelling around Slovakia with a car is easy, but sometimes because of road maintenance and construction it can be a bit slow. It takes a good 2 hours to get from Budapest to Košice, although the air connections are improving year by year and in 2016 Turkish Airlines is said to be joining the current crop of airlines. Košice is also well connected by railway, which is a reliable and cosy alternative to the other forms of transport.

• LOCALISM • The pronunciation of ‘dva’ or ‘dve’ is a thing of local pride in Košice. However, DVA DVE is also the name of the bar where you will discover Slovakia’s most complete and authentic offer of wine, beer and local cooking traditions. The bar is regularly visited by the best Slovak wine makers and brewers. Their charismatic team knows how to take you into the world of the best Slovak wines and beers.

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Directory PADRE CRAFT BREWS Krupinska 4 04001 Kosice, Slovakia P: 00421 903 873 209 E: cassovia.homebrew@gmail.com www.padre.sk

Voice from the top

VOICE FROM THE TOP Q: Have you always wanted to work in the meeting industry? Yes, I have. It’s strange, though, because when you envision some dream job, you have actually no idea about reality. In this regard, however, the reality exceeded my dream, as MICE gives so many opportunities to develop, learn, meet interesting people and experience new things. Q: Why is your destination/country the best in the world? Slovakia is a country of highly skilled, immensely creative, entirely dedicated people with open hearts and minds. This applies especially to events and hospitality. If you have the chance to work with a Slovak event manager, he/she delivers to the nth degree!

NINA ERNEKER Head of Bratislava Convention Bureau

Q3: What would be the first thing you would show every visitor to your country? I would take him or her to the Bratislava city centre, give them a map and leave them alone for two hours, allowing them to experience the city on their own, to discover how accessible, compact and safe it is...to feel the atmosphere, to meet the locals and to have a good coffee wherever he or she might like. Only after that would I show and tell them more about our unique legacy in precision engineering and about the extraordinary know-how available around our city that makes it so attractive for start-ups. And should they have more time, I would take them for a longer ride through the picturesque Slovakia fully packed with UNESCO sites such as Banská Štiavnica. Q: What has been your star moment so far and what is your favourite project with which you would praise yourself most? Basically, I have been dealing with events for my whole professional life, so it is hard to isolate the biggest success. My first star moment was the 2004 NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Bratislava, which I lead for a local DMC. My present job is my favourite project so far :). Being a natural-born networker, I enjoy my role as a Head of the Convention Bureau with a team of incredibly smart young people. Q: What motivates you the most at work? Meeting inspiring people and seeing that my work contributes to the Slovak MICE community. Q: How do you deal with stress? I sleep a lot :). Besides that, I am a positive thinker and chi kung beginner, so I can concentrate on the present moment and that helps me very much in stressful situations. 164

Q: When were you last angry/disappointed and why? I seldom get angry, but my single biggest challenge is dealing with paperwork, as we are a state funded DMO. However, I am thankful to have a very experienced top management to help me with it. Q: What will be new in your business in 2016? Bratislava, as the capital of Slovakia, hosts the Presidency of the Council of the European Union this year, so that’s the biggest news for 2016. Besides that, we work with a new communication platform to speak to the MICE world in “their language”. In these terms Bratislava stands for Accessibiliy, Innovation and Execution. Q: What did you learn to do last week? As a Convention Bureau we partnered with one local conference called Tech Summit and Gadget Expo and got to learn that Bratislava is a leader in collaborative robotics in Central Europe. Amazing thought! Q: Where will you spend this year’s holiday and why? Somewhere around, I always leave it for the last minute for inspiration. I live very close to the Austrian (7 minutes) and Hungarian (10 minutes) borders, the Czech Republic is only 50 mins...so we just pack our car and drive to some cosy and quiet place with good food. A pool for my son and a forest with blueberries for my husband would be a bonus! Q: If there were no time and financial constraints, where would you go? I would do one big gourmet trip a year for the rest of my life. I would definitely go to Alba, Italy for their white truffles, followed by Samos, Greece for their dessert wines and wonderful cuisine, stopping over in Singapore as one of the best pan-Asian cuisine destinations, and fly on to Australia for their exquisite Sauvignon blancs and organic food...well, life is too short to taste the world :). Q: What would be the title or your autobiography? The life is NOW.

Voice from the top

VOICE FROM THE TOP Q: Why is your destination/country the best in the world? There are three very special assets in Slovakia. First of all, the hardworking, productive and loyal people living in Slovakia. As second asset I see nature, which has healing power. And as a third asset the cultural and natural diversity we have crossing from one side of the country to the other. Q: What would be the first thing you would show every visitor of your country? I would travel with them from Bratislava to Kosice by car and stop every 20 kilometres to show the diversity of our landscape and countryside crossing from region to region.

IVETA NINAJOVA Managing Director Visit Košice

Q: Have you always wanted to work in the meeting industry? I graduated in the field of financial management but always had it in focus to deal with strategy management, so during my work as Audit Consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers I started to do my external PhD. studies in that field, which was not easy to combine. As I originally come from the mountain region, from Tatry, I was in touch with tourism from my childhood. I saw the need for improvement in the system of how the travel and tourism industry in Slovakia is managed and organised from the bottom up and I chose that topic for my PhD work, in which I suggested using clustering as a principle that can result in industry innovation and support regional development. After this I had the chance to create and lead the first tourism cluster in Slovakia, in the Liptov Region, back in 2008. Today, 8 years later, we have 40 such organisations in the network in Slovakia.

Q: What has been your star moment so far and what is your favourite project with which you would prize yourself most of all? One million followers of the #dzivoke digital campaign, which was the campaign run from December to January this year for Slovaks in the age range from 18 to 35. „Dzivo“ means „cool“ in our local city dialect and KE is an abbreviation for Kosice. We created the new hashtag and a photopoint in the city where citizens can make selfies. The high point of the campaign was the weekend visit of a special couple – the locally famous radio moderator and the second top Slovak v-blogger (YouTuber). The weekend visit was mapped in the online diary and all the pictures, videos and comments were shared in a social media environment like a new TV series for the weekend. Twenty percent of the Slovakian population came into the contact with the campaign, which is an amazing result for such a short period of time. Q: What motivates you the most at work? When I see and feel that the people around me are listening to me, are doing their best to support the issue we deal with together and at the same time some new ideas are born...I love to implement those ideas as „joint efforts“ and when it has a smooth progress I love it most of all. Q: How do you deal with stress? I go alone to the forest for a walk or close the door of my office and relax for a while, listening to myself and finding the inner peace. Q: When were you last angry/disappointed and why? I am a typical creative and forward-thinking person, which is sometimes not very well suited to the public sector – to bureaucracy and the politics behind it. Most people are very often 165

resistant to change and do not like the way I see progress, but I am lucky that I have a lot of exceptional people around me who are not like that. Most issues of disappointment stem from that resistance. Q: What is new in your business in 2016? There are two important projects which we would like to kick 2016 off with: the Ambassador programme as a deeper involvement in our work of the scientists and professors at our three universities and the second project being to begin the bidding process for the UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts together with the NGO Creative Industry Kosice (www.cike.sk). Q: What did you learn to do last week? I learned how important it is to educate our members from the private and public sectors and to keep them on track to understand what we do and why we do it the way we do. Q: Where did you spend this year’s holiday and why? My favourite destination is the beautiful Island of Hvar where I return every year and especially so to Sveta Nedelja during the grape harvesting season. After 13 years we have friends among the locals and already I feel at home there. This is the place that touched my heart from the very first experience. Q: If there were no time and financial constraints, where would you go? Definitely to New Zealand, for at least 3 months, and then return as many times as possible to Iceland, where my soul comes from. Q: What would be the title of your autobiography? See life as an extraordinary story and love to find creative solutions that touch people.

Kongres meetologue

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Exclusive interview

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TATJANA POPOVIĆ DMITROVIĆ, DIRECTOR OF TO PODGORICA Text by Gorazd čad

1. What are the main competitive advantages of Podgorica as a congress destination? Podgorica is the capital and the administrative centre of Montenegro, meaning that the diplomatic sector, along with institutions of public administration, ministries and other government authorities, is located in Podgorica. Of the 600,000 people living in Montenegro 220,000, or a third of the population, live in Podgorica. You can find all of the major hotel brands, such as the Hilton Hotel, AG Hotel from Abu Dhabi, Sheraton and others in Podgorica, altogether offering 2,015 rooms. In 2016 we are expecting three new hotels to open, which will additionally increase the room numbers to around 3,000 - a figure that can definitely satisfy the needs of the business tourism sector. 2. Compared to Budva, Tivat and Monte negro’s other tourist destinations how well is Podgorica positioned for the people of Monte Negro? Budva is the summer season centre for leisure tourism, whereas Podgorica is a popular destination no matter the season. In the Podgorica region there are two national parks (Lake Skadar and ??), it is located just 40km away from Budva and from Kolasin, the biggest ski centre in Montenegro. Another advantage is that other tourist destinations don’t have as many rooms as Podgorica does, not to mention the city’s lovely food market, its range of little squares, dynamic night life, luxury shopping zones and much more. Tourist destinations to the northern and the southern ends of Montenegro all lack these particular features. Then there are many famous bar and club brands, such as Hard Rock café and Harley Davidson bar, that have contributed to the visibility of Podgorica, as they are attracting many tourists who come to Podgorica to visit these world renowned places. Just a few years ago Podgorica was considered a transit zone, but lately guests have been deciding to stay for up to three days. This year 33% more guests visited Podgorica compared to the same period last year. The ratio of visitors staying more than one night in Podgorica is 1/7.

3. What are Podgorica‘s strongest assets in terms of the meetings industry or why should an event planner choose Podgorica as a host city for a congress? By far its strongest asset is accessibility – the flight connections are really good. It also has sufficient hotel capacities that are all categorized with 4* and are equipped in accordance with the requirements of the congress industry. Its central position and close proximity to northern and southern parts of Montenegro allows visitors to take short, one-day trips to discover other Montenegro regions. You can also visit the Lake Skadar National park, which just 10-minutes walk away from the city centre is the biggest lake in the Balkan region. Once you are there you can choose among 36 different natural and cultural attractions, such as ancient churches and monasteries, or you can make a round tour of the lake that will take you about 40 minutes. Then there is an impressive vineyard owned by the “13 Jul Plantaže” company that stretches over 2,310 hectares and is recognised as the biggest vineyard plantation in Europe. The company also has a luxury vine cellar, Šipčanik, covering 7,000m2 and storing wine in wooden vats, amongst them the two most authentic Montenegrin grape varieties - Vranac and Krstić. What is really great about Podgorica is that it is located just one or two, or maybe a maximum of three hours car drive away from completely different locations. For example, it takes you about 30 to 40 minutes drive to reach the Montenegrin coast, the beautiful Herceg Novi, where you can relax and sunbathe, then return to Podgorica afterwards. It is on this kind of basis and along with multiple opportunities for shopping that Podgorica offers highly developed congress tourism facilities. The Porto Montenegro complex situated in the Bay of Kotor is indeed a very attractive destination, it but doesn’t have a high standard shopping area, which is an important part of any tourist offer. In Podgorica, however, you will find George Washington street, where two magnificient shopping malls are located - the Delta City and Capital Plaza - and are filled with shops offering best brands. People here love shopping, as shopping tourism has emerged as a growing component of any travel experience. 4. With all the efforts put into positioning Podgorica as an interesting congress destination, has the time come to formally open a convention bureau in Podgorica? 168

Unfortunately, we still haven‘t succeeded in forming a convention bureau, but we are fully aware of the importance and the impact it can have on the country‘s congress industry sector. Montenegro recently joined NATO and we are waiting to become a member of the EU, when the best opportunity will emerge for Podgorica to get its own Convention Bureau. 5. Can you state some of the key convention or sporting events happening in Podgorica later in the year? From June to the end of September Podgorica will be the host of several sports competitions the World Cup for young water polo players, the Balkan Volleyball Championship, the EU basketball championship for girls, various marathon competitions and a number of other events. This year Podgorica will also be richer for two new swimming pools that it will have and that will attract new sporting events. 6. Who do you consider as your biggest competitor in the region? How do you position yourself to deal with the competition? There are not many big cities in the nearby regions that could be considered as competition to us, apart from Ljubljana, Zagreb, Skopje or Beograd, but they are all too far away. The only possible rivals could be the cities of Dubrovnik and Tirana, which are both situated in near proximity, but they offer a completely different type of tourism. Tirana is a surprising destination; many improvements have been made there in the past, but the high standard tourist services are still in development, so we don‘t consider them as real competition. Montenegro is also special because it is already a destination in itself. It is small and enables fast access to any other destination you wish to visit in the country. 7. Avio destination Podgorica has good air connections - we recently established some new flight connections and we offer low cost flights with companies like Air Berlin. Alitalia also provide regular flights from Podgorica...but much remains to be done in this field and there is always the possibility to improve. Flights connecting Podgorica with Paris, Munich, Frankfurt and Zürich are crucial, but it is necessary to further extend the offer. I just visited Sweden a few weeks ago, where people

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are very interested in visiting Montenegro. Mostly they are looking for a peaceful holiday during the low season in May and September, to spend time in nature, hiking, biking, visiting national parks... They were asking me if there is a direct flight from Podgorica to Oslo and I remembered that there is a regular flight connection between Oslo and Tivat, but it will be abolished in October, although I think it should be kept regularly throughout the whole year. 8. From a marketing perspective what do you think works best in promoting congress activities in Podgorica? If Podgorica was formerly mostly known as a transit city, what do you think needs to be done to raise its visibility as a congress destination? I think our main goal is to establish an efficient and effective promotion system. With the right promotional tools and materials we will succeed in raising the visibility of Podgorica, which is a very interesting destination. The Podgorica area has many attractions, especially panoramic tours in nature for hiking and biking. There are many national parks in the vicinity of Podgorica, among them the highest mountain range in Montenegro - the Komovi mountain. There are two glacial lakes with unique animal species in it and between the already mentioned tourist attractions of lake Skadar and the vineyard plantation there is a narrow canyon of the Cijevna river, with clear water, intact nature, an ornithological reserve and waterfalls, which will undoubtedly impress every visitor. 9. It seems that you are having a few problems with the infrastructure and if, for example, we take MICE tourism, it operates on the basis of full support from several tourist organisations, such as hoteliers, DMCs, incentive travel agents etc. who all work on developing programmes for incentive trips, events and special industry venues etc. How well are the above stated organisations collaborating with each other in Podgorica? In Podgorica we don‘t have many incoming travel agencies. Our agencies are more focused on outbound tourism. Agencies like Adriatic, Globtour and Talas are some of the rare agencies that are engaged in incoming tourism. We have a big problem in this particular domain. It is much easier to work on outbound tourism programmes. Our tourist organisation worked very hard for the past five years on promoting and organising events and shows, taking great care in coordinating them all so that they didn‘t overlap with each other. We don‘t engage ourselves in creating tourist programmes; we only help with the realisation of them. Our agencies are now offering new tourist programmes that are not yet showing the desired results. This is mainly because the programmes are still in the process

of development, but we are proud to say that the Grand Travel tourist agency from Podgorica, which has just recently started working, is showing some great results after we helped them with our suggestions on how to improve their offer, how to connect with others, etc. 10. What are your expectations for 2016? In the pre-season we already received more reservations in comparison with the same season last year and most of the hotel capacities are already booked for the main season. We have very good expectations and I think this year we will have a record number of hotel room nights. 11. Which is your personally favourite place

“There are not many big cities in the nearby regions that could be considered as competition to us, apart from Ljubljana, Zagreb, Skopje or Beograd, but they are all too far away. The only possible rivals could be the cities of Dubrovnik and Tirana.”

for organising a congress/event? To this day we have organised events mainly in the Šipčanik wine cellar - this is a perfect place to organise cultural and business events. For the Ministry of Agriculture we organised round tables in the cellar, which offers an amazing ambience. Of course the delegates were accommodated in hotels, but during the day they attended the workshops in the cellar. The cellar owner, the „13 Jul Plantaže” company, has made a proper business of organising individual and group wine tastings, serving it with cheese and prosciuto. They have developed an exquisite wine industry and they excel in wine production in the region. It is a special venue that also has a swimming pool. It is a unique facility on a global scale and equipped with high technology equipment, making it well worth visiting. 12. What would you propose as an activity for an incentive programme? In the heart of the city we have the river Moraća, where you can indulge yourself in some refreshing canoeing activities, as you can rent kayaks at two kayak clubs located near the river. The 169

you can also take a walk on the Gorica city hill - the lung of the city of Podgorica, where several paths lead you through the woods of the hill. There you will encounter the oldest Partisan monument and a 13th century church, the oldest in the city. There are many interesting things to do in the city centre that you can discover throuhg sightseeing – there is the Old wine cellar (Duklje), an old roman archeological site located about 3km form Podgorica and there is Medun, a medieval fortress and a memorial museum. Podgorica is also known for its nightlife and there is a renowned street with many old pubs and bars that have their own special names and distinctive charm – it’s interesting to see and experience this too. 13. What do you think about regional cooperation? This is a mandatory element of our work and as a tourist organisation we are working intensively to connect with all the other major cities and their respective tourist centres to create joint offers to a wider market. We started collaborating with tourist organisations from Ljubljana, Zagreb, Beograd, Skopje, Tirana and even with Sofia, with which we made connections via a tourist organisation from Beograd. Together we present ourselves at bigger markets. 14. Would you like to add anything else and do you have a final message to our readers? I would just like to add that fewer people are interested in archaeological sites and comprehensive, serious stories. Most of them are tired after a long day’s work and would like to drink a glass of wine and get a taste of some fine dishes, so I think we should work harder on putting more emphasis on local cuisine and traditional culinary products like Montenegro‘s traditional cake – patišpan – which dates back to the beginning of our nation. If the cake wasn‘t served on the table during a typical family gathering, the table was incomplete. This is a typical cake very popular in this area, but that is totally ignored. The patisseries in general offer desserts like tiramisu, cheese cake and similar, but not patišpan. To achieve greater visibility we organised a day of patišpan at the city market, where women dressed in Montenegro‘s traditional clothing were offering visitors a taste of patišpan in order to revitalize local culinary specialities. Patišpan is something you won‘t get in Paris, Milan or London, as all these destinations have their own typical dessert; in France it is the croissant, in Italy tiramisu. So, Patišpan is a completely unique specialty of Montenegro and Podgorica. Try it!

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INTERVIEW WITH DESTINATION LEADERS always have to explain about Graz, where it is and what it is (how big, the history, sights, specialities, the regionâ&#x20AC;Ś) The best thing is to bring the client into the region, and then they are almost all very positive surprised about what Graz has to offer.

Conferences bring about 130.000 overnights to Graz every year

Heinz Kaltschmidt, General Manager, Graz Convention Bureau Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12months? The forecast for meetings and conferences in the city of Graz is very positive for 2016. Last year the city of Graz hosted about 150 conferences with more than 40,000 participants. For 2016, we expect a slight increase Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? In Austria, Graz is number 3 behind Vienna and Salzburg for conferences and meetings. If we only count association conferences â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where Graz is very good, because of its 6 universities, international companies and research institutions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we are number two behind Vienna. Although city tourism in Graz has increased about 25 to 30 percent in the last 10 years, the city is still a business centre and therefore business travel and conferences, meetings, trade fairs etc. count for about 70 percent of all overnights. Only conferences bring about 130,000 overnights to Graz every year, which is about 12% of the total. Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? Graz has a very good reputation as a conference destination, especially for associations and scientific societies, in the German speaking regions of course, but also internationally. For tourism, incentive travel or company meetings it is mostly a quite unknown destination, so we

Q: How do you see relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? In my opinion a (scientific) conference or meeting is not part of the tourism industry. The tourism industry delivers certain services (accommodation, catering, transfers, social programme etc.), but is not so important for conference organisers as they might think of themselves. For example, about 75% of all conferences in Graz make use of internal university meeting rooms and are not using conference centres. If organisers can avoid tourist infrastructure (i.e. cost!) they will use other infrastructure. For example, Airbnb is becoming more and more important, also for conference participants. Convention Bureaus can be important information and service providers, but have a small influence in the overall organisation of a conference. In the decision process, however, the Destination, Convention Bureaus or Tourism Organisations can be very helpful. Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Although Graz is a small city, with only 300,000 inhabitants, it is the second largest city in Austria. About 50,000 students from all over Europe and also Asia are studying in 6 universities with more than 16 faculties. Research institutions in aerospace and automotive technology, biotechnology and plant design are located in Graz. The same holds true for private high-tech businesses that export their products worldwide. Graz can also offer two international conference centres (www.mcg.at) and more than 40 event locations, from old castles, palaces and monasteries through to hyper-modern design locations. The old town of Graz is a UNESCO world cultural heritage site and offers a unique cultural programme, with classical opera house, theatres, concert halls, international festivals etc. No visit to Graz is complete without a visit to the Schlossberg (castle hill) and the wonderful view 170

from the clock tower over the red brick roofs and the green surroundings. Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? I think the services and support we can provide for organisers are more important. Marketing alone is not really enough to convince an organiser to come to your destination.

Gernot Marx, Head o f Salzburg Convention Bureau Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? More multi-million valued investments will be taken on by different conference hotels and event locations. Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? Proximity and easy, cost-efficient logistics are often overlooked when thinking of Salzburg. Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? We aim to promote our USPs towards the target audience as individually as possible. As we work with high personalization in our client communication and act as a one-stop-shop we find it easy to get the right messages out to the right

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clients. Good CRM and marketing automation help on this side. I think it’s only hard to get the right message across to a client, if you do not know about the clients’ needs. We do know our clients and focus on delivering information they care for. Q: How do you see the relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? Most of the meetings industry suppliers understand themselves as a player in tourism only, but do not get WHY a client organises a meeting. In fact, most CVBs do not know this. So this leads to the answer to Q3 again.

We do know our clients and focus on delivering information they care for Małgorzata Przygórska-Skowron, Q: Tell us something that might surprise Krakow Convention meeting planners about your city? We are number one in Austria behind Vienna. Bureau’s manager With more than 3,000 meetings and congresses in 2015 we are way ahead of any other Austrian province - with a market share of nearly 17%, which shows the success of Salzburg in our industry. Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? Yes, but it takes a lot of time to prepare the content. We usually use comments, feedback and case studies of clients and send them to other clients who fit together. So again, it’s about how precise you are on the information delivered to clients and about what THEY want to know. Content marketing is not about writing a text with a sufficient number of keywords to be found top-of-the-list on Google’s SERPs. It is about a clear and clean positioning of the brand and showing what your destination can do and what has been done in the past by other clients. Content marketing very often promises experiences which are impossible to realize. So be clear and straight forward about what the destination and suppliers are able to offer with 100% quality. No more, no less. Then the customers’ experience will end with great satisfaction.

Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? The trend that has appeared in the meetings industry is the greater emphasis on the quality of services - creating, directing meetings, selection of sites and venues so as to foster a creative atmosphere. The complexity of the offered solutions, flexibility and an open approach to the customer are very important to organisers. Every facility must meet their requirements, primarily with respect to the size and quantity of the necessary plenary rooms. Accessibility is also very important. The complete furnishing of the facility is a positive aspect, as well as highly advanced technical solutions. On the other hand, an increasing role is being played by a facility’s architecture - a modern, spacious, designer interior is the standard to which conference centres in Europe aspire. I think that this trend will also be noticeable in 2016 - clients will pay attention to quality and originality.

In 2016 clients will pay attention to quality and originality Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? The meetings market in Krakow is steadily growing. From year to year a growing number of business events are organised in our city. As many as 5,196 were organised in 2015, account171

ing for 15 percent of all the MICE meetings organised in Poland. For comparison, 3,976 events were held in Krakow in 2014 and 3,413 in 2013. The data comes from a national report, “The industry of meetings and events in Poland.” Its authors emphasize that the position of Krakow as the leader in the organisation of congresses and conferences has remained unchallenged for several years. As much as 68 percent of all of the events organised in the capital of the Małopolska Region in 2015 are conferences and congresses. I hope that this trend will continue in 2016, especially as more and more organisers are looking for new, less popular destinations that impress the delegates. And this is precisely what Krakow is like - surprising with its wealth of history and culture which, when combined with a modern infrastructure, is a recipe for a successful congress. Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? To stand out is a real challenge, bearing in mind the strong competition in Europe and the world. From the point of view of the Convention Bureau, cooperation with the local industry is very important - PCO and DMC companies, conference facilities, hotels, the airport - all of which together form not just the business portfolio of Krakow, but also its image. We are jointly working on how Krakow is seen by delegates. Those who, as they leave, take with them a positive image of the city are the best “carriers” of information about Krakow and its most effective ambassadors. Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Krakow is a city with a rich history and tradition and it offers an interesting calendar of cultural events and festivals. The beautiful, historic city centre attracts, the former Jewish district surprises and local restaurants and cafes will satisfy the most demanding palates. The contrast of history, which is present at every step, and our modern congress infrastructure impresses delegates the most. Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? In the era of a stream of new marketing strategies, rapidly changing trends, increased competition on the MICE market and reaching customers through content marketing is very important. The inclusion of its elements in the strategy of the convention bureau certainly helps in the promotion of destinations, as well as in developing a direct relationship with the customer and commitment to the city’s life. Our office previously used the dedicated www.convention.krakow.pl website and a Facebook page for content marketing, giving these channels the most important content related to tourism business in Krakow, including studies, reports, press releases and news reporting. We are pleased to see that the group of our followers and recipients of the content presented is steadily growing.

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tional activities are on our web site - www.visitsplit.com - and is also promoted through numerous tourism fairs, tourist agents and journalists. You can also get information about Split at the offices of the Croatian Tourist Board.

We do know our clients and focus on delivering information they care for

Alijana Vukšić Split Tourist Board Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? The city of Split is experienced in hosting many congresses, seminars, symposiums, conferences, science conferences, incentives and team buildings, held throughout the year. Split has many advantages for developing Congress tourism, such as a good geographical position, good infrastructure, experienced professionals as well as the natural beauty and historical and cultural heritage, suggesting that Split has the conditions in place to become a large convention centre.

Q: How do you see the relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? The Meeting industry and the tourism industry are an excellent complement. A well-developed tourism industry in Split offers many additional activities and services to Congress guests. Convention destinations whose offer is not developed for the tourism industry, long-term, will not satisfy all the demands of modern convention guests. Split has the possibility to develop both forms of tourism. Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? In order to discover all the features and benefits of having meetings in Split, we would like to invite all meeting planners to come to Split and see why it is the Winner of: “The best City Break Destination” and “All Year Destination” in 2015, chosen by the Ministry of Tourism and the Croatian tourist board.

Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? They are nearly 200 conferences and meetings held in Split annually, organised to a high level. Alongside the mentioned advantages that Split offers for congress tourism, we have also to point out the good location of the conference hotels, most of which are just 10 minutes walking distance from the city centre. Split is also very convenient for the meetings industry because it has a wide range of venues and sites for conferences and related events and a diverse gastronomic offer. The city and the surrounding area is suitable for pre- and post-congress tours and programmes for accompanying persons. Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? The city of Split, besides all the facilities necessary for Congress organisation, has also many additional offers. We especially emphasize the numerous events that take place in the unique atmosphere of the ancient Diocletian’s Palace. This “living monument”, as we call it, will offer every visitor a memorable experience. Information about the congress offer and addi172

Laura Favaretti, Director of Padova Terme Euganee Convention & Visitors Bureau. Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? The types of events that we most want to attract in 2016-2017 are: - Corporate meeting of Italian companies (banks, private companies etc.), thanks to the central location of the city in the Veneto Region. The business segment is in a gradual recovery and Padua is located in an advantageous position compared to other destinations in northern Italy. The north-east is particularly interesting thanks to a solid business fabric and advancement in entrepreneurship and technology. According to major national companies, Padua and Veneto can be an attractive destination for their business events, as it is perceived as a safe and prestigious destination. - Business roadshow The easily accessible location makes it an interesting destination for roadshows, product presentations, sales events and workshops organised by companies and agencies. The commercial events segment is a new improvement thanks to new company investments, with areas such as fashion, technology, tourism and finance representing particularly interesting opportunities. - Italian and European medical and association congresses (in close collaboration with the University and local institutions) The congress sector remains a cornerstone of the target segment, thanks to the strong influence of the University of Padua and to medical excellence – the science-related hospital, the CNR and other important examples of local excellence.

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In Padua numerous scientific medical events are held, for which a greater collaboration with the University institution would certainly be desirable. Pending a conference venue with increased availability, Padua can undoubtedly propose conferences for around 300 to 600 people. The sorting work, the new official candidates and any external collaboration can all be done in collaboration with the Convention Bureau Italy and affiliates of the same PCB. - Incentive and international meetings, mainly in Europe (UK, Northern Europe, Germany, Belgium, France) and incentives from countries of growing markets, such as Turkey, China and India. Foreign markets are those that historically have suffered less with the crisis, particularly some of the European markets like those in Northern Europe, Germany and England. Italy is always an attractive destination for foreign customers and Padua has a variety of competitive offers with good value for money. I am currently developing Incentive requests, especially those related to sports and wellness, cultural, or related to music or art events. These are new international growth markets for which it would be worth investing commercial resources in order to increase new business segments. - Conferences and thematic meetings, particularly related to social - and ecological sustainability. Padua and its province are particularly sensitive destinations on issues such as sustainability, ecology, sustainable transport, urban development, biodiversity and cycling. In keeping with the themes of the recently ended Expo 2015 Milan, and enriched with some outcomes of what the MPI Convention in July 2015 and the AIGA conference organised in October 2015 on the lines of this focus on sustainability, the Padova system is able to offer itself targets of being green and sustainable thanks to the many similar characteristics. Padua is an ancient city that looks to the future, often defined as the green city par excellence. The new, growing trend that we are seeing is ecological meetings and events with a special attention paid to corporate responsibility. Padua is the city of bicycle tourists and residents who use their bikes as a mode of transport. It is an ecological city with a modern, functional electric tram system. Then there is even more green in the Euganean Hills, with plenty of sustainable activities to be organised during meetings or events: adopt vines or olive trees, or plant new trees to address deforestation. Many hotels, conference centres and museums are also part of social responsibility programmes that include disabled people in their structure, as are social cooperatives are successful restaurants, catering services, gardens and pastry shops. It is possible to make a contribution by leaving a positive and tangible reminder of the event, for example:

• Help the planet: Save or plant trees, help with the grape harvest, only use green transport, use the traditional bicycle – all ways to show that you care! • Help others: catering services with disabled staff, organic locations, pastry produce made in prison, associations that invest in culture – make your event an ethical benchmark. • Avoid all waste: thanks to the “Food for Good” project, no leftover food will be thrown away during your event, instead local cooperatives and volunteers will organise the collection and redistribution of any excess.

In two years we will have a brand new conference centre for up to 1,600 people in plenary style Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? In 2016 we have had an increase of 118% and the city is truly growing, as in two years we will have a brand new conference centre for up to 1,600 people in plenary style. We are often competing with medium size cities such as Bologna, Verona and Genova, but also with bigger cities such as Florence or Milan. In recent years Padua has still been suffering from insufficient visibility as a congress destination, although there has been a sharp increase in activity in this regard. There are also structural limitations, offering at most 700-800 seats in the different conference venues, although these limits will be expanded with the new conference centre that will host events for much more significant numbers. The location of Padua is also strategic with respect to the road network, located on the main roads linking Italy north-south and eastwest, but also in relation to the main traffic axis through roads and international highways networks. The city is also easily accessible by train from the main Italian locations and from abroad, although the development of high-speed lines has created a slight disadvantage with the fact that the links favour the north-south rather than east-west. As for the air accessibility, Padova enjoys a privileged position in relation to the three main airports in Veneto, Venice, Treviso and Verona. Considered in this geo-strategic sense the location of Padua is an easy to get to destination. Padua also offers many cultural attractions and two, the Scrovegni Chapel and the Basilica del Santo, are high points, the former for the high artistic value and the latter for religious and cult value. In addition, Padova offers a full calendar of exhibitions across the range of the various 173

fields of applied arts. There is also the Botanical Garden that in September 2015 opened its new wing dedicated to biodiversity. Historically linked to the scientific realm it has a high added value for the congress sector. The 2015 opening of Musme, Museum of the History of Medicine and related events in the Palazzo della Salute space, represents yet another a new interesting push forwards. In general the province of Padua shows a good number and wide variety of resources, but they are not sufficiently utilized as such in terms of tourism, as with other resources that could be complementary to the main existing bid for the potential they represent. The offer in relation to congress tourism in Padua and the province is made up of 22 convention centres with a capacity of 8,200 seats, 27 historic houses with a capacity of 500 seats and 43 conference-hotel facilities with a capacity of 850 seats. The hotel offer is varied and there are some high-level structures and with a very good offer. Many of them are located near the Padua Fair. In other areas, however, the offer appears insufficient, especially as regards the level of services offered and the number of rooms available, as well as the strong seasonal nature of the structures that are not located near Padua city or the area of the fair. However, Padua is a destination particularly suitable as a location for meetings and conferences of various kinds. Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? It is not easy, but we have been doing our best for just three years, since 2013, when the Convention Bureau was founded by the Chamber of Commerce and the Province of Padova. For now the Convention Bureau will pursue the objectives of the congress sector through actions of great importance: in fact it is designed to promote the entire area as an attractive destination for organising congresses. It has an affiliate system (based on a participation fee) that aims to bring together congress operators to create a network system and offer a concrete proposals market. It aims to create a synergy among stakeholders, actors and institutions with the goal of promoting the destination as one for events and meetings. The CB must attract the largest number of events in the area through concrete actions such as: 1. Develop the Padua brand as a destination for events (through web marketing, advertising, editorials, newsletters etc.) 2. Participation in workshops, educational and trade fairs 3. Organisation of promotional events 4. Nominations for meetings and conferences

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5. Support to partner operators nominations 6. Develop the Convention Bureau website In the last year there has been a steady and continuous development of communication activities through newsletters and a press office dedicated to the local, national and international organisation of promotion events. It promotes the destination through publi-editorials in leading meetings industry publications and constantly participates in major trade fairs, both national and international (see list of activities below). There is also the participation of the industry and workshops of the meetings industry, as well as business to business appointments. We are a member of Federcongressi & Eventi (Italian association) and personally I’m in the board of the MPI Italian Chapter and in the technical table of the Italy Convention Bureau. The number of affiliates is currently rising and we plan to continue to grow steadily. Of the affiliates there are Congress centres, DMCs and PCOs, numerous hotels and spas of Padua and the Province, tourist transport services, villas and historic houses, audio-visual technical services, which altogether make up the entire conference chain. The promotion, as well as the service given, announces a new business appeal to the destination of Padova, attracting new and diverse events in the region, which are supported as set out in the approved codes. The monitor of the requests received is steadily growing and the CB is working with affiliates and not to the formulation of interesting and competitive offerings that include the entire chain of services in the territory. We recently started on large national and international applications in collaboration with affiliates, through search systems such as ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) and Convention Bureau Italy. The objective is to concentrate more and more effort towards congresses with large numbers for the greatest impact on the region. This objective goes hand in hand with the new convention centre. Q: How do you see relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? As a Convention and Visitors Bureau we constantly see the cross-fertilisation between the two segments. The strengths and weaknesses are different and a separate promotional plan is necessary to focus on results. The brand awareness of a tourist destination can help the development of the city as MICE destination, but it is important to focus on the different services and activities when proposing to possible clients. Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? We can help organisers to arrange very special

activities in the city. Check these out: • Rugby, one of the city’s most popular sports: put your work team to the test on and off the pitch. • Rowing: challenge yourself and the rest of your team on our magnificent rivers. • Spritz making: the aperitif par excellence was born in Padua and we’ll show you how to make it like a real local! • Piazza life: drift among the traditional “sottosalone” bars, talk to the locals, make a few purchases and then cook some traditional Veneto dishes. • Euganean Hills wine tour: explore our green hills to discover the traditional vines along with tasting and aroma tests. • Cultural and scientific treasure hunt: follow in the footsteps of Galileo in the UNESCO botanic location, made interactive with some digital tools.

attributes that are often overlooked? Styria, one of 9 federal states in Austria, stands for great price-performance ratio, clean nature, perfect surroundings for relaxation and a diverse cultural offer, sustainability, personal assistance, friendly hospitality and the high quality of the culinary delights – all based on the “Making meetings a delights” motto. Styria is kind of an insider’s tip for those who attach great importance to these aspects. Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? On the one hand, in these times of internet and new media, it became easier to make information public; on the other hand, people are overburdened by too much unfiltered information. Hence there is a need to provide relevant information for your target group. Q: How do you see the relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? Due to the high requirement for quality in the meeting industry, it is called the “Royal discipline” in tourism. In Styria the meeting industry is a meaningful figurehead for the business and science location. Moreover, conference tourism is a great promotion for holiday tourism: a conference guest easily turns into a holiday guest, if he or she feels comfortable.

People more and more think of aspects such as sustainability and regionality

Andrea Sajben, Manager of Steirmark Convention Bureau Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? People more and more think of aspects such as sustainability and regionality. Furthermore, as the desire for relaxation and prevention of burnout increases, people are becoming more and more aware of the importance of health. These aspects have a great impact on the development of the offer in the MICE business. Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive 174

Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Styria is a great destination for meeting planners throughout all seasons, as the nature offers great opportunities for sport programmes and great showcases throughout the year. A very special feature is that two thirds of Styria is covered by unspoilt natural landscapes. Graz, the capital of Styria, is the second largest city in Austria. Furthermore, Styrian conference providers ensure that a high quality regional and seasonal culinary offer forms the heart of every business event. Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? Personal conversations and networking at international fairs and events helps to popularize the offer of Styria and its conference suppliers as an insiders tip that aside from standard conference destinations shouldn’t be missed.

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Elpida Rekka, Sales and Marketing Manager, City of Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? Over the past two years, Athens has experienced positive growth in leisure and business travel. In 2014, Athens climbed 20 places in the ICCA ranking, and was recognized as one of the best city destination performances throughout the international meetings market. Athens is making a comeback to the international tourism and travel market, experiencing an average 23% increase in the number of foreign visitors in 2015. We expect this upward trend to continue, as Athens offers great value for money and there are new hotels and new venues opening and more international events taking place – the rest of 2016 and 2017 promises to be an exciting year for Athens and visitors will not be left disappointed.

Athens is making a comeback to the international tourism and travel market Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? Athens is an ideal MICE destination. It is a modern European capital city that has been placed on an upward trend, once again establishing its place as a popular tourism and convention destination at the international level.

It is a dynamic, safe and hospitable destination for business tourists that, with new high-end convention facilities and hotels, a fascinating entertainment scene and a state-of-the-art transportation network, can accommodate the needs of the most demanding of visitors. MICE is a key market sector for Athens as a destination and a central axis of the city’s strategy towards recovery and growth. Athens is the European Metropolis at the crossroads of three continents and is a city endowed with year-round sunshine, the European capital city with the most blue flag beaches, a booming gastronomic scene and warm, hospitable people. In addition to all this, with world-class cultural heritage attractions and the longest archaeological promenade in Europe, Athens is a city that offers authentic experiences, enchanting tours and the chance for engagement in action-packed activities, both within and beyond the city limits and all year round. Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? Athens has faced several challenges the few last years, having experienced some negative publicity due to economic instability, political issues and the recent humanitarian issues. These have not changed its destination profile and product. Athens has proactively taken advantage of the media attention and managed to turn the exposure positive by promoting its unique selling points, services and experiences. We rely heavily on the visitor and user experience, as we know that anyone visiting the city for business or for leisure is certain to have a positive and memorable experience, and will certainly talk, blog and share their experiences. Q: How do you see the relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? The City of Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with key tourism providers and partners, have integrated tourism policies and practices into the city’s main development strategy to support and boost the visitor economy. These two different sectors interact and interweave easily, as the experience of leisure visitors helps build the city’s good name as a meetings destination and vice-versa (business travellers who have the chance to experience Athens on their social events or free time say that they plan to return as tourists). Both sectors complement each other. Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Surrounded by stunning seas and mountains, Athens is the only European capital with 15 Blue Flag beaches, marinas and a 50km long Athenian Riviera. The islands off the coast of the Argosaronic Gulf are ideal one-day geta175

ways. Aigina, Hydra, Poros and Spetses are very popular destinations The City of Athens is a true paradise for tourism and a large journey into history and art. This travel-friendly city is filled with gems. Athens is a city that offers authentic experiences, enchanting tours and action packed activities. Blessed with the unique heritage of being the cradle of democracy, of dialogue and the structural characteristics of Western culture and civilization, Athens is in a unique geopolitical position in the Mediterranean, acting as a bridge between West and East. The City of Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau (the ACVB) is the official MICE board of the city that over the years has succeeded in building and delivering on the promise of Athens being a dynamic, safe and hospitable city for business tourists. Our in-depth knowledge of facilities, services, as well as events that take place in our city, enables us to provide you with tailor-made solutions – an absolutely necessary factor for the success of any event. Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? Content marketing approaches, when implemented appropriately can certainly drive meeting planners to a destination. A strategy must be carefully constructed ensuring that campaigns meet the interests and needs of the buyers, and that communication initiatives are relevant, current and useful. Content marketing initiatives are successful when the destination has interaction and engagement with buyers and do not distribute blanket generic communication that may be considered junk or spam.

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Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? Very hard, because the competition between cities and destinations is immense. If 1 would be ‘the message is easy to be sold’ and 10 would be ‘the message is a hard job to spread’ then we rate it at 7. Q: How do you see relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? We are partners who need each other and who clearly benefit from each other -stunning scenery and cultural heritage are decision-making points of interest for buyers as well! A good partnership/relationship is rated from us as a 9.

Linz is the home of Blue Meetings

Ingrid Krieger & Andreas Zebisch, Convention Bureau Upper Austria

Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? As a visitor or a guest you will be absolutely surprised by a whole bunch of our venues. The capital assets of Linz and Upper Austria are a perfect platform stage for business events. The biggest fact that might surprise you is that Linz is the home of BLUE MEETINGS. You’ve never heard of that? We are trend-setters and in short it means: our aim is to surprise everybody positively and touch the hearts as well. You will discover Europe’s most modern music-theatre and last but not least: Linz is listed as a UNESCO city of media-arts. Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? Yes. A BIG and CLEAR YES.

Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? Meetings will become more digital! (spot-hotkey word: bring your own device) and Events will become more and more powered and “staged” by regional key-note speakers and artists. They will become greener and greener and more interactive, and the attendants will be younger.

Josef Rychter, Eastern Bohemia Convention Bureau Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? From our point of view, the most important thing today is to ensure safety in the holding of any events. The advantage of Eastern Bohemia in this field is that there is no big agglomeration and it is still a safe region within the heart of Europe. Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? Unfortunately, there are no great congress hotels and venues in our region, but we do have some facilities located in beautiful countryside. What is more, every part of the region is very well accessible by all means of transport.

A safe region within the heart of Europe Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? We try to take part in various domestic worshops, meetings or trade events where meeting planners are also in attendance and every year we also organise the so called “MICE Trip to Eastern Bohemia”, as a part of which the participants visit some of the top MICE venues in the region.

Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? Linz is the capital of Upper Austria and is positioned/ranked No. 3 amongst all of the cities in Austria. We’re already aiming for spot-rank No. 2 after Vienna…

Q: How do you see relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? Our regional office (East Bohemia Convention Bureau) is the DMC part called Destination 176

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Management Company Eastern Bohemia, which is why I am convinced that these two sectors have much in common. Of course, meeting industry deals are often with much more exclusive requirements. Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Not only the city of Pardbubice, but all of the Eastern Bohemia region is unique for its local traditions: breeding horses, traditional gastronomic products (honey, ginger bread, plum brandy), Hlinecko Shrovetide Processions (listed in UNESCO cultural heritage) – places and products like this can really enrich the accompanying programmes of every event. Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? On our web site (www.eastbohemiaconvention. cz) we have something like a manual for meeting planners, which I think is a very good way to draw the attention of somebody looking for some information about organising events to our region. So, content marketing can certainly help us to promote our destination.

and health care meetings and a further decrease in destination appeal and a stronger focus again on education. Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? We are positioned as a multi-faceted meeting destination, meaning that we can cater for almost any type of meeting in our city. It is this variety – from university level via meeting hotels to our three large conference centres – that makes it easy for the customer of our city to choose the right venue for his/her specific meeting. Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? If you build up your network with clients over the years and you inform them regularly about news in your destination, then it is relatively easy – you cover more with direct contacts. Q: How do you see the relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? They are more and more drifting away from each other – organisers, especially from association congresses, are more and more keen not to be seen as tourism, a trend that will continue.

We can cater for almost any type of meeting in our city Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Probably to experience the reality of how compact and easy it is to orientate in our city and due to the public transport you can reach the key meeting infrastructure within 10 minutes by underground. Sometimes our clients tell us: I could not believe what you told me, I needed to experience it.

Christian Mutschlechner, Vienna Convention Bureau

Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? I am not so sure – for leading European associations they create content on a pan-European level and therefore rather need perfect infrastructure in order to build the appropriate meeting environment and meeting design.

Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? Nothing spectacular - a further increase in compliance issues for medical meetings, new ways of cooperation between the health care industry 177

Veronika Handl, Convention Bureau Tirol and Christian Mayerhofer, Congress Messe Innsbruck Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? Veronika Handl: Especially nowadays safety becomes more and more important for meeting and congress planners. The trend is to combine alpine-urban tradition and modernity in meetings. Christian Mayerhofer: Talking about some event highlights for the next 12 months, we are looking forward to welcoming more than 2,000 scientists at the end of May at the Congress Innsbruck. Leading authorities from across Europe and the world, including Nobel laureate Michael S. Brown, will present their findings in Plenary and Workshop sessions at this conference of the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS). Subsequently the Austrian Association of

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Cities, with about 1,000 estimated delegates, will meet in Innsbruck and about the same number of delegates crowded the Congress Innsbruck in mid-May at a medical related conference in the centre of the Alps. A quick change of the setup was necessary, as the Congress Messe Innsbruck just hosted roughly 10,000 contestants at the world’s largest accordion music competition held at the beginning of May. Another highlight will be the world-leading trade show for alpine technologies: INTERALPIN. More than 23,000 visitors and decision makers will be expected for the next edition. Other upcoming events include West Austria’s leading tourism trade fair FAFGA alpine superior, the traditional Tyrolean Autumn Exhibition with over 50,000 expected visitors, as well as further conferences, such as the Congress of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons, with about 1,500 expected delegates.

Innsbruck unites sports and events with great experience Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? Veronika Handl: Innsbruck is well positioned and well known. As an Olympic Destination it unites sports and events with great experience. Walking distances in a city that offers the advantages of a metropolis with the charm of a village makes Innsbruck unique. Christian Mayerhofer: Not so many people realize that Innsbruck has a long tradition as a conference city, going back to 1867 when the “Dogana” of the Congress Centre Innsbruck was the setting for the first conference to be held in Tyrol. That was followed by the 1897 Meteorology Congress, which was attended by participants from no fewer than eighteen countries, including some that were considered pretty exotic at the time, like the Philippines, Egypt, Mexico, Brazil and the USA. More than a century later, the city of Innsbruck has been firmly placed on the international map, having previously organised two Winter Olympic Games, the International Children’s Games 2016 and several high-profile congresses and trade shows, and established itself as a world-leading ski and snowboard destination. A highly rated University, numerous international enterprises and cultural offerings like the “Golden Roof” are to name but a few of the outstanding qualities of Innsbruck. Set in the outstanding Tyrolean Alps, Innsbruck provides the perfect combination of a rich, legendary past alongside the modernity of future developments.

Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? Veronika Handl: Innsbruck Tourism, Congress Innsbruck and the Convention Bureau Tirol are working hand in hand to spread the message about the advantages of this beautiful city and its possibilities. We are active on many relevant markets, at meeting shows, workshops and several events, and create our own events abroad that represent the flair and the values of Tirol and Innsbruck.

city centre enables delegates and visitors to get a beautiful view across the City from about 2,000 metres for a meeting or lecture session, or just to be enjoyed between lecture sessions. Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination?

Q: How do you see relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? Veronika Handl: In Tirol the relationship between tourism and the meeting industry is strong. The values are similar: hospitality, sustainability, well-being, regionality, accessibility and infrastructure are important in both industries and the decision-making basis. Christian Mayerhofer: In other words, the relationship between both of these industries in Tyrol is especially very close and important. Due to the fact that Innsbruck is surrounded by outstanding mountain scenery with numerous ski resorts nearby, the tourism industry is a strong economic sector. Furthermore, exhibitions and trade fairs, such as the FAFGA alpine superior or INTERALPIN, stimulate the local economy in the region and have a significant importance to the local tourism industry. Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Veronika Handl: Within 20 minutes directly from the city (walking distance) you can reach the almost 2,000-metre above sea level Restaurant of the Seegrube and enjoy a spectacular lunch break or dinner with your group or congress participants. The Bergisel Ski Jump is characterised by a breathtaking view of Innsbruck, the charm of a ski jumping venue with an Olympic past and modern architecture. The tower, designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, is easily accessible with two elevators and is also a very unusual event and convention location. Christian Mayerhofer: What will definitely surprise meeting planners about Innsbruck are the short distances from point to point in the city and the wonderful offer there. In Innsbruck you feel like being in a metropolis with all its cultural sights, bars, shopping malls and venues. At the same time, Innsbruck offers fantastic scenery where you can be up in the mountains to ride powder snow in less than half an hour. What will likewise definitely surprise meeting planners is the distance to the mountains; Innsbruck is literally part of the high Alps, surrounded by mountains up to 2,500 metres above sea level. In other words, this city represents both a modern and vibrant urban infrastructure and very best of Mother Nature. A cable car station in front of Congress Innsbruck directly positioned in the 178

Andreas Griessler, Kärnten Convention Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12months? First of all we would like to point out that Carinthia offers two main conference and meeting destinations – the city of Klagenfurt and Villach. As a MICE destination Villach, as well as Klagenfurt, has experienced a continuous increase of congresses and events over the last years. As the forecast is very positive, both cities expect this upward trend to continue in regards of inquiries and bookings. It can also be seen that more and more congress participants try to combine their business trip with a short private vacation. Some extend their stay and spend one or two nights more to enjoy the city areas and its surroundings. Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? Klagenfurt is still an insider tip for meetings and events. Its old town exerts a very special charm upon visitors. The Renaissance jewel of the south combines a proximity to nature with countless options of rich incentives, art, culture

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and leisure programmes. On the other hand, Villach, with the Congress Centre Villach, the largest in Carinthia, has been making a name for itself as a conference town for years. Generally, Villach can be described as an international business town of innovation and energy and is also known as a high-tech location. Villach’s unique geographic position at the intersection of three countries (Austria, Italy & Slovenia) and cultures automatically ensures international flair and multicultural influences.

Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? It’s all about connection with the value of the destination. The content has to be clear, authentic, attractive and, finally, inspiring. The customer is drawn into a new, deeply personal and unique experience, stimulating his decision process. Content marketing is an excellent tool oriented towards long term success.

An individual and very personal onestop-shop approach Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? Almost all business sectors are facing increasing challenges every day and want to differentiate themselves from their competitors. As a result, we focus on a high quality customer relationship, based on an individual and very personal one-stop-shop approach, providing tailor-made information. This works very well as Villach and Klagenfurt cooperate really closely with Kärnten Convention. We try to combine our strengths and take advantage of the possible synergies to develop a stronger position as a MICE destination, as well as assert our competitiveness also on the international market. Q: How do you see relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? There are big differences between leisure guests and business guests, as they have completely different requirements. As a result, they also need a different service and guest handling. Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Carinthia can be seen as a hidden treasure for MICE planners. Located in the heart of the AlpsAdriatic-Region Carinthia offers a combination of crystal clear, turquoise swimming lakes, 23 ski regions and many hiking regions, all proudly crowned by the Großglockner, the highest mountain of Austria. This blesses Carinthia with an impressive activity range and a perfect infrastructure for any kind of event. Here you will immediately notice that work and enjoyment go hand in hand. Due to the geographic position of both cities, Klagenfurt and Villach, you can experience a lot of international influences. Italy and Slovenia are literally just a stone’s throw away, thus visiting and experiencing three countries in a single day is also a very popular topic for an incentive programme.

Petr Ryšánek, Moravia Convention Bureau Q1: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12months? Meeting planners are looking more for unique venues (chateaux, museums or concert halls), newly refurbished hotels and venues and specific incentive ideas. I have noticed that meeting planners are becoming more responsible for hosting destinations and they are eager to leave a legacy. The factors that are considered as crucial for event planning are accessibility, flexibility and creativity of suppliers, quality of services provided and personalization during the bidding process. South Moravia and the City of Brno are improving the region‘s accessibility by looking for new connections between the international airport in Brno and important international hub airports, i.e. the new direct line which connected Brno and Munich in November 2015. Q2: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? The meeting industry in our destination has 179

been achieving the best figures in recent years. In 2015, Brno hosted 15 association meetings according to the rankings compiled by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), which means their number doubled compared to 2014. Increasing popularity of our destination has been also confirmed by the Czech Statistical Office, which collects data from collective accommodation establishments in the Czech Republic. Last year (2015) the region hosted 2,107 events, which represents 17% of all meetings held in the Czech Republic. Our destination is the second most successful in the Czech Republic, following the number one – Prague – with other regions lying far behind. Brno is a dynamically developing centre of industry, trade, science, information technology, research, and innovation, with business incubators and scientific centres of excellence, such as The Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), branch offices of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and Clinical Research Centre (ICRC). For more than eighty years, Brno has been one of the largest trade fair cities in Central Europe. It boasts one of the world‘s largest exhibition grounds, with a net exhibition area of 130,000m². It is a significant university city, with more than 86,000 students, 14 universities with 34 faculties and three university campuses.

“Silicon Valley“ of the Czech Republic. Q3: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? The competition in the field of the meeting industry is strong, both in Europe and in the world. We are focusing on less expensive but efficient marketing activities, like online communication (website, social media, newsletters, etc.), our target market being the Czech Republic and neighboring countries. Q4: How do you see relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? Although the main goal of the meeting industry is to transfer knowledge within the community of academics or scientists, I consider it as an important part of the tourism industry, because it generates demand for travel, accommodation, venues and other services providers. Decision makers also evaluate tourist attractiveness of the candidate destination. Last but not least, there is a chance that congress delegates will come back in future as regular tourists. Q5: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Our region is heading for the club of the fifty most innovative regions in Europe and thanks

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to its growing business in computer technology, telecommunications, software development and other hi-tech sectors it is known as the „Silicon Valley“ of the Czech Republic. The meeting planners value the wide range of accommodation and congress facilities as well as its natural and cultural monuments. Our destination also boasts its rich industrial, scientific, cultural, technical and business tradition. The theatre building in Brno had been electrically illuminated earlier than that in Vienna, and the operation of trams in Brno started earlier than in Prague. Brno is the place where Johann Gregor Mendel discovered the laws of modern genetics and where Leoš Janáček, world-famous composer, lived and composed his operas. Plus extra big question: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? The meeting industry is the industry of storytellers, where content marketing fits in well. It takes a lot of time and effort to create good content; on the other hand it is a more efficient way to build a relationship with meeting planners than regular advertising.

flight connections to Prague. Prague currently has a direct connection to 143 destinations. Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? Prague is still perceived as a safe destination for travelling and organising conferences and congresses, which is a very important fact for us today. According to the ICCA ranking, published in the middle of May, Prague is the 11th destination in the world, when speaking of the number of association meetings. In this ranking Prague maintains its long term position around 10th place and with the positive news that number of meetings keeps rising.

Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? Sure, stories and content marketing are an integral part of every destination. Prague can tell many different stories, which creates great content and are easy to remember, and not only for meeting planners. We are presenting Prague and the entire Czech Republic as an inspirational destination, where important personalities of their time created great things – just think about some famous operas, contact lenses, nanofiber, the sugar cube and many other things. All of them come from the minds of creative Czech people.

Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? The competition in the form of other destinations is tough and we constantly try to highlight the unique qualities that Prague can offer, not only in the field of meetings, but also for the incentive programmes. Prague Convention Bureau regularly cooperates with foreign media, organises press trips and fam trips and uses paid as well as unpaid forms of promotion. We also previously established a cooperation with Prague City Tourism with the goal to unite our formerly different styles of promotion. That was a very significant step.

Prague can tell many different stories, which creates great content

Roman Muška, Prague Convention Bureau Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? In general, we expect further growth in terms of the number of meetings coming to Prague, especially when considering the small and midsize meetings and events where Prague offers plenty of options. Further growth will be supported also thanks to the growing number of direct

Q: How do you see relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? Meeting and tourism industry are just two sides of the same coin and the connection between them is strong. Both benefit from the basic local infrastructure and services. That’s the reason why the activities, including promotion, should go hand in hand. At Prague Convention Bureau we cooperate closely with Prague City Tourism, the Czech Convention Bureau and the City of Prague to ensure that Prague will be perceived as an ideal meeting as well as leisure destination. Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Prague is not a huge destination, so some of meeting planners might assume that there is a shortage in meeting and accommodation capacities and services. The opposite is true, however. We can offer more than 42,000 rooms in nearly 800 hotels and other accommodation facilities. Planners of larger meetings of up to 9,000 participants can use the meeting facilities of the Prague Congress Centre.

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Vincze Robert, Slovak Tourist Board Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? Slovakia is hosting the EU Presidency this year, which will stress test the capacities of our meetings industry in Bratislava. The SK EU Presidency could generate new topics for meetings and our focus and strategy on cooperation with associations will intensify. We expect growth in incentive travel in all our destinations, given the increasing number of flight connections, new incentive possibilities available and our marketing activities on multiple target markets. Kosice: European City of Sport 2016 will feature a new Turkish Airlines connection to Istanbul several times a week, opening the city to Asian travelers. This will have an effect on gastronomy, service scope and the cultural scene of Kosice.

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Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? Accessibility: Bratislava is one of the best connected capitals in the world, having 2 international airports within a 30-min radius of the city, including Vienna International Airport, one of largest airports in the region. Safety: Bratislava is a safe and stable destination, with a minimum threat level for any delegate. Execution: Bratislava produces many world class products, like the high end premium SUVs of the VW Group – Cayenne, Q7, Touareg, Bentley Bentayga (chassis, body), as well as ESET antivirus software, SYGIC navigations and much more. Surveys of Meetings and Events Professionals constantly rank accessibility as the No. 1 criteria for destination selection and, in this regard, Bratislava is surprisingly close. You can get to Slovakia’s capital in just 40 minutes from Vienna airport, or 20 minutes from Bratislava airport to the city centre, making Bratislava one of the best connected capitals in the world. When you’re there you’ll find yourself in a safe, easy-to-get-around, buzzy, compact city where old town beauty and modern urbanity sit side by side. Bratislava is also an exceptionally smart city, with a burgeoning start-up eco-system and a stellar global reputation as an innovation hub. Bratislava-based ESET is a world leader in anti-virus software, while Pixel Federation, founded in the city in 2007, develops online games played in over 200 countries in the world. Renowned as an automotive hub, Bratislava has also spawned Aeromobil, the makers of the world’s first flying car. But Bratislava is also an innovator in the Meetings and Events industry. Sli.do, the ground breaking audience engagement platform, was born and raised in this exceptionally smart city. Meeting professionals know the importance of exceptional execution. Strategies and plans are always essential, but without great execution they’re useless. Without precision, attention to detail and total focus, great strategies go awry and brilliant plans come to nothing. Global automotive leaders like Volkswagen (producing cars for Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, ŠKODA and SEAT, directly in Bratislava), Peugeot Citroën, KIA and Jaguar Land Rover have all opted to locate their massive plants around our city, because for them precision, attention to detail and focus are non-negotiable; they’re a sine-qua-non, as defining for them as their brand itself. You can see that exceptional execution is part of our DNA here in Bratislava – you can rest assured that your meetings and events are in safe hands!

new content – our marketing activities therefore result in high interest. The more messages we broadcast, the more responsibility it takes to carefully prepare the content. We try to build our own network of partners rather than to rely on existing international channels. Q: How do you see the relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? The meetings industry and tourism industry share the same infrastructure. A strong dialogue between the tourism industry and meetings industry is a prerequisite for creating successful marketing strategies both for the MICE and leisure segments. Most key destination marketing messages can be broadcast both in the meetings industry and tourism industry marketing.

Bratislava is one of the best connected capitals in the world Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Vienna International Airport is only 30 minutes away from Bratislava and Bratislava Hotels are rated 4th cleanest in the world, with Slovak hotels having the highest guest satisfaction rate in Europe (hotels.info, 6 million users). Kosice was the European Capital of Culture 2013, is the European City of Sport 2016, is the IT Valley of Slovakia, and Kosice International Airport is part of Vienna International Airport (with great connectivity from Vienna, Warsaw, London, Istanbul and more). Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? We believe in the importance of professionally executed content marketing and its effect on a destination’s reputation and appeal. This is closely connected to the interest of meeting planners and the effort needed to sell the destination.

Ozgul Ozkan Yavuz Istanbul Convention Bureau Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? More engagement and greater cooperation between buyers and suppliers than ever before. Unfortunately, with the recent events that happened/are happening all around the world, our industry nowadays has a new ‘normal’. Not just in our city, but in all major cities, we all have more responsibilities. Immediate reactions will be needed and more solutions to be adopted by suppliers and destination representatives from CVBs at venues along with a need to commit to even greater cooperation. We also need to be more engaged with the local authorities as well as local industry partners to be able to act as a team and send the correct message. Maybe we can call the next 12 months the ‘recovery period’ for our industry…

The harder it gets to be heard, the harder you need to work! Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? Cities like Istanbul, which has a long history dating back 8,500 years, are more likely to be recognized as an ‘Historical City’. Istanbul is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a modern city and has become a hub for contemporary artistic developments and creative industries. This was the main reason why we have launched our re-positioning campaign - ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. To sum it up; the aim was to demonstrate the breadth and variety of

Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? As a new destination Slovakia attracts a relatively large interest of the industry when publishing 181

Quick Talk

Istanbul, old and new, while highlighting the city’s high-tech modern infrastructure juxtaposed against its monumental history to metaphorically reflect ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. However, we are still aware that the modern part of the city is often overlooked. For instance, we always highlight that we have historical unusual venues as well as high-tech modern venues for meeting planners, as we know that the first thing that comes to their minds is historical palaces, cisterns or mansions… To be able to shift perceptions, we keep our message clear and consistent. Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? A bit challenging when you have a lot to say! This is the main challenge for big cities like Istanbul, because there are so many aspects that you want to send across and on top of this there is always something new to say, always. I believe the harder it gets to be heard, the harder you need to work! And this is what we do; keep updating the target that already knows the city and make sure to give as much info as possible to the target that does not know what the city has to offer for meetings. Q: How do you see the relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? A close relationship  My background is in the tourism industry, where I spent almost 20 years in the Ministry in different roles, and I believe there is a direct relationship between the tourism industry and the meeting industry. The tourism industry showcases all aspects of a destination and the meeting industry generates tourism. Istanbul became a city of arts, culture, festivals and international events. Many years of promoting Istanbul effectively also impacted Istanbul’s position as a meeting destination. Of course we cannot say it’s not only about promotion but also the investments that have been made for Istanbul, such as convention facilities, hotels, new transportation facilities etc. Tourism and meeting industries are tools for development and a better life. Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Well, I would say that Istanbul is the capital of diversity and opportunities, so there might be a lot of things to be surprised about, but in my personal opinion the number of universities in the city, which is 53, always surprises planners. Istanbul is a hub of learning and innovation and this is one of the main reasons that the city is growing rapidly in every way. An historical city with a modern outlook - as mentioned earlier: A Tale of Two Cities…

Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? Yes, indeed! I believe in the effectiveness of content marketing for destinations as well as other brands. Currently the trend is shifting more to experience marketing, but we always need content. It’s a powerful way to describe your destination’s capabilities, or in other words, its story, in a creative way to the planners. As Istanbul CVB, we have been working on a new marketing strategy for the last 6-8 months and we are collecting video testimonials from the association directors/organisers during their congress in Istanbul. Meeting planners hear about what Istanbul has to offer them from their colleagues, not from us. With this we are spreading their experience to others. We have received really positive feedback from our colleagues as well as planners. Thus, I believe this is a good example for content marketing which shows that it works to drive meeting planners to our destination.

Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? According to corporate clients we are a “trendy” destination and they would like to organise an event in Poland. Based on International Congress and Convention Association data Poland is ranked 21st globally and 12th in Europe. A bridge between East and West, huge scientific potential and a young approach – these are the main positive attributes. Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? Digitalization and time optimization don’t help; it’s complicated to deliver the message which is unique and interesting. That is why I truly believe that face to face meetings are crucial. All kinds of association meetings, few shows and personal contact is the king. Not only drinking coffee can help to build relations, but also friends and fans. We are trying – together with our recommended companies and regional convention – to build a strong relationship with clients and I think it works. Q: How do you see the relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? Two different worlds - we need to focus on business relations, city and country development agencies and corporate partners. These are organisations where we want to belong. Tourism means leisure and we are business.

Content plus creativity can change the world

Mr. Dr. Krzysztof Celuch Poland Convention Bureau Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? More educated and professional staff, a multicultural approach and better quality. People take care of their time, so I hope experts will think about this too. The most important trend will be to optimize time.

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Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Content plus creativity can change the world. Meetings and events are driven by aims and goals. People want to take something home and we need to give them whatever they are looking for. In Poland we have a lot of people who are creating, implementing and changing; they can surprise, but they are also excellent examples to follow. If you add amazing unique venues and hospitality it can be a wonderful mix for your meetings. Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? Yes. Content and creativity are the factors that I use to change the world and that is why it is definitely yes. Without content there are no delegates. On the other hand, if you don’t see creativity you are looking for something new.

Quick Talk

Andrey Zhukovsky, Moscow Convention and Exhibition Bureau Q: What trends do you think we will see in meetings and events in your city in the next 12 months? At the moment, Moscow is about two things: innovations and sports. Innovations – because Moscow is rapidly gaining ground as one of world’s leading centres for high technology and industry, complete with a silicon valley, dozens of technological clusters, outstanding brainpower and substantial investment both from the business sector and the Federal Government. This, in its turn, results in a palette of hi-techthemed events scheduled over the next 12 months in the fields such as IT, nanotechnology, microelectronics, robotics, space research and biomedical technology. The big event that will put Moscow on the global scientific and industrial map in 2016 is the 33rd IASP (International Association of Science Parks) World Conference that will see the who-is-who among the world science park elite in Moscow for the first time. Sports-wise, the Russian capital is busy getting ready to host the FIFA World Cup, which will turn Moscow into the sports Mecca of 2018. The hotel and venue bookings are in full swing, the new accommodation and event facilities are being given final touch-ups. The whole massive infrastructure has recently been put to the test during this year’s IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, and we’re proud to say our city did a wonderful job. Another important first for Moscow is the Summer meeting of the ICCA Central European Chapter, which our capital is getting ready to host this summer. We are sure the meeting will give our guests a perspective of Moscow’s convention infrastructure and will outline the spectacular possibilities for future international meetings to be held in our city.

Q: How is your city positioned as a meeting destination today and what are its positive attributes that are often overlooked? Over the past 20 years Moscow has gained a reputation as a sophisticated and exorbitantly expensive megacity. Thousands of prospective meeting planners drawn by Moscow’s novelty and splendour were put off by the price tag. These days, due to a sharp change in the RoubleEuro exchange ratio, Moscow luxury is suddenly turning quite affordable – to the point that one can now organize events of all shapes and sizes in Moscow for 1/2 or even 1/3 of what it cost in 2014. This, in its turn, plays up to Moscow’s popularity on the international meetings destination scene. The image remains the same while the costs have shrunk dramatically. Obviously, with 12 major exhibition and convention centres, 30 congress hotels and 40 000 sq. m. of congress space, Moscow is capable of hosting massive international events like the 6th Global Entrepreneurship Congress in 2014 or the oncoming FIFA World Cup in 2018. In terms of culture, 450 museums, 64 grand palaces, 182 theatres and a score of UNESCO world heritage buildings make Moscow a fantastic place to be. Still, what makes our capital a really strong competitor on the meetings industry market, and growing stronger by the year, is its appeal of freshness and novelty to international meeting planners. Let’s face it, everybody has been virtually everywhere. The circle of the unexplored and less explored destinations is constantly narrowing, therefore “new” and “discovery” are the buzz words on the market. Incidentally, that is what Moscow has to offer in plenty.

You can’t beat direct communication when it comes to attracting international meetings Q: How hard is it to get the message out about all that your city has to offer? Some less evident aspects of the city’s allure need highlighting and promoting, others quite simply speak for themselves. The social media, the trade shows, the trade press – the traditional channels are a great help and we certainly rely on them. Still, we strongly believe that most of the promotion is done by word of mouth and through personal contacts, which is why we’re involved in direct bidding for major association events, for example. You can’t beat direct communication when it comes to attracting international meetings. Q: How do you see relationship between the meetings industry and the tourism industry? In my opinion the correlation is a very direct 183

one. The overall tourist appeal of a city leads to companies and organizations wanting to hold meetings there. After all, businesses are people and people are driven by the spirit of discovery. This explains why, according to Tripadvisor, Moscow holds the second place in Europe and the fifth place globally among the most popular developing tourist destinations. Among the first to appreciate the new visiting opportunities were the practically-minded Chinese tourists. According to the official statistics, the tourist flow from China doubled in 2015 as compared to 2014, reaching the record figure of 670 000 visitors. The estimate for 2016 is even more impressive: over 1 300 000 tourists from China are expected in Moscow by the close of the year. The overall tourist forecast for 2016 is 17 500 000, mostly visitors from Europe and Asia. Q: Tell us something that might surprise meeting planners about your city? Probably the size and scale of everything. Moscow is arguably the biggest European capital, and that goes to most things within the city limits. We’ve got the tallest building in Europe and the largest shopping mall in Europe. When we do things, we do them proper and solid. Q: Can content marketing drive meeting planners to your destination? Definitely. But, like with most other things, we like to look upon the Internet not as a marketing battleground, but as a natural flow of ideas which does not need to be rigidly controlled by the marketeers. For example, Moscow wins the people’s choice award, being the fourth city globally by the number photos published on Instagram – right after Paris, New York and London. We appreciate this recognition, the more so because the city wins “at face value”, not by a specific social media craft.

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Interview

THE SUCCESS STORY OF A NEW HOTEL IN TOWN - THE HOTEL NAVIS, OPATIJA, CROATIA Interview with Zoran Užar, Hotel manager at Navis Hotel

re you looking for a hotel with exceptional architecture, outstanding furniture design, a top notch culinary offer and a place that provides a “sleeping with the story” concept? Then the Hotel Navis might be jjst the place you’re looking for. This new, modern 5* boutique hotel, built into the side of a cliff overlooking the Kvarner bay, is a true gem on the Opatija Riviera. The hotel is located in Preluka, 2.5km from Opatija’s city centre, and has 40 designer-decorated rooms and 4 suites, all with their own terrace and sea view. Opened in 2014 Hotel Navis has become well-known for its genuine hospitality, exclusive culinary offer, unique architecture and maritime-like design. The maritime theme pervades the hotel, with each room marked with nautical miles and the corridors painted in dark blue and resembling ocean-going ship corridors. The restaurant serves only the best from the local suppliers and with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, where every seafood lover can pamper their taste buds with the famous Kvarner scampi and other sea specialities. A personal vibe created by the owners - the Kapetanović family - only adds to the value of the hotel. We teamed up with Navis’s hotel manager, Zoran Užar, to get a better insight into the hotel’s instant success.

Q: What’s the story behind the design hotel Navis? When and how did the idea of a new boutique hotel in Opatija begin? The idea began when the Kapetanović family who have been successfully operating Opatija’s renowned hotel, the hotel Villa Kapetanović, including its restaurant Laurus, for over a decade - decided to take a step further in the hotel business and increase Opatija’s hotel offer. Once the opportunity presented itself Mr. and Mrs. Kapetanović decided to purchase the property where Navis stands today and create a completely different hotel story. For starters the hotel Navis boasts a perfect location, as it is built into a cliff rising directly above the sea facing 186

Kvarner bay and therefore gives an impression of a large cruise ship. Also the Kapetanović surname derives from the Croatian word for “captain”, so it was only natural to build a hotel based on a maritime, or more appropriately the “captain” theme. The construction work began in 2014 and was concluded by May 2015, and once their vision came to life they became captains of Navis. Q: Was it hard to find the perfect location for the hotel? The location for Navis is truly unique and it was certainly difficult to find. However, as the saying goes “All good things are worth waiting

Interview

for” and in this case it was certainly worth the wait. We also put a lot of effort into researching the construction site and in the development of ideas for creating an iconic edifice that would meet the conditions of both modern architectural design and the exclusivity of the hotel’s indoor and outdoor equipment. Q: Opatija is the oldest tourist resort in Croatia and a town with the highest number of high-category hotels in Croatia. In what sense does Navis stand out from other hotels in Opatija, or how do you position Navis in such a crowded market? Taking into consideration that Opatija has a long and successful tradition of tourism it wasn’t easy to create a product that would stand out from the others, especially in a city with such an abundant offer of hotel facilities. However, with careful planning, a strong focus on design and great care invested in human resources, along with the dedication of the entire team, we have managed to position ourselves as a unique destination within Opatija. Our location and our offer combined with the top notch services we provide enabled us to succeed in creating a base of loyal guests that despite their relatively young age continue to choose our hotel for their holiday. Also, the number of new guests arriving at the hotel is growing day by day, which means a great deal to us.

Q: The minimalistic design of the hotel is the complete opposite of Opatija’s well renowned Austro-Hungarian architectural style - how important is the design of a hotel and a hotel room in the contribution to a guest’s experience? Even though we respect and appreciate the décor of the old and established hotels in Opatija, for which there certainly exists a niche 187

in the tourism market, we decided to choose another path and present a modern, contemporary and different hotel design. We wanted to excite the guests with an alternative design that continuously surprises them; where strong and bold statements are expressed through the bare concrete walls of the hotel rooms that are complemented with warm wooden details, such as contemporary furniture produced by Croatian

Interview

designers. The design is absolutely a strong factor in the guest’s overall experience of the hotel and plays a crucial role in terms of choosing a hotel based on its visual appearance. We believe we succeeded in this particular aspect and managed to stimulate the imagination of our guests and therefore continue to encourage them to come and visit our hotel. However, exceeding guests’ expectations once they arrive at the hotel is an entirely separate matter, but is an area where we truly excel and confirm to our guests that they made the right choice in choosing the Hotel Navis. Q: The rooms are equipped with stylish furniture made in Croatia, some of them even unique pieces by famous Croatian designers. Who was in charge of the hotel décor? When starting a project from scratch, especially when it comes to renovating an existing structure (note: the Hotel Navis was built on to a pre-existing structure of the former “Milde Sorte”disco) the transformation required a vision without compromise, which was in a way an advantage. We had the freedom to choose between a variety of top quality materials, products and design, which also gave us a unique opportunity to put into life the ideas that

the Kapetanović family envisaged for creating an exceptional tourism product. We engaged qualified interior designers and others experts to ensure quality, practicality and maximum efficiency of the hotel equipment, and only noble materials were used to ensure the highest standards of quality. Q: Opatija is also well known for its gastronomy - how much effort do you put into the food and beverage offer and what are your signature dishes? The restaurant Navis undoubtedly represents an added value to Opatija’s tourism offer. It is by no means considered as just another hotel restaurant for which the goal is to satisfy the norm and provide guests with breakfast included in the price of the room. Our restaurant is a gourmet experience and a journey for all of the five senses in every possible aspect. Our guests start the day with a gourmet breakfast that includes a vast selection of Croatian and international delicacies. Our rich buffet offers everything you need for a perfect breakfast. You can also order freshly made hot dishes or order from the breakfast à la carte menu and get the great breakfast foods to start your day. Our à la carte menu is created based on local and seasonal ingredients, with

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a primary focus on fish and treasures from the sea. Our Chef, Nenad Posavac, is one of the best chefs in the area and we are proud to have him as part of our team, ensuring that the gourmet experience is never anything less than excellent. Q: What is your target group and how do you attract your guests? Our target group is anyone who appreciates aesthetics and design, and enjoys the finer things in life. Geographically, we have guests mostly from Europe and the majority of those are guests coming from our neighbouring countries, such as Slovenia, Hungary and German-speaking countries. Q: How much focus do you put on sharing hotel news on social media channels (Facebook, Twitter etc.)? Do you communicate with your guests pre-, during and poststay? And besides the website and Facebook are there any other channels that you’re using? Considering that we are a relatively small hotel, with 44 rooms in total, we pride ourselves on a personal approach to each guest individually. That personal touch begins with the initial contact with our guests, regardless if it is via

Interview

of the hotel’s offer will be realized in the near future. One of which, and certainly one that will be most visible, is the completion of the hotel’s waterfront project. We are planning to build a multifunctional dock attached to the rocks at the foot of the hotel, which will serve as a dock (small quay) for smaller boats and jet-skies, but can also be used as an additional sunbathing location and access to the ocean. The dock will be directly connected to the hotel’s restaurant terrace via access stairs.

social media or direct contact / inquiry to our sales department… when it comes to caring for our guests we consistently express our respect and interest in their well-being. We constantly share news and up to date information via different social media channels (Facebook, etc.). Q: What are your strategies for maintaining your top position as a hotel? Are you organising any special events (art, music, culinary, etc.) or collaborating with other partners in order to raise the profile of your hotel? At this early stage we have not associated ourselves with any group, business or otherwise. We think the best message transferred to our guests comes from the source and for now our team and our guests are the true promoters of the hotel’s offer. However, we collaborate with various media partners to get our story to our target audience. We also work with various business partners, like tourist agencies, the national tourist bureau and others. To this day we have hosted and organised many different events, such as culinary shows, dinner charity events, business gatherings and team building events with key players from the world business environment. Q: What are the main advantages of the hotel Navis and what do guests appreciate most while staying at your hotel? The location of the hotel is greatly appreciated by our guests as it provides a unique opportunity to stay in secluded privacy with beautiful natural scenery. It is also located within walking distance to Opatija city centre, but for those who prefer motorized transportation we also provide a complimentary shuttle service connecting the hotel with the city centre. Our secluded hotel location gives our guests the chance to enjoy

the absolute privacy of their stay, as the also hotel offers a private beach access. The hotel’s design is another attractive element that spices up the whole hotel experience, which combined with great hotel service creates a luxury hotel package that leaves such a strong impression on our guests that they keep coming back. Q: What have been the biggest challenges you faced since the opening of the hotel? The biggest challenge we faced was the completion of the project on time. Once the construction of the hotel was finished it took us some time to establish the quality of all the hotel services. Now the main challenge remains in successfully maintaining a strong position in the market, following and setting trends, and innovating to keep the product and guests’ satisfaction at the highest level. Q: In your opinion why do guests choose to visit Opatija? Opatija is a destination with a distinctive advantage when it comes to accessibility; it is very well connected with the central and western European countries. As soon as Croatia became a part of the EU it became even easier for foreign guests to visit Opatija. In conjunction with the accessibility, Opatija’s strong attributes in terms of natural and historical beauties are its mild climate, historical congress and meeting capacities and recognizably great service, along with the exclusive offer in terms of Gastronomy & Oenology, which makes it a popular and a well-established destination. Q: What are your future plans? Our goal is to never stop improving the product value and the satisfaction we provide. However, some of the projects envisaging implementation 189

Q: Do you also organise business meetings and does your hotel have the capacity and/or the facilities (indoor or outdoor) to welcome a larger group of people? We often host business meetings and team building events in our hotel. Moreover, most of the autumn/winter season the hotel is booked by guests from the business tourism sector. We have a meeting room with a capacity for hosting 40 people (depending on the set-up) but often we have used other facilities, for instance the restaurant, to expand our meeting room capacity, or to provide an alternative venue for guests in creating a more casual environment. The beautiful restaurant terrace can and has been used as a venue for dinner parties or casual work. Q: Do you also engage in promoting business and MICE tourism in conjunction with Villa Kapetanović? We often work with large companies that often require more meeting space and/or a dynamic working environment. On these occasions, we work closely with the Hotel Villa Kapetanović, which has larger meeting capacities and is in close proximity of the Hotel Navis. Our complimentary shuttle service additionally makes the experience enjoyable, enabling guests to easily move between the two hotels without using their own vehicle. Q: What was the last event you organised? Among last events we have organised were large presentations and workshops for an established pharmaceutical company in cooperation with Slovenian doctors, where new products and medical procedures were presented by distinguished doctors and medical workers. Q: What would you like to share with our readers? I would just like to add, for those who have not had the opportunity to visit Navis, that Navis is not only a place where one comes to fulfil his/her needs, but is also a place where a guest becomes a part of the family. The panoramic views overlooking the Kvarner bay will take your breath away and make you want to come back. If you find it difficult to take my word for it, you will just have to come down and see for yourself.

Hot Destinations

HOT DESTINATIONS Around the regional top meeting hotels with Kongres magazine REGENT PORTO MONTENGRO, Tivat, Montenegro Category: Resort meeting hotel The hotel sets new regional hoteliers’ standards and sets Montenegro among the most luxurious tourist destinations. It is not surprising that it was nominated for World Luxury Awards for 2015. Ratings of its individual criteria speak for themselves; the hotel offers comfort, a range of top quality materials, luxurious elegance and a high quality offer of its spa centre for which a visit is a special experience and why many famous and rich people have already visited Regent Porto Montenegro. You too can book your corner among the VIPs in one of its 51 rooms. Hotel Fantasy

KEMPINSKI PALACE HOTEL, Portorož, Slovenia Category: Resort meeting hotel

Divine Slovenian Luxury

The Kempinski Hotel is the only five-star superior hotel in Slovenia. This means that the rooms are spacious and well-equipped, as befits a top hotel. The interior colour is subdued, of modern design and appears prestigious, whilst offering a lot of style and freshness. The technical equipment showcases the hotel’s technological sophistication. The modern convention centre is prestigious and well-equipped. Six conference rooms have natural daylight and the largest hall can accommodate up to 220 participants. The heart of the convention offer is Crystal Hall, which post-renovation shines in full splendour and which in addition to the Union Hall in Ljubljana is the most prestigious conference and banquet hall in Slovenia. It opens onto a century-old park, which is an attractive venue for outdoor events.

RADISSON BLU OLD MILL HOTEL BELGRADE, Belgrade, Serbia Category: City meeting hotel Radisson Old Mill took a risk and it has succeeded. It seems they have captured just the right aesthetic balance. Top quality ingredients are never wrapped with ballast and the new space is balanced with the story of the former mill. The result is an elegant concept of an authentic hotel, a cult restaurant and a dynamic lounge bar, which gives a new dimension to Belgrade tourism and sets new standards.

Omg Experience

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Hot Destinations

FALKENSTEINER HOTEL & SPA IADERA, Zadar, Croatia Category: Resort meeting hotel The overall impression of the new resort is an extremely good one. The hotel follows the known standards of the Falkensteiner group and is an excellent choice for incentive and product launches, as well as smaller conferences. It is important to avoid the high tourist season, go for less frequented dates and carefully plan the arrivals logistics. From what we saw and experienced we can only give it a firm nod of approval.

Beyond Meetings

GRAND HOTEL UNION, Ljubljana, Slovenia Category: City Meeting hotel The taste of meeting organisers can be unpredictable and difficult to follow, but the choice of Grand Hotel Union is definitely a right one, due to the excellent convention halls and, of course, the flexible and friendly staff. In the Ljubljana conference offer the Grand Hotel Union reigns. An excellent hotel for convention gourmets and a true flag bearer of the Ljubljana hotel conference offer since 1905

Excellence in the Heart of Ljubljana

D-RESORT, Ĺ ibenik, Croatia Category: Resort meeting hotel Where a former navy military barracks once stood, today a luxury resort owned by the Turkish Dogus Group company stands as part of the new Marina Mandalina. Architecturally the hotel is highly impressive, yet at the same time remains completely personalised. The decision to reveal the natural concrete skeleton of the building is exceptional and throws up new architectural surprises. The youthful and inspired personnel and this amazing city with its urban culture and very special joyfulness really stand out.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on www.kongres-magazine.eu latest HIDDEN GUEST reviews.

Seducer of both Heart and Mind

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ave you ever heard that storytelling is the most efficient communication mechanism for establishing relationships with consumers? We believe it is the best way to attract customers, to connect with them and start building a long term relationship. As the only specialists in B2B content marketing in the field of meetings industry in the region we know what we are talking about. For years we have been producing creative content that has aroused interest of our loyal audience :

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The year 2016 is just around the corner. Plan your marketing activities ahead. Add Kongres Magazine to your marketing plan today to help shape the meetings industry of tomorrow! We offer fast solutions to two of the most common problems in marketing:

You have the right content but don’t have the right audience or a wide enough reach? With Kongres Magazine we guarantee your content will reach your target audience! How? Easy. With wide distribution and the ideal audience. Each story Kongres Magazine publishes is distributed at least three times and reaches: • Print magazines readers • Web portal readers & social media followers • Newsletters subscribers (weekly newsletters)

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Conventions don´t have to be conventional A business trip to Madrid seems less like hard work than most. Sunny weather, conveniently located conference venues and gourmet lunches are just some of the bonuses for when you visit on business. A er a busy day, Madrid’s famous museums and elegant stores are a great way to recharge before sampling the vibrant nightlife. info.mcb@esmadrid.com (+34) 91 758 55 28 www.esmadrid.com/mcb

Relax over tapas in an outdoor café or dance until dawn. Whatever you do, Madrid is the business.

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Conventa Addendum

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9 NEW EUROPE EXHIBITION FOR MEETINGS, EVENTS & INCENTIVE TRAVEL

• Its great value for money.

WHY CONVENTA

• You can meet and network with key meeting industry players of SE and Central Europe and emerging destinations. • One2One meetings will give you a chance to get personal. • You will experience first-hand the South-East European hospitality. • You can build and position your brand with Conventa yearround promotion.

www.conventa.info

Conventa Addendum

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Conventa Addendum

TH NEW EUROPE EXHIBITION FOR MEETINGS, EVENTS & INCENTIVE TRAVEL

Explore the emerging destinations of Europe over a cup of coffee

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THE BOUTIQUE MEETINGS MARKET IS BACK AND THIS TIME IT’S PERSONAL Once you’ve seen what CONVENTA can do for you in two days you’ll never want aything else.

WWW.CONVENTA.INFO

18 - 19 JANUARY 2017, Ljubljana—Slovenia

Conventa Addendum

CONVENTA LAUNCHES CONVENTA CROSSOVER CONFERENCE Best experts in MICE Marketing and Tourism in one place

CROSSOVER

CRO

The Future of MICE and Travel Marketing

The T

onventa 2017 is proud to announce the first event organized under its patronage. Meetings industry is already buzzing about Conventa Crossover conference, the new international conference dedicated to the future of MICE and travel marketing. Meet the “Conventa Crossover Content Bartenders” that will be pouring you a tall glass of knowledge from 29 to 30 August 2016 at Hotel Lev, Ljubljana, and register to ensure your seat at the ”it” event of this summer. The Conventa Crossover conference will be a conference like no other. Fresh, creative and most of all bold! As a new joint project of Conventa Academy, Inside and Travel Zoom conference, Conventa Crossover will in a new and diverse format bring to the meetings industry professionals a better understanding of the future of B2B marketing events. Organized by the agency Toleranca Marketing/Go.Mice and Conventa Trade show with a strong support of Ljubljana Tourism and Union Hotels, the conference is intended for meeting planners, meeting providers, congress destinations and all professionals closely related to tourism and marketing industry. Gorazd Čad, Director of Toleranca Marketing and main organizer of the conference: “We are extremely excited to be able to welcome the best professionals from the meetings industry business and marketing in Ljubljana. Our region desperately needs educational conferences dedicated

Different participation packages are available for delegates that can enjoy the Early Bird Fee till 30 June 2016.

197 to events and experience marketing. That’s why this year we are introducing Conventa Crossover to meetings industry players who are aware of the importance of contact learning and improving their business skills. For us it is a step up from the educational events we have been successfully organizing in the past since this event will offer a “crossover” to a new conference experience. Ordinary or average is no longer good enough for us! We love a challenge and that’s why Conventa Crossover is turning boring marketing events upside down. Join us in August in Hotel Lev to see what’s trending right now and how you can prepare for the future of MICE and travel marketing.” This “out of the box” conference will ensure a deepened personal engagement, a more authentic experience and live interaction with speaker by offering different programme formats; marketing ring where speakers will go head to head in a TEDEx format presentations, content bar where they will address the audience in pecha kucha 20×20 format, workshops, elevator pitches corner, etc. Many speakers have already confirmed their participations including Rene Messati (Trend One), Colja Dams (Vok Dams), Thorsteinn Örn Gudmundsson (Meet in Reykjavik), Ciara Feely (FindaConferenceVenue.com), Martijn Timmermans (The Red Line Project & Event StoryBoard canvas), Damjan Obal (UX & Design at GVC group), Tomislav Čeh (Union Hotels), Ivana Preiss (52 Hours Design), Aoife McCrum (SoolNua), Magdalina Atanassova (Kenes Group), Antonia Radić (EX-ALTO), Lea Lipovšek (Madwise), Jovana Miljanović (JM Consulting), Ottavio Cambieri (Mash Machine) and Marcel Wassink (Supervent),… New knowledge, ideas and business advice will not be the only attraction Conventa Crossover will be serving. The fresh and dynamic conference setting prepared by Hotel Lev and their culinary delights prepared by the tattooed chefs will amaze the delegates used to attending conferences of a standard format. For more information on the event please visit www.crossover.si

Conventa Addendum

CATCH THE EARLY BUS TO CONVENTA! Early Bird Registration For Exhibitors At Conventa 2017 Is Available Till Mid-June

egistrations for Conventa 2017, leading B2B trade show for Meetings, Events & Incentive Travel in New Europe, have already begun. Already the 9th year in a row, meetings industry providers from New Europe will take the exhibition floor and proudly present their offer at Conventa 2017 in Ljubljana, from 18th to 19th of January 2017.

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Those who have not yet reserved their exhibition booth should do it before taking off for the summer. Till the 15th of June exhibitors can take advantage of the Early Bird free and save up to 25% as well as start early with their year-round promotion available in scope of Conventa.

Once you’ll see what Conventa can do for you, you’ll not want to try anything else!

Here are the reasons why choosing Conventa ahead of any other trade shows for meetings, events and incentives is a smart thing to do: • Conventa acts on ROI principle: providing a business-oriented platform to develop individual business relationships with targeted meeting industry audiences in a cost- and time efficient manner • Quality new buyers, all cherry-picked: Every year around 90 % of buyers are new. In 2016, more than 62% of hosted buyers were rated as good or excellent by exhibitors. • Face-to-face business development: The most successful form of selling and of building a personal and direct relationship with meeting industry clients is offered at Conventa. • Stress free matchmaking: More relaxed One2One meetings and networking in a cosy atmosphere during non-stop coffee break lounges, lunch and evening receptions is what makes Conventa a friendly trade show. • Social matchmaking: Conventa is fully hosted show. All exhibitors are entitled to participate at and enjoy all social events. Exclusive catering and entertainment enables stress free matchmaking with all participating hosted buyers. • The most hospitable trade show: Friendliness and effectiveness of show organizer was rated 4,52 out of 5 in 2016.

• You are not just a number, it’s personalized: Every exhibitor gets full personal support and attention of the Conventa team. Compared to other shows, Conventa is just the right size to help you stand out from the rest, position your brand, products and services to a targeted audience and take the best advantage of yearround marketing opportunities. • Great reputation and trust: In only 8 years, Conventa has recorded 1.974 hosted buyers from 460 countries, its exhibition floor has been filled by 1.037 exhibitors from 17 different countries, 23.816 bilateral talks were held over the years and 13.714 One2One meetings have been pre-scheduled. • Conventa Experience: A new trade show experience that awakens your senses and delivers positive business results!v For even more reasons to participate at Conventa 2017 or more information, please contact Mrs. Natalija Bah Čad by mail at natalija@conventa.info or by phone on +386 1 430 51 03. More information about Conventa 2017: www.conventa.si Early bird registration for exhibitors: www.conventa.si/about-us/ registration-for-exhibitors/

Conventa Addendum

Based on Conventa exhibitor satisfaction survey results from 2016, eighty percent of exhibitors will very likely exhibit also at Conventa 2017 and 97,8 % of them would recommend the show also to their colleagues.

Meeting providers about Conventa “Conventa is one of the leading MICE fairs in South East Europe, and gives suppliers the chance to meet professionals from all around the world interested in discovering this area’s opportunities. I would recommend the show to my colleagues, since the high profile of the hosted buyers is a plus and the worshop’s format, one to one pre-arranged meetings, gives the opportunity to meet interesting and really interested people.” Brenda Lee Fabro, Agenzia TurismoFVG, Italy

199 “As event & meetings provider it is good to be at Conventa as you can get in touch with future partners and also to see what is on the market. I would recommend it to my partners.” Matic Vozlič, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Ljubljana, Slovenia “Conventa is bringing CD Congress Centre and our services closer to wider professional audience – to hosted buyers with the interest shown in the region. I would definitely recommend the show to my colleagues. It is business oriented with an appropriate mix of quality suppliers and buyers.” Maja Vidergar, CD Congress Centre, Slovenia

MEETINGS MYTH: Conventa helps meeting providers save money. CONFIRMED: Only at Conventa exhibitors pay only 9 Euros for a lead which is one-tenth of the price paid by the exhibitors at other major trade shows.

‘’Conventa offers many new opportunities and by that it unlocks new sources of business connections. Let’s face it - no type of advertising can be a substitute for face-to-face meetings and Conventa concept of offering this is simple and most effective one. Conventa changed the MICE world in Slovenia!’’ Tomislav Čeh, Union Hotels, Slovenia

Conventa Addendum

MEETING PROVIDERS ABOUT CONVENTA – HOSTED BUYERS ABOUT CONVENTA Conventa, a place to be if you are working in meetings & incentive industry Supply and demand side of the meetings & incentive industry meet at Conventa A sophisticated and personal trade show where supply and demand side of the meetings & incentives industry gathers every year. For the 9th consecutive year more than 140 major congress destinations, hotels, venues, incentive providers, catering companies and airlines will be coming to Conventa from all over Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, etc. And meeting planners will be able to meet with them in person!

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The friendliest boutique show will take place in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, from 18th to 19th January 2017. Discover new destinations in one place With so many and diverse countries participating at Conventa, the trade show introduces meeting planners to around 15 different New European destinations each year. Some destinations are included in this issue of Meetologue, but in order to truly discover their advantages for holding meetings, events, congresses and incentives, meeting planners will have the opportunity to attend fam trip to selected destinations organized in scope of Conventa. In 2017, hosted buyers will be able to personally experience Ljubljana, Bled, Portorož, Zagreb and also some other main destinations in Slovenia and Croatia. Applying for hosted buyer programme Meeting planners can apply for a hosted buyer programme at Conventa that offers them a true Conventa Experience – business, education & pleasure. This fully hosted programme if fitted for Kings & Queens of the Meetings Industry. To find out more and apply please visit www.conventa.si

MYTH: Conventa helps meeting planners save money. CONFIRMED: Only at Conventa an investment of 25 EUR brings hosted buyers a VIP treatment worth 1.200 EUR.

Meeting providers about Conventa “The fact that I come to the Conventa show and find all the partners in the region at the show, means I can do in an hour, maximum two days, what would take me five days or even more to do as I would have to travel among other countries in the region.”

Have a cup of coffee with us!

Linda Pereira, Senior Partner and CEO of the L&I Communications Group Every year the organizers of Conventa upgrade the hosted buyer experience. “I am so happy to have been there and the visit of Ljubljana and the post tour in Zagreb were just amazing. I hope that I will have very soon groups to your wonderful area, since the people, the landscape and the atmosphere is simply great.”

Have a cup of coffee with us!

Jo le Hec’h-Besson, International Venue Finder, HelmsBriscoe “I had never been to Slovenia before I attended Conventa. All I can say is WOW WOW WOW !!!! What a magical, beautiful place with so many possibilities for my MICE groups to enjoy such an incredible place. The Tour Guide, the wonderful staff from the Convention Bureau were very much part of what made the experience special. The history, the architecture, the amazing foods and delicious wines which were so plentiful were incredible.” Annette Fitzgerald, Marketing Director at Top Events Limited, Ireland

Conventa Addendum

CONVENTA DIRECT RESULTS 2009 – 2016 EIGHT years or results 1,974 HOSTED BUYERS FROM 46 COUNTRIES 1037 EXHIBITORS FROM 17 COUNTRIES 21,160 BILATERAL TALKS 23,816 ONE2ONE PRESCHEDULED MEETINGS The development of Conventa:

2007

• The first trade show hosted 35 exhibitors and 40 hosted buyers • First ‘Simex’, predecessor of the Conventa show • Development of One2One system for pre-scheduling meetings

2008

• 50 exhibitors and for the first time over 100 hosted buyers • Decision to expand the project across borders • First catalogue: Meet in SEE

2009

• 82 exhibitors and for the first time over 157 hosted buyers • The launch of the Conventa brand • Over 3,000 One2One meetings • The start of ‘Academy Conventa’

2010

• Exceeding 100 exhibitors • 266 hosted buyers • Conventa starts to recognise outstanding achievements by granting awards • The launch of the Meeting Services spot

2011

• 23 % more exhibitors from 9 SEE countries • 271 hosted buyers • The launch of the Conventa Wild Card programme • Conventa Hall of Fame award granted for the first time

• 2,232 billateral talks • Conventa wins Sustainable Stand Award at EIBTM • Introduction of ‘Eco Day’ and ‘Eco Village’ • Conventa hosted first IMEX-MPIMCI Future Leaders Forum

2012

• 142 exhibitors • 10 SEE destinations presented at the show • Conventa TV – broadcasting live for the first time • The launch of the Conventa mobile site • Conventa hosts Meeting Star Awards for the first time

2013

• Expanding the borders – Turkey joins the Conventa exhibitors • Hosting the SEEPCO meeting • Celebrating the 5-year anniversary – Conventa give me five! • Inside award granted for the first time at Conventa • Introducing Conventa mingling

2014

• The largest number of international meeting planners in the history of the show (over 200) • The highest quality hosted buyers (62.78 % were rated as good or excellent by exhibitors) • Introduction of 6 Es (Experience, Engagement, Education, Emotions, Energy and Entertainment) • Congress destinations presented in the highest number so far (12)

• A record number of pre-arranged meetings (3,158) • The best and most extensive educational programme offered (3 days overall) • First Conventa Ambassador

2015

• Record number of hosted buyers (279) • 146 exhibitors • 3,365 One2One meetings • For the first time Conventa invites emerging destinations of New Europe • Congress destinations presented in the highest number so far (15) • Adding another E to the mix • Introducing Conventa Valley • Exhibitors at Meeting Services Spot get their own One2One system • More media partners than ever

2016

• Conventa Best event award for the first time • In conjuction with SITE Society for Incentive Travel Excellence – SITE educational day • New partnership with Turkish Airlines • Record number of participants from New Europe • Mobile one-to-one system for meetings • Highlighting experience (sound, touch, taste, smell, feel, sight) • Special blend of Conventa Coffee

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Conventa Addendum

“TO BE, OR NOT TO BE” IS NOT A QUESTION Why participating at Conventa is a smart marketing decision

WHY MEETING PROVIDERS SHOULD EXHIBIT?

DISCOVERING NEW DESTINATIONS Conventa opens your meetings horizons. The trade show introduces you to around 15 different New European destinations, 140 meeting providers and offers a personal experience of one destination of your choice at a fam trip.

MEETING CHERRY-PICKED BUYERS Around 90 % of meeting planners are new to the show each year and they all have to meet the organiser’s strict criteria in order to acquire hosted buyer status.

ALL EXPENSES COVERED The hosted buyer programme includes a complimentary economy return air ticket from selected destinations, local transfers, accommodation, meals, evening receptions and a fam trip.

NETWORKING EVERY STEP OF THE WAY Conventa is the only trade show that organises joint social events, making sure exhibitors and hosted buyers can continue networking beyond the trade show hours.

PERSONAL ITINERARY OF APPOINTMENTS You get access to the online hosted buyer zone, where you can schedule one-to-one appointments with the exhibiting companies of your interest.

MARKETING THROUGH CONVENTA CHANNELS Conventa continuously communicates with more than 50,000 meeting professionals. Promoting exhibitors and your stories is what we do successfully 365 days a year.

VIP TREATMENT You will feel like Royals with the 24/7 support of the Conventa team, enjoying great hospitality and positive energy in a relaxed atmosphere all packed into a one-ofa-kind Conventa experience.

GAINING NEW KNOWLEDGE It has always been important to offer free of charge professional education to you as part of the Conventa experience and on the other hand also give you a chance to educate others about what you do best during the show at our Experts’ corner.

GAINING NEW KNOWLEDGE Conventa offers several educational modules discussing relevant topics, following trends and answering burning questions. All free of charge and led by the best meetings industry professionals!

The 9TH Conventa will be held from 18 to 19 January 2017 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

WWW.CONVENTA.INFO

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SAVING TIME AND MONEY In just two days you have the chance to meet around 170 international and more than 100 regional and Slovene buyers, all in one place. What will impress your financial department most is that at Conventa you pay for a lead only one-tenth of the price you pay at other trade shows.

WHY MEETING PLANNERS SHOULD APPLY FOR HOSTED BUYER STATUS?

Conventa Addendum

CONVENTA EXPERIENCE TOUR 2016 Road trip like no other Based on successful Balkan road trip in 2015, main organisers of Conventa, Gorazd Čad and Miha Kovačič took the Conventa slogan “Business is personal” and turned it to reality. During the first week of May, they visited 4 countries of Southeast Europe (Bosnia and Hercegovina, Montenegro, Albania and Croatia) on so called Conventa Experience Tour 2016.

The Conventa Experience Tour 2016 in numbers:

• 9 stages (Sarajevo – Podgorica – Tirana – Budva – Tivat – Dubrovnik – Split – Šibenik – Zadar) • 4 countries (Bosnia and Hercegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Croatia), • more than 1818 kilometres driven • more than 40 meetings with professionals from the whole region.

The Conventa experience Tour 2016 route:

Ljubljana – Sarajevo – Podgorica – Tirana – Budva – Tivat – Dubrovnik – Split – Šibenik – Zadar – Ljubljana. The Conventa Experience Tour 2016 started on Sunday, the 15th of May in front of Hotel Lev of Union Hotels, which were also the sponsor of the road trip. Tour was designed to personally meet and greet important project partners and potential new partners of Conventa 2017 trade show, which will be held in Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, from 18 to 19 January 2017.

Conventa team was happy again to have a chance for individual and personal approach. The Balkan hospitality again proved to be one of the region’s biggest advantages. *** Conventa Experience Tour on social media: The Conventa Experience Trip 2016 was also very active on social media and you could follow Conventa team on FB and Twitter(#conventaexperience) and actively participate in road trip.

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Inside Ljubljana

LJUBLJANA WILL HOST 14 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESSES IN JUNE In June experts from the fields of architecture, advertising, textiles, political sciences, veterinary medicine, physics, information systems, social security and education will meet in Ljubljana. The capital is expected to welcome around 3,700 delegates from all over the world attending international conferences, congresses and a European forum. Conferences also marked by the Green Ljubljana Ljubljana Convention Bureau is pleased that organizers of international events have decided to dedicate their events also to Ljubljana as the European Green Capital 2016. Thus, the Faculty of Law will host a conference on “Greening the Urban Living”, while the Slovenian Forestry Institute is organizing the European Forum for Urban Forestry (EFUF 2016). The latter made a contest for the best blog on the topic of urban forestry and thus

a lot of interesting contributions are available even before the start of the forum. The World Lace Congress will bring the largest attendance in June From 24 - 26 June 2016 Ljubljana will be hosting the 17th World Congress OIDFA - the international organization for bobbin and needle lace. Organizers expect around 800 international participants. The main program will be held at the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, however from 20 June and until 2 July you have a chance to see a whole range of lace exhibitions in Ljubljana and at the Slovenian lace making centres. The organisers are also preparing a special Mega Lace Making Event which will be held on Thursday, 23rd June. Lace makers from 31 countries will present their work on one of the main streets in the city centre of the capital. Tips for Incentives from Ljubljana

Ljubljana Beer Experience Photo: Foto Bobo

Ljubljana has a very long tradition of brewing, proof of which are 3,900-year-old beer barrels excavated at the Ljubljana Marshes. The earliest known brewery in our city dates back at least to 1592! In recent years, the popularity of craft beers made by different microbreweries in Ljubljana and its surrounding area is growing rapidly. On this new incentive programme you will have a chance to visit five different drink outlets, taste eight different beers made by five different breweries, see the Brewery Museum, set up by the Pivovarna Union brewery, where the popular Union beer has been brewed since 1864, and round off your experience at the Pivnica Union pub.

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Inside Ljubljana

City Hotel Ljubljana Renovated and Upgraded City Hotel Ljubljana has a long family tradition, since it has been opened already in 1903. May 2016 is the month when they started writing a new story with fully renovated old rooms, including bathrooms and a new hall called »Above the City«, where you can wonder off for a little bit and admire the magnificence of the Ljubljana Castle. City within the City The director of sales and marketing at City Hotel Ljubljana, Tina Možina, explains: “Already since its beginnings the hotel was closely connected to our capital. When renovating the hotel, we wanted to highlight this link and maintain our tradition. In an effort to catch the hidden and different views of Ljubljana, we have teamed up with Žiga Koritnik, the renowned photographer. Therefore, the black and

white wallpapers proudly show our common story, the story of the City within the City. ‘’ Possibilities for various events The fully equipped conference centre with four bright meeting rooms is an optimal venue for smaller meetings. These individual units can be flexibly arranged into six combinations, their maximum capacity being 200 seats theatre-style when joined together. In warmer months, the summer terrace is a spot for coffee breaks or cocktail parties, while the spacious restaurant, renowned for its exquisite culinary tradition, is most suitable for business lunches. With adding the new hall “Above the City”, where you can have receptions in colder months, their offer is rounded.

A New Version of the visitljubljana.com Website Released April this year saw the release of a new version of the official tourist website of Ljubljana and the Central Slovenia region, managed by Ljubljana Tourism. The website, updated technically, visually, and in terms of content, now features a reconceived version of the MyVisit planner, which enables visitors to create their own guide to Ljubljana, updated conference pages, and a whole range of smaller improvements, such as the transition to a new e-news system and the integration of the website’s map with Google Maps’ route planner. Special sections for event organizers The website also includes a special Ljubljana Convention Bureau section, intended for conference and meeting organizers. The section has been better suited to trends on the global market for international meetings. Apart from an improved conference facility search function, content and visually improved layout, it now also features descriptions of incentive programmes, complete with enquiry forms allowing conference and meeting organizers to get in touch directly with the providers. An award-winning entrance point for exploring Ljubljana and Central Slovenia The visitljubljana.com website was

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launched in 2008. Since 2011, it has been promoting tourism not only in Ljubljana, but also in 25 of its surrounding municipalities forming the region of Central Slovenia. In 2012, the visitljubljana.com website was one of the first websites in Slovenia to use responsive web design and enable optimal viewing experiences on mobiles and tablets. The same year, it earned Ljubljana Tourism the Netko 2012 award for ‘Best Digital Project’ in the category Media and Information Portals. In 2014, Ljubljana Tourism received the international Digital Tourism Think Tank Award in the category of website content for the website’s Tours and Trips section. In order to enable easier access to the content intended for conference and meeting organizers, Ljubljana Convention Bureau introduces a new, shorter URL that will direct the visitors to the Ljubljana Convention Bureau section of the official tourist website of Ljubljana. To Meet in Ljubljana, you are kindly invited to visit www. meetinljubljana.com.

Inside Ljubljana

Ljubljana Wins a New Congress for September 2016 Due to unforeseeable circumstances, the Organising Committee of the 34th FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine had to propose a change in location from the originally planned Istanbul. Among several cities, such as Belgrade and Valencia, whose congress centres could offer the availability in the same date, Ljubljana with the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre was confirmed in the end of March. This was just days after the first site inspection, during which Mr. Onur Yeniyigit, Director of Congresses at DEKON Congress & Tourism, assessed the feasibility in the destination.

DEKON’s Operational Site Inspection in Ljubljana Mrs. Tatjana Radovic, Congress Manager at Ljubljana Convention Bureau, was also in charge of organizing and executing the site inspection for a part of the operations team - the Project Manager, Mr. Berk Yumer, and Mr. Adnan Canli. While also getting a feel of the city they visited the main congress venue as well as several hotels and potential venues for the gala dinner. Did you know that there are 13 diverse options in a walking distance from the main square in Ljubljana?

About FIMS 34th FIMS World Sports Medicine Congress is an event which attracts around 1,500 delegates from all over the world. Despite the change of destination, the Turkish Sports Medicine Association will continue to lead the Congress organization, supported by the Slovenian Sports Medicine Association and DEKON as the professional congress organiser.

Dedication and Good Cooperation Ljubljana Convention Bureau team is always pleased when they see that the cooperation and professional dedication are always at the forefront in their partners’ minds. Therefore, foreign Meeting Planners always feel at ease that everything will be great for their event, which was also the case with the 34th FIMS Congress that happened on a very short notice.

How can Ljubljana Convention Bureau assist in organizing international events can be viewed on their website www.meetinljubljana.com.

Photo: Tatjana Radovič (Ljubljana Tourism) and a representative of DEKON Group next to the new WOW installation in Ljubljana

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Best event I’ve worked on? »HEALTHY!«

»BE PREPARED!«

ESRA Congress 2015 The European Society of Regional Anasthesia & Pain Therapy, scientific programme combined with exhibition

The 40th World Scout Conference with over 1200 people from 130 countries

»CELEBRITIES!«

»SOUNDS PERFECT!«

Naomi Campbell, Kevin Costner, Ben Affleck … Gala receptions of the Diners Club Slovenia

Kurzschluss, the hottest pop up festival club in Ljubljana, with Europe’s finest music talentsevery December

»FAST AND EFFECTIVE AS A SUPERSONIC CAR!« The 5th Trade for Automotive parts

GR-L JUBL JANA Exhibition and Convention Centre

w w w.gr-congress.si

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ACE OF M.I.C.E. EXHIBITION 2017 Opens Its Doors to MICE Professionals for the 4th Time!

urkey’s one and only congress, meeting and event industry exhibition, “ACE of M.I.C.E. Exhibition”, will for the 4th time host MICE professionals in the Istanbul Congress Centre and Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar – ICEC from 22-24 February 2017 with the organisation of Tourism Media Group. ACE of M.I.C.E. Exhibition brings under the same roof MICE professionals from Turkey and around the world, and is the nation’s leading organisation of the meeting, congress and event industry. The exhibition offers 3 days of B2B meetings during which it will simultaneously host symposia, conferences and network activities. As the congress, meeting and event sector’s biggest international gathering the 2016 ACE of M.I.C.E. Exhibition hosted 339 exhibitors on its 3rd outing and thousands of extra visitors filled the exhibition area. Numerous seminars and panels were held at the exhibition and offered the chance for nationally and internationally renowned industry names to meet and engage with attendees. Event planners and congress organisers from 24 different countries, including Spain, Azerbaijan, Austria and Greece, attended the ACE of M.I.C.E. Exhibition.

since the early 2000s it has become one of the country’s industrial powers. Beyond the seasonal holiday period the country’s tourism sector is stable, but with the recent growth of the MICE industry there have also been exciting developments both in national and international tourism. The MICE industry has been understood as a branch of tourism most of the time, even by industry professionals, but of late it has developed its own focus in terms of both content and operation. From this the importance of exhibitions and summits that bring together industry stakeholders has increased, and in particular the ACE of M.I.C.E. Exhibition has filled an important gap in the congress, meeting and event industry by organising an effective and efficient platform for the key players of the sector to come together. In the wider region, including the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, Middle East and the Black Sea countries, the meetings sector is growing. Turkey has consequently become a top destination and market, with Istanbul in particular since 2010 being one of the top 10 global congress tourism destinations on the international rankings.

Growth and Awareness in the MICE Industry Have Been Increasing The MICE industry that for a number of decades already has been growing dynamically and enriching countries’ economies has more recently also been developing very rapidly in Turkey. In the mid-90s the industry really took off and

B2B Meetings = Business Power of the Exhibition The Hosted Buyer Programme, which is the most important step of ACE of M.I.C.E. Exhibition, brought together national and international MICE companies with Hosted Buyers from Turkey and all over the World - Incentive

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companies, professional congress and sports organisers, event companies, DMCs, business and conference travel agencies, PR and advertisement agencies were all able to hold pre-scheduled B2B meetings through an online system, with meetings 20 minutes long and very beneficial for all parties involved. The number of hosted buyers at the exhibition has increased, which has strengthened the size of business and given hosted buyers the chance to build a strong business connection with MICE companies in Turkey. AME 2016 In Numbers Exhibition Area of 6,246 m 2 14,496 Visitors 339 Exhibitors 750 Hosted Buyers 9,843 B2B Meetings 62 Speakers at 25 Sessions for 3 days WE ARE GATHERING TOGETHER THE MICE INDUSTRY ONCE AGAIN IN 2017 AME 2017 presents the perfect opportunity to leading MICE industry companies from all around the world, as the exhibition will connect them with hosted buyers and help strengthen their business relationships. The exhibition is Turkey’s most extensive B2B event and next year it will gather exhibitors with national and international hosted buyers, MICE professionals, corporate companies and associations.

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Official Airline

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