Hosteltur Special MICE 2015 - English version

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Más de 140 hoteles de calidad en 17 países HOTELES NUEVOS O RENOVADOS DE 4é Y 5é

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COUNTRY

CITY

HOTEL

CATEGORY STARS

ROOMS

MEETING ROOMS

m2

FEET

MAX. THEATER

DOMINICAN REP.

PUNTA CANA

MEXICO

CANCUN

PARADISUS PALMA REAL

5

554

PARADISUS CANCÚN

5

678

14

4000

42510

1240

21

2880

31001

MEXICO

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

PARADISUS PLAYA DEL CARMEN LA ESMERALDA

5

1400

512

14

1677

18052

1100

MEXICO

PLAYA DEL CARMEN

PARADISUS PLAYA DEL CARMEN LA PERLA

5

394

10

1817

19559

1400

PUERTO RICO

SAN JUAN

GRAN MELIÁ PUERTO RICO

5

486

14

3432

36943

900

CHINA AUSTRIA

XIAN

GRAN MELIÁ XIAN

5

389

10

1633

17577

688

VIENNA

MELIÁ VIENNA

5

253

9

1089

11721

220

FRANCE

PARIS

MELIÁ PARIS LA DÉFENSE (2015)

369

8

487

5242

380

GERMANY

BERLIN

MELIÁ BERLÍN

4

364

7

1200

12917

650

GERMANY

DÜSSELDORF

MELIÁ DÜSSELDORF

4

201

9

1200

12917

240

GREAT BRITAIN

LONDON

ME LONDON

5

157

6

637

6857

300

ITALY

MILANO

MELIÁ MILANO

5

288

14

3574

38471

520

SPAIN

ALICANTE

MELIÁ ALICANTE

4

544

14

2208

23767

425

SPAIN

ALICANTE-C. Blanca

MELIÁ VILLAITANA

4

455

17

6000

64586

1000

SPAIN

BARCELONA

MELIÁ BARCELONA SARRIÀ

5

333

18

1536

16534

500

SPAIN

BARCELONA

MELIÁ BARCELONA SKY

5

258

12

1167

12562

360

SPAIN

BARCELONA

TRYP BARCELONA APOLO

4

314

10

915

9849

550

SPAIN

BARCELONA

TRYP BARCELONA CONDAL MAR

4

162

9

200

2153

250

SPAIN

BARCELONA-Sitges

MELIÁ SITGES

4

307

20

3628

39053

1380

SPAIN

BILBAO

MELIÁ BILBAO

5

211

7

519

5587

290

SPAIN

MADRID

MELIÁ CASTILLA

4

915

33

5744

17232

600

SPAIN

MADRID

MELIÁ MADRID PRINCESA

5

274

21

1800

19375

400

SPAIN

P. MALLORCA

GRAN MELIÁ VICTORIA

5

171

11

1184

12745

800

SPAIN

P. MALLORCA

MELIÁ PALAS ATENEA

4

361

18

1840

19806

370

SPAIN

SEVILLA

MELIÁ LEBREROS

4

437

16

2180

23466

550

SPAIN

TENERIFE

GRAN MELIÁ PALACIO DE ISORA

5

579

14

3000

32293

840

SPAIN

VALENCIA

MELIÁ VALENCIA

4

304

21

2258

24306

778

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EDITORIAL

INDEX

Spain is in a privileged position In line with the restraint of business behaviour, the professionals of congress, meetings and incentive tourism do not expect changes in spending but they do expect a moderate increase in the number of events and participants for 2014. For 2015, analyses predict a similar situation to that of 2014 in Spain; although the uncertainty of economic development all over Europe calls for caution to proceed over optimism. Spain’s position in the European market of meetings is sound. Maintaining this good position in the industry also depends on its capacity to respond to changes in demand and innovation. It is necessary to continue improving to maintain and improve the image of the brand and its position, work hard on aspects such as sustainability and originality and spare no efforts on investments in technology and management systems, as advised by experts. To sustain a global perspective of the destination, encourage public-private partnerships, work on the constant improvement of national and international travel connections, improve vocational training, enhance the professionalization of the industry and the fact of being able to adapt to new meeting formats are very important challenges that will help the industry to stay in the top positions of international rankings. Another key aspect will also be to maintain the flexibility offered by Spain as a destination, a quality that sets it apart from the rest of Europe and is emphasised by those managing business trips. Although the prospective analyses for Spain in 2015 are more optimistic than in the rest of Europe, where it is uncertain how major economies will evolve and this is therefore making it difficult to clearly predict their immediate future, this industry must strive to maintain the quality standards that have positioned it as the world’s third congress destination.

ANDALUSÍA

AND 34 > 57

AST

ASTURIAS 60 > 63

CAT

CATALONIA 68 > 85 COMUNITAT

COM VALENCIANA 86 > 91

BAL

CI

BALEARIC ISLANDS 100 > 113 CANARY ISLANDS 114 > 123 MADRID

MAD 128 > 141

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Hosteltur MICE 2015

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REP

Spain hosts over 19,000 events a year and in 2013, the number of participants increased by 13.4%, exceeding 3.5 million

Spain is the world’s third destination for congress tourism Spain is the world’s third destination for congress tourism, behind the United States and Germany and a favourite for European professionals when choosing a destination for their work trips; it has a market share of 54%. Its evolution as a destination for congresses has been exponential and has multiplied by nearly fifty in the last fifty years.

A

ccording to the International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) annual ranking, Spain is the world’s third congress destination, hosting 562 large events in 2013, 2.1% more than the previous year. The country has become one of the world’s leading destinations for congress tourism and it has done so very rapidly. Twenty years ago, in 1995, it hosted 122 international meetings and ranked eighth worldwide. The report prepared by ICCA on the occasion of its 50th anniversary makes this evident: in the five-year period from 1963 to 1967 Spain hosted 51 major international events and from 2008 to 2012 it hosted 2,523. If the number of events has multiplied by 50, the number of participants has done so by 18, passing from 61,540 delegates between 1963 and 1967 to 1,105,736 in the five-year period from 2008 to 2012. In the sixties, Spain hosted 2.8% of all major international meetings, currently it hosts 4.6%. The reason why Spain is so well positioned in the MICE segment is because it is home to two of the world’s most prominent cities in this segment. It is also home to several very professional medium-sized cities that also offer excellent tourism resources and an incomparable entertainment and complementary offering. Madrid and Barcelona are ranked second and forth in ICCA’s prestigious annual ranking; 6

Especial MICE 2015

Paris is currently first. For the preparation of this ranking the reference organisation in this industry collects data from 1,678 destinations. Madrid, with 186 major events, 13% more than the previous year, has gone from fourth position in 2012 to second in 2013, when in 2008 it was in twenty-second place. Barcelona, with 179 events, has gone from fifth place to fourth. From 2001, year-after-year, the Catalan capital has ranked among the top five destinations for international meetings.

The position held by these two important cities is a good example of Spain’s soundness as an international destination for congresses, meetings and incentives. More participants In 2013, the last fully closed financial year, Spain hosted 19,619 meetings, 1.5% less than the previous year; however it congregated 3.5 million participants, 13.4% more, with an average 175 participants per meeting according


to data provided by Spain Convention Bureau (SCB). In 2014, SCB members hope for a moderate increase in the number of meetings and participants and a similar amount of spending as that of 2013.

The direct economic impact of congress tourism totalled 4,270 million Euros in 2013 The information obtained indicates that the industry consolidates its organisational activity of congresses, conventions and meetings with nearly 4,000 more meetings than in 2010, the number of participants is growing and surmounting record numbers of 2010 and 2008. The figures obtained indicate that the industry has consolidated its activity for congresses, conventions and meetings with the organisation of almost 4,000 more events than in 2010. The number of participants has also grown and has caught up with the record braking numbers of 2010 and 2008. Both the number of congresses and the number of meetings have grown in compari-

36% of meetings are held in hotels. In the picture, Hotel Melià Alicante’s Almirante meeting room.

son to 2012. Conventions are the only type of meetings to have fallen. More than half of the meetings organised were one day seminars (56.2%), congregating 41.7% of total number of participants; another 5,527 were conventions and the rest, 3,062 were congresses. The

number of participants to attend conferences was 1.4 million, in conventions they were less than a million and the number of participants to have attended congresses exceeded this figure. The number of national meetings has increased, representing almost half (47.6%); and

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Hosteltur MICE 2015

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this is also the case of regional meetings, representing almost 30%. The number of international meetings has fallen and now represents 22.8% of the total. SCB believes that these figures reflect a recovery in domestic demand, although the number of foreign visitors to have attended events in Spain is also highly significant: 991,697, representing 28.9% of the total. In comparison to 2012, in quantitative terms, the number of visitors from other countries has grown by around 50,000 people.

In 2014 it is expected that expenditure will not vary although a moderate increase in the number of meetings and participants is expected SCB’s analysis shows that more meetings are now organised in medium-sized cities, which have from 100,000 to a million residents. On the contrary, they have fallen in Spain’s two major cities, Madrid and Barcelona, and in cities with less than 10,000 residents, although it is important to note that this drop is not very significant. In any case, these two large cities represent almost 40% of the total number of meetings organised in Spain. The number of participants has increased in all cities, even in the biggest ones, 13.1%, but this increase is more significant in cities with less than 100,000 residents, 35.7%. Madrid and Barcelona congregate 43.5% of the total number of visitors.

Going for the foreign market

T

he Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) together with Brand Spain, will work together to enhance the presence of Spain in the international business tourism market. This will be done by promoting tourist destinations, which are part of Spain Convention Bureau, abroad. Spain Convention Bureau is a 30 year old organisation composed of 56 Spanish municipalities and two district councils. SCB will provide Brand Spain with an annual study on business tourism and its annual action plan to be implemented abroad as well as in Spain; it will also facilitate the exchange of knowledge through the Elcano Royal Institute Observatory. ‘Marca España’ -Brand Spain- will invite the SCB to take part in international events in order to promote Spanish destinations, especially in sending markets such as the United States, China and Russia.

80,0% 68,9%

71,1%

61,7%

38,3% 31,1%

28,9%

20,0%

2010

2011

2012

2013

Internationals

2010

2011

2012

2013

Nationals

SOURCE: Spain Convention Bureau.

Lower spending The direct economic impact of events reached 4,270 million Euros in 2013, somewhat less than the previous year, mainly due to a drop in the average amount of spending per person and in the spending of travel partners. Every person to have taken part in a seminar, convention or congress that was organised in 2013, in one of SCB’s destinations, spent an average 451 Euros; almost half went towards the registration of the event and the rest was spent on travelling and accommodation. Participants also spent around 68.21 Euros on daily expenses, mainly on food – almost half-, shopping, transport and entertainment. Together with the expenditure incurred by travel partners, the impact translates into 4,270 million Euros, representing a drop of 16.5% with respect to 2012. This drop is mainly caused by the considerable fall in the spending registered by travel partners that reached a billion the previous year.

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Especial MICE 2015

What and where The medical–health and the economic-commercial industries are those to have generated the most congress activity, altogether representing nearly 41.2% of the total number of events.

Madrid and Barcelona host nearly 40% of all the meetings held in Spain and welcome 43.5% of the total number of visitors The seasonality of business tourism in Spain follows the same trend as in recent years; therefore the most popular months for organising events continue to be May, June, October and November.

As for venues, in 2013 the number of events organised in congress centres grew again, reaching 29.2% of the total. The number of other venues and unique spaces (monasteries, wineries, castles, etc) also grew, reaching 18.3%. Almost a third of the meetings were held in hotel function rooms, 31.6%. The number of participants staying at hotels also grew, from 88% to 92.3% as did the percentage of those who chose to stay in 4 star hotels, 62.5% of the total. Over half of the meetings congregated between 50 and 150 participants, a figure consistent with the number of seminars. Meetings with between 151 and 250 participants, which had fallen in previous years, increased by 5.2 points compared to 2012. The average length of the meetings dropped by 0.10 days compared to 2012, but still remains higher than in 2010.



REP

This industry will grow all over the world, and in Europe it will depend on economic evolution

Business tourism views 2015 with cautious optimism An increase in worldwide congress and convention tourism is expected, but it will once again be the emerging economies of Asia that will represent the highest levels of demand. In the so-called advanced economies, growth will be modest “lower than 1%”, according to Davidson. EIBTM’s Trend Report identifies four key market sectors for congresses and conventions: technologies, automotive, pharmaceutical and construction. In the case of technologies, companies and associations that will organise most meetings in this field will originate from the US, China and the UK, followed by Germany. Automotive and pharmaceutical market sectors will be conditioned by containment in the European continent while the construction market sector is starting to get back on its feet in Europe and it is a notable sector in the Middle East and other emerging economies. Fira de Barcelona hosted Hostelco in October.

Even though global economic growth is expected, driven by emerging economies, the evolution of economy throughout this year will influence the performance of the meetings and congress sector. Booking lead times will be shorter and although there will be more local and regional events, there is a generalised trend to make them last for shorter periods of time and increase the use of technologies and social networks in their organisation. After expecting to end 2014 with a stable or modest increase in demand, in the number of events and in the number of participants, it will be the economic uncertainty in the eurozone that will define the evolution of tourism for meetings, incentives and conventions in 2015. In view of 2015, analysts and experts talk about “cautious optimism” and they do not expect a substantial growth, although they do not rule it out either, neither do they expect significant falls, and although it is likely that

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more events will be organised, travel budgets will probably remain stable, as made clear in the different market studies and analysis presented during the latest occurrence of the EIBTM Trade Fair in Barcelona. The author of the event’s Trend Report, EIBTM Trends Watch Report 2014, Rob Davidson, believes that “a balanced business travel and MICE segment notably depends on the world economic situation and, to this respect, the stagnation in Europe, with risk of deflation, will undoubtedly influence it”.

Carlos Wagonlit Travel predicts that next year in Europe reservations will be made with little pre warning, with from 2 to 3 weeks notice for medium sized meetings and around 9 months for major events The study includes the Advito research, which concludes that the demand for meetings will grow in the US and in some parts of Europe, while offering will be stable, and this is why those who reserve late will risk facing a lack of availability and higher prices. As stated in EIBTM’s report, the crisis in Ukraine, the evolution of the Ebola outbreak, the performance of Chinese economy, concerns over worldwide petrol production affected by the conflict in Syria and the risk of deflation in Europe are other elements of risk that the industry must take into account. The main conclusion of this analysis that


was presented at the international trade fair held in Barcelona is that in 2015 the meetings and congress industry must prove it has both of the qualities that were used to name the 2014 World Economic Forum in Davos: “Resilient Dynamism”. The report indicates that “the congress industry must prove it is resilient - understood as the ability to continue to be strong and face future challenges successfully- and also dynamic -meaning that it has the energy and interest to evolve by means of vigorous activity-”. Events will be closer to home and shorter. According to the “2015 Global Travel Price Outlook” report released by Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWY) and the GBTA Foundation (the education and research foundation of the Global Business Travel Association), this year the trends of the meetings and events sector will be the same all over the world, one of them being an increase in the use of social networks and technology. For example, 64% of the corporate event organisers who completed the C&IT survey, said that they were planning to create a mobile application for their events in 2014; this percentage has increased considerably from the 23% registered in C&IT’s 2010 State of the Congress Industry report. Moreover, for 2015, the general rule is that there will be more domestic meetings and business trips will be shorter all over the world. Mid-priced hotels specialised in onsite services for meetings & events will be most popular. Otherwise, according to CWT,

the performance of the MICE segment as regards to prices will be different depending on geographical areas. The CWT-GBTA report states that global business travel expenditure has increased by 6.9% in 2014 and could climb to 8.6% in 2015, an increase lead by expansion in emerging markets. CWT’s forecast for the meetings and events

In 2015 more local meetings will be held all over the world, but they will be shorter as will the corresponding overnight stays. With regard to the use of technology and social networks at events, this will increase segment in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region show that for small and mid-sized meetings there is a growing trend for shorter booking lead times because they are significantly conditioned by corporate earnings reports. The report explains that a measured economic performance and business confidence throughout should hold group sizes flat in 2015 in the whole region, and create slightly lower attendee costs as suppliers work to attract business. As a result, booking lead times for meetings will be particularly

short in Europe, likely 2-3 weeks out, and will likely fluctuate closely in line with ongoing corporate earnings reports. That said, booking windows for the largest events will remain about 9 months in advance. According to CWT’s outlook, in Spain, in 2015, those responsible for segments directly related to business tourism and event organisation will face a 1% increase in the prices of airline transport, hotel prices will remain the same and there will be a 4.8% fall in the prices of ground transport. In the Asia-Pacific region, a solid economic growth next year should enable organizations to invest in meetings & events, creating modest attendee costs and a significant increase in the size of groups. In Latin-America, while some key markets are slowing economically and creating uncertainty that could soften demand, continued high inflation will once again next year create the highest expected per-attendee cost increases. It is also expected that demand will increase moderately and the sophistication of meetings management will continue to make progress in the region, with some countries making strides in online registration. For North America, CWT expects modest increases in per-attendee spending and in the size of groups in 2015; this will be based on steadily improving economic conditions and resulting corporate confidence. Good prospects in Spain American Express Meetings & Events also believes that the demand for meetings will be stagnant in Europe next year, although in the United Kingdom and Germany there seems to be more optimism within companies. With regard to the Spanish market, and in line with the country’s economic recovery, congress tourism is also recovering slightly according to José Antonio Ruiz, head of MICE for Europe and the American Express Travel travel agency. This agency’s report highlights that the number of events organised by Spanish companies in Spain will rise 2.6% next year. It even predicts a 2.1% rise in incentive trips “to motivate sales teams”, explains Ruiz. In fact, special events and incentive trips will last for almost five days, which is two days longer than the European average. It is also forecast that meetings organised by sales and marketing departments in Spanish companies will rise by 3%. According to this analysis, Spain may be the exception to the hardly optimistic trend predicted for the whole of Europe, although it will also be necessary to wait and see how

Hosteltur MICE 2015

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the global economy develops. Travel budgets for Spanish companies will remain relatively stable throughout next year, meaning that customers are still being conservative when it comes to travel expenses. Another trend pointed out by American Express Meetings & Events is that event organisers are organising seminars, meetings and conferences in Spain, in order to save time on journeys. Incentive trips This year’s most important reports for this industry point to a revival of incentive trips in companies in order to motivate its workers and to rather optimistic expectations for the future of tourism for meetings. Although most participants in both studies were US

incentive trips for the upcoming period of between 1 and 3 years, their prediction was even more than that concerning these next 6 months, with 87% of those surveyed confirming an increase or a substantial increase. Professional incentive trip organisers that took part in the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) autumn survey, conducted last August, were also very optimistic about the prospects of this industry. Two thirds of those surveyed, 67%, were optimistic or very optimistic about the impact the economy will have on their ability to plan and implement programmes for incentive trips. However, only 63% expressed this opinion in the survey carried out in the spring (the fieldwork for this survey was conducted in May). Since September 2012, the percentage of pro-

with the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the company Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of EIBTM. According to ICCA, the setting of these measurement standards has had immediate effects. Thanks to the carrying out of economic impact reports, one of the main findings following the introduction of these standards is that it has shown that the congress and meetings industry is a significant percentage of tourism revenue; -These reports have been conducted in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Mexico, United States and Canada-. These studies also indicate that around 50% of the direct spending of organisers and delegates attending events is spent on services and products not directly related with tourism.

According to SITE International Foundation, 48% of US companies plan to increase incentive trips in the next six months

A renovated classic tradition: the coffee break.

companies, EIBTM believes that the results are relevant at global level because of the size of the incentive market in the United States, where companies spend 240,000 million dollars (240 US billions) a year on incentive trips and because a considerable amount of this spending is made outside their own country. SITE International Foundation’s latest report, used by EIBTM, reveals that for the fourth consecutive year there is optimism towards the generalised use of motivational travel experiences, with 48% of the surveyed companies stating that they will use this kind of motivation even more over the next six months. This is a significant rise in relation to previous studies. When they were asked about their expectations in the use of

12

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fessional congress organisers, who in this survey are optimistic about the effects the economic activity will have on the increase of incentive trips, has not stopped growing. Anticipate with innovation The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) states that: To find out the reality of the situation, it is necessary for the worldwide industry of meetings to be analysed more comprehensively following a common standards. The organisation published the first report on how to conduct national studies on the economic impact of the industry of meetings in 2006, (titled: “Measuring the economic importance of the meetings industry-Developing a tourism satellite account extension”) in collaboration

Analysts agree that one of the key aspects of tourism for meetings in the future is the unavoidable and growing need to invest in innovation. In the case of meetings of large international associations, in the future they will seriously have to consider “why they will still exist in ten or even fifty years, what needs of its members will they answer, how will they offer their services in new ways and how will they pay for themselves”. This is pointed out by Rohit Talwar, analyst for Fast Future Research in his analysis on international meetings in the next 50 years, conducted on the occasion of ICCA’s 50th anniversary. The expert draws attention to the fact that it will be necessary to “focus on an analysis of the future and on the constant and continuous innovation of proposals, either by looking for ways in which to differentiate events so that attendance becomes a must for those related with the respective industry or by the use of new pioneering models that add value to the fact of belonging to organisations that organise major international events”. “The challenge will be to implement innovation as if it were a philosophy; experimentation and willingness to fulfil the current needs of the different organisations’ members, to help them get prepared for a future that they may not yet be paying attention to”, states Talwar.



The number of trade shows increased by 24% in 2013 and the number of visitors by 10%, an increase that remains the same in 2014 and may continue in 2015

REP

Trade Fairs consolidate their positive trend Events held at Spanish Showgrounds are on the rise, as is the number of exhibiting companies, the space needed for the events and especially the number of participants. According to AFE, recovery began in 2013, continues in 2014 and is also expected to do so in 2015.

F

igures from the last full financial year, with audited data, 2013, reflect that a total of 361 trade fairs where held at Spanish Showgrounds, 24% more than the previous year. The 13% increase in the net square meters used by the events is notable – a total 1,847,079-, as is the soaring 19% rise in the number of direct exhibitors – 30,369- and the 10% increase in the number of visitors, that reached 2,465,051, according to the information audited by the Spanish Trade Fair Association (AFE).

Exhibition and trade fair activity creates employment, and has a special impact on hotels and the hospitality industry. It also affects transport, insurances, decoration and equipment José Antonio Vicente, president of AFE, assures Hosteltur that these figures, although far from those of the years previous to the economic crisis, are “without a doubt hopeful figures, not only because these growth rate ratios are higher than two digit numbers, but also because they imply a change of trend and the consolidation of the value of trade fair activities”. Figures from 2014 are still only provisional, but they reflect that last year’s trend to improve has continued. As explained by Vicente, many of the events closed their doors “with the total satisfaction of their organisers, exhibitors and visitors”. AFE’s believes it is not a good idea to venture results, because “economic recovery is not an achieved goal but a path that is fortunately being followed; but figures do give room for hope”. Throughout the economic crisis, trade fairs, like in all economic sectors, have had to experience an adaptation process. “I truly believe we have known how to manage change, but, above predictions, what we do as an industry is continue to work very hard and remain well aware of the demands of our different sectors”, says AFE’s president. Business generator Vicente defends the Spanish Showgrounds’ lead role in this recovery. Their activity has an impact on local, regional and national economy “it is not an unrealistic idea, it has a very direct impact on issues such as job creation, the development of the service industry with special 14

Especial MICE 2015

Over 55,000 people visited the Madrid Games Week, held at IFEMA.

impact on the hotel and hospitality industries, the rise in commercial sales, the transport industry (both heavy and passenger transport), contracts for decorating, insurances and general equipment and a long list of different activities that are activated when events are held”. According to the president of AFE, the basis for the consolidation of Spanish trade fairs is their excellent, “internationally renowned”, ability to organise. “We have the ‘hardware’, with top-level exhibition venues and the ‘software’ such as the organisation of world-leading products”.

José Antonio Vicente: “We have the ‘hardware’, with top-level exhibition venues and the ‘software’, with the organisation of world-leading products” Therefore, the international position of Spanish trade fairs is outstanding. “Using a football metaphor, I would say that we are playing in the ‘Champions league’, rubbing shoulders with major European competitors”, says Vicente. Individualising by industries, there are Spanish venues included in the “top three” of the continent’s calendars, “and not only industries like tourism but also in capital goods”, he points out. In Vicente’s opinion, the keys to consolidate this privileged position in the future are: “the ability to adapt to demand, the improvement of all services, the optimisation of costs and a very clear objective of offering clients an added value”. In the immediate future, “a similar scenario to that of 2014 is predicted for 2015: the consolidation of this improved situation that has started with notable expectations for many halls and the concentration of efforts to improve the standard of events by giving them importance, a brand and prestige”.



REP

It is estimated that investment in these venues is around 1,600 million Euros and the economic impact they have generated in 20 years reaches 20,000

Spanish congress centres expect to host more international congresses in 2015 as driving forces of tourism for meetings”. This helps to off-set the seasonal effect of traditional tourism and generate wealth. APCE’s president also underlines the fact that these venues “are fitted with the latest technology and that they are also engines of urban transformation, designed by international and national renowned authors”, so they are emblematic buildings with a great architectural appeal. Investment in these venues is calculated to be approximately 1,600 million Euros, a figure that has been well-exceeded, in the almost 20-year life of the association, thanks to the economic impact generated by their activity, it amounts to 20,000 million Euros. Furthermore, in terms of employment, congress centres generate about 3,000 jobs including in-house staff and outsourced contracts. Congress Palaces generate around 3,000 jobs.

More international congresses and the reactivation of conventions are what the Spanish congress palaces foresee for next year, after fewer events in 2013 and a slight improvement in 2014.

A

ggregated data from the Spanish Association of Congress Centres (APCE) indicate that the number of international and national congresses and conventions, their core activity, remained “reasonably stable” during the last full financial year (2013), because, although there was a slight fall in the number of congresses, “some venues showed an increase in the number of conventions held”, explains José Salinas, president of APCE. During 2013 the Spanish APCE venues hosted 4,682 events with 3,880,987 attendees, which resulted in an economic impact of approximately 1,200 million Euros. Of these events, 365 were congresses attended by 430,909 delegates, 294 were conventions with 265,519 people and 1,051 were seminars with 468,492 attendees. There was a certain drop in the number of corporate-associative participants mainly at international level, i.e. “in events that generate higher spending, meaning that the generated economic impact was less than in the previous year”, states Salinas. “The forecast for congress activity in 2014 and 2015 is slightly better and we hope this is confirmed by the end of the year”, states the president of APCE, who also tells Hosteltur that, 16

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according to a recent survey conducted among its members, “more congresses are expected for next year, especially international ones, and we can already see a slight reactivation in the segment of conventions”. Salinas explains that the recession has lead to changes in the market. Now, spending is controlled more than before in order to maximise the profit of budgets and events are confirmed with less notice. However, APCE insists on maintaining a quality, innovative and state-of-the-art technological offering in order to differentiate themselves from the competition and continue to be “the best choice for large meetings”. Creation of jobs At present, congress centres host 70% of international events that congregate between 1,000 and 4,000 people, held in Spain. The president of ACPE points out that this figure reflects “their role as very valuable tools for international promotion and for the projection of the country’s image abroad”. Salinas states that the work carried out by the congress centres as key infrastructures in the economic development of their cities is “evident”, because of their “very important role

Challenges for the future Spain has unbeatable appeals as a MICE destination; these range from its culinary and cultural heritage to its climate, its advantageous accessibility and its service and hotel offering as well as excellent infrastructures for congresses and “all of this with excellent value for money, making Spain a very competitive country at international level”, states Salinas. The activity of the congress centres and their efforts to improve have contributed in Spain’s position in the international congress and convention ranking lists. But APCE’s president points out that this growing service means that there are “certain aspects” that still need to be improved in order to maintain and improve the brand image and its positioning. He states that it is necessary to “implement more environmental and sustainability policies and constantly invest in technology and in management systems; these are values that prevail at international level and that are guaranteed by studies such as those conducted by the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC)”. To sustain a global perspective of the destination, work on the constant improvement of national and international travel connections, enhance the professionalization of the industry and the fact of being able to adapt to new meeting formats are “very important challenges” that will help the industry to stay in the top positions of international rankings, he concludes.


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REP

The future of events will be defined by ICTs, sustainability and virtual, experimental and accessible congresses

OPCs predict that 2014 will end with more meetings and participants

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rofessional congress organisers - as an extensive and diverse sector that ranges from hotels to restaurants, travel agencies, specialists in event organisation, transport and design companies, amongst others- have faced the economic crisis with uneven outcomes. This is due to smaller numbers of people attending congresses, leading to the consequent drop in the profitability of organised events. As indicated by the predictions of the surveyed international associations together with IMEX and ICCA, it is estimated that this year will end with a sustained growth. The president of the Spanish Federation of Associations of Professional Congress Organisers, Vicente Serrano, points out that “30% of the associations surveyed state they will organise more meetings and 47% of these associations expect a higher level of attendance”. For next year, OPC’s president states that, according to available data, the number of meetings “will remain similar to that of 2014”. He adds that, predictably, “the number of delegates will hardly differ and if there is any variation it will be slightly higher”. As the number of attendees is expected to be the same, “the predicted economic impact will be similar to that of 2014”. The future of the industry will be defined by the philosophy of respecting the environment and by the will to differentiate it from others in order to add value. Serrano claims that “sustainability will be the trend setter in the coming years, because new technologies, virtual, experimental and accessible congresses will become more popular with the passing of the years and they will end up coexisting with today’s traditional congresses”. Strengths and weaknesses Amongst the strengths that consolidate Spain as a destination for congresses, the president of OPC Spain points out its strategic location and its easy accessibility; this makes the country a competitive destination. He also points out that “Spain is the perfect destination for organising events because of its remarkable hotel offering, its congress centres, its excellent cuisine and the professionalism of the OPCs”. If we also add the 18

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The OPC Spain brand as a distinguishing element The 27th National Congress of the Spanish Federation of Professional Congress Organisers will be held in Cartagena from the 18th to the 21st of February 2015, at the El Batel Auditorium and Congress Centre. Based on the slogan “A new scenario for OPC companies”, the congress’s scientific programme will focus on the OPC Spain brand as a differentiating element, on new ICT tools used in the industry, on new scenarios and on how they affect innovation in congresses. A taxation system workshop is also scheduled and it will be lead by a Tax Office Inspector.

kindness and courtesy of its people and the tranquillity of its streets, the perfect cocktail is served”, stresses Serrano. However, there are things to be improved such as the deficit of the Spanish companies in international relations, as well as “the scarce

effective and active relationship between public institutions and private companies”, says Serrano. The president of OPC Spain states that other weaknesses that should be addressed are: the deficit of specific training in the industry, the lack of a fluid relationship between suppliers and collaborators in order to make networking easier, and a hardly competitive “21% VAT” that considerably increments the costs of organising activities”. One of the issues Serrano is most critical on is the intrusion suffered by the OPC sector. And in statements made to Hosteltur he emphasises that “I understand and I emphatically state that we have made little progress on this issue, because intrusion is one of the main problems faced by OPCs”. As an example, the president of OPC Spain quotes that “it is unacceptable to have to compete with public institutions in the organisation of events”. He adds that “There are many universities that confuse their purpose and instead of teaching, training and carrying out research, they compete with private companies. He admits that these situations are not always reported because in the majority of cases it would be “a situation of an unbalanced struggle between a small company and a behemoth that would always give endless ‘reasons’”.


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INTERVIEW

REP

Marian Caturla, manager of the Association of Spanish Business Travel Managers - AEGVE and travel manager of Patentes Talgo

“What a business traveller is looking for is a good location, a clean and comfortable room and most importantly: WIFI” manager for travels. If we concentrate on members of AEGVE, most large corporations have this figure and companies with international projection are starting to incorporate them. Companies are increasingly valuing a good management of their travel account with the optimisation of costs without reducing the maximum and possible satisfaction of the traveller. It goes without saying that in today’s world it is essential to be able to control where and how staff members are travelling and to provide their possible location at any time. Expenses are as important as the quality and safety of business travel, and all of this can only be managed appropriately by a professional and internal management needs to be centralised.

Maria Caturla is the manager of AEGVE.

It is estimated that around five hundred Spanish companies have business travel managers, especially multinationals and companies with international projection. It is an industry that generates an estimated turnover of 3,200 million Euros and it is on the increase.

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hat kinds of companies have travel managers and why do they resort to this figure? The figure of business travel managers is well established in multinationals, especially in those of American or Anglo-Saxon origin. In Spain, a few years ago, some companies with a significant volume of spending in their travel account started to create departments responsible for managing them and they started to incorporate travel managers; although there are still many companies that spend a great deal on travelling, they manage this issue in a dispersed way or hire a supplier to so for them. Companies that want their travel accounts to be managed correctly or want them to be con20

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What annual turnover do business trips generate in Spain? It is difficult to specify, but it is estimated that it could exceed 3,200 million Euros. It is important not to forget that travel expenses in companies are the second or third highest after staff or production costs.

Which sectors are those that use travel managers the most? They are many, from pharmaceuticals, to the oil, banking, engineering, building … sectors.

How would you describe the situation of this industry in Spain, in comparison to other countries? Although Spain is some years behind in comparison to the rest of Europe or to the United States, every day companies are more and more aware of how important it is for professionals to manage their travels because not everybody has the knowledge and skills to do so. In large companies this is already well under way and implemented and medium sized companies are just starting out. The outlook is positive, and from AEGVE we want to promote the importance of the role of this kind of manager within companies.

How many companies in Spain have travel managers? It is difficult to specify how many, but according to some sources, it could be up to five hundred companies that are likely to have a specific

What are the keys for a business trip to be considered a success? Those that, while respecting all requirements of travel policy, the company pays a fair price for and those that meet the traveller’s expectations.

trolled appropriately value incorporating this figure in their organisation. They are companies that know how important it is to value and differentiate travel expenses and their management.


What do business travel managers look for when choosing a destination and accommodation? The destination of individual or day to day trips is defined by the needs of the markets, of the customers and company head offices. However, this varies greatly in the case of incentives, conventions or business meetings. To find the best option, it is important to have a clear picture of what the company needs, its budget, the objectives of the meeting and company policy. Regarding accommodation, business travellers seek: location, a clean and comfortable room and very most importantly, WIFI in their bedrooms. In the case of a stay being for over two days, these clients will also value the hotel’s additional services (gym, swimming pool, restaurants…) and surroundings. With regard to business trips organised in Spain, what proportion of travellers stay in the country and how many travel abroad? It depends on the market of each company. It is important to keep in mind that exports and the number of companies setting up branches in other countries are on the rise. In recent years, concerning meeting and incentive trips, I would say that this has changed

a lot and more events are organised in Spain than abroad. On the one hand, this has been influenced by the recession and the rationalisation or saving policies and on the other hand by Spain’s very high quality travel industry. But this has also been especially influenced by the fact that it possesses something that is very important: an ability to react and a flexibility that other countries do not have. This, as well as the reconciliation of work and private life, makes it necessary to try to spend less time on transfers. Lower investment on time and money does not justify having to go abroad.

“In today’s world it is essential to be able to control where and how staff members are travelling and to provide their possible location at any time” How does belonging to AEGVE help managers? It gives them the opportunity to have fast and

easy access to the corresponding and necessary information at all times, to know about any developments occurring in the market and to continuously improve the training any travel manager must receive. The exchange of experiences and knowledge amongst the members is an opportunity. Query boxes and discussion forums help to delve into the latest trends and technologies, valuing the different levels of knowledge available. The agility of the market fluctuation is always present in our meetings. The association basses it pillars on training, communication and information and holds technical sessions and social gatherings every month and a half, in addition to a seminar at the end of each year. What kind of experience or “know how” do they share? At present a lot is shared in the field of technology. Other peoples’ experiences make it is possible to value how these might fit into your business. In our annual November seminar, one of the members shared what they had experienced with an integration of systems including the total amount of travel expenses, incorporating those incurred during the trip and their possible accounting and all of this based in the cloud.

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REP

The market tends to grow and its offering becomes more specialised

Trends and innovations in the MICE hotel industry Nobody doubts the recovery of the MICE industry, driven by the country’s positive economic harmony despite the threat of the weakness of Europe’s major economies. Positive development continues and new trends emerge under the wings of this rising trajectory. The experts analyse them.

1. - Fewer meetings at hotels but more guests According to the latest figures published by Spain Convention Bureau, corresponding to 2013, only 31.6% of meetings are still held in hotel function rooms in comparison to 34.9% in 2012. Meanwhile, professional meetings are increasing in congress centres (29.2%) and other venues and unique spaces such as monasteries and wineries, amongst others (18.3%). Even so, hotels are still the first option for event organisers. The percentage of participants staying at hotels has also increased, going from 88% to 92.3% and this is also the case of those choosing to stay at four star hotels, 62.5% of the total. Curiously, number have also increased considerably in five star going from 0.7% in 2012 to 8.9% just a year later; in the case of five star hotels their presence has dropped by half, falling from 17.6% to 8.2%. The situation in three star hotels has hardly changed, around 14% and a slight fall has been registered in lower category hotels, dropping from 6.4% to 5.9%.

Not surprisingly they have consolidated their position as an interesting option for business men and women due to their more permissible price for longer trips and their great potential of becoming one’s own mobile office. In fact, in order to bring prices down many of them offer slightly smaller rooms, and this has been positively accepted by their clients, therefore the number of studies conducted in this type of establishment has increased. The analysis conducted by HVS London points out that this trend is just beginning and could also expand to micro-apartments that offer sustainable accommodation and good prices; in just 20 square meter spaces, designers create a feeling of spaciousness by making ceilings higher and by using fold-away beds and tables.

2.- The rise of apartment hotels As confirmed by the study conducted on the industry by HVS London, apartment hotels are a type of accommodation on the rise in Europe; and their development will depend on their ability to adapt their offering to the requirements of consumers who are concerned about reducing costs and who need to be offered a product at a competitive price.

3.- Convention hotels as niche establishments Lauren Faulkner, Business Development executive with STR Global points out that niche hotels evolved a great deal during the recession. Standing out from the pack is not necessarily a bad thing, as owners and operators of these kinds of establishments in the United States have discovered during

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In the first three months of 2015, the Vallbuena de Duero Monastery will become the first spa to be opened in Ribera del Duero and the only 5 star spa in the central part of the Spanish peninsula.

recent years. Convention hotels, one of the five niche accommodations mentioned by Faulkner (together with those of extended-stay properties, boutique-hotels, apartment hotels/ all-suite hotels and ski resorts), have slowly started recovering rates and occupancy, the latter being higher in this type of hotel than in both conference hotels (64.2%) and the total U.S. hotels, 71.2% compared to 64.2% and 63.2%, respectively. “It is good to be different”, Faulkner said. 4.- Rising prices CWT Meetings & Events predicts a worldwide 2.6% rise in the prices of hotels in 2015, with Latin-America in the lead with an expected 6.3% increase. Rates in North America and Asia-Pacific will increase moderately (3.5% and 2.7% respectively), while in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) the increase will be smaller (1%). Developments Developments in the hotel offering for the MICE segment focus on the specialisation of the product, either by opening new hotels in emblematic buildings such as the Deutsche


Bank or the Torre Agbar (Agbar Tower), both in Barcelona: or by modernising already existing hotels and installing the latest technology and converting them into hotels of the future, as is the case of the NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding. Therefore, the future Grand Hyatt hotel that will be opening in the emblematic Agbar Tower will have the third largest convention centre in the Catalan capital, 417 bedrooms and a viewpoint in its dome that will be open to the general public. It will also have restaurants and other leisure time areas. The buyer of the property, the Emin Capital fund has also bought the Deutsche Bank building and will convert it into a five star Four Seasons hotel with 150 rooms; this hotel won’t open until 2017. In turn, the NH Hotel Group has converted the NH Collection Eurobuilding into the industry’s first live laboratory where one can experience what tourism will be like in the future. This new initiative, Living Lab, is experienced on three fronts: four rooms where future technology will be tested with the latest innovations; an accelerator for start-ups that

¿Se le ha ocurrido que un CRUCERO FLUVIAL POR EUROPA

puede ser el escenario perfecto para que las Empresas organicen sus Viajes de Incentivos?

Viajes Incentivos 2015.indd 1

will accommodate pioneering projects for the hotel industry; and the Open Innovation initiative that will involve staff in this technological revolution.

The specialisation of the product focuses on locations in emblematic buildings and on the use of the latest technologies in order to become distinctly innovative hotels

The use of holographic technology and new generation videoconference systems, as well as the installation of the biggest curved LED screen in a hotel, in its 300 square meter dome, round-off its innovations. All of these innovations are especially targeting the MICE

segment, a segment that represents 25% of the Groups revenues. Another hotel that has been completely reformed in order to offer a product adapted to this market has been the Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento, with an investment of four million Euros between 2011 and 2014. The hotel has also opened a new website for corporate travel. The growing trend to look for unique locations for meetings and incentives has lead to chains such as Castilla Termal Hoteles to promote their special programmes for companies under the formula ‘Meeting Packs’. Not surprisingly, in the last year their three hotels (Hotel Balenario Villa de Olmedo in Valladolid, Hotel Termal Burgo de Osma in Soria and Hotel Balneario Solares in Santander) have hosted over 650 events. Their product is certainly unique: historical buildings in rural settings converted into four and five star spa hotels, with the upcoming opening of the Vallbuen de Duero Monastery that will have function rooms for up to 300 people. Vivi Hinojosa

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02/01/15 13:52

Hosteltur MICE 2015

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REP

According to a report from IBTA, rates have gone down by 10.3% in four years

Falling prices in corporate hotels However, it seems there is an inclination for the average price to recover

According to information collected by the Iberian Business Travel Association (IBTA), prices of hotels all around the world, as regard to the rates for the corporate segment, have gone down by 10.3% between 2010 and 2014,. However, the difference between the last two years reflects a fall of 5.6% and from this it is possible to deduce that, according to the study, there is a global inclination for the average price to recover.

T

he average rate of hotels in this segment has gone from 144.77 Euros in 2010 to 129.80 in the first six months of 2014, but with an upturn in 2011 when there was a rise of 30.68% with respect to the previous year, reaching 189.19 Euros. The city with the highest average price during those four years was Hong Kong, 221.30 Euros, while Budapest registered the lowest, with 109.74 Euros. In Europe, the average is 139.90 Euros, with London at the head with 220.96 Euros and the Hungarian capital with the minimum once again. The average price has gone down by 4.7% from 2010 to 2014, going from 129.49 Euros to 123.37, although there seems to have been a slight recovery in the first six months of 2014, with a moderate fall of 3%. Nonetheless, in this period, six of the thirteen cities analysed have positive increases. Moscow (16.2%) and the British capital (6.8%) stand-out as potential driving forces for the recovery of the hotel prices in the Old Continent. The overall average price for the United States is 159.58 Euros with a maximum 190.98 Euros in New York, and a minimum 123.04 Euros in Chicago. However, 2014 confirms an inclination towards lower rates with an average drop of 23.9% compared to the previous year. In short, in the last four years, the average price has gone down by 23.5%, droping from 150.65 to 115.16 Euros. When conducting a comparative analysis by continents, the average price in the Asian continent (172.35 Euros) is 15.3% higher than the overall average of 149.45 Euros, after increasing slightly, an average 1%, in the first six months of the year. The highest increases are registered in Beijing and Delhi, in both cases almost 11%. Even so, Hong Kong continues to register the highest price, 221.30 Euros and Beijing registers the lowest, 135.19. From 2010 to 2014 prices have dropped by 9.7%, going from 168.79 to 152.35 Euros. Average stay The average stay of business travellers in hotels is 2.13 nights; this figure was on the rise until 2013 and in 2014 it fell by 17.23%, therefore falling to 1.83 nights. Thus, the last four years show a deficit of 24

Especial MICE 2015

The average corporate rate has gone from 144.77 Euros in 2010 to 129.80 in the first six months of 2014.

Moscow and London stand out as potential driving forces for the recovery of hotel prices in Europe -8.5% in the length of overnight stays. The average stay in the period analysed is once again higher in Asia, with 2.69 nights; in front of the United States, with 2.45 and Europe with 1.65, although the maximum was registered in Barcelona in 2011 with 3.41 nights. By cities, with regard to the analysed period, Shanghai registers the highest rate, with 3.13 nights, and Moscow registers the lowest with 1.27. This study, presented by IBTA during the Business Travel Day held in October in Barcelona, was also conducted by Bestours Corporate and Global Travel Lufthansa City Centre, in collaboration with the Sant Ignasi Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management (Ram贸n Llull University). According to IBTA, the study shows what difficulties the hotel industry has to face in its recovery in worldwide representative major cities and a drop in the number of average overnight stays in business travel. Vivi Hinojosa



PR

Excellent Events

A wide range of spaces for all kinds of events.

A

s the host of more than 111,000 events held all over the world in 2013, what is the secret of NH Hotel Group? NH Meetings is the answer: a pioneering philosophy that has positioned the company as the industry’s benchmark for the organisation of events thanks to an unprecedented array of venues (more than 81,000 m2 in more than 2,500 meeting rooms in 28 different countries), professionalism, and a range of exclusive services designed to ensure success. NH Meetings: inspire, create, enjoy Whether for leisure or for business, NH Meetings is the perfect choice for holding any kind of event and for making clients’ ideas come true. This outstanding offeris a professional response like that of an Ambassador in charge of ensuring first-rate service and meeting the client’s expectations at all times. NH Meetings also offers a gourmet touch to its clients thanks to its Tempting Breaks, designed to delight guests with unique catering, 26

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High Performance Meeting Room.

prepared with first-class products inspired by local cuisine. Without forgetting the importance of the environment, Eco Friendly Meet-

ings offer sustainable solutions that ensure environmentally-friendly events. But there is even more: this remarkable offer includes


technical assistance, free WiFi, and the best technology to make all kinds of events possible for clients.

Environmentally-friendly events Technology applied to product presentation.

Technology A prime example of the application of cutting-edge technology to leisure and business is the new NH Collection Eurobuilding. Located in Madrid, the company’s flagship hotel has an unprecedented range of technology in a hotel: holographics and telepresence services, technology rooms (in the living lab platform), and its 300 m2 LED screen dome (the largest in the world installed in a hotel) are some of the elements that turn the NH Collection Eurobuilding into something more than an extraordinary hotel. But it is not the only hotel that can surprise customers. Collection Value NH Collection, NH Hotel Group’s Premium brand, is the best option for excellent events. This range of extraordinary hotels has personality, unique services, and exceptional locations.

The 8 values of NH Meetings 1. Ambassador Service: enjoy our exclusive Ambassador service, that will ensure that your event is a success. 2. Specialised advisory services: make use of our experience. 3. Personalised professional answers: you will make the best decision. 4. Free, easy-access WiFi: connect with your audience. 5. Tempting Breaks: delight your guests. 6. Eco-friendly Meetings: have a positive impact on the environment. 7. Always Yes!: you imagine it, we make it come true. 8. High Tech Made Easy: Revolutionise your business meetings with a higher level of customer and employee involvement, maximising productivity with “high performance meetings”, and reating memorable events by means of our holographic telepresence thatmake your products and ideas come alive.

Examples include the NH Collection Eurobuilding (Madrid), NH Collection Constanza (Barcelona), NH Collection Villa de Bilbao,

and NH Collection Sevilla, among others. These hotels provide a surprising range of services that exceed clients’ expectations: their exquisite attention to detail, a unique array of venues, the latest technological developments for events, and the addition of exclusive staff. All this, together with the unique experience guaranteed by the NH Meetings philosophy, explains why NH Hotel Group’s isone of the best masters of ceremonies in the world.

Further information Tel. 902 41 41 41 gruposnh@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hoteles.es/meetings Tempting Breaks: the unique, personalised, and locally inspired NH Meetings coffee break. Hosteltur MICE 2015

27


REP

Spain’s position as a worldwide destination for congresses generates new services

Network and low cost airlines compete for MICE passengers Alicante Instituto Ferial, among others, as well as with independent organisers of trade fairs and congresses to make the trips of the exhibitors and participants easier and offer them discounts of up to 50% on both domestic and international flights. In fact, in 2014, it signed agreements with over 100 trade fairs, congresses and other events. The MICE segment’s customers, even with discounts, benefit from the selected fare’s on the ground and in-flight services.

In 2014, for the first time ever, EasyJet carried 12 million business passengers - including those from the MICE segment – almost 20% of its total traffic.

While Spain consolidates its worldwide leadership as a destination for business tourism and as a meeting point for major international events, the MICE segment and business travellers, in general, are also gaining more weight among the customers of the airlines that are operating in the country. EasyJet, Business-MICE EasyJet offers these customers the “Inclusive” fare which combines important services such as seat selection and hold bag, only available through GDS and other reservation systems connected to API, “to more efficiently compete with traditional airline companies”. It includes the standard fare for those who want to pay separately for the services required, and the “Flexi” fare that offers unlimited flexibility to make changes to your booking within four weeks – one week before and up to three weeks later –, it allows for a 20kg hold bag, offers upfront seat selection, speedy boarding and “fast track” security at selected airports.

boarding, wider seats in the front row of the plane with the middle seat empty, reserved room for hand luggage, unlimited on-board catering and flexibility on changes. This year, Vueling has launched its “Premium” service for frequent passengers who fly with the company over 40 times a year or book 20 return flights. This service has practically the same benefits as the “Excellence” fare. The airline has joined the trend of “wearable technology”, enabling check-in and the use of boarding passes with the Sony Smartwatch II. Fares are available on the application and the flight status manager is used, in real time, to see the real situation of its over 500 daily takeoffs and landings.

Vueling: Excellence The airline company offers the “Excellence” fair for business travellers. This fare speedsup all the stages of the flight through mobile alerts that report on the status, security fast tracks, exclusive check-in desks, priority

Iberia, ally of trade fairs Iberia has a division exclusively devoted to incentive trips and congresses. The company has preferential agreements with IFEMA, the Fira de Barcelona, the Valencia Feria Muestrario Internacional, the Zaragoza Feria, the

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Lufthansa Meetings & Events Lufthansa’s director general for Spain and Portugal, Stefan Kreuzpaintner, emphasises that among the company’s services, for this segment, the alternative of “Meetings & Events” represents numerous advantages both for organisers and for attendees. For the first, the company prepares quotes adapted to their requirements, including reduced prices or prices subject to special conditions, assistance in the planning of the trip, a high level of flexibility for the attendees, and a worldwide network of routes to over 200 destinations in almost 80 countries, guaranteeing connections with all international events. Lufthansa offers attendees the possibility of booking directly through the internet, reduced fares, the possibility to fly with a travel partner, flexible options that make it possible to bring flights forward or postpone returns for up to a week, multiple connections and on the ground and in-flight services. Air France KLM: Global Meetings Air France KLM offers “Global Meetings”, a service for organisers of events, meetings, congresses and conventions. It is for events that intend to congregate over 10 participants and it is set up so that participants can register from five years to two months in advance. It is available online in six different languages, so that both organisers and participants can plan their trips and receive up to a 15% discount on published tourist and business class fares. It also offers flexibility: discounts are valid for travel five days before and five days after the event and from all points of origin included in the Air France and KLM network. Diana Ramón Vilarasau



REP

The Spanish industry expects to end the year with an increase in sales of between 4 and 5%.

Business travel agencies are progressing in their recovery Business data provided by the agencies in the business segment reflect that the recovery registered in 2013 will continue in 2014 and this will be the doorway towards an even better situation in 2015. New trends such as the increasing presence of women in business travel or the assumption that travellers are looking for “more for less”, are new challenges for this sector.

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ccording to data from the Guild of European Business Travel Agent in our country, GEBTA Spain, specialised business travel agencies expect to end 2014 with a 4% increase in the overall volume of sales of its member travel agencies, said its brand-new president, Miriam Garrido de la Cierva. Since 2012, business travel agencies from this group have noticed slight increases in their turnovers; in 2013 this increase was between 3% and 4%, a rise that is also expected for this year. During the last closed financial year, 2013, there was an increase of 6.8% in international travel and of 1.9% in national travel. This increase represented a recovery compared to the beginning of the year because between January and April there was a 5.5% drop, following a 10.5% drop in 2012. This increase of business travel is particularly significant at national level, because this almost 2% is the first increase in several years. Gebta explains that this increase was boosted, among other factors, because of the increase in the services offered by AVE (the Spanish High Speed Train) and also because of the adjustments the company has made to its fares. Nonetheless, companies maintain their cost control. In reference to the last two years, the association states that, at the beginning of the crisis, travelling was cut to up to 20%, but now it is on the rise. Companies have planned more trips, although they have cut down the cost of these trips because a lot of them can be made 30

Especial MICE 2015

Women are ever more present in the business travel segment.

leaving and coming back on the same day, and this represents an important amount of saving on accommodation and subsistence expenses. The president of GEBTA Spain, whose fifteen companies invoiced1,850 million Euros last year including amongst them Carlos Wagonlit Travel and American Express Barceló Viajes, foresees that in the future the sector will continue to “gradually improve” but without major changes and she emphasises the fact that, “for each Euro invested in a business trip, you receive ten in return”. The president stated that, in comparative terms, Spain has experienced a more positive evolution than other reference European markets. An advantageous combination marked by companies and travel agencies managing their budgets well and by the corresponding cost containment. This has made it possible to increase the number of trips and therefore the business activity. In turn, another large group of business agencies, Travel Advisor (TAG), has announced that they hope to end 2014 with a 5% increase in sales, as stated by the group’s president, José Miguel Gimeno last autumn. In 2013 the group invoiced 470 million Euros, so this figure means that sales will reach near to 500 million Euros. Gimeno notes that agencies “have chosen to be brave and diversify and this has lead to positive results”.

Challenges for 2015 According to the 2015 Global Meetings and Events Forecast by American Express Meetings & Events, next year agencies will have to provide for a business traveller that will want “to do more with less” and the estimates reflect this. In Europe it is expected that budgets for meetings will experience a slight drop of 0.4%, representing an improvement compared to the 1.9% drop foreseen for 2014. Spain is recovering better than others and it predicts a significant increase in the number of meetings and in their duration. In the United Kingdom and Germany, a significant increase was predicted for 2014, but forecasts for 2015 are more modest. “Meeting organisers in Europe are feeling the pressure to be more creative and optimise budgets to their full”, said José Antonio Ruiz, director of EMEA, American Express Meetings & Events. Another challenge business travel agencies will face is the satisfaction of a certain type of client that is on the rise: female business travellers. They are different because, for example, they worry more than men about safety and they are more demanding in terms of guaranteed travel connections. Ángeles Vargas


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Protur Hotels

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Provinces have registered an increase in conference activity

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Andalusia improves the competitiveness of its offering

One of the Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento’s atriums that has been renovated to cater for events. In October it hosted the EUBEA festival.

Destinations in Andalusia strive for yet another year to give their congress visitors something to remember and make them their most loyal opinion leaders. And they definitely do it with great success, as we can see by taking a look at the increase in the number of visitors registered by the different specialised organisations that work to enhance the professionalism and variety of their offering.

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ndalusia’s Regional Ministry for Tourism works actively on enhancing the congress segment. In November Rafael Rodríguez, Regional Minister for Tourism, presented to the Governing Council the 2014-2016 Master Plan for Trade Fairs, Congresses and Meetings. This Master Plan was

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approved by his department with the aim of positioning Andalusia at the top of this segment, a key aspect because of its impact on seasonality and its ability to create jobs. According to Rodríguez, with this initiative the Government of Andalusia, intends for Andalusia to become “a power” in this industry,

insisting on the fact that the region’s provinces should not compete with each other, but with other major tourism cities in Spain and also at international level, as for example Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin and Rome. This document is the result of the work carried out in collaboration and in agreement with the industry, state representatives from the Regional Ministry. Local institutions and professionals and experts from the congresses and meetings’ segment have been consulted and have contributed in the preparation of the master plan, in both its diagnosis phase and in its proposals. From this point forwards they will also contribute in its monitoring and assessment. As strengths, the plan underlines the variety of the offering, the professionalization of


the sector, the climate, the transport infrastructures and the position of the “Andalusia tourist brand”. Among its weaknesses it emphasises an excessive competition amongst its destinations, independent and isolated actions carried out by the industry’s different actors, an insufficient use of new technologies and the absence of a unified system for collecting data. In line with this analysis and in order to increase competitiveness in the industry, nine programmes and 29 measures are established based on three strategic areas: quality and innovation; socio-economic development and promotion and marketing.

OPC Andalucía calls for the creation of a common brand to boost the sector in the region The first of these areas includes measures for the standardisation of the industry; activity analysis and estimation; transfer of information, training and professionalization of workers and promotion of the quality and excellence of venues, services and products. The second strategic line, socio-economic development, especially aims at fostering professional and business alliances and adapting the complementary offering to the requirements of the industry. The third, promotion and marketing, includes marketing campaigns, initiatives to increase the presence of specialised trade fairs and measures for the alliance and differentiation of the image of Andalusia in this segment. This tourism segment attracts over 600,000 visitors to the region every year and generates an income of almost 300 million Euros. The region can cater for 344,000 people in 569 venues and has facilities for trade fairs, congresses and meetings – 443 function rooms in hotels, 17 congress centres and 109 unique venues-. By provinces, Seville accounts for 29% of the total, followed by Malaga with 24% and Cadiz with 13%. A Common Brand Congress and meeting tourism is considered to be a strategic segment in the region because of its ability to fight against seasonality, its contribution in the diversification of its offering and its possibilities to generate synergies with trade and other professional activities. For a long time now this sector has been calling for a common strategy and even something more: the Andalusia Association of

The tour operator TUI held its last convention in Chiclana (Cadiz). Photo Karsten Thielker.

Professional Congress Organisers, OPC Andalucía, asks that a common brand be created to help promote the industry in the region. In October, the association informed Rafael Rodríguez of the need to create a common brand to help generate a joint strategy to be implemented by the private and public sectors with the aim of promoting Andalusia as a leading destination in the MICE segment. OPC Andalucía believes that this new brand will help to better promote the region and attract both international and national events. While this is being achieved, Andalusia will not sit back and do nothing; in the segment’s latest major event in Barcelona, EIBTM 2014, Andalusia made over 2,000 business contacts. The region had its own stand at the trade fair and Andalusia’s Tourism professionals were joined by around 70 companies from the sector, including travel agencies, hotels and congress organisers. Among the many meetings held, it is important to point out one that was organised with over 80 international buyers. Seville, 30% more events The Seville Congress & Convention Bureau (SCCB) has had a great deal of work during the last two years. During the last closed financial year, 2013, the organisation attended 31 trade fairs compared to 12 the year before; 20 fam trips and presented 151 candidacies, a strong increase with respect to the16 of the previous year. These one hundred and fifty odd candidacies included 25

events for 2013, 51 for 2014, 38 for 2015, 22 for 2016, eight for 2017, four for 2018 and even an event for each of the years between 2019 and 2021. Thanks to the activity of the companies that are members of the SCCB, in 2013 80 million Euros were generated compared to 65 the previous year, and over 200 events were hosted. The year ended with 80 member companies.

Inmaculada Olivero: “An important attraction for Cadiz’s congress proposal is its parallel offering” With regard to the results of 2014, and in the absence of definitive data, the organisation states that it is already possible to confirm that there has been a 30% increase in the number of events. The director of the SCCB, Manuel Macías, tells Hosteltur that among the sector’s new interesting features, the increase in the number of direct international flights to and from Seville stands out. “The fact that two flag carriers such as British Airways and Lufthansa have scheduled flights to Seville indicates the interest and development of the destination in the international MICE scene”. On the other hand, “the work the destination is carrying out to attract clients, with new

Hosteltur MICE 2015

35


venues, such as the new and spectacular Congress Centre, Fibes 2, the most modern of its kind in Europe, and the marketing actions implemented by event organisers, make Seville a new and fresh attraction for creative event organisers, such as scientific congress promoters”. He adds that, concerning infrastructures, Seville has an “inventory of Venues with Soul, truly unique and differentiating; this makes the destination more attractive for the proposal of all kinds of events”. The SCCB points out that one of the most important events of 2014 was held in Seville, EUBEA: the “event of events”. The hosting of the European Best Event Awards has been an “unprecedented

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catalogue of tour packages for congress organisers and specialised agencies. It includes tours in natural environments, tours related with the world of bulls and horses, and also offers information on culture, gastronomy and traditions offered in the province. Cadiz adds value to its contrasts Cadiz wants to highlight its charms for congress tourism. “Touring the province is easy because of its size, its infrastructures and the proximity between its communities”, states the Cadiz’s Provincial Council’s Deputy for Tourism, Inmaculada Olivero. “This makes it possible for people to visit several towns in just one day”. This is why an important attraction for the congress proposal in the prov-

hosted in the province during 2014 were the international congress tourism trade fair MITM Euromed, held at the Cádiz y la Bahía Congress Palace and the TUI Germany convention held in Chiclana. A novelty in the province’s offering is the “Ambassadors of the Palace” (Embajadores del Palacio) programme, created by Cadiz’s Congress Palace. This programme will encourage professionals from different fields, such as the medical, scientific, university or technological fields to help attract congresses to the Congress Centre. Málaga shows a 10% increase Figures from Malaga Convention Bureau indicate that 50,000 delegates and 190 congresses were registered in 2013, generating revenues of 90 million Euros, In 2014 the number of congresses is expected to be at least the same and the number of delegates is expected to increase by over 10%. This year the city has hosted major events, one of them being the Samsung Worldwide Convention, with over 10,000 participants.

Andalusia can cater for a total 344,000 people at its trade fair, congress and meeting facilities: it has 443 function rooms in hotels, 17 congress centres and 109 unique venues Participants at the IVECO convention, held at the Malaga Trade Fair and Congress Centre.

promotional milestone for the destination”, mainly due to the fact that 400 specialised agencies attended this event. The activity of Seville’s Congress and Exhibition Centre (Fibes) has also been very significant. In just one week in April, it hosted three major congress events that generated an economic impact of 6.5 million Euros. Another major event was the annual congress of the Spanish Confederation of Directors and Executives, held in November with more than 2,000 delegates. This venue has already confirmed over six major events for 2015. In turn, in 2014 the Seville Provincial Council (Diputación de Sevilla) launched a new product offering unique experiences, especially conceived to attract MICE clients. The name of this product is “Tourism for Congress Participants. Singular Business”. It is a

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ince of Cadiz is its parallel offering, making it possible to get to know the whole province and discover its contrasts when visiting to attend a congress”. She adds that on mainland Spain it is one of the destinations with the largest number of unique venues, “such as wineries, country estates, farmhouses, castles, museums, palaces and bastions”. Among the province’s offering, Olivera points out the convention centre located in the Novo Sancti Petri area, a very sustainable destination that can cater for a great amount of people. This autumn, Olivero held meetings with over 40 incentive and congress companies to analyse the situation of the sector and to present the measures to be implemented, highlighting presentations in Madrid and Barcelona. Some of the most important events

According to the director of Malaga Convention Bureau, Francisco Querada, this year has also noticed the slow recovery of the business segment and in Malaga in particular, several European and national business events have been organised / a slight recovery of the business segment has been perceived this year, especially in Malaga, where several European and Business events have been organised. He adds that the recover of this key segment is noticeable especially because event reservations are being made with more than six months notice. For Malaga, “this segment is and will be strategic in the consolidation of the city as a major destination for the segment of meetings and events”. “We have what the corporate market needs: good travel connections and accessibility, many venues, modern and functional hotels, a varied cultural and gastronomic offering and very good value-for-money”, he > 38...


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explains. “If we can say that Malaga is in fashion, as I have been hearing many professionals of the industry say, it is because it is a new and fresh destination that offers a great amount of spectacular alternatives for event and congress organisers and this is precisely what the end client requires: non-repetitive destinations that are authentic, to live the experience, unconventional places, easy access and not very expensive”, he adds. Marbella’s “The Meeting Space” revealed that in the entire province, the impact of the meetings and congress segment is 411 million Euros.

Cordoba’s Congress Centre’s main hall will go from having a capacity for 540 to 775 people, representing an increase of around 43% One of the most important pillars of Malaga’s offering is the Malaga Congress and Trade Fair Centre (Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga), FYCMA. The venue will end 2014 with an outstanding milestone in its 10 year life: for the first time, more than 60% of events held have been national or international events. This data is also extensible to the number of congresses, conventions, seminars and other events that, before the official end of the year, already total near to a hundred; this represents a 15% increase with respect to 2013. Trade fairs and exhibitions have increased by 34%, also surpassing numbers from last year. The number of participants will amply exceed 40,000 while predictions are that over 278,000 people will visit trade fairs. FYCMA has ended the year with the scientific-health industry as this year’s congress calendar star, therefore making it Spain’s main venue for large medical events. On the other hand, it is also important to point out the high level of satisfaction of those that have used the Congress Centre. According to the latest surveys conducted with both event organisers and attendees, the experience of using this venue scores an average of seven. One hundred percent of those surveyed (users of the venue) found the service provided by FYCMA to be “excellent” – 74% of the total – or “very good”. It also emphasises the speed in which staff respond

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Granada has hosted around 80 major professional events in 2014.

and the management, being “excellent” for 69% and “very good” for the rest. Cordoba, 18% more MICE business In comparison to 2013, in 2014 the Congress department of Cordoba’s Tourism Consortium said they expect an increase of around 18% in MICE business. As the highlight of this year, as far as congresses are concerned, the National Pharmacy Congress held in October, deserves a special mention, attracting over a thousand people. This represents a 100% increase compared to the number of people registered in the previous 2012 occurrence. According to Cordoba’s Tourism Consortium’s director, José Luis Martínez de Carvajal, “this data shows Cordoba’s great potential to host medium sized national congresses, as well as its enormous appeal thanks to its excellent travel communications’ network (with AVE – Spanish High Speed Train- in the lead); its cultural and monumental heritage (a city that has been declared a World Heritage Site three times); its exquisite cuisines and its first class complementary offering. He adds that “forecasts for 2015 are good because, after being closed for several months due to refurbishing and an extension, the congress centre is expected to be reopened during the first three months of the year”. Its main hall will go from seating 540 people to 775, representing an increase of

around 43% and “will be able to cater for a wider range of national congresses”. Likewise it is also expected that construction work will start on the Convention, Trade fair and Exhibition Centre and this will provide the city of Cordoba with its highly demanded showground for fairs. Granada hopes to be a reference According to data provided by Granada Convention Bureau, in 2014 Granada hosted a total 75 events, mostly medium sized, with an average of between 200 and 500 attendees, attracted by the charm of the capital and the province’s great appeal. The destination hopes to become a reference for both international and national congress organisers and attendees. As explained by the manager of the Granada Convention Bureau, Manuel Muñoz, “besides its pre-eminent past, Granada has become a dynamic, equipped and modern city with the University at its centre, the third most important in Spain, giving the city a cosmopolitan, cultural and young atmosphere”. He adds that “Granada is without a doubt the perfect destination, offering countless possibilities for the organisation of unforgettable congresses, conventions and incentive trips because of its environment, the professionalism of the venues and services and because of the kindness of its people”. Ángeles Vargas


En cuanto pones un pie en Andalucía, ya no eres tú. Eres

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Venues for events of all sizes

Almeria, professional and ambitious The province of Almeria has a very professional specialised offering and in recent years it has been enhanced with new contributions, with which it intends to attract events of all sizes. These services are complemented with this destination’s excellent tourism proposal.

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lmeria offers excellent services for congress tourists that are complemented with a very rich historical heritage, exquisite cuisine and the great tourism offering that is available in the capital. Iits 100 villages as well as its natural wealth, with three parks and numerous protected areas are also important to mention. Added to that are its two large congress centres, the Cabo de Gata-Ciudad de Almería Congress and Exhibition Centre (Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Cabo de Gata-Ciudad de Almería) and the Roquetas de Mar Congress and Exhibition Centre (Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Roquetas de Mar), as well as many unique and alternative venues. Among its most important venues for the MICE segment, the Cabo de Gata- Ciudad de Almeria Congress and Exhibition Centre stands out. It is a modern centre with comprehensive facilities and installations and very versatile. It covers over 8,000 square

The Exhibition and Congress Centre of Cabo de Gata-Ciudad de Almería has capacity for 5,000 people.

meters distributed in 9 rooms, with a total capacity for 5,000 people. The building is a large area divided into a spacious interior hall, two plenary rooms seating up to 600 people, four rooms for up to 100 people, a 1,000 square meter exhibition area and over 1,500 meters of outdoor terraces with gardens ideal for celebrating cocktails or coffee breaks. The congress and exhibition centre is located in a tourist resort amidst the hotel and restaurant infrastructures and complementary offering of El Toyo. El Toyo has a large 18 hole golf course, four hotels, a sports pavilion, a large shopping and entertainment area and a modern hospital. Moreover, extraordinary views of the beach and of the sea promenade can be contemplated from the building. Overall, the accommodation capacity of the area, within a 350 meter radius comprises over 1,100 rooms. The Congress and Exhibition Centre of

Cabo de Gata-Ciudad de Almeria, is also very well connected, it is just 10 kilometres from the International Airport of Almeria and it is also very well connected by road with inland areas and coastal towns. Another very remarkable infrastructure is the Roquetas de Mar Congress and Exhibition Centre, located in Aguadulce. The building has three stories. The first floor is accessed through the parking area. This floor has several rooms filled with natural light, perfect for holding events, and a total floor space of 3,400 meters. The Roquetas de Mar hall, the largest in the whole centre, accommodates up to 1,160 people. Moreover, the modular design makes it possible to create different areas. The Roquetas de Mar Auditorium Theatre (Teatro Auditorio de Roquetas de Mar) has facilities that can accommodate up to 1,300 spectators. The seats are divided into three areas from where it is possible to see and fully enjoy all of the shows. Another emblematic building is the Maestro Padilla Municipal Auditorium, with 950 seats in its main room, as well as two conference rooms with capacity for 120 people each and two large exhibition galleries. It is equipped to host shows, exhibitions and conferences. Other venues suited for events in the province are the Almeria Chamber of Commerce and the University of Almeria.

www.andalucia.org www.turismoalmeria.com www.almeriacongresos.es The Roquetas de Mar Exhibition and Congress Centre has a modular design, making it possible to create different areas. 40

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Come and discover all the Costa del Sol Convention & Exhibition Center-Torremolinos can offer you

Culture LeisureBusiness a place for meetings and events

in torremolinos 5-8 February 2015

Weekend Play, 2nd Entertainment Market

2nd European Convention for Colectors - ECC

IV Andalusian Congress on Games

20-22 February 2015

1-2 October 2015

Ociotur AdalucĂ­a - 1st Leisure

Parks and Tourist Offer Market

16th Wine & Mediterranean Food Trade Fair

8-10 May 2015

28-30 November 2015

3rd UNWTO Conference on Overcoming Seasonality

10th Pastry Market from Andalusian Convents

3 June 2015

December 2015

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3-5 June 2015

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11-13 September 2015

Exhibition Center-Outdoors

Excmo. Ayuntamiento de TORREMOLINOS


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Hotel Valentín Sancti Petri & Centro de Convenciones

Marinela Monge Tel. 956 491 002 Fax: 956 491 001 m.monge@valentinhotels.com www.valentinsanctipetri.com Urb. Novo Sancti Petri s/n 11130 Chiclana de la Frontera (Cádiz) - Andalucía

El Hotel Valentín Sancti Petri**** es un impresionante resort de 553 habitaciones situado en primera línea de la espectacular Playa de La Barrosa, con más de 8km de longitud y considerada una de las mejores de España. Entre los muchos servicios que el Hotel ofrece destacar una gran variedad de restaurantes con amplias terrazas con vistas al mar, bares, zona chillout, 30.000 metros de jardines, salas de lectura y juegos, más de 2.000m2 de piscinas exteriores, piscina interior climatizada, spa, gimnasio, solárium, wifi gratuito en todos los espacios del Hotel y mucho más.

SALONES

m2

Hall Oficina Técnica Doñana Cantabria Asturias Castilla León Levante Cierzo Gregal Sala Juegos Sala Lectura Sala Bar Jerez Restaurante Zahara Restaurante Cazorla Terraza Poniente

518 600 518 400 400 25 35 25 15 15 1050 1150 1150 750 750 84 105 84 56 56 86 108 86 57 57 86 108 86 57 57 84 105 84 56 56 117 145 117 73 73 118 148 118 74 74 117 145 117 73 73 68 70 68 40 40 68 70 68 40 40 140 150 140 70 70 700 Servido 600 Buffet 600 700 Servido 600 Buffet 600 650 Servido 600 Buffet 700

CÓCTEL TEATRO ESCUELA BANQUETE

CAPACIDAD CENTRO DE CONVENCIONES Superficie total: 2.800 m2 Superficie sala mayor: 1.050 m2 Capacidad en formato banquete: 750 pax Capacidad en formato cóctel: 1.313 pax Capacidad en formato teatro: 1.050 pax Número de salas: 8

Contamos con una amplia oferta de actividades complementarias tanto en el Hotel como en los alrededores, por ejemplo pádel, tenis, golf, hípica y actividades náuticas entre otros, y a tan solo 500 metros de centros comerciales y de ocio. El Hotel se encuentra muy bien comunicado gracias a su proximi42

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dad a Cádiz Capital, a 34km, y Jerez y aeropuerto a 45 km. El Hotel Valentín Sancti Petri cuenta con el mayor Centro de Convenciones de la provin-

cia de Cádiz. Más de 2.500m2 de espacios para reuniones distribuidos en 8 salas todas diáfanas, totalmente equipadas, con luz natural y amplio Hall de Exposición.


Settings for an unforgettable event

Cadiz, efficient and seductive for giving presentations or offering theatrical performances, since it can accommodate up to 9,000 people. Another remarkable venue is the La Línea Congress Centre (Palacio de Congresos de La Línea), in La Línea de la Concepción, with a floor area of 5,300 square meters and a capacity for up to 2,000 people. It has a main auditorium and another smaller one for conferences. Another valuable component of the offering in Cadiz is the Cortes de la Real Isla de León Congress Centre, in San Fernando with 2,634 square meters, including 9 rooms seating up to a total of 570 people. The largest room is 300 square meters and can accommodate up to 270 people.

In 2014, TUI Germany chose Cadiz as the city to hold its annual convention. Photo: Karsten Thielker.

The efficiency in the management of events and tourism with designation of origin makes Cadiz an exceptional venue for meetings, conferences and incentive trips. Its already established offering for the congress segment together with its new proposals combine perfectly with the enjoyment of its beaches, cuisine, cultural heritage and festive environment.

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he province of Cadiz combines all the attractions for those wanting to enjoy all any kind of tourism, highlighting its cultural, festive and customary components, as well as its ecological and monumental ones. Furthermore, its incomparable cuisine, its famous wines and its beaches make it a wonderful complement for conference tourism. It has a congress palace in the capital, an exhibition centre for fairs in Jerez de la Frontera and several other congress centres. Cadiz’s castles, wineries, monasteries, factories from the 19th century, country houses and palaces become new venues that will make your congresses unforgettable. The Cadiz Congress Palace is located in the Old Tobacco Factory building, in the capital’s historical centre, near to the train station and the harbour. The building has 3 floors with a large auditorium on the ground floor with

capacity for over 900 people, an exhibition hall and a shopping and restaurant area. The second floor has three conference rooms, five committee rooms and a VIP area. The ground floor has a total exhibition area of 520 square meters, whereas the total exhibition area on the first floor is 303 square meters. In turn, the Cadiz Trade Show Institution (IFECA – Institución Ferial de Cádiz), can be found in the Cadiz town of Jerez de la Frontera, just 7 minutes from the airport. The centre is equipped with the most advanced technical means for the organisation of meetings, exhibitions or presentations. The most spectacular part of the facility is the main pavilion. It has a floor area of over 12,000 square meters for exhibitions or presentations, an area divided into large halls and an outdoor patio with an entrance to the pavilion. Given its size, this open space is ideal

Extensive infrastructure and support Cadiz has over 40,000 hotel beds, most of them in medium and superior category hotels. With experience and a vocation for congresses, across the province there are almost 15,000 hotel beds in 3, 4 and 5 star hotels and 46 hotels with infrastructures for meetings; Chiclana has the most hotel beds, followed by Jerez (with the most meeting rooms in hotels), El Puerto de Santa María, Rota, San Fernando and Cadiz. According to the Provincial Council of Cadiz (Diputación Provincial de Cádiz), compared to big cities, traditional venues for congresses and conventions, the province of Cadiz adds colour and essence to indoor and outdoor settings, originality and action; new settings for leisure time activities that complement any of these types of events: salt mines, estuaries, night pilgrimages, ability, strategy and resistance trials… and the certainty that everything will run as planned. Another essential visit that must not be forgotten is the Royal Andalusia School of Equestrian Art in Jerez (la Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre de Jerez), where you can see horses dance, an authentic equestrian ballet. Cadiz’s professionalism in this segment is guaranteed by the proven experience of its receptive agencies in satisfying groups and congress organisers can always ask for help and advice from the Convention Bureau. www.andalucia.org www.cadizturismo.com www.cadizcongresos.com

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NH Almenara

Tel: 902 181 836 Contact: David Pedreño Weber info.sotogrande@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hoteles.es/meetings

The Almenara hotel is located in a green and peaceful area of the exclusive Sotogrande development. It is situated on a hill in the middle of a golf course, with exceptional views of the Mediterranean. The marina, full of bars and restaurants, is just a short drive away. • 10 kilometres from the beach • 15 minutes from the marina by car • Peaceful environment, surrounded by golf courses and nature There are 148 rooms available in adjoined villa-style buildings with excellent views of the golf course, the gardens and the sea.

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120 80 40 150 55 110 40 40 95,2 60 30 110 40 80 30 30 300 200 80 300 120 200 80 100 520 500 120 1000 225 800 120 225

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• Rooms decorated in warm Mediterranean colours • All rooms have a balcony or terrace • Option of Superior, Deluxe, Junior Suites and Suites The hotel has two restaurants, both with terraces and fantastic views. You can also sit and enjoy a refreshment in the open air at our modern bar. We have various multi-purpose rooms for meetings and events. • Large gym with a wide selection of equipment

• Spa with health and beauty treatments • Magnificent open-air swimming pool with sunbathing areas The Gaia restaurant has huge windows overlooking a terrace with exceptional views. It serves our extensive breakfast buffet, as well as candlelit dinners by night. At lunch time, the Veinteeocho restaurant combines an informal style with great views of the golf course and sea. And if you fancy a drink, there is our modern bar Pentagrama. We have four multi-purpose rooms to choose from. Their capacity ranges from a minimum of 10 people to a maximum of 800, seated in the theatre style layout. All enjoy natural light and both our events organiser and audiovisual equipment is at your disposal. We can host wedding dinners for a maximum of 400 guests, with special rates for those staying in the hotel.

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Cultural heritage and quality guarantee success

Córdoba guarantees an unforgettable event

Córdoba attracts a great number of medical, cultural and scientific congresses.

The great amount of organisations that choose Córdoba every year for the celebration of their meetings and congresses attests the guarantee of success of a destination that has everything: the quality of its hotels, an incomparable cultural heritage, its exquisite cuisine, its great leisure time offering and the experience of its professionals.

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ithout forgetting the many other unique venues that have also become part of its attractive proposal, the province of Córdoba will soon be able to add a new and ambitious venue to its excellent professional offering for congress tourism. The monumental heritage and the beauty of the numerous retreats, places, churches, courtyards, gardens, fountains, convents and palaces make for an attractive and enriching experience for congress tourists. Its well-established offering features the remarkable Congress and Exhibition Centre of Córdoba (Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Córdoba), located in the heart of this ancient city in the old San Sebastián Hospital; a building that was completed at the beginning of the 16th century and that in 1986 was converted into Córdoba’s Congress and Exhibition Palace. The Palace has a completely equipped Plenary Hall with 5 booths for simultaneous trans-

lations. It also has an audiovisual projection system for video, slides and transparencies. It seats around 540 people. The main areas in this venue are the Palace’s Courtyards, true gems of urban architecture, and the perfect places to hold meetings or enjoy a walk. The remaining ten rooms conserve their 16th century style and are named after famous Cordovan people: Julio Romero de Torres, Averroes, Hernán Ruíz, Pablo de Céspedes or Luis de Góngora. The building’s focal point was the cloister, a unique example of Mudejar architecture, and the single nave church with its magnificent flamboyant Gothic façade, very rich in Plateresque decoration and work of “Maestro” Hernán Ruiz. The construction of the new “Parque Joyero” Convention, Exhibition and Trade Fair Centre in scheduled to begin in 2015. The project includes a versatile building with a system of mobile partitions, starting with a main room and

a system of mobile stands. The building is designed to provide a lot of natural light. Amongst its numerous unique venues for events, “Torre de la Barca” must be mentioned. It is strategically located, just 5 minutes from the Mosque-Cathedral, by the Guadalquivir River and it combines elegance and comfort. The combination of its professional services with the magic and charm of Cordoba will make your dinners, business meetings and congresses difficult to forget. “Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos” (the Fortress of the Christian Monarchs) must also be mentioned. A Cordovan castle, fortress and palace with solid walls that typifies the Cordovan architectural evolution.Visigoth and Roman remains lie with those of Arab origin in this majestic plot; it was a favourite site of the city’s different rulers. It has several rooms on the first floor, courtyards on the ground floor and spacious gardens for events. Another important venue is the “Gran Teatro de Córdoba” (Grand Theatre of Córdoba), located in centre of the city. Currently, after its latest refurbishment, the Gran Teatro still maintains its original Italian theatre structure with a horse-shoe shaped room but with a somewhat smaller capacity than before; It can now seat up to 871 people. As part of the offering for congress tourists in Córdoba, visits to wineries and to the events these may host stand out. Some of the most noted wineries are: the Cabriñana Winery, in Montilla; the Delgado Wineries, in Puente Genil; the La Aurora Winery and the Pérez Barquero winery also in Montilla. Some have spaces suitable for meetings, such as the Delgado winery with 2 rooms for 90 and 400 people respectively. The numerous castles in the province are also a very valuable contribution. The Albaida Castle is an ideal venue for small celebrations. It has been restored with exquisite taste, respecting its history but incorporating quality and comfort. It has private dining-rooms and spacious lounges, a multipurpose room and over 1,000 parking spaces. www.andalucia.org www.turismodecordoba.org www.cordobacongress.com

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Barceló Punta Umbría Beach Resort & Huelva Convention Center

Avda. del Decano S/N 21100 Punta Umbría- Huelva Tel. +34 959 495 903 • Fax. +34 959 495901 r.blanco@barcelo.com comercial.huelva2@barcelo.com www.barcelo.com

The only Resort in Andalucía located in a very special place between The Enebrales Nature Reserve and the Odiel River Marshes, right on a 13km long virgin beach. The venue offers approx. 1200 rooms (divided in three buildings) totally equipped, 10Mbs complimentary WIFI connection in the whole Resort, 4 Themed Buffet restaurants (Asian Style Buffet, Italian Style Buffet, Local Food Style Buffet and American Style Buffet) with an excellent cuisine, 3 lobby bar, 2 pool bar. As complimentary offer, the hotel has 2.000 sqm of pool areas, 2.000 sqm of Spa & Wellness, 7 golf courses in the surroundings and great entertainment activities. With Barceló Huelva Convention Center born a new way of understanding the work that mix the most modern technologies of a Convention Center, with the comfort and the services of a big Resort. The Convention Center has 4.000 sqm and a maximum capacity of 3.500 people, 2 plenary rooms of 1.000 sqm and 6 meters ceiling high each, 19 meeting rooms with capacity from 20 to 1.500 people, foyer of 1.298 sqm and over 3.000 sqm of terraces for presentations and cocktails. It has a service lift for material of 5.5 meters long and 2.2 meters width and direct access to the plenary room. Additional services include a wide day and night entertainment program, 1.200 car park spaces, cyber corner and souvenir shop. 50 meters from the hotel, there is a shopping center with leisure activities and cinemas.

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Auditorium Barceló Cristóbal Colón Cristóbal Colón I Cristóbal Colón II Cristóbal Colón III Santa María I Santa María II La Pinta I La Pinta II La Niña I La Niña II La Niña III Colina La Gallega Marigalante Santa Clara La Rabida La Fraila Subcomisión I Subcomisión II Subcomisión III Foyer Terraza I Terraza II

1.176 900 1.200 1000 1.500 1.075 900 1.200 900 1.500 355 300 420 300 500 355 300 427 300 500 364 300 431 300 500 120 67 133 50 100 120 67 133 50 100 30 17 33 16 30 61 34 68 32 61 58 32 64 31 58 36 20 40 19 36 39 22 43 21 39 32 18 36 17 32 56 31 62 29 56 56 31 62 29 56 64 36 71 34 64 48 27 53 25 48 32 18 36 17 32 70 39 78 37 70 30 17 33 16 30 38 21 42 20 38 1.298 - - - 300 172 344 - 300 172 344 - -

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The hotel offering stands out in the province of Huelva

Huelva, attractive and unique The province of Huelva has a particular appeal for hosting events of all different sizes. Together with its excellent offering of congress centres and palaces, the hotels in this province also offer exclusive services for the business segment. This experience is enhanced with the possibility of enjoying its natural environment, the charm of its villages and its gastronomic wealth.

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uelva offers a variety of possibilities for the organisation of events, from congress centres and palaces to fantastic hotels with unbeatable infrastructures, as well as imaginative and expert professional services that will make congress tourists return to this incomparable destination. Events and meetings can be complemented with a trip to the mountains, walks on the beach, gastronomic tours and even adventure activities in magnificent settings. The Casa Colón Congress Palace stands out among the specialised offering; it is one of the most important buildings in the city of Huelva. It opened in 1883 as Hotel Colón in commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the discovery of America. Today it houses the congress centre and the complex includes the old housing units, three pavilions – Levante (East), Poniente (West) and La Casa Grande (the Big House) - as well as different garden areas. The main pavilion is a modern building that houses the congress centre; it has a large multipurpose room prepared for any kind of event. The library and the Municipal Archive, plus two 240 square meter showrooms are in the Levante Pavilion. And the Casa Grande hosts all of the cultural activities carried out at the venue: with a hall for receptions and other additional rooms. In turn, the Islantilla Exhibition and Conference Centre (Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de Islantilla) is located in the Hotel Asur Islantilla Suites & Spa. The infrastruc-

Palacio de Congresos Casa Colón (Columbus House Congress Centre) stands out among the offering in Huelva.

ture has capacity for over 1,000 people and two theatres, and the area has a very rich complementary offering. The hotel’s conference centre has a floor surface of 4,900 square meters, distributed into several meeting rooms, showrooms and an auditorium. All of the services provided and its great versatility make it the ideal destination. Furthermore, congress tourists can enjoy all of the luxurious amenities offered by this 4 star hotel that is just 200 meters from the beach. Along the same line, the Barceló Huelva Convention Centre also stands out. It is located in Punta Umbría, a tourist resort with 1,500 rooms shared out between the Barceló Punta Umbría Beach Resort and the Barceló Punta Umbría. Its convention centre has capacity for 3,500 people and it its plenary room for 1,500. It includes the Barceló Auditorium that seats 1,500 people and sixteen

additional rooms for another 1,500 people. It also has a terrace, perfect for cocktails and coffee-breaks, overlooking the Natural Park, two independent themed restaurants and 1,200 parking spaces. In turn, the Ayamonte Exhibtion and Congress Centre has a main auditorium that seats 1,000 people, including the Marismas Hall with 400 seats and the Litoral Room with 150 seats. It also has another six meeting rooms for 20 people and a conference room for 50. This centre also has a multipurpose showroom with a floor surface of 900 square meters and four technical offices for organising. And, the La Rábida Ibero-American Forum (Foro Iberoamericano de la Rábida) is also an excellent choice. It offers the option of an open air forum for up to 3,700 people and a conference room for 419. It also has five seminar rooms with capacity for 20 to 60 people and a multipurpose showroom. Another interesting venue for the organisation of events in this Andalusian destination is the Jacobo del Barco Pavilion at the University of Huelva. Throughout the year it hosts courses, concerts, presentations and all kinds of events. www.andalucia.org www.turismohuelva.org/es/

The province is ready to host events of all different sizes. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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The restoration of value of the “Cármenes” has made Granada’s proposal more attractive

Granada, magical and welcoming

The García Lorca Auditorium is the Congress Palace’s most emblematic room.

Granada’s congress offering is one of the most traditional in Andalusia, although new elements are being introduced all the time and these give its appeal a whole new perspective. The charm of this province adds to a tradition of professional event organisation that is highly recognised by the industry.

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he monumental and historical heritage of Granada is without a doubt one of the main attractions for congress organisers, but the province and city itself have a lot more to offer such as the snow in “Sierra Nevada” and many other alternatives still to be discovered. Among its professional services, the Granada Congress and Exhibition Palace is especially notable. Located in the capital, in the heart of the city of Granada, its avant-garde design blends in perfectly with its surrounding urban landscape. The building was opened in 1992 and since then it has become one of the Spain’s main palaces for exhibitions and conferences, not only because

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of its size – more than 45.000 square metres distributed over seven floors – but also because of its outstanding indoor facilities. The García Lorca Auditorium is the emblem of the congress palace. It is equipped with the latest technology, simultaneous translations booths, and film projection and electronic voting systems. It is a functional and multipurpose room, and each seat can be turned into a small desk with access to the internet, a fax, a computer and a voice and data system. In this case, its seating capacity of 2,000 people is reduced to 1,000. Another prominent area of the complex is the Carlos V Amphitheatre. The building has other rooms and are-

as that can be used to host from scientific conferences to trade shows or video and teleconferences. Apart from its meeting rooms, the palace also has a 1,500m2 main lobby lit with natural light that can be used as an exhibition hall. In turn, the Manuel de Falla Auditorium is run by the Manuel de Falla Cultural Centre, an autonomous agency belonging to the City Council of Granada. It has a concert hall with one of the best acoustics in the world and seats 1,240 people. The Armilla Trade Fair Showground (FERMASSA) in the Granada town of Armilla should also be mentioned. The Showground has a floor surface of over 30,000m2 and is perfectly equipped to hold trade fairs of all different sizes for the general public and for professionals. It has three pavilions for exhibitors and an assembly hall for conferences. 9,000m2 are covered facilities and 20,000 are outside exhibition grounds. And the Villa de Salobreña Autorium is used for organising conferences, seminars, business meetings, presentations, musical performances, etc. all with the latest technology. It has a seating capacity of 376 people, halls for the assembly of exhibition stands, seminar rooms, other additional rooms and highly qualified staff. Among Granada’s unique venues, the restoration of value of the “Cármenes” is notable. Thus, the Carmen de los Chapiteles is located 80 meters below ‘Generalife’, residence of the Sultans of the Alhambra. The Carmen de los Chapiteles has several meeting rooms and gardens, where it is possible to hold all kinds of events and the Carmen de los Mártires is a 19th century building in the city of Granada, and consists of a mansion and spacious gardens. Another magnificent venue for events is the Cordova Palace; a Renaissance building surrounded by beautiful gardens and orchards. Its interior atrium was built to Gothic style and its ceilings are Mudejar coffered ceilings. Its rooms and gardens are used for celebrations and for formal meetings. www.andalucia.org www.turgranada.es granadaconventionbureau.org


Unique settings and excellent infrastructures

Jaen emerges with a different proposal Jaen’s proposal for congress tourism is highly professional, and at the same time it is refreshing and full of new experiences. The province’s interesting historical heritage and its wonderful natural environment are the perfect complement for business tourists.

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aen is considered to have some of the most comprehensive infrastructures for hosting all different kinds of events and congresses. Its diverse offering for this segment includes palaces, trade fair exhibition centres, hotels, castles, old oil mills and even bullrings. Not forgetting the province’s spectacular cultural wealth, with two towns declared World Heritage Sites: Úbeda and Baeza, and its extraordinary natural component. Not surprisingly, Jaén has the largest area of protected natural spaces in Spain, 304,175 hectares. When talking about its specialised offering, the Recinto Provincial de Ferias y Congresos de Jaén (Jaen’s Provincial Trade Fair and Congress Centre), located in the capital, is remarkable. The complex offers 3,500 square meters for hosting events. Its main spaces are the auditorium and eight meeting rooms, technically equipped for all kinds of events. The complex also has three exhibition pavilions. The Guadalquivir Auditorium is the largest in the complex and seats 418 people. The Convention Centre is located in the commercial part of the city and the building combines architectural rigor, avant-garde design and functional efficiency, an excellent accuracy in the distribution of its different spaces and attention to detail. It offers the most advanced audiovisual and telecommunication technology and provides congress tourists and visitors with a full range of services guaranteeing the comfort of those attending and the success of every event. The centre’s ground floor has a central lobby and all other rooms lead off from there. On this floor one can access the Auditorium, offices, press room and two meeting rooms. On

The Convention Centre is very functional.

the first floor there are four congress rooms, a restaurant and the auditorium’s amphitheatre. The palace has a total of eight different sized function rooms for over 700 people, all with different layouts and used for different purposes. In turn, Andalusia’s International University in Baeza, offers fully equipped facilities for hosting all kinds of academic activities and also for lodging students: student hall of residence, assembly rooms, library, computer lab, television and reading room, cafeteria, gym, a sports’ court for practicing different sports, garden areas, a press room and a main lecture hall equipped with modern simultaneous translation booths. It is located 48 kilometres from the Jaen capital and consists of two buildings: the Jabalquinto Palace and the Old Seminario Conciliar (Theological Seminary). Another unique venue for events is the Hospital of Santiago located in Úbeda’s cultural, recreational and commercial centre. Designed by the architect Andrés de Vandelvira, it is considered to be one of the best pieces of Spanish Renaissance. It dates back to 1575 and was used as a hospital until 1975. It has a reception room for handing out documentation and a cafeteria and restaurant. A stand service can be set-up in the central and side courtyards and the central corridor can be used for closing ceremonies or dinners.

Another building adapted for these kinds of events is the Cultural Centre of the Old San Juan de Dios Hospital, in the historic district of the city of Jaen that dates back to the 15th century. It has a Renaissance courtyard garden for events, several exhibition rooms, a conference r oom and a meeting room. The Auditorio de Los Descalzos (the Auditorium of the Discalced) also stands out in Jaen’s offering; it is the old Church of the Discalced Trinitarians, today converted into an Auditorium that hosts all kinds of events and presentations. The building has an octagonal layout with a rectangular building just in front; its façade is very simple, with minimal decoration. This proposal is rounded off with the Aula Magna (main Lecture Hall) at the Jaen University, located in the capital and on the Lagunillas Campus. It hosts concerts, plays and different kinds of events. And in Linares, the Fundación Andrés Segovia - Casa Museo (Andrés Segovia Foundation – Museum Home) is housed at the Orozco Palace, built in the 17th century and currently used as Andrés Segovia’s museum-home with a music room, an assembly room and a courtyard-garden. www.andalucia.org www.jaenparaisointerior.es

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Barceló Málaga****

Persona de contacto: Félix García-Maldonado Estación VIALIA Maria Zambrano C/ Héroe de Sostoa, 2 / 29002 Málaga Tel. +34 952 047 494 Fax. +34 952 31 40 65

SALONES

Con una ubicación privilegiada en el corazón de la ciudad, el hotel Barceló Málaga**** hace gala de su carácter Urban Beach, denominación que implica que todos los clientes del hotel podrán disfrutar durante su estancia tanto de la playa, a 200 metros del hotel, como de la ciudad de Málaga, con una oferta cultural íntimamente ligada al arte.

Este hotel en plena Costa del Sol dispone de conexión directa por tren al aeropuerto, a las principales zonas turísticas de la Costa del Sol, y además está situado a tan solo 15 min. del centro histórico de la ciudad. Barceló Málaga ofrece 221 amplias y modernas habitaciones diseñadas siguiendo el nuevo concepto de habitación B-Room y

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Andalucía 1 322 240 440 310 252 - 68 Andalucía 2 107 80 120 102 63 - 32 Andalucía 3 115 80 130 110 63 - 32 Andalucía 1+2 429 320 580 408 315 - 84 Andalucía 2+3 222 160 250 211 125 - 52 Andalucía 1+2+3 544 440 700 518 480 - 108 Esperanza 4 30 20 24 20 18 22 16 Esperanza 5 33 20 24 20 18 22 16 Esperanza 6 33 20 24 20 18 22 16 Esperanza 7 33 20 24 20 18 22 16 Esperanza 8 37 20 30 20 24 22 16 Esperanza 4+5 63 24 - 57 - - Esperanza 5+6 66 24 - 57 - - Esperanza 7+8 70 24 - 57 - - Esperanza 4+5+6 96 36 - 91 - - Esperanza 6+7+8 103 36 - 95 - - Esperanza 4+5+6+7+8 166 72 - 158 - - Trinidad 9 54 - 40 40 51 32 - 24 Trinidad 10 60 50 50 51 32 - 24 Trinidad 11 42 - 20 35 40 24 - 20 Trinidad 9+10 114 90 102 110 64 - 48 Trinidad 9+10+11 156 120 156 148 80 - 56 Trinidad FY+4+5 107 81 - 102 - - Trinidad FY+5+6+7 157 117 - 148 - - Trinidad FY+6+7+8 168 126 - 160 - - Trinidad FY+4+5+6+7+8 278 370 - 264 - - Trinidad FY+8+9+10+11 218 162 - 207 - - Trinidad FY+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11 552 405 - 525 - - Alora 12 18 12 - - - 12 Nerja 13 18 12 - - - 12 Ronda 14 18 12 - - - 12 Coin 15 18 12 - - - 12 Mijas 16 18 12 - - - 12 -

equipadas con todo lo necesario para disfrutar de una escapada de fin de semana en Málaga o para un viaje de negocios. El hotel ha sido reconocido por la revista británica Wallpaper como uno de los 50 mejores hoteles de negocios del mundo. Los 1.500 m2 de su centro de convenciones y reuniones, dividido en 16 salas con una capacidad máxima de 700 personas, seducen a los sectores que apuestan por el diseño para garantizar el éxito de sus eventos y reuniones. Todas sus instalaciones cuentan con conexión Wi-Fi gratuita.


Many infrastructures and excellent connections

Malaga, quantity and quality The Auditorium Municipal Príncipe de Asturias (Prince of Asturias Municipal Auditorium) is also located in Torremolinos and is one of the largest in Andalusia, with over 200,000 square meters. It seats 1,790 people, up to 5,668 people standing up and can accommodate for 1,700 people sitting in a gala banquet. It has sound and lighting equipment suitable for all kinds of concerts, music performances, ballets, plays and all kinds of cultural and popular events. Another leading facility is the Palacio de

In 2014 FYCMA hosted major national and international events.

The congress offering in Malaga is so comprehensive and varied that it has become a leading destination in the region for this kind of tourist segment. Apart from MICE facilities that are excellent value for money, it also offers attractions such as its tasty cuisine, its culture that has been embellished with new proposals and unbeatable travel connections with national and international destinations.

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alaga is a choice that will not disappoint congress tourists. Apart from the many and expert infrastructures for business tourism it also offers authenticity and accessibility, in large part thanks to its international airport and the connections by AVE (Spanish High Speed train). The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga (Malaga’s Congress and Trade Fair Centre) has become one of the capital’s emblems. Its design is very functional; 60,000 square meters of floor space and technological features that make it an efficient centre because of its versatility to accommodate all types of events. Its spaces have been distributed depending on their use: a large lobby, a central courtyard, a show room, a convention and congress area (with two auditoriums), conference rooms, a storage and merchandise area and a restaurant. The building has 17,000 square

meters available for exhibitions and spread over two pavilions. Apart from two auditoriums with capacity for 900 and 600 people respectively, it also has two function rooms that can seat up to 450 people with a floor space of 500 square meters each. It also has eighteen meeting rooms that can seat up to 70 people. In turn, the recently renovated Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones de la Costa del Sol (Costa del Sol’s Exhibition and Congress Centre), is located in Torremolinos and enjoys a privileged setting in the heart of Costa del Sol and is just 4 Km’s from Malaga’s Airport. It has a spectacular entrance hall, a lobby divided into two floors with 3,000 and 2,500 meters each. It is mainly used for hosting trade fairs and exhibitions although it is also used for banquettes, fashion shows and multitudinous ceremonies. It has capacity for up to 2,000 people.

Congress attendees place great significance on the facilities in Malaga.

Congresos y Exposiciones de Marbella Adolfo Suarez (Adolfo Suarez Exhibition and Congress Centre in Marbella), especially designed to host congresses, conventions, product launches, exhibitions and all kinds of national and international meetings, offering its clients modern infrastructures, intimately associated with high quality. And just an hour away from Malaga’s International Airport is the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos de Estepona (Estepona’s Congress and Exhibition Centre), a multipurpose complex suitable for hosting trade fairs, conventions and of course congresses. The centre has around 21,000 square meters of floor space and offers a large pavilion and conference room. The Palacio de Congresos de Ronda (Congress Palace in Ronda) is also remarkable. It is located in the old Santo Domingo Convent, a building full of history, and has rooms that are perfectly equipped and ideal for small meetings, suitable for accommodating from 10 to 200 people. www.andalucia.org http://www.visitacostadelsol.com/ www.malagacongresos.com

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H10 Andalucía Plaza

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Urb. Nueva Andalucía E-29660 Puerto Banús, Marbella, Málaga T (34) 952 81 20 00 - F (34) 952 81 47 92 mice.agp@h10hotels.com

Located in Puerto Banús, one of the most exclusive areas in Marbella, the H10 Andalucía Plaza has been recently refurbished with a bright and cutting-edge interior design. Specialising in holidays for adults, this emblematic establishment is the ideal place to hold work meetings and events in Costa del Sol. The hotel has 8 fully-equipped meeting rooms, all with a free Wi-Fi connection. The Castilla meeting room, with capacity of up to

600 people, is naturally lit, includes external access and is a contemporary yet functional space. To top off its exclusive service offer, HALLS

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the hotel also has a Despacio Spa Centre, a wide range of cuisine and agreements with the area’s best golf courses.

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Castilla A+B+C 553 3,9 550 600 300 - - 450 180-240 Castilla A 163 3,9 150 130 100 - - 140 Castilla B 166 3,9 155 130 100 - - 130 Castilla C 224 3,9 200 240 130 - - 180 Málaga 186 2,7 180 200 65 - 60 130 60-80 Sevilla 66 2,5 90 90 48 40 46 - Almería 40 2,56 - 40 24 20 24 - Cádiz 44 2,56 - 40 18 20 24 - Huelva 26 2,5 - 20 12 10 12 - -

Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga Avda. José Ortega y Gasset, 201 - 29006 Málaga Teléfonos: 952.04.55.00 imoya@fycma.com www.fycma.com

cutting-edge design facilities. The venue can accommodate over 20,000 visitors in its 60,000 m² building, which includes an exhibition area of 17,000 m² distributed in 2 Exhibition Halls, 2 Auditoriums, 2 Conference Rooms, 15 Multi-Purpose Meeting Rooms, 1 Exhibition Room, 3 Catering areas and Parking facilities with capacity for 1,200 vehicles. FYCMA also offers an added value: the city of Malaga itself – a city with a wide cultural offer, excellent average annual temperature, quality hotels, and an extensive network of infrastructures that turn it into an easy-to-reach destination. HALLS

The Trade Fairs and Congress Center of Malaga – FYCMA was inaugurated in 2003. It has become a consolidated business centre of reference in the national arena of conventions and fair activities due to its strategic location in the Costa del Sol and its functional

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m2

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Pabellón 1 10.800 8 9.000 - 5.400 - Pabellón 2 6.000 8 5.000 - 3.000 - Auditorio 1 950 7 910 - - - Auditorio 2 700 7 590 - - - Sala 1 440 4 370 95 200 190 400 Sala 2 470 4 400 95 230 200 420 Sala Exposiciones 470 4 400 95 270 160 450 Restaurante 2.200 6 - - - 1.500 2.000 Vestíbulo 2.000 21,9 - - - - 6 Salas Multiusos 90 5 70 25 35 40 80 6 Salas Multiusos 45 5 40 15 15 20 45 Antesala 2 450 2,8 - - - - Sala VIP - - 55 45 30 30 40


Malaga has five exhibition and trade fair palaces

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Costa del Sol, the capital of Southern Europe for Meeting and Congress Tourism well ahead of Cadiz (35,000 seats) or Seville (around 25,000 seats). And something even more important: 65% of all hotel beds in Malaga are in 4 and 5 star hotels, the most sought after by congress tourists. In addition to this, Malaga’s excellent connections differentiate it from all other provinces in Andalusia and place it at the height of the two major national leaders in this segment: Madrid and Barcelona. The province has the country’s fourth largest airport regarding volume of passengers and it is the autonomous region’s first airport, standing out from all other provinces in Andalusia where all other airports are secondary. Furthermore, the arrival of the Spanish High Speed Train (AVE) at the end of 2007 has also provided the province with an international top-class rail link that has its continuity in quality internal journeys thanks to the dual carriageway network (along all of Malaga’s coastline) and the motorways (on the west coast and inland). Palacio de Congresos de Málaga.

A leading destination with over 10 million visitors a year, first-class infrastructures and a complementary offer capable of satisfying all tourists’ requirements; Costa del Sol has become a national reference for the MICE segment. For over two decades the Costa del Sol’s Convention Bureau has contributed in this area enabling the Costa del Sol to become specialised in Meeting and Congress Tourism.

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he province of Malaga stands-out because of its great number of tourist attractions that have earned the trust of over 10 million annual visitors. Amongst these attractions the specific segment of Meeting and Congress Tourism stands-out. The Provincial Tourism Board of Malaga– Costa del Sol has a great deal of experience in promoting the MICE segment making it one of the pioneering entities in the development of this field at national level. It founded the Costa del Sol Convention Bureau in 1993 with the intention of promoting this kind of tourism in an area that has everything necessary to satisfy the requirements of the de-

manding professionals that visit us. In Andalusia there are a total of 569 establishments with facilities for meetings and congresses for around 344,000 people, in theatre layout, and one in four are in the province of Malaga. The Costa del Sol destination has first class facilities for these events, highlighting its five exhibition and trade fair palaces: Malaga, Torremolinos, Marbella, Estepona and Ronda. Furthermore, the hotel industry is set up as another competitive advantage offered by the Province of Malaga. Around 90,000 seats in its 103 municipalities make Malaga the top Andalusian province in volume and quality,

One in four of Andalusia’s meeting and congress venues are located in the province of Malaga However, the province of Malaga is much more than infrastructures and professional services. Its versatile complementary offering guarantees that the congress tourists’ visit is supported at every level. The 160 kilometres of beaches and 320 days of sunshine a year provide the perfect setting to enjoy wonderful treasures only before imagined by the most creative visitors: cultural heritage, cuisine, jewels of inland tourism, havens for shopping, an endless entertainment and leisure offering... Because of this, every year the province of Malaga hosts over 4,300 professional meetings bringing around 70,000 participants and generating over 411 million Euros of direct economic impact. This achievement confirms that the Costa del Sol is the capital of Meeting and Congress Tourism in Southern Europe. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento

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Isla de la Cartuja, 41092 (Sevilla) Teléfono : 954 462 222 · Fax : 954 463 393 www.mice.barcelosevillarenacimiento.com sevillarenacimiento.events@barcelo.com

The Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento is a major name at the national and international level for the organization of all kinds of meetings and events. It specializes in conferences and conventions, product launches and the automobile and incentive travel sector. Four large and versatile spaces to work with, equipped with the latest technology, fully customizable, and located in the setting of Seville, which boasts incomparable tourist resources and the perfect infrastructure to meet the needs of any event. 295 rooms distributed HALLS

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in three Atriums, specially designed with the perfect dimensions to carry out original projects ensuring total privacy. The Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento is not only a great Hotel, also offers more exclusive areas such as ATRIUM I and ATRIUM III; offering features hard to find in any other establishment for the originality of its concept, COCKTAIL

SCHOOL

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U-SHAPE

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IMPERIAL

Gran Sevilla 1.024 6-7 720 1.100 750 1.100 - - Sevilla - 1 módulo 300 6-7 200 250 200 300 72 15 x Sevilla - 2 módulos 600 6-7 400 500 400 600 120 30 x Sevilla 3+4 430 6 320 350 280 400 - 20 x Sevilla 1+2+3 900 6-7 600 1.000 600 1.000 - 45 x Sala VIP 53 2,58 - - - - - - 10 Foyer 450 9 250 400 - - - - Galería 394 6 250 500 - - - - Atrio I 480 20 300 400 250 350 - 15 x Cartuja 420 2,45 150 175 40 50/ 100 25 6 x La Pinta 38 2,50 30 30 28 40 18 3 x 22 La Niña 38 2,50 30 30 28 40 18 3 x 22 Santa María 38 2,50 - - - - - - 12 Atrio III 700 23 550 800 450 750 - 25 x España 1 232 3 120 150 100 120 54 60 45 España 2 105 3 80 70 50-60 100 40 70 45 España 3 110 3 80 70 50-60 100 40 70 45 España 4 108 3 80 70 50-60 100 40 70 45 España 5 226 3 120 150 100 120 50 60 45 Andalucía (8 salas) 71 2,6/2,05 50 70 35 50 30 4 x 36 Andalucía 9 + 10 56 2,50 - - 28 22 3 x 20 Andalucía (2 módulos) 142 2,6/2,05 100 130 70 100 40 6 x 46 Alamillo 112 2,20 70 40 60 37 5 x 26 Heliópolis 36 2,20 - - - 8 - 12 Macarena 66 2,50 60 40 63 30 6x 25 Giralda 267 6 / 2,60 170 200 150 210 50 70 56 Restaurante Colón 350 Servido 200 Buffet 170 Espacios Exteriores Jardines 12.000 1.000 2.000 Acceso piscina 220 320 Buffet 150

these two building providing customer gets all the necessary confidentiality and privacy for use as “VENUES” in product launches, incentives high-level presentations. It is located next to Parque Tecnológico Cartuja 93, one of the leading scientists in Spain; only 10 minutes away from the city center and the main railway station or 15 minutes from San Pablo´s international airport.

New rooms.

FEATURES OF ITS SPACES FOR EVENTS Its 5.000 m2 of meeting area are distributed into 25 meeting rooms, including 2 Atriums and a Convention Center of 1.025 m2 with a maximum capacity for 1.200 delegates, technical floor and ceilings that may be divided into 3 totally independent meeting rooms with natural light. Around the Convention Center you can find the “Foyer” and “Gallery”, 850 sq. of glazed surface, and views to the Guadalquivir River, which is an ideal location for placing stands, posters or offering catering services such as coffee breaks, cocktails or welcome drinks; besides 10.000 m2 of private gardens. 54

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A MICE destination in constant growth

Seville, a perfect setting for creativity Seville’s wide and emblematic product for congress tourism, with the spectacular Fibes 2 as its new backbone, has been boosted by the excellent national and international travel connections of the province and because of its beauty and the charm and the magic of its capital and its villages, the perfect combination of modern and traditional culture.

Seville has hosted highly creative events such as EUBEA 2014.

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he province of Seville has seen its worldwide position for congress tourism flourish because of its excellent travel connections by AVE (Spanish High Speed Train) and with the International Airport of San Pablo, where direct international flights are increasing, highlighting the commitment British Airways and Lufthansa have made with this destination. The appeal of its inland port for cruise tourism is also an important attraction. The Seville Congress & Convention Bureau points out that apart from the appeal of the new Fibes 2 congress palace, the most modern congress palace in Europe, Seville also offers dynamic professionals in this sector and this is becoming more and more appealing for creative event organisers, and is also attracting scientific congresses. The city and its province are a sound destination for holding meetings and carrying out incentives, with modern and traditional resources, from congress palaces to hotels, estates, country properties and palace-houses. The offerings’ main backbone is Seville’s Fibes Congress and Exhibition Palace. With its original and new phase it offers two completely different kinds of products. Fibes I has three large pavilions measuring 7,200m2 each, without columns and with an illuminated dome for access; it also has two auditoriums, VIP rooms, offices and restaurants. Meanwhile, Fibes II has three modules: module A is one of the main access points

Resources for congresses in hotels are very valuable.

to the New Congress Centre and the gateway connecting the previous facilities, it has three inside and outside exhibition areas and fifteen parallel meeting rooms; module B is the central multipurpose building, housing the catering area and it has multifunction rooms with mobile panels with a total floor surface of 1,450m2 of; and module C houses multipurpose rooms, VIP rooms, dressing rooms and the Auditorium that seats 3,200 people and has a 620 m2 stage. In total, Fibes has a floor surface of 90,000m2 for meetings, over 40,000m2 of exhibition space, five auditoriums seating from 350 to 3,200 people and 71 meeting rooms. Another remarkable building is the Alcalá de Guadira Congress and Exhibition Centre, located in the Alacalá 10 Industrial Estate, very well connected and with modern technical facilities, including several auxiliary

services. It is a 1,500m2 area accommodating an auditorium for 310 people, an IMAX cinema, presentation and meeting rooms, classrooms, IT rooms, a virtual reality centre and an exhibition centre. In turn, the CSC Congress and Convention Centre in Seville, in Bollullos de la Mitación, has 24 rooms suitable for exhibitions, conferences, banquettes or lectures. It also has spacious gardens, reception and parking areas and capacity to accommodate up to 3,500 people in a single event. The La Monclova Castle is a unique building for meetings; its oldest remains date back to the 14th century. It has three meeting rooms, a maximum capacity of 1,472 people, 350 if in covered areas and its largest room is 500m2. The Seville Chamber of Commerce is also an ideal place to hold meetings, conventions, seminars, workshops, presentations or award ceremonies. It has 30 function rooms with capacity for 1,500 people. An example of a unique venue is Hacienda El Vizir (El Vizir Estate), located in the Seville municipality of Espartinas, and very suitable for any kind of event related with the business sector, from lunches, coffee breaks, award ceremonies or team building activities. www.andalucia.org http://www.turismosevilla.org http://www.sevillacb.com/

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Hotel TRH Alcora ****

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Ctra. San Juan a Tomares, km 1 41920 San Juan de Aznalfarache – Sevilla Tel: 964 349 600 Fax: 954 170 128 Comercial.alcora@trhhoteles.com www.trhalcora.com

The iconic hotel TRH Alcora Business & Congress is located less than 10 minutes from the historic centre of Seville, in San Juan de Aznalfarache, with a strategic location that offers stunning views over the Andalusian capital. Specially equipped for holding all kinds of events, the establishment is well connected by road, AVE High-speed train, or plane via San Pablo International Airport. A shuttle bus is available to Seville city centre, Santa Justa railway station and other hotels. Among other services, the hotel offers free gym, internet points in the lobby and a hairdressers. There are major shopping centres, a casino and golf course nearby. The hotel, TRH Alcora has 401 rooms (182 doubles, 97 duplex, 63 double rooms with lounge, 53 special double rooms and 6 suites), all are exterior and fully equipped. HALLS

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COCKTAIL

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Centro de Convenciones 1053 4,5-6,5 27x39 1200 550 1200 800 Alcora I 365 4,5-6,5 27x13,5 450 200 450 150 Alcora II 365 4,5-6,5 27x13,5 450 200 450 150 Alcora I + II 730 4,5-6,5 27x27 900 400 900 350 Alcora III a VIII 45 2,45 7x6,4 50 24 50 30 Alcora III+IV+V 135 2,45 21x6,4 150 72 30 120 Despacho I y II 32 2,45 8x4 50 24 - Mairena 21,5 2,50 6,8x3,15 - - - Buisiness Center 30 3 9x3,4 15 - - Almensilla 66 2,9 7,6x8,6 50 36 60 40 Castilleja 71 2,9 8,2x8,6 50 36 75 40 Espartinas 74 2,9 8,4x8,8 50 30 75 40 Tomares 86 2,9 12x7,2 80 48 100 60 Olivares 86 2,9 13x6,6 70 45 - SanlĂşcar 91 2,9 13x7 80 48 100 60 Hinojos 104 2,9 11,8x8,8 100 80 125 80 Almensilla + Castilleja 137 2,9 15,8x8,6 100 72 150 80 Espartina + Hinojos 178 2,8 20,2x8,8 150 102 200 120 Albaida 225 2,9 20x11,2 220 120 250 140 Aznalfarache 389 2,9 20,8x19,3 350 200 400 200 Albaida + Aznalfarache 614 2,9 20,8x30,5 500 250 650 350

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Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and common areas. The hotel has 26 meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 6 to 1,400 people and features a versatile convention centre with a capacity of 1,200 people, and divisible into 8 separate rooms, with facilities such as booths for simultaneous translation. There are also a further 13 rooms, dedicated for conferences, meetings and banquet use. Free WiFi is available in meeting rooms and public areas, with connections available in all rooms.

The hotel offers the personalized attention of a specialist events management team and can provide a variety of accommodation and event catering refreshment services, such as; welcome drinks, working lunch or buffet menus, coffee breaks, cocktails and gala dinners. The hotel is equipped with free outside parking for 300 cars and up to 20 buses. In addition, there are covered parking spaces with electric vehicle charging points.


NH Collection Sevilla SEVILLA

Tel: 95 454 85 00 Contact: Margarita Fernández nhcollectionsevilla@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hoteles.es/meetings

The NH Collection Sevilla enjoys a privileged location in Seville’s financial and business district. The historic part of the city is just a short walk away. There are excellent public transport links from the hotel, meaning all of Seville will be within your reach. • 2 metro stops or a 15-minute walk from the historic quarter • Next to a shopping and leisure area that includes the Nervión Plaza shopping centre and El Corte Inglés, as well as cinemas, bars and restaurants • Direct access to the SE-30 ring road and less than ten minutes from Santa Justa train station

HALLS HEIGHT m2 BANQUET

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Gran Salon Andalucia 8.0 755.1 594 136 950 525 1000 152 Gran Salon + Foyer8.0 m 1052.0 825 - 1400 - - - Avenida (1) 8.0 144.0 99 - 145 - - - Amistad (2) 8.0 151.0 110 52 200 100 238 56 Almeria (3) 8.0 151.0 110 52 200 100 238 56 Almenara (4) 8.0 151.0 110 52 200 100 238 56 Alanda (5) 8.0 157.0 121 52 200 100 238 56 Marbella 4.0 126.0 88 44 130 80 156 50 Malaga 4.0 126.0 88 44 130 80 156 50 Perdiz 4.0 144.0 121 30 150 44 150 30 Imperial 7.0 93.0 77 36 100 66 144 35 Inglaterra 7.0 93.0 77 36 100 66 144 35 Luz 3.45 26.0 - 16 - - 25 14 -

Our elegant rooms incorporate modern furniture, wooden floors, and an attractive combination of beige and chocolate colours. Luxurious extras include rain effect shower, pillow menu

and coffeemaker. Also provided are a 40- or 47-inch television and free WiFi. We offer both Superior and Premium rooms, which have room for a cot. The hotel also has a swimming pool and gym. We have eleven multi-purpose rooms with space for a maximum of 1,000 people. All enjoy natural light and are equipped with the latest technology. We also have event coordination specialists, including one for weddings. They will take care of all the details, from catering to specialised services such as translators, transfers and even a tour of the city.

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Zaragoza perceives a slight recovery in MICE activity

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Figures for 2014 are better than those of 2013 when the city hosted 430 events

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ccording to the local Convention Bureau, for the last two years MICE activity in Zaragoza has registered a gradual inclination to improve, even though the events hosted by the city “do not last as long as before and confirmations and reservations are also made with little notice”. On the other hand this organisation has also perceived a recovery in the number of meetings held and in the number of attendees, as well as in the number of members signing-up to the organisation. According to Zaragoza Convention Bureau, in 2013, 430 meetings were held with 99,000 delegates; by the end of this year these figures are expected to “increase slightly”. This office has also registered a great number of information enquiries made by event organisers. The opening of the direct travel connection between Zaragoza and Marseille last July has also contributed to this by generating a new strategic marketing approach with Southern France. The city has also extended its congress facilities with the opening of the new Caixa Forum venue, a building that has immediately become an emblematic part of Zaragoza, because “it is totally in line and designed to fit the city’s (capital of Aragon) new image” set-up following the international Expo 2008. It is also important to add that the Pabellón Puente (pavilion), work of Zaha Hadid, is now being managed more actively and is scheduling exhibitions and being promoted as a venue for events.

Zaragoza’s new and avant-garde Caixa Forum has been hosting meetings since July.

Huesca, interesting for small meetings The city of Huesca has had a congress centre since 2008 and has benefited from the increase of small meetings; an increase that occurred simultaneously with the begining of the crisis and when this infrastructure opened for business. Huesca Congresos states that in 2014 (until the end of November), twenty nine MICE events were hosted compared to twenty five in 2013, with over 8,000 delegates, compared to the 7,712 registered during the whole of last year. An example of the destination’s growth is the increase in the number of members registered with the Huesca Congresos Foundation, ending the year with 79 members, following the incorporation of 14 new members during 2014.

· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

ZARAGOZA CONVENTION BUREAU Eduardo Ibarra, 3 (Auditorio Palacio de Congresos) 50009 Zaragoza Tel: 976 721 333 Fax: 976 721 327 Web: www.zaragozaturismo.es E-mail: zcb@zaragoza.es FUNDACIÓN HUESCA CONGRESOS CONVENTION BUREAU Plaza López Allué s/n

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22001 Huesca Tel: 974 24 34 45 E-mail: info@huescacongresos.com Web: www.huescacongresos.com

CONGRESS PALACES

AUDITORIO PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE ZARAGOZA Eduardo Ibarra, 3 50009 Zaragoza Tel: 976721300 Fax: 976350514

www.auditoriozaragoza.com E-mail: informacion@auditoriozaragoza.com PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE JACA Avda. Juan XXIII, 17 22700 Jaca (Huesca) Tel: 974356002 Fax: 974355663 congresosjaca@aytojaca.es www.congresosjaca.es/


· INTERESTING FACTS · PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOCIACIÓN ARAGONESA DE OPC Avda. Pirineos, 28 local exterior 22004 Huesca Tel. 974243466 Email: comercial@tmorganizador.com

ADMINISTRATION

GOBIERNO DE ARAGÓN Edificio Pignatelli Pº María Agustín,36 50071 Zaragoza Tel: 976714000 www.aragon.es dgturismo@aragon.es

DEPARTAMENTO DE INDUSTRIA, COMERCIO Y TURISMO Edificio Pignatelli Pº María Agustín, 36 Tel: 976714000 www.aragon.es dgturismo@aragon.es DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE TURISMO Edificio Pignatelli Pº María Agustín, 36

50071 Zaragoza Tel: 976714735 www.turismodearagon.com TURISMO DIPUTACIÓN DE TERUEL Pl. San Juan, 7 44001 Teruel Tel: 978647400 Fax: 978647434 www.teruelversionoriginal.es mvillacampa@dpteruel.es PATRONATO MUNICIPAL DE TURISMO DE HUESCA Plaza de la catedral, 1 22002 Huesca Tel: 974 292 100 Fax: 974 292 178 Web: www.huescaturismo.com turismo@huesca.es

ASSOCIATIONS

HORECA ZARAGOZA Pº Sagasta, 40, Of. 5 50006 Zaragoza Tel: 976210922 Fax: 976215518 E-mail: información@horecazaragoza.com www.horecazaragoza.com

ASOCIACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE HOSTELERÍA Y TURISMO DE HUESCA Pl. Luis López Allue, 3 - 1º dcha. 22001 Huesca Tel: 974 227 943 Fax: 974 239 101 E-mail: asociación@hosteleriahuesca.com www.hosteleriahuesca.com ASOCIACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE EMPRESARIOS DE HOSTELERÍA Y TURISMO DE TERUEL Plaza Catedral, 9, 1º 44001 Teruel Tel: 978618080 Fax: 978618081 E-mail: iesteban@ceoeteruel.es www.teruelturismo.es FARATUR. FEDERACIÓN ARAGONESA DE ASOCIACIONES DE ALOJAMIENTOS RURALES Pza. Cristo Rey, s/n 44140 Cantavieja (Teruel) Tel: 964185250 www.ecoturismoaragon.com Email: info@ecoturismoaragon.com

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AST

Oviedo, facing a new era in business tourism The City Council now administers the two largest congress infrastructures

At the beginning of the year, Oviedo’s Congress and Exhibition Palace (Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos Ciudad de Oviedo) changed hands and is now directly and exclusively run by the municipal council. This change in administration will lead to the start of a new and promising era for business tourism in the city.

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unicipal representatives have stated that by administering both the Congress and Exhibition Palace and the Príncipe Felipe Auditorium-Congress Palace, the City Council of Oviedo can “clearly invest in this industry that has significant assets” in the city. If the Auditorium, since its opening in 1999, has made the capital a focus point for national and international congresses in the Principality of Asturias, now, with the administration of the building designed by Santiago Calatrava, Oviedo’s position “is consolidated and will provide vital tools for the future”, they add. Currently, the Convention Bureau is highly involved in preparations for the major Hypertension National Congress that will bring over 2,500 delegates to the city in 2015 and will potentially represent a high economic impact of around 1.13 million Euros. Since the Congress and Exhibition Palace has been administered by the city council, it has hosted a very large national congress: Spanish Society of Medical Radiology, congregating almost 3,000 participants in May. Oviedo Convention Bureau has described this important event as “a complete success” and recalls other highly successful events that were also held this year: the National Association of Tax Advisors Congress and the Judges for Democracy Congress; nationwide fashion shows such as “Oviedo está de moda” – Oviedo is in fashion – which put the spotlight on this industry, on local trade and on Fashion design in Spain and therefore gained the interest of national and international press, with a great show organised by Oviedo’s Retail Merchants’ Association (Asociación de Comerciantes de Oviedo). Out of all the congresses held in Oviedo, and depending on each sector, the following stand out: at university level, the “Latin Vulgaire - Latin Tradif” international conference; in the field of science and technology, the industrial microbi60

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A meeting being held at the Congress and Exhibition Palace in the city of Oviedo.

ology conference, the microbial biotechnology conference and the “Challenge Facing Materials Community”. Likewise, the Príncipe Felipe auditorium hosted two important meetings: one for the National Association of Specialists in Bovine Medicine, with almost one hundred delegates and one for the National Paraplegia Association.

A new goal: conventions The city council of Oviedo states that one of Oviedo’s goals is to become a place of reference for business conventions, events with special organisational needs that the city can adapt to perfectly thanks to its experience and the “flexibility” of its facilities. Oviedo City Council will especially concentrate on the creation of policies to help “Start-Up” companies, entrepreneurs and new technology projects.

Other events that have enjoyed a successful turnout and organisation have been the Meeting of the National Association of Official Chroniclers; the Cometcon, an important convention for youth and urban culture; and the Brides & Grooms Fair, which gathers an impressive number of exhibitors and attracts hundreds of visitors to the Congress and Exhibition Centre in October. Official ceremonies In the cultural domain, the Príncipe Felipe Auditorium hosts a very important number of the city’s musical activities, such as the “Luis G. Iberni Piano Sessions”, the “Conciertos del Auditorio” – the Auditorium’s Concerts -, Baroque Music Series, and the Principality of Asturias’s Symphonic Orchestra season concerts. It has also hosted official ceremonies such as the solemn annual Medals of Asturias Award Ceremony and the concert preceding the Princess of Asturias Award Ceremony, attended by Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. Looking to the future, in February the city will host the International Alliance to end Hunger and Malnutrition event, and in March it will host the National Congress for the Spanish Association of Parks and Public Gardens and the National Assembly of Spain Convention Bureau. Major events are also foreseen for 2016.


Gijon has good predictions for 2015 (Health) Care congress, with around five hundred participants. From the 4th to the 7th of February, the Asturian city will host the “ECM Spring Meeting”, an example of a sustainable event that will attract managers of major European destinations and bring them to Gijon; this will significantly promote the city. Gijon is, along with Barcelona - where ECM’s president’s office is located-, the only urban destination certified with the Biosphere certification. Events scheduled for next year are: The 6th International Operational Modal Analysis Conference, the 16th World Congress of International Fuzzy Systems Association (IFSA) and the 9th Conference of the European Society of Fuzzy Logic and Technology (EUSFLAT). Overall, the city has excellent forecasts for next year. The Jovellanos Theatre recently became part of the congress infrastructures available in Gijon.

In 2014, the situation of the MICE segment in Gijon has been stable. Although, according to the Sociedad Mixta de Turismo y Festejos (Joint Tourist and Celebrations’ Society) - organisation now in charge of coordinating the tasks carried out to attract business tourism to the city- predictions for next year are “much better and show an increase in the number of expected delegates”. During 2014 the number of scientific congresses has risen, consistent with the position of Gijon as a City of Science and Innovation. Important congresses will be hosted in 2015, as a result of this momentum, two of them being: SEMFYC – for the third time in the city, the last time in 2000- that will gather around 3,500 delegates and The Spanish Association for Quality

Diverse infrastructures for unique events Gijon is getting ready to host events in unique venues, with several already existing infrastructures in the city, some of them being: the Labor College building, the El Molinón football stadium, the Jardín Botánico Atlántico (Atlantic Botanical Garden) or the municipal thematic museums: the Train Museum, the Muséu del Pueblu d’Asturies (the People of Asturias Museum), the Bagpipe Museum and LABoral Centre for Art and Industrial Creation, among others. The Jovellanos Theatre has also recently been included as a unique event venue.

· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

OVIEDO CONVENTION BUREAU Plaza de la Gesta, s/n 33007 Oviedo Tel: 985246217 Fax: 985246216 www.auditorioprincipefelipe.es E-mail: congresos@ayto-oviedo.es

GIJÓN CONVENTION BUREAU Recinto Ferial Avda. Dr. Fleming, 481 33203 Gijón Teléfono: 985 18 01 53 / 98518 01 77 Fax: 34985180177 Web: www.gijon.info Email: congresos@gijon.info

CONGRESS PALACES

AUDITORIO Y PALACIO DE CONGRESOS PRÍNCIPE FELIPE Plaza de la Gesta s/n 33007 Oviedo, Asturias Tel: 985272111 Fax: 985246216 www.auditorioprincipefelipe.es E-mail: congresos@ayto-oviedo.es PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y EXPOSICIONES CIUDAD DE OVIEDO C Jose Ramón 33005 Oviedo, Asturias Tel: 985272111 Fax: 985246216 www.auditorioprincipefelipe.es E-mail: congresos@oviedo.com PALACIO DE CONGRESOS GIJÓN Y FERIA DE MUESTRAS DE ASTURIAS Doctor Fleming, 481 33203 Gijón

Tel: 985180100 Fax. 985337711 www.feriasturias.es E-mail: congresos@camaragijon.es LABORAL CIUDAD DE LA CULTURA C/ Luis Moya Blanco, 261 33203 Gijón, Asturias Tel: 902306600 www.laboralciudaddelacultura.com E-mail: visitaslaboral@laboralciudaddelacultura.com CENTRO NIEMEYER Ave. Del Zinc s/n 33400 Avilés, Asturias Tel: 984 835 031 www.niemeyercenter.org E-mail: info@niemeyercenter.org

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOCIACIÓN DE EMPRESAS OPC DEL PRINCIPADO DE ASTURIAS Hotel de asociaciones santullano Calle Fernandez ladreda, 48 33011 Oviedo (Asturias) Tel. 984051604 Fax: 984281671 E-mail: opcasturias@opcasturias.com

ADMINISTRATION

GOBIERNO AUTONÓMICO DE ASTURIAS Tel: 985106767 Fax: 985106762 www.asturias.es presidente@asturias.org

CONSEJERÍA DE TURISMO 33006 Oviedo (Asturias) Tel: 985106436 Fax: 985106421 www.asturias.es turismo@asturias.org AYUNTAMIENTO DE AVILÉS Tel: 985122100 Fax: 985540751 Web: www.ayto-aviles.es informacion@ayto-aviles.es TURISMO DE AVILÉS Teléfono: 985 544 325 Fax: 985 546 315 Web: www.avilescomarca.info Email: turismo@ayto-aviles.es

ASSOCIATIONS

UNIÓN HOTELERA DEL PRINCIPADO DE ASTURIAS Tel: 985230533 Fax: 985273437 www.unionhotelera.com E-mail: correo@unionhotelera.com ASOC. EMPRESARIAL DE HOSTELERIA DEL PRINCIPADO DE ASTURIAS Teléfono: 985 22 38 13 Fax: 985223257 www.hosteleria.org Email: asturias@hosteleria.org PALACIO DE EXPOSICIONES Y CONGRESOS Tel: 985982907 info@oviedocongresos.com www.oviedocongresos.com

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PR

Unique venues brimming with character to ensure success

The best option… Asturias Luis Adaro Exhibition Grounds and Gijón Convention Centre Occupying a total of 160,000 square metres, with different exhibition areas and centres providing assistance and information. Its four auditoriums, the largest of which seats 800, make up the largest exhibition venue in Asturias. www.feriasturias.es Oviedo City of Oviedo Exhibition and Convention Centre Designed by Santiago Calatrava, a spectacular venue surrounding the large central auditorium with seating for 2,000 and a total of 14 halls and rooms. www.pec-oviedo.com/palacio-congresos.php Niemeyer Centre – Photograph courtesy of the Asturian Tourism Department (Turismo de Asturias) Niemeyer Centre.

Outstanding facilities in addition to teams of professionals dedicated to providing all-inclusive solutions for every need that may arise in the organization of conferences and meetings. An assured and reliable choice with options tailored to any format. Unique venues An Aquarium overlooking the sea, a football stadium like El Molinón, distinctive gardens, mansions teeming with history, centres such as the Mining Museum, Railroad Museum, Jurassic Museum, Pueblo de Asturias Folk Museum, Bustiello Mining Village and the Tito Bustillo Rock Art Centre, among others, constitute versatile facilities capable of becoming amazing venues to lend a particular air and identity to any event. An urban choice Just 30 kilometres apart, the three main cities in Asturias constitute three settings equipped down to the smallest detail for any kind of event.

Prince Felipe Auditorium and Convention Centre, Oviedo Versatility and service mark the track record of this venue, with different halls and rooms seating 50 to 2,000 people in a building that has respected the original architecture of the 19th-century underground reservoir over which it was raised. www.auditorioprincipefelipe.es

necessary for large events and exhibitions. www.ifecav.es Gijón Laboral - City of Culture A monumental 20th-century complex where culture, art, education and creativity coexist side by side. Fifteen different halls and rooms seat a total of 1,400, mostly in its main hall. A theatre, elliptical church and auditorium as well as a large central square of 8,300 square metres around which the different buildings are distributed. www.laboralciudaddelacultura.com

And if what you are looking for is a less urban setting, you can hold your event in 15 fully-equipped historic mansions, 3 castles with room for over 2,000 participants, wellness centres, both contemporary and dating from the 19th century, or cider mills where you can enjoy the ancient tradition of gathering around the vat. Asturias has everything you can imagine… and you can find it all at www.turismoasturias.es/profesionales

Avilés Oscar Niemeyer International Cultural Centre The only building designed by Oscar Niemeyer in Spain occupies over 40,000 square metres, comprising 10 halls and rooms, one with seating for over 1,700 people. An outstanding, functional and inimitable venue. www.niemeyercenter.org La Magdalena Fairgrounds and Convention Centre With seating for up to 750 and a main hall seating 500, these fairgrounds provide everything 62

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San Cucao Castle - Photograph courtesy of the Asturian Tourism Department (Turismo de Asturias) Town Council of Llanera.


Lucía, Tamara, Julio, tú y yo Buscadores de conocimiento

Recorreréis ciudades fascinantes viviendo experiencias únicas. Custodiaréis paradas mágicas y tentaciones secretas. Conservaréis mares fantásticos y puertos asombrosos. Todos seréis guardianes del paraíso. Tú también.

www.turismoasturias.es


Santander attracts larger meetings in 2014 and 2015

CAN

The Palace of La Magdalena is one of the most emblematic buildings in Santander and frequently hosts meetings.

T

he number of meetings held in Santander is currently on the rise, this year with very important events such as the World Sailing Championships, held in September and that, amongst sailors, team technical support members, volunteers, judges, accredited journalists and a wide range of personnel involved, saw the arrival of around 5,000 people to the city. Furthermore, this edition has greatly promoted the city at international level. In terms of volume of participation, it is followed by the Banco de Santander (Santander Bank) Shareholders Meeting that was held in March with 2,600 attendees. According to the latest data available, in general, most of the fifty-odd meetings

hosted by the Cantabrian capital up to September where meetings attended by 200 or

less people, although those that stand-out because of having more attendees are: the 7th Professional Karate Convention, the 30th Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma Nursing Congress (JENCOT) and the 11th Transport Engineering Convention, all with around 500 participants and held between May and June. In turn, the 18th Pan-American Congress for Traffic, Transport and Logistics Engineering and the 17th Iberian Association of Limnology Congress gathered around 400 delegates. Among forecasts for 2015, the Santander Convention Bureau specifically highlights the Spanish Society of Pathologic Anatomy (SEAP) Congress that will be held in May and the 32nd National Congress of the Spanish Society of Anaesthesiology, Reanimation and Pain Therapeutics, scheduled for October. Both events will gather around 1,000 professionals from their respective medical sectors. In this same field, the 21st Congress for the Neurosurgery Spanish Society is scheduled for May 2016.

Cantabria, highly rated by the MICE segment The president of the Cantabrian Association of Event and Congress Organisers (OPCE Cantabria), Luis Gandiaga, recently stated that “the region is highly rated as a congress destination and has earned this position thanks to its experience and good work”. In addition, during this association’s award ceremony last November, the sectoral spokesperson stated that “aware of its potential and what is needed to boost it, this sector must continue to align strategies that will benefit us all”. He concluded by recalling the importance of improving competitiveness and establishing public-private collaborations.

· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

SANTANDER CONVENTION BUREAU (CONSERJERÍA DE TURISMO) Tel: 942203002 Fax: 942203005 www.santanderconventionbureau.com E-mail: congresos@santander.es

CONGRESS PALACES

PALACIO DE FESTIVALES Y CONGRESOS DE CANTABRIA Tel 942361606 Fax: 942364780 www.palaciofestivales.com ofertas@srecd.es PALACIO DE EXPOSICIONES Y CONGRESOS Tel: 942 290 040 Fax. 942 290 088 www.palacioexposiciones.com E-mail: palaexpo@ayto-santander.es

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PALACIO DE LA MAGDALENA Tel: 942 203084 E-mail: palaciomagdalena@santander.es www.palaciomagdalena.com/ PALACIO DE DEPORTES Tel: 942 200 800 Fax: 942 200 848 imd@ayto-santander.es www.santanderdeportes.com

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOCIACIÓN DE EMPRESAS DE OPC DE CANTABRIA Tel: 942230627 Fax. 942231058 secretariageneral@opcecantabria.es http://www.opcecantabria.es

ADMINISTRATION

GOBIERNO DE CANTABRIA Tel: 942207208 Fax: 942207214 www.gobcantabria.es wwww.cantabria.es E-mail: gobierno_cantabria@gobcantabria.es DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE TURISMO Tel: 942208280 www.turismodecantabria.com dgturismo@cantabria.es

ASSOCIATIONS

ASOCIACIÓN EMPRESARIAL DE HOSTELERÍA DE CANTABRIA Tel: 942367030 Fax: 942367136 www.hosteleriadecantabria.net hosteleria@ceoecant.es


Toledo and Cuenca, a bright present with even better prospects for the future

CLM

M

ost incentives, conventions and congresses held in Castilla –La Mancha are organised in Toledo and Cuenca. Toledo stands-out for hosting a lot of small meetings, catering for up to 300 attendees, and also for holding some in the middle-range of participation. Although the venues in this destination are gradually hosting more major events and the number of delegates attending events is also on the rise. Furthermore, a new facility for events has just popped-up, with the appearance on the scene of the Convent of the Discalced Carmelites (Convento de las Carmelitas Descalzas). Held at the Congress Palace in 2014, the following events stand-out: the 39th National Congress for Nephrology Nursing (SEDEN), held in October with 700 delegates specialised in this field; the National Congress of the Spanish Society of Pain, with 600 delegates and the 23rd National Congress of Easter Week Brotherhoods, held at the end of September and attended by 600 delegates. A cocktail reception held during an event at the Discalced Carmelites Convent in Toledo.

In June, the European Ceramic Society Congress will gather around 1,500 delegates in Toledo As regards to predictions for Toledo for this year, the following standout: the 14th European Ceramic Society Congress that will be held in June with between 1,200 and 1,500 delegates from different countries; and the 29th International Conference of Atomic, Electronic and Photonic Collisions (ICPEAC), which will be hosted at the Congress Centre with an

expected participation of 1,000 to 2,000 delegates. In turn, the Convention Bureau has been promoting Cuenca for over a decade, so this together with the improvement of its travel connections is helping the city to consolidate its MICE activity. Results registered up to November indicate an increase of 7.4% compared to 2013, totalling almost 250 events. Those that attracted more tourists were: in April, the 22nd Spanish Society for Strabismus National Congress, with 300 delegates and the 5th FIAPE International Congress. For 2015, the 5th Iberian Congress of Egyptology in March must be mentioned.

· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

TOLEDO CONVENTION BUREAU Tel: 925213112 Fax: 925213365 E-mail: congresos@toledo-congresos.org www.toledoconventionbureau.com

CUENCA CONVENTION BUREAU Tel: 969241050 Fax: 969235356 E-mail: congresos@turismocuenca.com www.turismocuenca.com/convention-bureau

CONGRESS PALACES

PALACIO DE CONGRESOS “EL GRECO” DE TOLEDO Teléfono: 925 289975 info@pctoledo.es http://www.pctoledo.es PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y EXPOSICIONES DE ALBACETE HOTEL BEATRIZ Tel.: 967599390 Fax: 967592041 E-mail: direccion.albacete@beatrizhoteles.com www.beatrizhoteles.com

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOCIACIÓN DE EMPRESAS OPC DE CASTILLA LA MANCHA Tel: 925220428 opcclm@opcclm.es presidencia@pocclm.es www.opcclm.es

ADMINISTRATION

JUNTA DE COMUNIDADES DE CASTILLA LA MANCHA www.castillalamancha.es Tel: 902 267 090 DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE TURISMO (Consejería de Turismo y Artesanía) Tel: 925 267996 Fax: 925 267 874 www.castillalamancha.es dgturismo-artesania@jccm.es WEB DE TURISMO DE CASTILLA LA MANCHA www.turismocastillalamancha.es E-mail: info@castillalamancha.es INSTITUCIÓN FERIAL DE ALBACETE Tel: 967550448 Fax: 967550459 E-mail: albacete@ifab.org www.ifab.org PABELLÓN DE FERIAS Y CONGRESOS CIUDAD REAL Tel: 926214415 Fax: 926217003 E-mail: pip@dipucr.es www.pipcr.es

ASSOCIATIONS

ASOCIACION PROVINCIAL DE EMPRESARIOS DE HOSTELERÍA DE GUADALAJARA León Felipe, 4 19004 Guadalajara Tel: 949201230 Fax: 949203266 AGRUPACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE HOSTELERÍA Y TURISMO DE CUENCA Tel: 969213047 Fax: 969 233 191 E-mail: info@turismodecuenca.com www.hotelesdecuenca.com ASOCIACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE EMPRESARIOS DE HOSTELERÍA Y TURISMO DE ALBACETE Tel: 967215189 Fax: 967242897 E-mail: info@apeht.es www.apeht.es ASOCIACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE EMPRESARIOS DE HOSTELERÍA Y TURISMO CIUDAD REAL Tlfn: 926 233 069 Fax: 926 233 069 www.hosteleriayturismociudadreal.es ASOCIACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE HOSTELERÍA Y TURISMO DE TOLEDO Tel: 925228858 Fax: 925223422 E-mail: info@hosteleriadetoledo.com www.hosteleriadetoledo.com

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Congress activity grows in Salamanca

CyL

The Bull Ring becomes a venue for the MICE segment, hosting multitudinous lunches and dinners

A

ccording to data from the last registered financial year, with respect to the previous year, in 2013 MICE activity grew in the city of Salamanca; the local Tourism Observatory estimates this increase at 13.28%, as it hosted 55 more meetings, 469 in total. 74,550 delegates participated in these meetings, representing 5,550 more attendees than the previous year, an 8.04% increase. The meetings held in Salamanca in 2013 include: 81 congresses, 48 conventions, 302 oneday seminars and 38 trade fairs and presentations. Results point to an increase in the number of conventions and several other activities, while one-day seminars, 64.39% of the total amount of events, register a drop. The University sector was the main focus point for MICE activity. These figures reflect the MICE activity registered in the University of Salamanca’s different faculties, as well as those registered in Castile and León’s Exhibition and Congress Centre and in other venues specialised in hosting meetings, such as the Hospedería Fonseca, the Fonseca College, the Calatrava College and the Figueroa Palace amongst others. To the existing infrastructures, it is important to add a new and unique venue: the “La Glorieta” Bull Ring that has recently become a mem-

The Calatrava College is an infrastructure to have always hosted meetings in Salamanca.

ber of the Salamanca Convention Bureau. From this year on, it will be used to host lunches and dinners for a great number of people, as well as incentive and entertainment activities. Among the events held in Salamanca during 2014 it is important to mention the 29th Immunology and Allergology Spanish Society Congress

that gathered 1,000 attendees; the 22nd Oral Surgery Congress, attended by 800 professionals; followed by FUSION14, the 11th LARES Congress and the CARIES Congress, with 500 delegates each; 400 people attended the 2nd SEMERGEN Congress and another 300 attended the Audiogenic Epilepsy Congress.

· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

SALAMANCA CONVENTION BUREAU Tel: 923272408 Fax: 923272407 www.salamancaconventionbureau.com E-mail: congresos@turismodesalamanca.com LEÓN CONVENTION BUREAU Tel: 987878336 E-Mail: turismo@aytoleon.es www.leon.es VALLADOLID CONVENTION BUREAU Tel: 983219438 Fax: 983217860 www.valladolidcongresos.com congresos@valladolidturismo.com OFICINA DE CONGRESOS BURGOS CB Tel: 947288840 secretaria@congresosburgos.com www.congresosburgos.org

CONGRESS PALACES

FÓRUM BURGOS EVOLUCIÓN -PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y AUDITORIO Tel: 947259575 Fax: 947259576 E-mail: info@forumevolucion.es www.forumevolucion.es

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CENTRO DE CONGRESOS VALLADOLID Tel: 983429300 Fax: 983355935 E-mail: feriavalladolid@feriavalladolid.com www.feriavalladolid.es

AUDITORIO MUNICIPAL SAN BLAS Tel: 923281716 Fax: 923272331 E-mail: emartin@ciudaddecultura.org www.cuidaddecultura.org

PALACIO DE CONGRESOS CONDE ANSUREZ Tel: 983423536 Fax: 983251374 E-mail: palacio@funge.uva.es www.funge.uva.es

ASOCIACIÓN DE EMPRESAS OPC DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN Tel: 983371417 Fax: 983356952 opcyl@opcyl.es www.opcyl.es

AUDITORIO CIUDAD DE LEÓN Tel: 987244663 Fax: 987276147 E-mail: auditorioleon@ayto.es www.auditorioleon.es PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN Tel: 923265151 Fax: 923267007 E-mail: info@palaciosalamanca.es www.palaciosalamanca.es PALACIO DE CONGRESOS ATAPUERCA Tel: 947001100 Fax: 947001101 E-mail: info@palaciocongresosatapuerca.com www.palaciocongresosatapuerca.com AUDITORIO RÍO TORMES- PALACIO PRINCIPE FELIPE Tel: 923337020 Fax: 923337030 Reservas.reservas@salamancaforum.com www.salamancaforum.com

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ADMINISTRATION

JUNTA DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN Tel: 983411119 Fax: 983411269 www.jcyl.es fuearrco@jcyl.es

DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE TURISMO Tel: 983411911 Fax: 983411569 www.jcyl.es direcciongeneraldeturismo@jcyl.es CENTRO DE RECURSOS TURÍSTICOS - PABELLÓN DE CRISTAL Tel: 983219310 Fax: 983217860 www.info.valladolid.es informacion@valladolidturismo.com WEB DE TURISMO DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN www.turismocastillayleon.com


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CAT

Its greatest challenge is to position itself as a comprehensive destination for congress tourism

The economic impact of the MICE segment in Catalonia amounts to 1,800 million Euros

Lerida, a “Smart Space” city and the tourist capital of inland Catalonia, is part of the network of destinations for meetings. Here is a photo of its Congress Palace “La Llotja de Lleida” (Lerida’s Fish Market).

In 2013, over 1.6 million tourists visited Catalonia to attend trade fairs, congresses or business meetings or incentive trips, generating an income of over 1,800 million Euros. Catalonia is already a leading destination in the international market of business tourism thanks to its capital’s strong brand, Barcelona, ranked as one of the world’s top 5 congress destinations. Now, its biggest challenge is to promote the wide range of possibilities the region offers and position itself as a comprehensive destination for the MICE segment.

T

his segment represents 10.32% of the total number of foreign tourists that visited Catalonia last year, more than 15.5 million, a record high according to the barometer of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO). The main sending markets of congress tourism to Catalonia where France (19.8%), the Nordic countries (17%), the United Kingdom (11.4%), Germany (10.9%), Italy /7.2%) and the Netherlands (4.6%). Revenue from this activity has increased

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by almost 28%, to over 1,800 million Euros. Tourists from France were the biggest spenders (12.7%), followed by those from the UK (9%), Germany (8.9%), the Nordic countries (6.6%), Italy (5.2%) and the Netherlands (3.6%). Priority product Catalonia’s 2013-2015 Tourism Marketing Plan prioritises this segment by promoting it together with major product categories.

One of its main goals, taking advantage of Barcelona’s status – almost 80% of events are carried out in this city -, is to enhance and improve the activity in all of the region, by promoting its attractions, infrastructures and the opportunities offered by some of its major cities when organising events. These attributes include congress facilities and first class hotels as well as many other tourism, landscape and cultural resources that make it possible to set-up attractive social programmes and activities for after the meetings. Other attributes are its organisational experience in this sector, supported by the local convention bureaus and the fact that the region is accessible and well connected. To date, a network of nine destinations has been constituted within Catalonia’s Events and Congress product; apart from Barcelona it also includes Sitges, Castelldefels, Girona, Llorte de Mar, Tarragona, Reus, PortAventura and LLeida; these together with alternative destinations that also provide a global service for the organisation of events, offer over 1,000 different venues suitable for holding meetings. Strategic measures The Catalan Tourism Board believes that the fact of organising and enhancing the existing offering for this segment through the definition of the Catalan Network of Cities for Congresses and Conventions has, this year, been a key aspect for the promotion and marketing of this comprehensive destination that also guarantees its event organisers that each of the identified destinations meet the essential requirements for a congress or convention to be organised with the utmost success. It is also important to mention the remarkable results obtained from the direct commercial initiatives carried out by twelve offices abroad and from the organisation of its own events such as the first Catalonia Business Tourism Forum, attended by 600 representatives of the sector. Diana Ramón Vilarasau


Codorníu Avda. Jaume Codorníu s/n 08770 Sant Sadurní d’Anoia Barcelona Catalunña Tel: 93 891 33 42 eventos@codorniu.com www.eventscodorniu.com

CAVAS Codorniu, located just 30 minutes from Barcelona and 40 minutes from Sitges, have welcomed visitors since the beginning of the last century. Designed by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, were declared a national historic-artistic monument in 1976 and represent one of the most prominent examples of modernist architecture in our country. Codorníu is a unique and singular place for your meetings, product presentations, conventions or events. The diversity of indoor and outdoor spaces as well as the versatility of them makes it possible to adapt to the needs of each client. The winery also offers a wide range of activities related to viticulture, gastronomy, nature, culture, art or architecture.

HALLS

m 2

Puig ROOM “Cathedral of cava” (indoor) Museum (indoor) Big cellar (indoor) Capitular room (indoor) Tasting room (indoor) Cinema (indoor) Museum (outdoor) Main squarte (outdoor)

275,2 8,7 - - -- - - - - 150 670 3,4 11 - 350 200 300 - 150 450 YES 1172 6 a 9 15 - 1200 800 1000 500 200 1400 YES 272,4 4 12 22,7 150 70 90 90 40 200 YES 238,7 3,36 22,95 3,36 - - - - - - 100 4,5 12 12 144 - - - - - 900 - - - - - 800 - - 100 YES 1100 - 55 20 800 550 600 200 180 1000 -

HEIGHT

WIDTH

LONG

THEATER SCHOOL

BANQUET U-SHAPE IMPERIAL COCKTAIL SUNLIGHT

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CAT

In 2013 business tourism generated an economic impact of 1,264 million Euros

Barcelona, the world’s top city in terms of attracting most delegates and the fourth in terms of number of congresses According to the 2013 International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranking list, Barcelona is the world’s number one city in terms of the number of international delegates who attended major events, with 122,877 and the fourth in terms of the number of congresses in this category, 179. In 2013, the number of congresses soared 36.6%, while the total number of meetings fell by 6.3%. At the end of the year, business tourism in the Catalan capital generated 1,264.26 million Euros.

I

n 2013, the total number of meetings held in the Catalan capital fell by 6.3%, hosting 2,039; while the number of congresses soared 36.6%, to 291; with 38.9% more delegates, amounting to 289,191 and generating over a million overnight stays, 3.4% more than in 2012. Less seminars and courses were held; although more people attended them, while the number of conventions and incentives also dropped as did their number of participants (see the table with number of meetings held, delegates and overnight stays in Barcelona in 2013). This segment represents a significant boost for hotel occupancy rates. According to the figures provided by Barcelona Turisme, 40.9% of the tourists who in 2013 stayed at one of the city’s hotels visited the city for professional reasons, 30.8% for business and 10.1% to attend trade fairs and meetings.

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Fira de Barcelona, one of the most important in Europe.

These numbers are significant in comparison to the holiday segment that represented 50.6%, while the remaining 8.5% corresponded to personal interests, not related with tourism. The average spending of this kind of tourist is also very important. Specifically, for those who attended a trade fair or s meeting; the cost of the trip was an average 403.57 Euros; with an average daily spending on accommodation of 115.52 Euros and non-hotel spending per person and day was 107.11 Euros. The average stay of congress tourists in 2013 was 3.5 days. With regard to issuing markets of conventions and incentives, 477 (29.6%) of a total 1,610 meetings were national and 1,072 (66.6%) were international. Excluding the national market, the most important leading issuing markets for conventions and incentives are: the UK, the USA,

Germany, France, Switzerland, Scandinavian countries, Italy, the Netherlands, Israel, Belgium, Russia, India, Brazil, Eastern Europe and Canada. A segment on the rise This year, activity is expected to grow. So far this year, the city has hosted large international events with mass attendance and this has consolidated brand “Barcelona” as a place to hold worldwide professional meetings. Mentioning only events with over 3,000 delegates, the following must be listed: the Mobile World Congress 2014, with 87,000 delegates; the European Congress of Cardiology 2014, with 15,000; the 24th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases – ECCMID, with 10,000; EWEA 2014 Annual Meeting, with 8,000; Jobarcelona’14 – First International Meet-


No. of meetings, delegates, and overnight stays in Barcelona in 2013 Type of meeting Congresses Seminars and courses Conventions and incentives Total

No. of meetings 291 (+36,6 %) 138 (-24,2 %) 1.610 (-9,6 %) 2.039 (-6,3 %)

No. of delegates

No. of overnight stays

289.191 (+38,9%) 31.255 (+11,8 %) 263.510 (-27,1%) 583.956 (-2,3 %)

1.012.169 (+3,4 %) 64.385 (+6,1 %) 859.043 (-25,9 %) 1.935.597 (-12 %)

Source: Turismo de Barcelona (Barcelona Tourism) (In brackets, the variation compared to 2012).

ing for Employment and Career Guidance for Young University Students, with 5,000; 27th Annual Congress of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine -Esicm-, with 5,000; Smart City Expo World Congress 2014, with 4,000; the 5th Congress of the European Academy of Paediatric Societies - EAPS 2014, with 3,800; Passenger Terminal Expo and Conference 2014, with 3,500; European Association of Hospital Pharmacists – EAHP Congress, with 3,500; the ESMO 16th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer, with 3,000; and the 11th World Congress On Computational Mechanics, with 3,000.

At the Top of the rankings According to figures provided by the City Council, in the last 20 years, business tourism, trade fairs and congresses in Barcelona have experienced a 95% increase. As pointed out by spokespersons for Turismo de Barcelona (Barcelona Tourism Board), The Catalan capital has continuously maintained its global leadership in this segment, ranking as one of the top five main destinations for congresses since 2001. Likewise, in the classification conducted by the Union of International Associations (UIA), Barcelona is one of the world’s “top 10” cities to host most international congresses, climb-

ing from seventh to sixth place in 2013, with 195 meetings, 1.18% of the world’s total. Turismo de Barcelona emphasises that “the city’s current comprehensive infrastructure makes it the perfect place to host any kind of event, regardless of its size; this is what helps to position the city at the top of the ranking lists”. On the other hand, Barcelona is a highly innovative city, especially when it comes to technology. “It also has a remarkable worldwide prestigious medical-scientific community”. This organisation also points out the excellent relationship between the Barcelona Convention Bureau (BCB) and the private sector, essential in the development of this activity. “For organisers it is very important to perceive an alliance between the city and the key congress organisation sectors. Throughout its 31 years of activity, the BCB has managed to gain the trust of the congress sector’s ‘key decision makers’”. In numbers, BCB’s contribution represents 5.5% of the total meetings held, 113 in total, with 22,627 delegates, 38.1% of the total; and an economic impact of 375.5 million Euros.

TAILOR-MADE EVENTS

Located in the exclusive Avenida Diagonal Just 15 minutes from the airport Fast access to the city centre · 25 suites and 475 rooms · 26 function rooms suitable to any kind of event · The most state-of-the art technology and higt-speed Wi-Fi throughout the whole Hotel A wide range of catering services for your event

Hotel Princesa Sofía · Pl. Pius XII, 4 · 08028 Barcelona, España · Tel. (+34) 93 508 10 00 Fax (+34) 93 508 10 01 · psofiasales@expogrupo.com · www.expohotels.com

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2014 will be the greatest year in the history of Fira de Barcelona

F

ira de Barcelona will end 2014 as “the greatest year in its history”, said the president of the institution, Josep Lluís Bonet. He also highlighted the importance of achieving these good results in a situation of economic crisis and a”practically defeated” Spanish trade fair system. According to a preliminary assessment, from an economic point of view, Barcelona’s trade fair complex will register even better results than those of a very positive 2013, after exceeding its budgetary estimates and earning 117.8 million Euros, 2.2% more than in 2012. Looking ahead to 2014, Fira estimates that its revenues will exceed the 120.5 million Euros expected for this year, after hosting over 60 pageants and 50 corporate events, as well as large-scale international congresses. Fira is a consortium comprised by the Barcelona City Council, the Generalitat of Catalonia (government of the autonomous community of Catalonia) and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, and combines public ownership with autonomous company management. According to estimations made by the institution, the impact of Fira’s activity on Catalonia’s economy is around 2,500 million Euros. Fira de Barcelona has two large venues that are among the most important in Europe: Montjuïc and Gran Via. Both buildings together offer about 400,000 square meters of gross exhibition space, distributed into 14 pavilions and two congress centres. They are equipped with the most advanced infrastructures and a full range of exhibition services that adapt to the needs of exhibitors, organ-

isers and visitors. Every year both venues host around 500 events, from major international and national congresses and shows to conferences, meetings and all kinds of corporate, social, cultural and entertainment events. CCIB will grow 15% Barcelona’s International Convention Centre (CCIB) ended 2013 having hosted more than 100 meetings and events, gathering over 228,000 delegates and visitors, with an economic impact on the Catalan capital exceeding 140 million Euros. Given its 2014 schedule of events, the venue estimates a turnover increase of 15%. 60% of the total events held in 2013 were institutional or associative and 40% were corporate; mainly technological and medical congresses. Because of the adaptability of its spaces, its modern and welcoming design and its latest technology, since last year CCIB has been attracting a new segment of clients for its portfolio, small to medium sized professional shows and trade fairs; although its main market continues to be large international congresses and conventions. The venue’s director general, Marc Rodríguez, states that “it is a new segment of clients that currently have a minor impact on our turnover (4%) but we are putting all our trust in them”. Diana Ramón Vilarasau

H10 Marina Barcelona ogy. The Icària meeting room is the largest, with a capacity for 240 people, and includes the Dionissos area next to the Zen lake, where elegant drinks receptions and banquets can be held.

Av. Bogatell, 64-68 E-08005 Barcelona T (34) 93 309 79 17 - F (34) 93 309 97 62 comercial.hmb@h10hotels.com

delicious signature cuisine, is perfect for working meals, drinks receptions and banquets. The H10 Marina Barcelona is the ideal place to hold work meetings and private events in Barcelona, thanks to its four multifunctional meeting rooms which include audiovisual equipment and the latest technolWith its privileged location in the Olympic Village and close to Barcelona’s beaches, the H10 Marina Barcelona is a unique hotel which offers a wide range of services and notable features such as its four large meeting rooms, its Skyline terrace complete with a pool and stunning views of the city, and the Despacio Spa Centre. The hotel’s Dionissos restaurant, with its

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Icària 212 3,60 240 220 110 44 - 110 60 Chardonnay 78 3,60 80 60 40 26 26 40 20 Xarel·lo 52 3,60 50 40 26 18 26 30 Garnatxa 45 3,60 45 35 20 15 12 - Chardonnay+Xarel·lo 130 3,60 90 90 45 - - 70 Xarel·lo+ Garnatxa 97 3,60 70 70 45 - - 40 Marina (1+2+3) 175 3,60 150 120 60 - - 120 Dionissos 80 3,60 - - - - 30 40 Marina+Dionissos 255 3,60 - - - - - 200 Junior Suite 20 2,70 - - - 12 12 - -


Hotel 1898 Les Rambles, 109 · 08002 · Barcelona T: (+34) 93 552 95 52 Fax: (+34) 93 552 95 50 1898@nnhotels.com www.hotel1898.com

At the Hotel 1898, you will find the ideal venue for whatever type of gathering you would like to organize, from corporate events to family celebrations, professional meetings, training sessions, presentations and business dinners. Located at the heart of Barcelona, the establishment has the facilities, experience and resources required to ensure that your event is a great success. The hotel has 12 events rooms, 5 of which are fully equipped with the latest technology. The remaining 7 are colonial in style and are ideal for smaller meetings or extremely special events, enabling guests to fully appreciate the charm of a building that dates back to 1881. Depending on the type of gathering being held, our Groups and Events Department will give you guidance on all aspects of the event with a personalized service. Luxury hotel on Las Ramblas in Barcelona Located in the former building of the General Tobacco Company of the Philippines, Hotel 1898 offers guests suites with a pri-

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MANILA 11,15 16,50 174 2,70 130 200 120 - Sierra Madre 11,15 9 91 2,70 48 90 60 36 33 Bahía de Manila 11,15 7,50 83 2,70 60 90 60 42 36 FILIPINAS 7,40 20,75 152 2,84 120 180 100 54 48 Punta de Fuego 7,40 7,40 55 2,84 30 50 30 24 18 Mar de Filipinas 7,92 13,25 97 2,84 60 90 60 48 42 VILLA ÁNGELA 6,30 18,70 110 2,50 70 110 70 36 33 COLONIALES 3,74 5,44 21-29 2,80 - 15 10 12 Colonial 4 5,44 6,30 34 2,80 - 25 10 16 15

vate garden and swimming pool, as well as five categories of room, all soundproofed and decorated in a high-quality colonial style. Moreover, it has seven period lounges, five

meeting rooms, a café bar, a restaurant and a chill-out bar on the terrace, a library, a Business Centre and free Wi-Fi internet access. To keep in shape and relax, guests have access to a gym, an outdoor swimming pool with solarium and a spa with an indoor pool. Its unbeatable location in the centre of Barcelona enables H1898 to offer its customers Barcelona’s greatest attractions from the very heart of Las Ramblas, including Plaça Catalunya, the Boquería Market, the Great Liceu Theatre, the Cathedral in the midst of the Gothic quarter, the Port and the nearby Born neighbourhood with the Church of Santa Maria del Mar. Other nearby unmissable sights include the Palau de la Música, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, Montjuïc and museums such as the Picasso Museum, the MACBA and the CCCB. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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CAT

NH Collection Calderón

Tel: 933 010 000 Contact person: Carlos Gonzalez Pancorbo jc.gonzalezpancorbo@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hoteles.es/meetings

Situated in the heart of Barcelona, in the Rambla Catalunya, next to some of the city’s main tourist spots, such as the modernist Casa Batilló, Las Ramblas, and the Gothic Quarter, and only 100 metres from Passeig de Gracia, where luxury and glamour can be found among the most exclusive shops in the city, is the NH Collection Barcelona Calderón. The hotel boasts 255 fully-equipped modern rooms with exclusive services such as ultra-comfortable Flex beds, rain effect showers, Nespresso coffeemaker and teapot, 46” LED television, and WiFi. The standout additional facilities and services offered by the NH Collection Calderón are its rooftop terrace with unique views over Barcelona, swimming pool and sauna 365 days a year, fully-equipped gym, and the possibility of enjoying exclusive cocktails prepared by Diego Cabrera, named the best bartender in Spain. The hotel will be gradually refurbished during the first half of the year and will become part of the NH COLLECTION brand from September 2015. Events and meetings The NH Collection Calderón also boasts a complete and modern infrastructure for hosting events and professional meetings. It has 12 rooms of different sizes and capacities, which are versatile, partitionable, and adaptable to different layouts depending on the requirements of each event. With a total surface area of 700 square metres, the event and meeting rooms can accommodate anything from small groups up to 350 people. Many of the halls enjoy natural light and afford views of Rambla Catalunya. 74

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Cerdeña 80 30 15 50 30 50 15 18 Yes Valencia 98 50 20 90 60 90 20 30 Yes Aragón 73 50 20 80 42 80 20 30 Yes Sicilia 68 50 25 70 36 70 25 30 Yes Rosellón 78 40 20 60 30 60 20 24 Yes Barcelona 122 90 30 110 60 110 30 54 Yes Mallorca 90 60 20 90 48 90 20 30 No Urgell 52 30 20 50 30 50 20 18 No Cerdeña+Valencia 178 80 25 140 80 140 25 50 Yes Cerdeña+Valencia + Aragón 251 130 40 220 110 220 40 70 Yes Cerdeña+Valencia + Aragón+Sicilia 319 180 60 290 140 290 60 90 Yes Cerdeña+Valencia + Aragón+Sicilia + Rosellón 387 220 60 350 175 350 60 110 Yes Valencia + Aragón 171 100 40 160 80 160 40 60 Yes Valencia + Aragón+Sicilia 239 140 50 240 120 240 50 80 Yes Valencia + Aragón+Sicilia + Rosellón 317 180 60 300 150 300 60 100 Yes Aragón+Sicilia 141 80 25 150 80 150 25 40 Yes Aragón+Sicilia + Rosellón 219 120 40 210 100 200 40 60 Yes Sicilia + Rosellón 146 90 30 130 60 130 30 45 Yes Barcelona + Mallorca + Urgell 264 180 60 250 150 250 60 90 Yes Barcelona + Mallorca 212 150 50 200 100 200 50 50 Yes Mallorca + Urgell 142 90 30 140 70 140 30 40 No Diputación I 24,73 - 9 - - - 9 - No Diputación II 39 - 4 - - - 9 - No Diputación III 19,39 - 9 - - - 9 - No Rambla 22,28 - 9 - - - 9 - No

The “NH Meetings: inspire, create & enjoy” programme allows access to a specialised advisory and personalised professional response

service, as well as easy-access high-speed WiFi, unique coffee breaks, and the possibility of opting for eco-friendly meetings.


NH Collection Constanza Tel: 93 281 15 00 Contact person: Inés Aleu: i.aleu@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hoteles.es/meetings

The NH Collection Barcelona Constanza is situated in the heart of Barcelona’s financial district, close to the AXA Auditorium. There is a huge variety of bars and restaurants in the surrounding area and the city centre is only 15 minutes away. The building is a work of art in itself, created by the famous Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. • In the city’s financial district, a 15-minute drive from the centre. • Close to the Nou Camp (FC Barcelona’s stadium) and the L’Illa Diagonal shopping centre. • Easy access to Sants train station, which has a direct service to El Prat airport. Our rooms include stylish furniture, polished wooden floors and neutral colours.

Additional deluxe services include the new mattresses, rain showers and professional hair dryers. There are also 40- or 46-inch

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L’Auditori Kursaal Mérida Foyer, public area not for meetings Berlín Estocolmo Barcelona Regional Convertible room L’Auditori + Kursaal Berlín + Estocolmo Berlín + Estocolmo + Barcelona Estocolmo + Barcelona Foyer + Mérida, public area Foyer + Berlín, public area Foyer + Mérida + Berlín, public area Foyer + Mérida + Berlín + Estocolmo, public area Foyer + Berlín + Estocolmo, public area Foyer + Berlín + Estocolmo + Barcelona, public area L’Illa, public area Gallery, public area

36 30 27 60 76 50 35 20 24 18 40 30 30 21 36 24 18 50 50 40 35 - - - - 200 150 67 46 40 130 100 100 63 50 42 30 80 70 60 42 150 72 66 230 200 200 120 18 18 15 30 20 20 21 - 12 9 10 - 10 7 60 50 50 120 120 90 56 120 72 66 210 210 180 112 267 138 135 500 440 400 270 200 98 92 310 290 260 162 - - - - 300 - - - - - 400 - - - - - 450 - - - - - 550 - - - - - 450 - - - - - 600 - - - - - 800 - - - - - - - -

televisions and free WiFi connection. Our Superior rooms, Junior suites,and Suites also include spa services. We have six multi-functional rooms that, together, can accommodate 650 people. They include state-of-the-art equipment and our specialised team can assist you to ensure your event is a success from start to finish. We also work with the AXA Auditorium, which is next to the hotel. This is a multi-purpose space (with capacity for 621 people) that is ideal for holding events. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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Barceló Sants****

CAT

Pl. Països Catalans s/n 08014 Barcelona Tel.: 93.503.53.00 sants@barcelo.com

The recently refurbished Barceló Sants**** hotel has opened its doors to a more modern, avant-garde image. A space station that offers all the necessary services to enjoy on an imaginary trip into outer space, set in tranquil and comfortable surroundings, permitting you to enjoy this travel experience in the completely renovated 364 Orbital rooms and 14 Orbital suites. The rooms feature large windows with spectacular city views and 2 “hatchways” that convert them into original rooms with a galactical air. Located in Sants Railway Station, it offers direct access to the AVE and Barcelona metro and train stations, making it the best connected hotel in the city. It is located just 500 m from the Barcelona Congress Palace and Trade Fair Centre and Montjuïc, 15 minHALLS

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utes by train from El Prat International Airport and 4 minutes by train from Plaza Catalunya. 200 parking spaces right in front of the hotel. The 3,000 m2 of space distributed over 14 function rooms make this hotel the ideal U-SHAPE BANQUET COCKTAIL THEATRE CLASSROOM

MR.01 59,5 8,5x7 3 21 / 28 40 40 50 40 MR.02 56 8x7 3 21 / 28 40 40 50 40 MR.03 77 11x7 3 21 / 28 40 40 45 28 MR.04 68 10,3x6,6 3 21 / 28 - - 50 28 Orbital Showroom 156 13,5x11,5 7,5 - - 300 - Orbital Bar 118 13,8x9 2,85 - - 60 - North Shuttle 290 34x8,5 3 - - 300 - MR.05 103 10,9x9,7 3,1 30 / 40 50 80 90 55 MR.06 102 10,9x9,4 3,1 30 / 40 50 80 90 55 MR.05-06 205 10,9x19 3,1 50 / 60 140 200 210 140 MR.07 107 10,9x10,1 3,1 30 / 40 50 80 90 55 MR.08 108 10,9x10,1 3,1 30 / 40 50 80 90 55 MR.07-08 218 10,9x20,3 3,1 50 / 60 140 200 220 140 MR.09 358 15,8x22,5 3,25 - 300 450 400 230 MR.10 373 20,2x17,7 3,25 - 330 450 420 280 MR.11 306 17,3x17,7 3,25 - 270 400 360 210 MR.09-10 734 36x17,7 3,25 - 630 900 820 580 MR.10-11 679 37,8x17,7 3,25 - 600 950 780 490 MR.09-10-11 1.037 53,5x17,7 3,25 - 1.000 1.450 1.500 800 Orbital Shuttle 124 10,3x12 3,1 - - 100 - MR.12 96,3 10,4x9,5 3,1 30 / 40 70 75 100 60 MR.13 63 6,7x9,5 3,1 25 / 32 50 50 70 40 MR.14 125,5 13,5x9,5 3,1 35 / 45 90 100 120 80 MR.12-13 160 17,1x9,5 3,1 50 / — 130 140 170 120 MR.13-14 189 20,2x9,5 3,1 65 / — 150 170 200 140 MR.12-13-14 285 30,6x9,5 3,1 - 220 250 300 200

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venue for organising events and conferences. With natural light, capacity for up to 1,500 people, a showroom for exhibiting vehicles and large format products as well as a revolutionary cuisine based on the Brain food concept, or special gastronomic menus for work sessions prepared using healthy and fresh food to stimulate and provide the brain with energy. Success guaranteed! And after the working day, the hotel offers a gym for restoring mind and body, free Wi-Fi, the Orbital Bar and an excellent choice of gastronomy to enjoy in the restaurants.


Barceló Atenea Mar**** Pg. Garcia Faria, 37-47 08019 Barcelona | España T +34 93 531 60 40 F +34 93 531 60 90 ateneamar.events@barcelo.com www.barcelo.com

The Barceló Atenea Mar Hotel**** stands out for its proximity to the beach and city center directly connected by public transport. With its 191 rooms, which offer a full environment of relaxation and comfort whether it is a sea or a city view room, they all have Wi-Fi. For stays longer than 1 night, you can also

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Sant Sebastià Barceloneta Nova Icaria Bogatell Mar Bella

45 55 55 110 220

5,7 x 7,2 7,3 x 7,2 7,3 x 7,2 15 x 7,2 14,6 x 14,1

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

10 30 40 60 130

10 15 15 30 40

3.45 3.45 3.45 3.45 3.45

choose your favorite smell between our selection of scents.

20 20 20 50 180

12 25 25 50 100

15 30 30 70 150

10 15 15 30 50

Among the services offered by the hotel you can enjoy room service, parking, fitness and wellness area, free Internet corner, mini bar and a buffet breakfast with an international food composition. Enjoy dining the exquisite dishes of the highest Mediterranean cuisine at its restaurant “El Comedor” . Enjoy a refreshing cocktail on a private terrace overlooking the sea promenade or at the lobby bar. Also, it has 5 modular meeting rooms with natural light, and 350 people capacity, equipped with the latest technologies in media and communication. Emphasizing the importance of a healthy living, the hotel offers “Healthy Meetings” providing low calorie menus to make your congress or conference a very light and healthy experience. End your day with a relaxing walk by the Mediterranean shore or a pleasant jog for the sporty ones. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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Hotel Barcelona Princess ****

CAT

Av. Diagonal, 1 - Barcelona Phone. +34 93 356 10 00 grupos.bcn@princess-hotels.com www.hotelbarcelonaprincess.com www.princess-hotels.com

The Barcelona Princess Hotel is located at 1st of Diagonal Avenue, just 50 meters from the International Convention Centre of Barcelona (CCIB) and in the heart of the new business area of Barcelona located in the Forum zone. Well connected: Metro (station Maresme-Forum Yellow Line - L4), bus (lines 7, 36, 41, 43 and 141) and Trambesòs (Forum station). The building designed by renowned architect Oscar Tusquets, with an environment of full functionality and aesthetic beauty, offer us that enveloping sensation of stillness, that fascinates and surprises with its two big towers of 23 and 26 floors. Between the two 363 rooms are distributed: 307 standard double rooms, 18 Desigual Rooms, 18 Terrace Superior Rooms, 17 Superior Rooms, 2 Master Suites and 1 Suite Princess, with all the details of comfort and functionality. They come

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Salón Diagonal Salón Estrella de Mar Salón Fórum Salón Mediterráneo Salón Princess 1 Salón Princess 2 Mediterráneo + Fórum Salón Princess 1 + 2 Mediterráneo + Foyer Princess + Mediterráneo

36 3,90 20 16 12 16 20 25 94 3,90 60 40 25 25 40 40 67 3,90 60 40 25 25 40 60 136 3,05 100 80 40 40 100 110 90 3,90 60 40 25 25 70 60 52 3,90 40 30 16 20 40 30 204 3,90-3,05 130 90 40 40 140 180 142 3,05 120 80 50 50 110 130 190 3,05 160 125 - - 140 170 278 3,90-3,05 220 160 - - 200 250

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with great amenities like wireless Internet access and Minibar totally free, safety deposit box, air conditioning, piped music, satellite TV, telephone and shower with hydro tower. This four-star, is without doubt, one of the leaders of modern architecture in the Barcelona skyline. The hotel has two heated pools, with splendid views over Barcelona and the Mediterranean, a Relax Area located on the 3rd floor (exterior glazing gym, sauna and massage room); and next to the comfortable The Gym Bar (summer restaurant) an ideal place to enjoy snacks, appetizers and cocktails in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Our restaurant team offers other options

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with a careful preparation and quality products like the select menu in the Estrella Restaurant an ideal, intimate and cozy place. The Corner Bar, a space at street level, perfectly accessible by the lobby of the hotel with magnificent views of the Forum where you can sample their full daily menu that cares to the last detail, and is open to the public all year. The spacious rooms with large windows and natural light are ideal for business activities, conventions, product launches, events...). The hotel enjoys a remarkable reception from the business sector for the versatility and functionality of their meeting rooms (from 10 persons), allowing multiple combinations as offered by the Mediterráneo, Forum and Princess meeting rooms that can by unified in different combinations for comfortably accommodate up 300 attendees.


Hotel Condes de Barcelona **** Paseo de Gracia, 73 08008 Barcelona. Tel.: 934 450 000. Fax: 934 453 232. events@condesdebarcelona.com www.condesdebarcelona.com

The hotel is located in a magnificent corner of Paseo de Gracia, in a splendid building of the nineteenth century enlarged and renovated to create a modern Hotel with the coexistence of art and uniqueness of the past with the most modern facilities. The offer is 126 bright and spacious rooms to provide maximum comfort. Some of them have a private terrace. Emblematic and socially dynamic, the hotel is a prestigious gastronomic reference, where our guest would enjoy the cuisine of the Basque chef Martin Berasategui at LOIDI RESTAURANT, modern and informal bistro. The hotel an outdoor pool and terrace ALAIRE, one of the trendiest places in the city with spectacular views for casual outdoor dining or take a luxurious evening drink with good background music. For conventions, meetings, presentations or social events, the Hotel Condes de Barcelona is a great choice to have attractive spaces equipped with the most advanced technical resources and services.

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Burdeos + Ámbar 193,40 2,50 YES 200 120 52 50 250 160 Burdeos 119,20 2,50 YES 120 60 40 35 100 90 Ámbar 74,20 2,50 YES 50 30 25 25 60 45 Turquesa + Lima 233,90 2,50 - 200 140 60 55 270 200 Turquesa 138,20 2,50 - 120 60 40 35 100 90 Lima 95 2,50 - 80 45 30 25 65 70 Siena 53,10 2,50 YES 40 25 22 20 30 25 Terraza Alaire 320 2,50 YES - - - - 300 -

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120 70 60 40 40 24 160 80 60 40 40 24 - 16 - -

126 Rooms · Wi Fi Free · Gastronomy: Loidi Restaurant. Coffee Break, cocktails, banquets, lunch, brunch, work menus, gala menus, bufetts, weddings, comunion y baptismes · Business center · Gym · Sauna · utdoor Swimming pool · Terrace ALAIRE · Parking · Transfers

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CAT

Hesperia Tower Hotel & Convention Center

Tel: 93 413 50 00 Contact: Germano Brito | Head of Events eventos@hesperia-tower.com www.nh-hoteles.es/meetings

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The Hesperia Tower Hotel is one of the tallest buildings in Barcelona and one of the city’s most emblematic structures. Designed by the renowned British architect Richard Rogers, alongside Alonso and Balaguer, it is a building that combines exclusi-

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vity with functionality. It is ideally located in Barcelona’s new financial district and has strategic links to both the city centre and airport. Its distinguishing feature is the unique glass dome on top of the building, which is at a height of 108 metres and offers impressive 360o views over the city. The hotel boasts 280 luxurious high-design rooms, as well as 50 apartments next to the main building, with free high-speed Wi-Fi. Renowned for its exquisite cuisine, it has three dining areas and elegant spaces that are ideal for social events, as well as the Tower Club, an executive private-access floor with rooms for quick meetings, plus an allday drink and snack buffet. It is the best hotel in Barcelona for meetings, with its own Convention Centre. It is 80

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Auditorium Millenium 7,5/4 480 - - - - - Eiffel (A) 54 8,7x6,4 4 42 24 30 24 18 40 30 Sears (B) 46 7,4x6,4 4 35 18 24 18 18 40 30 Pisa (C) 54 8,7x6,4 4 42 24 30 24 18 40 30 Jim Mao (D) 54 8,7x6,4 4 42 24 30 24 18 40 30 Petrona’s (E) 46 7,4x6,4 4 35 18 24 18 18 40 30 Liberty (F) 54 8,7x6,4 4 42 24 30 24 18 40 30 A+B, B+C, D+E, E+F 4 72 54 48 45 36 80 60 A+B+C, D+E+F 4 114 90 72 69 66 120 110 Auditorio Foyer 500 4 - - - - - 450 Gran Salón Cosmos 1614 58,3x27,7 8 1800 850 - - 768 1600 1280 Júpiter (G) 392 27,7x14,2 8 400 250 95 90 192 400 320 Mercurio (H) 409 27,7x14,8 8 400 250 95 90 192 400 320 Neptuno (I) 409 27,7x14,8 8 400 250 95 90 192 400 320 Urano (J) 392 27,7x14,8 8 400 250 95 90 192 400 320 G+H 805 29,1x27,7 8 800 450 - - 384 800 640 H+I 822 26,7x27,7 8 800 450 - - 384 800 640 I+J 805 29,1X27,7 8 800 450 - - 384 800 640 G+H+I 1218 44X27,7 8 1250 650 - - 576 1200 960 H+I+J 1218 44X27,7 8 1250 650 - - 576 1200 960 Foyer Sedna 464 46,3x9,8 8 - - - - - 400 Terraza Europa 629,35 45,18x13,93 - - - - - 525 Altair 38 6,3x5,8 3,5 36 21 18 18 12 30 20 Antares 43 6,9x6,3 3,5 36 21 24 18 18 30 30 Delta 43 6,9x6,3 3,5 36 21 24 18 18 30 30 Hadar 43 6,9x6,3 3,5 36 21 24 18 18 30 30 Pléyades 43 6,9x6,3 3,5 36 21 24 18 18 30 30 Vega 38 6,3x5,8 3,5 36 21 18 18 12 30 20 Atria 1 138 11,9x11,6 2,7 126 84 48 39 78 160 120 Atria 2 92 11,6x7,9 2,7 70 54 42 33 48 100 80 Atria 3 70 11,6x6 2,7 56 36 36 30 36 70 60 Atria 1+2 231 19,9x11,6 2,7 252 138 78 66 120 260 200 Atria 2+3 163 14x11,6 2,7 154 90 66 54 84 170 140 Atria 1+2+3 302 26x11,6 2,7 294 174 92 80 162 330 270 Aquila 216 20,1x10,6 2,7 150 80 48 45 78 200 130 Terraza Stellaris 384 28,1x13,7 - - - - - - 350 -

divided into three floors offering 5,000m2 of space, including a 1,614 m2 main hall with 8m ceilings, an auditorium with capacity for 500 people, and 20 multi-functional rooms, some of which are partitionable, with natural light and direct access to the terrace.


Corporate Meetings & Events by Grup Soteras Avenida del Hotel 22, 08860, Castelldefels. Tel.: 93 635 02 47 Antoni López, director comercial y márketing toni.lopez@grup-soteras.com www.grup-soteras.com www.palaciodecongresoscastelldefels.es

10 minutes from Barcelona Airport Grup Soteras offers you 4 hotels and a congress center with all types of daylight venues and sea views to hold conventions. We have daylight rooms, paneled and fully equipped for meetings from 2 to 800 people and also a Congress Centre with capacity for over 350 people.

Gran Hotel Rey Don Jaime**** + Palacio Congresos The hotel has 220 double rooms, 20 meeting rooms with natural light and offers its guests free parking interior and exterior, free wifi and free access to wellness-sport area for customers and as many outdoor spaces to organize catering services and teambuilding activities and outdoor training. The new Congress Center, consisting of an auditorium with capacity for more than 350 people and an annex building with 8 meeting rooms with natural light and spectacular views of the sea, equipped with the latest audiovisual and telecommunications technologies: 3 electronic screens and 3 video projectors, loudspeakers, adaptable space for simultaneous translation booths, desks with free high speed Internet connections and a power outlet, intelligent lighting, video cameras ... In short, an ideal setting for the organization of conferences, conventions, exhibitions and training courses. The Torre Barona Restaurant stands out spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and Garraf Natural Park.

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GRAN HOTEL REY DON JAIME BIBLIOTECA 60 2.65 50 60 24 30 45 24 LLEVANT 125 3.35 100 150 45 90 120 60 PONENT 45 2.58 20 - 12 16 - 12 TRAMONTANA 45 2.58 20 - 12 16 - 12 GARBI 1 136 2.70 115 125 45 50 80 48 GARBI 2 63 2.50 40 60 22 25 50 25 MESTRAL 63 2.60 25 - 18 25 - 18 LLOBREGAT 66 2.27 - 60 20 30 40 XALOC 85 2.35 70 110 30 35 60 30 GREGAL 100 2.35 90 125 30 35 60 30 GREGAL-XALOC 185 2.30 150 200 50 75 108 60 MIGJORN 68 2.30 - 60 16 25 30 PALACIO DE CONGRESOS ZONA CLUB Y AUDITORIO GARRAF 1 61.88 2.85 40 60 25 35 60 30 GARRAF 2 27.49 2.85 - - 10 10 15 12 GARRAF 3 62.09 2.85 40 60 25 35 60 30 GARRAF 1 + 2 89.37 2.85 75 115 30 40 60 35 GARRAF 1+2+3 151.46 2.85 130 135 50 80 110 55 GARRAF 4 63.84 2.85 40 60 25 35 60 30 GARRAF 5 27.49 2.85 - - 10 10 15 12 GARRAF 6 63.75 2.85 40 60 25 35 60 30 GARRAF 4+5 91.33 2.85 75 115 30 40 60 35 GARRAF 4+5+6 155.08 2.85 130 135 50 80 110 55 AUDITORIO - - - 350 350 -

Other Grup Soteras Hotels establishments

PLAYAFELS Different kinds of meetings in first line beach.

BEL AIR Modern, unique and cozy beachfront in Costa Barcelona.

CIUTAT de CASTELDEFELS Located to 300 meters of Castelldefels’s beach, tis Hotel, 3 star, is perfect for meetings and with the best relation quality-prize. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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CAT

The Value Retail group offers specific programmes and spaces for the MICE industry

Congress tourism and shopping come together at La Roca Village According to a recent report by the World Tourism Organisation, shopping has become a determining factor when choosing a destination and the main incentive to travel. For the MICE industry it has become a key component of the overall travel experience. The Value Retail Group has adapted its offer to this tourism segment, not only offering a complement to business travel and incentives but also spaces and services suitable for hosting corporate events in the facilities of its villages.

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fter offering a proposal for shopping tourism as part of incentive travel itineraries, in early 2014, the Chic Outlet Shopping® group launched four differentiated products addressed at the congress tourism segment: groups, special events, meetings and incentives. The director for Tourism at Value Retail in Spain, Diana Marín, points out that “the villages are places where events and shopping experiences come together, positioning themselves as available spaces to host unique events and incentive programmes in distinctive and comfortable environments, offering customised branding opportunities, specialised services and a selection of the world’s best boutiques”. At present, Value Retail has a team specialised in the MICE segment. This team creates customised programmes for corporate events and groups of between 10 and 7,000 people. “Each event becomes a unique experience and is exclusively designed for each organisation”, says Marín. MICE offering Amongst others, the offering for MICE groups includes special services such as welcom82

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ing signposts, private guarded parking areas, an additional 10% discount on outlet prices throughout the year, free WIFI, a hostess service and a hospitality desk, access to the VIP lounge for managers and/or VIP members of the group, and the reservation and coordination of the group’s lunches/dinners at one of the outlet’s establishments. For the companies in charge of organising an event, the proposal also includes the possibility of hiring the Village and/or its VIP facilities exclusively; customised branding; valet parking, private visits to boutiques; VIP private dining rooms or restaurants and gift cards. Activity in numbers In 2014, the villages hosted 750 events with around 50,000 delegates; 60% of these delegates were from Southeast Asia. 57% of the La Roca Village visitors are foreign tourists, mainly from China, Russia, and the Middle East; whereas at Las Rozas, foreign tourists represent approximately 40% and are mainly from China, Latin America and the Middle East. For both, the national market is “very important. A significant proportion of the total corresponds to the MICE segment, both for events and incentive travel; and it is also part of the programme for travel partners. Diana Marín points out that “MICE tourism has become a key sector in Value Reail’s strategy”. In fact, in just one year La Roca Village has

almost doubled the number of corporate groups to have visited its facilities. Las Rozas Village has welcomed a total 7,500 MICE visitors, coming mainly from Spain, Southeast Asia and Latin America, and has started to register a strong increase in the number of groups from China and the Middle East. The La Roca Village closed last year with around 12,000 MICE visitors, mainly originating from China and Southeast Asia in equal proportion, followed by the Middle East, Russia and Latin America. New spaces and projects This year, La Roca Village in Barcelona has inaugurated a function room specifically designed for MICE tourism with a maximum capacity for 80 people. It has also extended its surface area with 40 new boutiques, currently hosting 140, making it the largest Chic Outlet Shopping® village in Europe with a total surface area of 24,000 square meters. Diana Marín points out that at the moment they are working on two major projects: “On the one hand, the creation of exclusive packages for MICE groups and, on the other hand, the development of customised programmes for local companies (Corporate Programme), focussing on their corporate events (for external marketing) and on special proposals for activities with employees”. Diana Ramón Vilarasau


Codorniu, an example of the marriage between wine and business tourism

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osting events in wineries is a trend that is becoming more and more consolidated and has made business tourism a strategic line-of-business for the country’s wine companies. The marriage between both types of tourism takes place because of the traditional appeals of the cultivation of the vine and the production of wines and cavas, together with visits to wineries, tastings, vineyard tours and gastronomic activities and their excellent combination with the cultural interests of those participating in congresses, conventions or incentives. The Catalan Codorniu group has signed-up to this trend and has setup different facilities for business tourism. Historical and architectural value This wine company, which dates back to 1551, has four wineries where it is possible to hold meetings, incentive activities, conventions and events. It has different sized indoor and outdoor

Codorniu Gran Bodega Hall, with barrels shaping the stage.

spaces with capacities for up to 1,000 people. The Cavas Codorniu, located 30 minutes from Barcelona, represent one of the most outstanding examples of modernist architecture in Spain. Designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, they were declared a National Historical-Artistic Monument in 1976. The Raimat Winery, 14 kilometres from Lerida, was purchased by Manuel Raventós 100 years ago and, with an area of 1,700 hectares, is currently the largest vine crop in Europe.

The Bodegas Bilbainas winery, in Haro, is the oldest bottling company in La Rioja and is home to the region’s largest wine area. The authenticity of its French cellar, founded in 1859 by Savignon Frères et Cie, is remarkable. Just 5 minutes from Peñafiel, Legaris integrates traditions from an area with over two thousand years experience in winemaking with the wish to innovate. In a privileged environment and surrounded by vineyards, it is located in between two emblematic castles and its rational and minimalistic architecture blend in perfectly with the riverside landscape. At Codorniu, it is also possible for companies to engage in a wide range of activities: from culinary coaching to recreational site visits, corporate show cooking, and team building amongst others. Codorniu has created a specific web page targeting the MICE segment: eventoscodorniu.com Diana Ramón Vilarasau

Avenida Sofía Hotel Boutique & Spa info@hotelavenidasofia.com Telf. 938113500

Chic, modern design and sustainability, Avenida Sofia Hotel & Spa, in Sitges, has a total of 77 rooms, including 56 superior rooms, 15 deluxe rooms, 5 junior suite rooms and 1 suite royal. Also, has a total of 300m2 distributed in 6 superb meeting rooms fully articulated and paneled, all with natural light they receive from the garden through the large windows that make up the enclosure and attaching them can be converted into a large room to organize large events up to 120 people. Our hotel also brags of owning the best views in town. Climb up to the Sky Bar and enjoy a perfect panorama towering over the coast. The ideal place for a snack at noon, an afternoon aperitif or a few drinks after sunset. But Sky Bar is also a well known international restaurant, a place where you can taste our culinary proposals during lunch and dinner. A space open to all, guest and visitors, with a pool with impressive surroundings. Elegance and

comfort to contemplate Sitges from all angles. The spa of Avenida Sofía Hotel has been designed and conceived to bring a new level of comfort and style to Sitges. Let yourself be taken to a world of well-being, oasis of peace and fresh Mediterranean aromas, reviving your senses and giving vitality to your body. Enjoy our differents personalized treatments for him and her in their four areas: hydrotherapy circuit, health & beauty, fitness and nutrition. The Avenida Sofia Hotel & Spa is registered under the certification program of sustainable buildings LEED with the certification goal of LEED HALLS

Eco Bio Hidro Geo Bio + Hidro Eco + Bio + Hidro Geo Ampliada

m2

Platinum. This would be the first hotel in Europe and fourth hotel in the world to obtain the highest environmental certification. The LEED system for new construction (LEED NC 2009) measures the sustainability of buildings in six major areas: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation in Design.

LENGTH WIDTH SCHOOL THEATRE U-SHAPE IMPERIAL

68 8,45 8,01 24 64 18 16 54 8,10 6,71 20 48 18 12 54 8,10 6,71 20 48 18 12 46 7,45 6,18 20 36 18 12 108 16,20 13,42 48 96 40 36 176 24,65 6,71 100 120 60 60 86 13,88 6,18 36 72 36 36

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INTERVIEW

CAT

Antoni López Serra, Marketing and Sales Manager at Grup Soteras

Grup Soteras, an important driver of business tourism in the hotel industry In the heart of Barcelona’s Coast, Grup Soteras Barcelona has a portfolio of four hotels and a congress palace, all specifically equipped for hosting meetings and conventions, with natural light, sea views and located just 20 minutes from the city’s centre and 10 minutes from BarcelonaEl Prat Airport. They are located in a part of Catalonia’s coastal area that offers a variety of tourist attractions such as gastronomy and wine, culture, sport, festivals and traditions.

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hat does Grup Soteras have to offer the MICE segment in terms of infrastructures and function rooms for events? Currently, at Grup Soteras we have four hotels – Gran Hotel Rey Don Jaime, Hotel Bel Air, Hotel PlayaFels and Hotel Ciutat de Castelldefels- and a congress palace – Don Jaime Congress Centre -, in the Gran Hotel Rey Don Jaime in Castelldefels. These hotels have spaces with natural light and privileged sea views, perfect for hosting conventions and congresses. They have almost 50 partitionable rooms, completely suitable to hold meetings with up to 800 people, and a congress centre with an auditorium that seats over 350 people and an adjacent building with eight function rooms, equipped with the latest audiovisual and telecommunications technology What service is offered for meetings and congresses? We provide a comprehensive service throughout the different phases of the convention: before, during and after the event. During the client acquisition phase, our sales team advises clients on the best options our venues have to offer. Once we are hired, the project is passed on to the hotels’ management team. During the event, we have the figure of the “business angel” that lends support throughout the entire event. Once finished, we thoroughly follow-up the event with the clients to assess its results. How important is this line-of-business for the group? Due to their facilities and characteristics, our venues are specialised in congresses and conventions, and therefore the MICE segment represents approximately 65% of the total turnover of the group’s hotels. It is therefore a vital segment that, in the present and future, we will continue to strengthen with all of our team and sales force. What have been the results in terms of the number of meetings hosted and the number of participants in 2013 and so far in 2014? In 2013, sales in the MICE segment were satisfactory, but it is this year, 2014, that Grup Soteras Hotels will end with over 400 confirmed MICE groups and over 18,000 attendees.

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The Grup Soteras consolidates its position in the MICE segment with beachfront infrastructures.

Who are our main customers and where are they from? Our target customer is practically 40% international and 60% national. At international level, our closeness to the airport and to the city of Barcelona, as well as our beachfront location and facilities, give us a competitive advantage for this type of client who is looking for peace of mind when organising their meetings but also easy travel connections to Barcelona and the airport. At national level, our successful trajectory means that we have many loyal companies who we can offer this same added value to. Do you have forecasts on this segment’s results for this year? What are your expectations for 2015? During 2014 our sales in this segment will grow between 5 and 10% and to date, for 2015, we already have a great number of confirmed transactions. What do you believe to be this segment’s potential for growth? In the current economic situation, we can be optimistic but with caution. It seems to be a segment that has overcome the crisis, but we want to be cautious although confident and eager to continue to do things properly like we have been doing until now. It is the best attitude we can offer our clients and the best way in which to develop the MICE segment’s business potential for growth. Diana Ramón Vilarasau


· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

BARCELONA CONVENTION BUREAU Sr. Director: Christoph Tessmar Passatge de la Concepció, 7-9. 08008 Barcelona Tel: 933689700 Fax: 93368 9701 E-mail: bcb@barcelonaturisme.com www.barcelonaconventionbureau.com COSTA BRAVA GIRONA CONVENTION BUREAU Sra. Directora: Cristina Bube i Cases Av. San Francesc, 29-3º 17001 Girona Tel: 972208401 Fax: 972221570 E-mail: cbube@costabrava.org wwww.costabravagironacb.org

E-mail: ccib@ccib.es www.ccib.es AUDITORIO PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE GIRONA Sr. Director: Ramon Barnusell Pg. de la Devesa, 35 17001 Girona Tel: 872080709 Telf: 972211540 info@gironacongressos.org www.gironacongressos.org PALAU DE CONGRESSOS DE PLATJA D’ARO Pl. De Europa, s/n 17250 Platja d’Aro Tel: 972817179 Fax: 972825657 E-mail:turisme@platjadaro.com www. platjadaro.com

LLEIDA CONVENTION BUREAU Técnico Turismo: Mónica Terrado Major, 31 bis Edif. Casino 25007 Lleida Tel: 973700402 Fax: 973700416 E-mail: lleidacb@paeria.es http://lleidacb.turismedelleida.com/

PALAU FIRAL I DE CONGRESOS DE TARRAGONA Arquitecte Rovira, 2 43001 Tarragona Tel: 977245577 Fax: 977243408 E-mail: info@palaucongrestgna.com www.palaucongrestgna.com

TARRAGONA CONVENTION BUREAU Major, 39 43003 Tarragona Tel: 977250795 Fax: 977245409 E-mail: info@tarragonacb.cat www.tarragonacb.cat

EL SEMINARI - CENTRE CULTURAL TARRACONENSE C/Sant Pau, 4 - 43003 Tarragona Tel: 977 233412 ext. 2610 E-mail: info@ctarraconense.cat http://www.ctarraconense.cat

COSTA DAURADA CONVENTION BUREAU Passeig Torroja, s/n 43007 Tarragona Tel. 977 23 03 12 Fax: 9772380033 E-mail: info@costadauradaevents.com www.costadauradaevents.com

PALAU DE FIRES I CONGRESSOS DE REUS Sr. Director: Jordi Marti Avinguda de Bellissens, 40 43204 Reus Tel. 977326363 Fax 977316359 info@firareus.com www.firareus.com

SITGES CONVENTION BUREAU Sinia Morera, 1 08870 Barcelona Tel: 938109310 Fax: 938949551 E-mail: info@sitgescb.cat www.sitgescb.cat

PALAU DE CONGRESSOS DE LLEIDA Avd.tortosa, 4. 25005 Lleida Tel. 973 22 11 55 Fax 973202112 E-mail: info@pc-lleida.com http://www.lallotjadelleida.cat/

BARCELONA PROVINCIA CONVENTION BUREAU Sra. Directora: Ana M. Sánchez Travesssera de les Corts, 131-159 Recinte Maternal 08028 Barcelona Telf. 934049154 Fax. 934022968 Email: barcelonaprovincecb@diba.cat www.barcelonaprovincecb.cat LLORET CONVENTION BUREAU - LLORET TURISME Sra. Directora: Teresa Trillo Avinguda de les Alegries, 3 17310 Lloret de Mar - Girona Tel.: 972365788 Fax: 972367750 lloretcb@lloret.org www.lloretcb.org

CONGRESS PALACES

PALAU DE CONGRESSOS DE CATALUNYA Avda. Diagonal 661-671 08028 Barcelona Tel: 933644400 Fax: 933644401 E-mail: Info@pcongresos.com www. pcongresos.com PALAU DE CONGRESSOS Y CONVEVENCIONS DE BARCELONA (FIRA DE BARCELONA) Avda. Mª Cristina s/n 08004 Barcelona Tel: 902233200 Fax: 932332198 E-mail: Info@firabarcelona.com www.firabcn.es CENTRE DE CONVENCIONS INTERNACIONAL DE BARCELONA Sr. Director: Marc Rodriguez Plaça Willy Brandt, 11-14 08019 Barcelona Tel: 932301000 Fax: 932301001

AUDITORI MUNICIPAL ENRIC GRANADOS Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer, s/n 25004 Lleida Tel.: 973700639 Fax: 973248823 E-mail: auditori@paeria.es www.paeria.cat/auditori EL BORN CENTRE CULTURAL Plaça Comercial, 12 08003 Barcelona Tel.: 93 256 68 51 E-mail: infoelborncc@bcn.cat http://elborncentrecultural.bcn.cat/es

ADMINISTRATION

GENERALITAT DE CATALUNYA Tel: 934024600 www.gencat.net TURISME DE CATALUNYA Tel: 934849900 www.gencat.net TURISME DE BARCELONA Tel: 932853834 www.barcelonaturisme.com

AJUNTAMENT DE GIRONA PLAÇA DEL VI, 1 Tel. 972 419 000 Fax. 972 419 016 E- mail: ajuntamentinforma@ajgirona.cat www.girona.cat PATRONAT DE TURISME DE LA DIPUTACIÓ DE TARRAGONA Tel: 977230312 Fax: 977238033 E-mail: costadaurada@dipta.cat http://www.costadaurada.info CONSORCI DE TURISME DEL BAIX LLOBREGAT Tel. 936852400 Fax. 936851868 E-mail:turisme@elbaixllobregat.net www.turismebaixllobregat.com PATRONAT MUNICIPAL DE TURISME DE SITGES Tel: 938109340 E-mail: info@sitgestur.cat http://www.sitgestur.cat CENTRE D’INFORMACIÓ TURÍSTICA DE CATALUNYA Tel: 93 2388091 Fax: 9382921270 E-mail:dgdifusio_turisme.presidencia@gencat.net www.gencat.net/probert CENTRE D’INFORMACIÓ TURISME DE BARCELONA Tel: 807 117 222 Fax: 807 689 735 E-mail: info@barcelonaturisme.com http://www.barcelonaturisme.com

ASSOCIATIONS

FEDERACIÓ PROVINCIAL HOSTALERIA DE BARCELONA Tel: 933016240 Fax: 933014292 www.barcelonahotels.org ghb@barcelonahotels.es

PALAUET CASADES/ Il·lustre Col·legi d’Advocats de Barcelona Mallorca, 283 08037 Barcelona Tel.: 93 496 18 80 - Ext. 5068 http://www.icab.cat/palauetcasades E-mail: actes@icab.cat Departament Comercial Ignatius & Co. Tel.: 93 317 10 40 E-mail: palauet@ignatius.es

GREMI D’HOTELS DE BARCELONA Tel.: 933016240 Fax: 933014292 E-mail: ghb@barcelonahotels.es Web: www.barcelonahotels.es

ESTADIO DEL REAL CLUB DEPORTIVO ESPANYOL DE BARCELONA RCDE EVENTS Tel : 932927700 E-mail: rcdevents@rcdespanyol.com http://www.rcdespanyol.com

ACAVE - ASSOCIACIÓ CATALANA D`AGÈNCIES DE VIATGES Tel. 933219729 acave@acave.travel www.acava.travel

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOCIACIÓN CATALANA D’EMPRESES O.P.C. 08029 Barcelona Tel. 934108646 e-mail: opccatalunya@ gmail.com www.opccat.es

ASSOCIACIÓ EMPRESARIS HOSTELERIA PROVÍNCIA DE TARRAGONA Tel.: 977239600 Fax: 977 224 350 Email: aeht@aeht.es http://aeht.es/

A.R.A.C. AGÈNCIES RECEPTIVES ASSOCIADES A CATALUNYA Tel: 972369350 Fax: 972367757 E-mail:arac@aracat.com - www.aracat.com

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The Autonomous Region of Valencia has consolidated its position as a reference destination for congress tourism

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It hosts more than 1,200 national meetings a year with over 270,000 attendees industry because of its high level of spending, without forgetting that business travel also affects other segment such as entertainment & leisure. Future prospects for this tourism product are “promising”, according to the Regional Government, since “our situation is very beneficial, both in terms of the offering that is adapted to the specific needs of this kind of tourist and in terms of its national and international position as a destination greatly associated to congress tourism”.

60% of the over 1,200 meetings held each year in the autonomous region are hosted in the city of Valencia Valencia Congress Palace, inaugurated 16 years ago and designed by the British architect Norman Foster.

The Autonomous Region of Valencia has become a reference destination for business tourism thanks to the great efforts made during recent years that have lead to an improvement in travel communications and the modernisation of its facilities; without forgetting its privileged location, in the Mediterranean coastal area, and its good weather. Congress business has managed to boost the industry in a region greatly linked to holiday tourism and it also represents an essential complement to offset the seasonal effect.

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n recent years, the Autonomous Region of Valencia, in three of its provinces, has made a great effort to provide suitable facilities for this segment. This effort that has lead to a strong growth in demand, especially significant in the city of Valencia. According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), 60% of the over 1,200 meetings organised each year in the region are held in the capital, home to the Turia River, and in terms of holding international meetings, this figure makes it the third most popular destination in Spain and fifth in Europe. 86

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In 2013, this autonomous region hosted 1.205 meetings with 270,479 attendees, almost 25 more meetings and 5,000 more delegates than those registered the previous year. Out of these, 350 were held in Alicante; 99 in Castellon and 746 in Valencia. 2014 has also registered positive numbers. According to data provided by Frontur, during its first nine months, the number of business travellers totalled 246,813, increasing by16.8%, and they spent around 244 million Euros, representing a 9.8% increase with respect to the same period in 2013. It is a very profitable

As proof of the strategic role congress activity plays in the Generalitat’s (Government of the Autonomous Region of Valencia) tourism policies, the 2010-2020 Global Strategic Plan for Tourism in the Autonomous Region of Valencia devotes a special section to this issue, with two objectives: one to maintain the acquired position and promote the consolidation of urban destinations and two, to attract tourism congresses that will in turn attract others and recommend the destination. Tourist profile Most business travellers who visit the Region of Valencia come from other areas of Spain; Madrid as the top issuing market with over 20% of the total, followed by Andalucía and Catalonia. Even travellers from the Valencia region have increased significantly in recent years, representing 10% of the market. Outside of Spain, France is the first sending market and represents almost a fifth of the total, well above Germany and the UK that represent less than 10% of the market. Valencia According to data provided by the Agencia Valenciana del Turismo (Valencia Tourism


The City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia has many different facilities for hosting professional meetings.

Board), of around 1.3 million foreign tourists who visited Valencia in 2013, 12.9% travelled for business. Congress activity is on the go at the City of Arts and Science, at Valencia’s Trade Fair and Event Centre, and especially at Valencia’s Congress Palace, a venue that in the first nine months of 2014 hosted 84 events, with 50,406 attendees. 31 of these events were congresses and nine were conventions with 17,683 and 5,850 delegates respectively. The rest were smaller meetings such as seminars and conferences. International activity has also doubled compared to the previous year. An assessment of this congress palace shows that congress activity, as well as the number of people who attended them, has increased by 57% and 41% respectively, compared to 2013. This increase has lead to a 20% rise in the occupancy rate of the function rooms, and this has generated an economic return, from January to September, of 48 million Euros, representing a total cumulative impact of 906 million since its inauguration 16 years ago. The Congress Palace has already confirmed over 30 congresses and conventions from now until 2018. It is estimated that these will attract over 30,000 visitors and subsequently register over 90,000 overnight stays, with an impact of nearly 50 million Euros. According to the financial rebalancing plan passed by its board of directors, the palace’s budget for 2015 estimates a profit of around 300,000 Euros. Spokespeople for the congress palace state that “thanks to the desire to continually

improve, the congress centre will continue to contribute in the economic and social development of the city favouring its position in the worldwide business tourism ranking list”.

In the first six months of 2014, Alicante hosted 71 professional meetings, 34% more than the previous year A major event that was hosted in 2014 was the annual meeting of the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), in November, with 3,500 delegates. It generated an impact of 5 million Euros and 9,000 overnight stays were registered because attendees stayed in the city for five days choosing three and four star hotels. As stated by those responsible, “winning the bid for the SEN congress has been a great challenge for Valencia and for the venue itself, because for the first time in the Society’s history, since 1949, this meeting was held outside of Catalonia”. Another major event was the Skoda World Dealer Conference, held in October with over 4,000 dealers. Alicante Alicante Convention Bureau (ACB) states that, in the first six months of 2014, Alicante hosted 71 professional meetings, 34% more than in the same period of 2013, when 53 were held. According to this organisation, “predictions for this year that foretold the re-

covery of the industry in line with the need for companies to strengthen their relationship with clients and staff, after years of austerity, in favour of an improvement in commercial activity, especially in the pharmaceutical and automotive industries, were confirmed. Those responsible for the organisation believe that the MICE segment is a key factor for offsetting seasonal effects and they add that “in this segment the number of meetings held in medium-sized cities has increased, and the average spending in the city of Alicante was 300 Euros a day”. The agency also declares that for 2015, prospects are very optimistic, with 12 scheduled medical congresses, “that will have a great impact and host a great number of delegates”, and seven scientific events and meetings. Besides the city itself, in the province of Alicante, the main places to host professional meetings are Elche and Benidorm; they have a wide range of hotels with large function rooms. Furthermore, in the latest edition of the EIBTM trade show, held in November in Barcelona, the Costa Blanca Tourism Board presented the Auditorium of the Alicante Council (Auditorio de la Diputación de Alicante) as an ideal place for congress activities. In turn, the province of Castellon has infrastructures that are very well suited for professional meetings at the Castellon and Peñiscola Congress Palaces; they are very versatile thanks to their avant-garde and functional design. Improvement of the offering Another major advantage for congresses, conventions and incentives offered by this autonomous region is the improvement of its travel communications, with the arrival of the AVE (Spanish High Speed Train) to Valencia and Alicante, as well as a wide and comprehensive range of accommodation; without forgetting its interesting complementary services such as high-end shops, incomparable museums, fifteen restaurants with Michelin stars and 35 with Repsol Suns, as well as other gourmet establishments and 34 golf courses. It is also important to mention the outdoor training activities, which combine business meetings with the practice of outdoor activities and games. To attract more congresses and meetings to the region, one of the strategies followed is the participation in trade fairs. For second consecutive year, last October, the Regional Ministry of Economy, Industry, Tourism and Employment, through the Valencia Tourism Agency, took part in the IMEX America trade show, in Las Vegas and co-exhibited with Turespaña-. This trade show attracts the world’s main providers and suppliers of the meetings’ industry. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

TURISMO VALENCIA CONVENTION BUREAU Avda. Cortes Valencianas, 41 46015 Valencia Tel. 963390390 Fax. 963606430 Web : www.turisvalencia.es asociados@turisvalencia.es COSTA BLANCA CONVENTION BUREAU Tucuman, 10.1 planta 03005 Alicante Tel. 965230160 Fax. 965230155 Web : www.costablanca.org turismo@costablanca.org ALICANTE CONVENTION BUREAU Explanada de España, 1, Bajo. Ed. Carbonell 03002 Alicante Tel. 965147052 Fax. 965215694 Web: www.alicantecongresos.com congresos@alicanteturismo.coM BENIDORM CONVENTION BUREAU Pza. Canalejas, 1 Edificio Municipal El Torrejó 03501 Benidorm Tef. 966831338 Fax: 965863625 Web: www.benidorm.org turismo@benidorm.org

ELCHE CIUDAD DE CONGRESOS, ELCHE CONVENTION BUREAU Institut Municipal de Turisme d´Elx Filet de fora, 1 03203 Elche Tel. 96658140 Fax. 966658141 Web : www.visitelche.com congresos@visitelche.com CONVENTION BUREAU INTERIOR DE CASTELLÓN Avda. Doctor Clará, 36, Entlo. B 12002 Castellón Tel: 964218055 Fax: 964218233 www.convencionesinteriorcastellon.com info@cbicastellon.com

CONGRESS PALACES

SEDE DE LA ASOC. DE PALACIOS DE CONGRESOS DE ESPAÑA PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE VALENCIA Avda. Cortes Valencianas, 60 46015 Valencia Tel. 963179400 Fax. 963179401 Web: www.palcongres-vlc.com palcon@palcongres-vlc.com PALAU DE LA MÚSICA I CONGRESOS DE VALENCIA Paseo de la Alameda, 30 46023 Valencia Tel. 963375020 Fax. 963370988 Web: www.palaudevalencia.com info@palauvalencia.com PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE ALICANTE Avda. Denia, 47 – A 03013 Alicante Tel. 965269962 Fax. 965263797 Web: www.palaciocongresosalicante.com info@palaciocongresosalicante.com PALAU ALTEA Alcoy 18 03590 Altea (Alicante) Tel. 965 843 359 Web: www.palaualtea.com palau@palaualtea.com 88

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CENTRO DE CONGRESOS CIUTAT D’ELX Filet de fora, 1 03203 Elche (Alicante) Tel. 96658140 Fax: 966658141 Web: www.visitelche.com congresos@visitelche.com PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE PEÑÍSCOLA Maestro Bayarri, Esquina Blasco Ibañez s/n 12598 Peñíscola (Castellón) Tel. 964727574 Fax: 964231441 Web: www.peniscola.es congresos@intur.com AUDITORI I PALAU DE CONGRESSOS DE CASTELLÓ Avd. Lidón, 50 12003 Castellón Tel. 964231440 Fax.964231441 Web: www.castellonturismo.com/ congresos@intur.com FERIA VALENCIA Tel. 902747330 Fax: 902747345 Web: www.feriavalencia.com feriavalencia@feriavalencia.com INSTITUCIÓN FERIAL ALICANTINA (IFA) Tel. 966657600 Fax: 966657630 Web: www.feria-alicante.com ifa@feria-alicante.com CIUDAD DE LAS ARTES Y LAS CIENCIAS Tel. 902100031 Fax: 961 974470 Web: www.cac.es ptamarit@cac.es

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOCIACIÓN DE EMPRESAS OPC DE LA COMUNITAT VALENCIANA Tel: 963332818 Fax: 963332776 www.opccv.com mailto:Info@opccv.es

ADMINISTRATION

CONSELLERÍA DE TURISMO. GENERALITAT VALENCIANA Avd. Aragón, 30 Plantas 8ª y 9ª del Edificio Europa 46021 Valencia Tel. 963986000 Fax: 963986001 Web: www.comunidad-valenciana.org PATRONATO PROVINCIAL DE TURISMO DE ALICANTE COSTA BLANCA Tel. 965230160 Fax: 965230155 Web: www.costablanca.org turismo@costablanca.org TURISME DE BENIDORM AYUNTAMIENTO DE BENIDORM Tel.: 902100581 Fax: 965863625 Web: www.visitbenidorm.es info@benidorm.org

PATRONATO MUNICIPAL DE TURISMO ALICANTE Tel. 965143452 Fax: 965215694 Web: www.alicanteturismo.com turismo@alicanteturismo.com TURISVALENCIA AYUNTAMIENTO DE VALENCIA Tel. 963606353 Fax. 963606430 Web: www.turisvalencia.es turisvalencia@turisvalencia.es PATRONATO PROVINCIAL DE TURISMO DE CASTELLÓN Diputación Provincial Costa Azahar Tel. 964359883 Fax: 964359870 Web: www.turismodecastellon.com turismodecastellon@dipcas.es

ASSOCIATIONS

ASOCIACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE EMPRESARIOS DE HOSTELERÍA Y TURISMO DE CASTELLÓN (ASHOTUR) Tel. 964218055 Fax: 964218233 Web: www.ashotur.org comercial@ashotur.org ASOCIACIÓN EMPRESARIAL DE HOSTELERÍA DE BENIDORM Y COSTA BLANCA (HOSBEC) Tel. 965855516 Fax: 966851304 Web: www.hosbec.com hosbec@hosbec.com ASOCIACIÓN EMPRESARIAL HOTELERA PROVINCIAL DE VALENCIA Tel. 963 510909 Fax: 963 510909 escuval@teleline.es FEDERACIÓN EMPRESARIAL DE HOSTELERÍA DE VALENCIA Y PROVINCIA Tel. 963519284 Fax: 963517149 Web: www.fehv.es info@fehv.es ASOCIACIÓN VALENCIANA DE AGROTURISMO Y TURISMO RURAL (AGROTUR) Fax: 963924479 www.agrotur.org info@agrotur.org ASOCIACIÓN DE AGENCIAS DE VIAJES DE ALICANTE Tel. 965926747 Fax: 965926542 viajes.alicante@alc.es ASOCIACIÓN DE AGENCIAS DE BENIDORM (AVIBE) 03501 Benidorm (Alicante) Tel. 965855204 Fax: 965855204 Web: www.avibe.org avibe@avibe.org ASOCIACIÓN DE AGENCIAS DE VIAJES DE VALENCIA (AEVAV) Tel. 963 917051 Fax: 963 916981 Web: www.aevav.es aevav@aevav.es


Barceló Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa Tel. +34 966 818 402 Fax. +34 966 889 762 www.barceloasiagardens.com www.asiagardens.es

La exclusividad de los servicios de un hotel 5 estrellas con el distintivo Leading Hotels of the World, combinada con la perfecta funcionalidad, hacen de Barceló Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa el lugar donde sorprender a sus invitados. Extraordinarios jardines tropicales, piscinas infinitas en sucesión y una decoración de cuidado estilo asiático, serán el escenario ideal. El Thai Spa, donde la tradición, la sabiduría y el placer se unen para crear un espacio mágico, es el lugar ideal donde acabar el día y relajarse después de su evento.

El centro de convenciones de Barceló Asia Gardens & Thai Spa, ofrece un espacio único con salas de hasta 1.000 metros cuadrados para cualquier tipo de evento. Un producto integral para los eventos de negocios dotado con techo técnico, WiFi y equipamiento audiovisual en sus 14 salas capaces de alojar desde pequeñas reuniones con una exclusiva atmósfera hasta grandes convenciones internacionales. El hotel cuenta con 312 habitaciones de cuidado estilo balinés que ponen el lujo asiático al servicio del descanso. Disfrute de una copa de bienvenida en el Lobby junto al Champagne bar, de un té con impresionantes vistas al mar desde la Terraza Mirador o de un cóctel en los exquisitos jardines tropicales. El Hotel Asia Gardens cuenta con una excepcional oferta de restauración con diferentes ambientes gastronómicos para disfrutar de varios estilos de cocina. El restaurante gran buffet “Udaipur”, el “In Black”, el restaurante asiático “Koh Samui” y

SALONES

m2

DIMENSIONES

ALTURA

TEATRO

ESCUELA MESA-U

BANQUETE CABARET CÓCTEL

Shanghai 1000 28x36 5,73 800 450 - 600 450 800 Shanghai 1 92 11,80x7,70 5,73 65 36 30 40 30 45 Shanghai 2 104 13,50x7,70 5,73 70 40 30 40 30 65 Shanghai 3 92 11,80x7,70 5,73 65 40 30 40 30 45 Shanghai 4 200 10x20 5,73 110 80 45 63 42 130 Shanghai 5 140 7x20 5,73 110 80 45 63 42 120 Shanghai 6 200 9x22 5,73 110 80 45 63 42 130 Shanghai 1+2 204 12x17 5,73 130 80 50 80 72 130 Shanghai 4+5 340 17x20 5,73 250 150 60 180 120 220 Shanghai 1+2+3 288 24x12 5,73 205 120 - 120 90 170 Shanghai 4+5+6 520 26x20 5,73 500 220 - 200 180 400 Hanoi (2+3+4) 330 24x13,80 3,31 - 3,86 310 132 - 176 132 250 Hanoi 1 66 5,30x12,30 3,86 54 30 30 27 18 30 Hanoi 2 110 8x13,80 3,86 85 45 36 54 36 40 Hanoi 3 110 8x13,80 3,86 85 45 36 54 36 40 Hanoi 4 110 8x13,80 3,86 85 45 36 54 36 40 Hanoi 2+3 220 16x13,80 3,31 - 3,86 170 120 53 120 90 80 Hanoi 3+4 220 16x13,80 3,31 - 3,86 170 120 53 120 90 80 Vista Mar 1 27 3,70x7,20 2,40 - - 8 - - Vista Mar 2 22 4x5,50 2,40 - - 6 - - Business Corner 16 4x3,50 3 - - - - - -

el restaurante Mediterráneo “Palapa” ofrecen desde la clásica y elegante cocina Mediterránea hasta los sabores mas exóticos de Asia. La restauración y el carácter exclusivo de los espacios ofrecen sin duda un valioso complemento para celebrar fiestas y cenas temáticas inolvidables. Asia Gardens ofrece una perfecta combinación entre actividades de empresa y de ocio.

Los jardines tropicales invitan a disfrutar de revitalizantes paseos donde despejar la mente con sesiones de Yoga y Tai Chi, y complementarlo con espectaculares noches temáticas. El hotel dispone de actividades especiales de Teambuilding para eventos tales como jornadas de vela, paseos en globo, buceo y golf entre otras. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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COM

Iberia Village Events Carretera de Benidorm a Finestrat Partida Moralet s/n 03502 Benidorm Alicante Tel: 96 500 43 00 info@iberiavillage.com

Iberia Village Events is a business line of the Santa-Maria Group, which manages the Terra Mítica theme park in Benidorm, Alicante, as well as other companies. The main business of Iberia Village Events is centred on the organisation of events such as conferences, galas, seminars, team building meetings and theme parties, always from a unique and differentiating viewpoint. Because not all events are the same, Iberia Village Events is positioned as an alternative to anything else, by offering: Privileged environments that are faithful replicas of the classical cultures of Greece, Egypt and Rome. More than 10,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor floor space to host macro corporate and business events and also smaller activities and celebrations. The weather is perfect year round due to its location in the heart of the Costa Blanca. More than 300 sunny days per year guarantee weather perfect weather for an excellent event. Specialised catering and restaurant services.

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Highly qualified team for comprehensive organisation and management of the event. Majestic theme shows to magnify any celebration or activity. The possibility of exclusive availability of Terra Mítica’s attractions during the event.

In addition, Iberia Village Events boasts two large auditoriums with different seating capacity for hosting any type of conference and lectures, such as the Circus Maximus auditorium, which can seat 3000 people, or the Pandora Auditorium which can seat 296 attendees.

AREA SPACES m2

IBERIA VILLAGE ROME EGYPT GREECE THE ISLANDS

L’Almadrava Restaurant Mozarab Room L’Almadrava Terrace Mar de Colors Iberia Beach Via Appia Restaurant Pica Picae Restaurant Roman Esplanade Circus Máximus Shucarán Restaurant Luxor Acrópolis Ágora Pandora Auditorium

THEATRE COCKTAIL BANQUET

260 90 300 140 334 120 500 300 575 X 600 400 450 X 300 300 820 X 800 600 274 60 350 120 1300 X 1100 760 920 X 500 600 3000 3000 X X 104 X 100 120 376 X 600 330 350 X 400 110 110 180 140 X 399 296 X X


Barceló Valencia**** Avda. de Francia nº 11 46023 Valencia. España T +34 963 306 344 F + 36 963 306 831 valencia@barcelo.com www.barcelo.com

El hotel Barceló Valencia**** está situado en plena Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, frente al Palacio de las Artes Reina Sofía, un edificio diseñado por el arquitecto de renombre Santiago Calatrava, situado en una de las zonas más modernas y atractivas de la ciudad de Valencia. Este hotel de 4 estrellas con un total de 187 amplias y luminosas

SALONES

m2

ALTURA LUZ NATURAL

Celeste I 170 3 SÍ Celeste II 200 3 SÍ Celeste I+II 370 3 SÍ Marengo 33 4 SÍ Burdeos 35 3 SÍ Mandarina 29 3 SÍ Púrpura 29 3 SÍ Marino 27 3 SÍ Melocotón 27 3 SÍ Lima 26 3 SÍ Rubí 25 3 SÍ Blanca 65 3 SÍ Foyer 316 4 SÍ Terraza 270º 351 - SÍ

BANQUETE

CÓCTEL

ESCUELA

AUDITORIO MESA-U

IMPERIAL

CABARET

120 160 100 150 40 50 72 130 160 110 160 40 50 78 250 320 230 330 70 75 150 18 20 15 24 15 12 9 20 25 21 30 18 12 7 20 25 18 24 15 12 6 20 22 18 24 15 12 7 18 22 18 24 15 12 7 18 22 18 24 15 12 7 18 20 18 20 15 12 7 18 20 18 24 15 12 6 40 60 30 45 21 28 21 190 350 170 267 - 80 82 - 250 - - - - -

habitaciones, 10 de ellas Junior Suites y 2 Suites, le permitirá disfrutar de todas las posibilidades de ocio y negocio de Valencia. A su excelente gastronomía hay que sumar el fantástico U-Wellness del hotel; un espacio de 500 m2, situado en la décima planta con espectaculares vistas a la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Este centro de salud y belleza

ofrece 2 salas de tratamientos, gimnasio y un completo circuito de aguas con sauna finlandesa, cabina de hielo, pediluvio, camas de hidromasaje, chorros a presión, ducha de activación, ducha central aromática, baño turco y diversos tratamientos de salud y belleza. Además el hotel cuenta con amplios salones de congresos y reuniones, con capacidad de

hasta 350 personas, todos ellas con luz natural. Sin olvidar que se encuentra a solo 20 min. de la Feria de Valencia, del Palacio de Congresos y del aeropuerto de la ciudad. El hotel le ofrece además su nuevo servicio de Wi-Fi gratuito mejorado. ¡Encuentre diseño y confort durante su estancia en el hotel Barceló Valencia! Hosteltur MICE 2015

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This year the region will inaugurate its fourth congress centre in Plasencia

EXT

Extremadura combines congress infrastructures with a wide range of unique venues Extremadura’s main qualities in the MICE industry are its qualified infrastructures, specialised in congresses together with a wide range of fully adapted unique venues and hotels specialised in this field. Other companies specialised in incentive activities and “team-building” are also significant.

E

xtremadura’s tourist qualities, with privileged natural surroundings, affluent heritage and culture and delicious cuisine, are the perfect setting for congress tourism; a segment that is supported by the government, in an emerging economy based on sustainable development and the momentum of new technologies. Extremadura has congress facilities that are very well equipped and innovative and its three congress palaces are remarkable. Merida’s Congress Centre, is a 19,565 m2 building and has a main auditorium that seats around 1,000 people, plus a room for seminars, a 700m2 exhibition hall, three multi-purpose rooms and several lobbies. Located on the left bank of the Guadiana River, it is a unique piece of architecture. The Congress Palace in Badajoz, with an area of 17,519 m2, has a main auditorium that seats around 878 people, plus a function room for 326 people, a 536 m2 exhibition hall and three multi-purpose rooms. Located in the city centre, where the old Bull Ring stood, in the Bastion de San Roque, the congress palace was chosen by MOMA as one of the 53 most representative buildings in Spain and is an example of avant-garde architecture and of how historical heritage can be recovered.

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A bold futuristic design and its lightweight materials characterise the aesthetics of the new Congress venue in Plasencia.

The Congress Palace in Caceres, opened in March 2011, is the largest with an area of 22,600 m2, and it is very versatile because it can host from small meetings to large stage performances. Its main auditorium, with 1,281 seats, has a large main stage that, thanks to its acoustics and its cutting-edge technical equipment, can be set-up for both congresses and conferences and large-scale stage performances. The fourth Congress Palace These three congress palaces will soon be joined by a fourth: The Exhibition and Congress Palace in Plasencia; built on the ledge of El Berrocal and that is currently undergoing its last stage of construction. W i t h a total investment of 18 million Euros, this new and modern infrastructure will make it possible for Plasencia to increase its development as a venue for congresses and strengthen the position of the region as a destination for business tourism. The future construction of the Congress Palace in the capital of Jerte started in 2006 under the orders of the architects José Selgas Rubio and Lucía Cano Pinto, also authors of the “Ma-

nuel Rojas” Congress Centre in Badajoz. The proposed construction site for the new 11,338 m2 building, is on Avenida Salamanca, next to the Showground, in the area of El Berrocal. The building resembles a boat, anchored in a port and its design plays with orange, aqua green and silver colours as well as with the brightness of its light-weight and translucent materials. This futuristic looking congress palace will be used for different purposes - auditorium, theatre, opera, congresses – and will have two large modulating rooms, fitted with 900 and 300 seats, plus a 1,500 m2 show room, and a restaurant. It will have a main function room where it will be possible to open-up the back of the stage to show the outside landscape; this room will have a capacity for between 800 and 1,000 people. It will also have a room for 300 people that can be separated into three different rooms for 100 people each. Its most outstanding feature is the buildings exterior, its size, its contrasting colours and its status of portico between the city and landscape. At night time the congress centre is lit up from the inside, standing out remarkably in


the city’s landscape. In order to complete the project, in September 2014, the Government of Extremadura published a public tender of 1.6 million Euros for stage equipment and additional work. The tender was awarded to the commercial entity Ferrovial Agroman in December for 1,202,601Euros, with an execution period of five months. Once this work is finished, it is expected that the new Plasencia Congress Palace will open its doors to the public this year, 2015. The regional minister for Public Works, Housing, Spatial Planning and Tourism in Extremadura, Víctor del Moral, admits that this segment is still not very significant in Extremadura’s tourism industry, and therefore public institutions and the private sector have decided to work together to develop their potential and increase its importance. Tourism in a whole currently represents 5% of the region’s GDP; the regional government estimates this figure will reach 10% in 2019. “This industry is, in fact, one of the autonomic government’s priorities and it will become one of Extremadura’s priorities for development”.

Unique venues Extremadura’s congress infrastructure network is complemented by the Feria de Badajoz, IFEBA (Badajoz Exhibition Centre), with an inside exhibition area of over 10,000 m2 plus another 20,000m2 outside, totally equipped with the latest technology. The number of unique venues is also remarkable; many of them are buildings with an important historical value and have been renovated to host events. They range from wineries to castles, without forgetting ‘paradores’ (state-run hotels), guest houses, convents and palaces. Several of Extremadura’s wineries are setup to host events and they have spacious halls and conference rooms. Moreover, most of them are surrounded by endless rows of vineyards. There are seven ‘paradores’ in Extremadura that stand out because of their historical wealth - ranging from 15th century palaces (Zafra) to convents from the 15th (Plasencia) and 18th centuries (Mérida) - and their remarkable surroundings, as is the case of Jarandilla de la Vera, located between gorges of water, natural pools and chestnut and oak

woods. Most of them have spacious halls and outdoor facilities. There are also thirty-odd hotels especially adapted to host congresses and meetings. Some are located in urban areas and near shopping areas, but they can also be found in old country properties, convents, spas and refurbished palaces, as well as in historical city centres or natural settings; some are modern and state-of-the-art while others are traditional or rural, but they all have facilities for congresses. In Extremadura there are a great number of companies specialised in complementary activities, offering a wide range of activities perfect for “team building” and incentives. These activities include nautical sports, trips and hiking in the countryside, fishing trips, tandem tours, golf, river routes, canoeing, photographic safaris, bungee jumping, quad bikes, archery, horseback and donkey rides, dressage classes, flora and fauna guided tours especially for bird watching, canyoning and medieval banquets. Diana Ramón Vilarasau / S.L.L.

· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

CÁCERES CIUDAD DE CONGRESOS Plaza de Publio Hurtado s/n 10003 Cáceres Tel: 927255765 E-mail: congresos@ayto-caceres.es http://congresos.ayto-caceres.es/

BADAJOZ CIUDAD DE CONGRESOS CONVENTION BUREAU Plaza de San José, 18. Casas Mudéjares 06001 Badajoz Tel: 924201369/ 924213014 Fax: 924239798 E-mail: info@badajozciudaddecongresos.com www.badajozciudaddecongresos.com

CONGRESS PALACES

PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y EXPOSICIONES DE MÉRIDA Avda. del rio, s/n 06800 Mérida Tel: 649906488 Fax: 924007301 info@palcongrex.es www.palcongrex.es COMPLEJO CULTURAL SAN FRANCISCO / INSTITUCIÓN CULTURAL EL BROCENSE Ronda de San Francisco, s/n. 10005 Cáceres. Tel.: 927255578 Fax: 927214288 lmgil@dip-caceres.es www.brocense.com FEVAL INSTITUCIÓN FERIAL DE EXTREMADURA Avda. Torres Isunza s/n 06400 Don Benito, Badajoz Tel: 924829100 comercial@feval.com www.feval.com

PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE BADAJOZ MANUEL ROJAS Ronda del Pilar s/n. 06002 Badajoz Tel: 924939000 Fax: 924939030 info@palcongrex.es www.palcongrex.es

CONSEJERÍA DE FOMENTO, VIVIENDA, ORDENACIÓN DEL TERRITORIO Y TURISMO Tel: 924 332000 Fax: 924 332 487 info@turismoextremadura.com http://turismoextremadura.com

PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y EXPOSICIONES DE CÁCERES Avenida de la Hispanidad, S/N 10005 - Cáceres Tel: 649906488 info@palcongrex.es www.palcongrex.es

CONGRESOS Y PROTOCOLO Tel: 927276420 Fax: 927292474 www.congresosyprotocolo.com E-mail: info@congresosyprotocolo.com

IFEBA INSTITUCIÓN FERIAL DE BADAJOZ Avda. de Elvas S/N. 06006 Badajoz Tel.: 924 213000 Fax: 924 274952 informacion@feriabadajoz.com www.feriabadajoz.net INSTITUCIÓN FERIAL TIERRA DE BARROS (INFETIBA) Tel: :924 666 967 http://turismoextremadura.com/viajar/turismo/es/explora/ INFETIBA-Institucion-Ferial-de-Tierra-de-Barros/

ADMINISTRATION

JUNTA DE EXTREMADURA Tel: 924003438 Fax: 924008244 Info@gobex.es www.gobex.es

CONSEJERÍA DE ECONOMÍA, COMERCIO E INNOVACIÓN Tel: 924003438 Fax: 924003441 www.gobex.es

CONGRESOS Y EVENTOS CONSULTING Tel: 924263465 www.congresosyeventos.com C&G CONSULTING Y GESTIÓN DE FERIAS Y CONGRESOS Tel: 924222741 Fax: 924261169 Info@consultingygestion.com www.consultingygestion.com IBERFORUM OPC-EVENTOS Tel: 927278244 Fax: 927278242 info@iberforum.com OREXCO ORGANIZACIÓN EXTREMEÑA DE CONGRESOS Tel: 927 629404 Fax: 927239509 E-mail: orexco@orexco.net www.orexco.net

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PR

Extremadura gives a new boost to business tourism

Congress Palace in Merida.

Extremadura combines spectacular natural beauty with the wealth and richness of cultural and historical sites, along with modern, high quality infrastructures such as congress palaces, hotel establishments and unique venues for holding meetings and events. This makes it a destination with a solid offering to attract congress tourism and the potential to develop this segment.

less natural lakes and one of the largest bird sanctuaries in Western Europe. It is also full of history, art and culture, with a vast Roman and Arab legacy reflected in monuments and archaeological remains, together with the wealth of tradition. Its accommodation offering includes magnificent luxurious hotels, charming rural hotels and houses, cosy inns in historical locations, a great number of spas and several National Paradores (state-run historical hotels) as well as a rich and varied cuisine along with its excellent wines. Two of its main cities are World Heritage Sites: Merida - the capital of Extremadura - and Caceres that will be the Spanish Capital of Gas-

T

he region has infrastructures and, cultural and natural attributes that allow it to offer a solid product to congress tourism. Extremadura has an excellent network of amenities - with a congress palace in each of its main cities-, quality accommodation facilities and support from a group of professional companies that work in the different areas required by this industry for the development of its activity. Extremadura has unique natural landscapes, 1,500 kilometres of inland waterways, count-

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Congress Palace in Caceres.

Roman Theatre in Merida.

tronomy in 2015. Throughout the year, dozens of initiatives will be organised demonstrating the gastronomic potential of the region as well as the creativity of its chefs. Extremadura, via


National Park of Monfragüe.

the city of Badajoz, is also the gateway to trade with Portugal. The community has an emerging economy committed to sustainable practices, new technologies and development in RDI. Budget support in 2015 Extremadura offers the MICE segment congress palaces in Merida, Badajoz and Caceres, quality facilities including premises for holding meetings and conventions in hotels spread across the whole region, exhibition centres for fairs, emblematic locations and unique spaces such as palaces, wineries and castles. Professional organisation services and companies for complementary activities along with a very high quality complementary offering, complete the specialised offering in this industry.

A destination with potential and attributes: network of infrastructures, accommodation facilities, complementary offer, professional support and backing from the Regional Government With these strengths and with support from the Regional Government, Extremadura will boost its promotion and position over other destinations for congress tourism; a goal that will be assigned a specific budget line in 2015. First MICE Extremadura Forum The First MICE Extremadura Forum was held last September, organised by the General Directorate for Tourism - Government of Extremadu-

Congress Palace in Badajoz.

ra - in collaboration with the private sector, with the aim of analysing the opportunities the MICE segment generates for the region and what strategies are necessary to enhance this activity. The event held at the Congress Palace in Merida brought together the key agents that comprise the value chain in this tourism segment, as well as the regional consumer motivators with capacity to promote meetings in Extremadura. The Regional Minister for Public Works, Housing, Spatial Planning and Tourism -Victor del Moral-pointed out the growing potential of business and congress tourism in the region, because of its attributes, resources and infrastructures and indicated the need to coordinate actions carried out by all parties involved in its development. Del Moral also made reference to the strategic importance of this segment given its high profitability: for each Euro spent by an

average tourist in the region, a congress visitor spends two and in the whole of their stay they can spend up to four times more, hence Extremadura’s aim to focus on business and congress tourism “whose replicating effect and cross-cutting nature benefit many of a destination’s regional and local economic industries. This is why we have to work on boosting it”, he concluded. www.turismoextremadura.com

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Galicia hosts a thousand meetings each year

GAL

According to the Xunta, the MICE segment has an impact of 43 million Euros on the region’s economy

B

usiness tourism in Galicia generates over 43 million Euros a year, and according to studies conducted by the Sociedad de Promoción Turística de Galicia (Society for the Promotion of Tourism in Galicia), over one thousand events are organised annually, of which 60% are congresses, 30% are conventions and the remaining 10% are incentive trips. According to the Xunta de Galicia, this segment of tourism has developed considerably over the last ten years, mainly because of the increase and improvement of the necessary infrastructures, such as the congress centres. The number of hotel beds and unique venues, such as country houses and public monasteries amongst others, has also grown and this has also happened with the number of companies specialised in MICE tourism. In Galicia, at present, there are congress palaces in Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Pontevedra and Vigo; these four cities are connected by motorway and apart from the Pontevedra capital, they all have airports. ‘Galicia Exhibition and Congress Centre’, located 10 minutes from the airport and offering 12,700 square meters to host different kinds of meetings, and a capacity to accommodate 3,000 people, opened in Santiago de Compostela in 1995. This city has 186 hotels -of all different types of categories- totalling 8,152 hotel beds. Additionally, in the Galician capital there is another centre for meetings and conferences, the ‘Auditorio de Galicia’ auditorium with capacity for 1,300 people spread over eight different areas. ‘A Cidade da Cultura’ (the City of Culture) is another star venue for holding meetings in Santiago. Among other spaces, it has an auditorium for 120 people, two multi-purpose rooms and a 500 square meter multi-function hall for holding events. Amio Showground is also in Santiago; it is a multipurpose venue and has all the necessary means to host exhibition fairs, recreational and cultural activities and mass events with the utmost guarantee. Compostela also has twenty-odd venues and hotels well-suited for meetings. In turn, A Coruña has a very important congress centre, PALEXCO Congress and Exhibition Centre, with a main auditorium that seats 1,600 people, another space for 530 and four

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The Pilgrimage Congress, held last September, is part of the commemorative celebrations for the 8th Centenary of Saint Francis de Asís.

New Convention Centre in Vigo

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he city of Vigo is home to the newly built Convention Palace and Auditorium, ‘Auditorio Mar de Vigo’ complex, which stands in a privileged location between the fishing port and the shipyard, with spectacular views of the river and its surroundings. Over 23,000 m2 of this complex is occupied by the Congress Centre: an auditorium with capacity for 1,421 people, exhibition halls, conference rooms, cafeteria and 330 parking spaces. And IFEVI,’ Instituto Ferial de Vigo’ (Vigo’s Fair Insitute), with seven different sized halls, and the ‘Centro Cultural AFundación’ (cultural centre), with an auditorium that seats 500 people and six other rooms, are also located in this complex. Vigo has 39 hotels of all different categories.

different sized function rooms with capacity for 64 to 80 people. It also has a Congress and Opera House, with a main room that can accommodate for up to 1,495 people and eleven different sized function rooms, as well as the Expocoruña showground. There are 23 hotels of all different categories in the city, and twelve of them have facilities for meetings. Pontevedra has an Exhibition and Congress Centre with a remarkable auditorium for 772

delegates, an assembly hall for 276 people, a meeting room, an exhibition hall and eight other rooms. It also has a 4,500 m2 showground. Finally, the cities of Lugo, Ourense and Ferrol all have showgrounds and venues suitable for holding professional meetings. In addition, the Galician region is full of country houses and many other special settings suitable for hosting meetings or events included in broader MICE programmes.


A Coruña, a strategic alliance between the Hotel Industry and the Public Authorities “A Coruña is highly committed to congress tourism, especially over this last year”, state representatives from the city’s Consorcio de Turismo y Congresos (Congress and Tourism Consortium). Over this last year “private-public partnerships between the Tourism Consortium and the private sector, especially with hoteliers, have become stronger, with the intention of creating a strategic alliance and selling the brand of the city throughout Spain and Europe”; thereby achieving a better use of its MICE infrastructures - which amongst others includes the PALEXCO Congress Centre and Expocoruña- and higher occupancy rates for its accommodation establishments.

Joint marketing efforts have resulted in the confirmation of three congresses for 2016

Meetings in Vigo are now also being held out-of-season

Panoramic view of the docks in A Coruña, one of the city’s most striking places. (Photo: Kris Ubach, 2012).

This new policy is already translating into quantifiable results, thus, three congresses with over 7,000 delegates have already been confirmed for 2015 and 2016. The first, Congress of the Spanish Society of General Medicine, will be held in May 2015 with the participation of over 2,000 GP’s. In 2016, A Coruña will also host the Congress for the Spanish Society of Trauma and

In 2014, business tourism in Vigo underwent a change in trend, at least with regard to its congress calendar. So, according to Vigo Convention Bureau in its annual report: while traditionally MICE activity in the city was scarce during the first months of the year, in 2014 events were “distributed more evenly” throughout the year; this report also highlights the increase in the number of events hosted during the month of June.

Orthopaedic Surgery (SECOT), a candidacy also submitted by San Sebastian and Seville.

· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

CONSORCIO DE TURISMO Y CONGRESOS DE A CORUÑA Sol, s/n. 15003 A Coruña Tel: 981184344 Fax. 981184345 E-mail: j.fernandez@coruna.es www.turismocoruna.com SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA CONVENTION BUREAU Rúa do Vilar, 63 15705 Santiago de Compostela Tel: 981 555 129 Fax: 981554748 E-mail: sccb@santiagoturismo.com www.santiagoturismo.com PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y EXPOSICIONES DE PONTEVEDRA (PONTEVEDRA CONVENTION BUREAU) Alexandre Boveda, s/n 36005 Pontevedra Tel: 986833061 Fax: 986874070 E-mail: coordinacion@pazodacultura.org www.pazodacultura.org VIGO CONVENTION BUREAU Rúa Cánovas del Castillo, 3 36202 Vigo Tel: 986487118 Email: info@vigocb.org www.vigoconventionbureau.com

CONGRESS PALACES

PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y DE LA ÓPERA Glorieta de América, s/n 15004 A Coruña Tel: 981140404 Fax. 981261284 E-mail: director@palaciodelaopera.com www.palaciodelaopera.com

PALEXCO Muelles de Transatlánticos, s/n 15003 A Coruña Tel: 981228888 Fax. 981229950 E-mail: director@palexco.com www.palexco.com PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y EXPOSICIONES DE GALICIA Miguel Ferro Caaveiro s/n 15707 Santiago de Compostela Tel: 981519988 Fax: 981570020 E-mail: info@palaciosantiago.com www.palaciosantiago.com

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOCIACIÓN GALLEGA DE EMPRESAS O.P.C.(ORZAN) Avda. Primo de Rivera 11 – 2º izda. 15006 A Coruña Tel: 981900700 Fax: 981152747 E-mail: opcgalicia@opcgalicia.org www.opcgalicia.org

ADMINISTRATION

XUNTA DE GALICIA San Caetano s/n 15704 Santiago de Compostela Tel: 981545400 E-mail: gabinete@xunta.es www.xunta.es DIRECCIÓN XERAL DE TURISMO- TURGALICIA Plaza de Mazarelos, 15, 1º 15703 Santiago de Compostela Tel: 981546351 Fax: 981546356 E-mail: secretaria.turismo@xunta.es www.xunta.es

ADMINISTRATION

FEDERACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE EMPRESARIOS DE HOSTELERÍA DE OURENSE Tel: 988231952 Fax: 988252869 info@federacionhosteleriaourense.es www.federacionhosteleriaourense.es ASOCIACIÓN EMPRESARIAL DE HOSPEDAJE DE SANTIAGO Tel: 981592700 Fax: 981598099 E-mail: informacion@santiagohosteleria.org www.santiagohosteleria.net ASOCIACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE EMPRESARIOS DE HOSTELERÍA DE LUGO Tel: 982226912 Fax: 982244256 comunicacion@apehl.org www.eparacomerlugo.es FEDERACIÓN COMARCAL DE EMPRESARIOS DE HOSTELERÍA DE VILLAGARCÍA DE AROUSA 36600 Villagarcía (Pontevedra) Tel: 986501300 Fax: 986506475 E-mail: afytsl@cinsl.es FEDERACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE EMPRESARIOS DE HOSTELERÍA DE PONTEVEDRA 36201 Vigo Tel: 986432400 Fax: 986430601 E-mail: secretaria@feprohos.com www.feprohos.org ASOCIACIÓN PROVINCIAL DE AGENCIAS DE VIAJES DE PONTEVEDRA 36201 Vigo Tel: 986432255 Fax: 986220278 Hosteltur MICE 2015

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Gran Hotel La Toja *****

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Isla de La Toja - Pontervedra - 36991 T +34 986 73 00 25 F +34 986 73 00 26 Reservas +34 986 80 32 24 hotel@granhotellatoja.com www.granhjotellatoja.com

The Gran Hotel La Toja is a landmark spa hotel that exudes charm and boasts a unique location on the island of La Toja. It is also legendary for the properties of its medicinal mineral waters. The hotel has managed to upgrade over time and today offers all the services expected of the only five-star resort in Galicia: outdoor heated swimming pool, top-quality cuisine, boutiques, club, a seaside golf course, casino, tennis, paddle, etc. A world of services to ensure that you find whatever you are looking for in this island paradise. At the Gran Hotel La Toja Spa you will discover why its therapeutic medicinal waters are so well-known. You will also be pleased to find out that in the Thermal Club your only concern will be to relax. Its restaurants offer famous Galician seafood prepared painstakingly, accompanied by exquisite wines with which the food takes on a new dimension. The hallmarks of the Gran Hotel La Toja are impeccable and personalized service, keys to your unforgettable stay.

tes, many of which have balconies overlooking the sea or the surrounding gardens. We have Presidential Suites and a Royal Suite, equipped with all amenities. Celebrations y Banquets When holding a big event like a wedding or a banquet, only one thing is expected of a 5 star hotel for everything to be perfect. The elegant and inviting architecture of the Gran Hotel La Toja, its proximity to the sea, its tasteful decor and impeccable service make it a unique place where the success of any celebration is guaranteed.

Accommodation The Gran Hotel La Toja is also the five-star hotel with the most rooms in Galicia. It has 199 rooms, including standard rooms and suiHALL

m2

HEIGHT

THEATRE SCHOOL BOARD TABLE

“U” SHAPE CABARET

COCKTAIL

BANQUET

Arousa Arousa 1 Arousa 2 * Sala Azul* Los Arcos Sala Conferencias Sala Exposiciones

170 70 96 33,5 124 375 313

2,52 X 2,24 2,52 X 2,37 2,52/ 2,24 2,55/4,10 2,38 X 2,10 4,82/ 2,48 3,08/ 2,92

100 40 80 24 72 370 350

30 25 41 16 37 70 70

130 60 70 - 80 350 300

80 50 50 60 210 200

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60 24 36 18 42 225 175

40 30 30 18 38 70 70

36 24 24 - 24 126 120

Conferences and Conventions We have the outdoor and indoor spaces you need, for any type of event. Conference and Exhibition Hall A versatile and functional facility with a wide range of resources to ensure the success of your event. With a total capacity of up to 500 people and spectacular views of the Ría de Arosa. Its facilities, located 800 metres from the Gran Hotel, in a natural setting of extraordinary beauty, boasts a conference room, exhibition hall, lounge and coffee-shop, hospitality service and technical administrative assistance. Inside the Hotel we also have four elegant meeting rooms with different capacities and uses.


Hotel Balneario Isla de La Toja**** Isla de La Toja, s/n - 36991 O Grove - Pontevedra Tfno. 986 730 050 reservas@hotelbalnearioisladelatoja.com eventos@hotelbalnearioisladelatoja.com www.hotelbalnearioisladelatoja.com

En la legendaria Isla de La Toja, en el corazón de la Ría de Arousa, se encuentra el Hotel Balneario Isla de La Toja, a un kilómetro del pueblo marinero de O Grove, y situado a 44 kilómetros de Pontevedra, 70 de Vigo, 84 de Santiago de Compostela y 155 de A Coruña. Establecimiento dedicado al bienestar del cuerpo y de la mente, el Hotel Balneario Isla de La Toja toma su nombre de la emblemática isla declarada Centro de Interés Turístico Nacional y ofrece unas instalaciones modernas y funcionales donde disfrutar de la tranquilidad y de los beneficios del descanso. Con 104 habitaciones y suites completamente equipadas, también permite gozar de las propiedades relajantes y curativas de las aguas mineromedicinales de La Toja, indicadas especialmente porque ayudan a relajarse y por sus efectos beneficiosos sobre piel, así como en dolencias reumáticas, procesos respiratorios y prevención del riesgo cardiovascular, entre otros. Entre sus infraestructuras, el hotel dispone de un centro de congresos y convenciones con 10 salas de reuniones que permiten la celebración de todo tipo de eventos de empresa y sociales.

SALONES

m2

AGUA MAGNA Agua Magna I Agua Magna II Agua Magna III Las Caldas LAS BURGAS Las Burgas I Las Burgas II Las Burgas III El Manantial Las Termas 1 Las Termas 2 Restaurante La Lanzada

644 5,05-2,30 500 270 - - 200 700 480 394 5,05-2,30 410 230 60 46 125 430 310 133 2,71-2,30 120 60 30 30 30 135 60 117 2,71-2,30 100 60 30 30 40 115 80 118 2,71-2,30 50 40 30 30 40 120 80 349 3,21-2,81 250 180 - - 135 380 270 132 3,12-2,81 130 70 50 50 45 145 90 107 3,12-2,81 120 65 50 50 35 120 70 110 3,12-2,81 100 60 40 40 40 120 80 59 2,70-2,30 50 30 22 22 20 60 40 34 2,57-2,31 - - 16 - - - 21 2,31 - - 8 - - - 120 2,71-2,30 - - 28 28 70 100 70

ALTURA

TEATRO ESCUELA IMPERIAL MESA-U CABARET COCKTAIL BANQUETE

estrés y la rutina. Además de la zona hidrotermal, ofrece también tratamientos con lodos termales (peloides), elaborados con agua termal e indicados para enfermedades de la piel, y diversos tratamientos de bienestar y belleza. El balneario cuenta con un equipo de

profesionales altamente cualificados y una dirección médica que supervisa todos los tratamientos. También destaca su cocina fresca y contemporánea. Sin duda la alternativa perfecta para disfrutar de todo el sabor de las Rías Baixas.

Completo descanso Las propiedades de su agua mineromedicinal, sumadas a las modernas técnicas de relajación, convierten el Hotel Balneario Isla de La Toja en el lugar perfecto para descansar. Dotado de balneario y club termal de agua marina de 4.000 metros cuadrados con un completo circuito para adultos y zona para niños, el establecimiento invita a mimarse, recargar fuerzas, rejuvenecer y escapar del Hosteltur MICE 2015

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The MICE segment gains more prominence in the Balearics

The islands combine good weather, a wide range of facilities and airline connections to the whole of Europe -connected to the palace by a foot-bridgewith 268 rooms, 13 of which will be junior suites with an equal number of suites. The importance of MICE tourism in the Balearic Islands is such that for decades now most large hotel establishments have meeting rooms - some of them for over 500 participants - equipped with the latest technology in sound and simultaneous translation and with advanced audiovisual systems so that professional conferences and presentations are carried

Promotion of the MICE segment carried out by the ATB (Balearic Islands’ Tourism Agency)

Bellver Castle in Palma is often used for MICE events. Photo:Miguel Comas.

The Balearic Islands are a worldwide tourism reference and now they are becoming a favourite destination for MICE tourism. As well as their mild climate, their leading hotel industry and their excellent airline connections, the islands also offer many emblematic settings for meetings and a wide range of complementary offers.

T

he Balearics can contribute many and very varied benefits to the tourism segment of Congresses, Conventions and Incentives. Over the years this has been confirmed by several national and international tourism agencies that as well as other types of activities also frequently organise important professional seminars, taking advantage of the islands’ high-quality accommodation facilities and the availability of flights from almost anywhere in Europe. It is also important to mention the optimal internal communication services in all of the islands. Of all the islands, Ibiza is the only one to currently have its own Congress Palace that opened in 2008 and is located just a few meters from the town centre of Santa Eualia del Rio; it has an auditorium that sits 437 people, an exhibition hall and other multifunctional areas. It is an ideal space to hold medium 100

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size meetings. Construction work on the Congress Palace in Palma is ongoing to facilitate major events.

Ibiza has a congress palace for medium size meetings and Palma’s is being built for major events This modern building, designed by the Navarrese architect Francisco Managado and in its last construction phase, has views over the bay and will accommodate up to 2,010 participants in its main auditorium. It is important to add that it also has a second auditorium that will sit up to 462 people, exhibition halls and other facilities and installations. Predominant among these facilities are a restaurant with a viewing gallery and an adjoining hotel

The promotion of business tourism in the Balearics, as well as being encouraged by the different Convention Bureaus on each island, also falls on the Balearic Islands’ Tourism Agency (ATB), part of the Regional Ministry for Tourism and Sports for the Balearic Government. This organisation follows the general guidelines of the Integrated Tourism Plan for the Balearic Islands (PITIB) that points to the MICE product as one of the archipelago’s tourism promotion plan’s focal points. As a result of this, during 2014 two inverse working days were organised for the specific promotion of this type of traveller; furthermore, the agency has also attended three trade fairs specialised in this sector, highlighting its participation in EIBTM (Barcelona) and IMEX (Frankfurt). In both cases the ATB was present with its own stand and several companies from the islands - hotels, DMCs and others- participated as co-exhibitors. For this public entity, the purpose of these actions is to present to the main international and national tourism agencies, the quality and variety of the Balearic MICE offering and look for new possibilities for growth in this tourism segment.


out with the maximum guarantee of success. Most of these are four and five star hotels, being particularly suitable for large events. Some of them having their own convention centre. Special places The Balearics also have many ‘Special Venues’ to host meetings that participants will remember because of their uniqueness and exclusiveness. The most emblematic venues in Mallorca are: Bellver Castle, Pueblo Español (Spanish Village) and Auditorium de Palma (Palma Auditorium), to name but a few. In Menorca: Teatro Principal de Maó (Principal Theatre of Mahon), the Fortress of La Mola located at the entrance of the city’s harbour and the Lith-

Higher-category hotels in the Balearics have large meeting rooms and some of them also have convention centres ica Quarry located near to Ciutadella. In Ibiza events are organised in different parts of Dalt Vila (Ibiza), a World Heritage Site. Furthermore, throughout the archipelago there are many rural hotels, wineries and other beautiful places that host different kinds of events also considered to be a part of the business tourism sector. Sometimes it is for the professional meeting itself, while other times these venues are hired for cocktails, dinners, parties or moments of relaxation. For example: a tour and a tasting at a winery – after a strenuous conference. Ideal climate The archipelago’s climate, warm in the summer months and moderate in autumn and

Medical congress celebrated at Ibiza’s Congress Palace.

Inside Mahon’s Principal Theatre, where professional encounters are celebrated frequently.

winter, guarantees that the Balearics is a place frequently chosen for product presentations. Specifically, the automotive industry has used the islands on a number of occasions as the ideal setting to unveil their new car models. Such events provide great opportunities because they are attended by experts and journalists from all over the world. But, the possibilities offered by the Balearic Islands as a destination for MICE tourism also include other assets. Those attending congresses, conventions and incentives can also enjoy activities like: sailing, golf (in Mallorca alone there are more than 20 golf courses), cycling, hiking in settings such as the Tramuntana Mountain Range (Serra de Tramuntana) - a World Heritage Site-, Spa & Wellness and shopping at several shopping centres and shops where top brands are sold. These activities are all well represented in the archipelago.

It is also essential to mention the importance of the islands’ cuisine. Proof of this is that eight restaurants on the islands have Michelin stars, seven in Mallorca and one in Formentera; Three of these having recently been awarded with their star. At any restaurant or hotel establishment on the islands you can find high-class cuisine - both traditional and specialised - suitable for the most demanding palates; from places specialising in avant-garde cuisine to those committed to offering clients Mediterranean flavours, featuring the best local products. A destination with history The rich artistic and architectonic heritage as a result of being an enclave located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, with thousands of years of history, is another of the attractions that surprises visitors. And even more so in the MICE segment with educated tourists that want to get the feel of and enjoy the local culture. A mere walk through the Old Towns of Palma or Ibiza, or through the centres of Mahon or Ciutadella; a visit to the Roman city of Pollentia in Alcudia (Mallorca), to Naveta des Tudons (Menorca), to the Carthaginian necropolis in Ibiza or to Palma Cathedral give an idea of the importance of this heritage. Natural sites such as the Caves of Drach and the Caves of Hams in Mallorca; or the Albufera (lagoon) in Alcudia on the same island; or any spot in Menorca, declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve over 20 years ago, are interesting excursions that can be added to a MICE traveller’s schedule when visiting the Balearics and it is also important not to forget the many other sites of human endeavour that are of great natural interest such as Salinas (salt mines) in Ibiza. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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Hotel Viva Zafiro Alcudia *****

Hotels Viva & Vanity Hotels C/ Mar i Estany Nº 35 07400 Puerto de Alcudia Service Centre: +34 971 897 008 info@hotelsviva.com

Este exclusivo hotel de nueva construcción, abre sus puertas en Mayo de 2015, siendo el único con 5 estrellas en el encantador Puerto de Alcudia y en la pequeña localidad romana con el mismo nombre, cuyo casco histórico sigue conservando las impresionantes murallas que lo rodean.

Ubicado a 62 km del aeropuerto de Palma de Mallorca, es un lugar muy tranquilo, pero situado en el corazón de la localidad de Puerto de Alcudia (Mallorca), a sólo 300 metros de la kilométrica playa de arena fina y aguas poco profundas. Es la combinación ideal para mezclar negocio y placer gracias a su privilegiada ubicación, muy cerca del centro, con sus numerosos restaurantes y tiendas, así como acogedores bares y cafeterías. El encantador puerto deportivo, con su paseo marítimo invita a recorrerlo tranquilamente. Su situación a tan sólo 3,5 km del mejor campo de golf de Mallorca, el Alcanada Golf Club, diseñado por Trent Jones Junior, hará las delicias de los aficionados a este deporte. Instalaciones • 8 edificios con restaurantes y bares, de los cuales… • 6 edificios de cuatro plantas, cada uno con suites y ascensor • Servicio de recepción multilingüe las 24 horas • Vestíbulo y bar con salón • Rincón de internet, WiFi gratuito en todo el hotel Alojamiento • 361 Suites y Junior Suites con terraza. • Camas King-size • Aire acondicionado y calefacción. • Escritorio, teléfono, música y WiFi • Televisión LCD 40” con satélite • Ducha efecto lluvia, espejo de aumento y secador de pelo. • Productos de acogida y albornoz 102

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SALONES

M2

Salón 1 Salón 2 Salón 3 Salón 4 Total

156 5 78 5 78 5 156 5 468 -

ALTURA

BANQUETE MESA-U

ESCUELA TEATRO

120 38 24 140 60 27 12 70 60 27 12 70 120 38 24 140 360 130 102 420

• Mini bar • Cocina kitchenette con nevera y microondas (excepto Junior Suites) • Cafetera Nespresso y menaje para té Piscinas y Wellness • 1 piscina principal • 1 piscina chill-out sólo para adultos (18+) • 1 piscina infantil Splash con barco pirata y toboganes • 6 piscinas swim-up • 1 piscina interior • Baño turco, sauna, jacuzzi y cabinas de masaje Restaurantes y Bares • 1 restaurante principal con buffets

• 5 restaurantes temáticos a la carta (Italiano, Mediterráneo, Internacional con barra de sushi y Grill) • Bar y cafetería • Bistro • Pool & Wet Bar



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IBEROSTAR Son Antem *****

MA-19 salida 20 07620 Llucmajor · Mallorca · España Tel.: +34 971 129 100 · Fax: +34 971 129 101 E-mail: son.antem@iberostar.com

Majorca is a paradise of picturesque villages, idyllic coves and kilometres of whitesand beaches. Experience the best the island has to offer at the new IBEROSTAR Son Antem, the new star in our sky. Discover this magnificent complex surrounded by 200 hectares of nature, two impressive 18-hole golf courses, beautiful gardens and attractive communal areas. Enjoy our elegant and spacious, fully-equipped suites, and savour the best of the Mediterranean diet thanks to an excellent culinary offer.

LOUN GES

m2 HEIGHT THEATRE

Son Antem Complete Son Antem A Son Antem B Son Antem A+B Son Antem C Son Antem A+B+C Son Antem D Son Antem C+D Llucmajor Complete Llucmajor E Llucmajor F Llucmajor G Llucmajor E+F Llucmajor F+G Son Verí I Son Verí II Sala Privada

284 3,10 250 140 66 55 96 190 48 3,10 32 18 18 16 15 30 48 3,10 32 18 18 16 15 30 97 3,10 64 48 36 25 30 62 97 3,10 64 48 36 25 30 62 194 3,10 112 96 40 36 60 90 90 3,10 64 48 36 25 30 62 188 3,10 112 69 40 36 60 90 183 3,10 190 90 55 50 60 140 58 3,10 60 30 24 20 15 48 66 3,10 60 30 24 20 20 48 66 3,10 60 30 24 20 15 48 125 3,10 120 60 48 40 35 96 125 3,10 120 60 48 40 35 96 19 3,10 - - 10 - - 24 3,10 - - 15 - - 24 3,10 - - 15 - - -

SCHOOL

• New IBEROSTAR hotel, ideal for business trips • Beautiful communal areas and 200 hectares of nature • 9 versatile meeting and conference rooms with high speed Internet connection • Two magnificent 18-hole golf courses surrounded by native flora • 3,000 m2 spa with wet zone, treatments and heated pool • Ideal for Events and Incentives

Accommodation · 151 rooms, including 4 junior suites, 3 suites, 1 superior suite and 2 accessible rooms

Location · 10 km from the beach · 15 km from Palma Airport (PMI)

Facilities and services · Totally adapted for people with reduced mobility · Outdoor pool

CONFERENCE U-TABLE

CABARET BANQUET

· Indoor heated pool · Sun loungers, towels and parasols around the pool · 2 bars · Wi-Fi throughout the hotel · Spa with large wet zone and exclusive treatments · Beauty salon · 9 conference rooms with personalised service and high-speed internet · All-inclusive optional Gastronomy · Buffet restaurant · À la Carte restaurant · Snack bar and pool bar Sport · 2 professional 18-hole golf courses · The largest practice course on the Balearic Islands · Driving Range, 3 Putting Greens, short-game zone with practice bunkers · Club House and golf Academy · Tennis courts · Fitness suite Entertainment · Professional shows

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Enjoy being a Star while you work

IBEROSTAR Son Antem ***** LLUCMAJOR, MAJORCA

IBEROSTAR Son Antem boasts great experience in organising events. The hotel offers adaptable lounges, meeting and conference rooms of all sizes with techsmart amenities complemented by top gastronomy. Guarantee the success of your event which cater to all your business needs. A luxury only within the reach of stars. Stars like you.

S PA I N · G R E E C E · T U R K E Y · B U L G A R I A · C R OAT I A · M O N T E N E G R O · M O R O C C O TUNISIA · CAPE VERDE · JAMAICA · DOMINICAN REPUBLIC · CUBA · MEXICO · BRASIL

Enjoy being a star


Maritim Hotel Galatzó ****

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Ctra. de Andratx km 20 07160 Peguera, Mallorca, Illes Balears Tel. +34 971 689 600 · Fax +34 971 689 603 reservas@hotelgalatzo.com www.hotelgalatzo.com

Nestled atop a rise overlooking the western coastline between Santa Ponsa and Paguera, the Maritim Hotel Galatzó occupies an enviable location on Majorca’s Costa de la Calma. Backed by a picturesque mountai- nous landscape, the hotel’s subtropical grounds cover 54,000 sq.m., encompassing many long-established trees. The hotel has 172 comfortable rooms and suites equipped with a comprehensive range of amenities. An outdoor swimming pool with sunbathing terrace as well as a “chill-out” zone with Bali sun beds and a tranquility pool are all made for unforgettable Mediterranean moments. The main restaurant, “Medi- terraneo” and the “Vista de Rey” à-la-carte restaurant prepare mouth-watering local specialties and delicious international favourites. Ranging between 38 and 426 sq.m. in size, the hotel’s eight event rooms are ideal for meetings, conferences, banquets and private parties, making the Maritim Hotel Galatzó the perfect place for discerning holidaymakers and astute businesspeople alike.

• 172 comfortable rooms and suites with views over the mediterranean sea or the gardens and swimming pool area, each equipped with a bathtub or shower, WC, hairdryer, adjustable air conditioning, SAT-TV, telephone, WiFi, room safe, minibar and a balcony or terrace HALLS

M2

HEIGHT

• Complimentary WLAN access in the lobby and public areas 
 • Business centre with comprehensive services 
 • Event capacities for up to 800 people in eight rooms, 
one of which is the “Maritim” hall that can seat 390 attendees and enjoys panoramic views over the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range • 3 % rebate with the Maritim PartnerCard 
 • 54,000 sq.m. landscaped subtropical gardens with long-established trees • A freshwater swimming pool with sunbathing ter- race and sun beds complemented by a tranquillity pool with “chill-out” zone and

THEATRE SCHOOL U-SHAPE BANQUET BLOCK

Palma I 114 3,50 104 60 45 50 48 Palma II 114 3,50 104 60 45 50 48 Palma I+II 229 3,50 210 120 - 140 Calvia 46 2,45 42 24 21 - 24 Valldemossa 54 2,45 46 24 21 - 24 Santa Ponsa 38 2,45 30 18 15 - 24 Peguera 41 2,45 35 21 15 - 24 Hall Maritim 426 6 390 250 - 260 Soller 70 2,60 53 30 21 - 27 Vestíbulo 145 - - - - - -

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Balinese day beds • 1,400 sq.m. Mediterranean-style wellness facility that complements therapeutic treatments and cosmetic applications with a spa infrastructure that includes a whirlpool, Finnish sauna, cold and warm pools, a steam bath and foot massages • Five tennis courts, two of which are covered • In the direct vicinity of some of Majorca’s best golf courses • 
Adjoining cycling and hiking path running between Palma and Andratx
 • Main restaurant, “Mediterraneo” and the exclusive “Vista de Rey” à-la-carte restaurant How to find us By plane: Majorca is frequented regularly by both charter and scheduled flights. The Palma de Mallorca Airport is located around 30 km from the hotel. Paguera’s city centre and its beach are around 2.5 km away (free shuttle bus daily).


Barceló Illetas Albatros Paseo de Illetas, 15 | 07181 Illetas (Mallorca) T +34 971 402 211 | F +34 971 402 154 illetasalbatros@barcelo.com www.barceloilletasalbatros.com

Located on a beautiful cove on the west of the bay of Palma de Mallorca, offers a privileged environment for golf and beach lovers. The hotel disposes of 7 meeting room, 5 of them with natural light with splendid views over the bay, in the quiet area of Illetas, just a few minutes away from the city of Palma. This “Adults only” hotel has 128 rooms, completely renovated in 2010, with a modern and innovative style. Highlights: excellent sea views; natural and quiet cove; Parking; 5 Golf courses nearby; 5 minutes from Palma. SALAS DE REUNIONES El hotel ofrece 7 salas de reuniones, dos de ellas situadas en la 6ª planta con un espacio de 250 m2, vistas al mar y bar lounge panorámico. Equipadas con avanzada tecnología y capacidad de hasta un máximo de 220 personas. Ideales para la organización de eventos, ya se trate de reuniones de trabajo, convenciones, banquetes o celebraciones a medida. EQUIPAMIENTO PARA REUNIONES Aire acondicionado, servicio de micrófonos, traducción, amplificación de sonido, equipo de grabación, proyectores de vídeo, acceso inalámbrico a internet, pantallas planas, reproductor DVDs, iluminación, etc.

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Mar (1) Vent (2) Marivent (1+2) Puerto Portals (1) Port Adriano (2) Adriano + Portals (1+2) Porto Pí Comtessa Buganvilla

98 152 250 50 65 115 20 119 57

3,40 m. 3,40 m. 3,40 m. 2,80 m. 2,80 m. 2,80 m. 2,80 m. 2,40 m. 2,40 m.

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No

40 80 120 12 24 70 10 60 35

30 40 50 14 18 30 7 24 30

22 36 46 10 14 26 5 20 20

50 100 150 10 20 30 30 50

• Bar Illetas: Cócteles y refrescos. Terraza ideal para coffee-breaks, canapés y cócteles de bienvenida. • Urban Sky Terrace: para disfrutar de un coffee break, un finger buffet o, en verano, para tomar un coctel original, participando en nuestras fiestas temáticas y dj sessions, mientras disfruta del atardecer viendo el mar.

80 120 220 35 50 90 15 85 50

camas balinesas, acceso directo a la playa con tumbonas. Centro de Spa y Wellness con Talasoterapia, piscina climatizada y jacuzzi, ambos con agua salada, sauna, baño turco y sala de masajes con vistas a la Bahía. Gimnasio equipado y alquiler de bicicletas. Campo de Golf de Bendinat a 1,2km, deportes acuáticos y alquiler de veleros previa petición

OCIO Dos piscinas exteriores, Jacuzzi, solarium,

SERVICIOS ADICIONALES Fotografía, azafatas, decoración, flores, rent a car, reservas de golf, etc. RESTAURACIÓN • BLUE Restaurant & Lounge: Restaurante a la carta para almuerzo y cena. Terraza con vistas al mar y zona chill-out. • BLUE Pool: Snacks, sándwiches y ensaladas servidos en el área de la piscina. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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Blau PortoPetro Beach Resort & Spa*****

Carrer des Far, s/n 07691 Portopetro (Santanyi) Mallorca Tels.+34 971 648 286 | +34 971 648 282 Fax +34 971 648 283 venportopetro@blauhotels.com www.blauportopetro.com

Seaview from room.

Blau PortoPetro Beach Resort & Spa***** spreads along 900 meters of seafront surrounded by a beautiful pine forest and the crystalline sea water of two wonderful sandy coves. The Resort is a world of comfort and technology blended with nature in a privileged spot of Majorca with wide open spaces to produce your best events. It comprises places of inspiration such as a large variety of terraces to celebrate receptions, cocktail parties, thematic buffets, fabulous gardens for open air meetings, concerts, banquets with fantastic sea views and two charming sandy coves. The Resort features a spectacular Convention Centre with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology which has a total of 1.200 sqm of versatile facilities that allow us to tailor the setup of your event to any specific requirements, enjoying privileged views to the port and bay of Portopetro.

Aerial panoramic of the Resort.

It has capacity for up to 500 people in theatre style and a direct access to the exterior garden, allowing the celebration of car launches and large products exhibitions. The outstanding Convention Centre is completed by four small meeting rooms with natural daylight, secretary services and wide halls to be used as exhibition areas. In addition, the Resort offers a wide range of Dimensions (m) Height (m)

cuisine with 5 restaurants to celebrate from casual dining to a closing gala dinner of your event. The Resort has a never-ending range of entertainment possibilities for your free moments from many sport activities (9 tennis courts, bicycles, kayaks, yoga, zumba, body pump, etc to get in shape) to relax areas with sea view Bali beds and a magnificent Spa with water circuit and a wide variety of wellness treatments.

ROOMS

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Figuera A Figuera B Santanyí A Santanyí B Auditórium Grand Salón Mondragó Mondragó A + B Mondragó A Mondragó B Mondragó C

26 7,3 x 3, 5 2,62 - 25 15 20 15 26 7,3 x 3,5 2,62 - 25 15 20 15 26 7,3 x 3,5 2,62 - 25 15 20 15 26 7,3 x 3,5 2,62 - 25 15 20 15 220/88* 18 x 5** 4,40 - - - 284 560 35 x 16 3,25 450 600 312 500 372 23 x 16 3,25 280 370 204 310 110 186 16 x 11,5 3,25 130 180 105 155 33 186 16 x 11,5 3,25 130 180 105 155 42 186 16 x 11,5 3,25 130 180 105 155 33

Imperial (pax) Cocktail (pax) School (pax)

Theatre (pax)

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*220 m2 seating area / 88m2 Stage - ** Stage POLIVALENT AREAS

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Galani Midori Suite Estels

111 10,8 x 10,3 64,5 12,7 x 5,1 18 5,1 x 3,6 80 -

Dimensions (m) Height (m)

OUTDOOR SPACES

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Imperial (pax) Cocktail (pax) School (pax)

Theatre (pax)

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2,80 100 100 60 90 70 2,65 40 60 36 50 40 2,76 - - 9 15 12 3,15 50 70 46 50 28

Dimensions (m) Height (m)

Imperial (pax) Cocktail (pax) School (pax)

Theatre (pax)

U-Shape (pax)

Galani Garden 800 - - 400 530 - - Terraza Miramar 190 - - 145 190 - - -

Grand Salon Mondragó with natural light.

The “Auditorium Porto Petro” can accommodate 284 delegates in comfortable seats provided with a collapsible table. It is the most convenient place for product launches, conventions, festivals, catwalks and a vast variety of shows. Furthermore, cars have access to the Auditorium stage through a ramp. The “Grand Salón Mondragó” has no pillars and can be divided into three equal sections. 108

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Auditorium Porto Petro.

Outdoor event.


Hotel JS Palma Stay C/Pins, nº26, 07610 Ca’n Pastilla (+34) 971 261 550 jspalmastay@jshotels.com www.jshotels.com

JS Palma Stay is a hotel thought of specifically in order to make your stay on the island of Majorcan a more easy and enjoyable one. One of the best qualities of the Hotel JS Palma Stay is the unbeatable location: only 5 minutes from the Airport of Palma de Majorca. Plus, it is located next to one of the most popular beaches of the island: Playa de Palma. The Hotel JS Palma Stay is also an Adults Only hotel, where only guests age 16 and over are allowed. The Hotel JS Palma Stay is centrally located in Ca’n Pastilla (Playa de Palma), which is one of Majorca’s main and most well-known tourism resorts. Here, visitors can enjoy and partake in numerous leisure activities on offer, or a trip to Palma, the capital of Majorca, is only a short 6 kilometre bus-ride away. Palma offers the visitor plenty of sightseeing options, from historic landmarks to modern art museums, well-known shopping areas and leisure centres to typical Majorcan bars and modern Mediterranean restaurants. Palma also offers the visitor fun water-park attractions, tennis courts and other sport facilities, golf and mini-golf parks, plus a yachting marina where the “Club Marítimo San Antonio de la Playa” is found, an ideal area for any yacht and boat enthusiast. Leisure facilities in the near-by area: · Aqualand water park in El Arenal · Es Baluard: Museum of modern and contemporary art of Palma · Golf Fantasia in Palma Nova · Palma Aquarium in Palma The Hotel JS Palma Stay comprises of 242 rooms (twin, junior suites, single and disabled rooms), all of which are fully equipped.

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Sala 1 40 2,50 24 35 24 14 44 Yes Sala 2 39 2,50 20 35 24 14 40 Yes Sala 3 44 2,50 24 40 20 14 40 Yes Sala 1 + 2 79 2,50 44 70 48 28 70 Yes Sala 2 + 3 83 2,50 44 75 44 28 75 Yes Sala 1 + 2 + 3 123 2,50 96 125 92 46 125 Yes Coffee area 35 2,50 - - - - - Yes Coffee area + Sala 1 75 2,50 - - - - - Yes Terraza Solarium 75,50 - - - - - - Exterior

Our restaurant offers a show cooking area, various different gastronomy-themed corners and specific menus are available. We offer the possibility of eating al-fresco on the terrace. The bar offers a snack menu, with outside eating-space available. Our guests will be kept entertained by the evening shows on offer various times a week. Brand new for 2015, the Hotel JS Palma Stay is proud to offer new facilities On our journey of the continuous improvement of the JS Palma Stay 4*, we will open the following services and facilities for Season 2015: • New Spa with invigorating sensation showers, Massage rooms, Hydro massage-

pools, Sauna, Turkish Bath and various areas to relax in. • Gym with cardiovascular and musclebuilding equipment. • Outside heated pool: 2 lanes, length of 25m. • Cycling Center with video surveillance. • New facilities for MICE: • Various meeting rooms, each of different capacity and all with natural daylight. • Food & Beverage services for meetings. • Indoor coffee area. Possibility of service on the solarium terrace located above Reception. • Audio visual equipment hire service. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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Palma will have its Congress Palace in September 2015

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he president of the public enterprise that manages this infrastructure, Palma City Council’s Deputy Mayor for Tourism, Álvaro Gijón, states that the much awaited Congress Palace in Palma de Mallorca will become a reality in September 2015, when construction work will come to an end. Located on the seafront, overlooking the bay of Palma, it will start operating straightaway, as will its adjacent hotel that could even be finished a bit ahead of schedule. With regards to the first events to be hosted at the congress palace, which has a main auditorium with capacity for 1,978 people, Gijón is reserved because of the confidentiality clauses signed with the “many” companies that have made inquiries. The councillor states that “The building will provide all the necessary technical requirements to organise practically any kind of event”. He therefore concludes that “Palma will enter the market for congresses with great vigour”. The head of the Congress Palace’s man-

seasonal effect, especially because this segment of visitors is characterised by its high level of spending (205 Euros a day, according to Mallorca Convention Bureau) covering a broad spectrum of consumption. Gijón points out that to facilitate the island’s turnout of these kinds of meetings and visitors, around

The public enterprise that manages the congress centre emphasises that it is receiving a many requests for information from MICE agents The Deputy Mayor for Tourism, Álvaro Gijón, has chaired Palma’s Congress Palace’s public enterprise since November.

aging body underlines how important this infrastructure will be to offset the island’s

60,000 every year, the Mayor, Mateo Isern, has met with major airline companies, and they have agreed on a 341% increase in the number of flights “for this year”.

Hoteliers believe that the “key” to the Congress Palace is a good marketing strategy

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EHM – Mallorca Hotel Business Federation believes that a good marketing and promotion strategy will be essential for the Congress Palace in Palma, expected to be opened in September 2015. The Federation’s executive vice-president, Inmaculada Benito, believes that the inauguration of this MICE infrastructure will make “the Mallorca brand become stronger as a destination for congresses and this will benefit the entire tourism industry”. At the moment, the island has private congress venues, including function rooms and convention centres in many hotels, but it does not have a congress centre suitable for hosting large-scale events. Amongst the most important meetings held on the island this year, De Benito highlights those related with the tourism industry itself, emphasising the Balearics’ leadership in this industry, such as the 9th edition of the INTO Social Media & Tourism Industry Seminar, the 2nd Congress on Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Tourism, the 1st International Congress on Cycling Tourism and Cycling in Mallorca, the Gate to the Future (first meeting for digital trend and tourism projects), or the 1st International Brokerage Event organised by Turistec -cluster of technological companies-, based on the island. She points out that other industries such as the medical industry, “have traditionally chosen Mallorca for their congresses”, highlighting the 7th Dyslexia National Congress, the 2nd Latin American Congress on specific learning difficulties or the 9th Spanish Society of Paediat110

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Inmaculada Benito is the executive vice-president of FEHM - Mallorca Hotel Business Federation.

ric Neurology National Congress. FEHM’s spokesperson believes that “economic recovery is leading to a more demanding, sustainable and environmental friendly upturn in congress tourism” and this is also reflected on the activity registered in Mallorca.


Mallorca Convention Bureau will attend major trade fairs in 2015

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allorca Convention Bureau (MCB), anticipates that the figures for business tourism in 2014 will be “by far much higher” than the results of recent years. They will have an action plan for 2015 and will attend four specialised MICE trade shows. In February they will attend Möten & Events in Stockholm; in May they will be at IMEX in Frankfurt; in July they will conduct their marketing tasks at The Meeting Show, in London and in November they will travel to Barcelona to attend EIBTM. They will be taking part in all of these fairs at the stand of the Balearic Islands’ Tourism Agency (ATB). In addition, in February this promotional organisation will take part in the Meeting Space forum that will be held in Cannes and where they already have around twenty meetings confirmed with British and German agents specialised in business tourism. In May they will attend the Forum Business Travel that will be held in

Barcelona and Madrid. Finally, in February, April and October MCB expects to organise five fam trips to promote the destination and reverse seminars for up to 20 people, some of them specifically targeting the German and national markets and specific segments such as the corporate segment.

The Convention Bureau will use the Balearic Tourism Agency’s stand to take part in Möten & Events, IMEX, The Meeting Show and EIBTM Mallorca Convention Bureau also plans to send five newsletters throughout the year, produce a promotional video and organise several briefing sessions on the MICE segment. One of

Last September, Mallorca Convention Bureau awarded its “2013 Sphere of Honour” prize to the tennis player Rafa Nadal, currently the most popular Mallorcan around the world.

MCB’s most significant annual activities is the presentation of the “Sphere of Honour” prize, most recently given to the tennis player Rafa Nadal. This award is a tribute to the people, companies or institutions that help to promote Mallorca all over the world, therefore actively contributing in the island’s marketing activities.

H10 Punta Negra punta negra BOUTIQUE HOTEL

C/ Punta Negra, 12 E-07181 Costa d’en Blanes, Mallorca T (34) 971 68 07 62 - F (34) 971 68 39 19 h10.puntanegra@h10hotels.com

to two coves with crystalline waters. The recently refurbished hotel has four meeting rooms and offers excellent cuisine, making it the ideal location to hold your events on the island. The four meeting rooms are naturally lit

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The H10 Punta Negra is a Boutique Hotel located just a few minutes away from Palma de Mallorca, on a small peninsula surrounded by the sea and gardens, with direct access

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HEIGHT

and equipped to host any kind of event for up to 220 people. The hotel’s terraces and gardens make it the perfect place for congresses, conferences and incentive trips. The hotel is also available for hosting work dinners and coffee breaks.

COCKTAIL THEATRE SCHOOL U-SHAPE IMPERIAL BANQUET

Blanes 270 3,25 220 200 150 60 80 200 Pineda I 96 3,40 60 50 27 18 24 40 Pineda II 96 3,40 60 50 27 18 24 50 Pineda I+II 192 3,40 130 120 60 55 48 100 Patio 82 2,45 70 70 42 42 36 40 Punta Negra 25 3,20 - 16 12 15 12 -

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Menorca consolidates its participation in business activities such as the Sinedolore Congress that was attended by 1,200 doctors during its last occurrence. Other events, held mainly between May and September, are also helping to positively influence the situation.

The island has received significantly more information requests for incentive travel

The island of Menorca is very popular for sport events.

W

ith regard to the segment of business tourism, activity is considered to be quite low in comparison to Mallorca and Ibiza, but it does register a consolidation of its offering and a reasonable increase in existing resources.The island hosts annual events

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In addition, new congresses are expected for 2015 and an increase in the number of petitions for incentive trips has also been registered. In line with the predominant tourism concept that prevails in Menorca, the island has moved towards the segment of “weddings” and more significantly sports events. With regard to the MICE segment, the trend is to exploit the increased interest of holding incentives on the island, said the Fundació Destí from the Island Government of Menorca which also acts as a convention bureau. In 2014 it featured the following events: the 6th International Congress for Education and the 25th Public Health School in Menorca. The offering also expects to incorporate new infrastructures that could represent unique venues following refurbishments.


Ibiza announces a 10% upturn in MICE activity

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014 has been a remarkable year for the MICE segment in Ibiza, hosting new corporate events and congresses organised by prestigious European companies. Without yet knowing final official data, Ibiza Convention Bureau estimates that the number of events held will surpass those of the previous year by at least 10%. Among the meetings held this year, it is important to mention the Alain Afflelou or the Heineken conventions that gathered 500 delegates each and that were held in April and September respectively. The medical industry also remains committed to the island. In light of the good results obtained, the local convention bureau discloses that, the public institutions “want to get to work on the second phase of Ibiza’s Congress Centre”. This facility opened in 2008 and consists of an auditorium that seats 437 people, an exhibition space and 14 auxiliary rooms. The centre’s “current ca-

Hotel facilities adapted to the MICE industry Ibiza’s hotel industry has adapted to business tourism, especially with the addition of new four and five star hotels, such as Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza that opened in 2014. This five star hotel located in Playa d’en Bossa has 493 rooms, a convention centre and other available spaces for events, such as its spectacular sky lounge. The ME brand from the Melia Hotels International hotel chain has also landed on the island and is operating a new five star hotel with over 200 rooms. It is located alongside the S’Argamassa beach, very near to the Congress Centre. In 2015, the island will witness the opening of three other highest category hotels.

Outside view of Ibiza’s Congress Centre as it is today, although predictions are that it will be extended.

pacity is not enough to accommodate some of the requests that are being received”. Ibiza Convention Bureau has worked very hard to promote the congress centre, and by doing so they have attended major European trade fairs. In view of 2015, the Pitiusan Island hopes to attract the Scandinavian MICE market.

Hotel Royal Plaza C./ Pedro Francés 27, 07800 Ibiza Tel.:+34 971 31 00 00 www.royalplaza.es hotel@royalplaza.es hotelroyalplazaibiza @RoyalPlazaIbiza

The Royal Plaza Hotel, located in the center of the city of Ibiza , is a pleasant and comfortable base from which to enjoy a stay on the

island, whether for work or on vacation. Its proximity to the old town of Dalt Vila ( World Heritage Site by UNESCO) , making it one of the best located hotels in the city and an ideal place from which to explore the beaches and villages of Ibiza, and discover the city with its interesting shops, bars and restaurants. Just 5 minutes walk from the port , and its proximity to the old town Dalt Vila (World Heritage Site by UNESCO ), the Royal Plaza is one of the most privileged and best located hotels on the island The Hotel Royal Plaza, Ibiza benchmark in hospitality and prestige in quality, elegance and comfort, has implanted Quality Management System according to ISO 9001: 2000 and 14001 : 2004. The hotel has 5 spacious suites and 112 comfortable rooms completely renovated . All rooms have free WI - FI connection , satellite TV , minibar, pillow menu, room service and laundry service. The hotel also has conference rooms, restaurant, swimming pool , health center , gym and parking In our restaurants you can taste delicious HALLS

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Ibiza 50 Formentera 45

dishes made with natural products of the region. We have two restaurants, one of them outside in the sun terrace roof by the pool , with panoramic harbor views and “Dalt Vila”, Ibiza’s old town. In our Health Centre you can enjoy massages and excellent quality facial treatments. Our social and conference rooms are equipped with the latest audiovisual and computer technologies to ensure the success of your event , whether business meeting , conference, workshops including presentations and exhibitions.

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50 35

20 20

23-25 20-22 *Consult *Consult 15 *Consult

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Canary Islands: Congress tourism relies on public-private partnerships and innovation for growth

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In recent years new brands have been created to enhance their promotion as a MICE destination

Public-private partnerships have become essential for the promotion of tourism in the Canary Islands and especially for meetings. This last year has seen an increase in institutional cooperation aimed at fostering this activity, and new brands have also been created.

M

odern facilities and new technologies together with the uniqueness of the environment and the advantages of the climate make the Canary Islands an exceptional destination for congresses, conventions and incentives. In 2013, the archipelago welcomed over 11 million foreign tourists and around 224,000 visited the islands for business. Out of these, almost 20,400 attended congresses, trade fairs or seminars. While it is still a minority client for the islands, the tourism authorities are making a great effort to improve its market share because this kind of visitor is very profitable. According to data obtained from a survey conducted by the Instituto Canario de Estadística – ISTAC (the Canary Islands’ Institute of Statistics), although business trips are for less days than the average stay of leisure travellers, 7.4 days compared to 9.6, the money these visitors spend on each trip is almost the same, because the average spending per day at the destination is well above the average, 58.5 Euros compared to 37.9. Moreover, congress tourism is an important business generator as it affects many different activities, from hotels, restaurants, entertainment and shopping to translation s, hostess and audiovisual services. Over half of MICE tourists, 53.5% stay at four star hotels; almost 11% choose inferior categories and 7.6% choose five star hotels. 13.7% stayed at non-hotel accommodations and the rest at their own homes, homes of friends and family or at other types of accommodation.

Fuerteventura expands its offering with the inauguration of its Training and Congress Palce in January 70% of these travellers are men, compared to 50% in leisure travelling. This type of tourist is also very loyal: 33% have visited the Canary Islands more than ten times. 42% are between 31 and 45 years of age and 20% are between 46 and 60. 44% are mid-to-senior level employees while almost 24% are business owners or self-employed. Almost half, travel on their own. Of the total 20,364 congress delegates to have visited the islands, 9,300 travelled to Gran Canaria, 45.7% of the total, and 7,052 to Tenerife, 34.6%; Lanzarote followed with 2,320, 11.4%, and La Palma registered 114

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The ‘LPA Meetings brand’ has been created in Las Palmas to promote congresses at centres such as the Canary Islands Congress Palace – Alfredo Kraus Auditorium.

1,008, 5%, followed by Fuerteventura with 684, 3.4%. By country of origin, the national market is top of the list, accounting for 35.6%, a much lower percentage than in 2012 when the national market represented half of the total market. It is followed by Germany (14.9%) and France (14.8%); two years ago, the French market only represented 2.6%. The UK is in fourth place (11.5%), followed far behind by Switzerland (3.3%) and Italy (3%). Promotur has initiated a strategy to develop online platforms for the dissemination of different products. They have already done this with other activities such as sports, nature and LGBT tourism and they are now working on a tool for MICE tourism that they intend to launch in January or February.


Tenerife The island has five large centres and many modern four and five star hotel facilities. According to the president of the Cabildo (inner-island council), Carlos Alonso: Congress and event tourism in Tenerife contributes a revenue of 100 million Euros a year. In order to increase its share in this market, those responsible for tourism are conducting very active promotional policies, such as the “Ultimate Tenerife Experience”, an annual event organised by the Cabildo with Turismo de Tenerife to show the industry’s professionals what infrastructure and services are available for large events on the island. Additionally, the Cabildo, the Town Council of Santa Cruz and the hotel representative Ashotel have created a common brand “Meeting in Santa Cruz de Tenerife” to promote the capital as a destination for congresses. The brand intends for the island to become a prime location for events and therefore they have looked for a name that brings all of its offering together. As well as venues like the Adán Martín Tenerife Auditorium or the International Congress and Trade Fair Centre, the aim is to also draw attention to other venues such as the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes – TEA (Tenerife Area for the Arts), the Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre (Museum of Nature and Man), the Guimerá Theatre or the Castillo Negro (Black Castle) and promote them as original places to hold all kinds of meetings. In 2014, the city predominated as one of the island’s major destinations for meetings: in February it hosted the first Canary Islands Hacking Congress on IT security, held at Cajasiete and in November it hosted the Congress of the Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodation (Cehat). The National Congress for Trauma Nursing has been confirmed for

Spain is the first tourist-sending market for business travellers to the Canary Islands, followed by Germany and France.

2015 and will be hosted at the Tenerife Auditorium. Gran Canaria Aware of the importance of public-private partnerships, the Association of Hotels and Non-Hotel Establishments in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (AHELPA) has joined the 2012 agreement signed by the Town Council and the Canary Islands Congress Palace – Alfredo Kraus Auditorium for the promotion of the capital as a destination for professional meetings under the LPA Meetings brand. The aim is to promote both of its venues,

Meeting in Santa Cruz de Tenerife Avda. de la Constitución, 12 - 38005 Santa Cruz de Tenerife www.meetingin.es info@meetingin.es Tfno. 922 238400

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, capital de la isla de Tenerife y la provincia del mismo nombre es una ciudad cosmopolita y abierta al mar. Acoge a los principales centros de decisión públicos y privados de la isla y alberga un conjunto de modernas infraestructuras que SALONES

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dan soporte a las actividades económicas y empresariales que en ella se ubican. Meeting in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

ALTURA BANQUETE CÓCTEL

MESA-U

ESCUELA

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Sala Sinfónica - - - - - - 1.616 Sala de Cámara - - - - - - 424 Sala Multiusos 550 - 250 250 - 200 250 Hall Principal 1.200 - 900 1.000 - - - Salas Avenida/Prensa 46 - - - - 24 40 Sala Puerto 200 - - - - 100 165 Salas Ovales Puerto/Castillo 70 - - - - - 45 Galería Castillo 300 - 130 180 - - - Salas Polivalentes A y B 50 - - - - 26 40 Gran Nave 12.000 - 4.500 7.000 - 6.000 8.000 Multiusos - - - 2.000 2.200 - 2.000 2.700 Salas VIP E y O - - - 70 - 60 100 Salón de Actos - - - - - - 334 Espacio Puente - - - - - 80 150 Salón de Actos - - - - - - 184 -

engloba la comercialización y captación de eventos del segmento MICE para la capital de la Isla de Tenerife, coordinando las espectaculares alternativas existentes en la ciudad para ofertar la mejor solución al interés de cualquier organizador de eventos. Santa Cruz cuenta en la actualidad con sedes únicas como son el Auditorio de Tenerife “Adán Martín”, el Centro Internacional de Ferias y Congresos y TEA Tenerife Espacio de las Artes. Esa potencia arquitectónica, completada con los innumerables atractivos existentes en la ciudad, una planta alojativa de primer orden y un excelente clima todo el año, convierten a Santa Cruz de Tenerife en el destino ideal para la celebración de cualquier evento.

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the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium and the Pérez Galdós Thatre, as places to hold congresses, seminars, conventions and meetings in order to therefore increase the number of overnight stays. This Association seeks to encourage delegates to extend their stay, and make it a holiday. The agreement, promoted by the Regional Ministry for Tourism in 2012, is one of the measures that has most greatly contributed in positioning the city as a destination for congresses. It provides advantages for professional and scientific societies planning to hold meetings at its facilities in 2015. The scientific interest of the meeting, its promotional and economic

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Islands Physiotherapy Congress with 200 delegates. 2015 will kick off with a major event, Gran Canaria Expodeporte, from the 22nd to the 24th of January. Attracting new market segments in sending countries is a priority for the Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria (Gran Canaria Tourism Board), and to achieve this it carries out different promotional activities such as the professional meeting: “Gran Canaria Absolute Meeting”. Lanzarote Lanzarote also offers first class accommodation facilities and the possibility of holding events in unique venues such as the seven that are listed in the Cabildo’s Network of Tourism, Culture and Art Centres. One of the main novelties this island has to offer the MICE segment is the reopening of the Jameos del Agua Auditorium last September, one of the star centres for this kind of events but that has been closed for thirteen years. It was closed in 2001 for safety reasons when stones fell from its volcanic dome; 5 million Euros have been invested in its restoration. In its first week it hosted three major events: the Award Winning Ceremony for the Canary Islands Tourism Awards, the Global South Economic Thinking Forum and a medical congress. The auditorium seats 550 people, all of its electrical wiring and sound installations has been replaced, the volcanic

After being closed for thirteen years due to renovation work, the Jameos del Agua Autidotium in Lanzarote reopened in September dome has been made waterproof and all of the cave’s cracks have been sealed. Jameos del Agua is one of the most emblematic natural places on the island of Lanzarote and is declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Meetings can be held in a natural volcanic cave, recreated as a tourist and cultural space by César Manrique, an artist from the island.

The Adán Martón Auditorium in Tenerife is one of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s emblems.

impact on the city, the number of attendees, its duration and the size of the commercial exhibition space will be valued amongst other things. In 2014, these facilities hosted 13 congresses with over 3,400 delegates. And an increase is expected for 2015 with 12 congresses already confirmed; around 11,500 people will take part in these events. According to the director of the Canary Islands Congress Palace and the Canary Islands Theatre-Auditorium Foundation, Luis Acosta, forecasts for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria next year are “very good”, because “the economic impact is expected to generate between 7 and 9 million Euros, with over 20,000 overnight stays”. Acosta states that during last year, this kind of tourism spent between 5 and 6 million Euros and it is hoped that next year this will be between 11 and 12 million. Major events were held in 2014, one of them being the Spanish Society of Community and Family Medicine Congress, held in June at ExpoMeloneras. Gran Canaria also hosted the third Canary Islands Veterinary Congress (Pet Animals) with around 400 professionals, the third Public Nutrition Congress with around 1,000 delegates and the second Canary 116

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Fuerteventura Construction work has just come to an end on the Training and Congress Palace in Fuerteventura. This new infrastructure will become a very important element for congress tourism. It is a very functional building, and as well as an auditorium it also has an area used especially for teaching music. Located by the maritime promenade in the town of Puerto del Rosario, it is an elliptical structure with five floors and a basement. Fuerteventura’s Technology Park, inaugurated last November, will also help to increase the number of business travellers to the island. It is the first of three that have been projected in the Canary Islands. The president of the Regional Government, Paulino Rivero, who chaired the event, said that “this facility opens the door to a world of opportunities for innovation, competitiveness and development and it must be used by all industries, including tourism because they are perfectly complementary”. El Hierro El Hierro is the smallest and south-western of the Canary Islands and it is also committed to increasing its appeal for convention and congress tourism. To this end, the La Peña Congress and Auditions Hall is being built and it will be the first auditorium and congress centre on the island. It is in the town of Valverde, near to the Mirador de La Peña (lookout), the emblematic work of César Manrique. 6 million Euros have been invested in the building and it is notable for the way in which it fits in with its surroundings. It seats 380 people in its mail hall and has several auxiliary lecture rooms. To date, the island hosts small meetings for between 50 and 100 people, held mostly at the Parador de Turismo Hotel.


· INTERESTING FACTS · LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA CONVENTION BUREAUX

GRAN CANARIA CONVENTION BUREAU Triana, 93, planta 5ª 35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Tel: 928261570 Fax: 928362216 www.grancanariacb.com E-mail: info@grancanariacb.com

LANZAROTE CONVENTION BUREAU Triana, 38 35500 Arrecife de Lanzarote Tel: 928811762 Fax: 928800080 www.turismolanzarote.com E-mail: conventionbureau@lanzarotecb.com

CONGRESS PALACES

PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE GRAN CANARIA – AUDITORIO ALFREDO KRAUS Playa de las Canteras, s/n – Avda.Príncipe de Asturias s/n(dir correspondencia) 35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Tel: 928491775 Fax: 928 491853 www. auditorioteatrolaspalmasgc.es info@pcongresos-canarias.com PALACIO DE CONGRESOS GRAN CANARIA / (INFECAR) Avda. de la Feria 1 35012 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Tel: 828010203 Fax: 928411710 www.infecar.es info@infecar.es PALACIO DE CONGRESOS DE MASPALOMAS Plaza de las Convenciones s/n – Meloneras. 35100, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Palmas Tel: 928128000 Fax: 928128009 www.expomeloneras.com congress@lopesan.com GABINETE LITERARIO Plaza de Cairasco, 1 35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Tel: 928372149 Fax: 928 380 057 www.gabineteliterario.com administracion@gabineteliterario.com AUDITORIO DE LOS JAMEOS DEL AGUA (LANZAROTE) (OFICINA CENTROS TURISMO) Calle orozola s/n 335542 Lanzarote Tel: 928801500 / 928848020 Fax: 928 802754 www.centrosturisticos.com comercial@centrosturisticos.com AUDITORIO INSULAR DE FUERTEVENTURA Ramiro Maeztu, 4 35600 Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura Tel: 928532186 / 928862300 / 928862356 Fax 928344785 www.cabildofuer.es/portal cultura@cabildofuer.es

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOCIACIÓN DE EMPRESAS O.P.C DE CANARIAS Presidente Alvear, 52; 3º, Oficina 36-37 35007 Las Palmas Tel: 928494595 www.airexpres.com/ congresos@airexpres.com

ADMINISTRATION

GOBIERNO DE GRAN CANARIA Plaza Doctor Rafael O’Shanahan, 1 35071 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Tel: 928452100 Fax: 928452144 www.gobiernodecanarias.org mdelvel@gobiernodecanarias.org CONSEJERIA DE TURISMO – CABILDO DE GRAN CANARIA Bravo Murillo, 23 35002 Las Palmas Tel.: 928 21 92 29 Fax.: 928 21 94 25 www.cabildo.grancanaria.com/consejeria-de-turismo PATRONATO DE TURISMO DE GRAN CANARIA Triana, 93 35002 Las Palmas Tel: 928219600 Fax: 928219601 www.grancanaria.com/patronato_turismo PATRONATO DE TURISMO DE LANZAROTE Calle Triana, 38 35500 Arrecife – Lanzarote Tel: 928811762 Fax: 928800080 www.turismolanzarote.com info@turismolanzarote.com

ADMINISTRATION

FEDERACION DE EMPRESARIOS DE HOSTELERIA Y TURISMO DE LAS PALMAS Los balcones, 4 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Tel: 928432480 Fax: 928370900 www.feht.es feht@feht.es

TENERIFE CONVENTION BUREAU

TENERIFE CONVENTION BUREAU Alcalde Jose Emilio García Gomez, nº 9 38005. Santa Cruz de Tenerife Tel: 922080769 Fax: 922237872 www.tenerifecb.com E-mail: info@tenerifecb.com

CONGRESS PALACES

AUDITORIO DE TENERIFE – ADAN MARTIN Avda. Constitución, 1 38003 S/C de Tenerife Tel: 922568600 Fax: 922568602 www.auditoriodetenerife.com/es E-mail: yrodriguez@expogrupo.com

PALACIO DE CONGRESOS LA PIRÁMIDE DE ARONA MARE NOSTRUM RESORT Pirámide de Arona. Avda. Las Américas, s/n. 38660 Playa de las Américas (Arona) Tel: 922757500 Fax: 922757510 yrodriguez@expogrupo.com www.marenostrumresort.com

MAGMA ARTE & CONGRESOS Avda. de los Pueblos, s/n 38660 Costa Adeje (Tenerife) Tel: 922752027 info@tenerifemagma.com http://www.tenerifemagma.com/ INSTITUCIÓN FERIAL DE TENERIFE Avda. Constitución, 12. Cabo Llanos. 38005 S/C de Tenerife Tel: 922238400 Fax: 922204740 info@recintoferialdetenerife.com www.recintoferialdetenerife.com CENTRO DE CONGRESOS DEL PUERTO DE LA CRUZ Parque Taoro, 22 38400 Puerto de la Cruz Tel: 922 238 400 info@congresostenerife.com www.congresostenerife.com

ADMINISTRATION

PRESIDENCIA DEL GOBIERNO Avda. José Manuel Guimerá, 1 38071 Tenerife Tel.: 922477500 Fax: 922477557 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife www.gobcan.es

VICEPRESIDENCIA DEL GOBIERNO Avda. José Manuel Guimerá, nº 1 Tel: 922477500 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife www.gobcan.es VICECONSEJERÍA DE TURISMO La Marina 57 38071 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Tel: 922924041 www.gobiernodecanarias.org CABILDO DE TENERIFE Plaza España, 1 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Tel: 901501901 Fax: 922239704 http://www.tenerife.es CENTRALITA DE LA SEDE PRINCIPAL DEL CABILDO Plaza de España, 1 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Tel: 922239500 Fax: 922239704

ADMINISTRATION

ASOCIACIÓN HOTELERA Y EXTRAHOTELERA DE TENERIFE, LA PALMA, LA GOMERA Y EL HIERRO (ASHOTEL) Rambla de Santa Cruz, 147, 1º 38001 S/C de Tenerife Tel: 92224 3988 Fax: 922244310 Email: ashotel@ashotel.es http://www.ashotel.es

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The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

Carretera General TF-47, km 9, 38687 Guía de Isora, Tenerife, España tel: +34 922 126 528 email: rc.tfsrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com www.ritzcarlton.com/abama

Are you looking for a special place for a unique event? Terraces, event spaces, gardens, swimming pools and the golden-sand beach of The Ritz-Carlton, Abama will be the best setting for your events program. • An oasis of luxury and tranquility located on Tenerife’s picturesque south-western shore, Guía de Isora • Lying just 25 minutes’ drive from Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur (Tenerife South Airport) • The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is a destination in itself with a wide range of spaces and activities for our guests to enjoy. • The rooms are amongst the biggest rooms in the Canary Islands (40-50m2) • Offers a gastronomic journey with up to 10 different restaurants • Total operational flexibility Facilities The Ritz-Carlton, Abama offers one of the finest conference facilities with panoramic

views of the Atlantic Ocean and access to a beautiful outdoor terrace. • Our imposing 1,500 m2 (16,146 sq ft) conference hall can be adapted into 10 modular spaces to accommodate all types of events. • Numerous venues surrounded by exquisite nature and lush gardens to provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable event. • Private check-in area for groups • Golden-sand beach as the perfect place for special events • 7 heated swimming pools • Free WI-FI connection all around the hotel Accommodation The resort offers 469 luxury rooms divided between the Citadel and the four rows of Villas. - 367 Double rooms - 75 One Bedroom Suites - 26 Junior Suites - 1 Presidential Suite

All the rooms feature a private terrace with breathtaking views of the Atlantic, Golf Course or the Resort. They are equipped with safe box, air conditioned, Nespresso coffee machine, iron and ironing board, WI-FI, hair dryer, and mini-bar. Gastronomy The Ritz-Carlton, Abama’s ten restaurants range from light, simple cooking to world-class gourmet cuisine. - 10 restaurants, two of them awarded with Michelin Stars (M.B. ** and Kabuki *) - 3 themed bars Sports and leisure • 18-hole, par 72 golf course designed by Dave Thomas • Sánchez-Casal Tennis and Paddle Academy • Hydrotherapy pool and ten treatment rooms at the 2,500 sqm Spa • Complete Fitness Center with state-of-the art equipment General Services - 24h in room dining - 24h Check-in

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IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Mencey ***** Grand Hotel Mencey

Calle Doctor José Naveiras, 38 E-38004 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Islas Canarias · Tenerife · España Tel.: +34 922 609 900 · Fax: +34 922 080 668 E-mail: hotel.mencey@iberostar.com

Enjoy a holiday of maximum luxury and comfort combined with the infinite possibilities of a beautiful, lively city with a unique island character. Having undergone a total refurbishment, the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Mencey is now a modern and magnificent 5-star complex, belonging to IBEROSTAR’s luxury category, built in stunning colonial-style architecture of the Canary Islands, from which you can experience all the marvels that the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Santa Cruz has to offer, open to the sea and brimming over with attractions that are well worth a visit. • Emblematic establishment with colonialstyle architecture • Urban hotel, ideal for adults, recently renovated • Spa with wet zone, large gym and all kinds of treatments

• 11 lounges for events with capacity for up to 450 people • 2 speciality restaurants and Cookery Classroom Location · 300 metres from the centre of Santa Cruz de Tenerife · 8.5 km from Las Teresitas beach · 14 km from Los Rodeos airport (TFN) · Special offers among IBEROSTAR North-South hotels Accommodation · 261 rooms, including 29 Junior Suites, 19 Executive Suites, 1 Royal Suite and 5 accessible rooms

Facilities and services · Heated outdoor pool · 2 bars · Wi-Fi throughout the hotel · 2,000 m2 Spa Zone · Thermal circuit with swan-neck fountains, waterfall, jacuzzi, cold pool, flotarium, sauna and Turkish bath, etc. · 13 cabins for individual and couples’ massages and treatments · Cookery Classroom, where you can learn from our chefs · Casino · Car park · Areas to relax and enjoy free time · 11 lounges for events with capacity for up to 450 people, equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual technology Gastronomy · Los Menceyes Restaurant a la carte · À la carte restaurant by the pool · Los Laureles Restaurant · Cocktail Bar Iballa · Casino Bar Furthermore, we complement our facilities with a magnificent Cookery Classroom where we hold courses for groups or individuals and team-building activities led by our chef.

LOUNGES

m 2

HEIGHT THEATRE SCHOOL U-TABLE O-TABLE MEETING BANQUET COCKTAIL

Tinerfe 641 3,20 400 240 - - - 400 450 Tinerfe I 133 2,70 72 50 24 - - 400 450 Tinerfe II 250 3,20 150 90 50 - - 120 170 Tinerfe III 258 3,20 160 100 50 - - 120 170 Guezala 177 4,32 100 80 40 - - 80 150 Plataneras 241 3,90 150 120 40 - - 150 180 Nivaria 311 3,05 180 120 45 - - 200 220 Acaymo 54 3,70 30 20 16 - - 15 30 Anaga 53 4,26 - - 16 - - - Tacoronte 37 2,80 - - 10 - - 10 Taganana 37 2,80 - - 10 - - 10 Tegueste 23 2,80 - - 10 - - - Martín González 145 4,21 80 70 40 - - 80 120 Casa Duque · 1a Planta 68 3,20 50 40 30 - - 50 50 Casa Duque · Planta baja 98 2,90 50 40 30 - - 80 100

Sport · 2 paddle tennis courts · Golf course nearby · Excursions and hiking on Mount Teide · Diving and cetacean spotting · Water sports (8.5 km away) · Fitness centre with led activities Entertainment Live music at the weekend

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Gloria Palace San Agustín Thalasso & Hotel

C/Las Margaritas, s/n 35100 San Agustin Maspalomas - Gran Canaria Tel: 928.128.503 grupos@gloriapalaceth.com www.gloriapalaceth.com

Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel, Located in San Agustín, is a 4-star establishment built in 1989 and renovated in 2012. The spacious hotel has sea views, top quality cuisine, Thalasso Therapy Centre and friendly service within an atmosphere of a family business. It is located in the South of Gran Canaria, 600 meters from San Agustin Beach, and 25 km from the airport. The Hotel contains 348 double rooms, 86 Family Suites and 16 Junior Suites. Large, comfortable, modern rooms, with sea views. Fully equipped to guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable stay. All room have a desk, air-conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, WIFI, safe hire and fridge. Mini-bar service available on request (extra charge). Fully-equipped bathroom, bath/shower, two hand basins, toilet, hairdryer and make-up mirror. Furnished balcony Fresh-water pools, with heating system, in the hotel grounds: 2 adult pools and 1 children’s pool. There is a large poolside area with free sunbeds and sun umbrellas. Pool towels are available (deposit required). A fee applies for change of towels.

On the top floor of the hotel there is a pool with a sunbathing area and panoramic views, sunbeds and sun umbrellas (with charge).

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HALLS

m2

HEIGHT

THEATRE SCHOOL U-SHAPE COCKTAIL BANQUET

Lirio 70 3 60 30 24 - Clavel 70 3 60 30 24 - Orquidea 70 3 60 30 24 - Tulipán 70 3 60 30 24 - Margarita 70 3 60 30 24 - Rosa 70 3 60 30 24 - Girasol 70 3 60 30 24 - Terraza Habana - - - - - 300 300 Restaurante Gorbea - - - - - 120 80

The Thalasso Gloria centre at Gloria Palace San Agustin Thalasso & Hotel was opened in 1998. Equipped with the latest technological advances, it is one of the world’s most modern centers, with more than 7000 m² given over to relaxation and comfort. The hotel has a shopping gallery, unisex hairdresser, TV lounge, games room, 24-hour Internet corner, defibrillator, automatic cash dispenser, free private parking, clinic 500 m away, free Wifi and a 420 m2 conference room which can be divided into seven adjoining modules, each measuring 60 m2 (can be combined or partitioned off). They are all equipped with air-conditioning, short circuit TV, projectors and screening equipment and the most up-to-date audiovisual systems. Special services for groups: Separate check-in for group members , a cocktail reception free of charge at arrival , coffee breaks, cocktails, a selection of business menus, themed and personalized Gala Dinners,

Musical Shows, special Thalasso Therapy treatments, green fee bookings and organization of golf tournaments.



CI

Hesperia Lanzarote*****

Tel: 828 080 800 Contact: Rocío Corrales eventos@hesperia-lanzarote.com www.nh-hoteles.es/meetings

Hesperia Lanzarote is a five-star hotel with sea views in the tranquil tourist spot of Puerto Calero. The beaches, bars, and restaurants of Puerto del Carmen are just 15 minutes away by car. The volcanoes of the Timanfaya National Park are just a little further. • In a peaceful area that is ideal for relaxing • Sea views • 30 minutes by car from the magnificent Papagayo beaches All rooms have a terrace, which is perfect for watching the sun rise. Families will find everything they need to enjoy the perfect holiday, with special colourfully decorated children’s rooms. These rooms provide dressing gowns and slippers for parents and children. If you opt for a suite, you will be able to enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and a large Jacuzzi.

The hotel’s rooms are light and airy, with a range of natural colours and tiled floors. The views are spectacular: you can see the sea, mountains and gardens from your terrace. We can accommodate meetings and conferences in our nine meeting rooms, the largest of which has capacity for 450 people. In the past, we have held events for Porsche and Samsung. The sea views provide the perfect setting for celebrating your wedding. You can invite up to 200 people to the reception and we can arrange everything from the DJ to the catering. The hotel is ideal for a relaxing holiday. There are four swimming pools to choose from, as well as a spa with sauna, Jacuzzi and Turkish bath. For dinner, you have the option of a romantic à la carte menu, a Mediterranean restaurant and an international buffet. 122

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HALLS

m2

DIMENSIONS

HEIGHT

THEATRE

CLASSROOM IMPERIAL

U-SHAPE

COCKTAIL CABARET

BANQUET

Fuerteventura 84 12x7,3 2,50/2,40 95 48 30 30 70 30 60 Alegranza 83,7 9,3x8,5 2,43 70 44 22 26 60 20 40 La Palma 71 10,7x6,7 2,47/2,36 84 40 30 26 75 60 30 Auditorio 236 - 3,41 217 217 - - - - Hall Auditorio 142 - 2,5 - - - - 160 - Tenerife 77 11,3x7,3 2,47/2,20 84 40 38 32 75 30 60 Suite Sala 60 - - 21 16 12 15 - 8 -


H10 Playa Meloneras Palace people, the huge Tirajana meeting room (with a capacity for up to 400 dinner guests) and a pleasant terrace with sea views, the ideal location for coffee breaks, business drinks and civil ceremonies. To top off its exclusive services offer, the hotel also has a Despacio Spa Centre, a wide range of cuisine and agreements with the area’s best golf courses.

C/ Mar Caspio, 5 E-35100 Playa Meloneras, Gran Canaria T (34) 928 12 82 82 - F (34) 928 14 60 32 mice.hmp@h10hotels.com

Located in Meloneras, in the south of Gran Canaria, the hotel enjoys a privileged location in a quiet area on the seafront, next to the Meloneras Golf Course. It has three meeting rooms, each with a capacity for up to 200 HALLS

m2

HEIGHT

COCKTAIL THEATRE SCHOOL U-SHAPE

IMPERIAL BANQUET CABARET

Meloneras 96 3,60 50 58 21 18 30 30 18 Gran Canaria 132 3,60 132 102 70 30 51 90 36 Bandama 132 3,60 132 102 70 30 51 90 36 G. Canaria+Bandama 264 3,60 215 215 140 60 80 180 83 Tirajana 290 3,20 - - - - - 550 -

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RIO

Riojaforum increases its activity by 27%

Riojaforum’s main façade; the main congress centre in La Rioja.

D

uring the first half of 2014, the La Rioja Auditorium and Congress Palace, Riojaforum, experienced a 27% increase in the number of MCIE events, and a 16% increase in the number of delegates: 97 events and 49,000 delegates respectively. In both cases, these figures are the result of comparing the activity registered during the same period of 2013and therefore the assessment made by the institution is that during this period “attendance rates and scheduling have been very successful”. Specifically, between January and June 2014, Riojaforum hosted 47 seminars and 28 cultural events, highlighting the @dministration Congress: ICT’s at the service of the general public, the 9th Wine Marketing Forum, The La Rioja Campus is Promising, a Conference on the international assessment of educational systems and the UR Emplea ’14 Forum. Even though cultural activity does not strictly fall within the MICE segment, it must also be mentioned, especially music and shows that are very significant for this venue. During the second quarter of 2014, the La Rioja congress palace hosted three congresses and conventions and another 32 cultural events. In this period one of the most important was the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Spanish Society for Clinical Neurophysiology. During 2013, Riojaforum hosted a total 162 events, with 116,000 attendees. Activity grew by 11% compared to the previous year and representing 57% more in terms of the number of attendees. With regard to cultural activity, which is very important for Riojaforum, it has staged great shows and concerts by major artists such as Melendi, Estopa, Sergio Dalma, Anto124

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nio Orozco or Chenoa; operas and symphonic orchestras such as Madame Butterfly, the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra or the Johan Strauss New Year Grand Concert and shows and plays such as Les Luthiers, The Name of the Rose or The Twins. Activity on the rise According to the annual report for 2013, the last closed financial year, the La Rioja Congress Palace and Auditorium held a total of 162 events throughout the year. These events were attended by 116,000 people, representing an 11% increase in activity and a 57% increase in the number of attendees

compared to the previous year. It also represented the highest amount of people in recent years and confirms recovery is for real. Furthermore, data also showed that there has been an 80% increase in the number of trade fairs and exhibitions held, amongst them the First Home Factory Trade Fair, the Second Edition of Expoboda Rioja, the 16th Presentation of the Rioja Vintage Family Wineries, Logroño Stock Market and the First Unpacking of Antiques. Among the different regional, national and international events held in 2013, the following stood out: the 44th National Congress of Podiatry, the EWBC Digital Wine Conferences, the 6th National Congress for Road Safety, the First Meeting of La Rioja Sommeliers, the first edition of the La Rioja Solidaria Once Awards or the 5th Gala for the COPE Valor Awards. With regard to culture, Riojaforum hosted shows and major productions such as the musical “The Sound of Music”, “The Eolo Circus”, the “Irish Celtic” dance performance or the monologist “Leo Harlem”; these shows filled the Riojaforum Auditorium’s stalls. 67% of the total events held in 2013 were congresses, conventions, meetings or trade fairs and the remaining 33% were cultural events such as concerts or shows. In short, Riojaforum has been one of the congress palaces to have most easily recovered since the start of the economic crisis.

Multifunctional facilities

T

he Riojaforum facilities include an auditorium with a total 1,223 seats, equipped with the latest technology in audio and video equipment, with simultaneous translation infrared systems, closed circuit Television and wireless and fixed loudspeakers. It is a very large, highly functional venue, suited to host all kinds of artistic performances, symphony concerts and operas, as well as large congresses and conventions. In addition, the congress palace also has a Chamber Hall with capacity for 418 people, the perfect setting for medium sized meetings and congresses, as well as Chamber Concerts. What stands out in this space is the light tone of the maple wood that provides exceptional brightness and the striking design of its ceilings and seats, allowing for excellent acoustics. Finally, to round–off Riojaforum’s spaces for meetings, it also offers nine multipurpose rooms, some of which can be joined together to make larger rooms–if necessary- , with capacity for between 20 and 330 people. They are all equipped and have different layouts and configurations, adapting to the needs of the event it is hosting. As well as exhibition areas in the main lobby, on floors 0 and 2, the congress palace also has an exhibition hall. Banquets for up to 800 guests can be catered for in any of these areas.


· INTERESTING FACTS · CONGRESS PALACES

RIOJAFORUM PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y AUDITORIO DE LA RIOJA Tel: 941276200 Fax: 941276201 www.riojaforum.com E-mail: riojaforum@riojaforum.com

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOC. DE EMPRESAS OPC LA RIOJA Tel: 941271271 Fax 941262537 E-mail: info@opcrioja.org www.opcrioja.org CONGRESOS E INCENTIVOS RIOJA Tel: 941202664 Fax: 941214377 cr@congresosrioja.com http://lariojaturismo.com/

ADMINISTRATION

GOBIERNO DE LA RIOJA Tel: 941291114 Fax: 941291223 presidente@larioja.org www.larioja.org

CONSEJERÍA DE TURISMO, MEDIOAMBIENTE Y POLÍTICA TERRITORIAL DE LA RIOJA 26005 Logroño, La RIOja Tel: 941-291274 Fax: 941-291437 sgt.oopp@larioja.org www.larioja.org

DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE TURISMO Tel: 941-291230 Fax: 941-291338 dg.turismo@larioja.org www.larioja.org FUNDACIÓN LOGROÑO TURISMO AYUNTAMIENTO DE LOGROÑO Tel: 941277000 Fax: 941277079 www.logro-o.org

ADMINISTRATION

ASOCIACIÓN RIOJANA DE HOTELES 26001 Logroño Tel: 941271271 Fax: 941262537 www.riojahoteles.com RIOJA INCOMING Tel: 941263000 Fax: 941256904 E-mail: info@riojaincoming.com www.riojaincoming.com ARBACARES Tel.: 941580028 Fax: 941237501 info@arbacares.com www.arbacares.com

ASOCIACIÓN DE CAMPINGS DE LA RIOJA 26001 Logroño Tel: 941271271 Fax: 941262537 campings@fer.es www.campingslarioja.es ASOCIACIÓN DE CASAS RURALES (ASCARIOJA) Tel: 941201589 Tel: 941209275 ascarioja@ascarioja.es www.ascarioja.es ASOCIACIÓN DE TURISMO RURAL (ALTURA) Tel: 941462151 Fax: 941462147 www.turismorioja.com altura@turismorioja.com ASOCIACIÓN PROFESIONAL DE TURISMO DEPORTIVO (ATUDER) Tel: 609359371 info@atuder.com www.atuder.com FEDERACIÓN DE ASOCIACIONES PARA EL DESARROLLO TURÍSTICO Tel: 941 341230 santodomingo@riooja.org www.riooja.org

RIOJAFORUM Palacio de Congresos y Auditorio de La Rioja

c/ San Millán 25, 26004 Logroño Tel. 941.276.200 - Fax 941.276.201 www.riojaforum.com riojaforum@riojaforum.com

The Exhibition Centre, RIOJAFORUM, is situated in the riverside Parque de la Ribera del Ebro, in an area which is easy to get to and only five minutes walking distance from the centre of

Logroño. This handiness and easy access can also be extended to include the excellent connections linking Logroño with Spain and Europe. With a modern image on the outside, innovative without running to excess, Riojaforum counts with 2 auditoriums and up to 9 meeting rooms perfectly equipped with the latest audio and video technology. Its flexible, functional, rational spaces provide the versatility required by the diversity of events that can be held in a conference centre.

General information Total capacity: 4.200 pax Auditoriums: 2 Capacity auditoriums: 418 - 1.223 pax Meeting rooms: 9 Capacity meeting rooms: 35 - 350 pax m2 Exhibition area: 5.300 qm Parking space: 110 internal and 270 external

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PR

La Rioja: A gorgeous place for your meeting with great attractions and good services

Meetings among the vineyards building activities in vineyards or simply enjoying a tapas route in Laurel Street or the stellar cuisine of his most famous chefs. Balloon flying over La Rioja enjoying different landscapes will leave your workmates astonish. Enjoying its unique cuisine in an old stone cellar will predispose you to depth dialogue and networking. To make a wine tasting in a cloister or in the middle of a vineyard will satisfy all participants. La Rioja lovingly cares the details, which are the most important thing, thanks to the MICE professionals who work and know first-hand the destination.

Its food and well known wine are the main touristic attraction of La Rioja, and also involves the main reason to celebrate a conference or meeting in this small Spanish region, well connected to Madrid, Barcelona and nearest big city: Bilbao.

T

he offer of La Rioja for the MICE tourism is focused on The Conference Hall and Auditorium Riojaforum, located in the capital; but the lure of wine, culture and landscapes makes that numerous meetings are also held in the spectacular wineries or the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, which have special spaces and services for it.

La Rioja is the place where the first words in Spanish were written, in the margin of a book by one of the scribes who performed their work in the Rioja Monasteries of Yuso and Suso. This historic environment today hosts meetings and conferences around the Spanish language and other matters as do other monasteries, castles 126

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and historic buildings in the region. For guest programmes and post-conference activities gastronomy and wine tourism in this region are undoubted attractions. La Rioja offers winery tours, wine tasting courses, team

Riojans are welcoming people; its history has been written by Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, Christians ... It’s an historic cross path. A place to stay and enjoy! From the historic hotels of the cities, to the charming boutique hotels among vineyards or in the mountains, all it’s full of elegant locations to chat in a relaxed manner after the meeting, enjoying a good wine. Let’s make a toast in La Rioja for your successful meetings!



According to the ranking list of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)

MAD

Madrid is now the world’s second city for congress tourism Only surpassed by Paris, while Barcelona climbs from fifth to fourth place

to be held from now to 2018. It is estimated that these events will bring 51,000 people to the city and generate a spending of around 46 million Euros.

An international marketing strategy and collaboration with Madrid’s tourist industry are the keys to its recognition

The Municipal Congress Centre is one of Madrid Convention Bureau’s 200 members.

For the first time in its history, Madrid is ranked the second city in the world for holding congresses, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). This places it behind Paris and ahead of Vienna that has held the top position since 2009. Barcelona is in fourth place, climbing one position.

I

n 2013, Madrid hosted 186 events, 13% more than the previous year when the city beat its own record and moved up to fourth place. In just five years, since 2008, the Spanish capital has moved up from ranking twenty second in the ICCA ranking, which assesses 1,678 destinations, to position itself as one of the world’s three leading destinations for congress tourism, staying at the top of the list for business tourism in Spain. The capital’s City Council emphasises that “Its intense international marketing strategy and the collaboration with Madrid’s tourist industry are the key aspects that have earned recognition for the city’s organisational

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capacity and its excellent infrastructures and resources for hosting events and meetings”. They also underline the work carried out by Madrid Convention Bureau, an organisation affiliated to the municipal company Madrid Destino. One of this company’s objectives is to promote Spain’s capital among international congress organisers and associations so that they bring their events to the city. In fact, 50% of the events confirmed by this organisation were held at one of the 200 hotels, congress centres or special venues that are members of this organisation. In 2013, Madrid Convention Bureau won 57 nominations for international congresses

Amongst these nominations it is important to mention the following: the 2015 World ATM Congress (6,500 people), the 2015 European Urology Congress (8,000) or the 2015 EAGE European Geoscientists’ Congress (with 6,000 attendees); as well as three European medical congresses that will be held between 2015 and 2017 and that will attract 21,000 delegates. Not in vain, in 2013 the capital hosted 200 congresses and 117 events. Madrid vs. Barcelona In recent years, Madrid has been climbing positions in the ICCA ranking, until overtaking Barcelona in 2012 and 2013. Consequently, the capital hosted 171 and 186 events during those years respectively, compared to the 168 and 179 that were held in Barcelona. However, when the number of people attending conventions and congresses are compared, Barcelona is still well in the lead, ahead of Madrid: 122,877 people attended congresses and conventions in the Catalan capital last year, compared to the 56,750 people who travelled to Madrid. The thing is that ICCA’s figures only cover meetings organised by international associations which take place on a regular basis and which rotate between a minimum of three countries and have at least 50 delegates. Vivi Hinojosa


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In 2014, its trade fairs and its over 500 other events have congregated 2.8 million visitors

MAD

IFEMA, the driving force for trade fair and congress tourism in Madrid The Trade Fair Institution’s activity has generated an economic impact of 2,000 M Euros

IFEMA is undoubtedly a major driving force for trade fair and congress tourism in Madrid, as the figures of 2014 show: by the end of the year, its 75 international congresses and trade fairs, together with over 500 other events, will have generated an economic impact of 2,000 million Euros in the region, 1% of its GDP, and also contributed to the international reach of the image of Madrid and Spain.

I

n addition to congregating over 32,000 companies from different economic sectors, this year, IFEMA’s facilities have also hosted eight major international congresses, five of which were scientific & medical events and gathered over 50,000 professionals, 85% were from other countries, and they generated an occupation of over 150,000 hotel beds in the city. In total, 2.8 million people have visited Madrid to take part in events organised at this showground. These figures show that there has been a 10 to 15% increase in the number of participating companies and square meters occupied; while in comparison to 2013, by the end of the year the number of attendees will have increased by 20%. Not surprisingly, IFEMA is classified by the Foreign Trade State Secretariat as being the institution to have registered the largest number of international trade fairs, a total of 31, representing over 35% of those held in Spain, almost 10 points ahead of the second destination for this segment, Barcelona. Coincidently, this organisation also happens to have a very clean balance sheet with no debt and is the only Trade Fair Institution that does not receive grants or public funding. Its professional infrastructures and management services during major events have

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The eight major international events held at its facilities have congregated over 500,000 professionals and generated an occupation of over 150,000 hotel beds.

influenced its choice to host another 10 international congresses in 2015. These will attract over 65,000 professional visitors to Madrid. Some of these congresses will be new to the showground and by choosing IFEMA they are joining other major worldwide events that this last year have also chosen this venue instead of other major competitors. Internationalisation With this goal of making its business more international and helping to boost the exports of Spanish companies, this year IFEMA has assigned a total budget of over 3 million Euros towards campaigns targeting foreign buyers and promotion abroad. If in 2013 one of IFEMA’s most significant

This Trade Fair Institution has been chosen to host another ten international congresses in 2015, and these will bring over 65,000 professional visitors to Madrid

milestones was the internationalisation of some of its most emblematic trade fairs, with its immersion in markets such as China and Chile, this year the aim is more ambitious, evolving towards new industries, new kinds of trade fairs and new markets. Added to this is its consolidation as an international reference in the field of trade fair knowledge, becoming a renowned consultant for major developing countries. A partnership agreement with El Corte Inglés With the aim of boosting international tourism in Madrid, taking advantage of the synergies generated by business and shopping tourism, IFEMA and El Corte Inglés have signed a partnership agreement that will result in both brands taking part in marketing and promotion campaigns, communications and “face-to-face” exchanges. Experts state that, not in vain, not many other industries are capable of boosting growth and creating employment in the same way as shopping and business tourism do; so if they are taken advantage of together they could have a significant influence on the brand and Madrid’s position as a destination. Vivi Hinojosa


Madrid opens 2015 with developments in its specialised hotel offering for the MICE segment

M

adrid starts the year off with developments in its specialised MICE hotel offering, from management changes that entail the penetration of a well-known hotel chain into the capital’s hotel segment, to major renovations and also new emblematic properties. These are just some of them: In 2015, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts will open their first hotel in Madrid, Iberostar Las Letras Gran Vía, located in the street of the same name. It is a four star hotel with 103 rooms. The uniqueness of the building -opened in 1917- and its location in the centre of the city have been key aspects for the company to choose this building for their debut in the capital. It is a premium category hotel and is their fifth hotel in the urban-vacation segment. In this segment, although in the low cost range, Sidorme opens its tenth property in the heart of Madrid, Sidorme Fuencarral 52, which becomes their first in a central location. The

The future VP Plaza de España will have a garden area on its terrace with a heated pool and a bar.

building’s first plans, which initially housed a hostel, date back to 1830, so major renovations have had to be made to distribute its 44 rooms while also respecting its protected façade. Hotel Auditórium Madrid is also undergoing major refurbishments, investing 25 million Euros to meet the requirements that are necessary for it to become, in December 2015, part of Marriott International, under a franchise

agreement. This investment is being used to renovate its 869 rooms, its common areas and 100,000 square meters intended for the MICE segment, spread over 59 function rooms and an auditorium for over 2,000 people. Construction work will be completed by the end of 2016, although most work will end a year earlier. The VP Plaza España Hotel, a five star hotel with 225 rooms and set to be the flagship of the VP Hoteles hotel chain, is scheduled to be opened on September 8th 2016. The hotel chain will invest 90 million Euros in this project and its more than 25,000 square meters spread over 17 floors, with another four below ground level, will have 225 rooms, facilities for all kinds of events, a wellness centre, a fitness centre and a garden area on the terrace with a heated outdoor pool and a SKY bar with spectacular views of the city, Vivi Hinojosa

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Cuisine and fashion are the stars of Madrid’s premium tourism offering

MAD

Madrid, luxury tourism to complement your MICE product social networks and banners on relevant trade promotion sites, luxury and fashion websites, and also an institutional video in Chinese) and the offline campaign conducted at the destination, including advertising on outside publicity boards located at the busiest areas for visitors, as well as in specialised magazines and in other types of printed material that will be distributed in these areas.

In the latest star review, 16 restaurants from Madrid, 12 of them in the capital, were awarded 23 Michelin stars Some hotels in the city offer the services of personal shoppers to advise business tourists on their purchases.

Madrid wants to position itself in the luxury tourism market to complement its MICE product. It will do so by attracting attention to its most exclusive cultural and leisure-time offering without forgetting its remarkable gastronomic potential, recognised internationally with 23 Michelin stars, and its shopping tourism at the city’s most select stores.

T

his year in the region, sixteen restaurants from Madrid, twelve of which are in the capital and four in nearby towns, have been awarded a total of 23 Michelin stars, five for the first time: DSTAgE, La Cabra, Punto MX and Álbora in Madrid and Montia in San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Diver XO repeats with three stars; Santceloni, La Terraza del Casino, Sergi Arola, 132

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Ramón Freixa Madrid and El Club Allard with two; and Kabuki and Kabuki Wellington, in Madrid and Casa José (Aranjuez), Coque (Humanes de Madrid) and Chirón (Valdemoro), with one. A 7 star destination The “Madrid, a 7 star destination. The best shop in the world” campaign is being conducted with the aim of positioning Madrid’s shops as a reference for new sending markets such as China, because of their spending potential. This is being done by promoting the busiest commercial areas, Preciados-El Carmen and Serrano. This initiative - put in motion in October 2013 by the Comunidad de Madrid (Autonomous Region of Madrid) together with the Cámara Oficial de Comercio e Industria de Madrid (Official Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Madrid) and in the framework of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness’s Comprehensive Plan to Support the Competitiveness of the Spanish Retail Trade- was consolidated in 2014 with the implementation of different measures in both the place of origin and the destination. This marketing campaign’s strategy is based on two major lines: the on and offline campaign carried out in the place of origin (with a website in Chinese, Madrid-gouwu.cn, profiles in

Results for its first year have been very positive; the website has received over two million visits in the country of origin. Page viewings have exceeded six million and its major Chinese social networks have over 170,000 followers. Therefore, measures for 2014 have been based on the consolidation of the online strategy in the country of origin with new promotion elements and the expansion of the offline strategy by conducting marketing measures in China, such as the distribution of promotional material at tourist attractions. In addition, the programme also uses other marketing tools, such as: training courses for traders so that they can assist Chinese tourists, the design of premium shopping routes especially for this market or the ‘Madrid luxury Shopping Experience’ app for mobiles devices. In turn, the Las Rozas Village outlet has strengthened its offering for events and incentives with new facilities and by offering advantages for organisers and attendees, some of them being: customised branding opportunities, specialised customer services, private dinners and tours, or gift cards amongst others. Finally, some hotels in the capital offer the services of personal shoppers to help business tourists with their shopping. Amongst them: the Villamagna Hotel, the AC Santo Mauro and the AC Palacio del Retiro, the Orfila, the Hotel Único and the Hotel Oscar from the Room Mate hotel chain. Vivi Hinojosa


Barceló Aranjuez Plaza de la Unesco 2 - Barrio “La Montaña” N-IV Salida 37. Dir. Córdoba - 28300 Aranjuez www.barceloaranjuez.com

The Barceló Aranjuez**** hotel, located in the Real Villa de Aranjuez to the south of Madrid, is a recently built hotel with everything necessary to guarantee a very pleasant stay and is surrounded by places of great historical and cultural interest for tourists.

The characteristics of its facilities, which are unparalleled in the area, make this establishment an ideal place for incentives, conventions and congresses. Two large rooms of 840 m2 and 220 m2, which can be divided

up into 6 rooms 120 m2 or 3 rooms of 60 m2 each one, called “Jardines de Aranjuez”. All rooms are exactly, with natural, light and HALLS

m 2

DIMENSIONS THEATRE

SCHOOL

BANQUET

COCKTAIL

Jardines de Aranjuez 840 18x45 840 500 500 840 Parterre 120 15x7,5 120 70 80 120 Príncipe 120 15x7,5 120 70 80 120 La Isla 120 15x7,5 120 70 80 120 Jardincillos 120 15x7,5 120 70 80 120 Oñate 120 15x7,5 120 70 80 120 Aranjuez 218 23x9 218 125 145 218 Aranjuez 1 60 7,6x7,8 60 40 50 60 Aranjuez 2 60 7,6x7,8 60 40 50 60 Aranjuez 3 60 7,6x7,8 60 40 50 60 Lobby Bar Hoyo 19 200 500 Restaurante La Villa 150 Restaurante La Montaña 55 Terraza 500 840 Hall (2) 60 150

diaphanous with access to a large terrace with golf course views, where you can enjoy a coffee break in the middle of your workday. These rooms can be divided for meetings from 10-850 people, equipped with the latest audiovisual technology. Hosteltur MICE 2015

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· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

SPAIN CONVENTION BUREAU Nuncio, 8 28005 Madrid Tel: 913643700 Fax: 913655482 www.scb.es turismo@femp.es scb@femp.es MADRID CONVENTION BUREAU Plaza Mayor, 27, 2º 28012 Madrid Tel: 917585528 Fax: 915414225 www.esmadrid.com/mcb info.mcb@esmadrid.com

CONGRESS PALACES

PALACIO MUNICIPAL DE CONGRESOS (MADRID ESPACIOS Y CONGRESOS) Avda. de la Capital de España Madrid, 7 28042 Madrid Tel: 917220400 Fax: 917210607 http://www.madridec.com/es/negocio/instalaciones/ palacio-municipal-de-congresos.html info@madrid-destino.com CENTRO DE CONVENCIONES DE FERIAS DE MADRID –IFEMA IFEMA FERIA DE MADRID 28042 Madrid Tel: 917225074 Fax: 917225789 www.convencionesycongresos.ifema.es convenciones@ifema.es CENTRO DE CONGRESOS PRINCIPE FELIPE Avda. Aragón, 400 28022 Madrid Tel: 914004450 Fax: 914004459 www.centrodecongresosprincipefelipe.com comercial@centrodecongresosprincipefelipe.com PABELLONES DE LA CASA DE CAMPO Avda. de Portugal, s/n 28011 Madrid Tel: 917220400 Fax: 917220607 http://www.madridec.com/es/negocio/instalaciones/ pabellon-de-cristal.html y http://www.madridec.com/es/ negocio/instalaciones/pabellon-de-convenciones.html info@madrid-destino.com PABELLONES MULTIUSOS I Y II (ANTES MADRID ARENA) Calle Principal, s/n 28011 Madrid Tel: 917220400 Fax: 917210607 http://www.madridec.com/es/negocio/instalaciones/ pabellon-multiusos i.html info@madrid-destino.com

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOCIACIÓN DE EMPRESAS OPC MADRID Y CENTRO José Abascal, 44 4ºD 28003 Madrid Tel: 914417043 / 91 5310600 Fax: 91 4424889 www.opcmadrid.com info@opcmadrid.com

ADMINISTRATION

COMUNIDAD DE MADRID Puerta del Sol, 7 28013 Madrid Tel: 915802000 www.madrid.org

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DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE TURISMO (CONSEJERÍA DE EMPLEO, TURISMO Y CULTURA) C/ Gran Vía, 43 28013 Madrid Tel: 917206696/4 Fax: 917206697 www.madrid.org turismo@madrid.org WEB DE TURISMO DE LA COMUNIDAD DE MADRID www.turismomadrid.es turismo@madrid.org WEB DE TURISMO DE LA CIUDAD DE MADRID www.esmadrid.com

ADMINISTRATION

ASOCIACIÓN EMPRESARIAL HOTELERA DE MADRID Princesa, 25 (Edificio Hexágono) 3ª Planta 28008 Madrid Tel: 915414010 Fax: 915597712 www.aehm.es aehm@aehm.es ASOCIACIÓN DE EMPRESARIOS DEL HOSPEDAJE DE LA COMUNIDAD DE MADRID Relatores, 1 - 1º

28012 Madrid Tel: 914291925 Fax: 914292331 www.aehcam.org LA VIÑA (ASOCIACIÓN EMPRESARIAL DE HOSTELERÍA DE LA COMUNIDAD DE MADRID) Paseo S. Maria de la Cabeza, 1-1º 28045 Madrid Tel: 902124144 – 913600909 Fax: 912444794 www.hosteleriamadrid.com asociacion@hosteleriamadrid.com ASOCIACIÓN MADRILEÑA DE EMPRESAS DE RESTAURACIÓN (AMER) Recinto Ferial de la Casa de Campo Ferial s/n 28011 Madrid Tel: 914797711 Fax: 914797734 www.amerc.es UNIÓN DE AGENCIAS DE VIAJE (UNAV) Rosario Pino, 8 - 1º B 28020 Madrid Tel: 915796741 Fax: 915799876 www.unav.ws gerencia@unav.ws secretaria@unav.we comercial@unav.ws


2015

MADRID

28 enero 1febrero

CREANDO TURISMO

La primera y más rentable feria de turismo, líder del mercado iberoamericano TRANSPORTISTA OFICIAL

MIEMBRO DE

9.100 EMPRESAS EXPOSITORAS 120.000 PROFESIONALES 7.300 PERIODISTAS

ORGANIZA


MAD

Hesperia Madrid

Tel: 91 210 88 00 Contact: Elena Llombart eventos@hesperia-madrid.com www.nh-hoteles.es/meetings

The Hesperia Madrid hotel blends in perfectly with its surroundings in the city’s most exclusive avenue, Paseo de la Castellana. It is ideally located, in the business quarter and only a stone’s throw away from the National Museum of Natural Sciences and El Corté Inglés Castellana shopping centre. • Trade Fair Institution of Madrid (IFEMA) only 15 minutes away by taxi • Very close to the Gregorio Marañón metro stop, which has connections with the city centre and airport • Only a 10-minute walk from Real Madrid’s stadium

From the Deluxe rooms to the Presidential Suite, our 171 rooms are the ultimate expression of luxury. Each boasts a Nespresso coffee maker, sets of Egyptian cotton bed sheets, pillow menu, marble bathroom with exclusive bath range, and daily turndown service. For a truly special stay, our more exclusive range of Suites includes a butler service, VIP treatment and, best of all, a private terrace with Jacuzzi. Guests may choose from a selection of games, such as Wii consoles. 136

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HALLS

m2

Tapies 1 Tapies 2 Tapies Chillida 1 Chillida 2 Chillida Saura 1 Saura 2 Saura Miró Picasso

264 19,7 x 13 3.2 100 150 50 60 66 250 136 145 17,5 x 7,9 3.2 70 140 48 54 48 125 72 419 20,9 x 19,7 3.2 200 350 67 78 120 550 288 43 7,0 x 6,9 2.3 15 20 16 18 18 35 16 34 6,9 x 5,3 2.3 12 18 12 12 12 25 12 77 6,9 x 12,3 2.3 30 60 25 30 30 60 40 116 13 x 9,8 2.3 45 95 24 32 36 120 48 143 13 x 12,30 2.3 60 120 27 32 48 130 88 259 13 x 22,10 2.3 120 220 54 58 84 300 184 15 - 2.3 - - - 8 - - 22 - 2.3 - - - 8 - - -

DIMENSIONS

HEIGHT

CLASSROOM THEATRE

We have 8 meeting rooms and a business centre equipped with computers and printers, as well as a scanner, fax and photocopier. Whatever event you wish to organise, we can provide you with translators, technicians, musicians, entertainment and much more. We can also organise special activities, such

U-SHAPE

IMPERIAL

CABARET

COCKTAIL

BANQUET

as hot air balloon rides, yacht trips and more. The elegant décor of the Santceloni restaurant provides the perfect accompaniment to service and food that has been awarded two Michelin stars. We also have two other restaurants, which are situated on a sunlight-bathed central patio.


11 REASONS TO MEET WITH US IN MADRID

HOTEL

CATEGORY STARS

ROOMS

MEETING ROOMS

GRAN MELIÁ FÉNIX

5

203

4

326

3509

100

MELIÁ MADRID PRINCESA

5

274

21

1800

19375

400

ME MADRID REINA VICTORIA

4

192

7

370

3983

180

MELIÁ AVENIDA AMERICA

4

322

32

5500

59203

1200

MELIÁ BARAJAS

4

229

12

1666

17933

600

MELIÁ CASTILLA

4

915

33

5744

17232

600

MELIÁ GALGOS

4

356

11

524

5640

300

INNSIDE MADRID SUECIA

4

127

6

311

3347

150

TRYP MADRID ALAMEDA AEROPUERTO

4

148

6

652

7018

250

TRYP MADRID AMBASSADOR

4

183

6

788

8482

290

TRYP MADRID ATOCHA

4

150

6

812

8741

250

For further information and request for porposal contact:

m2

FEET

groups@melia.com · MELIA.COM/MEETINGS

MAX. THEATER


MAD

Centro de Convenciones Mapfre Madrid

General Perón, 40 - 28020 Madrid Tel. 00 34 915 811 627 · Fax 00 34 915 812 597 E-mail: cc@mapfre.com www.ccmapfre.com

Located in the business centre and heart of the city, Mapfre has an Auditorium and five multipurpose rooms fully equipped with all the necessary technical means to hold meetings with complete security and comfort. General Services Executive Office; Press Room; Cloakroom; HALLS

m2

Auditorio Sala Europa Sala Castellana Sala Castellana 1 Sala Castellana 2 Sala Moda Shopping Sala Moda Shopping 1 Sala Moda Shopping 2

400 3 93 3 123 3,60 66 3,60 56 3,60 203 3,40 90 3,40 102 3,40

HEIGHT

Messenger Service; Catering Service; Sound Systems; Car Park; Facilities for the disabled; Showroom; VIP Room; Fax Service; Medical Services; Travel Agency; Automatic Teller Machine; Newsagent; Store for stationary; Loading Dock. BANQUET COCKTAIL SCHOOL THEATRE

200 380 - 60 90 30/40 80 120 50/60 45 70 25 40 60 20 140 200 - 50 90 25/30 70 100 40

380 80 110 50 40/45 100 50 80

MONASTERIO DE PIEDRA, UN MARCO INCOMPARABLE

CON SIGLOS DE HISTORIA

MONASTERIO DE PIEDRA, A UNIQUE PLACE

WITH CENTURIES OF HISTORY

HOTEL MONASTERIO & SPA Y PARQUE NATURAL AFUERAS, S/N 50210 NUÉVALOS – ZARAGOZA TLF. 976 870 700 www.monasteriopiedra.com

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NH Collection Eurobuilding MADRID

EUROBUILDING

Tel: 91 353 73 00 Contact: Domingo Velasco sales.nhcollectioneurobuilding@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hoteles.es/meetings

The NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding, which was completely refurbished in 2014, is situated in the heart of the AZCA financial district next to Paseo de la Castellana and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a 10-minute drive from the historic centre and 15 minutes from the airport, IFEMA Convention Centre and train stations. It is considered the best business and leisure hotel in Europe thanks to its facilities, service, food and technological innovation.

The best hotel in Europe for large events and meetings, it stands out due to its incredible facilities and the largest LED vault of any hotel in the world (300m2). In addition to the 7,800m2 of space for events, which includes 32 rooms with natural light, the hotel offers customers one of the most amazing new technologies in the sector: holographic telepresence technology, which allows guests to attend events without the need to be physically present.

The new NH Collection Eurobuilding offers leisure and restaurant facilities that are unparalleled in the city, with an area under the direction of chef Paco Roncero, a cocktail terrace overseen by Diego Cabrera (one of the most renowned bartenders in the world), and a restaurant that is a reference for Japanese haute cuisine and the only one with three Michelin stars in Madrid (DiverXO). The wide range of extraordinary options makes this Madrid’s gourmet centre par excellence.

HALLS HEIGHT m2 THEATRE IMPERIAL COCKTAIL CLASSROOM BANQUET U-SHAPE CABARET STANDS Nº TABLES Nº TABLES

GRAN MADRID + BENELUX 2,9 1074 1000 210 1000 750 67 210 57 GRAN MADRID (MADRID 1+2+3+4) 2,9 813 1000 170 1000 600 53 150 45 MADRID (MADRID 1+2+3) 2,9 566 700 100 900 400 35 100 32 MADRID 1 2,9 202 150 36 100 80 10 30 10 MADRID 2 2,9 119 120 36 75 70 7 36 7 MADRID 3 2,9 - 2,4 238 220 46 175 140 18 48 15 MADRID 4 2,9 245 220 46 175 140 18 48 13 ROMA (1+2) 2,9 286 300 85 350 180 22 75 18 VIENA 2,9 58 50*** 22 60 40** 5 27** 4** BRUSELAS 2,9 58 50*** 22 60 40** 5 27** 4** PARÍS 2,9 58 50*** 22 60 40** 5 27** 4** LONDRES 2,9 57 50*** 22 60 40** 5 27** 4** LISBOA 3 115 140 46 140 80 9 40 7 EUROPA 2,9 632 603 51 (ROMA + VIENA + BRUSELAS + LISBOA + HALL PUERTA DE ALCALA) MOSCÚ 2,9 67 50*** 22 60 40** 5 27 4** ESTOCOLMO 2,9 68 50*** 22 60 40** 5 27 4** HELSINKI 2,9 68 50*** 22 60 40** 5 27 4** COPENHAGUE 2,9 67 50*** 22 60 40** 5 27 24 LUXEMBURGO 2,9 66 50*** 22 60 40** 5 27 24 GLASGOW 2,9 68 50*** 22 60 40** 5 27 24 MÓNACO 2,9 68 50 22 60 40 4 27 24 MALTA 2,9 65 10 BENELUX 2,9 261 200 60 300 150 14 60 12 (AMSTERDAM+AMBERES) AMSTERDAM 2,9 158 150 50 220 100 10 50 8 AMBERES 2,9 95 60 26 70 40** 5 26 5 FLORENCIA 5,3 - 2,4 447 160 64 427 90 36 62 8

48 40 30 8 4 14 13 15 3 3 3 3 7 34 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 10 7 4 20

* Banquet setup with buffet ** 60m rooms in classroom, theatre and cabaret layout with 3 people presiding + screen + coffee outside *** 60m rooms in U-shape layout and with coffee outside (in the Nordic rooms there is room for a coffee table in case of emergency).

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MAD

Hotel Auditórium Madrid

Avenida de Aragón, 400 Madrid · ESPAÑA · 28022 Tel: (34) 91 4004450 - Fax: (34) 91 4004459 comercial@hotelauditorium.com www.hotelauditorium.com www.centrodecongresosprincipefelipe.com

The Auditórium Madrid Hotel is located just 5 km from the International Madrid Airport and 7 km from Ifema, the exhibition ground.

MEETINGS EQUIPMENT Free Wi-Fi – PA System – Video wall – Video – DVD and audio – Conference video – Computers – Audiovisual projection – Spotlight Simultaneous translation – Technical assistance

Auditórium Madrid Hotel is a business hotel in Madrid which offers a venue for congresses and conventions with 59 meeting rooms and 869 rooms. It also offers an auditorium for more than 2,000 people, with simultaneous translation booths and a stage specifically designed for any kind of events.

The hotel has a wide added value offer: free transport to the airport, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, sauna, gym, 4 paddle courts, lounge bar, cocktail bar, piano bar, snack bar, buffet restaurant, à la carte restaurant and more than 1,000 parking places.

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Auditorio 2140 2242 1000 - - - - - - - Auditorio A 1070 1100 500 - - - - - - - Auditorio B 1070 1100 500 - - - - - - - Madrid 1322 - - - - 800 800 - - - FRANCIA Lyon 165 140 70 40 40 80 40 140 60 18 40 Toulousse 172 140 70 40 40 80 40 140 60 18 40 París 234 160 80 45 50 120 70 170 72 18 40 L + T 337 280 140 80 80 160 80 280 120 - T + P 396 300 150 85 90 200 120 315 132 - L + T + P 561 440 220 125 130 280 160 455 192 - Marsella 163 140 70 40 40 80 40 140 60 36 30 Burdeos 173 140 70 40 40 80 40 140 60 36 30 Estrasburgo 215 160 80 45 50 120 70 175 72 36 30 M + B 336 280 140 80 80 160 80 280 120 - B + E 388 300 150 85 90 200 120 315 132 - M + B + E 551 440 220 125 130 280 160 455 192 - INGLATERRA Oxford 308 300 150 88 88 160 100 250 120 - 88 Bristol 318 300 150 88 88 160 100 250 120 - 88 Londres 318 300 150 88 88 160 100 250 120 - 88 O + B 626 600 300 130 130 320 200 500 240 - B + L 706 650 325 130 130 360 200 600 270 - O + B + L 1014 950 425 130 130 520 400 850 390 - Leeds 138 90 45 36 40 64 56 70 36 - Cambridge 31 - - - 12 - - - - - Liverpool 61 25 20 15 18 - - - - - Birmingham 63 25 20 15 18 - - - - - Manchester 59 25 20 15 18 - - - - - ITALIA Venecia 406 400 200 100 125 200 100 300 150 - 87 Milán 429 400 200 100 125 200 100 300 150 - 87 Roma 535 500 250 120 130 350 200 400 216 - 87 V + M 835 800 400 120 130 400 300 600 300 - M + R 964 900 450 120 130 550 350 700 366 - V + M + R 1396 1300 650 130 130 850 600 1000 516 - Nápoles 260 90 45 36 40 120 80 180 36 - ALEMANIA Frankfurt 114 100 50 36 40 - - - 48 18 36 Munich 114 100 50 36 40 - - - 48 18 36 Düsseldorf 114 100 50 36 40 - - - 48 18 36 Colonia 114 100 50 36 40 - - - 48 18 36 F + M 228 200 100 72 80 - - - 96 - F + M + D 342 300 150 108 120 - - - 144 - F + M + D + C 456 400 200 125 160 - - - 192 - M + D 228 200 100 72 80 - - - 96 - M + D + C 342 300 150 108 120 - - - 144 - D + C 288 200 100 72 80 - - - 96 - Bonn 122 100 50 36 40 - - - 48 18 36 Stutugart 114 100 50 36 40 - - - 48 18 36 Dresden 114 100 50 36 40 - - - 48 18 36 Baden Baden 114 100 50 36 40 - - - 48 18 36 Postdam 114 100 50 36 40 - - - 48 18 36 S + D 228 200 100 72 80 - - - 96 - S + D + B 342 300 150 108 120 - - - 144 - S + D + B + P 456 400 200 125 160 - - - 192 - D + B 228 200 100 72 80 - - - 96 - D + B + P 342 300 150 108 120 - - - 144 - B + P 288 200 100 72 80 - - - 96 - Berlín 122 100 50 36 40 - - - 48 18 36 ESPAÑA Alcudia 135 60 30 35 35 - - - 30 - Almagro 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Altea 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Carmona 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Comillas 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Chinchón 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Figueras 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Haro 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - La Toja 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Pedraza 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Trujillo 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Tudela 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Zarautz 122 60 30 35 35 - - - 30 - Alcabón 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Borox 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Escalona 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Esquivias 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Illescas 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - La Puebla 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Maqueda 122 60 30 35 35 - - - 30 - Mocejón 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Mora 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Noblejas 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Ocaña 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Santa Olalla 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Talavera 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Torrijos 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - Yepes 61 30 25 20 25 - - - 18 - -


Meliá Avenida América**** C/Juan Ignacio Luca de Tena 36 28027 Madrid Tel: 91.423.24.00 Fax: 91.320.24.46 comercial@hotelavenidaamerica.com www.melia.com Dpto. Comercial y Grupos: Miguel Benitez

The Meliá Avenida América Hotel opened its doors in 1994 and after 20 years of activity it has been fully refurbished in 2011. It has become one of the most relevant properties within the City of Madrid specialized in congresses, meetings and events where national as well as international companies organize their meetings. Located in the largest business development area of Madrid, just a few minutes from the Trade Fair Grounds of IFEMA, Palacio Municipal de Congresos Juan Carlos I and from the International Airport as well as very close to the Avenues of Avenida América and Pº de la Castellana , the situation of our property is ideal for business and leisure travellers. Easy access, either by car, public transportation such as bus (located across the hotel) and Tube Station, makes the Melia Avenida America Hotel easily reachable for guests attending to meetings or conventions held at our hotel. The Hotel offers 322 fully refurbished rooms, full service Fitness & SPA, magnificent terrace of 500 sqm, spacious lobby area and our a la carte Restaurant “La Cheminée”, where our guests may experience our superb Mediterranean Style Food, with special hints from our chef. We are pleased to offer our clients with complete and comfortable facilities based on our 20-year experience of fully commitment with the best and highest quality of our service. Special reference requires our Convention Center, located in a modern adjacent building distributed on four floors and connected via a Skywalk to the main hotel building. It pro-

GENERAL SERVICES 322 rooms (292 Standard, 17 Superior, 12 Junior Suites and 1 Presidential Suite) – F&B: a la Carte Restaurant “La Cheminée”, Piano Bar and Terrace. Business Center – 1.000 sqm of Fitness & SPA – WIFI complimentary throughout the hotel – Complimentary Transfer Hotel – Airport – Hotel, 200 covered parking slots – 32 meeting rooms.

vides meeting facilities with over 5.000 sqm, 32 conference rooms in total with a maximum capacity of up to 1.000 guests, totally multi-purpose, pillar – free and all of them having natural daylight. All our spaces are quite operational and easy to handle during the development of events of small, medium and large size. Furthermore, we offer complimentary high-speed WIFI connection throughout the venue making our hotel especially relevant for meetings related to the IT sector. Our high expertise in the organization of HEIGHT

meetings, conventions and congresses over the past 20 years, with over 300 events per year, have established our property as headquarter for well-known companies from the economic, financial, cultural and social industry. We really take care of social events, such as banquets, weddings, celebrations which is also a highly important division of our establishment. Our hotel is equipped with modern and well-designed facilities, in addition to a highly professional team which will be at your disposal in order to guarantee a successful event.

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Zamora Salamanca Avila Burgos Leon Salamanca + Avila Burgos + Leon Tenerife I Tenerife II Tenerife I + II Las Palmas I Las Palmas II Las Palmas I + II Toledo I Toledo II Toledo III Toledo IV Toledo I + II Toledo III + IV Toledo I + II + III + IV Zaragoza I Zaragoza II Zaragoza III Zaragoza IV Zaragoza I + II Zaragoza III + IV Zaragoza I + II + III + IV Cadiz Cordoba Granada Sevilla Jaen Huelva Almeria Ronda Escorial Aranjuez Malaga Reservado I Reservado II Reservado Iii

304 (11X29) 2,7 200 250 180 40 120 50 228 (12X19) 3 150 200 250 50 120 50 120 209 (11X19) 3 120 150 160 40 90 40 90 228 (12X19) 3 150 200 250 50 120 50 120 209 (11X19) 3 120 150 160 40 90 40 90 437 (12X38) 3 280 400 410 110 225 95 210 437 (12X38) 3 280 400 410 110 225 95 210 203 (12X19) 3 120 200 160 50 75 40 112 221 (15X15) 3 120 200 160 40 75 40 112 420 (14X33) 3 240 400 350 100 200 80 185 209 (11X19) 3 120 160 160 50 85 40 70 132 (12X11) 3 80 100 80 30 45 30 40 380 (13X30) 3 200 260 280 90 150 75 110 241 (13X19) 3 100 150 160 40 75 40 112 303 (15X20) 3 190 300 300 60 160 50 140 330 (15X22) 3 190 300 300 60 160 50 140 203 (11X19) 3 100 150 160 40 75 40 112 540 (13X41) 3 310 550 500 120 275 110 260 530 (13X41) 3 310 550 500 120 275 110 260 1050 (27X40) 3 620 1000 950 - - - 209 (13X19) 3 110 150 150 50 75 40 112 382 (16X26) 3 200 320 350 65 170 50 150 375 (15X25) 3 200 320 350 65 170 50 150 203 (11X19) 3 110 150 150 50 75 40 112 625 (15X42) 3 360 600 600 120 325 110 260 580 (14X44) 3 360 600 600 120 325 110 260 1200 (29X42) 3 720 1200 - - - - 51 (6X9) 2,3 - - 30 16 25 18 18 48 (6X9) 2,6 - - 30 16 25 18 18 50 (6X9) 2,6 - - 30 16 25 18 18 63 (6X10) 2,6 - - 30 16 25 18 18 47 (6X9) 2,8 - - 30 16 25 18 18 47(6X9) 2,9 - - 30 16 25 18 18 48(6X9) 2,9 - - 30 16 25 18 18 47 (6X9) 2,9 - - 30 16 25 18 18 273 (13X21) 3 150 - - - - - 334 (13X26) 3,1 200 300 350 50 150 60 38 (4X9) 2,6 - - - - - 12 27 2,7 30 - - - - - 27 2,7 22 - - - - - 27 2,7 30 - - - - - -

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In this region located in eastern Spain, this industry generates an average daily spending that is 271% higher than that generated by the sun and sand industry

Congress tourism, a segment on the rise in the Region of Murcia

In its commitment to quality, the Region of Murcia aims to establish itself as a preferential destination for business tourism and establish this segment as a major catalyst thanks to its ability to offset the seasonal effect and its high profitability.

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he director of the Instituto de Turismo de Murcia (Murcia Tourism Institute), Mariola Matínez, says that business tourism generates the highest amount of average daily expenditure per tourist in the region, 165.12 Euros. Compared to the sun and sand segment, money spent on events “is 271% higher, representing 123 Euros more per tourist and day, although their average overnight-stay is for a shorter period of time”. This segment represents a significant indirect economic impact in Murcia, with an important amount of spending in restaurants, cafeterias and bars (45.3%), on accommodation (34.6%) and shopping (8.1%). Strategic advantages The Region of Murcia has competitive resources and advantages for this segment. It has congress palaces in its major cities and it also offers function rooms in hotels and unique venues. It has an extensive selection of four and five star hotels, and a very diverse complementary offering, emphasising its gastronomy. The Tourism Institute points out “the great potential of Murcia and Cartagena as urban and cultural destinations and also their shop142

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ping and entertainment offering, very suitable when organising business trips”. Two other strategic competitive advantages must be mentioned: the proximity of the cities to each other and their efficient travel communications and the climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year. Its inland and coastal natural environment, its rich and diverse historical, artistic and cultural heritage and the development of its complementary offering are also added attractions. Activity in numbers According to data from Murcia and Cartagena, they ended 2013 with 774 events and more than 193,000 attendees, generating over 35 million Euros of spending. The Oficina de Congresos de Murcia (Malaga Convention Bureau) registered 713 events with 188,884 attendees and an expenditure of 31.2 million Euros. Currently, the Oficina de Congresos de Cartagena (Cartagena Convention Bureau) only has available data on the events held at the Palacio del Batel Auditorium: 61 with 25,000 attendees and an expenditure of 4.2 million Euros. The main sending markets for the MICE segment in the Region of Murcia are Valencia,

Andalusia and Catalonia. According to Murcia Tourism Institute, domestic tourist expenditure amounts to 167.63 Euros, therefore higher than that of foreign tourists, 143.21 Euros. The profile of a congress tourist is a professional under 45 years of age, usually travelling alone but sometimes with friends or a partner. The main means of transport are private vehicles followed by airplane. The average stay is for two days at hotels, and with regards to complementary activities, those that stand out are cultural tourism, shopping, cuisine and nightlife, with an average expenditure of 165.12 Euros per day and person. The degree of satisfaction with the destination is high: with an average mark of 8.4 points for the event and 7.8 for the facilities and services. MICE infrastructures The Region of Murcia has three auditoriums – congress palaces, the two main ones are 50 kilometres apart, in Murcia and Cartagena; and the third is located in the coastal town of Águilas. There is a convention bureau in each of these towns. The Víctor Villegas de Murcia Auditorium and Congress Palace has capacity for 2,000 people. It has 17 different types of meeting rooms with capacity for 20 to 1,800 people. It also has over 2,500 square meters of multipurpose rooms. In addition there are over 40 technological and multipurpose meeting rooms located in strategic points of the city. The Cartagena Auditorium and El Batel Palace is an avant-garde building with capacity for 2,800 people spread over nine different rooms. A main hall with 1,400 seats is located 15 meters below sea level; room B is a cosy auditorium with capacity for 450 people and it also has 7 multipurpose meeting rooms and three VIP rooms. Cartagena also offers 30 other function rooms in different unique locations all over the city. The Infanta Elena de Águilas Auditorium and Congress Palace has an auditorium with capacity for 780 people, a multifunctional room and another multipurpose room for 350 and 150 spectators respectively. Diana Ramón Vilarasau



NAV

Baluarte welcomes over 400,000 attendees This year Navarra’s congress palace will break all the records

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y the end of the year, Baluarte, Navarra’s congress palace, expects to have opened its doors to over 400,000 attendees, compared with the 381,516 recorded in 2013. These are record breaking numbers that this infrastructure has not reached since 2006 and this will be thanks to the high level of participation in the 350 events, including congresses and cultural events, that it will have hosted throughout the year. Forecasts by those responsible for the infrastructure state that, by the end of the year its activity will have generated around 25,000 overnight stays in hotels and an economic impact close to 12 million Euros, with a revenue of their own amounting to around 5.5 million. Among the most important events hosted at Baluarte in 2014, the following stand-out: 25th National Congress for the Spanish Diabetes Society, hosted in April with 1,300 delegates; the 11th Día C del Club de Creativos (C Day of the Creative peoples’ Club), with 800 attendees; the Open European Championship First Lego league, with 1,500 participants, held in May; and the Flamenco On Fire Festival, enjoyed by 9,000 people in August. As regards to forecasts for 2015, the congress palace will host several “important” national congresses, and will also have an important festivals calendar including festivals such as Pamplona Negra (Black Pamplona) in January, the “Punto de Vista” (Point-of-View) International Documentary Film Festival in February, the Sarasate Live in June and July and the new edition of the flamenco festival that will once again be held in August.

In recent years, Pamplona has increased its hotel capacity, especially its four star hotels Data from the last closed financial year, 2013 indicates that Baluarte hosted 329 events, of which 124 were congresses or similar, compared to the 87 registered the previous year, with a slight increase in the number of national and international events, mainly in the medical-health and educational segments. In total, 36,724 delegates attended, representing a 34.8% increase compared to 2012. An analysis of the results points to a recovery in the corporate sector, and to the organisation of a number of important business meetings. Baluarte’s lobby during a recent meeting held there.

Success of the MICE operational programme

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he operational programme to promote business tourism in Navarra, launched in 2012 in a joint effort by the Regional Government, the City Council of Pamplona, the Baluarte Congress Palace and the Pamplona Hotel Association, is yielding important results, and therefore the organisations that promoted it believe it to be quite effective. As stated by the managing director of Baluarte, Javier Lacunza, these positive results are partially due to a “major commitment to create infrastructures and recover historical heritage that is now at the disposal of business tourism in the region” .

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A very competitive destination The Baluarte congress palace, which in 2013 celebrated ten years in the business, has contributed in the consolidation of Pamplona as a highly competitive MICE destination. Its complementary offering is spread around the city and the region in general and it is characterised by its high quality standards. Its hotel capacity has grown in recent years, especially in the segment of four star hotels, the most appealing for delegates taking part in meetings. Furthermore, Navarra offers attractions such as its excellent cuisine based on local products, a great landscape and natural diversity, a rich historical heritage, a significant cultural offering, magnificent services and amenities and improved land and air travel connections that are constantly being expanded to make the region accessible to the MICE segment’s main sending markets.


· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

ADMINISTRATION

PAMPLONA CONGRESOS Plaza Consistoral, s/n, 4ªplanta 31001 Pamplona Teléfono: 948420717 Fax: 948420732 Web: www.congresos.pamplona.es Email: congresos@pamplona.es

GOBIERNO DE NAVARRA Avenida Carlos III, nº 2 31002 Pamplona Tel: 848427000 www.navarra.es

CONGRESS PALACES

BALUARTE PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y AUDITORIO DE NAVARRA Plaza del Baluarte, s/n 31002 Pamplona Tel: 948066066 Fax: 948066077 E-mail: baluarte@baluarte.com www.baluarte.com

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOCIACIÓN NAVARRA DE EMPRESAS OPC Larrabide, 15 bajo 31005 Pamplona Tel: 948274050 / 948274011 Fax: 948248224 E-mail: Info@opcnavarra.com www.congresosnavarra.com

turismo_mice_en_190x135.pdf

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DEPARTAMENTO DE CULTURA Y TURISMO - INSTITUCIÓN PRÍNCIPE DE VIANA Navarrería 39 31001 Pamplona Tel: 848424600 E-mail culturayturismo@navarra.es www.navarra.es

ASSOCIATIONS

ASOCIACIÓN DE EMPRESARIOS DE HOSTELERÍA DE NAVARRA Pedro I, 1-1º 31007 Pamplona Tel.: 948268412 Fax: 948172756 E-mail: info@hostelerianavarra.com www.aehn.org

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ASOCIACIÓN DE HOTELES DE PAMPLONA Pedro I, 1-1º 31007 Pamplona Tel.: 948268412 Fax. 948172756 E-mail: info@hotelespamplona.com www.hotelespamplona.com ASOCIACIÓN DE HOTELES RURALES DE NAVARRA Tel: 948176005 E-mail: info@hotelesruralesnavarra.es www.hotelesruralesnavarra.es FEDERACIÓN DE ASOCIACIONES Y ORGANIZACIONES TURÍSTICAS DE NAVARRA Juan de Labrit, 27 bajo 31001 Pamplona Tel. 902196462 / 948223101 Fax: 948212070 info@turismoruralnavarra.com www.turismoruralnavarra.com ASOCIACIÓN NAVARRA DE AGENCIAS DE VIAJES Calle San Miguel nº 4 31001 Pamplona Tel: 948226509 info@anavarra.com www.anavarra.com

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San Sebastián continues to register good results in the MICE segment The city is preparing for 2016 when it will be the European Capital of Culture attended the Meeting & Incentive Forum in Sitges, and they also organised a road show and visited different MICE agents in Toulouse (France). In November representatives attended another Meeting & Incentive Forum, but this time in Berlin, and they also attended the 53rd ICCA Congress (in Turkey) and the EIBTM fair (in Barcelona). They also took part in a workshop in Munich and organised an open doors day for medical professionals from San Sebastián. Promotional and marketing activity will be intensified in Brussels, Paris, Madrid and Bordeaux until year’s end.

Kursaal, larger congresses and more conventions

Here is a picture of the Symposium on Fusion Technology that attracted over a million attendees to the Kursaal congress palace.

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y the end of this year, the results obtained by San Sebastián concerning business tourism will hardly differ from those obtained in 2013, with just over 190,000 delegates in 137 events, compared to the 192,370 delegates registered the previous year in a total 139 MICE events. However, the prospects for the future are better; 2015 will see a rise in the number of meetings that will congregate over a thousand delegates and it is also important to mention the expectation of being the European Capital of Culture in 2016. Notable events of 2014 were the European Aquaculture Society Conference (EASC), with 1,400 delegates or the Symposium on Fusion Technology (SOFT), with 1,050 experts. The subsequent category includes several meetings with around 500 or more delegates such as the Nobel Biocare Convention (700 people), the Spanish Contraception Society Congress (650), or the Conference of the International Test Commission (500). All other events had smaller amounts of attendees. Projections for 2015 indicate that in June alone two medical congresses will be held, attracting a total 4,000 participants and, in the

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same period, the European Rugby Championship (EGOR) will once again fill the city with 1,500 athletes. The remaining events won’t reach these numbers, but they will equally contribute to improve the activity of a segment that is still waiting to generate results similar to those obtained in 2012. To do so, San Sebastian’s dynamic cultural programme is essential, featuring very important annual events such as the International Jazz Festival (Jassaldia), the Quince Musical (Musical Fort-

Next June, the Kursaal congress palace will host two major medical congresses that will attract around 4,000 participants night), the International Film Festival or the San Sebastián Gastronomika Conference. This year, the San Sebastián Convention Bureau has taken part in several promotional and marketing activities, especially in the last three months of the year. In October, representatives

The Kursaal congress palace in San Sebastián has experienced two major developments in 2014: congresses held at its facilities have been bigger, with an average 565 attendees, and they have also lasted longer than those previously registered, currently 3.2 days on average. The congress palace has also identified what it calls an “awakening” of the corporate segment, which has boosted its turnover for this year, mainly because of an increase in the number of conventions, general meetings, product presentations and seminars that have been held. In a preview of its balance, Kursaal believes that one of its most recent accomplishments is the scheduling in June of two major professional events, with over 1,500 attendees each. It also points out the economic impact its activity – with a turnover of 3 million Euros – generates for the city of San Sebastian in particular and for Guipúzcoa in general, estimated at 48 million Euros. Since last January, Kursaal has a new corporate image, designed to strengthen the avant-garde concept of the building itself; work of the architect, Rafael Monei.


Biscay, an important MICE destination In Bilbao, in 2013 a total 1,014 meetings were held and attended by 145,122 delegates, yielding a participation rate of 143.1 people per event. Of the total, 54.2% were convened by the private sector and the rest by the public sector. According to the local Convention Bureau, the economic-commercial industry hosted the most events. In addition, the Biscay Science and Technology Park has also experienced an upturn of its MICE activity this year, and it has already announced that it will surpass its results obtained in 2013, when a total 1,192 different events were hosted , congregating 32,793 attendees. Among those held so far this year, the most notable are: the 89th Anniversary of the BIAL –a Pharmaceutical Company-, Imazabal’s Board of Shareholder’s Meeting (Velatia Group) and the Microsoft Congress. Bilbao’s Euskalduna Conference Palace, in a picture taken at nightfall .

Vitoria-Gasteiz, European Green Capital

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he Province of Biscay is an important focal point for the MICE segment, especially Bilbao that has, this year, hosted five events with over a thousand attendees each, as well as many others reaching or exceeding two thousand attendees. Amongst others, the latter featured the following events: the 12th European Conference of the European Resuscitation Council, held in May with 2,600 attendees and the 36th Semergen National Congress that congregated 2,500 attendees.

The city of Vitoria-Gateiz promotes itself as a modern city for the MICE market. It was named the European Union’s Green Capital for 2012. Its congress centre opened in 1989 and was the first in the Basque Country. It has undergone significant restorations and its facilities have been extended.

· INTERESTING FACTS · CONVENTION BUREAUX

BILBAO CONVENTION BUREAU Calle Navarra,5 1ª planta - 48001 Bilbao Tel.: 944795770 bicb@bilbaoturismo.bilbao.net www.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo

SAN SEBASTIAN CONVENTION BUREAU Boulevard, 8 - 20003 Donostia (Guipúzcoa) Tel.: 943 481 466 - Fax: 943 428 122 E-mail: bureau@donostia.org Web: www.ssconvention.com CONGRESOS Y TURISMO VITORIA-GASTEIZ CONVENTION BUREAU Avda. Gasteiz S/n - 01009 Vitoria -Álava Tel: 945161261 Email: congrestur@vitoria-gasteiz.org www.vitoria-gasteiz.org

CONGRESS PALACES

PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y DE LA MÚSICA - EUSKALDUNA Avda. Abandoibarra, 4 - 48011 Bilbao Tel.: 944035000 - Fax: 944035001 e-mail: info@euskalduna.net www.euskalduna.net PALACIO DE CONGRESOS- AUDITORIO KURSAAL Avda. De Zurriola, 1 - 20002 Donostia - San Sebastián Tel.: 943003000 Fax: 943003001 E-mail: kursaal@kursaal.org Web: www.kursaal.org

PARQUE TECNOLÓGICO DE VIZCAYA Ibaizabal bidea, edificio 101 - 48170 Zamudio- Vizcaya Tel: 944039500 - Fax: 944039510 E-mail: parque-tecnologico@parque-tecnologico.net www.parque-tecnologico.net RECINTOS CONGRESUALES Y FERIALES VIZCAYA Bilbao Exhibition Centre(BEC) Ronda de Azkue, 1 - 48902 Barakaldo - Vizcaya Tel: 944040000 E-mail: bec@bec.eu www.bilbaoexhibitioncentre.com FICOBA (RECINTO FERIAL DE GIPUZKOA) Avda. de Iparralde 43 - 20302 Irún, Guipúzcoa Tel.: 943667788 - Fax: 943616164 ficoba@ficoba.org www.ficoba.org PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y EXPOSICIONES DE EUROPA Avda. Gazteiz s/n - 01009 Vitoria Gazteiz Tel: 945161520 - Fax: 945161276 E-mail: congrestur@vitoria-gazteiz.org www.vitoria-gasteiz.org

PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISERS

ASOCIACIÓN VASCA DE EMPRESAS O.P.C. Vicente Goikoetxea, 1- Oficina 4 01008 Vitoria-Gasteiz - Álava Tel. 945146630 - Fax: 945146827 e-mail: egunbide@egunbide.es www.egunbide.es

ADMINISTRATION

PARLAMENTO VASCO Becerro de Bengoa - 01005 Vitoria - Gasteiz Tel.: 945004000 Fax: 945135406 www.parlamento.euskadi.net CONSEJERÍA DE TURISMO (DEPARTAMENTO DE COMERCIO, INDUSTRIA Y TURISMO) SEDE CENTRAL DEL GOBIERNO VASCO (LAKUA). Donostia San Sebastián, nº 1 - 01010 Vitoria Tfno. 945018000 Fax: 945019045 Web: www.euskadi.net

ASSOCIATIONS

FEDERACIÓN DE HOSTELERÍA DEL PAÍS VASCO Gran Vía, 38, 2º. - 48009 Bilbao - Vizcaya www.hosteleriapaisvasco.com ASOCIACIÓN PATRONAL DE ALOJAMIENTOS ALAVESES Pio XII, 2. - 01004 Vitoria - Álava Tlf: 945267766 Fax: 945267766 E-mail: aehoste@isis.mugenat.es ASOCIACIÓN DE EMPRESAS HOTELERAS DE GUIPÚZCOA Paseo Mikeletegi, 52. - 20009 San Sebastián Tl: 943 309 030 Fax: 943 309 151 E-mail: info@hotelesdegipuzkoa.com www.adegi.es/

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RIOJA ALAVESA

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Meetings, conferences and incentive trips among vineyards The Villa Lucía Wine Theme Centre is an excellent business centre; a 2,400sqm multi-purpose venue that can cater for any type of meeting or event and that also organises additional activities. Excellent cuisine Pairing the famous Rioja Alavesa wines (D.O.Ca. Rioja) with the regional cuisine will never fail to provide the perfect finishing touch to any workday. The district has a wide range of establishments, a perfect combination of traditional and market cuisine restaurants and the most avant-garde establishments, as well as wineries with restaurants with varying capacities.

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he combination of wineries, tourism, gastronomy, architecture and art is leading to the revival of one of the most attractive regions in the international wine sector: Rioja Alavesa, a unique destination for anyone planning an event, conference, meeting or incentive trip. Excellent infrastructures, a broad range of hotels and restaurants, exclusive and well-equipped venues with various capacities combine with dozens of select tours and wine-related experiences, providing a catalogue of services for incentive trips and meetings that will enable each organiser to put together an ideal proposal. An unparalleled setting Only half an hour from the capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and a short distance from Bilbao airport, Rioja Alavesa, with a population of 12,000, consists of 15 municipalities, 4 Administrative Districts and twenty-three towns that are home to approximately 400 wineries. The short distances between these municipalities and the ease of access are the perfect excuse to enjoy stunning landscapes of endless vineyards, dotted with olive trees and ancient dolmens, walled medieval towns, 148

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stately mansions and churches of gentle beauty,… and of course, an infinite number of wineries that combine tradition and modernity. Unique venues: wineries, museums and other settings Rioja Alavesa wineries are a unique setting for any event; unsurpassed when it comes to pairing leisure and business. The magnetic attraction of avant-garde wineries, spectacular examples of architecture, signed by professionals of the prestige of Santiago Calatrava (Bodegas Ysios in Laguardia), Philippe Mazières (Bodegas Viña Real in Laguardia) or Iñaki Azpiazu (Bodegas Baigorri in Samaniego), combine with the charm of the underground cellars, where wine is still made in the traditional manner. Large wineries, such as Campillo, Viña Salceda, Valdelana, Pagos de Leza, Solar de Samaniego, Faustino or Luis Cañas, among many others, are equipped with multi-purpose rooms where you can hold exclusive meetings or events. Not to mention the many third and fourth-generation family cellars, highly valued in Rioja Alavesa, where a meeting with the vintner will transform any visit into a memorable experience.

A thousand and one wine based activities and experiences When in Rioja Alavesa, you cannot fail to visit the wineries and vineyards and enjoy select experiences, even the treading of the grapes. More active visitors can opt for Rioja Alavesa wine and/or oil tasting courses, barbecues among the vineyards, wine and food gymkhanas, team building experiences, competitions and photographic events, pintxo contests or wine pairing sessions, music, cycling, horse riding, horse carriage rides or Segway rides. People looking for relaxation and rest should become familiar with and enjoy the wine therapy sessions at the Wine Oil Spa Villa de Laguardia or at Hospedería de los Parajes, which use wine and oil in their star treatments. An organization with experience at your service Rioja Alavesa Wine Route is happy to introduce the district to the organisers of events and meetings and provide all the data and information they may require to design their MICE programmes.

RIOJA ALAVESA WINE TOUR

Mayor, 68 • 01300 Laguardia T: 945 600 710 F: 945 621 094 info@rutadelvinoderiojaalavesa.com www.rutadelvinoderiojaalavesa.com


Barceló Bilbao Nervión Paseo Campo Volantín, 11 48007 Bilbao Vizcaya www.barcelobilbaonervion.com

The Barceló Bilbao Nervión hotel is located right in the centre of Bilbao next to the city hall and a 10 minute walk from the Guggenheim Museum, the old quarters (tapas bar area) and the Gran Vía (shopping district). The RENFE railway and the Bilbao metro stations are situated just 200 metres from the hotel, the Termibus station is 2 km away and the airport is 12 km.

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Oma Durango Gasteiz Avenida Arenal Nervion Tivoli Casco Viejo I Casco Viejo I +II Casco Viejo II Casco Viejo II+III Casco Viejo III Casco Viejo I+II+III

80 70 40 30 35 70 50 24 20 12 10 12 X X 24 20 12 10 12 X X 24 20 12 10 12 X X 22 20 12 10 12 X X 250 200 130 40 40 220 160 81 65 44 30 34 50 50 97 90 65 35 40 90 80 180 180 132 35 40 170 160 83 90 70 34 40 90 80 313 300 150 40 40 250 220 230 220 130 40 40 180 150 410 390 250 40 60 400 250

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The hotel offers a complete range of facilities and services for hosting congresses, conventions and all types of banquets and celebrations. The hotel has 10 meeting rooms from 20 to 410 square meters and 350 B-Rooms, which are completely refurbished. Moreover, its Ibaizabal restaurant offers an excellent range of cuisines and its café is well known for its renowned creative tapas, which you can enjoy at your table or in the wine corner.

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NH Collection Villa de Bilbao

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VILLA DE BILBAO

Tel: 944 416 000 Contact person: Josefa Simón mtngs.nhcollectionvilladebilbao@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hoteles.es/meetings

The NH Collection Villa de Bilbao is situated right in the heart of the city, a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum and the Palacio de Congresos. It is a modern and elegant building, which was completely refurbished in 2012. Step outside the hotel and you will find a host of first-class bars and restaurants. • Central location, close to Bilbao’s top tourist attractions • Very close to the Palacio de Congresos • Modern building, refurbished in 2012 Our 142 rooms are luxurious and comfortable. They are elegantly decorated in a modern style and all have a kettle, coffeemaker and free WiFi. We have 30 Premium rooms with panoramic views of Bilbao’s main street, Gran Vía. Our Junior Suites also have private terraces. Our five multi-purpose rooms can accommodate any type of event, from business meetings and product presentations to weddings, wine tastings, cookery classes, concerts, or cocktail parties. The largest of them has capacity for 270 people. You can also

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Leyre Gaminiz Leyre + Gaminiz Gran Vía Villa Mundaka

36 2,8 20 15 35 18 30 15 46 2,8 30 20 50 24 40 20 82 2,8 55 40 85 50 70 35 145 2,8 120 50 180 80 150 50 291 2,7 250 60 270 150 270 60 240 3,3 160 50 230 100 200 50

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book at our restaurant. The Le Bol Blanc restaurant provides a special setting in which to enjoy contemporary Basque cooking. Decorated in a modern and minimalist style, it is ideal for a romantic 150

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dinner or business lunch. The I Vodka bar is also a distinguished place providing an impressive array of gins and vodkas, as well as wines from the region, cocktails and delicious tapas.


The Basque Country, a meeting point

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© Bilbao Turismo

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uskadi is a small country with a big identity. Its privileged geographical location in southern Europe, in the green north of the Spanish state next to France, and its small size that facilitates internal travel make it a first-rate tourist destination all year round. Thanks to its great commercial capacity it has been able to take off as a business centre. There are many reasons for choosing it as a venue for events: its excellent communication axis, the high quality of its hotels, its worldfamous gastronomy, and the friendliness of its inhabitants … which are a constant in the three Basque capitals: Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Vitoria. In 2015 Euskadi will host several major international events as a result of its everincreasing international importance and the quality of its proposals. Bilbao, the venue of the UCLG Culture Summit Since the 1990s culture as represented by the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao has been a key factor in the economic development, job creation, and social cohesion of the city, which is a unifying force of the so-called “signature architecture”. Bilbao has been working closely with United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the most important world network for cities and local

and regional governments, since the latter’s foundation in 2004. Furthermore, it is the Local Authorities representative at the United Nations. It also presides over the Commission of Digital and Knowledge-Based Cities and is an active member of the Cultural Commission, with which it is collaborating to establish the “new Agenda 21 for culture”. Bilbao and San Sebastián will host the 2015 CEAV World Summit The Spanish Association of Travel Agencies (Confederación Española de Agencias de Viajes, CEAV) will host the 3rd Worldwide Summit of Travel Agencies Associations in Euskadi from 4th to 6th November 2015. It will bring together over 200 presidents of Travel Agents’ Associations and representatives of Travel Agencies from over 60 countries from the five continents. The Summit has now become established as the best possible scenario for promoting the cities and places where it is held. At the same time it gives travel agents from all over the world the opportunity to share experiences and concerns and to debate the key aspects of the future of the sector. The first World Summit on Gastronomic Tourism will be held in San Sebastián

With this new event Euskadi becomes the epicentre of gastronomic tourism. The Basque Culinary Centre and the World Tourism Organization are preparing this world event that will take place in San Sebastián on 27th and 28th April 2015. The central themes of the Summit, that will bring together international experts and different players from the sector, will include consumer trends, management, the holding of events, and the communication of tourist initiatives linked to gastronomy. European capital of culture: San Sebastián 2016 To celebrate this milestone the city will stage various cultural events such as the Festival Multicultural Rompeolas, a unique self-made competition promoted by its citizens. Based on its central idea, “waves of citizen energy, culture for coexistence”, San Sebastián 2016 aims to constitute a constant flow of activities generated by its citizens in a creative network with Europe so as to reach a peak in 2016 and thus transform the cultural system.

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To work like this is a pleasure H10 Hotels has 29 elegant Meetings and Events hotels in 16 exceptional destinations. Centrally located, they offer meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology, all with free Wi-Fi. Furthermore, our select choice of cuisine and expert team of professionals will help to ensure that your business meetings and events are a great success.

With you in mind

www.h10hotels.com / T (34) 902 100 906 / reservas@h10hotels.com Tenerife · Lanzarote · Fuerteventura · La Palma · Gran Canaria · Mallorca · Costa del Sol · Costa Daurada · Riviera Maya · Punta Cana · Cuba · Barcelona · Madrid · Rome · London · Berlin · Lisbon


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