BusinessTravel Guide www.emeoutlookmag.com
Moravia
Czech Republic’s hidden gem
M O R A V I A
s the easternmost province in the Czech Republic, Moravia is full of rolling hills, beautiful landscapes and breathtaking architecture. The province’s capital city, Brno is home to a plethora of museums and the Moravia Convention Bureau (MCB), which was established in 2007 to support event organisers and planners in the region. The objective of the MCB was to directly increase the number of conferences, trade fairs and other events in the somewhat sleepy region, while showcasing the City of Brno as
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Moravia
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Moravia is the perfect combination of spectacular rolling hills and cultural excellence, and is now excelling in the world of business tourism with thanks to the Moravia Convention Bureau Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Joe Palliser
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an ideal congress destination. The capital city provides a lively hub of activity, full of students attending the local university, museums, microbreweries and some of the country’s best restaurants. “We are proud to see that the past few years have brought about a positive change to the quality of our infrastructure and services,” explains Petr Ryšánek, Project Manager at the Moravia Convention Bureau. “The city of Brno and the region in general have massively strengthened their position as an important centre for trade fairs and exhibitions.
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“We have the capabilities to provide a professional, cooperative and progressive environment that is sought after by the modern business traveller.” Over the past decade Brno has experienced a new chapter of development, reaffirming its status as a cultural hub with theatres, theatres, cinemas, entertainment in the streets, and a relaxed atmosphere. As the region is becoming more developed in the growing business of computer technology, telecommunications and software development it is quickly heading into the top 50 most innovative places in Europe.
FACTS & FIGURES
Language: Area: Population: Currency:
Czech
Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD:
UTC +1
22,348.87 km2 3,100,000 Bohemian and Moravian Koruna 420 .cz
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M O R A V I A
The Business End BEFORE THE establishment of the MCB, the region and the city of Brno in particular were already attractive destinations for travel with thanks to its long and rich history. Brno has a beautiful and diverse nature about it, alongside astonishing historical and architectural feats that make the city particularly memorable. Perhaps one of the biggest changes seen over the years is the utilisation of the local people to leverage the potential found in the region and enhancing it. In the present day, Moravia combines its history with the new modern and innovative thinking being developed there. The capital city in particular has developed over the years into a dynamic and developed centre of industry, trade,
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science, technology and innovation with research centres of excellence. These centres include CEITEC (Central European Institute of Technology), RECETOX (Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment) and ICRC (International Clinical Research Centre) among many more. Alongside the developments being made to industry in the region, the rehabilitation of the city’s greenery and expansion of Brno’s rebirth in particular is making way for the business travel industry as well as general tourism. The popularity of the region as a business travel and tourist hotspot has greatly increased in recent times, making for an exciting time for MCB in particular as it looks to continue its mission for evolution in the region.
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Opening up new prospects Trade Fairs Brno Congresses | Conferences | Seminars
Holiday Inn Brno is 4* Superior hotel which offers high-standard accommodation, attractive meeting and conference spaces and innovative gastronomy pleasure for all your senses.
The right place for your business stay and meetings in Brno. 120 rooms Meeting rooms for up to 130 persons Info and Booking: Holiday Inn Brno, Krizkovskeho 20, CZ 603 00 Brno T: 00420 543 122 018-019 | E: reservations@hibrno.cz Web | Virtual Tour | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
For reservations contact us on: hotel@vista-hotel.cz | www.vista-hotel.cz Vista City hotel Brno, Hudcova 72, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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M O R A V I A
Moravia Convention Bureau THE MORAVIA Convention Bureau (MCB) was established in 2007 with the main goal of creating an organisation within the region that would work as contact and support for businesses. MCB is a specialised department within the Tourist Authority South Moravia, with the founders and members of the organisation located in the South Moravian region. All activities conducted within MCB are non-profit and are within the scope of Congress, Trade Fair and Incentive Tourism in the Southern Moravian Region, supported by the European Union. Petr Ryšánek, Project Manager at the Moravia Convention Bureau explains to EME Outlook the plans for MCB’s future progress. EME Outlook (EME): Since inception, how has Moravia Convention Bureau developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across? Petr Ryšánek (PR): Our mission has
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remained consistent over the years, aiming to provide assistance and impartial information necessary for congress planning, business meeting or incentive events. Experienced staff are on-hand to help organise your event, suggest suitable venues, supply contacts you require or recommend an additional programme and the Moravia Convention Bureau will also provide printed or electronic promotion materials. It is currently very hard to get the message out about everything our region and capital city has to offer as the competition in the field of the meeting industry is getting stronger and stronger, both in Europe and in the world. We are focusing on less expensive but efficient marketing activities such as online communication, our target market being the Czech Republic, UK and neighbouring countries such as Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia.
EME: To this end, how would you say Moravia has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal? PR: Brno is exceptional when taking into account the number of educational and scientific institutions we have, with 13 universities in the city with more than 30 faculties where 80,000 students learn. After 1989 the city was re-established as the capital of the Czech judicial power. South Moravia and the city of Brno are located in the heart of Europe, very close to the capitals and large central European cities. For example, in order to travel to Vienna or Bratislava it is only a 90 minutes drive; the city of Prague you can reach in two hours; and to Budapest and Krakow it takes three to four hours to drive. In the last few years Brno and South Moravian Region have tried hard to improve the region‘s accessibility by looking for new connections between the international airport in Brno and
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important hub airports. The new direct line connecting Brno and Munich was launched in November, 2015 and has proven to be extremely important for us. Now you can take the connecting flight to dozens of destinations all around the world, while our road and rail transport have also expanded substantially.
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of the MCB. One of these activities being considered is the improvement in cooperation with local scientists and potential congress ambassadors. In 2018, Brno will be celebrating 90 years since the first exhibition (Exhibition of Contemporary Culture) was held on the premises of the Brno Exhibition Centre so the city of Brno is preparing a large festival, exhibitions and other events as commemoration of this significant anniversary.
a suitable and attractive destination for holding congresses, conferences, trade fairs and incentive programmes. With this goal in mind, we try to build a partnership network in which private and public sector cooperate and collaborate efficiently. We would be very glad if Moravia Convention Bureau continues to be seen as firm and reliable part of EME: What is in store for Moravia this network, an important contact and over the course of 2017 and information point which not only actively beyond to continue the good work promotes cooperation but is also a already commenced and to enhance its positive and favourable factor when the reputation as a tourism and business EME: Finally, looking forward, if potential organiser decides whether to we were to speak again in launch a campaign for an event. travel hub further in the future? PR: At MCB we do our best to attract three-five years’ time, what progress As for the business travel industry, we more business travellers to our region and development would you hope and hope to see that sector to be a strong and ensure that congress delegates expect to be able to report back, both in and stable contributor to both the come back in the future as regular regards to the Moravia Convention region and city’s economy. We hope Bureau as an entity, and in regards to the Moravia and Brno will be an established tourists. In the near future, we will continue business travel industry in Moravia as a and renowned destination for business with the commenced successful whole? travellers which is able to offer not only promotional activities such as attending PR: Generally speaking, our goal a high quality of required services but also something more, something special the international trade fairs like IMEX and is to contribute to the economic IBTM, and organising press and FAM trips. development and wellbeing of Brno which would encourage the visitors to On the other hand, we would like and South Moravia. Specifically, we come back, either to work or to enjoy a promote Southern Moravia and Brno as lovely holiday stay. to extend the role and the activities
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M O R A V I A
Outlook Recommends “There are few regions in the world which offer their visitors such a combination of architectural gems, wonderful countryside and traditions that are hundreds of years old.” - czechtourism.com
EVENTS
BVV Trade Fairs Brno
LEISURE
HOSPITALITY Orea Hotel Voronez Maximus Resort Hotel Continental Brno
Old Town Hall Moravian Museum City Zoological Garden
FOOD & DRINK
RETAIL
Borgo Agnese Amphone Soul Bistro
Gallery Vaňkovka
National Theatre Brno
The House of Arts 8
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AVION Shopping Olympia Brno
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Out & About MORAVIA’S CAPITAL city, Brno is one of the most historic cities in the Czech Republic, providing you with an experience to tantalise all the senses. Today the city is home to an array of institutions related to both the history and culture at the heart of the region, while also representing an administrative centre and the headquarters of the republic’s judiciary system. Placed just a short drive from the Austrian border, the capital is perfectly situated for business and pleasure
in a beautifully natural environment between the South Moravian vineyards and Moravian Karst. Unlike a trip to Prague, Brno is still relatively unknown in terms of tourist activity which makes the crowds minimal and manageable for a busy schedule. Brno is quickly becoming a hub for business tourism, with the Moravia Convention Bureau making moves to introduce more events and conferences into the region in the likes of BVV Trade Fairs Brno. With that in
mind, the capital city has seen an influx in hotels displaying a more corporate style of hospitality that welcomes business travellers. However, despite its newly found corporate nature, the city and Moravia in general is still full to the brim of cultural wonders that will fill up your spare time perfectly. You will also find a surprising array of culinary delights to test out during your time in the region, including the renowned Borgo Agnese which provides a selection of seasonal treats.
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M O R A V I A
IMAGE: ŠJŮ
Transport Links
IMAGE: MARTIN HEFNER
IMAGE: RALF ROLETSCHEK / ROLETSCHEK.AT
There are nearly 1,200 km of motorways in the Czech Republic
RegioJet is one of Brno’s more recognisable bus carriers
Cycling is very popular in Moravia
RegioJet, a popular private train service
THE VAST majority of the Southern Moravia region is covered by the Integrated Transport System, including an extensive network of local trains, trams, buses and trolleybuses. Brno is a terminal stop for many of the trains originating in Prague and an important stop for journeys on the Prague to Vienna line. You will find there are a plethora of options for travel, the extent of which ranging from the region of your trip
to the length of your trip. If you are staying in the capital city it is divided into two zones, and IDS JMK tickets are available for use on both buses and trains in each zone. Public transportation in Moravia on the whole is cheap and relatively easy to use, with tickets available at every major bus and tram stop. The city centre is also incredibly bike friendly, with bike paths all over the city and the possibility to rent from
one of two bike-sharing companies located there. If you’re in the region for a longer period of time and plan to do a little more exploring outside of the city, there is also the option to rent a car from one of the independent car rental companies spread across the capital city. If extensive travel around the region will be limited, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced.
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EME
Landmark Attractions Villa Tungndhat
“The Villa of Greta and Fritz Tugendhat, designed by the architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and built in 1929–1930, is a monument of modern architecture, and is the only example of modern architecture in the Czech Republic inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.” - tugendhat.eu
Capuchin Monastery
IMAGE: MORGAN DAVIS FROM SEATTLE, USA
“The Capuchin monastery with the Finding of the Holy Cross Church in Brno is a unique monument which will inspire every lover of history and art. In the original early Baroque building you can admire the valuable Capuchin library with the original Rococo inventory and a ceiling fresco by Josef Stern. Anyone who likes spooky experiences will certainly want to head to the cellar of the monastery, which offers a rarity of European importance – a Capuchin crypt from the 18th century where the naturally mummified remains of members of the Capuchin order, their patrons and prominent personalities of Brno lie.” - czechtourism.com
Špilberk Castle
IMAGE: KIRK
“For over seven centuries, Špilberk Castle has dominated the skyline of Brno, a reminder of the safety and protection it provided. However, there have been times in the history of Brno when the fortress inspired fear, and represented oppression for the citizens of the city.” - spilberk.cz
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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676
ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 672
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