MICE Autumn Edition

From BTMF to the MICE Benelux Event: Bigger & better than ever!

IT’S TIME FOR THE NEXT STEP

The Business Traveller & MICE Fair (BTMF) has been the business travel event of choice for 18 years. But within the evolution of the travel industry, we like to think ‘out of the box’

with our visitors and exhibitors. That’s why BTMF turns into the MICE Benelux Event on September 25! Meet MICE specialists, airlines, DMCs, convention agencies, airlines, hotels, airports and other suppliers who will be happy to

tell you the latest news about their products and services. Catch up, network, have a cup of coffee and do business with many peers in the MICE industry. This unique day will end with a networking dinner. Don’t miss out!

DATE: SEPTEMBER 25

11:00 am - 7:00 pm

LOCATION:

The Rijtuigenloods in Amersfoort

NETWORKING ALL DAY

Open longer!

parking!

Connect live with colleagues, suppliers, representatives and other industry peers.

ALL-INCLUSIVE

Snacks, drinks and a walking dinner included.

Be

TravDay is ‘the place to be’ voor de reisbranche.

REGISTER AT MICEBENELUX.COM/EVENT

Ontmoet collega’s en leveranciers. Praat elkaar bij over de laatste ontwikkelingen en doe business in een informele setting.

presentaties. De dag wordt vanzelfsprekend afgesloten met een waardevolle en gezellige netwerkborrel.

OR SCAN THE QR CODE

Laat je inhoudelijk informeren op de dynamische beurvloer of tijdens een van de vele interessante

A look at tomorrow’s world

Are our jobs at stake with the growth of artificial intelligence? We explored AI’s potential as a MICE agent - according to itself.

Navigating the skies

Inside the innovative journey of Air Belgium with CEO Niky Terzakis. Learn why ‘You fly Belgian class with Air Belgium’ is not just a slogan.

Georgia unveiled

A free spirit, breathtaking landscapes and some of world’s best wines.. how much do you know about this, as we see it, underestimated destination? Join us on your journey to the hidden gem in the Caucasus Mountains

COLOPHON

Editor-in-chief

Tijn Kramer tijn.kramer@travmedia.nl

Editors Belgium & The Netherlands:

Arjen Lutgendorff, Sharon Evers, Dylan Cinjee, Bart Matthijs, Jan Peeters, Theo de Reus, Rahanna van Stapele, Mariska Kesteloo (columnist).

Press relases and info: info@micebenelux.com

TRAVelMEDIA

MICE Benelux. Arendstraat 33A, 1223 RE, Hilversum. www.micebenelux.com

Design: Iris Beenen

Publishers: Tom van Apeldoorn T.J. van Apeldoorn

Sales & Marketing: Sales and information about advertising, etc. tina@travmedia.nl (0031-35-6728855), dennis.ebbers@travmedia.nl (0031-35-6728852),

MICE BENELUX is a TRAVelMEDIA publication.

SUBSCRIPTION:: 29 euro per year

Year 18, issue 3

Welcome to De Werelt: organize your next event in the middle of the woods!

An event location in the middle of one of the most beautiful nature reserves in The Netherlands? Welcome to De Werelt in Lunteren! You will find De Werelt in the middle of the Veluwe. With 15 rooms and its own restaurant, this is the perfect place for a conference, symposium, network meeting or team building day. Feel free to make it two days, because your guests can stay the night in one of our hotel rooms. The absolute strength of this location? That is the beautiful green surroundings.

At De Werelt you can easily host groups of 10 to 600 people. The hotel has sufficient facilities such as a wellness center, cinema, studio and its own restaurant. In addition, De Werelt has sufficient and free parking facilities with electric charging stations. It is a place to completely unwind. And if you are in the middle of the Veluwe, why not fully enjoy the beautiful, wooded surroundings and make full use of them? Do you want to know how? We’d love to tell you!

Get active in the open air

The beautiful green surroundings of De Werelt offer much more than just a

beautiful setting for your event. Inspire and surprise your guests by alternating your event with fun outdoor activities. By combining exercise and relaxation in a unique way, you can get the most out of your event. Start your day together in one of our rooms and then do something active in the open air. For example, go brainstorming while walking or organize a workshop in the woods. You will notice that you get different conversations and ideas because you are outside and on the move. Do you want to work on group dynamics? Then push boundaries with your team on the climbing wall, do a boot camp or yoga session together in the open air or get on a mountain bike. Sounds good, doesn’t it?!

Ideal for a multi-day conference

Do you want to organize a multi-day event? This is no problem at all, because De Werelt offers 125 luxury hotel rooms where you and your guests can spend the night. So wake up in the morning in a premium bed, open the windows for the

fresh forest scent, grab an invigorating shower or swim a few laps in the pool and then enjoy our delicious breakfast buffet. This way everyone starts the next day with full and fresh energy!

Your next event in the middle of the woods of the Veluwe?

Yes you can! Feel free to contact us. We are happy to think along with you about the meeting set-up, room design and culinary & technical interpretation of your event.

Visit our website www.dewerelt.nl/en for more information and easily set up your event online, giving you direct insight into the possibilities and costs.

Tijn Kramer, Editor-in-Chief MICE Benelux

Love is all around

There is no business like the MICE-business. Don’t you agree? It seems these months that everyone is extremely busy and finally some of the hurt caused by Covid can be healed. Still, there is always a need for a get together to network, be informed and have a casual day from your daily routine. So I would like to invite you first and foremost to the MICE Benelux Event coming September 25th. I am very well aware that the market is very busy, but if you do have a spot, join us. It is my firm ambition to get the Benelux Mice Market together again more often than now. As for our magazine, very interesting trends spotted by IRF, updates on the tradeshows, interviews from Belgium and a great destination report from Georgia. And as cherry on top: the wonderful world of weddings…destination weddings, a new trend in our market. Love is all around….

Tijn Kramer

Mariska Kesteloo, columnist

Heroes

Last week I spent an entire week in a monastery with 17 strangers from different industries and two coaches. The title was ‘The best is yet to come’. Breaking through the barriers of your past and how to live a joyful and fulfilling life. Mind blowing!

During that week I heard many breathtaking, powerful and emotional stories and each of them was unique. The struggles, the challenges that we all have, but moreover how resilient we are as human beings. Seeing the most strong and powerful women and men expressing their deepest emotions in a group with strangers. Having the courage to show their vulnerability. Wow! It touched me deeply in my soul. Heroes!

When I worked in the world of start-ups, the transparency, the vulnerability to share their honest challenges was for me an eye-opener. And I strongly believe and see that in our industry, which is facing many challenges, we need this mentality. We need people who stand up and to show our struggles, emotions and challenges. Or ‘authentic’, if you need a trendy word :-) Easier said than done of course, don’t tell me! I know how it is to struggle on a personal and professional level. Showing your vulnerability is like climbing Mount Everest!

I’m convinced that we only can grow if we look back. Look in the mirror and face your challenges. Don’t pretend all goes well when I see you at the next networking event. You don’t need to share all the challenges you’re facing, but you can just say that you find it difficult to generate the revenue that you have foreseen?

We all complain about our industry, but we can’t change it if we keep doing the same thing.

If you do what you did, you always get what you got Just think about it!

Many more challenges will come along our journey, but let’s agree on one thing; share your struggles, show your vulnerability. And share your knowledge, your successes and failures and don’t hide it. Let’s grow up together as human beings and as an industry. Let’s face the challenges.

I am eager to grow and to learn in this dynamic MICE industry. I can’t do this alone, I need buddies. I have an amazing buddy after my week of training, someone who has the courage to say what needs to be said. Allow yourself a buddy, mentor or coach who takes you where you want to go. And say what needs to be said.

Take care heroes, good luck.

TRENDS & TRIPS

Accor shares data on business travel

The demand for business travel is back, with a return to in-person and corporate industry events under the provision that business needs are balanced with social and environmental considerations. All delegates agree the policy is now Purposeful Travel.

PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS

Accor research found that business travel spending is down just 24% from 2019 and is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024 (Deloitte). Accor’s recent global business travel survey aligns with this return to pre-pandemic spend, as 57% of respondents expect an increase on travel budget in 2024 versus 2023 spend. The same corporates place ‘traveller experience’ as the second most crucial consideration in 2024, following cost-savings in order of prominence. And 46% of respondents confirmed they were not likely to limit business travel for the rest of the year.

Saskia Gentil, SVP Sales, Europe & North Africa at Accor, commented: ‘Masters of Travel gives us an in-depth look at the state of play for business travel today.

With businesses trying to strike a balance between productivity and purpose, it’s a time of great change and revaluation for the industry. What’s clear is that after a period of inactivity, delegates are eager to get on the road again. Being mindful of value, sustainability and striking a balance of work and leisure that ensures the wellbeing of employees, businesses can uplift revenue and reinvigorate the art of face-to-face.’

HANDSHAKE

The value of face-to-face is undeniable, with professionals estimating 25% more revenue when meeting in person. And the bottom line isn’t the only equation when workers need interaction with colleagues and associates for their mental health and job satisfaction. Every trip is carefully evaluated in terms of ROI and ROE –return on investment, and, increasingly, return on expectation – no return, no flight.

Virtual meetings are an accepted part of the working landscape in ways that weren’t commonplace pre-Covid, but until the tech catches up and holograms

can smile with feeling, deals are still being sealed with a handshake.

ENVIRONMENTAL CREDENTIALS

Environmental concerns were front of mind for many. An Accor survey of corporate clients revealed that 54% put carbon emissions as their number one CSR priority, and ‘supplier sustainability performance for 2024 hotel sourcing and selection’ was ranked as highly important in their booking decisions. The onus lies both on travellers and hosts, with both parties having to work together for more sustainable travel. More than 70% of Accor hotels have carbon measurement tools in place and delegates were happy to spend more per night for higher environmental credentials.

Combining meetings with purposeful leisure time means travellers are staying longer, doing more, and going down a gear to make the most of their carbon output. While still in its infancy, delegates clearly value ‘bleisure’, as do their employees.

BLEISURE

Younger employees are more likely to combine business with pleasure via blended ‘bleisure’ trips, but the trend is increasingly prevalent across demographics. 67% of clients surveyed in an Accor poll extended their business trips in 2022. Travel bookers urge caution from an insurance standpoint, as partners and families are often not covered and grey areas exist when it comes to splitting invoices, dividing loyalty points and benefits.

Masters of Travel delegates indicated loyalty programmes play a factor in enticing employees to travel for business too, with younger travellers seeking experiential rewards like concerts, drinks and even bicycle hire. ALL: Accor Live Limitless has over 95 partnerships offering rewards, services, and experiences beyond the stay.

Finally, while tech is key to bookings across the board, technology must be people-centric, designed to improve the process and the human touch shouldn’t be far away.

The new Business of Travel report from Accor shares these findings along with new European and global data on business travel

Curaçao Marriott, a perfect oceanfront venue

This 5 star luxury resort is the place to be, tranquil, elegant, vibrant and centrally located, just 15 minutes from the airport, 5 minutes from the capital of Willemstad and opposite the WTC. It offers an ideal backdrop for any kind of event, including corporate incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and retreats. The beach is right in front with easy access to the crystal blue waters of Curaçao.

Events spaces & rooms

Our iconic resort offers outstanding dedicated, on-site event planners and 328 modern guest rooms and eight luxurious suites with ample workspace and a laptop safe. With 12,000 square feet of meeting spaces, our beachfront resort is ready to welcome you and your next group or event into paradise. An array of outdoor spaces are available for meetings, events, weddings and special occasions, each with individual character and enhanced by impeccable Marriott service.

Royal Ballroom

We host small to large groups up to 800 guests, 13 flexible outdoor and indoor event venues, many with stunning ocean views. Our most modern meeting space, the Royal Ballroom, is the perfect space to plan ballroom weddings, conferences, banquets and more. It is sectionable to suit any event size. It is connected with our precious and lush Royal Plaza area, the perfect setup for an outdoor event or reception.

4 Dining concepts

Once you enter Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, the first thing you’ll notice is the open-air lobby, and the spacious lounge overlooking the ocean. Here you’ll find the lively cocktail bar, the Zala Gastro Lounge and the Izakaya Sushi Bar. On the ground level, you can have a fancy dinner at Çspice restaurant, work out in our state of the art fitness centre or take a swim in one of the 2 pools.Enjoy food and beverage

service by the pools or choose to go for a drink, snack or full meal at the Salty Iguana Ocean Grill. Other hotel amenities include a kids club, diveshop and activity centre. There’s also a special walking and running path.

Bonvoy Marriott

The Bonvoy Marriott Loyalty Program is a must for frequent travellers. Members are offered plenty of interesting bonuses with discounts and specials at 7,000 hotels and resorts in 131 countries.

Come visit us for an unforgettable event in ultimate luxury in Curaçao.

marriott.com/curpb

Innovation at BCD Travel

BCD Travel has introduced BCD Invite, a new global solution for managing guest travel. The digital tool simplifies the time-consuming process of planning and managing travel for non-profiled guest travelers.

‘Many of our clients deal with nonprofiled travelers, especially clients in the media & entertainment and life sciences sectors,’ said Yannis Karmis, Senior Vice President of Product Planning & Development at BCD Travel. ‘BCD Invite offers clients a simple, secure, and configurable solution that saves time for bookers and applies travel policy, while providing travellers with a modern search and booking experience without administrative hassle. From now on, bookers can invite both profiled and non-profiled participants to a specific event with specific booking parameters.

This makes managing group travel for companies much simpler.’

The proprietary technology works in conjunction with BCD’s digital platforms and integrates travel policy, authorization, and duty of care for seamless travel management. Travel managers can

RIU opens London Victoria

easily add travellers, create temporary profiles, check booking statuses, and stay in contact with travellers throughout the trip. In just a few clicks, the travel manager or designated booker can define the type of event, configure rules, and invite participants.

attractions are within walking distance. The Riu Plaza is located just a few meters from Victoria Station. With an annual passenger count of nearly 75 million people, it is one of the busiest train stations in the country.

Superior Rooms

RIU Hotels & Resorts continues its expansion of city hotels with the opening of its first hotel in the United Kingdom. The Riu Plaza London Victoria at Neathouse Place No. 1.

The new four-star hotel with 435

rooms is situated in an excellent location in the heart of London, in the Westminster district. Famous landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and many other

The 435 superior rooms and suites are modern and comfortable, offering city views. The most spacious rooms are located on the ground floor. The hotel’s culinary options include a lobby bar and a restaurant where guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet (included in the room rate) in the morning and à la carte meals in the evening. A fitness room is also available for guests 24 hours a day.

Do not miss it: MICE Benelux Event

September 25th, Amersfoort

The MICE Benelux Event is just around the corner: a day dedicated to expanding your knowledge, networking, and staying updated on the latest trends in the MICE and travel industry. Get ready for a day filled with inspiration and innovation. Why wait? Secure your spot now and connect with like-minded experts, forge valuable connections, and attend engaging presentations. And importantly, it’s completely free, whether you’re an independent travel advisor, MICE agent, CEO, purchaser, or product manager.

DAY PROGRAM

11.00 - Reception & opening of the exhibition floor

11.30 - Start breakout sessions

12.00 - Lunch

2.00 pm - Start breakout sessions Red Online Marketing

6.00 pm - Network drink

7.00 pm - End MICE Benelux Event

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH

The MICE Benelux Event will take place at the Rijtuigenloods in Amersfoort, conveniently located next to the Central Station and with ample parking right next to the venue. The day will conclude with a networking drinks reception and a walking dinner until 19:00.

ONLINE MARKETING

The MICE Benelux Event is happening concurrently with TravDay, the trade event for the travel industry. What’s new this time is a collaboration with knowledge partner Red Online Marketing, who will provide various engaging presentations throughout the day on the subject of online marketing

SPECIAL MICE KEYNOTE

We are proud and happy to announce that Mariska Kesteloo will speak on the MICE Benelux Event. Mariska, next to being our regular columnist, is one of the foremost influencers in the MICE-industry.

MARISKA KESTELOO: STORYTELLING, THE ROLE OF INFLUENCERS

‘We work in a people’s business and we do business with people we like and trust. If you are looking for a new destination for your next incentive group you will reach out to your peers, your network, or you remember the destinations we visited. For the younger generation this is more difficult and social media influencers play a huge role. We can use the power of influencers, ambassadors or industry experts in our advantage, but how?

‘Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today’ Mariska created her own process and tools together with her team, she has supported many companies and associations by spreading their story and maintaining the relationships with their customers by using

industry experts. Clients like Singapore Convention Bureau, Vienna House hotels and Helsinki marketing, and many others are part of her portfolio.

Being at both sides of the table, as an industry expert and agency, she knows the insights of each party involved. Working with industry experts is a rewarding journey for all parties involved, and as a company you can get so much more out of a long term collaboration than you possibly thought.

It’s not about one Instagram post. It’s a long term strategic decision aligned with your mission and vision. And stories are the red line of the success of the collaboration.

Mariska will show you how you can create a long term collaboration with industry experts that will benefit all parties involved. Moreover, what you can get out of a professional collaboration with industry experts, by sharing case studies.

Don’t wait longer and register now (More info on micebenelux.com/event/)

EasyJet adds Aqaba and Rovaniemi

This winter, easyJet is adding new routes to its network, expanding the number of destinations from Schiphol to 35. In December, easyJet will start direct flights to Rovaniemi (Lapland, Finland), and in December, to Aqaba (Jordan). The airline will also increase its frequency to Marrakech.

ROVANIEMI

Rovaniemi is located in Finnish Lapland, near the Arctic Circle. The city is a popular destination for the holidays as it is known as the home of Santa

Claus. Visitors can even visit Santa at SantaPark and Santa’s office, along with his reindeer and elves. This makes Rovaniemi a perfect family destination during the winter months. Additionally, Rovaniemi is a favored Aurora spot, where the Northern Lights can be observed during the winter. From December 14 to January 11, easyJet will fly once a week on Thursdays to and from Rovaniemi.

AQABA

During the winter period, easyJet will

Royal Air Maroc shows ambition

also fly to the sunny city of Aqaba. This Jordanian port city is located on the Red Sea and is a favorite spot for divers. History enthusiasts can also enjoy their time in Aqaba. The city has a rich history as one of the main ports of the Roman Empire. The remains of the Roman Church in the center of Aqaba are worth a visit. Also, famous attractions in Jordan, including Petra and Wadi Rum, are easily accessible from Aqaba. EasyJet will fly twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, to Aqaba from November 1 to March 30.

MARRAKECH

In addition to the two new routes, easyJet will increase capacity on the existing route between Amsterdam and Marrakech by 15,000 seats this winter. Starting from November 1, the frequency will also double from two to four times a week, with flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

To achieve this, a deal was signed by Morocco’s Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch, and RAM CEO Hamid Addou to increase the government’s participation in the airline’s capital, the prime minister’s office stated. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Morocco aims to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026, up from 11 million last year. In 2019, Morocco had 13 million visitors. Last year, the sector’s revenue more than doubled compared to 2021, reaching 91 billion dirhams, surpassing the 2019 level. However, by 2037, the goal is to attract 67 million travelers, as Morocco also aims to make Casablanca one of the three largest air transportation hubs in Africa, according to the statement.

The Moroccan national airline, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), plans to quadruple its fleet to 200 aircrafts by 2037 to meet increasing demand, according to the government, as reported by Reuters.

Challenges and opportunities on the horizon

The outlook for incentive travel remains strong…

Building on the insights from the 2022 study, Expectations and Reality

In The Hospitality Industry, the Incentive Research Foundation has collected updated perspectives of key industry groups to understand the current baseline and future outlook for incentive travel expectations.

By Tijn Kramer

METHODOLOGY

This study was conducted from April 30 to June 9, 2023. The first wave of this research was completed in 2022; that questionnaire was revised to account for current market conditions and used as the foundation for the 2023 survey. The questionnaire was approximately 10 minutes in length with questions varying based on the respondent type. A total of 372 respondents completed the survey. The four stakeholder groups were Hoteliers (n=92), Tourism Bureaus/ Convention & Visitors Bureaus (n=19), Destination Management Companies (n=45), and Incentive Planners/Third Party Agency (n=216).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The outlook for incentive travel remains strong, with most respondents expecting travel to increase or remain steady through 2024. About a third of CVBs, tourism bureaus, DMCs, and planners surveyed expect incentive travel to increase between 10% and 49% through 2024. Hoteliers are the most measured in their expectations, perhaps due to increased competition as planners expand their destination consideration to a broader geography based on the successful operation of their recent programs.

The focus for incentive travel in the coming 18 months has shifted slightly in one area. Planners’ consideration of domestic programs has declined ten percentage points, from 83% in 2022 to 73% in the current survey. This may reflect higher levels of confidence in beginning to incorporate international travel into programs based on the successes of 2022.

Even with the successful comeback of group incentive travel, industry professionals are contending with ongoing challenges posed by the broader market. Planners, hoteliers, and destination professionals are aligned in their concerns about the availability of qualified staff to provide needed service levels, as well as the impact of inflation on the cost of executing programs. Industry professionals must work together to reduce the impact to service levels,

program costs, and service or amenity availability.

STAFFING

Maintaining a qualified workforce was a shared challenge in 2022, with terms like ‘Quiet Quitting’ and ‘The Great Resignation’ widely used to describe the collective difficulty recruiting and retaining talent. On the front lines of service delivery, the industry continues to be challenged by talent management. Nearly 60% of hoteliers say finding and hiring qualified staff is a top concern, and 48% indicate that retaining existing staff is a challenge. More than a third are working to build up staffing levels comparable to 2019 levels, and less than 20% of hoteliers feel they are easily able to maintain necessary staffing levels. The top obstacle hoteliers are facing as they work to achieve desired staffing levels is a lack of qualified candidates.

These concerns are not limited to hoteliers. Tourism bureaus place staffing shortages in the top three challenges for their destination. And DMCs feel similarly, as hiring qualified staff and retaining existing employees are two of their top three challenges. DMCs are feeling the financial impact of these labor challenges, with 56% indicating staffing is one of the top drivers of cost increases within their market. Even those organizations that have been able to maintain desired staffing levels have found it challenging. Tourism bureaus and CVBs seem to be the most successful in managing their staffing levels, but even then only 32% of those organizations felt it was easy to do so.

Incentive travel planners are experiencing the impacts firsthand, and 96% indicate that staffing and service levels are a top concern in destination selection. Planners direct these concerns both to the destination and to the hotels. When working with tourism bureaus, CVBs, and DMCs, 87% of planners are concerned with local staffing shortages. (This is second only to concerns about general expense increases – largely an outcome of these staffing challenges.) With hotels, 82% of planners are concerned whether the hotel is able to maintain sufficient levels of qualified staff.

INCENTIVE TRENDS

SERVICE DELIVERY

Planners’ concerns about staffing levels correspond closely with caution about service levels. The focus on staffing and service delivery is amplified from 2022, when the industry was easing out of the pandemic and the collective ethos was ‘we’re in it together.’ In 2023, expectations are high, and planners are watching to see if destinations and hotels are truly ready to deliver prepandemic service levels. Despite 96% of hoteliers indicating their property is fully operational, 75% of planners rank a hotel’s ability to maintain and deliver expected service levels as a top concern. Of the 81% of planners who have conducted a site visit in the past 6 months, only 68% of those site inspections have been up to their organization’s standards – consistent with our 2022 findings. Tourism bureaus, CVBs, and DMCs seem to appreciate these concerns. When asked what challenges event organizers should anticipate over the next 18 months, 36% indicate overall service availability and 20% point specifically to hotel service changes.

PLANNER PERSPECTIVE

The survey’s planner respondents’ perspectives are borne from experience – 92% of responding planners have operated a group incentive travel program in the past 18 months. Among these planners, 88% indicate that competitive rates and prices remain worse than prepandemic rates, and 80% indicate that hotel responsiveness is worse than 2019 levels. Among areas that have recovered or surpassed 2019 programs are activities and recreation (both on and off property), quality of food, event and activity options, and responsiveness from tourism bureaus and CVBs.

When partnering with tourism bureaus, CVBs, and DMCs, planners are primarily concerned with general expense increases and local staffing shortages. Higher costs coupled with real concerns about the overall experience delivery puts all parties in a challenging position, especially as the pandemic becomes more of a shared memory than a current constraint.

On similar themes to the destination organizations, planners report concerns about the ability of hoteliers to provide adequate staffing to deliver service levels,

as well as the expectation of increased operational costs and the impact those factors might have on their programs.

HOTEL PERSPECTIVE

Nearly half of the hotelier respondents represent a resort property. Perspectives of large chains, multi-property brands, boutique hotels, and conference hotels are also represented. A majority of the hotelier respondents consider incentive group travel to be important to their hotel’s profitability, and 88% are responsible for booking incentive travel programs.

As noted earlier, 96% of hotelier respondents indicate their property is fully operational. For the majority (85%) of those hoteliers, that means they have returned to levels of service, amenity, and facility availability comparable to 2019 levels. Another 13% feel they have achieved fully-operational status after making permanent adjustments to operational levels compared to 2019.

One key aspect of service delivery that has changed significantly over the past several years is housekeeping. Daily housekeeping is no longer an automatic expectation – only 72% of hoteliers currently provide housekeeping daily. Another 5% plan to return to daily housekeeping in the next 18 months, meaning 20% will continue to operate at a reduced level of service compared to 2019. This may not be expected or understood by planners, and transparency will be important as the parties work together to design a program.

While working to regain ground lost during 2020 and 2021, hoteliers are facing numerous concerns about operating costs, primarily related to staffing and inflation. Recruiting qualified staff is by far the top concern, followed by inflation impact to cost of goods and retaining existing talent. About one third indicate group food and beverage service and general operating expense management are priorities. A smaller set of hoteliers continue to struggle with supply chain issues.

With the continued pressure to provide competitive pricing in the face of higher costs due to inflation, hoteliers have to decide how much of that cost differential to pass on to clients. The most common strategy, used by seven in ten hoteliers, is to find a way to meet in the middle by passing a portion, but not all of the additional cost, on to planners.

TOURISM BUREAUS, CVBS, AND DMCS

As with the other stakeholder groups, destination management organizations are feeling the most pressure from increasing costs and ongoing staffing shortages. They are also working to solve for the closure of preferred venues and transportation challenges within their local market.

As they are not on the front line of service delivery, tourism bureaus and CVBs aren’t experiencing staffing challenges in the same way service providers are. Their concerns exist more at a market or destination level, and they are likely monitoring and raising concerns about the impact of staffing shortages on the ability to attract desirable programs.

The primary challenges in maintaining a service-ready workforce are similar for both groups of DMOs. The lack of qualified candidates, elevated wage expectations, and the resources required to get new hires to a level of proficiency combine to create a considerable challenge for tourism bureaus, CVBs, and DMCs.

As a front-line service provider, DMCs have hands-on experience with the challenges of the current market when executing a group incentive travel program. They indicate there are two primary drivers of cost increases –transportation and staff. These factors also ranked as top concerns with tourism bureaus and CVBs, confirming these are broad market level challenges rather than execution issues for specific DMCs.

DMCs are addressing these cost increases by passing along some or all of the cost to the buyer. This is distinct from hoteliers,

71% of whom are absorbing some portion of the cost increase. More than a third of DMCs are passing along all of the additional cost to the buyer, compared to 12% of hoteliers. As the “general contractor” for an array of local services, many of which are likely small businesses compared to the hotels, DMCs are definitely feeling the pressure of broader market conditions.

When asked how they are balancing the pressure to deliver 2019-level amenities and services considering the higher operational costs they’re currently facing, several themes emerged:

- Communication & transparency

– working with clients to manage expectations and understand priorities

- Creative program design – provide attendees more free time and reduce the number of activities, and prioritize highimpact, high-value program elements

- Contract strategy – encourage clients to lock in programs earlier to avoid anticipated cost increases

- Negotiations – stronger focus on securing good contracts on behalf of the client

- Selectivity – being more purposeful in working with clients who see the value of the services and understand the current market conditions

When considering their biggest challenges for incentive travel programs over the coming 18 months, DMCs are focused on solving for destination infrastructure readiness, growth initiatives to drive volume, positioning effectively against competing destinations, and recruiting qualified staff.

HOTELIERS & INCENTIVE PLANNERS

To provide some additional insight on the alignment within the industry, each stakeholder group was asked to assess the working relationship with their counterpart group. Hoteliers and planners seem well-aligned, with both groups rating the partnership as excellent. Perspectives diverge, however, when the two groups are asked to rate the recent incentive travel experience hoteliers have

provided. Hoteliers are pleased with the experience they have provided, and 40% give a rating of ‘excellent.’ Planners are much less likely to rate the experience as excellent, instead opting for very good or good ratings.

DMCS & INCENTIVE PLANNERS

Again, when assessing the general quality of the partnership, DMCs and planners agree that their relationships are excellent. When asked more specifically about the experience delivered on recent incentive programs, DMCs are more likely to provide an “excellent” rating than planners are.

SUMMARY

Incentive travel demand seems to have largely recovered to 2019 levels – perhaps even beyond. Industry stakeholders face ongoing challenges as the effects of inflation and a tight labor market continue to reverberate throughout the supplier segments. There is agreement across planners, hotels, DMCs, and CVBs that staffing shortages may continue to challenge service availability in the coming months, requiring creative approaches to program design. This is particularly difficult in the context of increasing operational costs; clients expect increasing program costs to correlate to a higher level of service delivery. All parties agree that transparency, communication, and partnership are essential to effectively navigating the design and delivery of today’s incentive travel programs.

Pandox: Pioneering Sustainability in the Hotel Industry

Pandox is a progressive player in the hotel real estate market, positioning itself as a reliable partner for leading hotel operators since 1995. With an impressive portfolio of 159 hotels and approximately 35,800 rooms across 15 countries, Pandox holds a market value where property management constitutes about 80%, and operational activities make up the remaining 20%. Pandox contributes to advancing sustainability in a way that not only reduces the company’s ecological footprint but also fuels its growth. I had a conversation with Caroline

Tivéus, Senior Vice President and Director of

Business at Pandox.

By Pieter Weymans

Sustainable

Caroline, could you elaborate on your role as Director of Sustainable Business and how you collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to integrate sustainability into Pandox’s daily operations?

‘Absolutely. As my title suggests, my role revolves entirely around sustainable

Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Since this summer, Pandox has become a member of the prestigious Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. This alliance isn’t just a collaboration; it’s an impressive global network comprising over 270 prominent brands and more than 50,000 hotels. These brands and hotels, spanning various continents, share a common goal: to create a positive impact on our planet. They unite their strengths, resources, and expertise to take tangible steps towards a future that is both sustainable and inclusive.

business practices. I identify ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) issues that significantly impact Pandox’s financial performance and risk profile. This approach aligns with our corporate strategy, focusing on efforts that contribute most to our long-term value creation. As a member of the executive management group, I ensure that sustainability remains at the forefront of our agenda. This is crucial because sustainability is business-critical, complex, and transformative, affecting all departments and employees. However, it’s not a one-person show. I have the support of a team of brilliant colleagues and specialized staff and consultants who execute on the field. A new aspect in terms of stakeholders is the increased engagement with our banks and investors, who place growing importance on ESG standards within the context of the European Green Deal Investment Plan.’

Could you tell us about Pandox’s sustainability goals and strategies and how they align with the company’s overall business objectives?

‘Pandox has always been highly datadriven, which is why we’ve adopted scientifically grounded goals (Scientific

Based Targets) that suit us well. These goals target the company’s largest emissions and areas where the impact on climate change is most significant. They also align with the Paris Agreement, which guides all regulations. This ensures the future resilience of our company. Our goals are currently being validated by SBTi, and we hope to communicate this soon. Our highest priority is phasing out gas, reducing our footprint in renovations, and continually improving energy efficiency. Behavioral change plays a pivotal role in this. In 2022, we decided to break down our general objectives to a per-hotel basis for our own operated hotels. We’ve incorporated a sustainability index into the productivity system of general managers for their day-to-day activities. The aim is to visualize sustainability topics and objectives, creating a daily focus. The index covers six categories: energy, water, food waste, waste, towels and linens, and chemicals, depending on impact. Starting this year, the variable cash reward for hotel managers is directly linked to this index. In each hotel we operate, we’ve deployed a sustainability coach to achieve the set goals per hotel through enhanced focus and coordination.’

Pandox Hotels in Belgium

- The Hotel Brussels

- DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City

- Holiday Inn Brussels Airport

- nhow Brussels Bloom (*)

- Hotel Indigo Brussels City

- City Box Brussels (opening 2024) (*)

- Hilton Brussels Grand Place

- NH Brussels EU Berlaymont (*)

- Hotel Hubert Brussels

- Crowne Plaza Antwerpen (*) Investment property only

How does Pandox measure and report its sustainability performance, and what frameworks and indices are used?

‘Data is everything; without data, you’re merely a person with an opinion. Today’s challenge is that no single system meets all requirements. That’s why we have an overarching data system for sustainability reporting, integrating other systems to build an optimal solution for Pandox.

We’re currently working to automate environmental data as much as possible by sourcing data directly from suppliers to prevent human errors and save time in data reporting. In terms of reporting, we’re also preparing for the new European CSRD directive, which takes effect on January 1st and naturally follows the Taxonomy. Externally, we prioritize assessments like CDP and GRESB, which are important to investors and banks. For operational and guest-centric measures, we rely on standards from labels such as Green Key and Nordic Swan.’

Looking ahead, what are the future sustainability goals, and how will Pandox continue to prioritize sustainability in its operations?

‘The Science Based Targets and action plans tied to these climate goals will be our guiding star, as our greatest impact and contribution as a property owner are linked to climate and the environment. However, the social aspect is also crucial, especially in our owned and operated hotels. Therefore, we’re analyzing if and how social aspects and impact can be

Concrete Achievements in Pandox Hotels

- After appointing a sustainability coach and implementing the Go Green Performance Management Index, Hotel Indigo reduced electricity consumption per hotel night by almost 25% in just two months. This translates to a reduction of 12.3 kg CO2 and a saving of €4900.

- In various Pandox hotels, including The Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Grand Place, Hotel Indigo, and Hotel Hubert in Brussels, they use Enozo or Raypath cleaning products that are chemicalfree. Radisson Blu Bremen achieved a significant Return On Investment within 6 months through this initiative.

- In Bremen, through a collaboration with Klimato, the ecological footprint per dish is displayed on the menu. Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Airport and Hilton

Grand Place are quickly following suit with this initiative.

- Numerous hotels, including Crowne Plaza Antwerp, DoubleTree by Hilton Brussels City, and Hotel Indigo Brussels City, have installed water fountains to replace plastic water bottles in rooms.

- Hotel Indigo in Brussels and Radisson Blu Bremen offer a plant-based beef option on their menu and are working on a wide range of plant-based products.

- Pandox not only focuses on the MICE market but also has specific initiatives to ensure event sustainability, such as low-impact menus, waste management, CO2 reporting, and reducing paper consumption, among others.

included in the sustainability index. We’re also rolling out new diversity and inclusion goals that will be central in the coming years. My key advice: prioritize sciencebased goals, as they align with ambitious objectives and future regulations, in line with the Paris Agreement and global trends. It’s ambitious, relevant, and material, and will make your company future-proof!’

Whether you’re looking to host your next meeting, or a memorable incentive trip to a Mediterranean location, the Maltese Islands are your next destination!

Tim Rosman, columnist

The Event Revolution; from time well spent to time well invested

Can you feel it?

On August 29, I visited the 2nd edition of Project Playground. After a successful but limited first edition in the midst of the corona pandemic, expectations were high for this ‘inspiration festival’ hosted for- and by the Event sector. Once again, a group of suppliers and creative leaders from the industry took the effort to put their necks out in organizing an event for more than 300 industry peers that stimulated and challenged all senses.

Of course the fantastic venue ‘Sugar Factory’ served as the ideal backdrop for an event like this.

And of course Boozed’s tasteful and colorful furniture and decoration added to the whole look and feel. And yes, the AV from Bazelmans and catering from Hete Peper were also of an exceptionally high and creative level. But what really made an impact on me was the message behind the event. It was precisely this translation done by Plugged Live Shows that gave Project Playground so much more depth than just a fun, inspiring afternoon.

Wasn’t the title ‘Twenty Three Choices’ secretly already a reference to a deeper layer? A nod to the first edition in Twenty (2020) plus the 3 choices that we as a sector now face? Because not only events have to change, the whole world is on the eve of major transitions. Challenges on climate and sustainability, inclusiveness and diversity and how to deal with the (digital) future of, for example, A.I. and Machine Learning. It should not be a surprise that those 3 themes formed the foundation for Project Playground. Not only in scenery and Eye Candy, but also in terms of content. And with that, this event became more than a meeting. It became an appeal. A Call To Action. ‘Use events as a live channel to communicate a message’. We connect the connectors. We reach people through experiences and let our visitors experience something that transcends plain text or images. And for that we have a fantastic palette of sensory tools that we can use.

It’s time for an event revolution. No longer the place for chatter, powerpoints and closing drinks, but but a mature tool to transcend your scarce time from merely spending it to wisely investing it.

Because despite the flashbacks to Stanley Kubrick’s iconic and tantalizing masterpiece ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ with a very young Tom Cruise, Project Playground was, in my humble opinion, in particular an alarm bell: what will you do differently as an event professional from now on?

The Clock is Ticking…

Let Les Jeux begin... Paris ready for Olympics 2024

The city of lights gears up for the world’s biggest sport event

In the bustling heart of France, an atmosphere of anticipation is building as Paris and the rest of the country prepare to host the most colossal sports event on the planet. The upcoming year promises an influx of global visitors as they flock to the city for the highly anticipated 2024 Olympic Games. The prospect of orchestrating events during the Games, or even leading up to it, with a sporty flair is an enticing one. Let’s delve into the excitement that’s brewing.

Marking the second edition of the Paris

What’s Up Day, a remarkable event organized by Paris je t’aime - Convention Bureau in collaboration with the Paris Region Tourism Board and Atout France, a wave of meetings, exchanges, and new venue discoveries swept through. This unique occasion provided the perfect opportunity to explore the Parisian landscape and its fresh MICE offerings, all centered around the theme of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the

What’s Up Day approached, Paris was evolving into a city ever more committed to sustainability and civic engagement, fueled by the values inspired by the world of sports.

Academic to dynamic

The impending 2024 Olympics are set to introduce new disciplines, with Paris readily embracing them. Spaces across the city have opened their doors to these novel activities, many of which

originated on the streets themselves. Breaking, skateboarding, and sport climbing have found a home in the city’s landscape, becoming inspiring settings for fresh events, new neighborhoods, and innovative professionals.

One remarkable example is the CentquatreParis, a historical and cultural venue that has also become a hub for breaking athletes. The venue buzzes with a diverse array of activities each day, ranging from the academic to the dynamic. Its expansive

OLYMPICS PARIS 2024

spaces transform into showcases, seminar rooms, reception areas, catwalks, and performance halls, offering endless possibilities. For a more athletic endeavor, the Five Paris 18th sport center awaits. Primarily designed for sports, these facilities can also be privately rented for corporate affairs. Another exciting addition to the city’s offerings is beach volleyball at the Sand Fabrik, boasting the first covered beach in France, complete with a sprawling 1,000m² area for sporting pursuits and corporate gatherings.

Not to be forgotten is sport climbing, a discipline added to the Paris 2024 roster. Ideal for team-building activities, Climb Up Aubervilliers provides excellent sites for experiencing this thrilling sport that remains accessible to all.

Rooftop urban farm

As the Games draw closer, attention is naturally turning to the Olympic Village and the various sports venues spread across the northern part of Paris. These developing districts are poised to become the epicenter of the Games before transitioning into

vibrant hubs of attraction and event hosting. For those eager to explore these evolving areas ahead of time, the Docks de Paris presents an intriguing opportunity. This nationally recognized cultural heritage site comprises historic warehouses and general stores, offering a vast 8,500 m² of flexible space, positioning it as one of the capital’s largest convention centers. For event planners seeking immersive and meaningful experiences, Plantation Paris steps forward. This rooftop urban farm sprawls over 7,000 m², housing an exquisite event space and terrace. With one side adorned by a vegetable garden and greenhouse, and the other providing a panoramic view of Montmartre, this venue offers a unique ambiance.

Immersive experience

Embracing the Olympic and Paralympic Games as an integral part of your event strategy is a savvy move. These 15-day periods of unparalleled entertainment not only bring the world to Paris but also embody profound values and an extraordinary heritage that can infuse

depth and inspiration into corporate gatherings, both now and in the years to come. Certain venues excel at infusing events with significance. The Maison du Handball’s distinct campus stands as the

national training center for the country’s handball teams. Offering an immersive experience at the core of sports, this locale extends its facilities for residential seminars, complete with sports sessions, motivational talks by athletes and coaches, and insights into disability sports. The experience crescendos with the spirited ‘Olympiade party.’

The expansive and ultramodern Accor Arena is a prime stage for major international sporting events. In 2024, it is set to host basketball, artistic gymnastics, trampoline gymnastics, and wheelchair basketball events. Capable of accommodating private events for up to 20,000 attendees, this arena is a multifaceted gem.

Stade de France

And then there’s the iconic Olympic Stadium, the Stade de France. Instead of investing in an expensive new stadium, Paris has opted for the time-tested classic. This venue has played host to international artists, as well as monumental football and rugby matches. In 2023, the Rugby World Cup will command the spotlight with no fewer than 10 games taking place on its hallowed grounds. In 2024, the Stade de France will shine as the Olympic stadium, housing a range of athletic and rugby competitions. Beyond its sporting

significance, the stadium has become a cornerstone of corporate events, drawing in companies aiming to align with its values of teamwork, respect, and selfimprovement. Committed to sustainable practices, the Stade de France takes active steps toward minimizing its impact while championing regional connections. Each year, more than 150 corporate events find a home within its walls.

Paris is undoubtedly embracing the upcoming Olympics as a pivotal moment that will forever influence its landscape, values, and the way it welcomes the world. Whether you’re planning an event that coincides with the Games or simply seeking to imbue your corporate gatherings with the energy and spirit of this historic event, the city stands ready to provide an unforgettable experience.

A deep diving chat with Artificial Intelligence

There is a new kid in town. Artificial Intelligence is here to stay and is impacting the business travel market like few phenomena before. Is it evil? A benefit? Will it help us? And how can we use it for the greater good? When in doubt…just ask.

By: Tijn Kramer

Dear Artificial intelligence (this time we opt for Google Bard)…What are the key trends in the MICE market?

‘- The rise of mobile technology: MICE attendees are increasingly using mobile devices to plan their travel, book accommodations, and connect with other attendees.

- The focus on sustainability: MICE event organizers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact.

- The demand for personalized experiences: MICE attendees are looking for events that are tailored to their specific interests and needs.

The MICE market is a dynamic and growing industry. By understanding the key trends that are shaping the market, businesses can position themselves to succeed in this lucrative sector.’

Can AI replace Travel Management Companies?

‘Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the travel industry, and it is possible that AI could eventually replace the need for travel management companies (TMCs). However, it is unlikely that this will happen anytime soon. TMCs provide a number of valuable services to businesses, including:

- Travel planning and booking: TMCs can help businesses book flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements. They can also help businesses manage their travel budgets and track their spending.

- Risk management: TMCs can help businesses mitigate the risks associated with travel, such as flight cancellations and lost luggage.

- Compliance: TMCs can help businesses comply with government regulations governing travel, such as those related to visa requirements and financial transactions.

- Customer service: TMCs can provide customer service to businesses and their employees, such as answering questions about travel arrangements and resolving travel problems.’

AI is already being used by TMCs to automate some of these tasks, such as booking flights and hotels. However, AI is not yet able to provide the same level of

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

personalized service and expertise that TMCs can. For example, AI cannot yet understand the specific needs of a business or its employees, or recommend travel arrangements that are tailored to those needs.

In addition, AI is not yet able to provide the same level of risk management and compliance services as TMCs. For example, AI cannot yet assess the risks associated with a particular travel destination, or help businesses comply with government regulations.

As AI continues to develop, it is likely that TMCs will need to adapt their services to incorporate AI. However, it is unlikely that AI will completely replace TMCs anytime soon. TMCs will continue to play an important role in the travel industry, providing businesses with the personalized service, expertise, risk management, and compliance services that they need.’

You as a digital phenomenon: can online meetings replace live meetings?

‘Ultimately, the best choice for a particular meeting will depend on the specific needs of the meeting. If the meeting is important and requires a strong personal connection, then a live meeting may be the best choice.

If the meeting is less important or can be conducted just as effectively with a digital meeting, then a digital meeting may be the best choice.’

Should we be afraid? Are jobs at stake with the growth of AI?

‘It is possible that AI could cause job loss in the MICE market, but it is also likely that AI will create new jobs in this sector.

On the one hand, AI is capable of automating many of the tasks that are currently performed by MICE professionals.

As AI becomes more sophisticated, it is likely that it will be able to automate even more of the tasks that are currently performed by MICE professionals. This could lead to job losses in this sector. On the other hand, AI is also capable of creating new jobs in the MICE market. For example, AI can be used to:

- Develop new marketing campaigns: AI can be used to analyze data to identify trends and patterns. This information can be used to develop new marketing campaigns that are more likely to be successful.

- Provide customer service: AI can be used to provide customer service to MICE attendees. This can free up MICE professionals to focus on other tasks.

- Develop new technologies: AI can be used to develop new technologies that can improve the MICE experience. For example, AI could be used to create virtual reality simulations of event venues or to develop chatbots that can answer attendee questions.

As AI continues to develop, it is likely that it will create new jobs in the MICE market. These jobs will require new skills and knowledge, and MICE professionals who are able to adapt to the changing landscape will be well-positioned for success.’

What do you think, does incentive travel ‘pay for for itself’?

‘Incentive travel can pay for itself in a number of ways. Here are some of the ways that incentive travel can be a good investment for businesses:

- Increased sales: Incentive travel can motivate employees to sell more products or services. This can lead to increased sales and revenue for the business.

- Improved customer service: Incentive travel can help to improve customer service by giving employees the opportunity to learn about the customer’s needs and expectations. This can lead to happier customers and increased sales.

- Reduced turnover: Incentive travel can help to reduce employee turnover by making employees feel valued and appreciated. This can lead to lower costs associated with hiring and training new employees.

- Increased productivity: Incentive travel can help to increase productivity by giving employees a break from the daily grind and a chance to relax and recharge. This can lead to employees being more focused and productive when they return to work.

- Improved morale: Incentive travel can help to improve morale by giving employees a chance to socialize and bond with their colleagues. This can lead to a more positive and productive work environment. Of course, the success of an incentive travel program will depend on a number of factors, such as the selection of the right destination and activities, the budget, and the overall planning and execution of the program. However, when done correctly, incentive travel can be a valuable tool for businesses to improve their bottom line.’

What are the best ways for the MICE-professional to stay up to date concerning Artificial Intelligence?

‘Here are some of the best ways for a business travel professional to stay up-todate with AI in their field of work:

- Read industry publications: There are a number of industry publications that cover the latest trends in AI in the travel industry. Reading these publications can help business travel professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and to learn about new applications of AI in the travel industry.

- Attend conferences and workshops: There are a number of conferences and workshops that are dedicated to AI in the travel industry. Attending these events can help business travel professionals to network with other professionals in the field, learn about the latest trends, and get hands-on experience with AI-powered solutions.

- Take online courses: There are a number of online courses that can teach business travel professionals about AI in the travel industry. Taking these courses can help business travel professionals to learn the basics of AI and to develop the skills they need to use AI-powered solutions in their work.

- Talk to experts: There are a number of experts in AI in the travel industry. Talking to these experts can help business travel professionals to learn about the latest trends, get advice on how to use AI in their work, and network with other professionals in the field.

- Experiment with AI-powered solutions: There are a number of AI-powered solutions that are available for business travel professionals to use. Experimenting with these solutions can help business travel professionals to learn how they work and to see how they can be used to improve their work.’

How can AI help for business travel to be more sustainable?

‘Artificial intelligence (AI) can help business travel to be more sustainable in a number of ways, including:

- Optimizing travel routes: AI can be used to optimize travel routes to minimize fuel consumption and emissions. For example, AI can be used to identify the most

efficient way to travel between two points, taking into account factors such as traffic conditions and flight schedules.

- Recommending sustainable travel options: AI can be used to recommend sustainable travel options to business travelers, such as public transportation, carpooling, or video conferencing. For example, AI can be used to analyze historical booking data to identify which transportation options are the most popular with business travelers, and to identify which options are the most sustainable.

- Incentivizing sustainable travel: AI can be used to incentivize sustainable travel by offering rewards and discounts to business travelers who choose sustainable travel options. For example, businesses could offer employees points or cash rewards for booking flights with low emissions airlines, or for using public transportation for business travel.

- Educating business travelers: AI can be used to educate business travelers about the environmental impact of travel and the benefits of sustainable travel. For example, AI could be used to create personalized travel guides that highlight sustainable travel options and provide information about the environmental impact of different transportation options.’

Look me in the eyes and be honest: Is Artificial Intelligence eventually hostile and aiming for the end of mankind?

‘There is no evidence to suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) is eventually hostile and aiming for the end of mankind. AI is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or evil. It is up to humans to decide how AI is used.

There are some people who worry that AI could become so intelligent that it surpasses human intelligence and becomes hostile towards humans. This is called the ‘AI control problem.’ However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that this is a real possibility.

In fact, most experts believe that AI is more likely to be beneficial to humans than harmful. AI can be used to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, such as climate change, poverty, and disease. Of course, there are risks associated with AI, just as there are risks associated with any new technology. It is important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to mitigate them. However, there is no reason to believe that AI is inherently hostile to humans.

Overall, the potential benefits of AI far outweigh the risks. AI has the potential to make the world a better place, and it is up to humans to ensure that it is used for good.’

First preview on IBTM World 2023

IBTM World has revealed first details of its 2023 edition, which will see an evolution in the show’s culture creation campaign. Returning to its iconic home in Fira, Barcelona on the 28th to the 30th of November, every aspect of the event has been carefully curated to illustrate the influence of event professionals in shaping culture and driving the future of business.

By Tijn Kramer

IBTM World 2023 will include new and exciting elements and a targeted education programme to reflect the changing needs of attendees. Business culture thrives when we are together, and the event’s mission is to provide a space for this culture to grow; especially important given our more isolated professional and personal lives. IBTM World will feature purpose-driven content to optimise attendees’ time and ensure every moment is a catalyst for growth and inspiration.

New look education

Visitors to this year’s event will find a reinvigorated education programme, with five distinct feature areas all serving different needs: the Main Stage, the Impact Stage, Workplace Revolution, ReFuel and the Associations Leaders’ Forum, with the show’s cultural theme embedded into each pillar. The Impact Stage will make its debut this year, acting as the best-in-class showcase for the exciting work that Destinations, Hotels, and Tech suppliers

are doing across sustainability, D&I, experience design & more. Destination sessions will be curated by The Business Of Events, the Global Think Tank and Policy Platform for the business events industry, and will also feature the launch of the annual Global Destination Report. Sessions will be fast-paced and value-led, lasting no longer than 20-minutes and in the form of case studies and bestpractice, allowing Hosted Buyers to glean maximum value between meetings. Also new this year is Workplace

Revolution – a welcoming space where attendees can make the valuable connections they weren’t expecting. Here they can continue conversations in a relaxed setting with inspirational figures (including speakers from the main stage), dissect topics in greater detail and ask those burning questions. With amenities, comfortable seating and an informal campfire-style atmosphere, this is the place for people to come together, connect and enjoy key aspects of business culture that they might well be missing with the increase in working from home.

In recognition of the importance of wellbeing, especially at busy trade shows like IBTM World, and the increasing pressures that we all face in our daily lives, IBTM’s wellbeing hub has rebranded to ‘ReFuel’. A zen-like pod which allows attendees time and space to relax and recharge their physical and mental batteries. It includes a wellbeing bar, sound and aromatherapy healing and solo working area to provide respite from a busy show floor.

Strong exhibitor sales

An incredible 60 percent of the floor space for this year’s IBTM World has already been sold, surpassing this stage in 2019 and demonstrating a strong appetite for the event and a positive outlook for the industry. Exhibiting destinations include The Croatian National Tourist Board – a rising star of the European meetings industry; Meet Boston, which is launching their new brand at the event; and Enit Agenzia Nazionale del Turismo returns – which will return with a strong regional presence along with multiple private companies, and Meet In Ireland, who will return with 35+ suppliers from across the island of Ireland. Melia Hotels International will attend to launch its new hotel in Barcelona, and Romania’s Backstage Production Group, a full-service event production company, will be joining for the first time. Multinational corporations include DELL Tech; Forbes; Intel; Michelin; Delta Air Lines, Sportradar, Puma Sports, Citigroup Inc, Amex GBT,

Aareal Bank AG, and Zalando. Event agencies in attendance will be Aim Group International, BCD Meetings & Events, CWT Meetings & Events, Helmsbriscoe, HPN Global, Kuoni Global Travel Services AG, TUI, Opus Agency, Morris Meetings & Events, and VOYEL. David Thompson, Event Director, IBTM World, comments: ‘Business events can be a profound force for change; both

economic and social. Events have the power to bring better business results and drive forward agendas around important initiatives. Events are also a place to build communities and create vibrant and positive cultures which are sorely missing from modern working. This year, we’re on a mission to show business the true power of events and shine a spotlight on the #culturecreators who run them.’

IMEX starts new impact team:

The new Impact team will oversee Industry Relations, Advocacy and Advancement, as well as the company’s wider Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy. The team’s creation also reflects IMEX’s new Purpose, Mission and especially its Vision, which is ‘a thriving global events industry focused on positive change.’

The purpose of the new initiative is to broaden IMEX’s positive influence on the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry and the local communities in which it works: Brighton (UK), Frankfurt (Germany) and Las Vegas (USA). It will include all the projects and charitable endeavours that IMEX either drives or supports, many of which have previously been reliant on volunteers and passionate individuals

within the business. Well-known director Natasha Richards leads the new team, having been appointed Director of Impact and Industry Relations. Working closely with other team members and industry stakeholders, she will oversee all industry partnerships, sponsorships, pan-industry initiatives and strategic alliances for the IMEX Group. Natasha is already well-known and respected throughout the industry primarily for her advocacy role, which centres around the IMEX Policy Forum, held at IMEX Frankfurt each year.

Air Belgium - A Unique Approach to Aviation

In a recent interview, Niky Terzakis, the CEO of Air Belgium, shared insights into the company’s distinctive approach to aviation. Air Belgium, an intriguing airline, has faced various challenges since its inception seven years ago. Terzakis, a true aviation enthusiast, leads the company with a blend of experience, passion, and confidence in the future.

By Bart Matthijs

Niky Terzakis

Air Belgium demonstrates great agility, with Terzakis and his team being unafraid to make swift decisions. However, there’s one decision they will never compromise on: the quality of service or product. ‘You fly Belgian class with Air Belgium’ is not just a slogan but a reality.

Different path

Air Belgium stands out as a unique airline in the global landscape. Unlike most airlines, it carries the name of its home country as a brand, even though it doesn’t hold the official status of a ‘national airline’. Established officially in 2016 and acquiring its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in March 2018, the airline embarked on flights from Charleroi to Hong Kong. Despite initial plans for regular connections to Hong

Kong, Zhangou, Taiyuan, and even the Philippines and Tokyo, challenges with Chinese tour operator partners led to quick adaptations in 2019. The airline flew for third parties, including TUI fly, LOT, British Airways, Air France, and others, achieving profitability in 2019. The outbreak of COVID-19 prompted Terzakis to make a resolute decision: ‘Air Belgium keeps flying.’

While many airlines grounded their planes and sought government aid during the pandemic, Air Belgium chose a different path. Terzakis explains, ‘We searched for opportunities. Repatriation, cargo transportation, and eventually delivering vaccines worldwide became our focus during the pandemic. Those years were a period of hard work for Air Belgium.’

Belgitude

The challenging times were instrumental in shaping the ‘Air Belgium spirit.’ Reflecting on the journey, Terzakis sees a highly motivated team composed of ‘ordinary people who often achieve exceptional performance.’ This sense of teamwork is a source of pride for him.

Despite the positive strides, there’s an aspect that occasionally vexes the CEO. ‘Apparently, in certain circles, including the media, opinions about Air Belgium are polarized. There is no middle ground. Every time we, like other airlines, make decisions, criticism follows. Often without even contacting us. Is it the name that stands out, our pride in carrying the ‘Belgium’ name in our banner, our commitment to ‘Belgitude’ in everything we do, or the blend of flexibility and self-assuredness that defines us? Is it our somewhat unconventional shareholder structure? I don’t know.’

Terzakis points out that numerous airlines have quietly faded from the radar since Air Belgium’s inaugural flights in 2018. However, he acknowledges that Air Belgium maintains its distinct dynamism and a clear strategic approach.

‘In certain circles, opinions about Air Belgium are polarized’

Resilience

Addressing the speculation and rumors about the airline’s ‘precarious situation’ at the end of 2022, Terzakis acknowledges that the media coverage made things tougher. He remarks, ‘It was strange and frankly exhausting to see stories circulating without contacting us first. Let’s be honest though: I don’t know of any airline today that isn’t facing financial challenges. Except maybe Ryanair.’

Terzakis discusses the financial realities, mentioning that Air Belgium doesn’t have abundant cash reserves or shareholders with deep pockets. This inherent financial constraint has made resilience an integral part of their approach. Adapting to circumstances is crucial, illustrated by decisions such as adjusting rotations to the Caribbean and discontinuing them for the summer. Flexibility, he stresses, is essential to run an airline successfully.

Pillars

Terzakis emphasizes that Air Belgium strategically operates in three core areas: long-haul passenger travel, ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) activities, and cargo transport. These pillars form the basis of their business model and offer flexibility while minimizing dependence on a single revenue stream. Looking to the future, Terzakis shares a vision characterized by a new business model, significant additional funding, and plans to expand destinations to the Americas, Africa, and Asia. He acknowledges the challenge of growing in a market driven by factors like destination and price, yet he’s confident that Air Belgium’s exceptional service will set them apart.

‘Belgitude’ represents the essence of Air Belgium’s brand. It’s not just about colors, flags, or crowns in the logo; it’s about the tone of communication. The airline strikes a balance between fun and professionalism, taking their business seriously while infusing it with a lighthearted approach. The unique Belgian touch is evident in the service, such as serving traditional Belgian dishes at 30,000 feet and incorporating humor into their safety videos.

Promoting Belgium’s connectivity

Terzakis acknowledges Belgium’s geographical and institutional significance within Europe. He notes that despite hosting numerous diplomatic representations, the country remains the least connected in terms of long-haul flights. The lack of direct connections affects economic stability and progress. Terzakis advocates for a comprehensive aviation network that positions Belgium as a pivotal hub.

Terzakis envisions Air Belgium becoming the ‘carrier of choice,’ known for quality service and reputation. He emphasizes the importance of fostering Belgian pride and tackling the challenges faced by the airline industry. With a passionate team

Conclusion

In summary, Air Belgium’s journey is one of adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service. As Terzakis looks to the future, he envisions a carrier that not only connects destinations but also embodies the spirit of Belgium. With a unique brand identity, strategic decisions, and a dedicated team, Air Belgium is poised to redefine the aviation landscape.

‘Delivering vaccines worldwide became our focustheduring pandemic’

and

a commitment to excellence, Air Belgium aims to reshape long-haul travel connectivity and make a lasting impact.

Gorgeous Georgia

A direct flight and you’re there. One of the most unique MICE destinations you can reach within five hours. Georgia! Completely authentic, delightful food and drink, and excellent opportunities for every type of business trip. Come along quickly…

By: Tijn Kramer

Georgia... back to the beginning. A trendy country, rising in tourism, and simultaneously one of the oldest countries we know. Accessible now and rapidly regaining favor in the business market. But let’s provide some context. Georgia is a country with a rich and complex history. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it has always played a significant geopolitical role and has often been the stage for major power struggles. It became a significant center of Christian culture after its conversion to Christianity in 337

AD, making it one of the oldest Christian countries in the world. Throughout the centuries, Georgia was ruled by various dynasties and experienced invasions by Romans, Persians, Arabs, Mongols, and Ottomans. In the late 18th century, fearing the growing influence of the Ottoman Empire and Persia, Georgia became a protectorate of the Russian Empire. It remained a part of Russia until 1918 when it declared its independence and founded the Democratic Republic of Georgia. However, this independence

was short-lived; in 1921, Georgia was conquered by the Red Army and became part of the Soviet Union. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia regained its independence. But make no mistake, you can travel to the vast majority of the country with confidence. There’s no tension to be felt anywhere, and the country comes across as safe and remarkably hospitable. Since the 1990s, Georgia has implemented significant economic reforms, making it one of the easiest countries in the world to do

business. It has a free-market economy, with relatively low taxes and minimal government intervention in the economy.

COMPLEX

It’s clear that we find ourselves in a wonderfully complex blend of scents and colors. Everything is different: the cuisine, the architecture, the wine, the incredibly hospitable people. It all has a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that requires much more time to truly comprehend. Not surprising with such an ancient culture. They’re connoisseurs of life, that’s for sure. A culture that has also caught the tourist radar. Before COVID, there were ten million visitors annually. Now it’s temporarily at two million. Our advice is to go quickly and enjoy the relative tranquility. There are multiple (3-4) direct flights per week from Amsterdam.

THE DELIGHTFUL CAPITAL

Tbilisi, the stunning capital of Georgia, rests on the banks of the Mtkvari River and is the lively heart of the country, where a fusion of ancient culture and modern innovation converges. At times, it resembles a bustling setting from a science fiction film. This city, rich in history and steeped in tradition, is a place where you find yourself immersed in both the past and the present, that much is clear. Begin your adventure in the Old Town, where picturesque cobbled streets and houses with beautifully crafted wooden balconies set the ambiance. Explore different neighborhoods for meals as some might be a bit too touristy, but strolling is a must. Visit the majestic Metekhi Church and walk across the Freedom Bridge before taking the cable car to the Narikala Fortress. Tbilisi has plenty of museums to explore.

If you’re into shopping, head to the Galeria Mall, where you can also find a large supermarket for great (culinary) souvenirs.

CULINARY DELIGHTS

However, no matter who you speak to about this country, the conversation quickly turns to food. And it’s worldfamous. Not necessarily in the Benelux, but just like Lebanese cuisine (also fantastic), Georgian cuisine is found all over the world. And that’s not just thanks to the many immigrants but because it’s simply fantastic food. Don’t leave without trying khinkali (pronounced: ghinkali). Delicious dumplings filled with meat and herbs, locals eat them in quantities of five, often more. Before you know it, you won’t be able to do without them. And then there’s Georgian wine, a tradition that dates back more than 8000 years. Forget about the grapes you know because Georgia is wonderfully eccentric here too, with grape varieties you’ve never heard of. But expect robust wines! Tbilisi is also regionally known for its vibrant nightlife, akin to Berlin, with very well-known clubs. Take note.

TOP HOTEL

For a base, a centrally located hotel is recommended. Our ideal choice was the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, renowned as one of the most prominent hotels in Tbilisi. Situated in the city center, on Rose Revolution Square, it offers a splendid panoramic view. With over 200 spacious(!) rooms and suites, the hotel provides a range of accommodation options, from standard rooms to luxury suites. The rooms are modern and stylish, equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and other amenities. Radisson has always been good, but this is just a very good Radisson, even within the family. The hotel boasts several dining options, including the Filini Restaurant, which has a much-loved terrace with a stunning view. Live music is often played, and the local beautiful people know where to find it. Don’t forget to make a reservation! As the evening progresses, you can enjoy a great cocktail menu. The next day, after a visit to the Anne Semonin Spa (at very reasonable prices), you’ll feel like a new person. The luxury hotel also features a fitness center and a very

pleasant outdoor swimming pool. In terms of business, the hotel offers extensive conference and event facilities, making it a popular choice for corporate gatherings and special events.

MORE TO EXPLORE…

While we’re certainly not done in the capital, it’s absolutely worth venturing beyond. Fantastic day trips await in this country with its many faces and stunning landscapes. One well-known destination is Kazbegi. Situated in the spectacular

Caucasus, this region offers breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities. Or visit Mtskheta, one of the oldest cities in the country, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former capital of Georgia. Explore the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, one of the holiest places in Georgia, and the Jvari Monastery, which offers a beautiful view of the city and the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers. Uplistsikhe is also quite special. This ancient rockhewn town dates back to the Iron Age. You can wander through the ancient cave

dwellings, churches, and tunnels while enjoying the view of the surrounding landscapes.

LUXURY IN KAKHETI

But we opt for wine. And specifically, the most famous wine region in the country. Kakheti is a historical province in Eastern Georgia, with a winemaking tradition dating back up to 8000 years. UNESCO has recognized Georgia’s unique winemaking method, where wine is fermented and stored in clay pots called ‘qvevri’ buried in the ground, as intangible cultural heritage. The region is renowned for its red and white dry wines, made from indigenous grape varieties such as Saperavi and Rkatsiteli.

WINE ENTHUSIASTS

Visiting Kakheti is not only a journey to the birthplace of wine but also an opportunity to experience Georgia’s rich culture and hospitality. As our time is limited, we unquestionably choose the best resort in the region. The Tsinandali Estate (a Radisson Collection Hotel) is a historic wine estate that played a significant role in Georgian winemaking history. The estate belonged to the noble Chavchavadze family, a prominent name in Georgian history. The most notable figure, Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, was a 19thcentury poet and military leader who

is also considered the father of modern Georgian winemaking.

A HAVEN

The estate is like an oasis; offering ample privacy, splendid historical buildings, topnotch service, and all the amenities for a successful business or private stay. One of the highlights is the spacious rooftop terrace with an infinity pool that overlooks the Caucasus Mountains. The meeting facilities include an impressive outdoor amphitheater that accommodates up to 1,200 guests. No wonder special A-brand product presentations are held here by companies from neighboring countries. The stunning hotel landscapes and private vineyard provide an impressive backdrop for events. The luxurious hotel offers guests several fine dining options onsite. We enjoyed the estate wines at the Gaumarjos Wine Bar and a fine brandy in the artistic Library Bar. There’s also a well-equipped fitness and wellness center, the Anne Semonin Spa. Our meals were savored at Natella, a seriously Georgian restaurant with an open terrace. One of the highlights of visiting the Tsinandali Estate is the historic wine cellar. It houses a collection of over 16,500 bottles of wine, including some of the oldest in Georgia. The Tsinandali Estate also hosts the Tsinandali Festival every September, a celebration of classical music with

performances by international artists. Book well in advance!

THE FUTURE

Georgia is on the rebound. Geopolitical tensions elsewhere are keeping some visitors away, but firsthand experience shows that the country is highly visitable. This is also the opinion/advice of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In just a few days, the country unfolds like a more than worthy book, culturally rich, friendly, and very pleasant. It’s not difficult to quickly fall a little in love with this country. If you truly want to impress with a remarkable MICE trip...

Destination ‘I Do’

Exchanging vows with your feet in the Balinese beach sand or renewing your wedding vows in Tuscany? And perhaps bringing your family and the best of your friends? The trend of getting married abroad is on the rise. Marco and Yfette of Interweddings on the new hot trend of the destination wedding.

By: Rahanna van Stapele

Your office is located in Delden, quite a remote place. Who walks in, and for what reasons?

‘Our core business is weddings, both the legal marriage abroad and renewals of vows, as they call it. Additionally, there are various destinations where we excel in legalizing marriages for couples who arrange the ceremony themselves but want to ensure the paperwork is handled correctly. Our company is highly specialized. You really need to know what you’re doing, as you’re dealing with a lot of regulations and circumstances. Trying to make solid arrangements in the Mediterranean, for instance, can be quite the challenge for an outsider.’

How did you get into this business?

‘It’s a very small company, just my wife and me. Our roots reach back to the travel industry, specifically travel agencies. In the past, we managed two franchises of Holland International, later TUI.’

Was there a significant demand for honeymoon trips and perhaps ceremonies back then?

‘Absolutely not! It was new and largely unknown. We might have received the question ‘Can you organize our wedding too?’ once or twice a year. And honestly, we preferred not to. There were all sorts of dramatic stories surrounding wedding travel with issues like legalization or other

problems. That instilled a certain fear, and we tried to stay away from that, haha! However, sometimes you accidentally stumble into things. One of our employees was interested in doing something different, and the same actually applied to us. Still within the world of travel and organizing, but more abroad. Sometimes you just have to start somewhere and go for it.’

Can you explain the company structure a bit more?

‘Although we are only with two, we have our own network spread across the world, consisting of wedding planners, working exclusively for us. This way, you know

exactly what product and services you are receiving. It not just one wedding per year; we often have contact with these planners, sometimes on a weekly basis. There are no collaborations with big companies. Everything that happens, from photographers to bakers to florists – it’s all local. During the process, Yfette and I stay closely involved, both in the wedding as the travel planning. Unless the client arranges their travels through a separate agency, then we only handle the wedding.’

Although scattered across the world: it all starts during a physical meeting.. ‘Yes, it all starts with a cup of coffee. I’m old-fashioned in that sense and prefer to have had an initial conversation with them without obligations. If there’s a connection. we proceed. But sometimes it’s also through a Teams meeting or a phone call. Our clients are from the Netherlands and Belgium. What’s interesting, in contrast to other (travel)companies, is that we can only serve each customer once. After all, most people only get married once. We don’t have repeat customers like other tour operators. So, our business approach is quite different from traditional companies.’

How many requests do you handle approximately each year?

‘I can’t give you an exact number off the top of my head, but it’s around 150 to 200.’

Quite a workload for just two people! ‘Definitely, and you need to have very well-organized systems and be extremely perfectionistic to make it run smoothly. However, destination weddings as we offer are quite different from what you often see pictured, with endless decorated tables , a thousand lights, large groups of guests in villas in Italy... That’s generally not our focus because it’s quite expensive. That’s not the kind of wedding the ‘typical’ Dutch or Belgian customer books with us.’

Not every client spends large sums of money, then?

‘No. I’d say around 80% of our clients are just the couples themselves traveling, and the rest are destinations for larger groups, involving around twenty to forty people.’

I have to admit I also had the Italian wedding-expectation and was going to ask about your most exclusive location.. ‘We do book those as well. For instance, the Royal Palm Hotel in Mauritius, or weddings in Lapland, where you have the ceremony in the midst of nature and arrange spectacular excursions. Imagine fantastic trips to the Northern Lights, truly amazing. Those bookings exist, but when a couple comes in wanting to take twenty or more guests to Italy, I might ask about the budget a bit earlier in the conversation. In some cases, I can immediately answer: that won’t be feasible. Just renting a villa there can already cost ten to twenty thousand euros.’

What is the main reasons for couples to say ‘I do’ abroad?

‘It varies. Sometimes they’ve dreamt of getting married on a distant island since they were kids, so it’s a long-held wish. Other times, it’s a second or third marriage for people who’ve been through it all before. Additionally, some people want a beautiful outdoor location, and they have better weather guarantees abroad.’

How about the popularity of the wedding abroad?

‘It is a trend that comes and goes. Right now, we’re dealing with skyrocketing prices of Dutch wedding venues, something often mentioned by our couples. It’s the reason they opt for a foreign location with a select group. But remember, looking at the entire population it’s actually a small group of Dutch and Belgium people. I think 99% opt for a traditional Dutch or Belgian wedding.’

So you actually can cut back on expenses marrying elsewhere?

‘Sometimes. Look, if you’re planning a celebration for 100 or 200 people, it’s naturally most cost-effective to do it in your own country. However, when you travel with a select group, crossing borders can sometimes be more economical.’

Any other changes in the last years?

‘We did see people become a bit more critical, but that’s not a bad thing. The two years after COVID were all about

‘In the travel agency, arranging a wedding trip was actually something you’d prefer to avoid’

Marco and Yfette

postponed weddings and last-minute plans, quite hectic. Now we’re in a period where people might have to consider their budget a bit more and are looking for more detailed information. An extra question here and there.’

What are the most popular wedding themes?

‘Getting married on the beach, with their toes in the sand! That’s still the most

important for our clients. But after that, it’s up to us to ensure all the details. The right place for the perfect sunset, where and how the restroom will be.. we can tell our clients everything, even the smallest details. It’s these details that are crucial on such a day.’

Do couples often know exactly what they want?

‘No. We never immediately dive into

the details. Instead, first we check if the destination they hoped for is genuinely suitable for their wishes. Sometimes a customer comes in for one location but ends up leaving with another. Luckily most clients are quite open minded, and we try to be very transparent. Our prices are readily available on our website and we don’t beat around the bush. Sometimes we tell them: ‘If you really want to get married there, sure, we’ll organize it, but in our opinion, it’s wiser to choose something else.’

What are some of the risks?

‘You see, getting married abroad is substantially different from getting married in the Netherlands. If a customer wants to arrange something with an on-site wedding planner, they’re free to do so, but there is a risk of things not turning out as they hoped for. We know precisely what a Dutch wedding normally looks like and what the expectations are. And that’s entirely different from, let’s say, an English or American wedding. Most wedding planners abroad focus on large groups from those countries, which results in a completely different type of ceremony and wedding day.’

Any more challenges compared to a standard Dutch or Belgian wedding?

‘That mainly depends on the customer. Some people want to be very ‘hands on’, so to speak. They want to have seen everything beforehand and follow every detail. But then I suggest they might be better off staying in the Netherlands. Ultimately, you need to trust us because you’re handing something over. For me, the challenge is ensuring that the expectations are met until the day itself. Some clients also like to visit the location beforehand. They can, and we will schedule a meeting with the wedding planner, but I always advise against it. No matter how you look at it, you lose a bit of the ‘wow’ factor on the big day.’

Have you ever had to deal with last-minute crises?

‘Of course there have been moments where a lot of flexibility was required. For instance, we had a beautifully planned wedding in Curaçao, but at the last moment the bride’s parents ultimately weren’t up for long-distance travel. We moved everything to a nice location here in Delden and sent the couple on their way to a beautiful private ceremony in Curaçao. Especially after Covid I realize how adaptable we’ve been at times.

During the chaos at Schiphol Airport, I occasionally worried about the luggage. Despite our special arrangements with the airline, luggage not arriving is a bride’s

worst nightmare. Ah well, never a dull moment!’

Can you get married anywhere?

‘Absolutely not. For this reason we have three different sections on our websiteweddings, renewals (as those can happen anywhere), and same-sex marriages, which are even more limited. For example, we might get a request for Spain or the Maldives, but that’s not officially possible.

In Spain you need to be registered, and in the Maldives there are issues concerning religion. Rules vary in every country and the closer you get to the Netherlands, the more challenging it often becomes. In such cases, we advise people to get legally married in the Netherlands first and later celebrate abroad.’

Within the country of choice, you offer a fixed selection?

‘We work with established partners and locations, but we’re definitely open to other possibilities and desires. However, the essential part is that the formal aspects need to align, as you can’t just marry anywhere. We deal with licenses and specifically designated areas.’

How challenging is the paperwork surrounding that?

‘If, for example, the specific stamp isn’t present, you can be set back for months.

Or if documents from abroad are provided in English, they won’t be accepted in the Netherlands that way. A lot of rules to consider, also regarding registered partnerships or flash divorces. We do our best and occasionally, might go a bit too far. Sometimes I look back and realize I should have immediately said that it wasn’t feasible.’

Which countries are most popular at the moment?

‘It varies a lot. America and Australia are important for us, as well as European countries like Greece. And, of course, the Indian Ocean.’

Any unique bookings that stood out to you?

‘Oh, that’s a tough one. The weddings in the Lapland snow are fantastic, but so are the ones in Seychelles. There, we create a special journey for people, with multiple islands and a beautiful ceremony on a carfree island, truly amazing. But there are so many incredible destinations.’

How does your company address sustainability concerns, given their significance in the travel industry?

‘Our clients don’t usually bring it up themselves, but we do pay attention to it! We believe that a better environment starts with yourself and we are very interested to know what new partners are doing regarding sustainability. For instance, we always use local flowers instead of importing them, and serve local prosecco. Small steps, but if you stick your head in the sand just because it’s not directly asked about, I believe you’re on the wrong track. We include it in our pricing as a standard and are open about it on our website. If someone finds it too expensive, so be it.’

Lastly, I have to ask: Have you both been married on a tropical island?

‘We got married on Kaageiland, a small river island near the Dutch village Warmond, so not exactly a tropical one, haha. But we’re reaching a significant anniversary soon, and that will definitely be something special.’

Jan Peeters, columnist

A story about the importance of a teambuilding trip…

In the heart of a bustling office building, a team of around 30 colleagues toiled away at their respective tasks. The atmosphere was far from ideal; it oscillated between average and bad. They hardly knew each other beyond their cubicles and had nurtured baseless prejudices against one another. The revolving door of team managers only exacerbated the situation. Morale was at an all-time low, and it was clear that something had to change.

That change arrived in the form of a team-building trip to Africa, a novel idea sparked by the most recent manager who seemed to genuinely care about the team’s well-being. The team was skeptical but curious, ready to embark on an adventure that none of them could have anticipated.

Their journey began with a long flight to the African continent, followed by a bumpy ride into the wilderness. The travel agency had crafted an itinerary designed to challenge and unite the team. The first activity was a trek through the savannah, where they had to rely on one another for navigation and support. It was during this trek that they began to shed their prejudices.

As they set up camp under the star-studded African sky, the psychologist, Dr. Emily, gathered everyone around a bonfire. She led a discussion on the importance of understanding one another’s perspectives and breaking down the barriers of miscommunication. The colleagues, in this newfound environment, opened up, sharing their fears, aspirations, and the challenges they faced at work.

The next day, the team embarked on a river rafting adventure. This activity required perfect synchronization and communication. Under the guidance of an ex-Marine trainer named Jake, they quickly learned that they could achieve more together than alone. They paddled down the meandering river, dodging rapids and waterfalls, each teammate playing a crucial role. Bonds formed on that river, with laughter and camaraderie replacing the once-distant attitudes.

The third day brought them to a local village, where they participated in a community-building project. Together, they helped construct a school building, their sweat and effort mingling with the laughter of the local children. Working side by side with people from vastly different backgrounds, they realized that they had more in common than they had ever imagined.

As the team sat down to a communal meal with the villagers that evening, the prejudices that had once divided them melted away. They learned about the rich culture and traditions of the African people, fostering a newfound respect for diversity.

On the penultimate day of their journey, they faced a physically and mentally demanding challenge: climbing a towering mountain. It was their most challenging activity yet, but they tackled it with grit and determination. At the summit, they celebrated their shared victory, feeling a sense of accomplishment that transcended their differences.

The final evening of the trip was marked by a campfire gathering. Dr. Emily, with her insight into the human psyche, guided them through a reflection on their journey. They shared their personal transformations, acknowledging the prejudices they had held, the friendships they had formed, and the unity they had achieved.

As the fire crackled and the African night enveloped them, the team realized that they had become a family. The team managers who had come and gone had left a legacy of change. They had witnessed the power of teamwork and the strength that lay in unity.

The trip to Africa had transformed a group of colleagues who barely knew each other into a tight-knit team. They returned to their office with a newfound sense of purpose, understanding, and respect for one another. Their journey through Africa had not only united them but also ignited a spark of hope that they could conquer any challenge together.

· Centric location, close to the RAI congress center

· 328 renewed rooms, equipped with complimentary daily-refilled minibars

· Wellness spaces with amenities such as a 24-hour virtual fitness coach, in room yoga mats and retro bikes

· Atrium Meeting Centre that accommodates groups of up to 200 individuals for dining, meetings and overnight stays

· New Skybar “Hasta La Vista, Baby"

Top Reasons for Meeting Planners to Join MPI

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Expand your professional capabilities through the MPI Academy’s powerhouse of educational and career resources. Gain clock hours with ondemand webinars, study for the CMP or future-proof your career through one of our many credential certificate programs.

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Contribute to the advancement of your community and our industry by volunteering on one of MPI’s boards or as a chapter leader. Or join one of our nine MPI Communities to help enhance membership, community benefits and business resources for self-organized interest groups.

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About MPI

With a community of over 60,000 meeting professionals, of which approximately 14,000 active members, MPI is the world’s largest and most active trade association for the meeting & event industry. We understand that when people meet face-to-face, it gives them the opportunity to join forces as well. That’s why we’re at the forefront of education that takes the meeting & event industry to the next level. We connect the connectors so that they can create experiences that inspire others to make a difference!

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