Xenios January '09

Xenios

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C O N T E N T S Emerging destinations chosen for Wild Card spotlight at IMEX 2009 4

Notos-Santorini

MPI AND AMERICAN EXPRESS FUTUREWATCH STUDY REVEALS MEETING INDUSTRY WILL ADAPT TO CHANGES IN 2009 8 ABTA FORECAST TRAVEL TRENDS

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ITB World Travel Trends Report

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DREAMS OF HOLIDAY HEAT

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LARGEST PAN EUROPEAN INDUSTRY GATHERING AT MPI'S EUROPEAN MEETING AND EVENTS CONFERENCE 2009 IN TORINO 26

Destinations(Ioannina, Athens, Crete, Ionian, Cyclades, Rhodes, Bucharest, Kos, Halkidiki)

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The Spa Experience

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Cover Photo: Melenos - Lindos, Rhodes

www.xeniosworld.com X E N I O S T O U R I S M & B U S I N E S S T R A V E L

EURO 8 No 6, Vol.12 D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 8 J a n u a r y 2 0 0 9 @ Copyright Xenios Publications 1997-2009 All rights reserved. No part of Xenios may be reprinted or reprodused by any means without the prior written permission from the publisher. The name, logo, various titles and headings herein are registered trademarks of Xenios Tourism & Business Travel Magazine.

Published by Xenios Mice Ltd, London, UK. 2

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Topics & News

Emerging destinations chosen for Wild Card spotlight at IMEX 2009 Chinese destination, Tianjin Economic, the Technological Development Area (TEDA), has been announced as one of four winners in the IMEX Wild Card programme, which promotes emerging destinations and new conference centres in the international meetings industry.

Two Eastern European destinations - the Masurian Conference Centre in Zamek Ryn, Poland, and Novi Sad located in Serbia also won a free Wild Card place at the Frankfurt exhibition.

This reflects the region's continued development and emergence into the meetings industry in recent years.

The Cook Islands, famed for their remote, unspoiled beauty, complete this year's list of Wild Card winners.

Consisting of 15 islands with a total population of approximately 19,000, the Cook Islands are one of the world's last truly unspoiled places.

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The IMEX Wild Card programme offers aspiring entrants into the international meetings market the chance to exhibit free of charge alongside established destinations and other participants. To qualify for the scheme, entrants must not have exhibited at a major international fair before, although they must have sufficient infrastructure and skill to support their ambitions to enter the meetings or incentive travel market.

In addition to a free exhibition place in the tailor-made IMEX Wild Card Pavilion, winners receive free accommodation as well as complimentary tickets to the show's Gala Dinner. The IMEX marketing team also provides each winner with yearround marketing support and guidance.

For 2009 the Wild Card programme was extended to allow not only destinations but also new convention and conference centres (those currently in development or which have been open for three years or less) from new and emerging destinations to apply. The first winner from this latter category is the Masurian Conference Centre in Zamek Ryn, Poland: Masurian Conference Centre Zamek Ryn, Poland

The Cook Islands Consisting of 15 islands with a total population of approximately 19,000, the Cook Islands are one of the world's last truly unspoiled places. They lie in the centre of the Polynesian Triangle, flanked to the west by The Kingdom of Tonga and the Samoas, and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia. They offer stretches of dazzlingly white coral sand, beachfront, palm-fringed lagoons plus mountainous forested interiors. The Cook Islands also enjoy good weather all year round.

Tianjin Economic - Technological Development Area (TEDA), China Tianjin Economic - Technological Development Area (TEDA) proclaims itself "Northern China's finest state-sponsored development area". It features major multinational companies such as Motorola, Toyota, Novozymes and Samsung. TEDA has a comprehensive infrastructure and is within easy reach of Beijing in Northern China. In the past 20 years, TEDA has witnessed booming development in six key industries: electronics; bio-chemicals; light industries; manufacturing; automobile and logistics. Tianjin itself is a modern city known for its unique architecture and cuisine but with 600 years of history.

Carina Bauer, IMEX Marketing and Operations Director, comments: "These Wild Card winners really demonstrate the diversity of emerging destinations in the international meetings industry, all promising great potential for the future. The Wild Card programme is in place to aid new destinations in

Located in the Ryn Castle Hotel in the Great Masurian Lakes region, the Conference Centre offers up-to-date facilities for both small and large conferences, meetings and banquets. The Castle has 10 fully equipped conference and banquet halls and the Zadaszony Courtyard also acts as a multifunctional hall to host conferences, presentations, fairs, shows, exhibitions, banquets and balls.

Novi Sad - Vojvodina, Serbia Located on the Danube River in the autonomous Serbian province of Vojvodina, Novi Sad is Serbia's second largest city after Belgrade. It aims to offer urban sophistication and bohemian relaxation among ornate architecture. Not only is Novi Sad considered the centre of Serbian culture, but it is also often referred to as the Serbian Athens. This large industrial and financial centre is fast emerging as a prime tourism destination for businesses and leisure travellers.

showcasing their potential and ambition to buyers at the IMEX exhibition. This year's entrants can expect to go on to enjoy a strong level of growth and success that this initiative has brought to other destinations in the past."

IMEX 2009 will take place from 26 - 28 May in Hall 8, Messe Frankfurt.

For further information see www.imex-frankfurt.com

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A full 87% of visitors at the Matka fair intend to travel

Topics & News

this year as much as or more than before According to a visitor survey that was conducted for the Nordic Travel Fair Matka 2009, 37% of visitors intend to travel more this year than in the past 1-3 years, and 50% intend to travel as much as before. The survey was conducted by TNS Gallup and enquired about visitors' travel intentions compared with past years. A survey covering the entire population that was conducted in the middle of December also showed that the economic downturn has not affected Finns' intentions to travel.

The Matka and Caravan fairs at the Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre attracted a nearly 86 000 visitors during a period of four days, including over 17 000 professionals in the travel field. The fair was more international than ever before, with exhibitors on hand from nearly 80 countries.

One-third of visitors came to the fair to book a trip Visitors came to the fair primarily to get information on new destinations, particularly abroad. Over half of respondents said they were also there to get ideas for trips in Finland. A lot of business was also done at the fair: nearly one-third of visitors said they came to the fair for the express purpose of booking a trip. "We are very satisfied, since we achieved our objectives for fair participation," says Brand Manager Ira Vaskola of Blue1.

Caravan World an impressive part of Matka In recent years the Caravan event has profiled itself particularly to serve visitors who are just starting out or are thinking about buying a caravan or camping car.

Thomson's European Holidays Remain Competitive Despite Credit Crunch Holidaymakers continue to book European packages Despite well publicised changes in the Euro exchange rate, many holidaymakers continue to book European packages, realising that holidays in Europe aren’t necessarily expensive, says Thomson.

Thomson and other tour operators buy their Euros in advance and for Summer 2009, contract rates were agreed with hoteliers up to two years ago, when the pound was worth considerably more against the Euro than it does today.

"If you reserve a room directly with a hotel, you are either paying the rate of exchange incurred now, or that of the time you check-out in six month’s time,” said Tim Williamson, Customer Director, Thomson. “How much that might be is anyone’s guess.”

As tour operators offer guaranteed rates once the package holiday booking is made (except under exceptional circumstances), more consumers than ever before are aware of the whims of the market encountered when not booking with a package tour operator such as Thomson, whose holidays are financially protected under the government backed ATOL scheme.

In addition, the rise in popularity of ‘Half Board’ or ‘All Inclusive’ holidays reflects the rising number of consumers who demand to know the cost of their holiday ‘up front’ and 6

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"The threshold for trying caravanning can be fairly high for many people, and there are plenty of misconceptions about it.

At the Caravan fair visitors can get new perspectives on this form of travel," says Exhibition Group Manager Ms Rilla Engblom of the Finnish Fair Corporation.

Meet Finland exceeds expectations The Meet Finland programme on Wednesday before the fair, which was arranged in cooperation with the Helsinki City Tourist and Convention Bureau, was a big success and exceeded expectations. Nearly 80 Finnish enterprises were on hand, along with over 100 international buyers from 20 different countries. The buyers were tour operators who arrange or plan to arrange trips to Finland.

"Meet Finland was conducted this time in the form of workshops agreed in advance, and it succeeded beyond expectations. The buyers were really satisfied, as were the Finnish enterprises that participated. Meet Finland is an extra service for exhibitors, which also strengthens Finland's and the Matka fair's position internationally," says Ms Engblom.

Nest year's theme is Travel as a Preserver of Culture The theme of Matka 2010, Travel as a Preserver of Culture, will be a continuation of this year's theme, which revolved around responsible travel. "Responsibility includes accepting and respecting different cultures, and so we want to draw attention to this matter by making it the theme of the fair," Ms Engblom explains.

The Nordic Travel Fair Matka 2010 will be arranged at the Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre on 21-24 January 2010. budget accordingly.

Concludes Tim: “We predict that with the amount of capacity cuts across the industry, consumers should really be looking to book now while there’s still availability and a variety of attractive early booking offers.”

Great Value Euro Zone Packages include: Self Catering 7 night, 3 star Self Catering holidays in Halkidiki from as little as £199 per person Staying at the 3 star Royal Kostas Studios on a self catering basis. Flights depart London Gatwick on 7th May 2009. Flights, accommodation, transfers, taxes and charges included.

Half Board 7 night, 3 star Half Board holidays in Ibiza from as little as £279 per person Staying at the 4 star Milord Fiesta on a half board basis.

Flights depart London Luton on 6th May 2009. Flights, accommodation, transfers, taxes and charges included.

All Inclusive 7 night, 4 star All-Inclusive holidays in Rhodes from as little as £409 per person Staying at the 4 star Kalithea Horizon Hotel on an all inclusive basis. Flights depart London Stansted on 6th May 2009.

Flights, accommodation, transfers, taxes and charges included.

All prices include fuel levies, air passenger duty and local departure tax and are subject to availability and booking terms and conditions.

For more information or to book visit http://www.thomson.co.uk, call 0871 230 3234 or visit your local Thomson retail outlet.

Topics & News

MPI AND AMERICAN EXPRESS FUTUREWATCH STUDY REVEALS MEETING INDUSTRY WILL ADAPT TO CHANGES IN 2009

DALLAS, TX – In partnership with American Express, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) today released the initial executive summary of FutureWatch 2009 on www.mpiweb.org.

A forward-looking survey of its worldwide membership, FutureWatch focuses on the trends which will affect the meeting and event industry in the next twelve months. This year’s survey had record participation with over 2,700 participants.

Full survey results will be available at a presentation during MPI’s 2009 MeetDifferent® conference in Atlanta, Feb. 7-10.

According to this year year ’s results, the meeting industry will sharpen its focus and streamline its activities, when faced with a tough global market. market. The economic effect on the industry is not quite as severe severe as first anticipated.

Meeting attendance, per meeting, is expected to increase by by 3% in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and 9% in Canada, but decline by by 5% in the United States.

“After three strong years, the global meeting and event industry is coming to grips with a major paradigm shift and the FutureWatch data reveals how acute the expectations are for change,” said Bruce MacMillan, president and CEO of MPI. “Through initiatives like our Global Knowledge Plan, our objective is not only to ensure our members survive the shift, but also to find ways to thrive as the industry retrenches in an ebbing economic cycle.”

A few highlights from the preliminary FutureWatch findings are below: · In 2009, meeting and event budgets are expected to fall by 6%. Last year’s report predicted that budgets would rise 22.6%. In fact, 17% of corporate meeting planners and 12% of association meeting planners predict some level of budget reductions in the upcoming year. Nevertheless, government meeting planners generally expect fewer budget reductions, explaining that the private sector does not usually have an effect on the necessity of their meetings.

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· Planners and suppliers agree that an increase in creativity and innovation will be a necessary and invaluable tool in 2009. Planners and suppliers expect new, (including currently unknown standards and practices) to emerge which will make the industry more efficient and effective for the long term.

While client-side planners foresee a 9% drop in volume, independent meeting management professionals expect only a marginal reduction of 0.5%. · 11% of meeting professionals expect an increase in the use of technology to access meetings and content remotely, in order to help lower overall costs. The technology which more professionals plan to use is “on-site” related. · Face-to-face meetings are still considered to have the highest ROI of all marketing tools. A greater significance is now being placed upon planners worldwide to provide the value of the proposed meetings and events. 74% of organizations holding meetings and events measure ROI. Additionally, the primary measure of ROI is the satisfaction of the meeting attendees.

The FutureWatch 2009 survey closed on Nov. 11, 2008 with 2,740 responses received. The Executive Summary of FutureWatch 2009 will be available on Friday, January 9th.

Full survey results will be released and discussed “live” during MPI’s MeetDifferent conference in Atlanta About MPI: Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the meeting and event industry’s largest and most vibrant global community, helps its members thrive by providing human connections to knowledge and ideas, relationships, and marketplaces. MPI membership is comprised of more than 24,000 members belonging to 70 chapters and clubs worldwide.

About American Express: Merchant Services is the merchant network of American Express, which acquires and maintains relationships with millions of merchants around the globe, which welcome American Express-branded Cards. American Express Company is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

Topics & News

CEOs of major European cities work together Europe is looking to China, Russia, Japan and India for growth over the next 10 years according to research conducted by the WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council). The CEOsof 14 City Tourist Offices of European capital cities recently met in Paris to discuss ways of adapting services to target these markets.

“It is a truly challenging situation for all of us today and I really appreciate your coming and joining our CEO meeting. ECM is all about sharing - sharing information, intelligence and experience. There are no secrets within ECM, we all form our network, we display our knowledge and learn from the experience of the others,” said Frank Magee (ECM President and CEO of Dublin Tourism), opening the afternoon session.

ECM, with the financial support of IMEX and the personal presence of Ray Bloom (Chairman of IMEX), organized the 2nd CEO Dinner, this time enhanced by an afternoon workshop and discussion. Two major topics were discussed during this meet-

ing: the economic situation and the Chinese market in Europe.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of the World Travel and Tourism Council, gave participants important data concerning the impact of the economic environment on travel and tourism. In his presentation, he outlined several forecasts of future economic development and also pointed out that, despite some expectations, the market is still growing - within its niches.

Mr. Mang Chen, Managing Director of CAISSA Touristic Group AG, introduced the context of the Chinese market in Europe within the political and historical background of China and Europe. He offered an insider’s view on the Chinese incoming market by providing information about difficulties when organizing touristic circuits and stays for Chinese tourists in Europe.

Next year’s CEO meeting will take place in Copenhagen on 23rd November 2009.

Aegean Airlines to launch services to Brussels, Berlin, Barcelona, Vienna and Venice

AEGEAN AIRLINES continues its dynamic progress focusing on satisfying the market needs and offering quality services to its passengers. At the beginning of the summer 2009 season Aegean will expand its network by adding 5 more European destinations from its base in Athens. Aegean will begin nonstop services to Brussels, Berlin, Barcelona, Vienna and Venice.

These destinations follow the recent launch of twice daily flights to Paris Charles De Gaulle, the third daily flight to London Stansted as well as the new non-stop flight from Athens to Dusseldorf.

The above mentioned destinations will be operated exclusively by the brand new Airbus A320/321s. From November 2008 through to May 2009 Aegean will acquire 10 more aircraft as part of its investment programme, increasing the number of its Airbus A320/321s to 21 aircraft.

By adding five new destinations Aegean’s network will serve a total of 47 domestic and international routes. During the summer of 2009 Aegean will operate more than 200 daily flights surpassing the maximum 150 daily flights operated during the winter of 2008.

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The flight schedule has been designed to optimize connectivity at Athens International Airport between international and Greece domestic flights.

Dimitris Gerogiannis, Aegean’s Managing Director stated: “With the launch of our new flights to five popular destinations we now serve most large European Countries. On May 2008 we launched service to London, the most popular destination from Athens and recently we launched service to Paris. We want to thank our passengers who have warmly welcomed our new efforts and we are excited to offer our trademark customer service on the five new routes” AEGEAN continues to seek permission from the relevant Government Authorities to add flights to Extra–EU routes during 2009 that are controlled by bilateral air traffic agreements.

Such routes are Athens-Istanbul, Athens-Tel Aviv, etc.

British Airways Predicts Top Ten Far Flung Hotspots For 2009

Topics & News

British Airways Predicts Top Ten Far Flung Hotspots For 2009 British Airways has announced its predicted top ten longhaul destinations for 2009.

They are: · Cape Town · Johannesburg (for the British Lions tour) · Dubai · San Francisco · New York · Hong Kong · St Kitts · St Lucia · Sydney · Shanghai

economic climate as destinations such as Dubai and the Caribbean Islands of St Kitts and St Lucia continue to experience growth and investment, so we anticipate greater numbers of customers wanting to travel there.

"South Africa will be popular thanks to the relative strength of the pound against the rand and the upcoming British Lions tour."

"Destinations such as New York will remain firm favourites with both business and leisure travellers despite the economic downturn as savvy flyers know there are still bargains to be had and the Far East and Australasia continue to draw people looking for real adventure experiences."

Richard Tams, British Airways' head of UK & Ireland sales, said: "It's not all doom and gloom for travel in the current

Kuoni acquires Swiss-based educational travel specialist Cotravel The Kuoni Group is to acquire a 100% shareholding in Cotravel AG effective 1 January 2009. Cotravel is one of Switzerland’s leading providers of quality educational travel arrangements, primarily in the form of readers’ trips offered in collaboration with top Swiss newspapers and magazines. The acquisition will further strengthen the Kuoni Group’s position in the premium travel sector.

Cotravel, which was founded in 1986 and is domiciled in Allschwil, near Basel, has been focusing on educational travel arrangements accompanied by specialist guides since 2003, and generated turnover of CHF 5.1 million last year. The company currently employs eight personnel, who will all be retained. The present management team will also remain responsible for Cotravel’s further development.

The company will remain based at its present domicile near Basel. The Cotravel brand will also be retained. The parties agreed not divulge the purchase price involved. Within the

Kuoni Group, Cotravel will be integrated into Strategic Business Unit Switzerland, where it will be assigned to the unit’s Tour Operating activities.

Cotravel specialises in devising exclusive carefully-tailored readers’ trips in collaboration with various Swiss publishing houses. The trips, which are accompanied by well-known Swiss experts and personalities, are offered all over the world and cover a wide range of themes in the arts-and-culture, science and travel-experience fields.

The acquisition is a further consistent step in the Kuoni Group’s growth strategy within the premium segment. “In acquiring Cotravel, we are underlining both the importance to us of the kind of exclusive and sustainable travel products that we already offer in Switzerland through our ananea and cultimo product lines and the further growth potential that we see in these areas,” says Max E. Katz, CFO and Spokesman for the Kuoni Group Executive Board.

SITE Greece announces 2009 Board of Directors George Barboutis, Membership Yannis Michaelides, Education The General Assembly also included an educational program and a dinner, available to both members and outside guests.

The Greek Chapter of the Society for Incentive & Travel Executives (SITE), has elected its 2009 Board of Directors, during its Annual General Assembly (GA), which was well attended by 82% of the members.

The new Board consists of the following: Tasso Pappas, President Christos Constantinidis, VP President Elect Giannis Balakakis, Secretary Michael Argiri, Treasurer Constantinos Doucas, PR/Sponsoring 12

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During the same meeting, Chapter President Tasso Pappas presented the new SITE vision “Unleashing human potential through extraordinary, motivational experiences”, outlined during SITE Global Conference in Montreux, last month.

The new Site identity, including the launch of siteglobal.com, will be further developed as new collateral and campaign materials are released throughout the year in 2009.

ABTA AND THE FOREIGN OFFICE FORECAST TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2009 -Cultural differences in new holiday hotspots could mean trouble for unprepared Brits-

A new report b y the Foreign & Common wealth Office (FCO) and ABTA, the Tr a v el Association, rev eals that Turk ey, Egypt and Mexico will see a signifi cant increase in British visitors in 2009 as book ings show that holida y mak ers are fa v ouring des tinations that do not use the Euro .

The ‘FCO & ABTA 2009 Travel Trends Report’ shows the number of Brits going to Egypt has risen by 38% in the last year and visitors to Turkey have increased by 32%1. However the FCO is concerned that many British travellers are less familiar with these growing destinations and predict a significant rise in the number of Brits getting into trouble abroad.

The FCO is warning that Brits should be properly prepared for visiting these holiday hotspots by familiarising themselves with the laws and customs of their destination, checking FCO travel advice, taking out comprehensive travel insurance and taking necessary health precautions such as vaccinations before they head abroad.

ABTA and the FCO have collaborated for the first time to produce a report looking at predicted travel patterns over the next 12 months – and the impact that these trends will have on the welfare of British holidaymakers.

The report, which researched the travel industry and consumers, also reveals: Holiday hotspots for 2009 · Mexico, Egypt, Turkey, Israel, Dubai, Dominican Republic, St Lucia, Cuba, Aruba, Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Poland, Croatia, Australia Finances · With many tour operators cutting their capacity next year, the one in five Brits2 who are planning on getting a last minute bargain this summer may be bitterly disappointed as such deals could be limited. The FCO advice is that even if you can’t book far in advance, don’t forget vital preparations such as getting travel insurance · Not having enough spending money on holiday is a real concern for 41% of people3 who plan to go abroad in 2009.

Embassies abroad regularly deal with

Brits who have run into financial problems and the FCO advises that travellers have access to emergency funds and don’t cut corners on travel insurance.

The desire to know the total cost of a holiday in advance may also explain the increasing popularity of all-inclusive holidays which is set to continue · Tour operators going bust concerns 35% of the population3 who plan to go abroad in 2009 – prompting the FCO to encourage Brits to ensure that their tour operator is ATOL registered · 41% of respondents3 planning to go abroad in 2009 will reduce the number of holidays in the year ahead. There is evidence of a significant reduction in annual insurance policies being taken out in winter 2009 compared with the

year before. The FCO warns that Brits should remember to take out single trip insurance if they decide not to renew their annual policy Other trends · 13% of Brits are more likely to visit the States now Barack Obama has been elected (rising to 21% in the 18-34 age group) 2. With the historical significance of the election, lower fuel prices and the cost of living continuing to fall in the States, the strong dollar may not be enough to put British tourists off from visiting this country · The number of Brits travelling abroad to get married is continuing to increase due to cheaper costs of holding a wedding abroad. Long haul destinations such as Sri Lanka, the US and Kenya are becoming increasingly popular and new wedding hotspots include Costa Rica, The Cook Islands and Bali. Brits are advised to visit the ‘overseas weddings and civil partnerships’ section of www.fco.gov.uk/travel for information on how to prepare for a safe and troublefree wedding abroad · The number of people going camping and caravanning has increased both in the UK and abroad and is expected to continue to rise in 2009. The FCO deals with a huge number of Brits who run into problems when driving abroad and encourages people to research the driving laws of the country they are visiting in advance. Tips and advice on driving

and road safety abroad can be found at www.fco.gov.uk/drivingabroad · People who don't want to give up their holidays, but want to take a cheaper option, will certainly be considering visiting friends and family this year. The FCO warns that the ‘home from home’ mindset means many people visiting friends and family abroad often fail to take precautions such as travel insurance and vaccinations Frances Tuke from ABTA said: “Over the past few years we have seen travellers becoming more adventurous and travelling further afield and this will continue in 2009 as non-eurozone countries will offer very good value for money - often at very high standards.

“But when travelling to these destinations, it is very important to check Foreign Office advice and ensure you make sure you see a health professional who will recommend what vaccinations you may need and what precautions you should take."

Julian Braithwaite, Director of Consular Services at the FCO, said: “Many of the changes that we’ll see taking place across the travel industry over the next year will have a direct impact on the welfare of British holidaymakers.

“It is predicted that the proportion of Brits travelling to destinations outside Europe will increase. Different countries have different customs and laws, and what’s acceptable in Europe may not be acceptable elsewhere. If people don’t research their destinations before they go it could do more than spoil their holiday. What’s normal in resorts in Spain or Greece are not necessarily going to be acceptable in Turkey or Egypt. It is really important that Brits familiarise themselves with the local laws and customs before they go.”

For all kinds of useful travel advice including country-specific information, visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel and click on your destination.

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ITB World Travel Trends Report

Topics & News

Hard times ahead for an industry spoiled by success Travel industry worldwide expects markets to slump – big opportunity for tourism in Germany

Berlin, 2009 - Hard times lie ahead for the world’s travel industry. According to the ITB World Travel Trends Report, conducted by the consultants IPK International and commissioned by the global travel industry’s leading trade show, “at best, 2009 will be a year of stagnation.” Published in Berlin, the trend analysis forecasts that in the wake of the global financial and economic crisis, the travel industry can expect to contract by one to two per cent in 2009, and that in all likelihood the downturn will continue before things improve. Nor are the signals for 2010 encouraging. Dr. Martin Buck, Director

definitely take a holiday in 2009, and that it was most likely they would travel more often than in 2008. Responding to the same question, 32 per cent announced they would travel at least as often as in 2008, and only 14 per cent said they would travel less. 6 per cent of those polled said that in 2009 they would not travel at all. However, figures within Europe vary considerably. Whereas Norwegians and Finns are eager to travel in 2009, Italians and Britons are rather less keen to make any plans.

The ITB World Travel Trends Report is based on the assess-

Competence Center Travel & Logistics, Messe Berlin: “Recent months have shown how quickly the circumstances on which to base reliable predictions can change. Besides any economic recovery, factors such as price developments on the markets for raw materials have a sustained impact on the travel industry, making it impossible to issue reliable forecasts at this time.”

ments of 60 tourism experts from 30 countries, on an IPK International trend analysis in leading source markets undertaken specifically for the forum, and on core data supplied by the World Travel Monitor®, recognised as the largest ongoing survey on global travel trends in some 60 source countries.

This report is available for download at www.itb-berlin.com under Media Centre / Publications.

According to the ITB Travel Trends Report, imminent negative developments will impact strongest on North America, Europe and the business travel sector, rather than on holiday travel.

According to Dr. Martin Buck, over the next two years interest in short and medium-range travel destinations will increase. In addition, with lower fuel prices there will be a resurgence of personal car travel. “This is a big opportunity for tourism in Germany”, Buck added. ITB Berlin will be taking place from 11 to 15 March 2009. “Currently bookings are steady and numbers are very high. Once again we see that in an economically difficult situation a global network platform such as ITB Berlin is becoming increasingly important. In these times business partners want to engage in direct, face-to-face dialogue”, he added.

ITB Berlin Convention ITB Berlin 2009 will be taking place from Wednesday, 11 to Sunday, 15 March, and will be open to trade visitors from the Wednesday to the Friday. Parallel with the trade fair, the ITB Berlin Convention will be taking place from Wednesday, 11 to Saturday, 14 March 2009. For full programme details click on www.itb-convention.com.

The findings of the ITB World Travel Trends Reports indicate that the prospects for the travel market recovering vary significantly depending on the region. According to the researchers, the Asian-Pacific region and South America could emerge from the crisis by the end of this year, as these are the regions which depend most on rising demand from the threshold countries India and China. According to the trend analysis there are positive signs for Europe as well. Even in times of great economic hardship people are unwilling to give up holidays. Thus, according to a Europe-wide poll for the European Travel Monitor in 2008, 48 per cent of respondents said they would 14

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Fachhochschule Worms and the US-based market research company PhoCusWright Inc are partners of the ITB Berlin Convention. Turkey is co-hosting this year’s ITB Berlin Convention. Other sponsors of the ITB Berlin Convention include Top Alliance, responsible for VIP service, hospitalityInside.com, as media partner of the ITB Hospitality Days, Flug Revue as media partner of the ITB Aviation Days, and the Planeterra Foundation as sponsor of the ITB Corporate Social Responsibility Days. The following are partners collaborating with the ITB Business Travel Days: Air Berlin PLC & Co. Luftverkehrs KG, Verband Deutsches Reisemanagement e.V. (VDR), Vereinigung Deutscher Veranstaltungsorganisatoren e.V., HSMA Deutschland e.V., Deutsche Bahn AG, geschaeftsreise1.de, hotel.de, Kerstin Schaefer e.K. – Mobility Services and Intergerma. Air Berlin is the premium sponsor of the ITB Business Travel Days 2009.

DREAMS OF HOLIDAY HEAT HELP CONSUMERS DEAL WITH COOLING ECONOMY · ABTA Holiday Value Report predicts holidays will play a vital role in lifting the economy in 2009, with 66 per cent of the UK claiming a huge emotional high from a summer holiday · Almost 50 per cent believe the break from routine is a vital escape valve to credit crunch pressures · Brits rate value of summer holidays three times higher than pay rises The ABTA Holiday Value Report, out today, has found that holidays will play a vital role in lifting the British economy, as well as British spirits, in 2009.

The study shows that in spite of financial worries, summer holidays are three times more prized than pay rises, and that by booking and going on holiday this year we can collectively help

day bookings and footfall for the first half of January. Egypt, Turkey and long-haul destinations such as Orlando, as well as cruises, are selling well.

Their research shows that, despite the economic gloom, 68 per cent of the public are prepared to up their budget or spend the same as last year to ensure they have something to look forward to. Only nine per cent of people intend to leave their bookings to the last minute.

“Holidays are important to people in different ways but the research is clear that holidays are a vital part of people's year and still will be this year despite the economic downturn,” said Casia Zajac, Head of Communications for ABTA. “Planning and anticipating a holiday can sustain people through the winter months and the bleak financial times that are upon us.

“With the holiday being so crucial, it is important that they

Mykonos Grand - Mykonos

lift the economy, as well as the spirits.

“Having something to look forward to like a holiday often helps us focus more on current tasks,” said Psychotherapist and Life Coach Christine Webber, who developed the study.

“Booking a holiday gives us an emotional lift that we’ve called ‘Sunticipation’. It’s a feeling that lasts from the moment a holiday is booked to the first ray of sun on your face.

Crucially, ‘Sunticipation’ will help us all put up with the woes of winter and enable us to work harder at our jobs because we have the promise of sunshine and relaxation to come.”

Emotional value “Holidays are not just about the two weeks away. The feelgood impact is felt from the moment you start to pick a destination and, in these troubled times, the whole process offers welcome relief from the gloom,” continued Christine Webber.

“The nation is suffering from collective stress at the moment – January is a particularly depressing month at the best of times - and holidays are one way of keeping the UK on an even keel.

Everyone has to think long and hard about what they spend but holidays are still firmly in the family budget.”

Holiday spending is a priority for Brits After a surge of early deals in the last couple of weeks from many of its members, ABTA is reporting positive levels of holi-

plan well and use reputable agents so they are not disappointed. The best way to ensure your holiday happens without a glitch and you receive the highest level of service is to book with a travel company that is an ABTA member. For more travel advice, go to www.abta.com” Other findings in the ABTA Holiday Value Report include: · Almost 50 per cent of respondents said the break from every day worries and the opportunity to relax was the most important element of a holiday, eclipsing factors such as food, culture, sunbathing and gaining life experiences. · The summer holiday is the most prized annual purchase with 37 per cent above its nearest contender of a new car at 15 per cent. Only four per cent went for cosmetic surgery or beauty treatments. · Despite the economic gloom, 68 per cent of the public are prepared to up their holiday budget or spend the same as last year. · Bargain-hunting holidaymakers are still looking for the best deals. More than 50 per cent are happy to spend up to £500 on flights and accommodation, while eight per cent are prepared to pay above £1200. · The average spend in 2009 will be £632.04, making an outlay above £2,500 for a family of four with 68 per cent anticipating spending the same or more than they did in 2008

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ITB Aviation Day focuses on the collapse of capacity, climate protection and the crisis on capital markets Top executives will discuss key aviation subjects – Lufthansa group board member Stefan Lauer gives insights in the global player’s strategies Berlin, January 2009 – The global aviation industry will face major challenges in 2009, with sharply fluctuating oil prices and jet fuel costs, the crises affecting capital markets, overcapacities and climate protection constraints. During the Aviation Day, 13 March 2009, at the ITB Berlin Convention, leading representatives of airlines and aircraft manufacturers will be discussing current issues concerning the international aviation industry.

Stefan Lauer, a member of the board of the Lufthansa Group, will start the event by outlining the position of Lufthansa in the aviation of the future. He will provide answers to questions about the basis for the group's success, as well as providing insights into strategic plans for strengthening its position in international aviation.

The “Fuel and Emission Panel” will be one of the hotspots of the ITB Aviation Day, with discussions between experts on aspects such as fuel hedging, bio-fuel, new propulsion systems and climate protection. The keynote speech by Ed Sims, Group General Manager of Air New Zealand, will be followed by a panel discussion chaired by Matthias Eberle, US correspondent for the German business paper Handelsblatt. Among those

joining Ed Sims on the panel will be Helmut Fredrich, Vice President, Corporate Fuel Management for Deutsche Lufthansa AG, and Kenneth J. McGill, EVP & Executive Managing Director of the American business research institute Global Insight.

There will be three further panel discussions during the afternoon. Prominent participants will address the topic “Is the industry doomed?” Demand is decreasing because of costs and the weak economy, but on the other hand the order books of the aircraft-makers Airbus and Boeing are full. The members of the panel will investigate whether the aircraft that have been ordered will really be delivered and, if so, how they will be deployed and financed.

A panel of analysts will show whether the crisis affecting capital markets will encourage consolidation in the airline industry.

The representatives of European banks and finance institutes will investigate whether, in the light of the current market situation, the airlines and airports have sufficient capital at their disposal for essential investments, and what direction will crisis-stricken capital markets push the development of the industry?

The final event of the ITB Aviation Day will look at the question of whether low-cost, long-haul services can be successful.

The aviation expert Jens Flottau will address some critical questions to prominent proponents of low-cost travel.

In Search of the EURO-PCO Development of a globally-recognised professional standard among European PCOs took a major step forward at an international conference in the historic and charismatic Polish city of Krakow.

Keynote speaker Susan Spibey from the UK was joined by presenters from France, Greece and key players from Poland, in calling for the development of a European Standard system covering the role of PCOs and associated events planners.

As the Professional Development board member with the European Federation of the Associations of PCOs, Susan Spibey delivered a powerfully aspirational message about the future development of the profile of the PCO. “There are a number of “new” industry sectors emerging, and the liberalisation of trade across Europe now requires the creation of mechanisms to measure service standards,” she said.

“European Standards already exist for many business sectors, and some have been developed further to international standards – such as ISO 9001 on quality. It is important to define the specialist service that PCOs deliver and to create a standard primarily to provide Clients with a universally understood measurement tool.”

Susan described the UK approach to developing skilled individuals in the events sector. People 1st is the Sector Skills Council for Hospitality, Leisure Travel and Tourism. Sector Skills Councils are Government-recognised, industry-focused bodies established to support the development of skills and training within that industry. Their vision is to deliver world-class customer experience and productivity by developing the most 16

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appropriate skills and qualifications.

People 1st has worked with a cross-section of trade associations and organisations in the events sector to rewrite the National Occupational Standards for Events Management using a range of criteria drawn from both management and marketing disciplines. The aim is to raise the profile of PCOs as Project Managers with specialist knowledge and skills.

Proposed standards should be rolled out in early 2009 and be followed by other initiatives.

“EFAPCO now has ten national associations in membership, between them representing over 1,000 companies active in the meetings industry,” Susan added. “It is the most appropriate body to lead the development of the professional profile of PCOs across Europe and we hope that other organisations will support the initiative.

“Along with AFNOR, the French Standards Institute, EFAPCO has already begun preliminary discussions with the European Commission to agree the most appropriate route to developing a European Standard.

EFAPCO President, Nicolas Le Brun added: “France is the latest country to come into membership. Almost every Board member is in pro-active contact with leading PCOs in non-member countries who are keen to establish their own national associations with a view to further strengthening the Federation’s voice in the European corridors of power.”

Topics & News

ABTA CONFIRMS BARCELONA WILL HOST THE TRAVEL CONVENTION 2009 For the first time in ABTA’s history, the City of Barcelona will be the venue for The 2009 Travel Convention, which will be held between 6th and 8th of October 2009.

The 2008 Travel Convention in Gran Canaria owed much of its success to the commitment by the Spanish tourism authorities who are again keen to demonstrate the importance of the UK market to Spain.

Ignacio Vasallo, Director, Spanish Tourist office, said: “The relationship between Spain and the UK travel industry is a key priority for the Spanish Tourist Office and we are delighted that Barcelona has been chosen as the venue for one of the UK travel industry’s most important events - the fourth year running that Spain has been selected.

We are dedicated to supporting the conference alongside the Catalonia Tourism Board and the Barcelona Tourism Board as proof of our commitment to the UK travel industry and the importance of its role in Spanish tourism. Our figures show that we welcomed over 16 million UK visitors in 2007 and Barcelona is one of the UK’s most popular destinations. There is never a dull moment in the vibrant beachfront city and we look forward to welcoming the delegates of The Travel Convention to Barcelona in 2009.”

Pere Duran, Managing Director of Turisme de Barcelona added: “ I am delighted that Barcelona will host The Travel Convention 2009. I am sure that the capital of Catalonia, which is very used to organising international events will be a magnificent location for this very important professional meeting.

The celebration of this highly significant ABTA event in Barcelona corresponds to a large extent to the loyalty that the British market has shown our city. In fact, Britain is the main market for Barcelona: more than 11% of tourists that come here every year are British.”

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, ABTA, said" We are thrilled to take The Travel Convention to Barcelona for the first time, one of the world's leading cities. Spain has come through time and again as a committed supporter of ABTA and The Travel Convention and we can be sure of a first class event."

The ABTA Board considered expanding the convention this year, enhancing it by putting on a UK event. However it was felt that 2009 was not the right year to try out a new format, although this will most certainly be considered in the future.

TRAVEL AGENTS BEST STOP FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE diately to provide cover for potential cancellation fees prior to travel as well as being covered when on holiday.

From 1 January 2009 the Financial Services Authority regulates the sale of travel insurance by travel agents and tour operators, providing an extra level of peace of mind for customers. Many ABTA Members have registered with the FSA to continue to sell insurance and many other ABTA Members that have chosen not to register, have made arrangements with insurance companies to ensure their customers still have access to this essential service.

ABTA – The Travel Association, is reminding customers of the importance of taking out travel insurance at the time of booking as we enter January, the busiest month for arranging holidays. It is important that customers take out insurance imme18

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Mark Tanzer ABTA Chief Executive said: “ ABTA Members have been providing insurance to customers for many years and with the introduction of FSA regulation they will still be able to offer this service to customers. We would recommend strongly that customers take out insurance at the time of booking to provide essential cover and peace of mind”.

HOLIDAYING BRITS REPLACE SEX ON THE BEACH WITH CULTURAL ANTICS Culture-Vulture Brits are ditching their ‘sex on the beach’ image to expand their horizons with sightseeing, a survey conducted by travel experts ABTA .

The vast majority of people valued the opportunity to get away from everyday worries as the prime holiday attraction.

Top eight things people value most about going on holiday 1. Break from everyday worries and routine 2. Spending quality time with family/friends 3. Culture 4. Relaxing and recharging 5. Sunshine 6. Sex with partner 7. Being the envy of people on return from the holiday 8. Seeing friends and family on return from the holiday

Sampling local food and customs scored above sex in an ABTA study into the things people value most about their annual summer holiday.

Only five per cent chose sex with a partner as the main priority of going on holiday while almost 20 per cent voted for meeting new people and gaining life experiences in different cultures.

32% 19% 18% 15% 8% 5% 2% 1%

“Holidays are important to people in different ways but the research is clear that holidays are a vital part of people's year and still will be this year despite the economic downturn,” said Casia Zajac, Head of Communications for ABTA. “Planning and anticipating a holiday can sustain people through the winter months and the bleak financial times that are upon us.

“With the holiday being so crucial, it is important that they plan well and use reputable agents so they are not disappointed. The best way to ensure your holiday happens without a glitch and you receive the highest level of service is to book with a travel company that is an ABTA member.

CLEAN WATER charity Just a Drop has hit the million mark.

The international travel and tourism industry fund-raiser has announced the spectacular news that the magical £1,000,000 figure has been achieved in its 10th year of operation.

"It is a wonderful anniversary celebration and inspires us to march onto the next million," said Just a Drop founder and chairman Fiona Jeffery.

"This money has funded desperately needed water-aid projects throughout the world including Africa, Asia, South America, Middle East and Europe."

In total, Just a Drop has helped more than 900,000 people from 28 countries building protected wells, installing piping and providing sanitation.

"I would like publicly to thank all the many people who have contributed and supported us so willingly since we started our little 'drop-in-the-ocean' idea that has grown into a well recognised and respected organisation."

Jeffery, chairman of World Travel Market, is proud that Reed Exhibitions recently adopted Just a Drop as its flagship charity and has paid tribute to what she describes as a "true team effort".

She thanked Just a Drop's Board of Trustees, corporate sponsors and patrons including Baroness Anelay of St Johns, broadcasters Alastair Stewart, OBE, and Stephen Sackur, presenter of BBC World's flagship programme Hard Talk and Tracy Edwards, MBE, who won international fame as the skipper of the first all-female crew to sail around the world in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race.

Jeffery gave special thanks to Capt. Jim Masters, whose expertise has been invaluable in overseeing Just a Drop's field operations and Nikki Davis, Company Secretary, who has worked tirelessly for the cause since its formation and was responsible for the all important registration with the Charity

Commission.

"Little did I expect that having got involved from the outset as a simple fundraising initiative, encouraging the industry to give back, it would grow to become the independent global charity it is today", said Davis.

Col. John Blashford-Snell, Just a Drop's president, who helped gain the support of countless volunteer water engineers, doctors, dentists and nurses who have travelled to often very remote locations worldwide, said: " Just a Drop has created hope for people who would otherwise be doomed to a life without clean water."

"In the past, women and children from these communities would walk for hours every day just to collect clean water. You can only understand what this means to them when you see their faces as a project is completed.

"The alternative is to drink dirty, disease-borne sources of water, often shared by livestock and wildlife, which can kill children before the age of five. That is why an infant or toddler dies every 17 seconds somewhere in the world."

"Installing clean water means so many things - it not only helps improve a community's health but plays a crucial role in helping reduce poverty and increasing the opportunity for children to go to school."

"We have come a long way since Just a Drop was started ten years ago and thousands of lives have been transformed" added Jeffery.

"Sadly, there is still much to be done and we often have to turn away people who come to us for help because of insufficient funds."

To learn more about Just a Drops work in field and how to donate over the festive season visit www.justadrop.org

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Events 2012 & Beyond conference exceeds 150 pre-registrations Following the announcement that the first official conference for the UK events industry on the subject of the 2012 Olympic Games will take place on Tuesday 24th February 2009, the Events 2012 Development Group have announced that UBM Conferences have been appointed to manage the event.

Ticket prices have also been confirmed as £349.00 per delegate, with a special rate of £249.00 for those who are signatories to the 2012 UK Event Industry Fair Pricing & Practice Charter. However, even before ticket prices were confirmed over 150 pre-registrations for the events have been received.

registrations we have achieved at such an early stage”.

Events 2012 & Beyond will be the first in a series of conferences designed to help the event industry understand the Olympic and Paralympic opportunities leading up to the London games in 2012 and is being organised in conjunction with Visit London and Visit Britain. The conference will take place on the first day of International Confex on Tuesday 24th February 2009 at the Earls Court Conference Centre, London.

Delegates can register their interest for places now by visiting http://www.events2012andbeyond.com

David Sharpe, Head of the Events 2012 Development Group said: “We are creating an event that, particularly in the current climate, is designed to provide practical help and information to those organisations within the events industry that are specifically looking to target business associated with the games in 2012. It is especially encouraging to see the level of

Olympiad London to showcase the very best in sports and culture where visitors can relax, enter a competition for Elizabeth Arden beauty treatments and truly unlock their potential whilst experiencing our brand… Visit London will also be launching a new ‘Capital of cool’ guide to London in association with Event magazine – the guide, introducing unique and unusual venues to hold an event in, will be launched in the London Bar at Confex on Wednesday 25 February at 1.30pm.

Adams continues: “Following the huge success of the London Bar area last year we have created a new bar for 2009 which will be a focal point for networking at the show and an ideal backdrop for people to soak up a little of the funky London atmosphere.”

Visit London will once again be showcasing London’s outstanding meetings and events product through the London Area at this year’s International Confex 24-26 February 2009, Earls Court, London.

This year’s London area will feature a record 45 different venues, suppliers and London events organisers at the three-day international show.

The Visit London stand will focus on the theme of ‘Sports and Culture’ and 18 unique stand partners including Southbank Centre, Chelsea FC, Wembley Stadium, London Eye, Barbican, The O2, London Transport Museum, RSA House and new business venue Kings Place will all showcase the very best of London business venues.

Zanine Adams, UK Sales & Event Solutions Manager, Visit London said: “The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are a huge inspiration factor for businesses wanting to come to London. The city is buzzing with excitement and we have some of the most world-renowned sports and cultural venues in the world.”

The Visit London 2009 stand includes a lively coffee bar area

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The stunning London Bar, designed by Partridge Events, includes contributions from Hawthorns, Colour sonic, Great Hire, and Ficklestix. It will feature an exclusive art gallery area showcasing the work of London artist Steve Yeates http://www.steveyeates.co.uk. Yeates uses recycled materials such as glass from vandalised bus shelters to create stunning sculptural pieces. An exclusive piece has been designed for Visit London by Yeates and will be offered as a competition prize to a lucky Confex visitor.

The O2 will also be livening up The London Bar area with a number of fun activities including wine tasting with their partner Gaucho Grill and back massages for weary visitors from O2 Angels.

Visit London will host a number of networking events and VIP parties over the three-day period including an exclusive London networking drinks in the London Bar and Visit London networking event at Sound in Leicester Square. Both events are by invitation only – for more details go to networking@visitlondon.com or call Peter Spring on 020 7234 5829.

As well as the stand activities Visit London has also worked with LOCOG and VisitBritain to create Events 2012 & Beyond, the first official events industry conference related to Olympic opportunities. The event will be taking place in Earls Court Conference Centre on Tuesday 24 February, running parallel with the show. http://www.events2012andbeyond.com

A CHOICE OF SUPREMACY & SUCCESS The Club Hotel Casino Loutraki Conference Centre is a high standard multipurpose hall covering 900m2, with flexible partitioning and equipped with the latest audio and visual technology.

Conferences, receptions, galas, social events, seminars, business lunches, exhibitions, fashion shows and sport events, accommodating from 20 to 800 people, are all organized by the experienced personnel of the Events Department.

Its location, close to Athens (80 kilometers approximately), the integrated, high standard facility of hospitality and entertainment, with a 255 room and 20 suite Hotel of five-star luxury, three aesthetically distinct and unrivalled luxurious restaurants, five bars, the OASIS Body n' Soul Wellness Centre for rejuvenation, relaxation and wellness, the gym with the advanced equipment complemented by sauna and hamam, and the presence of an excellent salon de coiffure, constitute unmatchable advantages and strong motives for the organization of successful events. In parallel, the free underground and strictly controlled parking lot with a capacity of 900 spaces ensures secured parking.

At the Club Hotel Casino Loutraki, you will discover the perfect destination for the success of your events.

48, Poseidonos Av., 203 00 Loutraki, Greece. Call Center: +30 27440 60300 www.clubhotelloutraki.gr email:sales@chlsa.gr

Topics & News

The Carlton, St Moritz A Winter Palace fit for a Tsar The Carlton St Moritz has just reopened after a major 18month refurbishment and is now the only all-suite hotel in the ultra-swish resort. Built originally for Tsar Nicholas II as a summer home away from pre-revolutionary Russia, the Carlton was turned into a hotel in 1913, one of five five-star properties that have competed hotly for the more-money-than-sense market for the past 100 years. Levels of service are exemplary and every guest is greeted with the words "Welcome to Paradise".

Every one of the 60 suites has a view of the lake and the rooms are even more dramatic. Flamboyant designer Carlo Rampazzi has filled each suite with swathes of rich fabric, huge leather headboards and antique bits and pieces dating from the hotel's opening. Each room has its own vibrant colour scheme orange, green, red toned down by a reproduction of the original 1913 carpet. Though he was given a clean slate and a huge budget, Rampazzi has gone for the impression that rooms have been renovated rather than designed anew.

Carlton SPA Discover Wellness for your body, mind and spirit - along with an incomparable view of the St. Moritz mountain panorama.

Welcome to the world of the Carlton Spa... spread over three levels and 1200 luxuriously appointed square meters... here you will indulge in new levels of luxury and the ultimate in wellbeing.

Etihad wins ‘Airline of the Year’ award Etihad Airways has been voted ‘airline of the year’ at the 2008 Arabian Business Achievement Awards, the latest in a series of prestigious accolades that the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has collected in recent months.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline picked up the award at a glittering ceremony at the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai, hosted by ITP, the publishers of Arabian Business magazine and attended by many of the region’s leading senior business professionals.

This year has been marked by significant growth of Etihad’s international network, aircraft fleet, passenger numbers and product development.

Etihad has launched six new destinations in 2008, starting flights to Beijing, the Indian cities of Kozikhode (Calicut) and Chennai (Madras) as well as Minsk, the capital city of Belarus, Moscow and Almaty, the commercial capital of Kazakhstan.

Etihad recently boosted its flying programme to Australia, with an increase in its existing daily service to Sydney to 11 flights per week and added a third daily flight to London Heathrow, the world’s busiest international airport.

Etihad made history in July by announcing the largest ever aircraft order at the Farnborough Airshow in the UK. The total deal for up to 205 wide-body and narrow-body planes is worth approximately US $43 billion, at list prices, and comprises 100 firm orders for a combination of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

The airline expects to carry more than six million passengers by the end of year, with average seat factors forecast to be 75 per cent. The number of passengers has grown from 340,000 in 2004 to one million in 2005, 2.8 million in 2006 and 4.6 million in 2007.

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Topics & News

Leaders Of World's Largest Communications Companies To Address Critical Business Challenges At The 2009 GSMA Mobile World Congress

"The upcoming Mobile World Congress will provide a great opportunity to take an in-depth look at the critical role that communications technologies can play in helping companies address the difficult economic issues we face today. But even with the ongoing economic uncertainty as a backdrop, this is also a particularly important time for leaders from the communications, media, and IT industries to come together to discuss strategies that will enable us to drive future innovation and ensure long-term success."

- Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft Corp.

"We have an unprecedented opportunity to fully realize the potential of mobile technologies to drive economic growth. The Mobile World Congress will help showcase that opportunity by highlighting innovative mobile products, applications and services capable of boosting the productivity and efficiency of both individuals and companies worldwide."

- Ralph de la Vega, President and CEO, AT&T Mobility and

Consumer Markets.

"A truly global event, the Mobile World Congress is an invaluable and very efficient way to meet with industry leaders and government officials from across the world. I am looking forward to discussing how our industry and regulatory authorities can work together to further enhance the positive role that mobile services can play in driving economic growth."

- Jon Fredrik Baksaas, President and CEO, Telenor Group.

"Increasingly international and local communities are benefiting from the power of mobile broadband to communicate faster and more effectively. Mobile operators are uniquely placed to contribute more to society, whether it is helping the unbanked to make secure payments, ensuring that businesses gain and maintain a competitive edge or simply enriching the lives of customers and their families."

- Vittorio Colao, Chief Executive of Vodafone.

ITB Business Travel Days with attractive travel arrangements Full service package costing 209 euros for travel and office managers – available to event planners too for the first time Berlin, 13 January 2009 – Messe Berlin is providing a full service travel package especially for those attending the ITB Business Travel Days, offering real value for money.

The flat rate price of 209 euro covers 1st class return travel to and from Berlin with Deutsche Bahn, one overnight in a single room with breakfast at the Kongresshotel Potsdam on Templin Lake, participation in the range of seminars and a bus shuttle between the hotel and the Exhibition Grounds.

Travel and office managers and, for the first time, event planners, have until 25 February 2009 to apply to www.itb-convention.com/busi24

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nesstravel for the exclusive “Business Travel Package”, which is valid from 12 to 13 March (one-day extension possible).

The ITB Business Travel Days from 11 to 15 March 2009 are an important platform for everyone involved in the sector of business travel. They are an ideal source of first-hand travel management expertise for travel managers, business travel bookers, suppliers, those with MICE responsibilities and event planners. The ITB Business Travel Forum features an outstanding programme of highly topical subjects which will be discussed by prominent figures in the industry. The questions to be addressed by the experts will include the obstacles associated with visas, and they will also investigate ancillary flight costs as an inflationary factor. This year for the first time the MICE sector will be included as a separate component of the programme of the Business Travel Forum.

The ITB Business Travel Forum will take place from 11 to 13 March 2009 in Hall 7.1A, New York 3, during the ITB Berlin Convention.

LARGEST PAN EUROPEAN INDUSTRY GATHERING AT MPI'S EUROPEAN MEETING AND EVENTS CONFERENCE 2009 IN TORINO

Topics & News

Industry Challenges and Opportunities Addressed - More than 35 Educational Sessions MPI's (Meeting Professionals International)) Italia Chapter is to welcome one of the biggest events for the European meetings industry in Torino, 1-3 March 2009. MPI's European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) is set to attract over 700 delegates from Europe and around the world.

The event returns to Italy for the first time in ten years, when it was hosted by Rimini.

Designed specifically to help industry professionals, the conference will provide meeting and event professionals with the knowledge to develop their businesses and stay on top of technological innovations, current trends and developments especially in these challenging economical times.

With an overarching theme of 'Connect to Passion', MPI has organised a full educational programme of keynote addresses, workshops, panels and interactive sessions focussing on the challenges and opportunities facing the meetings industry from an operational and management perspective.

Key highlights of the programme, which feature more than 35 educational sessions, include: Political intelligence™- How to Use Positive Organisational Politics to Get Results and Managing and Working in a Matrix: How to Operate in Changing Organisational Structures David Bancroft-Turner, Managing Director The Academy for Political Intelligence Meeting Architecture: Your Career "Under Construction" Maarten Vanneste is president and CEO of Abbit Meeting Support and author of the book Meeting Architecture.

A Facilitated Panel Discussion Meeting Effectiveness: A Practical Approach Steve de Wit, Managing Partner of the Barranco Concept NV. The Global Economic Outlook and Tough Times: How Global Markets Impact You Daniel Thorniley, Senior Vice President of the Economist Group.

For the full programme visit www.mpiweb.org/emec With last year's conference in London becoming the first ever event to achieve the new British Standard for sustainable events, BS8901, MPI will continue to work to the Standard, bringing in local suppliers, supporting CSR projects and helping reduce CO2 emissions through carbon setting.

Networking The Host Committee and the Torino Convention Bureau is gearing up to deliver some exciting networking events that showcase the best of this famous Italian city.

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The event commences on Sunday 1 March with a Welcome Reception at the Lingotto Conference Centre originally FIAT's first large car factory now modernized for the 21st century as a multifunctional event space and conference centre with twelve interconnected and permanently equipped halls covering 22,800 square metres.

On the same day, the Opening Night Event will be held in the Palavela, on the bank of the River Po. It is one of a number of Torino venues benefiting from the legacy of hosting the figure skating and short track speed skating events at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

The third networking event - Rendezvous, the highlight of the international meeting industry's social calendar - takes place on 2 March at the Circolo Esperia, Torino's famous rowing club providing stunning views of the city. Rendezvous gives delegates the opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues, network and to support the MPI's Foundation work in investing in high impact programmes which support a rich, global and events industry.

The closing night gala takes place in the splendour of one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites - Reggia di Venaria Reale.

Commenting on EMEC, Joyce Dogniez, CMM, MPI Director of Operations EMEA, said: "We are thrilled to bring the conference back to Torino, Italy after ten years. Torino's city infrastructure and sustainability has benefited from over â‚Ź1.1 billion investment from the United Nations Environment Programme making it an ideal place to hold an event, especially our European Meetings and Events Conference.

"The European region supports one of the world's most robust economies, and the meetings and events industry is a vital part of this business sector. This year's event in Torino shows MPI's passionate commitment to European meeting and events professionals."

Marcella Gaspardone, Managing Director of Torino Convention Bureau, said: "We are honoured that MPI has chosen Torino for the most important event in the European meetings and congress industry. It is a great vote of confidence in our city's ability to organise events, and also shows the important role that Torino plays in the international congress field. We invite all meetings professionals to attend the European Meetings and Events Conference 2009 and discover the Piemonte region as well as Torino, its capital."

Registration to the MPI European Meetings & Events Conference has now opened at (www.mpiweb.org/emec). Delegates can also take the opportunity to book their flights with official airline partner Lufthansa at special rates.

Exhibitions

UTAZAS- Budapest Date 26 February - 1 March 2009 Venue Budapest, Hungary Edition 32nd Telephone (361) 263 6263 Fax (361) 263 6435 E-mail utazas@hungexpo.hu Website www.utazas.hungexpo.hu Apartments, Camping, Hotels, Resorts, Villas, Activity & Adventure Travel, Airline, Airport, Business & Incentive Travel, Car Rental, Children’s Travel, Coach Travel, Conventions & Visitors Bureau, Cruise Lines & Ferries, Eco-Tourism, Educational Travel, Conference/Meeting Venue & Organiser, Fishing & Hunting, Golfing Holidays, Health Resorts & Spas, Luxury Service, General & Travel Trade Publications, Medical Tourism, National/Regional Tourist Board, Pilgrimage, Safari, Senior Citizen Travel, Shopping Tour, Skiing Holidays, Special Needs Holidays, Technology, Ticketing Service, Tour Operator, Tourist Attraction, Trains, Travel Trade Association, Travel Agency, Yachting Participants Travel agencies, tourism boards, hotels, map and paper publishers, language schools, tourist services 2007 Figures Total net space 24,600 sq metres Exhibitors 2,056 Trade visitors 13,742 Mass media 976 Represented countries 108 visiting countries. 53 exhibiting countries Public 3,364 Parallel Activities Sport International Sport and Leisure Time Fair Budapest Boat Show International Boat Exhibition FeHoVa Hunting, Fishing and Arms International Exhibition Opening Hours 26 February , 10.00-17.00 (trade only day) 27 February - 1 March 10.00-

18.00 (trade only)

Serbia and Montenegro.

Price Per Square Metre 64-90 EUR/sqm depending on standtype (2008)

Participants National Tourist Boards, Regional Tourist Boards, Tour Operators, Tourist Agencies, Spas & Health care tourism, Hotels, Transit Tourism, Railway, Air Transport, Latest Technology in Tourism, Media

Entrance Fee 2008 Prices: 2500 HUF (10 EUR) on trade day, 1200 HUF (4,8 EUR) on public days Management Klara Tihanyi- Exhibition Director Margaret Bosnyak - Sales Manager, Hall A Barbara Katona - Organiser Hedvig Ertl - Sales Manager, Halls B&D Maria Pripko - Organiser Member Of ITTFA - International Tourism Trade Fairs Association

IFT-Belgrade Date 26 February - 1 March 2009 Venue Belgrade Fair Edition 30th Telephone 00 381 11 2655 377 Fax 00 381 11 2655 722 E-mail nikola.andric@sajam.co.yu Website www.iftbelgrade.com International Fair of Tourism (IFT) takes place together with the Sailing Fair in three Belgrade Fair exhibiting halls, having the total area of 10,000 sq. m. The fair event is 60% oriented toward travel abroad, 20% local offer oriented toward sales at foreign markets and 20% local offer toward local buyers. The number of countries having their program presentation at the event is 50.

Special topics for IFT are: 1.IT technology in tourism, software applications, booking systems 2.Short Stay Holiday presentation – programs European cities There is also a special chapter intended for the promotion of hotel chains, since only Hyatt Regency, Intercontinental and Best Western, among international hotel chains, are present in

Parallel Activities workshops, press conferences, presentations, video/cd showrooms, seminars, awards ceremony, dedicated technology & telecomms area Opening Hours 26 February 11.00-19.00 trade 27 February 10.00 -19.00 trade 28 February 10.00-19.99 trade and public 29 February 10.00-16.00 trade and public Price Per Square Metre (space only) EUR 80/sqm + VAT per sqm (space + shell scheme) EUR 110/sqm + VAT per sqm Entrance Fee Pre registration - free entry Management Mr Nikola Andric Project Manager Member Of ITTFA - International Tourism Trade Fairs Association YUTA - Yugoslav Travel Agencies Association

Swedish International Travel & Tourism Trade Fair Date 19 - 22 March 2009 Venue Goteborg, Sweden Edition 26th Telephone (46) 31 708 8000 Fax (46) 31 160 330 Email tur@swefair.se Website www.tur.se TUR in Gothenburg is Scandinavia's largest and leading trade exhibition gathering some 2000 exhibitors from some 100 countries- the place where the world meets the Scandinavian tour operators to do business.

Travel Trade & MICE Exhibitions Sponsored by: Promoting Quality Business to Business Contacts

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Participants National and International Tourist organizations, Tour Operators/travel agencies, Carriers, hotels/conference venues, SPA, rental companies, data communications, reservations systems, literature (guides, maps) camping Parallel Activities Seminars and conferences, appointments forum, Meeting Industry Week Opening Hours March 19 09.00 – 18.00 trade only March 20 09.00 – 18.00 trade only March 21 09.00 – 18.00 trade visitors and general public March 22 10.00 – 17.00 trade visitors and general public Price Per Square Metre SEK 1,640 for areas of 12150 sqm, SEK 1,500 over and above 101sqm, for entire area.

SEK 2,995 for space and rent + shell stand. All in one “Basic”.

Application fee SEK 5,000.

Entrance Fee Thur – Fri SEK 300 / Sat – Sun SEK 120 incl. VAT Management Mr. Johan F Lundberg Exhibition Manager, Mr Per Magnusson - Deputy Exhibition Manager, Mrs Jane Ringenson - Sales Manager, Mrs Lise Backby-Moberg Marketing Manager, Mrs Eva Bursell - Sales, Ms Jessica Santesson Administration Member Of ITTFA - International Tourism Trade Fairs Association PATA – Pacific Asia Travel Association RTS – Swedish Travel & Tourist Industry Federation BTC – Baltic Sea Tourism Commission GOTEBORG & CO – Gothenburg Tourist Board The Swedish Tourism Network

Ukrainian Travel market Date 25 - 27 March 2009 Venue Kiev, Ukraine Edition 15th Telephone +44 (0) 207 596 5043 Fax +44 (0) 207 596 5102 E-mail travel@ite-exhibitions.com Website www.uitt-kiev.com Introduction UITT is internationally recognised as the leading event for the Ukrainian travel market, annually attracting 750 exhibiting companies from 38 countries and regions, and 23,500 visitors. It is an allencompassing travel show representing national tourist boards, tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, hotels and travel agencies. UITT successfully brings together major destinations to meet with local industry players. The international participation at UITT increases every year as destinations all over the world discover the huge potential for outbound travel from Ukraine. With ITE Travel Exhibitions’ international experience, the local expertise from Premier Expo as well as the support of industry and government bodies, UITT’s position as the No. 1 travel trade event in Ukraine is ensured. UITT is now scheduled immediately after MITT (Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition), so that companies can target the whole Russian and Ukrainian regions in a matter of only two weeks.

Participants Apartments, Camping, Hotels, Resorts, Villas, Activity & Adventure Travel, Airlines, Airports, Business & Incentive

Travel, Car Rental, Children’s Travel, Coach Travel, Conventions & Visitors Bureau, Cruise Lines & Ferries, Eco-Tourism, Educational Travel, Conference/Meeting Venue & Organiser, Fishing & Hunting, Golfing Holidays, Health Resorts & Spas, Luxury Service, General & Travel Trade Publications, Medical Tourism, National/Regional Tourist Board, Pilgrimage, Safari, Senior Citizen Travel, Shopping Tours, Skiing Holidays, Special Needs Holidays, Technology, Ticketing Service, Tour Operator, Tourist Attraction, Trains, Travel Trade Association, Travel Agency, Yachting Parallel Activities Seminars, presentations, workshops, press conferences Opening Hours March 26th 2007 11.00 18.00 (trade) March 27th 2007 10.00 18.00 (trade & public) March 28th 2007 10.00 18.00 (trade & public) Price Per Square Metre 335 Euro per sqm space only.

265 Euro per sqm equipped space Entrance Fee : USD $5 for general public Management Ms Zeljka Tomljenovic, Senior Event & Sales Manager, ITE Group Plc – UK Ms Maria Badakh, Event & Sales Director, ITE Group Plc - UK Member Of ITTFA - International Tourism Trade Fairs Association WTO- World Tourism

Organization PATA-Pacific Asia Travel Association IOD-Institute of Directors UFTAA - Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association AUTV - Tourism Exhibitions Association Organised By : ITE Travel Exhibitions 105 Salusbury Road London NW6 6RG UK

Mitt Date 18 - 21 March 2009 Venue Moscow, Russia Edition 16th Telephone +44 (0) 207 596 5083 Fax +44 (0) 207 596 5102 E-mail: travel@ite-exhibitions.com Website www.mitt.ru Introduction Firmly established as the leading travel trade event for Russia and the CIS, MITT annually welcomes some 2000 companies from over 100 countries and regions world-wide. MITT is also a member of the WTO and has an UFI accreditation. For further information, please contact the organisers.

Participants Apartments, Camping, Hotels, Resorts, Villas, Activity & Adventure Travel, Airline, Airport, Business & Incentive Travel, Car Rental, Children’s Travel, Coach Travel, Conventions & Visitors Bureau, Cruise Lines & Ferries, Eco-Tourism, Educational Travel, Conference/Meeting Venue & Organiser, Fishing & Hunting, Golfing Holidays, Health Resorts & Spas, Luxury Service, General & Travel Trade Publications, Medical Tourism, National/Regional Tourist Board, Pilgrimage,

Safari, Senior Citizen Travel, Shopping Tour, Skiing Holidays, Special Needs Holidays, Technology, Ticketing Service, Tour Operator, Tourist Attraction, Trains, Travel Trade Association, Travel Agency, Yachting.

Parallel Activities Seminars, presentations, workshops, press conferences Russian Travel Awards ceremony (in association with TTG Russia) Price Per Square Metre € 399 per sqm space only € 499 per sqm equipped space Entrance Fee USD $5 for general public Management Ms Zeljka Tomljenovic, Senior Event & Sales Manager, ITE Group Plc- UK Ms Maria Badakh, Event & Sales Director, ITE Group Plc – UK Mr Sergei Gorski, Event Director, ITE LLC Moscow Member Of ITTFA - International Tourism Trade Fairs Association PATA - Pacific Asia Travel Association WATA - World Association of Travel Agents WTO - World Tourism Organisation UFI - Union de Foires Internationales UFTAA - Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association IOD - Institute of Directors Organised By : ITE Travel Exhibitions ITE Group PLC 105 Salusbury Road London NW6 6RG UK

ITTFA EXHIBITIONS 2009 ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET-Dubai, 5-8 May 2009 BTL - Lisbon, 21-25 January 2009 CIS - Russia, St. Petersburg, 14-16 October 2009 EIBTM - Barcelona, 1-3 December 2009 HOLIDAY WORLD - Prague, 5-8 February 2009 IFT - Serbia & Montenegro, 26 February-1 March 2009 MATKA - Finland - Helsinski, 15-18 January 2009 MITT - Moscow, 18-21 March 2009 PHILOXENIA - Thessaloniki 29 October - 1 November 2009 SATTE - India, 24-26 April 2009 SLOVAKIATOUR - Bratislava, 22-25 January 2009 TTG Incontri - Rimini 16-18 October 2009 TUR - Geteborg, 19-22 March 2009 UITT - Kiev, 25-27 March 2009 UKRAINE TRAVEL MARKET - Ukraine 6-8 October 2009 UTAZAS - Budapest, 26 February - 1 March 2009 WTM - London, 9-12 November 2009 Xenios

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Grand Serai Congress & Spa

Ioannina

At the Grand Serai, guests can choose between the main restaurant “Giasemi”, the sumptuous gourmet restaurant & bar “Onar”, the main bar “Kourabas” and its veranda, and the pool bar.

Grand Serai Spa A unique relaxation spot, the Grand Serai Spa offers the hotel’s visitors moments of well being and revitalisation.

When history meets 25 years of experience of MITSIS HOTELS GROUP and its commitment to customer satisfaction , unique environments are created , such as the recently built luxury (5*) hotel Grand Serai Congress & Spa. Build on a land of 13.000 m2, in the heart of the town of Ioannina, which is one of the famous destinations in Greece, "Mitsis GROUP" latest establishment, the hotel "GRAND SERAI", comes to offer a brand new perception of hospitality.

A genuine palace, "Grand Serai" combines the traditional style of Ioannina with elements of the Middle East.

With incomparable luxury and unique facilities the hotel guarantees a startling 5* stay.

Grand Serai Congress & Spa, with attention to the details of the care and well being of our customers, operating all year round, comes to satisfy your need to "escape" from the daily routine.

Accomodation: Opulence and comfort

Indulge in a rejuvenating massage, relax in the indoor pool, or abandon yourself to the care of our professional therapists.

Those feeling more energetic can also work out in the fully equipped gym.

Also available: Hairdresser’s and Beauty salon with manicure and pedicure.

Meetings & Events: Why settle for the ordinary?

Why settle for the ordinary, when you can lend your next event some real panache by holding it at the Grand Serai in one of the 8 meeting and conference rooms?

Multi-functional conference rooms accommodating up to 1500 persons, all with modern decor, are available and provide state-of-the-art technological and audiovisual equipment combined with impeccable service. Whether for business luncheons, meetings, exhibitions, cocktails, wedding receptions or dinner parties, the success of your event is guaranteed.

The surroundings of the hotel are equally exquisite venues to create a stylish event.

Opulence and comfort at the Grand Serai are not confined to the hotel's public areas. The Hotel’s guestrooms & suites offer an oasis of calm with space and silence, providing the utmost in luxury. They are all perfectly equipped to fulfil the needs of demanding travellers.

Each one of the 216 rooms and suites is beautifully appointed, decorated in a style reminiscent of the East and featuring warm, elegant decor with delicate fabrics. All rooms are soundproofed and have air conditioning, Internet access, direct telephone lines, satellite and pay TV. Non-smoking rooms & specially adapted rooms for disabled guests are available.

The hotel has 198 Standard Rooms, 7 Hayiati rooms, 6 junior suites, 4 executive suites and 1, 110-m2 Presidential suite redefining luxury in Northern Greece.

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Meeting Rooms

Ioannina

33, Dodonis Av. 45332 Ioannina - Greece . Tel.: +30-26510-90550 Fax: +30-26510-90557 Athens Office: 54, Grigoriou Labraki str. 16674 Glyfada, Athens - Greece Tel.: +30 210.9601164 - 5 Fax: +30 210.9601164 - 5 E-mail: info@mitsis-grandserai.com www.mitsishotels.com

Attica-Athens

2nd Athens Biennale 2009 HEAVEN 15 June – 4 October The 2nd Athens Biennale 2009 Heaven is designed as a multifaceted contemporary art event, comprising of several exhibitions, actions, music and theatre performances, film screenings, symposia, etc, with the participation of more than 100 international artists.

The Athens Biennale functions within an international network of large-scale periodic contemporary art events. It emerged from the intense cultural activity that makes Athens one of the most interesting places for contemporary art, and it aims to be an agent of constant change and innovation, provide a context for creativity and dialogue and constitute a wide platform for the designation and the critical engagement of local artistic production, as well as a forum of discussion and exchange with the international scene.

The Athens Biennale presented its first edition, titled Destroy Athens, between 10 September and 2 December 2007. The exhibition, as well as the parallel exhibitions and events, reached 50.000 visitors and was hailed a success by the international Press. The 2nd Athens Biennale will take place in 2009.

In parallel with the biennale exhibition, the Athens Biennale produces AB Projects, like the bilingual online magazine a. the athens contemporary art review and the online radio station artwave radio, organises conferences and presentations, publishes books, and supports the participation of artists in other international exhibitions.

Artistic directors XYZ (Xenia Kalpaktsoglou, Poka-Yio, Augustine Zenakos), who curated the 1st Athens Biennale 2007 Destroy Athens, have invited an eclectic group of curators to contemplate the subject of Heaven. Heaven as a wide topic touches upon notions such as lost innocence, nature and ecology, utopias and ideal communities. From this premise, a creative dialogue begins, which will reflect upon the theme itself as well as the methodology surrounding large-scale periodical exhibitions. The diverse approaches of the 2nd Athens Biennale 2009 team of curators will retain their autonomy, while interconnecting creatively and claiming a narrative cohesion which will be further reflected in the exhibition design, by architect and artist Andreas Angelidakis.

The multiple visual art and performative interventions in the public spaces will be curated by Dimitris Papaioannou and Zafos Xagoraris. Exhibitions, installations, public interventions, screening programmes, and symposia, will be curated by Nadja Argyropoulou, Diana Baldon, Christopher Marinos, Chus Martinez, and Cay Sophie Rabinowitz.

The Athens Biennale is organized by the Athens Biennale NonProfit Organization, which was founded in November 2005 by Xenia Kalpaktsoglou, Poka-Yio, and Augustine Zenakos.

Athens International Airport wins OAG Airport Marketing Award for the 4th consecutive year For the fourth consecutive year, Athens International Airport (AIA) won the OAG Airport Marketing Award for consistently and dynamically supporting airlines’ route development through the airport’s wide-scale, innovative marketing programmes*. AIA received the “OAG Airport Marketing Award” in the framework of the 14th World Route Development Forum, “ROUTES” (Kuala Lumpur October 12th-14th), this year sharing the 1st place with Brussels Airport, which also excelled for its airport marketing initiatives.

This year’s award in the new “European region” category is of great importance for AIA, as the airline route planners distinguished Athens among large European airports for the implementation of its innovative airport marketing approach.

Commenting on the OAG Airport Marketing Award 2008 received by Athens airport, AIA CEO, Dr. Yiannis Paraschis, said: “This year’s distinction is very important, as we were distinguished among major European airports, while it reflects the quality cooperation with our airline partners, even amid challenging times for the aviation industry. We would like once again to thank our airline partners for rewarding AIA’s airport marketing strategy, and pledge to continue supporting their development plans in our joint efforts.”

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THE ASTIR PALACE COMPLEX THE ARION SPA

Its charismatic location, with its view of the blue waters of the Saronic Gulf, the new ultra modern spa at the Hotel Arion Resort & Spa, the Luxury Collection in the Astir Palace Complex is the perfect hideaway, designed to calm the senses.

The Arion Spa offers a full proposition for reviving holidays to its guests who wish to experience the ultimate relaxation and beauty, as well as a lifestyle that combines the harmony of body and soul.

The guests of the Spa will have the opportunity to enjoy the provided therapies and services while gazing at the endless blue sea.

The Spa is 1.000 square meters and is situated on two levels, with focus point the heated pool which is equipped with therapeutic massage, a hydro massage wall for the feet, a bubble seat for three, as well as a swimming track and a hydro therapy Jacuzzi. Next to the pool are located the aromatic sauna, aromatic hamam, footbath - knipe, 5 therapy rooms, relaxation room and the famous "Cleopatra's bath".

Signature therapies for well being, beauty and revival are also available, all using pure natural products. The treatments at the Arion Spa are catered not only to the face and body, but to the soul and spirit.

The facial therapies are done in association with the Valmont and Anne Semonin Companies, while the body therapies in association with the Algoane and Anne 34

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Semonin Companies.

In collaboration with the above companies, the Arion Spa Team provides exclusively the specialized body treatment (signature treatment) "Mediterranean Greek Orange Fruit - Deep Hydration Envelopment" The therapy begins with a body scrub using Caribbean brown sugar and continues with a full body relaxation massage with orange oil, lavender and laminaria seaweed. The therapy lasts one hour and 15 minutes and is completed with a technique called shiatsu pressure.

The Spa's guests have the opportunity to try unique therapies designed to offer unforgettable carefree moments and relaxation while gazing the endless blue sea.

"Within the last few years Spas have become a necessity and is a prime service offered by luxury hotels. Hotels that collaborate with well known spa brand names have the advantage" states the General Manager of the Arion Astir Beach, Mr. Edmond Pinczowski and adds: "we anticipate that the spa in combination with other services rendered by the Hotel Arion Resort & Spa, will be a great advantage to our Hotel complex.

For further information on the Hotel Arion Resort & Spa, please visit: www.Luxurycollection.com/arion, www.astir-palace.com

Olympiacos FC Tops Greek Super League Following Tie-Up with Emirates DUBAI, U.A.E. Emirates, the Dubaibased award-winning international airline, announced on Sunday evening the signing of a sponsorship deal with Olympiacos FC, the most successful Club in the history of Greek football, having won 11 out of the last 12 and a total of 36 G r e e k Championships.

The deal, covering the current season with options to extend the partnership for a further two years, will see the familiar ‘Fly Emirates’ signage displayed at the Karaiskaki Stadium, the home of Olympiacos.

Keith Longstaff, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide, said: "It is very exciting for Emirates to partner with the most successful football club in Greece. Olympiacos and Emirates are perfect partners with both being regularly recognised for their excellence; Olympiacos in the form of trophies and Emirates with over 400 awards to its name. The commencement of this sponsorship highlights Emirates' commitment to the Greek market, with rapid growth over the last few years and further ambitious plans for the year ahead. Our global commitment to football is now firmly reflected at the local level here as well."

Theodore Yiannikos, Head of International Affairs, welcomed all participants on behalf of the club and mentioned: "We are very proud to announce this partnership with Emirates."

Angelos Zouras, Managing Director of SportsUnited, gave some further information about the partnership: "The frame of the cooperation between the two organisations focuses in four different benefit categories (match-day advertising benefits, outdoor advertising benefits, media advertising benefits and corporate hospitality benefits) aiming to maximize awareness and exposure of both parties. It is within the intentions of the two Partners to develop packages specifically to target the club’s fan base around the world."

In addition to the support of Olympiacos FC, Emirates is an Official Partner of the FIFA World Cup™ with close links to FIFA and all its projects in the 2007–2014 period. At the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ Emirates became the first airline to be an Official Partner of the world's premier football tournament.

Emirates also sponsors Arsenal football club and has the naming rights of their new home, the Emirates Stadium, in addition to partnerships with Paris Saint Germain Football Club, Hamburger SV and AC Milan. Emirates is also involved in a huge variety of sports including sailing, golf, horseracing, tennis, cricket and rugby.

Attica-Athens

Athenaeum Intercontinental Athens Redefines Hotel Comfort & Elegance

The Athenaeum InterContinental Athens continues its commitment to consistently exceeding the needs of its most discerning guests, having initiated a multi-million guestroom renovation program due for completion in 2010.

The first stage of the program, which is already completed, entails major fundamental improvements to the functionality and design of the 102 rooms on the 6th & 7th floor of the hotel.

The hotel has commissioned the Paris based design firm 3bis Architecture Decoration, whose portfolio includes some of the finest international city hotels and resorts.

The hallways of the new Deluxe floors have been awakened with vivid colours; orange, red and yellow and are complimented by lively wool carpeting.

Polished stone, wood and stainless steel lift foyers promote a seamless continuation and fresh welcoming already reflected in the public areas of the Athenaeum InterContinental Athens.

Showcasing the highest standards of quality and aesthetics, the renovated Deluxe rooms & suites, the most spacious in

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Athens, provide a variety of exclusive conveniences appreciated by the modern day traveller.

The design conceptually simple yet grand, alternating horizontal lines and geometric shapes with the soft colors of cream, praline, nougat and dark blue, results in a clever material contrast with wool, leather, suede and velvet.

The guestroom's interior features stylish furnishings and specially commissioned works of Modern Greek Art adorning the leather clad walls.

Fitted with all the modern conveniences such as an ergonomic work area, 32'' HD flat screen TV with digital entertainment system and high speed Internet access (wired & wireless), the renovated guestrooms promise to turn even the shortest stay into a most memorable one.

Premier Destinations International in London’s Stock Market Plus Premier Destinations International became famous as the first Greek tourist company that is getting prepared for its integration in London’s Stock Market Plus. “It’s the only company coming into play in professional tourism as far as Balkans are concerned”, Mr. N. Kyriakopoulos will add, the President of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of the company he founded in Crete 13 years ago.

Coming from the hotel sector and member of the Hotel Managers Association in Crete until 1994, Mr. Kyriakopoulos started his business activity in Heraklio Crete, aiming at managing conferences on the island.The lack of direct flights made him move to Athens in 1998, where he expanded his activities.

The company’s activity in Romania began in 2003,“when we set the basic infrastructure” which started to allot one and a half year later. However, today it turns to be a very successful choice, taking into consideration that only the last two years 42 incentive trips and conferences have taken place by Pharmaceutical, technology and commerce companies .

In 2008, one more opportunity was given: Axiom Capital Ltd. approached Premier Destinations International last February, so that the possibility of its integration in London’s Stock Market Plus can be examined.

The proposal was accepted, the control of the company’s financial data by chartered accountants was succesfull and Premier Destinations will be the first Tourism Company from Greece in London’s Stock Market Plus.

Andreas Gerochristos, Vice President International Operations, Nikos Kyriakopoulos, President and Executive Director

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Important speakers and Awards Ceremony during the 5th HAPCO Pan-Hellenic Conference & Workshop Attica-Athens

6 & 7 March 2009, Thessaloniki (Grand Hotel Palace)

Well known personalities from the Greek and International Meetings Industry have been invited to honor with their presence the 5th HAPCO Conference, which will be held in Thessaloniki on the 6th & 7th March 2009 under the title «Strategies of Regional Development of Conference Tourism in Times of Depression».

Representatives from Northern Greece, Board Members of the Convention Bureaus of the Balkan countries (Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia), as well as academics, have been invited to present their opinion together with their knowledge and precious experience in view of the fact that the thematic sessions of the 5th Conference are aimed at the possibilities of regional development as well as cooperation between Greece and the other Balkan countries.

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It is worth mentioning that invitations to attend the conference as a guest speaker have been sent to representatives from the: · EFAPCO (European Federation of Associations of Professional Congress Organisers) · Bulgarian Convention & Visitors Bureau, · Romanian Convention Bureau, Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kontiki Travel (PCO, Serbia), Prefectures of Northern Greece, Representatives of travel and political entities, Academics with a specialty in tourism subjects, Corporate Executives.

At the same time and taking into account that the 2009 Conference will take place for the first time in Thessaloniki, HAPCO, continuing its annual awards tradition, has decided to bestow honorary awards to the

Universities that are located in Northern Greece, rewarding in this way their important contribution within the academic society in attracting and organizing international congresses in our country.

In particular the following awards will be bestowed to: · The Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Prof.

Anastasios Manthos · The Rector of the University of Macedonia, Prof. Elias I. Kouskouvelis · The Rector of the Demokritus University of Thrace, Prof. P. Konstantine Simopoulos · The Rector of the University of Ioannina, Prof. Ioannis P. Gerothanassis · The Rector of the University of Thessaly, Prof. Konstantinos Gourgoulianis · The Chairman of the International Hellenic University, Prof. Costas Th. Grammenos The Awards Ceremony will take place during the Gala Dinner, which will be held at the Polis Convention Centre, Tagarades, Thermi, (a suburb of Thessaloniki), on Friday the 6th of March 2009 at 21.00hrs. Approximately 200

guests will be invited among which official representatives of the state, Tourism and Culture entity officials, eminent professors and acknowledged personalities of the travel trade industry, journalists, as well as delegates and speakers, who will participate at the 5th HAPCO Conference.

It should be reminded that the topics of the 5th Pan-Hellenic Conference will gravitate to the Strategies of Regional Development of Conference Tourism during Times of Depression, while special emphasis will be given to the possibilities of Development of a Cooperation Network within the Balkan Market from which there will be a large number of participants, both speakers and delegates.

Thessaloniki as an Inter-Balkan Hub of Congress and Business Tourism 2nd Workshop Planning and Technical Support of Congress Facilities and Events.

5th Session Synopsis-Conclusions Well known personalities from Greece and the international meeting industry will be invited to present their opinions and proposals with regard to the future

of congress tourism, as well as the actions needed for its further development.

Finally, the social programme of 5th HAPCO Conference will include a Gala Dinner, as well as a farewell party, the ‘Balkan Meeting’, where HAPCO’s guests together with conference delegates will have the opportunity to taste the ‘Greek night life’.

For more information and participation form visit the official site of HAPCO (www.hapco.gr) or contact HAPCO Secretariat via email (hapco@hapco.gr).

The conference sessions & Workshops are the following: Friday 6th March 1st Session

Your Congress Specialists

The international economic crisis of today and its impact on tourism, with emphasis on Congress Tourism.

2nd Session Possibilities for Developing Congress Tourism in the Region of Northern Greece.

3rd Session Prospects of Developing InterBalkan Cooperative Networks.

1st Workshop Presentation of the results of the following empirical studies: - Northern Greece as a Regional Congress Destination: Problems and Opportunities, undertaken by the University of the Aegean and the Minoan International College Infrastructure, facilities and human resources of Congress Tourism in the Region of Northern Greece, undertaken by the Alexandrian Technological Institute of Thessaloniki

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ME§O™ TOY OMI§OY

Saturday 7th March 4th Session Xenios

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Attica-Athens

International Congresses February 11 - February 13, 2009 2nd International Conference for PhD music Students Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Thessaloniki, Greece

March 18, 2009 - March 21, 2009 9th European Congress on Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis Athens, Greece

February 25, 2009 - February 28, 2009 2nd International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) Athens, Greece

March 26-28, 2009 5th International Symposium on Diabetes and Pregnancy - DIP Sorrento, Italy

March 27, 2009 - March 29, 2009 2nd Practical Symposium on Voice and Swallowing and their Disorders, Athens, Greece March 27-31 Marseille Neurosurgery 2009 Joint Annual Meeting (EANS-SFNC), Marseille, France April 1-4 3rd International Congress on Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome Nice, France April 22 – 26 44th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver – EASL Copenhagen, Denmark April 23-25 2nd World Congress of Total Intravenous Anaesthesia - TIVA TCI Berlin, Germany April 23, 2009 - April 26, 2009 6th Spring Symposium of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Bucharest, Romania April 29, 2009 - May 01, 2009 17th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals Crete , Greece May 16-20 8th European Congress on Menopause (EMAS) London, UK June 9-12 27th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases - ESPID Brussels, Belgium June 14-17 20th ESPNIC Medical & Nursing Annual Congress Verona, Italy June 21 – 23 EASL Monothematic Conference Oslo, Norway June 28 - July 2 FEMS 2009 3rd Congress of European Microbiologists Göteburg, Sweden

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Eridanus Luxury Art Hotel Eridanus Hotel is named after the historic river that crossed the city of Athens. The hotel is an elegant, friendly, luxurious and modern place that has turned hotel hospitality into an art form.

Eridanus Hotel has been in operation since June 29, 2004 and is housed in a neoclassical landmark that belonged to the Strefis, a historical Athenian family.

Both the business and the traditional building now belong to a construction company named "Xidias", with extended experience in hotel construction, which renovated and redesigned the building accordingly.

Luxury and construction quality are in perfect harmony in these modern, monumental and beautifully decorated hotel areas, which are characterized by elegant colour combinations and smart lighting all in a relaxing, pleasant setting.

Modern style paintings, by Giorgos Lazongas, dominate the decorative artistic touch and make for a "historical", yet wonderfully blended contrast when compared to the neoclassical authentic ceiling frescos, which were very carefully conserved piece by piece before being replaced in their original places in the hotel.

However, Eridanus Hotel's "secret weapon" is not something concocted by modern man, but something so remarkably spectacular that leaves people in awe on account of its beauty as well as all that it stands for: The Acropolis. The unique view of it is incomparable to anything else, and the hotel offers it in abundance from numerous rooms as well as the roof-garden, thus delightfully completing the range of pleasures one can savour under the hospitable wings of Eridanus Hotel.

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Attica-Athens

Royal Olympic: A Unique Ingredient

Beneath the shadow of Acropolis and just in front of one of the greatest masterpieces of Classical Athens the famous Temple of Zeus, the Royal Olympic Hotel is right next to picturesque "Plaka" (the Old Town), the Royal Gardens and the Ancient Stadium.

This superbly located Hotel is a truly chic and gracefully decorated establishment. The total renovation that took place in 2005, transformed the Hotel and turned the Athenian Panorama rooms into the finest rooms in Town!

Seven elegant, unique Conference Halls & eight Breakout Rooms, bathed in natural light, render the Royal Olympic the ideal venue for any event of 10 to 2000 participants in total.

After its impressive renovation, the Royal Olympic can satisfy all the technological demands of any event.

Understanding the importance of details, we aim to ensure perfection as well as innovation in order to make our events worthy only of positive comments and praises.

A state of the art Fitness Center, flooded in natural daylight along with a very atmospheric SPA will be at your disposal early 2007.

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At the Royal Olympic Hotel, the view of Classic Athens is in complete harmony with the discreet ultramodern equipment such as the Wi Fi that is available throughout the hotel.

The Hotels incomparable privilege though is that it is surrounded by all major Archeological Sights of Athens, forming a stunning view for you to admire as they turn our windows to live works of Art. In Autumn, the superb view as well as the creative cuisine of our Gourmet Restaurant will leave sensational impressions and create lasting relations with all visitors.

Meetings & Events The Royal Olympic is the excellent choice for Meetings, Congresses as well as any other social event.

The experienced personnel will be more than pleased to provide their excellent services to any Conference, Meeting, Presentation, Exhibition or even a simple get together.

Seven elegant, unique Conference Halls & eight Breakout Rooms, bathed in natural light, render the Royal Olympic the ideal venue for any event of 10 to 2000 participants in total.

After its impressive renovation, the Royal Olympic can satisfy

all the technological demands of any event. WiFi is available throughout the Hotel.

Also, the alternatives during leisure time are numerous and interesting, as our unique location ensures that all important Archeological and Cultural Sights, the Old Town (Plaka) and the Shopping Center are at a distance of no more than a 5 min walk.

Understanding the importance of details, we aim to ensure perfection as well as innovation in order to make our events worthy only of positive comments and praises.

OLYMPIA, the largest

Conference Hall of the Royal Olympic. An impressive Hall, designed for demanding events as it is accessible from a private entrance on the main street as well as from the interior of the Hotel, dividable into two rooms, with natural light, full ultramodern audiovisual equipment, as well as a spacious, elegant foyer.

The multifunctional Olympia is the ideal choice for Conferences, Congresses, Exhibitions, Presentations, Receptions, Weddings and any Professional or Social Event.

WiFi is available throughout the Hotel.

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Crete: The Warm Welcome of Europe

Crete

PCO’s & DMC’s in Crete Hellenic Island Services 13 Didous str, 716 01 N. Alikarnassos, Heraklion Tel: + 2810 221022 Fax: +2810 244184 e-mail: info@heraklion.his.gr Kydonia Travel 11-19, Bonialli str., 731 34 Chania Tel: +30 28210 51660 Fax: +30 28210 51663 www.kydoniatravel.gr e-mail: kydonia@cha.forthnet.gr Mega Travel Services 19, Mitsotaki str. 71 202 Heraklion Tel: +30 2810 240642 Fax: +30 2810 222166 www.mts.gr superv@mts.gr Zeus of Crete S.A. 1 Lordou Vyronos str, P.O. 71202 Heraklion, Crete Tel: +30 2810 398655 Fax: +30 2810 343108 www.zeus.gr reservations@zeus.gr

Crete is Greece’s largest island and fifth in the Mediterranean. Crete is the southernmost region in the EU and is a natural border between the Aegean and Libyan Sea marking the boundary between Europe and Africa.

As legend has it, it was here where Zeus (the Father of all Gods) was born and Curettes danced their pyrrhic dance to

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muffle his cries. Crete was his burial ground as well.

Crete encapsulates the beauty and calm of the Aegean with the mysticism of the East combined with a diverse landscape.

Its scenery enraptures visitors due to its strong contrasts from snow-capped mountains to palm fringed beaches. It is estimated that the island has 155 kilometres of sandy beaches making it an ideal destination for water sports, leisure activities or simply swimming.

With its marvellous climate – the sea is warm enough for swimming from the middle of April until November - unique natural beauty and vast conference infrastructure; Crete is an ideal destination for every kind of congress, summit, business meeting and product launch.

Crete is commutes directly by air with most European cities from March to November and via Athens all year. On the island there are 2 airports: one in the city of Heraclion and the other in the city of Chania.

Crete’s conference and incentive infrastructure includes: Nine purpose built facilities in all four prefectures with capacities ranging from 110 to 2000 delegates 53 hotels ranging from five to three star hotels all with in-house facilities with capacities from 16 to 5,000 delegates Cretan Diet During all historic times, Crete has been the sunray of the Mediterranean, the one that has always been shining connecting civilization and the population of three continents. The outcome of this union, has been the Minoan Civilization, that was born in Heraklion and the monuments that it left behind (Knossos, Festos, etc). Its soul remains unchanged, its character has not been altered and the essence of life stable. “The miracle still works”. The tasty fruits of Cretan earth and the gourmet secrets of the locals will make its visitors forget their homelands, just as it's happened with Ulysses in the

Crete

over the world.

The Cretan land, nevertheless, is full of remnants of many different civilizations that passed from there, developed and left precious cultural traces. So, except for the Minoan monuments, one can find Hellenistic and Roman monuments, Byzantine churches and monasteries, Venetian castles and forts.

Later on, Crete became famous for its Hagiographic School, and its famous children, the painter El Greco and the author Nikos Kazantzakis.

The Cretan culture and tradition, is strongly connected to the renowned Cretan hospitality that finds multiple ways to express itself, through daily life. As far as, the Cretan civilization is concerned, it still lives and continuous to thrive, through literature, theater, music dance, local festivals and other cultural activities that one can see in Crete, all year long in all traditional areas, cities and provinces.

Nutrition The Cretan nutrition is strongly connected to the Cretan tradition and cuisine, based mainly on olive oil. Legumes, wild vegetables, honey and wine that has a tradition of over 3.500 years.

The Cretan nutrition and oil, constantly acquire scientific acceptance, for its characterization as extremely healthy, since it contributes to longevity and of course, the praises of all gourmets. The modern life style has not affected the nutrition of the locals and the old recipes reach our days. A glass of local wine or 'tsikoudia', will be holy communion to that sacred mystery with the secrets of local tradition.

island of Calypso, Gavdos, a few millenniums ago. Leaving Crete, the visitor will only make one wish to come back soon so as to continue his journey in the beautiful island, that even after a civilization of 4.000 years, still remains undiscovered.

The traditional Cretan nutrition has been scientifically proved to be the healthiest in the world. Traditional restaurants serve exclusively traditional Cretan cuisine to the visitors whilst providing information on its secrets and attributes. It is not without good reason that Cretans hold the record of long living.

Crete Golf The Crete Golf Club offers the best of golf. 18 holes in a desert course design. Each hole individually sculptured, seamlessly blending into the existing landscape. Designed by PGA Design Consulting of Great Britain, this course offers dramatic views and truly tests every aspect of the golfer's repertoire. Continually breezy conditions allow play in summer, the mildest Mediterranean climate invites you to each season. Enjoy life in the opulent clubhouse catering to your every need and meet the friendly team, all ready to serve you.

The Crete Golf club lies approximately 24 km east of the 'Nikos Kazantzakis' International Airport of Heraklion and 7 km south of the town of Hersonissos, favourite with tourists.

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and incentives all year round as well as sports-teams' training and golf tourism .

Civilization Crete, and Heraklion in particular, has one of the oldest histories in the world, since this is the place, where the first European civilization developed, and one of the most important of all times. The Minoan Civilization, that reached its peak 3000 years ago in Heraklion and left us significant archaeological sites, such these of Knossos, Festos, Mallia, Tilisa, Archanes and many others. The well known archaeological sites and Heraklion's museums, attract every year millions of tourists from all

In Crete, there are 1.700 kinds of self-growing plants, 200 of which can be eaten and 130 are pharmaceutical. The opportunities for an escape, offered by the various and wild Cretan landscape, are unique, throughout the year and for all kinds of holiday makers, who wish to combine the high quality of services offered with the discovery of a different experience.

A walk through the countryside, the exciting sports, the sightseeing in the archaeological sites and the contact with the locals and their daily life, as well as, the Cretan cuisine, are only few of the experience that the visitors can have. Often, the only things required are a basic gear and the necessary excitement.

The Hersonissos of Greece..

Leave your traces too on this most favour tourist destination..

Crete

blessed land.

From its southern tip, the mountains Kera at the edge of Lasithi mesa, to its northern boundary, the Port with the Roman and Byzantine antiquities, the wider area of Hersonissos will reward its visitor with wonderful pictures, forgotten savors and the traditional Cretan hospitality.

Avdou, the village, is one more historical settlements of fertile

The Municipality of Hersonissos spreads imposingly from the north coast of the centre of Crete to the tips of the Lasithian mountains, just a few kilometres from Heraklion's international airport "Nikos Kazantzakis". It is comprised of settlements with unique characteristics and picturesque ness.

Hersonissos is widely known as Crete's most organized tourism destination, with high quality

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hotel and congress infrastructure and natural beauties at its coastal part.

Even though Hersonissos is rich in wonderful beaches, nightlife and mass tourism, it is also very opulent in untrodden lands and interspresed with historical monuments and sites of great natural beauty. The natural routes of Hersonissos represent at the same time routes to the past, to the rich history of a

Lagada. It is situated in the eastern part of the area, on the 39th km of the artery leading to the plateau of Lassithi.Avdou, wooded like most villages of Lagada, looks like a small earthy paradise.

Avdou is also called Kapetanohori, on the grounds of the well-known chieftains it bred during the Cretan Revolutions.

Gonies is situated in the

province of Pediada, in the prefecture of Heraklion and is populated by 565 inhabitants. It lies on the 40th km of the road artery between Heraklion and the Plateau of Lassithi, at the foot of historical Dicti, the mountains of Lassithi. The village has not been named accidentally, but on the grounds of its location. It is situated in the middle of olive groves, at the southern corner of Lagada.Locals are occupied primarily with agriculture, cattle breeding and tourism. Oil, wine, top quality raki, cattle-breeding products and vegetables constitute their produce.

Kera is the very last village of Lagada where you pass in order to enter the plateau of Lassithi.

It lays 680 metres above the

road between Heraklion and Lassithi Plateau, 170 metres above sea level. According to documentary proof dated in 1368, it was referred to as one of Laurentiuw Maripero's feuds, named as Paramiew et Cammea.

Moreover, in all probability, in Venetian Domination, the Byzantine Sovereign who named the settlement "Galini", immediately after the regaining of Crete mentions by Nikiforos Fokas.

This very village had been destroyed for reasons we are not aware of, while the inhabitants who had been saved, built a new settlement in a place called Lagadi.

The organized infrastructure of the wider area of Hersonissos represents a cultural recourseand include cultural tours, visits to the picturesque villages of Lagadas. Everyone can enjoy visiting Hersonissos, as it offers a plethora of activities, such as sports, water sports, an 18-hole golf course, paragliding, mountain bike, playlands, animal farms and for the lovers of good food and wine a wide variety of local rural production.

sea level, at the far end of a valley where streams, brooks flow and fruit-bearing or wild trees grow. It consists of two old settlements, Kato and Ano Kera, while Panagia Kera, or else, Monastery of Kardiotissa, after which they have been named, extends tight in the middle, between them both. The place where Kera is situated played a vital role in the revolution of 1821 and 1866.

Potamies, this beautiful village of the province of Pediada, lies on the 34th km of the national

Municipality of Hersonissos: Tel: +30 28970 30000, Fax: +30 28970 22764 e-mail:hersondim@otenet.gr

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Crete The Harmony of Contrasts Cretan hospitality : At some point it was rumoured that Zeus the Great, the master of the ancient pantheon, who was born in the Diktean Cave, and was brought up in the mountain of Idi, had died and had been buried at his place of birth, Crete. True to Zeus, the poet of Hellenistic times, Kalimahos from Alexandria, dedicates a hymn in which he strongly refutes the unacceptable, in his opinion, story: "‌Oh father‌ The Cretans have always been liars. But why have they gone as far as in the grave, Oh king, to bury you. But you have not died, you are immortal."

Indeed the Cretans were overwhelm you with their love, share with you whatever they have and they will make you feel at home. It is neither a pretentious way of showing off nor a matter of habit or honour; it is simply a way of life and an articulation of their soul's desire. Nothing belongs to the Cretan. His home is all of the Cretan land and none of it has any boundaries. With joy and pride he recognizes that he himself is also a guest of honour in the castle of his generous father, Xenios Zeus, the Cretanborn.

Chania: Alternative tourism

lying. It is irrefutable however that they had their reasons for wanting their grand god to die, reasons that no one else could comprehend: a god who is the embodiment of nature is a god who dies every year and is reborn even stronger with the blossoming spring‌. Similarly, Zeus, born and raised in Crete, dies and is resurrected, lives and reigns. It is also self explanatory that he who is in harmony with nature and lives at her pace cannot but respect, love and accept her offspring.

In this way the Zeus of Crete 50

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becomes Xenios, the protector of visitors, who generously offers his hospitality to every stranger who wishes to honour his sacred land.

Besides hospitality, two other principles also dominate in the soul of each Cretan: virtue and honour, while in the hierarchy of ethical values the highest position is held by friendship, second only to family.

The Cretan soul often reaches the point of exaggeration in their valour and passion for freedom, their courage, strength, love for their country and nature even in their hospitality towards strangers.

We cordially invite you to Chania and proffer you this gift which in our day and age is becoming more and more scarce. Mingle with the locals, sit with them at the same table, listen to their stories and the secrets they want to share with you. Become familiar with their exaggeration and their morals. Accept their Cretan hospitality whether that is in the form of a shot of raki on the go or a glass of wine with a bite of goat meat or even a lavish meal in a poor and humble home.

The people of Chania will

Thanks to the morphology of the landscape and the combination of mountain and sea, the prefecture of Chania is a veritable paradise for those who seek adventure and the alternative forms of tourism which have become very popular in recent years.

The European rambler trail, E4 Alpine, which begins in the Pyrinea Mountains and traverses Greece, continues in Crete from Kasteli of Chania and ends up in Zakro of southern Lasithi. It cuts across almost the entire mountain range of the prefecture of Chania, with trails which offer unique opportunities to nature lovers and hik-

ers.

In the semi mountainous and mountainous regions the traveler will stumble upon traditional villages with stone houses and narrow roads, forgotten by time.

In villages which are better organized opportunities make themselves available for alternative forms of tourism, such as that of agrotourism and ecotourism.

This allows the visitor to stay in traditional - usually renovated - rural lodging, and become familiar with Cretan nature and the Cretan way of life in the countryside and to taste authentic, local products. Vamos in Apokoronas, Milia and Spilia in Kisamos are villages of such a nature which attract hundreds of visitors worldwide.

Mountain climbing and climbing pose quite a challenge for those intrepid enough. In Chania there is an active Alpine Club while there are

also four mountaineering refuges in the White Mountains sited in Kallegri of Omalos (altitude1680 metres) and with a capacity of 40 people, in Volikas of Keramia (altitude 1430 metres) with a capacity of 30 people, in Svourihti the "H. Houliopoulos"(altitude 1970 metres) whose capacity is 22 people and in Tavri Askifou (altitude 1200 metres) whose capacity is 46 people.

The White mountain range also offers one the opportunity to traverse it with mountain skis in the winter.

One can go climbing in Kalathas and in Stavros of Akrotiri, on the slope of Gigilos, in the gorge of Theriso, Topoli, Agia Irene, in Gre Leska and many more places. Mountain biking and parapente also provide a challenge for those interested, while the mountainous inlands are suitable for hunting during some periods. One can also take pleasure in observing rare species of

birds in the wetlands of the lake of Agia.

The endless beaches of the prefecture give the visitor the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of water sports besides swimming such as that of sailing, kayaking, surfing, water skiing and diving under the supervision of organized diving centres, while for those who love fishing they have many opportunities to relish in it. As if that was not enough, from Agia Marina to Kisamos there exist quite a few organized campsites for lovers of camping(unorganized camping is prohibited in Crete).

Marinas function in Chania, Kisamos and Paleochora.

Finally, a large number of athletic activities are available in suitable organized public and private venues.

Foundation of Chania, the Mediterranean Agronomical Olive and Subtropical Plant Institute of Chania, the Center of Architecture of the Mediterranean, the Orthodox Academy of Crete in Kolympari, the Foundation of Agia Sophia, the National Foundation of Research of "Eleftherios K. Venizelos" etc..

All of the aforementioned organize seminars, local and international conferences and meetings.

Apart from above venues, many conferences, meetings and incentives are hosted in Luxury and 4* Hotels of the Prefecture.

Conferencing, also a type of alternative tourism, is made available by the Polytechnical Insitute of Crete and the Technological Training

Conference Venues in Crete AQUILA ATLANTIS HOTEL 2 Igias Str, 71307 Heraklion, Crete, Greece Tel: +30 2810 229103 Fax: +30 2810 226265 1000 delegates total seating capacity email: sales.at@aquilahotels.com http://www.aquilahotels.com CANDIA MARIS HOTEL 715 00, Amoudara, Heraklion, Crete Tel: +30 2810 314632 Fax: +30 2810 250669 1000 delegates total seating capacity http://www.maris.gr E-mail: candia@maris.gr CRETA MARIS HOTEL & CONFERENCE HOTEL 700 14 Hersonissos, Crete Tel: +30 28970 22115 Fax: +30 28970 22130 5000 delegates total seating capacity http://www.maris.gr E-mail: creta@maris.gr CRETA ROYAL & CRETA STAR GR 74100 Rethymnon, Crete, Greece

Phone: (+30) 28310 71812 Fax: (+30) 28310 71791 email: crete@aegeanstar.com www.aegeanstar.com

250 delegates total seating capacity http://www.hersotels.gr E-mail: palace@hersotels.gr

FODELE BEACH HOTEL 715 00 Fodele, Heraklion, Crete Tel: +30 28970 521251 Fax: +30 28970 521249 400 delegates total seating capacity http://www.fodelebeach.gr e-mail:fodele@fodelebeach.gr

MEDITERRANEAN AGRONOMIC INSTITUTE OF CHANIA Alsyllion Agrokepion P.O. Box 85, 731 00 Chania, Crete Tel: +30 28210 35000 Fax: +30 28210 35001 680 delegates total seating capacity http://www.maich.gr E-mail: confer@maich.gr

HERSONISSOS MARIS HOTEL P.O. Box 38, Limin Hersonissos, 700 14 Heraklion, Crete Tel: +30 28970 22400, 23601 Fax: +30 28970 22874 250 delegates total seating capacity http://www.hersotels.gr E-mail: maris@hersotels.gr HERSONISSOS PALACE HOTEL P.O. Box 2, Limin Hersonissos, 700 14 Heraklion, Crete Tel: +30 28970 23603 Fax: +30 28970 23604

400 delegates total seating capacity http://www.portoplatanias.gr e-ail:portoplatania@cha.forthnet.gr THALASSA BEACH RESORT Agia Marina - GR-73014 Chania, Crete Tel.: +30 28210 60660 Fax: +30 28210 60601 180 delegates total seating capacity email: info@thalassaresort.gr www.thalassaresort.gr

MINOA PALACE RESORT & SPA 730 14 Platanias, Crete Tel: +30 28210 36500 Fax: +30 28210 36555 2.000 delegates total seating capacity http://www.minoapalace-chania.gr e-mai:sales@minoapalacechania.gr PALAZZO PORTO PLATANIAS HOTEL Platanias, 730 14 Chania, Crete Tel: +30 28210 38800 Fax: +30 28210 60641 Xenios

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Minoa Palace Resort, Conference Center & SPA

MINOA PALACE RESORT & SPA is a new luxury hotel and low-rise bungalows complex situated in the tourist area of Platanias, 12km west of Chania town center and 24 km from Chania International Airport. The beautiful view combines the White Mountains, the unique natural environment and the blue sea with its endless sandy beach. This prestigious hotel has excellent facilities combined with an impeccable service and the finest cuisine in luxurious surroundings.

Starting from April 2008, the expansion of the hotel, gives access to the sandy beach of Platanias, through the construction of an impressive overhead bridge, connecting the

two hotel departments.

ACCOMMODATION 214 Luxurious Rooms & Bungalows, 7 Superior Suites 31 Luxurius Rooms, Suites & Bungalows with private swimming pools 1 Presidential Suite, 85 sqm 2 Suites with private outdoor heated pool and front view of the Chania Bay. 1 Imperial Suite, 105sqm, facing the sea, consisting of a private fully furnished terrace 200sqm, with whirlpool and breathtaking view of the Chania Bay. Total: 254 units/ 600 Beds All rooms & bungalows, feature individually controlled air conditioning / heating, direct dial phone, electronic safe, high speed ADSL Internet connection, satellite TV, hairdryer and mini bar. All units are composed of marble bathrooms (with phone), sitting-room and elegant furnished balconies or terraces.

There is also availability of connecting family rooms.

All suites have extra separate bedroom, sitting-room 2 wc, fax, DVD player, Mini Hi-Fi, TV LCD 26'', bathrobe, natural bathroom amenities, as well as afternoon room-maid service.

All the rooms of the new Minoa Palace BEACH Resort, are composed of separate bathroom & shower and TV LCD 23''.

RESTAURANTS - BARS: 路 "ELIA'' Main restaurant with rich breakfast, dinner & theme nights buffet. 路 "TA NISSIA" A-la-carte Italian restaurant, daily, from early noon until late afternoon.

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· "KORALI" New, sea-side restaurant. Breakfast buffet of splendid variety, a-la-carte restaurant of the world renown traditional Cretan & Greek cuisine, from noon until late afternoon and, distinguished menus from around the world, at night. · "GALAZIO" New a-la-carte restaurant, with an exquisite panoramic view of Chania Bay. Outstanding Mediterranean cuisine, designed by our rewarded Chef. · "MYTHOS" Lounge main bar, with a generously sized terrace, overlooking the lush gardens and the azure pool & sea surroundings. · "THOLOS" Impressive pool bar, with glamorous water-falls. · "THALASSA" Beach snack bar, ideal for refreshing cocktails & fresh juices, beside the beach.

FACILITIES: 24hrs room service, 4 outdoor swimming pools (2000 sqm), 2 open air Jacuzzi, children's swimming pool, water sports (at the beach), tennis & football court (floodlit), table-tennis, open-air amphitheater, high speed internet room, (wireless internet), VIP lounge, play room, TV room, children's outdoors playground, mini club for 4-10 years old, jeweler's, mini market, baby sitting (upon request), doctor on call, taxi-limousine service, car rental desk, laundry & dry cleaning service.

week including our resident musicians in the main piano bar, theme nights with live orchestra and dancers.

Daytime activities including aerobics, gymnastics, games e.t.c and other evening entertainment programs organized by professional soft animation team.

CONFERENCE & BANQUETING FACILITIES: New as well as unique in Western Crete, state of the art conference room, 1350sqm & maximum height 5,70m, rectangular, without columns, with a capacity of over 1200 delegates & with the possibility of division into 6 smaller rooms from 50600 delegates & exhibition area of 500sqm.

The rooms are separated by movable highly soundproof-panels (up to 53db), fully audio-visually equipped.

Moreover, one conference room 720sqm & maximum height 3,35m, with the possibility of division into 3 smaller rooms, with a capacity of 50-700 delegates & an exhibition area 200sqm.

The rooms are separated by movable soundproof-panels (up to 45db) and are fully audio-visually equipped.

All the multi-use rooms, as well as the 2 extra breakout rooms, 50sqm each, are available for conferences, lectures, shows, presentations & receptions, in combination with gala dinners, banquets & cocktails.

SPA & WELLNESS CENTER: Indoor heated swimming pool with separate shallow space for children, fully equipped fitness center, sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, personal sauna & spa-jet treatment, Face & body treatments, cosmetics, aromatherapy, relaxing or healing massage by professionals, tai-chi, shiatsu, hairdresser's saloon.

ENTERTAINMENT: Great variety of music and dancing options throughout the Xenios

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 thalasso maris hotels Â

A unique seawater environment where you will enjoy absolute relaxation, well-being, exercising and also prevention and cure of specific health problems. At the Thalassotherapy centre you will be introduced to services and practices which will make you feel better than ever before. Get acquainted with the available programs and just choose the one for you. You will soon be convinced that it was well worth your time.

also very effective on stressed-out people.

Programs Natural weight loss - Firming The most relaxing way to lose weight, always with seawater as your "ally". If you find it hard to believe, just try it!

This specific program helps your body relax, improves blood circulation and calms muscle aches and pains, inducing tissue metabolism.

Anti-smoking - Detoxification Helps you give up smoking and detoxifies your system. It is

Beauty - Well-being This program restores and enhances your natural beauty, rejuvenates and effectively protects you from ageing prematurely.

Improvement of Blood circulation

Hydropleasure - Stimulation - Regeneration Relieve all the pains and aches of your muscles, especially back aches with hydropleasure. At the same time enjoy total relaxation on a bed with a water-filled mattress.

Rejuvenation Who can say no to rejuvenation? At Thalasso the rejuvenation programs offer you absolute rejuvenation and invigoration which your body craves, by renewing your cells and giving your skin a smooth, soft texture, free of toxins.

Relaxation - Anti-stress The best shield against rheumatic diseases and arthritis.

Relief is instantaneous and long-lasting for those who suffer with problems of this kind.

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Crete

ATLANTIS THE ART OF RELAXATION

The ATLANTIS hotel bestows a sense of luxury, comfort and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, but with warm hospitality in every one of its corners.

Centrally located in a quiet area in the city of Heraklion, the Deluxe Atlantis Hotel - the largest in the area - has obvious quality in its areas and service.

ACCOMMODATION The hotel has 160 guestrooms (126 double and 34 single rooms). One executive and one presidential suite.

All rooms are equipped with modern amenities including: Full heating or air-conditioning Double bed Satellite TV Electronic door lockers Music Direct-dial phone Refrigerator with full mini bar Balcony Safe box Comfortable baths with luxury bathroom amenities and hair dryer.

Hotel Facilities

meters.

Indoor swimming pool Parking Car rental services TV corner WiFi Internet access.

The conference facilities are equipped with the most contemporary audiovisual conference systems, including:

Dining The hotel's "Ariadne" main restaurant serves a rich American buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch and dinner. Here guests can enjoy a wide range of delicious Mediterranean dishes.

Special menus are prepared for vegetarians and diabetics.

Bar There is one bar serving a variety of cocktails, international and local beverages.

CONFERENCE FACILITIES Hotel Atlantis has the largest and most luxurious conference center in Heraklion. The Minos and Pasiphae 1 & 2 halls are fully sound proofed and cover a total area of 1.000 square 56

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Wired and wireless stage & delegate microphones TV monitor Data projector Overhead projector Slides projector Laser pointer Recording facilities, Stage flip chart, and podium.

Available on request: simultaneous interpresentation system, CD player.

The conference halls are suitable for meetings up to 900 persons and social events for up to 800 persons. www.theatlantishotel.gr

Ionian Islands: Lefkada

Lefkada is the fourth biggest island of the Ionian Sea. It is situated between Corfu and Cefalonia, very close to the north-west coast of Aitoloakarnania, from which is separated with a lagoon.

Lefkada ‘s geographic coordinates are 38-34 until 38-51 north latitude and 20-34, 20-45 east lengh.

The north coast of Lefkada is the Cape of Santa Mavra and the south is the Lefkatas Cape which is only five miles away

from Cefalonia. The island ‘s area is 288 or 293 square km and the total surface is approximately 321.000 acres.

The Resorts of Lefkada Agios Nikitas The village of Agios Nikitas is situated on the west coast of Lefkada, literally on the ionian waves. This traditional village with its stonepaths is the jewel of the island.

The village spreads amphithe-

atrically from the sandy beach and the crystal gulf.

The old traditional houses on the beach have turned into cafes, restaurants and nice small hotels.

There are boats which take the visitors to the white sandy beach of Milos.

Nydri Nydri and its gulf in the east is one of the first areas which were touristically developed.

From the magic and full of small

islands gulf you can see the Prigiponisia islands which lie down on quiet waters. The touristical development of Nydri owes a lot to the beautiful Skorpio, the island of Aristotelis Onasis.

Madouri the island of our national poet Aristotelis Valaoritis is the first one to be seen within a distance of 1 km.

Its beautiful yellow stone house is a famous attraction in many films of the international cinema.

The visitor can take small boats for a cruise around the islands of the gulf.

The Geni peninsula adds another tone of beauty to the Edenic scene with its quiet waters where sail boats from all over the world anchor.

The peninsula ends with the cape of Agia Kiriaki where you can visit a beautiful white church and obelisks.

Hotels, restauants, cafes, bars and clubs spread along the coast.

Vasiliki Vasiliki village is located on the south-west coast of the island in a big gulf. Its little graphic port is full of cafes and restaurants where the visitor can enjoy fresh fish and delicious plates.

The people in Vasiliki are particularly friendly and hospitable.

The village is famous for its surfing gulf therefore surfers from all over the world visit it.

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Zakynthos, a floating Paradise

Ionian Islands

most sea sports.

An island full of contrasts, Zakynthos consists of mainly woodland, with an abundance of pine tree covered mountains and fertile plains.

In the north, east and south numerous picturesque beaches can be found, whereas in the west the imposing, rocky landscape has a number of sea caves such as the famous Blue Caves on the north-west of the island.

Under the recent administrative reform, Zakynthos comprises six demes or districts, among which are the town of Zakynthos and some 50 villages and settlements in the region.

The morphology of the terrain and the activities of the inhabitants have created conditions that foster developmental diversity from one region to another.

Dmc’s & Pco’s: Charitos Travel SA, 66, Ethnikis Paleokastritsas Avenue, Solari, PO Box 187, 49 100 Corfu, Greece Tel.: +30 26610 44612-16, Fax.: +30 26610 35138 & 36825 www.charitostravel.gr charitostravel@otenet.gr HELLENIC ISLAND SERVICES 30 klm, National Road Lefkimis Daviou TEL: +30 (26610) 22900 FAX: +30 (26610) 42474 info@corfu.his.gr www.hellenictours.gr

Conference Venues in the Ionian Islands CORFU CHANDRIS Dassia, 491 00 Kerkyra Tel: +30 26610 97100 Fax: +30 26610 93458 530 delegates total seating capacity http://www.chandris.gr e-mail: corfu@chandris.gr DASSIA CHANDRIS Dassia, 491 00 Kerkyra Tel: +30 26610 97100 Fax: +30 26610 93458 500 delegates total seating capacity http://www.chandris.gr e-mail: corfu@chandris.gr GELINA VILLAGE Acharavi, 491 00 Kerkyra Tel: +30 26630 64000 Fax: +30 26630 63893 http://www.gelina.gr e-mail: gelina@otenet.gr

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On the coasts, tourist resorts have sprung up with a wide variety of accommodations for tourists. These resorts include Laganas, Argasi, Yerakas, Porto Zoro, Vassilikos, Tsilivi, Alykes, Alikanas, and Lake Keri.

Specifically, Laganas, which is in the southeastern part of the island, is the busiest beach on Zakynthos, and one of the most beautiful bays on the island. The beach, 9 km long, is regarded as one of the longest in Greece and is suitable for

Zakynthos is particularly rich in terms of flora and fauna. The high rainfall haw created a verbant environment of trees and forests, with a wide range of rare flowers and plants. The Zakynthos environment haw become an object of international interest because the loggerhead turtle Caretta-caretta, an endangered species protected by international conventions and by Greek legislation lays its eggs on the island's southern shores. Already, Greece is going ahead to create a National Marine Park in the Laganas Bay with the sole purpose of protecting this rare species.

Also, on the steep western shores of the island the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus-monachus lives and breeds, a species also protected by Greek low.

Gelina Village Hotel, Resort & SpaÌÌÌÌ

At the beautiful island of Corfu, where the light blue sea with the wonderful beaches meet the impressive sunsets lies the Gelina Village Hotel & Resort.

It is situated on the north coast of the island, by a 850 m. beach, awarded with the EUROPEAN BLUE FLAG distinction, on a 300,000 sq. meter property on the edge of the picturesque village of Acharavi, 35 km from the international airport and Corfu town.

The hotel is a perfect combination of Ionian architecture and consists of a main building and a group of six apartments - complexes including 237 apartments for 2-5 persons. It is the finest 4-star superior apartment hotel complex in Corfu.

Cyclades Islands Welcome in a "Grand" Tradition In harmony with its awesome setting rises Mykonos Grand.

Inspirationally conceived to capture the essence of surrounding natural wonders and host the most welcome and appreciated guests with world class luxury. Mykonos Grand offers the perfect setting for rare moments of romance, adventure, and excitement…and memories to last a lifetime. Our luxurious resort is located on the beach of Ayios Yiannis, (where the movie Shirley Valentine was filmed), just 4,2 km from Mykonos Town with the shopping areas and the world known night life. Upon arrival, we shall be glad to provide you with transportation service and ensure a warm welcome and a comfortable accommodation to our hotel.

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Accommodation All rooms & suites were renovated during 2006. Within the guest rooms, a typical Mykonian archway defines the generous bedroom and living areas and each has a private balcony or terrace with views over the azure Aegean Sea. Superior rooms feature spalike marble bathrooms equipped with a steam cabin and large Jacuzzi. Closer to the beach, spacious suites offer unobstructed views of the sea and include private swimming pools and a traditional Greek barbecue on the terrace.

Restaurants At the Dolphins of Delos Restaurant, our culinary team sources all herbs from our garden and ingredients throughout Greece. The wine

list featuring everything from the islands to traditional wine regions of the mainland. Aqua e Sole Restaurant is offering a great poolside location and serves light meals and beverages, which include fine island salads and light lunches featuring fresh seafood, as well as an abundance of grilled specialties.

Althea Spa Center The Althea Spa Center is located opposite to the sacred island of Delos, one of the sunniest areas in the world.

Due to the increased sunshine, it is a place of high concentration of cosmic energy and according to Greek Mythology god Apollo was born there. It has been created as a purely sensory experience, using all-natural treatments brought together from the ancient health and beauty

traditions of Greece.

Treatments are authentic with therapeutic value designed to soothe, pamper, de-stress and re-invigorate. Spread over 500 sqm, there are 6 treatment rooms including a couples' suite, a steam room, a sauna bath, an outdoor Jacuzzi, a squash court, a fitness center with a direct access on the outdoor pool and a beauty salon featuring exclusive skincare services and signature made products.

Mykonos Grand, where extra is ordinary.

Mykonos Grand is an excellent choice for meeting and incentive planners.

The hotel offers a specially designed conference hall (350 pax) equipped with the most technologically advanced conference facilities.

An open air amphitheater provides a spectacular setting for social events or outdoor conferences. And all that just 10 minutes from

Mykonos Town.

The conference facilities are located under the hotel lobby & lounges and can be combined for cocktails, coffee breaks, cocktails or as an extended exhibition area.

The open-air amphitheater provides a spectacular setting for outdoor presentations, concerts and social events.

MYKONOS GRAND HOTEL & RESORT Ayios Yiannis, 84600 Mykonos Tel:+30 22890 25555 Fax:+30 22890 25111 http://www.mykonosgrand.gr E-mail:info@mykonosgrand.gr

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Cyclades Islands

Cyclades, where your myth takes place

They form a unique insular cluster for the Mediterranean and the entire universe. It includes islands that became popular in the 60's like Myconos and Santorini and still maintain their popularity today, as they are included in every cruise program involving the East Mediterranean.

The Cycladic islands enchant their visitors with their unique architectural style and many groups keep returning there since each island possesses an exclusive character.

These islands complement Athens perfectly.

Frequently when organizers want to combine the short stay of a group in Athens with the visit of a Greek island, the choice is one of the Cyclades.

Many groups choose to give their “gala” on a small Cycladic island most preferably uninhabited yet ideal for a cruise stopover.

Many of the Cycladic islands have developed conference facilities 62

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seconding their tourist infrastructure. Some of the most luxurious hotel units of Greece are located on the Cyclades and many of them possess conference rooms.

The size of the Cycladic hotels is most characteristic since it does not exceed 200 rooms per unit.

Analogous are the conference rooms of these hotels; the largest conference centers of the Cyclades have a total capacity of up to 800 conventioneers.

In Myconos, organizers will come across the most luxurious hotels receiving groups. Myconos is ideal for incentives and a famous island for the stars and VIPs from around the world selecting it for their holidays, the unique natural environment, the exquisite local and international cuisine, the luxurious shops many of which are members of international chains and the intense night life.

The people of Myconos are very friendly and see it as a duty that

visitors leave their island loaded with the most unforgettable memories.

From April to November Myconos commutes with daily direct flights with the largest European cities and the International airport of Athens.

Myconos also commutes with Athens with the latest High Speed Ferries. They are particularly popular among Greek and foreign visitors of the island since they travel more pleasantly and very fast (2h. 45min.).

Most Hotel units are built near or by the seaside and the countless beaches of the island secure the island's distinctiveness.

The Cyclades are legend and history, harmony and exceeding, secret attrac-tion but also a tangible, unexpected and uncomplicated charm.

The position of the Cyclades, as a passage from West to East, and vice versa, created a kind of

PCO’s & DMC’s in Cyclades Islands ERKYNA TRAVEL Parikia, 844 00 Paros Tel.: +30 - 2284-0-22654-5 Fax.: +30 - 2284-0-22656 www.erkynatravel.com Email: info@erkynatravel.com Kivotos Management Incentive Travel Fira, 847 00 Santorini Tel:+302286024057 E-mail: kivotosmit@otenet.gr WINDMILLS TRAVEL & TOURISM Fabrica, 846 00 Mykonos Tel. +30 22890 26555, 23877 Fax: +30 22890 22066 www.windmills-travel.com E-mail: info@windmills-travel.com

floating “dispersed city�, a cradle for the first Cycladic civilization.

The sea embraces in an alluring way each one of the Cycladic islands and connects the exquisite formations of stone and light. It goes deep inside the land and creates many small bays with secure small and big ports, for any kind of yachts as well as, for commercial and passenger ships.

The sea connects yesterday with today, because it protects the natural beauty of the environment and the local tradition. It keeps its people genuinely happy and becomes a source of joy, discovery and survival.

A presence very significant for the Aegean Ermoupoli was born and created during the 1821 revolution, by refugees that came from Chios, Psara, Kidonia, Kassos etc., when the Turks massacred the Greek population. The Aegean was shaken by the cries of people, who after being taken away from their roots, were in search of a new country. And it was then, that they spotted the best refuge: Syros! It was the ideal place. The island had not been touched by the war. It was free and protected by a great European power: France.

The first refugees were very poor in possessions, having only their ragged clothes, but rich in experience and knowledge. Very soon, from the times of Governor Kapodistrias already, the new town enters a phase of peaceful and creative revolution that will lead it to its peak. The town that was dedicated to Hermes, in the 19th century, becomes the most important commercial and sea center of free Greece. Eleftherios Venizelos once said that: "In Ermoupoli Greece was reborn..."

Its economic prosperity was accompanied by social development and cultural blooming. In this town we have, for the first time, the formation of the real Greek bourgeoisie, that was expressed through a lively social and cultural activity: Cultural centers, theaters, music

halls, clubs, charity institutions, printing houses and an exceptionally multi-voiced press, gave Ermoupoli a great push forward.

Welcome to Ermoupolis birthplace of the 1st President of the Olympic Committee (1896) Mr. Demitrios Vikelas.

MUNICIPALITY OF ERMOUPOLIS 84100 SYROS-CYCLADES GREECE TEL +30 22810 86300, 22810 82500 FAX +30 22810 88232 E-mail: ermupoli@otenet.gr

Syros: The seaside town

Aegialis Hotel & Spa: Winter Special

Cyclades Islands

The Aegialis Hotel on the beautiful island of Amorgos is now open through the winter months, and I am pleased to enclose some details of the Hotel and new Lalon Idor Thalssao Therapy Spa. The hotel web site www.amorgosaegialis.com contains more information about the island, hotel and spa facilities.

Winter 2008/2009 Amorgos benefits from pleasant weather during the winter months with an average temperature of 18°C (minimum 12°) with very little rainfall only in January and February.

Long stay:1 month in standard accommodation including full

herbs of Amorgos, local music, dancing and cookery demonstrations.

For this winter (October 2008 to May 2009), Aegialis offering a special spa package to include accommodation and treatments 1 week package includes: -Herbal Glow Exfoliation with Amorgan Herbs-Sothy’s -Oriental Massage-Bath with Traditional Amorgan Herbs or -Cleopatra’s Bath-Hammam/Sauna with body exfoliation and massage -Marine Mud Wrap Relax-Sothy’s Deep Face Cleaning or -Sothy’s Homme De-Toxifying/de-stressing Facial-Basic Manicure -Basic Pedicure-Use of the indoor heated pool is also included-Greek night-Cookery demonstration of local dishes This package includes a choice of normal menu or healthy low calorie menu for those who are interested in losing weight whilst their stay; transfers to and from the port on arrival and departure dates. www.amorgos-aegialis.com

board.

During your long stay you have free use of the sauna, Jacuzzi, indoor pool and gym with 1 complementary massage per week. In addition you can enjoy walks, learning about the

LALON IDOR THALASSO SPA & BEAUTY CENTER "The Lalon Idor Thalasso Spa & Beauty Center" is a new innovation of the Aegialis Hotel in Amorgos.

The Aegialis Hotel is memorable to those who have visited it due to the warm hospitality of the hosts, the advantageous position, the highest standard of services offered by its fifty traditional and fully equipped suites and rooms, the swimming pool, the Wet Cafe, the Ambrosia restaurant and the "Corte Club". Now, it is becoming more fresh and dynamic than ever due to the new facility to its complex. A center for renewal and wellbeing is almost ready to signal the tourist period of 2007 as its function will begin during the autumn.

"The Lalon Idor Thalasso Spa & Beauty Center" will be an ultramodern thalassotherapy center, a unique decorated area designed in such a way in order to wake up your senses, to relax your spirit and to revitalize your body.

Relaxation, peace and unforgettable moments await you!

In the Spa area there will be rooms for massage, Facial & Body Treatments, Steam Bath facility (Hamam), sauna, jet showers, fitness room and indoor pool. The offered treatments are in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape, the sea and the local elements of Amorgos, 64

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planned around the guests' needs and wishes.

Additionally, one can find there : the reception desk, the Spa bar, the Spa lounge, a Coiffure and the Business Center. An outdoor cafe outside of the Spa bar will also be at our guests and visitors disposal enjoying a drink or a snack and having as its view the Aegiali bay and the Aegean Sea. The guest can start his unique experience savoring tasteful fresh juices or relaxing beverages at the Spa Lounge bar before he visits the fitness room, the indoor sea water pool or before he tries one of our treatments (massage with essential oils from local herbs, sea water hydro massage, thermal or cold body wraps, face cares etc). The arches, the glass roof of the pool, the earth colors of the spa area will induce you to a magic peace and rejuvenation trip….And before this trip comes to an end, our guests, wrapped with their warm bathrobes can relax in a specially designed area under the candle light and the soft music so as to have their last pleasure in their experience...until the next visit!!!

The Magic of a Greek Wedding

by Aegialis Hotel on the island of Amorgos Aegiali welcomes you from the port. Tiers of fertile farmland and olive groves rise up the mountain slopes behind the perfect curve of the sandy bay. Opposite the town, the Aegialis Hotel is strategically located to provide peace and serenity along with proximity to the expansive beach and nearby villages. For an undeniably romantic atmosphere, you couldn't ask for a more ideal location.

Declared by it's guests as the "jewel of Amorgos", Aegialis hotel is the best that Amorgos has to show.

Between the main sandy beach of Aegiali & the sandy beach of Levroso, Aegialis hotel is a maximum 7-10 minutes walk away from the crystal clear waters of Aegiali bay.

Live island Experience The summer is full of musical and cultural events.

Moonlit island nights featuring diverse musical & dancing performances, all promising a good time.

The Magic of a Greek Wedding Does the image of an endless, sandy beach, of sparkling aqua depths

stretching away from the shore, of the hills rolling in flowers and greenery behind you, and of the glorious reds and golds as the sun sets, come to your mind when you think of your wedding plans? Or is it a small chapel in the midst of the wildflowers, the steady drone of bees and the sun warming you as you make your vows. Maybe you picture meeting your bride on the streets of a mountain village from the back of a donkey!

Whatever your dream, your wedding day is something to cherish forever, and a wedding on the Greek Island of Amorgos is a day you will

never forget.

Amorgos is the Easternmost of the Cycladic Islands in the Aegean Sea of Greece. It is off the regular path of most tourists and package tours, which has enabled it to maintain its unspoiled, traditional atmosphere, making it a unique and unforgettable place to visit. In the Northern region of the island, the town of

There's No Place Like Home for British Travellers

LONDON, September 10 /PRNewswire/ -- London is the most popular European city amongst British travellers, according to research released .

Despite the fact that the capital is ranked as the second most expensive city in the world**, it attracts three times the number of visitors to its Northern counterpart, Manchester. Other popular cities in the UK include Edinburgh, Glasgow and even Birmingham, which appeals to Brits more than the French capital, Paris.

According to research from PriceRunner.co.uk, the impartial price comparison service, a quarter of the top 20 most popular cities in Europe are in the UK, proving that there really is no place like home. And, with the poor exchange rate on the Euro (currently EUR1.26 to the British Pound***), almost half of Brits are choosing to avoid the Eurozone altogether and heading instead for Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.

Top 20 European cities No.

City

Country

1 London Great Britain 2 Manchester Great Britain 3 Rome Italy 4 Malaga Spain 5 Alicante Spain 6 Stockholm Sweden 7 Faro Portugal 8 Tenerife Spain 9 Barcelona Spain 10 Larnaca Cyprus 11 Amsterdam Netherlands 12 Majorca Spain 13 Copenhagen Denmark 14 Dalaman Turkey 15 Dublin Ireland 16 Nice France

Currency Pound Pound Euro Euro Euro Krona Euro Euro Euro Euro Euro Euro Krone Lira Euro Euro

17 18 19 20

Lanzarote Edinburgh Glasgow Birmingham

Spain Great Britain Great Britain Great Britain

Euro Pound Pound Pound

The research analyses travel behaviour in 100 European cities and what can be purchased for GBP100, or the local currency equivalent, in some of the most popular destinations. For example, in London, GBP100 pays for tea for two at the Ritz and two one-day London Underground travel cards (all zones).

Escaping the Eurozone Cities such as Stockholm in Sweden, Copenhagen in Denmark or Dalaman in Turkey are the most popular destinations outside the Eurozone and are all listed within the top 20 European cities league table.

In Dalaman, for example, the equivalent of only GBP10 (24.47 Turkish Lira) will buy two adult tickets to visit the famous mud baths of Dalyan by boat.

Scandinavia is a fashionable choice of travel destination, particularly Sweden and Denmark. But, it's not surprising that Norway, ranked as the most expensive city in the world**, does not get a mention in the PriceRunner league table.

With little reliance on the Euro, Eastern Europe is also a must for budget travellers, with the most popular cities including Sofia and Burgas in Bulgaria or Prague in the Czech Republic. In Sofia, entry to the local zoo for two adults costs the equivalent of only 81 pence (2 Lev), while two visitors to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam will pay almost GBP16 (EUR20). Dublin is the sixth most expensive city** with two pints of Guinness costing visitors a dizzying GBP8 (EUR10).

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London Poland is in vogue with both Warsaw and Krakow making it into the top 100 most popular cities. At 23 percent cheaper than the international average**, Poland is perfect for budget travellers.

Viva La Spania Travel outside the Eurozone is popular but there are also bargains to be found closer to home. Steeped in history and boasting prices that meet the international average**, the Italian capital of Rome is the most popular city in continental Europe. But, enjoying more than just sporting prowess with recent Euro 2008 and Wimbledon wins under its belt, the real winner is Spain where prices are three percent lower than the international average**. According to the PriceRunner research, Spanish cities account for 40 percent of the top 20 European destinations.

Malaga is a real hit amongst Brits and ranks as the second most popular city in continental Europe. Other Spanish favourites include Tenerife, Alicante and Barcelona. Proving that you don't need to go far to get value for money, hiring a Renault Clio for a week in Malaga costs the equivalent of two one-week tickets on the London Underground (zones one to six).

Portugal is another popular travel destination with favourite cities including Faro and Lisbon. While France also ranks high on the league table, Nice is favoured over Paris.

Germany is less well-liked amongst Brits, with the capital Berlin coming in at a lowly number 89 in the league table of most popular European cities. Munich is the most popular German city, ranked at number 62.

Commenting on the research findings, Mattias Berg, managing director of PriceRunner.co.uk, said: "With the poor exchange rate on the Euro we're seeing an increase in the popularity of travel within the UK or least outside of the Eurozone. It's encouraging to see that we're taking the time to enjoy our own country and not being put off by European 68

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travel altogether. By doing your research before travelling you'll discover which currencies offer the best exchange rates if appropriate and, more importantly, which countries and cities offer the best value for money.

Heading to Eastern Europe may seem like the obvious answer when it comes to budget travel but let's not forget that there are cities within the Eurozone that offer good value for money too - you just need to shop around."

Further afield With the Pound faring better against the US Dollar than the Euro (currently $1.99USD to the British Pound***) travel to North America, where the favoured cities are New York, LA and Miami, is a popular option.

Thailand, China and Australia are also destinations of choice outside of Europe.

Top 20 cities outside of the Eurozone No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

City

Country

London Great Britain Manchester Great Britain Stockholm Sweden Copenhagen Denmark Dalaman Turkey Edinburgh Great Britain Glasgow Great Britain Birmingham Great Britain

Currency Pound Pound Krona Krone Lira Pound Pound Pound

9 Liverpool Great Britain Pound 10 Sofia Bulgaria Lev 11 Gothenburg Sweden Krona 12 Burgas Bulgaria Lev 13 Prague Czech Republic Koruna 14 Istanbul Turkey Lira 15 Lisbon Portugal Euro 16 Milas Turkey Lira 17 Geneva Switzerland Swiss Franc 18 Bristol Great Britain Pound 19 Newquay Great Britain Pound 20 Inverness Great Britain Pound

collected for each product and the mean average was used as the country's price for the product.

No less than two prices per product per country have been used, with the exception of those products where prices are standardised, e.g. alcohol in Sweden or McDonalds.

Prices, in most cases were collected from multiple-outlet retaile stores, to ensure that they are as closely representative of each country's typical prices as possible.

The latest prices were collected 1-12 October 2007 and exchanges rates were taken from the Bank of England, http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/ during 8-12 October 2007.

Top 20 cities in the Eurozone No.

City

Country

1 Rome Italy 2 Malaga Spain 3 Alicante Spain 4 Stockholm Sweden 5 Faro Portugal 6 Tenerife Spain 7 Barcelona Spain 8 Larnaca Cyprus 9 Amsterdam Netherlands 10 Majorca Spain 11 Dublin Ireland 12 Nice France 13 Lanzarote Spain 14 Murcia Spain 15 Athens Greece 16 Paris France 17 Lisbon Portugal 18 Venice Italy 19 Salonica Greece 20 Siena Italy

About the new research The results of the European travel study are based on the most popular searches under PriceRunner's travel category between January and May 2008.

Additional information concerning what you can buy for GBP100, or the equivalent currency, in some of the most popular cities is available on request.

About the International Price Comparison International Price Comparison is an annual study by PriceRunner.co.uk which compares the prices of a range of consumer goods from cigarettes and alcohol to MP3 players and CDs. The research was first conducted in 2003.

Where possible, three prices were Xenios

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London

Mayor of London issues open invite to big sporting events in London

Speaking at the London House in Beijing, on the eve of the historic Handover to London as the next Olympic host city, the Mayor outlined his full support and backing to Events for London, the organisation that will lead on attracting, growing and developing major sporting and cultural events in London.

London has already made its mark as a top destination for international sporting events following the hugely successful hosting of the Grand Depart of the Tour de France, which attracted over two million spectators, and the first ever National Football League regular season game to be held outside the Americas.

With preparation for the 2012 Games in full swing and the offer of the most diverse and interesting cultural attractions in the world, London is already making the shortlist as a key destination for event organisers.

Events for London, the recently created partnership between the Mayor, Visit London, and the London Development Agency, will help event organisers and sponsors to maximise the impact, audience and benefits of holding major sporting and cultural events in London.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “There is no doubt about it – London is right up there with Beijing and New York to host top international sporting events.

We can provide world-class Olympic training facilities, we have world-class theatre and culinary offerings and more importantly, we have the hunger to improve on this reputation. That is why Events for London is now tasked with bringing even more Olympic and non-Olympic sports to the city. The message is clear: sporting bodies will find us an open, accessible and more important, welcoming city.”

Commenting on London’s strength as a destination for major events, Sophie Goldschmidt, Vice President, NBA EMEA said: “London is the perfect platform to host any sporting event. It’s a city that understands how to work with global sports to fulfil their objectives, whether media coverage, brand development, expanding a fan base or community engagement. It’s also a city that’s truly passionate about sport.

“The NBA is thrilled to be bringing basketball back to London’s O2 Arena on 12 October this year with a game between the New Jersey Nets and Miami Heat. We plan to extend the phenomenal success of last year’s game by including a ‘Central Court’ weekend at London’s famous South Bank from 10-12 October. It’s just one of the ways that London can make a sporting event a city-wide celebration. I would recommend any sporting bodies thinking about an event destination to put London at the top of the list.”

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With other leading sports such as the Red Bull Air Race and NHL Hockey mixing with Champions League football, international rugby and cricket, London’s sporting calendar has started to reflect the huge potential the city offers federations, organisers and rights holders as well as the sporting public.

David Hornby from Visit London said: “London is fast becoming the world’s most exciting major events destination. The Events for London project within Visit London provides us with a key strategic role in driving not only economic benefit to the capital but also helps us to engage new audiences for sport and inspire a new generation to participate. We are passionate about sport in London and that leads to inspiring events in our city.”

Dame Kelly Holmes, speaking as a London 2012 BT Ambassador commented: “London is a fantastic backdrop for major events and in my sport of athletics, the London Marathon has shown this for many years. The city embraces great events and, as we have seen with the marathon and competitions at Crystal Palace over the years, the Great British public become actively involved to create an incredible spectacle for event organisers, sponsors and competitors alike.”

Chris Hoy, Triple Gold Medallist Track in Cycling at Beijing 2008 commented: “London is truly a great stage for international sporting events. This was wonderfully demonstrated in my own sport of cycling last year when the city hosted the start of the Tour de France. To see my Team GB teammate, Bradley Wiggins, taking part in front of over 2 million people on the streets of the capital was amazing for my sport. A truly great example of a city hosting an international event.”

Boris Johnson also highlighted London’s unique strengths in hosting training camps. He said: “London boasts many world-class facilities that will be able to host pre-Games training camps as well as the events for the London Games. I hope that in the run up to 2012 and for many years to come, athletes will come to London to use the facilities we have on offer, to train and to compete.”

London has 94 accredited Pre-Games Training Camp venues providing for a wide range of Olympic and Paralympic sports ranging from world class athletics facilities at Brunel and St Mary’s University, to the historic York Hall, home of world champion boxer Lennox Lewis and Olympic Gold medallist Audley Harrison.

London 2012 begins the search for mascots Creative agencies are being sought to design and develop mascots for London 2012, in a process that includes plans for public engagement.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today began the process of creating mascots for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012 by inviting the creative industry to register interest in designing what will become some of the key visual icons of the London Games.

The mascots will be brought to life in many different ways, including in toy form, on clothing, in film and animation, on the gaming and digital platforms and in physical form.

London’s design will reflect the ‘best of British’ and reflect the London 2012 brand – ambitious, bold and creative.

LOCOG is seeking industry recognised creative services companies – or consortia – which specialise in the development, launch and marketing of this kind of product. Interested parties are being urged to seek further information and details of how to apply online at www.london2012.com/business. The first stage of the process is to register on the CompeteFor website, which is the online ‘dating agency’ for matching potential suppliers with Games-related business opportunities.

Launched at the beginning of 2008, CompeteFor allows for an open and transparent procurement process and enables businesses to have access to all relevant business opportunities between now and 2012 – for both LOCOG and the ODA. Key to a successful application will be demonstrating public involvement or engagement in the mascot development. The successful agency will also be expected to develop a full marketing and communication plan to support the launch of the mascot. Both the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will have separate and distinct mascots.

From ‘Waldi’, the stripey Daschund which was the first official mascot from the Munich Games in 1972, through to the ‘Fuwa’, the five mascots of the Beijing Olympic Games, mascots have played an increasingly important role in the delivery of a Games. The introduction of a mascot is one of the highlights in the journey to the Games and now plays a vital role in raising revenue, as LOCOG seek to raise the £2bn required to stage the Games in 2012.

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Rhodes

THE AEGEAN TENNIS CUP Rhodes 2009 The AEGEAN TENNIS CUP is going to take place in Rhodes at the start of the tourist season 2009 with main purpose to be established as a tournament, in order to boost the local market and of course the promotion of the island both in Greece and abroad. The big prize amount of the tournament in combination with the beauty of Rhodes and the vast cultural heritage of the destination will be a strong pole of attraction for high standard athletes from all over the world.

THE STORY BEHIND THE EVENT On the 17 of May 2008, and after an invitation from Mr. Petros Kypriadis, Mr. Keith Dewick international referee visited the island of Rhodes. Mr. Dewick stayed in Rhodes until the 20th of May sharing with us the necessary insights and information for the organization of a tournament of international standards and status, since the prize amount is reaching in some cases even triple the amount of other national events.

The plan for the preparation of the Aegean Tennis Cup 2009 that follows has as its main target the development of Tennis in Rhodes and the Dodecanese Region and has the full support of the Rhodes Tennis Club, which will have a lot of benefits in terms of improvement of the existing courts and of course promotion in national and international level. www.aegeantenniscup.com THE AEGEAN TENNIS CUP TEAM Inspirer of the idea of the Aegean Tennis Cup, Petros Kypriadis of Kypriadis group of companies, in cooperation with Anastasios Hatziliamis of Rodos Tours s.a. created SPORTING EVENTS ltd, an athletic events organizing company, and have embodied this idea in the company’s agenda in order to implement the biggest ever tennis tournament in Greece. The organizing committee that was created, is consisting of people with perfect knowledge of events organizing as well as athletic tournaments.

AEGEAN EVENTS of Mr. Dimitris Adamidis, with his personal contribution to the Aegean Tennis Cup as a visionary and experienced organizer who was responsible for the organization of the International Triathlon Cup 2007 that took place in Rhodes last year, is playing major role in the organization of the overall event. Members of the press and specialized people in Tennis fill up the rest of the chairs on the organizing committee of the Aegean Tennis Cup. It is worth mentioning that for the first time in Rhodes, such a high esteemed and standard event is taking place with sole private initiative and funding and we are all hoping that this will be a bright example for all Rhodians since we know their love for the island.

THE WORK DONE Just before the final of finals, between Nadal and Federrer in London earlier this June, two of the members of the organizing committee of the Aegean Tennis Cup visited the grounds of Wimbledon and had the chance to discuss with the members of the top Tennis tournament in the World of Tennis, and have a sincere conversation about the event. Members of the English committee were informed of our intensions and of course the plans for the international tournament of the Aegean Tennis 72

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Cup, and were very surprised with these exciting news.

The organizers of the Wimbledon cup, excited from the idea that Greece, the country that gave birth to Sports and the Olympic games will have its own special tennis tournament, promised their professional support in all aspects of the event.

According to them Rhodes, is one of the most famous Greek islands and therefore a unique place to organize such an event with international magnitude.

Rhodes

Rhodes: A Cultural & Congress Destination Rhodes is the third in size island of Greece and one of the most developed Mediterranean islands. Rhodes was one of the first Greek areas which develop infrastructure for the tourism and meetings industry.

The medieval city of Rhodes, a place characterized by UNESCO as a monument for the worlds cultural heritage, is the largest medieval city in Europe inhabited today. Other places to visit is the Grand Master's Palace, the Archeological Museum, the Decorative Museum, the National Gallery, the Acropolis of Rhodes. The island of Rhodes has an ideal winter climate and holds the European sunshine record, with an average of 330 sunny days per year.

The island's International airport 'Diagoras' is located 15 km from the city centre.

horse riding, tennis, mini-golf, water-parks, scubadiving and sailing.

-The Sound and Light performance takes place at the Palace of the Grand Masters.

-Exquisite endertainment possibilities include the new Casino in Rhodes town and a numerous restaurants, bars and night clubs with local and international origin.

Meetings & Incentives in Rhodes The same attributes that made Rhodes a particularly popular cosmopolitan tourist destination for over 30 year are still today those that make the island very attractive to the organizers of conferences and incentives seeking for novice qualitative ideas.

It comes as no surprise when an organizer returns with a group that has been on the island for an unforgettable holiday trip for a conference or an incentive this time and vice versa. Rhodes enchants each year more and more holidaymakers from the thousands of conventioneers it receives each year.

The island provides to a meeting planner all the necessary contemporary facilities of a complete destination complemented with an identity rich in heritage and culture and an array of picturesque locations.

Rodos features include: -Excellent conference and incentive facilities, Rodos has more than 16,000 conference seats -Many large, modem hotels of world-class standards. Only in Ixia, within 5 minutes distance, more than 10,000 luxury beds can be found.

-Rhodes has a developed tourism infrastructure. Many incoming, Rodos-based travel agents operating conference and incentive brands.

-Easy air and sea access to the surrounding islands, Athens, Turkey and elsewhere -Rhodes sporting infrastructure includes a 18-hole golf court, Who to contact: R odos Tourism Tourism Promotion Organization www.rodosisland.gr www.rodosisland.gr e-mail: protour@rodosisland.gr

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Rhodes is a full member of the European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT) A full member of the European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT) and the Organization of World Heritage cities, Rodos offers a safe and peaceful environment, rich in natural beauty and culture tradition, enhancing the spirit of communication.

An ideal neutral choice for political meetings, it has hosted major political events over the last fifty years, from the 1948 meeting to establish the State of Israel, the 1958 meeting of General Costas Grivas and Archbishop Makarios, followed by the Cyprus declaration of Independence, the meeting of the late Greek Prime Minister Costantine Karamanlis and Marshal Tito, the same year, to settle problems between their two countries, to more recent events, such as the 1988 Summit of EU Prime Ministers, the World Convention of Conservative Democratic Parties and the 1st World Conference on Tourism, Employment & Development, held the on same year.

PCO’s & DMC’s in Rodos Hellenic Island Services Rhodes Papalouka 31, Rhodes, 85 100 TEL: +30 22410 73690, 73691 www.hellenictours.gr E-mail: info@rhodes.his.gr RHODOS DIRECT HOLIDAYS Pefki - Lindos 851 07 Rhodes Tel: +30 2244048268 Fax: +30 22440 48003 www.rhodosdirectholidays.com E-mail:info@rhodosdirectholidays.com RODOS EXPRESS TRAVEL SERVICE 45, Eth. Makariou str., PO Box 353 851 00 Rodos Tel. +3022410 31331 Fax: +3022410 73201 www.rodosexpress.gr e-mail:info@rodosexpress.gr RHODOS TOURS SA 29, Ammochostou str. 85 100 Rodos Tel: +30 22410 21010-3 Fax: +30 22410 22110 www.rhodos-tours.com e-mail:info@rhodos-tours.com TRAVEL EXCHANGE 6th klm Rhodes-Lindos Av., 851 00 Rodos Tel: +30 22410 60330 Fax: +30 22410 69435 www.travelexchange.gr e-mail:sales@travelexchange.gr TRITON HOLIDAYS S.A. 9 Plastira Street (P.O. Box 84), Rhodes 85100, Greece Tel. +30-22410-21690 Fax. +30-22410-31625 www.tritondmc.gr Email: info@tritondmc.gr

Conference Venues in Rhodes LINDIAN VILLAGE 85109 Lardos-Rhodes Tel. +30 22440 35900 Fax +30 22440 47360 300 delegates total seating capacity info@lindian.gr http://www.lindianvillage.gr RODOS PALACE RESORT HOTELCONVENTION CENTER P.O. Box 121, 851 00 Ialyssos, Rhodes Tel: +30 22410 25222 Fax: +30 22410 25350 4800 delegates total seating capacity http://www.rodos-palace.gr E-mail: info@rodos-palace.gr RODOS PALLADIUM 851 00 Faliraki, Rhodes Tel: +30 22410 86004 Fax: +30 22410 86424 300 delegates total seating capacity http://www.rodospalladium.gr E-mail: info@rodospalladium.gr The Lindos Bay Vlycha Beach, Lindos 85107 Rhodes Greece Tel: (+30) 22440 31501 Fax: (+30) 22440 31500 300 delegates total seating capacity Email: info@lindosbay.gr www.lindosbay.gr Xenios

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Rhodes Conference Venues in Rhodes Rodos Palace Few venues can lay claim to having forged the image of a privileged conference and holiday destination.

With more than 2500 conferences, incentives and exhibitions held in its premises, the Rodos Palace has braced an international reputation as a top meeting venue, that lends its legacy of success to grant you the assurance that the hotel you select is capable of handling every aspect of your meeting with the confidence borne of 30 years of experience.

-9000 sq.m. meetings, pre-function & exhibition space -4800 delegates total seating capacity -2500 conferences, events, incentives & exhibitions

Lindian Village In Lindian Village, a modern equipped Conference Hall for special meeting or summits accommodating up to 350 persons equipped with individually controlled air conditioning and stateof-the-art technological equipment.

Lindian Village is the latest arrival in the Mediterranean hospitality business, owned and managed by Sviriades S.A., a succesful presence in the Greek Hoteling since the early 60's.

Located on the idyllic beach on the South-eastern tip of the island of Rodos, compining the Aegean island style architecture with modern cutting edge aesthetics, this deluxe resort offers high level facilities and impeccable personalized service, satisfying the needs of today's discerning traveler.

Rodos Palladium The Rodos Palladium conference and banqueting facilities are recognized among the finest on the island.

Academia, on the ground floor, is a magnificent round shaped multi-purpose ballroom with murano chandeliers, for 450 delegates in theater style.

Comprehensive Business Services are available, as well as wireless Internet access, guests' parking in front of the hotel, organised excursions to local attractions and nearby islands and yacht hiring services. The hotel is accessible for wheelchairs at all its departments.

The Lindos Bay The Lindos Bay Hotel in Rhodes is the island's latest luxury property to have undergone a total refurbishment, taking over two years in completion. Due to fully re-open in summer 2008 the four star property offers superior accommodation and an excellent range of facilities, all set within one of the island's most sought after locations.

New for 2008 is the Wellness Centre, a fully equipped spa and gymnasium complete with steam bath, sauna, treatment rooms and a glass roofed pool.

Three Conference-Meeting rooms for up to 250 delegates, makes it an ideal destination, for incentive groups.

A new a la carte restaurant has been added alongside three new conference/meeting rooms, which also provide the ideal location for a wedding party.

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RODOS PALACE A world of Meeting Hospitality

Rodos Palace! A meeting place that combines the efficiency of an internationally acclaimed Convention Center with a capacity of 4800 delegates in 20 distinct meeting rooms and 100 adjustable break-out rooms and the pleasure inherent to a deluxe Resort Hotel of 785 rooms and suites together with a dedicated Executive VIP Wing and the new 200 Luxury & Garden VIP Pool Suites to create synergies. Bracing this combination, the experience borne of more than 2500 conferences, incentives and exhibitions held in Rodos Palace grants you the assurance that the venue chosen is capable of delivering what it promised. After all‌ these have been the main keys of success of a World of Meeting Hospitality just waiting to welcome you.

The International Convention Center A pioneer since its inception, an ever anticipator of changing needs, the Rodos Palace has followed its mission at the fore-

front of international meeting venues and evolved into its current status as Greece's Leading Convention Resort, with a legacy of more than 2500 conferences, incentives, exhibitions and events held in its premises over 35 years of experience.

The extremely flexible nature of the Convention Center is legendary among meeting planners, as it offers 9000 sq. m. of meetings, pre-function and exhibition space, within which the halls, lounges and rooms can be used individually or combined, in terms of total combined capacity, the Center accommodates 4800 delegates, but versatility gains equal importance, since, whatever size of event you are planning, there is the just perfect venue for it among 20 purpose-built meeting rooms, ranging in capacity from 20-1350 persons.

Additionally, the venue offers 100 hospitality suites and adjustable break-out rooms. Besides sophisticated AV Equipment, the venue now offers in all areas Wireless Internet Access with Wi-Fi.

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Symi island "Symi has the most beautiful harbour in Greece. On either side of a steep-sided fjord rise tier upon tier of houses, some white, some pastel yellow, but virtually all with NeoClassical pediments - a reminder that 100 years ago this was one of Greece's most prosperous islands. There has been virtually no modern concrete construction here and now these fine old houses are being resurrected for visitors. The spirit of the island remains intact."

ABOUT SYMI Symi is located in the Southern Dodecanese, north of Rhodes

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and close to the coast of south-west Turkey.

Symi is just over 13 km north/south and about 8 km east/west with an area of some 68 square km.

SYMI FESTIVAL Symi Festival is organised every Symi Festival is organised every summer for the last thirteen years. The idea is based in the disenterested participation of artists and organisers. There is neither ticket in the cultural events nor payment for the artists. The Town Hall covers the expenses of going and stay of the participants. Symis Festival has to do with several cultural activities like classical and modern music concerts, dance, thetre, cinema, literature evenings, conferences. All these manifestations take place in buildings with traditional architecture of 17th, 18th, 19th century like the famous manor house of Chatziagapitos, the courtyard of Saint John and the monastery of Panormitis.

Symis Festival popularity has attracted famous artists to participate like NANA MOUSCHOURI, LEONIDAS KAVAKOS, LAVREDIS MACHAIRITSAS, STAVROS XARHAKOS, THANOS MIKROUTSIKOS, DIMITRA GALANI, MARIA FARADOURI, STEFANOS KORKOLIS, ORCHESTRE OF MOSCOW Symi has also put up with important conferences such as EMIGRANT HELLENISM, NEOCLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE, LITTERATURE OF EMIGRANT HELLENISM, HEALTH NURSING IN SMALL ISLANDS OF SOUTH AEGEAN www.symi.gr

Rhodos Tourism Promotional Organisation Plotarchou Blessa 3, Rhodos 85100, Greece Tel: +30 22410 74555 Fax: +30 22410 74558 Email: protour@rodosisland.gr www.rodosisland.gr

Bucharest: A City of Contrast and Culture In 2009, 15 new hotels will open in Romania

Bucharest

toric legacy. With its variegated landscape and privileged geographical setting in the heart of Transylvania, Cluj displays a wide range of tourist and leisure activities.

Tourism is one of the most dynamic and fastest developing sectors in Romania.

According to travel agencies TUI AG and Thomas Cook, 17 of the 100 best hotels of the world are located in Romania.

For 2009 the opening of 3 important hotel units has already been announced for Bucharest: Grand Hotel Continental 5*, Golden Tulip Palladium 4* and hotel Royale developed by Europa Group.

Hilton international chain opened its second hotel in Sibiu, Golden Tulip has in mind the affiliation of 11 hotels until 2011 on the local market, Ramada at least 2 hotels this year and Best Western at least 3 hotels. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced a long term agreement with Sigma Hotels to manage the first international hotel brand in Cluj, Romania - the Sheraton Cluj Hotel and The Residences at Sheraton Cluj, scheduled to open in early 2012.

Romania connected with new destinations The representatives of the most important local airports forecast a total of 8.7 mil. passengers transported from and towards Romania in 2009, 15% higher than 2008.

The low-cost Blue Air has introduced six destinations from Romania to Thessaloniki, Paphos, Naples, Bologna, Milan, Reus.

Wizz Air introduced three weekly flights from Timisoara towards Rome and Dortmund and from Cluj-Napoca towards Paris. More, the company will increase flight frequency on Timisoara - London Luton to three weekly flights.

Air France-KLM airline group considers 80

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introducing new flights in other destinations of Romania in 2009, including Cluj also.

At present, Air France - KLM owns a 19% market share in Romania.

Cluj Napoca, the pearl of Transylvania The various cultural influences, which left their mark on Transylvania's history, made up an important cultural and his-

The most important tourist attractions in Cluj County are the Turzii Gorges, the Apuseni Mountains, Baita Spa, Gilau region, Tarnita-Belis-Fantanele Lakes, Padis and Cetatile Ponorului, with very beautiful caves.

Many of these places are suitable for paragliding, mountain biking, nautical sports, alpinism and the whole range of winter sports.

In order to meet the increasing demand for high standard accommodation, in the latest years many hotels were inaugurated in Cluj-Napoca, and others are being built.

The accommodation capacity of the county amounts over 6500 places, business people and foreign tourists being the main clients of Cluj hotels (30%).

In order to meet the demands for business facilities, many business centers have been inaugurated, offering conference rooms and all facilities for launching and developing a business project.

Within a few kilometers from ClujNapoca Airport, Expo Transilvania, the second largest fair center in Romania, has an intense commercial activity.

Known for its wide boulevards, glorious Belle Epoque buildings and a reputation for the high life, Bucharest Romania's capital was once known as the "Little Paris".

88 km in surface and about 2.000.000 in population, Bucharest is nowadays the first of the cities of Romania, both in size and importance.

Today, Bucharest is experiencing renewed vigour.

The city reflects an interesting heritage of mixed cultures influenced by: the old Romanian aristocracy educated in France, the German King Carol I, and the communist society.

Bucharest has a number of exquisite galleries, museums, churches and architectural wonders but its political legacy also provides a wealth of sights, where visitors can relive the events of the 1989 revolution and the emotions leading up to it.

Also, the green oases of the city, the parks, invite the traveller for some moments of pleasant relaxation. The attractive views around the

capital, with some beautifully arranged lakes, constitute tourist attractions, specially wanted.

Bucharest fast facts The function: Capital of Romania since 1862, the biggest town, both as surface and population, the political and cultural centre and the most important economical centre of the country Position: South of Romania, 64 km from Danube, 100 km from Carpathians and 250 km from the Black Sea. The climate: continental-temperate; the yearly average temperature: 10-11째 C. Population: 1,996,612 inhabitants (the 9th place in Europe and the 81st in the world) (aprox. 10% of Romania's population): 8,892.6 inhabitants/square km.

The street's network: 5,340 streets, with a length of 1,820 km (of which 600 km are main streets), 16 passages and 27 road-bridges The public (surface) transport: 1738 vehicles (trolleys,

trams, buses) covering 161 routes and 1169 km Subway: 50 trains covering 4 routes, with 40 stations and 63 km Railway stations: 5: The Northern Station, Baneasa, Basarab, Obor and Titan Bus terminals: 6: Baneasa, Filaret, Grivitza, Militari, Obor, Rahova Two airports - both international: Bucharest-Otopeni and Bucharest-Baneasa Health: 51 hospitals, 370 health units, 58 polyclinics, 384 pharmacies Education: primary and gymnasium: 235 schools; highschools: 99; superior: 31 institutions The culture : 347 libraries, 17 cinemas, 40 museums, 1 opera house, 17 theatres, and 1 astronomical observatory.

HOTELS IN BUCHAREST Bucharest currently offers: over 2.000 rooms in 5* hotels, over 3.000 in 4* hotels, over 2.200 rooms in 3*

hotels.

Main international hotel chains are already present in Romania (including brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental, Radisson, Accor Chain) and more coming on line all the time.

SOCIAL PROGRAMME Romania is a year around destination, offering unspoiled natural, cultural and historical values of a generous diversity, an intense artistic life and highly creative ideas for social programmes.

The Romanians' hospitality and open nature turn even a short holiday into an unforgettable experience of human warmth and friendship.

Tours & Activities DAY EXCURSION TO BRAN- DRACULA CASTLE

The tower's Bell that was built in 1892 and weights over 1700 kg.

Location: Sinaia town, 140 km from Bucharest, approximately 2 hours driving ROMANIAN CUISINE

Bucharest

Romanian cuisine is diverse, blending the dishes of the several traditions which it has come into contact with, as well as maintaining its own character. It has been greatly influenced by Balkan

sayings have developed around this activity: “We eat to live, or live to eat?”, “Love passes through the stomach”, “Thank you Lord for I have eaten and I am hungry again”.

Wine is the main drink and has a tradition of over two millennia. Romania is currently the world's 9'th largest wine producer, and recently the export market has started to grow. A wide variety of domestic (Feteascã, Grasã, Tamâioasã) and worldwide (Italian Riesling, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel) varieties are produced.

Romania is the world’s 2'nd largest plum producer and almost the entire plum production becomes the famous Ñuicã (a plum brandy obtained through one or more distillation steps).

Cultural entertainment in Bucharest

This fortified medieval castle, often referred to as Dracula's Castle, was built in 1377 to protect nearby Brasov from invaders. It also served as a customs station.

The castle's rooms and towers surround an inner courtyard. Some rooms are connected through underground passages to the inner court. In 1920, the people of Brasov who owned the castle offered it as a gift to Queen Maria of Romania, and the castle soon became her favourite residence.

Bran is home to a rich collection of Romanian and foreign furniture and art items from the 14th-19th Centuries.

The castle sits high atop a 200 ft. tall rock overlooking the picturesque village of Bran.

On the grounds below there is an openair ethnographic museum of old village buildings with exhibits of furniture, household objects and costumes.

Distance from Bucharest: 180 km, approximately 3 hours driving DAY EXCURSION TO SINAIA, FORMER ROYAL SUMMER RESIDENCE Considered by many one of the most beautiful castles in all Europe, Peles Castle is a masterpiece of German newRenaissance architecture.

Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883, Peles' interiors are an opulent display of elegant design and historical artifact. Its 160 rooms are adorned with the finest examples of European art, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows, walls covered with Cordoba leather, Meissen and Sevres porcelains, ivory sculptures.

Founded in 1690 - 1695 by Spatharus Mihail Cantacuzino, the Sinaia Monastery continues to watch over the town that carries its name, being the Sinaia’s spiritual symbol.The Museum of Sinaia Monastery is the first religious museum from the whole country, built in 1895.

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Bucharest's cultural forte is classical music and several internationally acclaimed musicians have performed on the stages of the Romanian Opera or The Romanian Athenaeum.

This splendid 19th-century building – looking like Bucharest’s answer to London’s St Paul’s Cathedral –offers a splendid acoustics and plays host to the Romanian Philharmonic Orchestra and other top performances.

Romanian Opera Ever since 1921, great singers such as Hariclea Darclée Euphrosyne Marcollini, Zenaida Pally, David Ohanesian, Ludovic Spiess,Viorica Cortez, or charismatic ballet stars such as Valentina Masssini,Sergiu Stefanski, have been internationally acclaimed as members of the Bucharest Romanian National Opera team. cuisine but also includes influences from the cuisines of other neighbors, such as Germans, Serbians, and Hungarians.

To underline the importance of gastronomy, a great number of proverbs and

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Bucharest

Conference Venues in Bucharest THE PALACE OF PARLIAMENT The House of People is the second building in size after the Pentagon (330.000 sqm) and the third in volume, after Cape Canaveral and Quetzalcoatl pyramid in Cholula, Mexico (2.550.000 m3).

Over 400 architects and 20.000 workers were used for raising this building, and

900 persons. Sumptuous and imposing halls can be used for cocktails or coffee breaks.

The Rehearsal Hall, used for a smaller meeting or a dinner, has a capacity of 200 persons.

Usage: meetings, conferences THE ROMANIAN ATHENEUM This splendid 19th-century building – looking like Bucharest’s answer to London’s St Paul’s Cathedral –offers a splendid acoustics and plays host to the Romanian Philharmonic Orchestra and

many temporary exhibitions and often used as venue for conferences and banquets.

PALACE HALL The Palace Hall is situated in the heart of Bucharest, next to the Royal Palace.

Thanks to its high quality facilities, it asserted itself over the years as an important cultural institution, hosting many exhibitions and international conferences.

Usage: exhibitions, shows, conferences, presentations PATRIARCHAL PALACE The Patriarchal Palace, next to the Romanian Patriarchal Church and the Palace of Parliament is a beautiful building centrally situated, that can host meeting and exhibitions of many attendees, in its 4 rooms.

Usage: meetings, conferences, exhibitions

every single material used was 100 % Romanian.

Nowadays, the palace is hosting the Romanian Parliament, being also the most important Conference Center in Bucharest, with a total capacity of over 5000 persons. The Parliament also offers the possibility to organize the most outstanding gala dinners in Bucharest.

ACCESS Flights Bucharest - major European cities

THE OPERA HOUSE

In 1921 the “Lyrical Opera Society” received the necessary financial subsidies from the State to build the long dreamed Romanian Opera.

Ever since, great singers such as Hariclea Darclée Euphrosyne Marcollini, Zenaida Pally, David Ohanesian, Ludovic Spiess,Viorica Cortez, or charismatic ballet stars such as Valentina Masssini,Sergiu Stefanski, have been internationally acclaimed as members of the Bucharest Romanian National Opera team.

The Auditorium can comfortably host 84

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other top performers.

The lobby has a beautifully painted ceiling decorated in gold leaves and curved balconies cascading in ringlets of spiral staircase.

The main concert hall has a capacity of 800 persons, offering most impressive decorations and outstanding acoustics.

Usage: music shows, conferences, reunions THE ROYAL PALACE (The National Art Museum) The old residence of the Romanian Royalty is a representative building for the Romanian architecture of the 1920th centuries.

It houses the National Art Museum and

CITY-NUMBER OF DAILY FLIGHTS, AIRLINE OPERATING, DURATION VIENNA 4 Austrian Airlines, Tarom 1h40min BRUSSELES 2-3 Tarom, Brussels Airlines 2h35min SOFIA 1 Tarom 55 min PRAGUE 4 Tarom, Czech Airlines 1h55min COPENHAGEN 2 Cimber Air, Scandinavian Airlines 2h30min ZURICH 2 Swiss Air 2h15min PARIS 4-5 Tarom, Air France 2h50min ATHENS 4-5 Tarom, Aegean Airlines, Olympic Airways 1h35min ROME 5-6 Alitalia, Tarom 2h05min MILAN 5-6 Alitalia, Tarom 2h30min LONDON 4 Tarom, British Airways 3h10min AMSTERDAM 3 KLM 3h00min MOSCOW 2 Aeroflot, Tarom 2h40min MADRID 2-3 Iberia, Tarom 3h45min BARCELONA 2 Iberia, Tarom 3h05min ISTANBUL 3 Tarom, Turkish Airlines 1h10min BUDAPEST 3-4 Tarom, Malev Hungarian Airlines 1h15min MUNICH 3-4 Lufthansa, Tarom 2h10min FRANKFURT 3-4 Lufthansa, Tarom 2h35min

Bucharest

JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel

Bucharest is a meeting destination that needs to be discovered and trusted.

The JW Marriott is quite the place you are looking for when you start planning your next workshop or grand event, regional meeting, convention, or incentive trip.

Why is that? Because JW Marriott provide solutions to all your questions: JW Marriott is one of the largest hotels in town, with 402 wellappointed rooms; a vast convention floor with twelve meeting rooms and stateof-the-art technical equipment, able to accommodate 2000 participants; five gourmet restaurants and bars, including an unbeatable Swiss chocolaterie buffet.

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An upscale shopping arcade, nine floors of premium office space for rent, a health club that would do justice to a sci-fi movie, and a casino to test your fortune.

All this under the same roof, a city within a city…

But what’s most important, JW Marriott’ staff is ready to understand and cater to all your needs. Look at it this way: your success is their too!

Rin Grand Hotel Bucharest The Largest Hotel in Europe Placed near the administrative-financial centre of the capital, Rin Grand Hotel is situated in a quiet area and least affected by pollutants of the capital. Generous green spaces surround the building of Rin Grand Hotel and access is extremely easy on Splaiul Unirii.

Style, refinement, luxury, elegance, prompt services, discretion and quality - this is how you can describe in a few words Rin Grand Hotel Bucharest.

The most ambitious project of the Romanian hotel market, Rin Grand Hotel Bucharest is now the largest hotel in Europe, 115.000 sq m built on a structure consisting of ground floor, 2 floors in the basement and 15 floors on the surface.

Rin Grand Hotel has heliport, car park (1000 parking lots in the garage and guarded parking), 34 conference rooms (with varying capacities covering a wide range of needs: from 18 to 1000 places, technical facilities at high quality standards and last but not least qualified staff to organize conferences and media events, with multiple opportunities for planning.

Rin Grand Hotel has 1459 accommodation spaces in apartments and rooms with 2 beds (standard and deluxe), elegant furnished with modern decor items which warm and bring the space near lodger's soul.

Bucharest

Athenee Palace Hilton Your perfect event in the heart of Bucharest

Located in the heart of the city centre, the Athenee Palace Hilton offers up to date facilities for business meetings and conferences of different dimensions, from a small number of delegates to as many as 350 participants. Tailored catering services, full support for organizing a successful event, from as little as providing the LCD projector to a ballet show that closes a launch cocktail, the Athenee Palace Hilton experience and expertise ensures your event will be perfect from beginning to end.

11 Hilton Meetings rooms for up to 350 people provide convenient conference and banquet facilities including the magnificent historic ballroom 'Le Diplomate', the multi-purpose meeting room 'Regina Maria' and the Hilton Meetings products.

The prestigious Hilton Meetings Quality (HMQ) label these rooms have earned represents the benchmark for excellence.

Hilton Meetings also offers you rooms with natural daylight, individually adjustable climate control, ergonomical eight-hour chairs, flip charts, whiteboards and overhead projectors, analogue telephone lines with direct hotline to the Business Centre, wireless Internet

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access, automatic fixed screen, stationary kit wardrobe and minibar with soft drinks.

'Le Diplomate' Ballroom is ideal for large cocktail parties, receptions, meetings, press conferences or exhibitions.

It can accommodate from 100 to 400 delegates. With its gold-leaf walls, stained glass ceiling and crystal mirrors, the ballroom is one of the bestpreserved rooms in the country and is listed as an historic monument. The outside foyer has been marvelously restored and, with its marble columns, provides the perfect setting for a welcome reception. A pianist plays in the foyer every night.

Located on the ground floor, opposite 'Le Diplomate' Ballroom, 'Regina Maria' meeting room is an ideal venue for meetings, conferences, cocktails, receptions and launch parties. The room is decorated in a modern style, with a spacious foyer perfect for coffee breaks or welcome cocktails and with the possibility of dividing the main room in two.

Radisson SAS Bucharest greet any gathering. All these venues are enhanced with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment at the vanguard of today's technology, as well as spacious pre-function areas, all having free wireless internet access. The interior of all the facilities adds an elegant touch to all events. The meeting rooms are specifically designed with windows that let light in to illuminate inspiration.

Guests can avail the services of our Business Center for photocopying, faxing, printing and accessing the Internet.

A professional, dedicated Meeting & Events Team make guarentee that all the events are successful, and become memorable ones beyond expectations, focusing on every single detail. We offer flexible spaces that can adapt to the specific size and type of group to best fit the function to create a perfect event. With the utmost attention to detail and wonderful food and beverage offerings, we will make every function a memorable one.

Menus designed with true creative artistry provide a variety of healthy choices and savory delicacies.

Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Epoque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of "Little Paris"), Bucharest is Romania's largest city and a bustling metropolis.

Legend has it that the city was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, which literally means "joy". His flute playing and hearty wines from nearby vineyards charmed the local traders who gave the city the shepherd's name. The "Little Paris" even has its very own Arc de Triomphe on the elegant Soseaua Kiseleff, an avenue longer than the famed Champs Elysees and home to city's mansion district.

Remodeled in the late 19th century by French architects, the city displays a beautiful collection of large neoclassical

buildings. Its 37 museums, 22 theatres and several art galleries, exquisite Orthodox churches and unique architectural sites will keep you busy for days.

Bucharest also houses the world's second largest building, after the U.S. Pentagon, the Parliament Palace, which stands on an impressive 3.76 million square feet The Radisson SAS Hotel, Bucharest makes an ideal setting for all kinds of meetings, from banquets and dinners to intimate board rooms. Located on Calea Victoriei, in the social, financial and cultural district, it provides 1,500 square meters of elegant meeting space, the Pleiades Conference Centre. This includes the elegant Atlas Ballroom which can accommodates groups of up to 500 and separates into two salons and other 11 relaxing, yet refined meeting and banquet facilities are ready to

Radisson SAS Hotel, Bucharest introduces many facilities that could make a difference to visitors of Bucharest, besides a business hotel, making it a leisure destination. The Hotel offers a wellness centre operated by World Class Health Academy, which covers 2,600 m2, including a fully-equipped Fitness Center, aerobics and spinning classes, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, sauna, beauty treatments and massages, but also uniquely offering a Bali Spa, for therapeutic treatment or complete rejuvenation. In the lush garden guests can relax, enjoying the outdoor, heated pool and the biggest outside Jacuzzi in Europe. In the Hotel complex guests can enjoy shopping luxury items, as well as souvenirs. Gambling lovers can try their luck in the biggest Casino in Romania, the Platinum Casino.

Radisson SAS Hotel, Bucharest Calea Victoriei Street 63 - 81 Sector 1 Bucharest 010065, Romania Tel: +40 21 31 19 000 Fax: +40 21 31 39 000 Info.Bucharest@RadissonSAS.com www.bucharest.radissonsas.com

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Meetings and Incentives in Kos Island The island of Hippocrates, the founder of medicine Origin of Hippocrates, Kos is the 3rd largest island of the Dodecanese and a particularly popular destination of leisure travelers in Greece. The Hippocratic Birthplace is naturally a most interesting conference location for the Medical and Pharmaceutical sciences. Medical associations and the

pharmaceutical industry give their conventioneers and members the opportunity to visit the place where Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was born and bread (460-377 BC). Descendant of a whole family of renowned doctors, Hippocrates traveled around the world researching and collecting

medicinal information only to return to the island of Kos where he founded and taught at his Medical School. His scientific writings, still studied today, are known as the ''Hippocratic Collection.

Since 1996 Kos has been incorporated in the European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT). With the

privilege of having bred the father of science, on that same year the island organized and held the 1st International Medicinal Olympiad that took place jointly with the 35th Conference of the History of Medicine at the International Hippocratic Institute of Kos. The Institute is located near the Asclepeion and is equipped with a conference center, the Hippocratic Library and a Medical Museum.

Kos provides approximately 8,000 conference chairs in total of which 5,500 are located at the Kos International Convention Center, a member of the Kipriotis Hotels complex.

The Complex forms a convention park with the availability of 1,500 rooms at walking distance from the convention center. At the Kos International Convention Center of Kipriotis Hotels the year 2000 ABTA annual conference took place hosting on the island 1,900 British tourist agents as well as journalists and professionals of tourism from around the world.

5* Neptune Hotels at Mastihari also house an independent conference center of total capacity 1,500 persons. The complex provides 20 conference rooms and is therefore a unique conference and incentive destination. The Neptune Hotels are located on the beach of Mastihari village, at 8 kilometers from the international airport of the island and at 18 kilometers from the city of Kos. They consist

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Conference Venues in Kos IBEROSTAR HIPPOCRATES HOTEL 853 00 Psalidi, Kos Tel: +30 22420 57000 Fax: +30 22420 29974 400 delegates total seating capacity http://www.iberostar.com, www.kipriotis.gr E-mail:kipriotis.panorama@iberostar.com.gr IBEROSTAR KIPRIOTIS PANORAMA HOTEL 853 00 Psalidi, Kos Tel: +30 22420 57000 Fax: +30 22420 29974 1200 delegates total seating capacity http://www.kipriotis.gr, http://www.iberostar.com E-mail: kipriotis.panorama@iberostar.com.gr KIPRIOTIS VILLAGE - KOS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER 853 00 Psalidi, Kos Tel: +30 22420 27640 Fax: +30 22420 23590 5500 delegates total seating capacity http://www.kipriotis.gr E-mail: sales@kipriotis.gr NEPTUNE HOTELS RESORT & CONVENTION CENTRE 853 00 Mastichari, Kos Tel: +30 22420 41480 Fax: +30 22420 41574 1500 delegates total seating capacity http://www.neptune.gr E-mail: neptunehotels@neptune.gr

of 569 rooms and suites, 4 restaurants (1 of which is Gourmet) and a newly built Spa Wellness & Beauty Center occupying 1,170m2 that begun to operate in April 2003. Kos Marina came under the management of KOS Ependitiki SA (a company owned by the Municipality of KOS town) in 1999.

Since then 8 million Euros was invested, applying the ambitious program of building the best Marina in Greece! Three years later Kos Marina is ready to offer an extensive range of services to yachts from 7 to 50 meters.

Kos Marina KOS Marina is located one mile SE from Kos old harbor (Entrance: 36o 53' N 27o 18' E) and offers today: 250 berths with Mooring lines, water supply, Electricity supply 220 & 380 V from 16 to 125 Amps, Telephone connection, Satellite TV. Security/Safety Kos Marina premises are patrolled 24 hours by guards. Cameras cover the whole area of Kos Marina. Fire Precaution. All piers are equipped with fire stations with fire extinguishers; alarm system; fire hoses with both fresh and seawater circuit.

All piers are equipped with emergency stations comp-rising lifebuoys, lifelines, emergency telephones and rescue ladders.

services are offered in the Marina's Info Center, where meetings and events can be organized. Bank ATM, Baggage storage and Postal services are available. Shopping center with Cafeteria-bistro, Mini Market, Laundry, Yachts Chandlers Shops, Souvenirs shops, Boutique, Rent a car, Yacht Brokers, Yachting & Travel Agencies.

Boat Yard Dry storage area adequate for 150 yachts: available in October 2001, 100 Tone Travelift Technical Services An extensive range of technical services (yacht paint & antifouling, mechanical-Electrical-Electronic repairs, yacht cleaning services, sail maker, etc.) is available upon request. Only approved technical service contractors are allowed to operate in KOS Marina.

HOTSPOT - WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS Fast wireless INTERNET access in Kos Marina: your communication needs onboard and online without cords or additional installations KOS PORT MANDRAKI Since June 2004 KOS EP SA operates the Kos Mandraki Port, part of Kos historical harbour along the castle, with 40 berths, straight in the heart of the town.

Facilities & Services: Pilot speedboat, WC-showers, Trolleys, Parking Lot, Bilge pump out, Sewerage pump out, Waste oil disposal, Refuse containers, Fuel station. Administration Building with Reception, Authorities, Info center, Meeting room, Clinic & Guests' Suites. Weather report, Internet, telephone and facsimile Xenios

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Kipriotis Hotels & Kos International Convention Centre

It's of Kipriotis Hotels' great pleasure to present you an impressive proposition for conferences that really want to make a difference!

On the beautiful island of Kos, birthplace of Hippocrates father of Medicine - next to Kipriotis Hotels (5 luxury properties - 1,450 rooms total capacity) and along the azure Aegean coastline stands Kos International Convention Centre (KICC)

With 40 meeting rooms of 7,000 people total capacity (5,500 KICC and 1,500 Iberostar Kipriotis Panorama Hotel), main auditorium 2,300 seats and 3,000m2 of exhibition space, Kos International Convention Centre is the largest autonomous, purpose-built, multi-functional Convention Centre in Greece.

The globally known Kos International Convention Centre is an impressive 3 level modern building, situated directly adjacent to Kipriotis Village Resort - the biggest hotel of the group- and only a breath away from the remaining 4 Kipriotis Hotels.

KICC is one of the most luxurious Convention Centres offering the latest in meeting technology. High standard materials, modern ideas and excellent space design were adopted and applied in order to achieve maximum comfort, prestige and splendour that will make your meeting, conference or convention special!

With excellent infrastructure, designed and built with the conference market needs in mind, Kos International Convention Centre (KICC) offers state of the art conference facilities and is justifiably placed on the top of the list as one of the best Convention Centres in the Mediterranean.

More specifically Kos International Convention Centre (KICC): -Is the only Convention Centre that can host in the same building and operate at the same time - in parallel - 25 meeting rooms -Is the only Convention Centre with completely autonomous catering facilities that can cater for more than 1,000 people -Is the only Convention Centre supported by accommodation facilities of 1,450 guestrooms next to it.

As one of the most important Convention Centres in Greece and Abroad, with state of the art infrastructure and a number of years of experience in the organization and execution of multiple, highly important Meetings and Conferences, Kos International Convention Centre doesn’t only promise but guarantee the success of any event that really wants to make a difference!

the Spa experience

the spa experience Soaking in hot, swirling water leaves you feeling mentally and emotionally relaxed. Fifteen minutes in the morning can give you a fresh start. And a soak before bedtime can make it easier to drift into a deep, restful sleep.

This spa therapy is something you'll want to experience every day.

Although the proliferation of spas in recent years might lead one to think that they are a recent development of the 20th century, the earliest spas -- or "baths" -- date back several thousand years to various civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt and, of course, ancient Greece.

But it was during the time of the Roman Empire that baths began making the transformations that would eventually lay the groundwork for the spas we have come to know today.

There are several theories suggesting how the word "spa"

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came into being, including the Latin word "espa," meaning fountain, or the word "spagere," meaning bubble up, to scatter, sprinkle or moisten. Other possible origins include "Salus Per Aquam," Latin for health by water; "Solus Per Aqua," meaning to enter through water; "Salut Per Aqua," Latin for health or relaxation through water; and "Sanitas Per Aquas," for health through water.

Initially, the Romans used natural hot springs and thermal baths as a means of health and wellness, initially for the benefit of wounded soldiers. Over time, however, thermal and mineral baths evolved into elaborate structures, used for socializing and relaxation, as well as continued medical treatment.

Today, spas fill many of the same needs as they did thousands of years ago, including relaxation, wellness and stress relief by incorporating many of the same methods embraced by the ancients such as a multitude of hydrotherapy treatments, body scrubs and massage therapy, one of the most widely used spa treatments.

These methods together create an experience that is both relaxing and rejuvinating.

Immersion in hot water raises the body temperature and causes the blood vessels to dilate, resulting in increased circulation. The buoyancy of the water reduces body weight by approximately 90%, relieving pressure on joints and muscles and creating the relaxing sensation of weightlessness.

The massaging action of a spa is created by sending a mixture of warm water and air through jet nozzles. This energizedstream of water relaxes tight muscles and stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers.

Of course, a spa offers much more than just a good hydromassage. It's called a real body spa therapy or home spa treatments. However, you should only use natural spa products to make your spa treatments more effective.

With so many spa holidays to choose from, finding the right one for you can be a daunting task. Hereby we select some of the best retreats to suit every need.

The Atlantis - Dubai

the Spa experience

Porto Carras Grand Resort Conference Center & Spa A world apart on Halkidiki's second peninsula surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean. On a site covering 17.630 million m2 Porto Carras Grand Resort is just waiting for you to discover it.

This is a place endowed with natural beauty: verdant forests, hills, vineyards, small picturesque bays, and kilometres of golden sandy beaches.

All under the sun, bathed in colour.

The Villa Galini and Meliton, Sithonia and Village Inn Hotels await you for an interesting trip that will stimulate your senses

Thalassotherapy & Spa The new Thalassotherapy and Spa center of Porto Carras - the biggest in Southeastern Europe (4.700m2 ) applies in a modern way, the most ancient methods to health and beauty.

By offering a wide range of treatments and therapies, our target is to relax totally, both your body and soul.

All you have to do is visit our center, lay comfortably back , enjoy the view to the sea and let the experienced therapist hands guide you to a unique journey "in the land of senses…"

Thalassotherapy zone • Thalasso pool • Jacuzzi • Atomic hydrobaths with warm sea water • Kinisiotherapy pool- physiotherapy in warm sea water pool • Douche Affusion • Hydrojet • Application of mud, seaweeds The Spa region is offered to care, revitalise and relax your body, face and soul.

Use the Finish saunas, the Roman baths with the heated reclining chairs ,the warm swimming pool in combination to the unique therapies of the exotic line of St. Barth ( 99% natural products, arriving from the Caribian islands with perfect smells from mango, papaya, lily, vanilla…) to moisturize, detoxify, and rejuvanate yourself!!!

Tel. +30 23750 77000 www.portocarras.com

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The Atlantis-Dubai

Set ov ov er two magnificent floors wthin the Ro Ro y al Tower Tower of Atlantis, Atlantis, the Spa provides provides a sublime range range of treatments, bathing options, traditional traditional and water water therapies. therapies.

Exclusiv e to Dubai, the six Laconium thrones in his quarters will stimulate circulation Exclusive and the body's defense system. + 971 4 426 1000 www.atlantisthepalm.com

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the Spa experience

Anassa-Pafos

The Shiseido Spa at the Four Seasons - Limassol The exclusive Shiseido Spa, at the Four Seasons Cyprus is now

As well as an award-winning thalassotherapy centre and an infinity pool which has featured in countless magazines, the Anassa also has a children's play centre called the 'Smiling Dolphin Club', a babysitting service and kids' food. This means you can pamper yourself and relax with a clear conscience. +357 26888000 www.anassa.com

open, it is only the 5th Shiseido Spa in the world and the only one in Cyprus and the entire Mediterranean region.

The Four Seasons opened the first Thalassotherapy Centre in Cyprus and has now achieved another first with the introduction of the Shiseido Spa. The Thalasso treatments are of course still available in a brand new Thalasso area, thereby providing two distinct products within the same facility.

Thalassotherapy uses seawater and seaweed both of which contain minerals and vitamins in high levels for treatments not just for beauty, but also for total body rejuvenation and relaxation. Tel: +35725 858000 www.fourseasons.com.cy 100

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Thermae Sylla SpaEdipsos People have been taking the waters in the spa town of Edipsos on Evia since the time of Aristotle.

It's these waters, when combined with traditional Greek herbs, which form the basis of the treatments at the spa which is built around the ancient ruins of Roman baths. tel. +3022260 60 100 www.thermaesylla.gr

Notos Therme-Santorini Notos Therme & Spa is located by the sea, at the secluded Vlychada beach on Santorini island. At the hotel, there is a great sense of relaxation with the quiet pace of the Fishermen Port and the Marina, far away from the noise and crowds; the unique rural landscape with its impressive rocky formations is contrasted by open views to the sea and the blackness of the beach.

The beauty of the sea, visible from every room and suite, makes awakening at the hotel a relaxing experience. Visiting the Notos Spa can be the journey through the deepest levels of serenity and wellbeing. Notos Spa is built inside the volcanic rock in a harmony with the surroundings, with its own natural hot spring waters in the heart of the Spa. Innovative treatments accent the advantages of lava, masticha, local muds, sea algae and the most sophisticated spa products. tel. +30 22860 81115 www.snotos.com

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the Spa experience The Spa by Six Senses Spas at Hotel Arts Barcelona A unique sense of place is afforded from the stunning location on the 42nd and 43rd floors of the Hotel Arts Barcelona, with views over the Mediterranean. A sense of well-being and relaxation is enhanced by the natural elements incorporated into the Six Senses Spa experience. The local elements of sunlight and water are captured in the treatments.

The Spa experience offers guests the opportunity to de-stress with one of the many relaxing massages, personal rejuvenation and revitalization through holistic healing and well-being, and specially designed aromatherapy pampering administered by therapists who embrace the philosophy of Balancing Senses.

also available by appointment.

Chromotherapy - colour therapy based on the premise that certain colours are infused with healing energies, is incorporated in all of the treatment rooms and the steam rooms.

The therapy uses six individual colours to promote balance and healing in the mind and body.

The Spa is distributed over the two topmost floors on the seafacing façade of the hotel, and includes separate ladies and gentlemen's wet areas with Klafs sauna and steam rooms, vitality pools and ice fountains. The saunas have breathtaking views from the window wall that overlooks the sea. Two outdoor terraces adjacent to the relaxation area can be used throughout the year.

The treatments available include the exclusive Hotel Arts The Art of Stone therapy, as well as the signature Six Senses Sensory Journey - administered by two skilled therapists over almost three hours. Aromatherapy and beauty services are

La Florida Barcelona, An Exquisite Mountain Destination Sneak away to a vibrant realm of health and wellness at Gran Hotel La Florida.

From the enchanting mountain setting to an exquisitely balanced design, you'll immediately sense the relaxation exuding from our soothing Barcelona spa - a harmonious retreat set 500 metres above the city centre.

Inside, an expert team of professionals and exclusive treatments from Natura BissĂŠ will nourish both body and spirit, transporting guests to a personal sanctuary of inner peace. Unwind with a session in our Turkish hammam or Jacuzzi, or refresh your sense of well-being in our steam bath or caldarium.

If exercise is your path to enlightenment, this world-class Barcelona hotel spa also features a heated 37-metre stainless steel indoor/outdoor pool and state-of-the-art Technogym equipment. Afterward, a relaxation area and sun beds will ensure your mind is as revitalised as your body.

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The new ADLON SPA-Berlin Relax and indulge yourself in an ambience of peace and tranquility – the new ADLON SPA provides a unique atmosphere of well-being and promotes the renewal of body, mind and soul.

Immerse yourself in the world of the ADLON SPA and escape from the hectic pace of daily life for a few moments of total bliss.

Enjoy the SPA’s breathtaking architectural design extending over 900 sqm and experience how first-rate service and traditional beauty treatment philosophies in conjunction with the

Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa, Jordan Lying 264-meters below sea level, Ma’In Hot Springs is the inspired site for the well appointed Evason Ma’In Hot Springs.

latest of treatment techniques establish a harmonious overall concept.

Enjoy your stay at the ADLON SPA with all your senses and immerse yourself in an absolutely fabulous spa environment featuring pool, yacuzzi, saunas, steam baths as well as cuddly soft bathrobes, extensive beauty and massage treatments and last but not least impeccable service. tel. +49 (0)30 2261 1220. www.hotel-adlon.de

Set like an oasis in the dramatic terrain, the location is easily accessible and defines the resort and spa experience in the Middle East - making it a destination of choice for those seeking the perfect retreat to relax and be pampered whilst enjoying the therapeutic benefits of Ma’In hot spring waterfalls.

Tel: +962 5 324 5500

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