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E-magazine & Guide for the MICE & Tourism Professionals

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DESTINATIONS

MEETINGS & INCENTIVES EXHIBITIONS HEAL TH & SP A RESOR TS

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ITTFA W elcomes Moroccan Travel Market and Vakantiebeurs MPI Unveils 2009 Trends for Event Marketing in Europe “Meetings are the solution not the prob lem” Bloggers’ Summit attracts increased interest

New IMEX

ABTA JOINS

Meetings Under

GROUP TO

the Microscope

STAMP OUT TRAVEL FRAUD

Ultimate Spa Destinations

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Around the world in 4 days Explore a world of business opportunities at WTM 2009 Thursday 12 November at WTM 2009 is a must-attend day delivering an all encompassing programme for the whole travel industry to conduct business, network and learn about the latest trends and developments with: • Networking opportunities between senior buyers and exhibitors • WTM Global Economic Forum where leading financial thinkers and specialist experts will advise senior professionals on the economy • The Business Case for Responsible Tourism Conference exploring how to gain more profit from sustainable tourism • EyeforTravel technology and online travel conference demonstrating how to move business forward in the online environment • Free Travel & Online Technology seminars revealing the trends of the future • A comprehensive travel agent educational programme in association with ITT and ATP

ExCeL London 9-12 Nov 2009 Register for free entry at www.wtmlondon.com/xenios Official Media Partner

C O N T E N T S Africa’s Travel "Oscars" Announced

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ICCA publishes country and city rankings 2008

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Where Are Americans Headed for Summer Vacation?

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Business travellers tighten their belts

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Atlantis Palm Jumeirah

The Spa Experience 22 TripAdvisor Survey Reveals Highs and Lows of European Cities

Greece focusing on history, luxury 25 and the environment

Destinations

( Barcelona, Bucharest, Crete, Cyclades, Evros, Jordan, Kos, Mallorca, Rhodes, The Spa Experience )

28-90

IMEX Academy Awards 2009

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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 3, Vol.13 J u n e 2 0 0 9 - J u l 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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Publishing Director: Vassilis Bogris Editors : Yulia Ivanovna, Konstantina Papachristopoulos, Thomas Paleologos (London-Athens), Dimitris Loukas, Julia Ushakova( Moscow-Athens) Advertising Manager: Kostas Katsaros Production Manager: Othonas Bogris Printed in Athens GR & London UK

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速

Where The World Meets

The Global Meetings & Incentives Exhibition Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain

1 - 3 December 2009

www.eibtm.com

Africa’s Travel "Oscars" Announced Topics & News

Some of Africas’ top senior industry management attended the ceremony including Miller Mathola, CEO ICC Durban; Wessel Witthuhn, President, IFA Hotels & Resorts; Wayne Duvenage, CEO, AVIS Southern Africa; Cllr Grant Haskin, Acting Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town’ Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO, Cape Town Tourism; Ian Bartes, Chairman, Cape Town Tourism; Nomasonto Ndlovu, Global Manager Business Tourism, INDABA; Friedrich Schaefer, COO, ArabellaStarwood Hotels & Resorts South Africa.

Graham E. Cooke, founder and president, World Travel Awards said; "Winners of the World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony are very special brands, dedicated to being the absolute best in all aspects of ‘customer experience’. Their success here at a country-wide and global level means they will further improve their international profile as well as reach out to new customers."

PAUL GARDINER, , SHAMWARI TOWN HOUSE GRAHAM COOKE, PRESIDENT & FOUNDER, WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS AFRICA'S LEADING TOWN HOUSE HOTEL

The World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony took place at a starstudded event on 11 May held at the Durban ICC. More than 200 organisations were nominated in 75 categories for the Africa region, including airlines, airports, hotels, car hire, destinations, resorts, spas and travel agencies.

South African Airways won Africa’s Leading Airline, Starwood Hotels won Africa’s Leading Hotel Brand and The Mount Nelson Hotel won Africa’s Leading Hotel.

World Travel Awards, established 16 years ago and described by the Wall Street Journal as the ‘Oscars’ of the global travel industry, encourages greater quality, value and, above all, exceptional customer experience spanning every sector and region worldwide. Votes were received from thousands of agents and travel professionals throughout the world.

"It was a wonderful evening for African tourism and hopefully an inspiration for all those nominated", continued Cooke. "The winners have set a supreme standard of professionalism in Africa with excellent examples of creativity and business acumen, and we hope that they can stimulate others to also raise their performance and their profile, not only within Africa but worldwide."

Guests enjoyed international entertainment from the world renowned pop group Boney M and virtuoso modern Violin Quartet Sterling EQ, South Africa's sensational all-girl electric quartet and Kwel Tebza.

The evening host was the inspirational speaker Gerry RantseliElsdon MC for Face of Africa for four years as well as announcer and anchor for international broadcaster M-Net. This premium event is part of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour, culminating with the Grand Final on 30 October in Jamaica.

Sir Richard Branson's 2020 Vision for the West Coast Main Line A way forward for the UK's busiest long distance rail route to meet ever increasing passenger and freight demands was today mapped out by Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin group of companies.

Among the initiatives that could happen within the next decade are: - Journey times of under 60 minutes between London and Birmingham - Construction of an underground extension to Birmingham International station with a direct link from there to the West Coast Main Line at Lichfield using the existing M6 corridor - Journey times of under 4 hours between London and Glasgow - Link the West Coast Main Line at its southern end with both Heathrow and HS1 to Europe - Strip down and modernise crumbling stations and replace them with fit for purpose buildings that work efficiently for rail passengers and can be a source of pride to the local community.

Sir Richard explained that all of this would be possible within a partnership with Government that allowed for the following: - longer rail franchises of between 20 and 30 years that were linked to past performance and future investments 4

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- Engage and encourage private sector investment - Deliver an effective regulatory system of Network Rail - Evaluate the environmental benefits, and economic gains to the English regions, Scotland and Wales as part of any investment case - Bridge the gap between franchise length and asset life to reflect the whole life benefits of investments.

Within this partnership with Government, train operating companies would play a much larger role in: - Timetable developments - Rolling stock specification and procurement - Station developments - New route development - A source of funding.

Speaking at today's press conference at London's Euston station Sir Richard said: "We are running 21st century high-speed trains through 19th century stations. For example, Crewe, Preston and Carlisle are basically great Victorian buildings crumbling away. We need to have 21st century stations.

We would like the new franchises to be given control of stations so that sthe train operators can be incentivised to modernise them."

Topics & News

Abu Dhabi Wins Multiple Awards at the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony Dubai, UAE – May 5th 2009 –-The travel, tourism and hospitality industry’s most coveted international recognition, the World Travel Awards, held its Middle East gala ceremony in Dubai tonight. The event was graced by a number of senior professionals from the travel, tourism and hospitality trade at a ceremony that was packed with award winners, nominees and press.

Abu Dhabi made a strong show of force by winning 10 awards, the highest number of awards ever won by a new travel and tourism destination. The capital of the UAE, which has embarked on an ambitious long-term tourism development plan, also saw a record number of nominations this year. Some of the key awards that went to Abu Dhabi companies were: - Middle East’s Leading Airline – Etihad - Middle East’s Leading International Marketing Campaign – Etihad - Middle East’s Leading Destination Marketing Campaign - ADTA - Middle East’s Leading Exhibition Center - ADNEC - Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development Project – TDIC’s Saadiyat Island - Middle East’s Leading Private Jet Charter – Royal Jet However, Dubai remained the Middle East’s favourite destination by winning the highly contested ‘Middle East’s Leading Destination’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading MICE destination’ award. Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) was voted for Middle East’s Leading Tourism Board, while Jumeirah, Emirates Airlines and Al Futtaim Group Real Estate won awards for Middle East’s Leading Hotel, Middle East’s Leading Economy Airline and the Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development Company (for Dubai Festival City) respectively.

Emaar’s The Address hotel was voted

Hans Olbertz, General Manager, Emirates Palace Graham Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards Abu Dhabi's Leading Conference Hotel, Abu Dhabi's Leading Hotel, Abu Dhabi's Leading Resort, Middle East's Leading Conference Resort

unanimously as Middle East’s Leading New Hotel. Another unanimous vote was for Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction, which is Petra in Jordan.

Commenting on the award winners, Graham Cooke, Founder of the World Travel Awards said “I am excited to see that the Middle East’s tourism offering is quickly diversifying and new players are taking great interest in being destinations, airlines or hotels of choice. It is particularly impressive to note that some of the major award winners tonight are very new companies that have quickly set themselves to be leading players in the travel, tourism and hospitality business - not only in the Middle East but world wide.”

The awards are determined by a polling process that invites votes from over 170,000 travel, tourism and hospitality

professionals around the world. This year around 42,000 voters participated in selecting winners for the Middle East’s best airlines, hotels, tourist attractions, destinations, tourist board amongst many others. Voters are also asked to vote on micro favourites such as Middle East’s Leading Suite, Middle East’s Leading Travel Website, and Middle East’s Leading Water Park – which was awarded to Aquaventure on Atlantis’s Palm Jumeirah.

The World Travel Awards also launched a new award called the ‘Prix D’ Or’ which was voted live at the ceremony. Guests at the World Travel Awards Middle East ceremony were asked to vote for the brand that has contributed most to Middle East’s travel industry in the last 12 months.

All Aboard for the Eurailtravel.com Launch!

UTRECHT, The Netherlands, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Traveling through Europe by train has never been easier, now that Eurail Group GIE has launched an interactive new website, Eurailtravel.com.

Full of colorful images, easy to navigate maps, detailed itineraries and city highlights, Eurailtravel.com aims to inspire those who want to experience the freedom of discovering the vast variety of countries that comprise this exciting continent.

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Europe is an amazing destination with spectacular cultural landscapes and artistic inspiration around every bend.

From trendy Madrid to picturesque Salzburg, European cities are packed with art, music, exhibitions, quaint markets, and food fairs.

Ever growing concerns about climate issues coupled with recent major European rail investments means that travelling the continent by rail is a cleaner, more expansive, and more enjoyable choice. The Eurail Pass, the

preferred way to explore Europe for thousands of visitors, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and the launch of Eurailtravel.com is one of many worldwide initiatives being developed to better assist travellers.

Whether you are looking for adventure or culture, Eurailtravel.com will help identify potential itineraries from scenic coastal routes along the southern Mediterranean to journeys traversing through Scandinavia, the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Summer 09 Travel Trends: Skyscanner Reveals Winners and Losers of British Tourist Traffic EDINBURGH, - Leading cheap flight site, Skyscanner (http://www.Skyscanner.net) reveals this summer's fastest growing destinations for British holidaymakers, and those that are losing out.

With anti-eurozone sentiment still strong, Brits are increasingly looking to non-euro destinations this year. Thailand, the USA and Portugal are the top three climbers; at the other end of the scale, the Czech Republic, Ireland and Cyprus have had the greatest drop in popularity.

Going Up 1. Bangkok, Thailand (+271%) 2. Los Angeles, USA (+170%) 3. Porto, Portugal (+163%) 4. Dalaman, Turkey (+160%) 5. Orlando, USA (+158%) 6. Istanbul, Turkey (+157%) 7. Sharm El Sheik, Egypt (+156%) 8. Bodrum, Turkey (+153%) 9. Burgas, Bulgaria (+152%) 10. Oslo, Norway (+143%) Biggest rises in flight searches on Skyscanner.net for summer 09 (May 1st-Aug 30th) compared to summer 08. Flights from UK airports.

Bangkok has seen by far the biggest rise in the number of searches with 271% growth year on year.

US destinations are also on the rise, with LA and Orlando interest up considerably, despite the strengthening US dollar.

Egypt and Bulgaria are both proving more popular this summer, but overall, Turkey is the single biggest winner, with three of the top ten fastest growing destinations being in the country.

And the biggest losers?

Going Down 1. Prague, Czech Republic (-15%) 2. Cork, Republic of Ireland (-13%) 3. Paphos, Cyprus (-11%) 4. Geneva, Switzerland (-6.5%) 5. Palma, Spain (-6%) 6. Pisa, Italy (-5.5%) 7. Nice, France (-5%) 8. Bordeaux, France (-4.5%) 9. Menorca, Spain (-4%) 10. Venice, Italy (-3%) Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder commented: "Skyscanner's data shows that value for money is the biggest factor influencing this summer's travel trends.

ICCA publishes country and city rankings 2008 Topics & News

U.S.A. stays top country and Paris and Vienna share number one city destination

The ICCA rankings cover meetings organised by international associations which take place on a regular basis and which rotate between a minimum of three countries. The data represents a "snapshot" of qualifying events in the ICCA Association Database as sampled on 12 May 2009.

ICCA's Association Database is designed as a sales and marketing resource for its members to target future international association meetings, which is why it does not include one-off events or those which do not move between locations.

number of ICCA members sending us their calendar information to help identify new events.

As has been the case since 2004, U.S.A.

Tokyo. Stockholm and Seoul both climb in the rankings to 8th and 9th position respectively.

ICCA is now working on the details behind these headline results. The full ICCA statistics report for 2008 will be released

Table 1: ICCA country and city ranking measured by number of meetings organised in 2008

This year the ICCA Data researchers have identified 7,475 events which took place in 2008, a rise of approximately 800 over

and Germany are the number one and two countries respectively measured by the number of international meetings organised in 2008. The numbers 4 and 5: Spain and France had a considerable increase by amount of meetings compared to 2007: 40 and 79 respectively.

2007. Partly this reflects the strength of the market, partly it is thanks to a record

For the first time in three years, Vienna shares the top with Paris as the most popular city. Barcelona on third place had an increase of 30 meetings over 2007.

Remarkable newcomers in the top 20 are Athens, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo and

early June. The 10 Year statistics report covering 1999-2008 will be published late July.

The ICCA statistics reports will be freely available online to ICCA members. “The International Association Meetings Market 2008� will also be sent to over 3,000 association meeting planners all over the world. ICCA encourages associations to use the statistics as a practical way to identify potential new destinations for their events.

European Tourism 2009 Trends & prospects Q1/2009) Brussels, 05 May 2009. It is now clear that the financial-sector blizzard that struck in the second half of 2008 is affecting the global economy.

Every single OECD member country, and every single economy in Europe, is expected to suffer a contraction in GDP in 2009.

Not many emerging markets, so many of which were booming in 2007-2008 will be able to sustain any significant growth in 2009, either. And the downturn is expected to be more severe than any in recent memory.

Given the inevitable impact of the economic and financial crisis on business and consumer confidence, as well as on demand for travel and tourism, the European Travel Commission (ETC)'s Market Intelligence Group (MIG) decided that it was important to monitor trends affecting tourism demand on a more frequent basis.

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So we are pleased to present the first in a series of new quarterly reports, European Tourism 2009: Trends & Prospects, which forms part of our regular reports monitoring developments in Europe's travel and tourism.

This new publication is a prime example of ETC's objective of consolidating its role as the authoritative voice of European tourism.

ETC's MIG network brings together a distinguished team of tourism research professionals drawn from the association's membership - 39 national tourism organisations in Europe.

The main value of the report is that it focuses very specifically on the European tourism dimension.

Topics & News

ITTFA ELECTS NEW COMMITTEE FOR 2009/2010 The International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA) recently elected a new executive committee to lead the Association through the coming year.

Tom Nutley, Chairman and founder of ITTFA, comments "All appointments were aimed at strengthening the central administration of ITTFA and providing a firm base for the continued growth of the association across cultural and international boundaries.”

ITTFA is dedicated to the continual development of the travel trade show industry, increasing participation and setting high standards across Europe and worldwide. Recent changes to entry requirements and the annual fee structure mean that membership is more accessible to smaller and developing shows, as well as more established ones. This underlines the primary goals of the Association as it strives to improve travel trade exhibition standards across all markets and help maximize the benefits and levels of professionalism for both visitors and exhibitors.

Committee members begin their term of office this June, being officially sworn in at the AGM in Slovenia. They will remain in their respective roles until the next election in 2010.

Johan F Lundberg, Exhibition Manager of TUR, was re-elected as president of ITTFA. Nutley commented on the appointments, "TUR has been a long standing member of ITTFA and we are confident that Johan’s knowledge of the association coupled with his experience and enthusiasm within both the travel and tourism and exhibition industries will steer the association through another successful year.”

Mr Lundberg commented on the role; “I am delighted to take on this prestigious role and look forward to a successful year ahead. We are continuing to broaden our membership base, particularly in the area of support and guidance for new and upcoming shows in less established markets and I personally look forward to welcoming members from all corners of the tourism exhibition world. The internationalisation of ITTFA is of value to all our members as we take on new challenges and create more opportunities to share ITTFA’s vision and knowledge with a larger audience.”

Antonio Dell Aquilano, Exhibition & Event Manager of TTG Italia Spa, was elected Vice President. He commented, “I am looking forward to my new role in ITTFA and hope that I can contribute to the development of the Association by bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. It will be an ideal opportunity to learn from other members as well as working in partnership with them towards making the industry even better for all our customers.”

Zeljka Tomljenovic, Events and Sales Manager ITE Travel Exhibitions, will take on the role of Treasurer.

Chairman of ITTFA, Tom Nutley, said that the association had come a long way in the past decade, recognising the huge changes in the travel exhibition industry brought about by the growth in emerging markets, technology and the recognition of the value of the industry in general. He added that in the current, challenging times it is even more important that exhibition organisers work together to promote the benefits and opportunities they offer for all sectors of the travel industry.

Congrex appointed conference organiser for ESOT 2011 Glasgow, United Kingdom Congrex has been appointed the conference organiser for the 15th European Society for Organ Tr a n s p l a n t a t i o n Congress (ESOT) to be held at the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre, Glasgow from the 4 – 7 September

2011.

Congrex is delighted to be appointed to manage logistical arrangements for this prestigious Congress when it is held in Glasgow in 2011. Congrex is very eager to deliver a successful event.

The ESOT congress is held every two years, with the 2009 Congress being held in Paris, and is the premier European congress focusing on the field of organ transplantation. The Congress is expected to attract around 3,000 to 4,000 participants. Annalisa Ponchia, Executive Officer, said: “The committee is proud to work with Congrex and thinks highly of their professionalism and ability to deliver events tailored to our needs.

Congrex are able to manage all our conference needs from managing the budget to registration of participants, no job is too big or small for them to handle.”

Annalisa Ponchia, continues “We very much look forward to working closely with the Glasgow team of Congrex in the planning of the 2011 Congress. ESOT have a well structured mechanism for the management of the biennial congress; the HQ 10

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team are actively involved with each congress, providing the expertise in terms of continuity and strategy to ensure the society and its membership’s objectives are achieved. Congrex as the locally based PCO, provide the logistical expertise and in depth knowledge of the locale with extensive experience of managing similar sized events in Glasgow. The congress is being jointly chaired by Mr John Forsythe, Consultant Transplant Surgeon (Edinburgh), and Professor Alan Jardine, Professor of Renal Medicine (Glasgow) who will form a local organising committee, giving valuable input to the scientific content and ensuring the 2011 Congress includes a local flavour”.

Jane Cunningham, Sales Director, Congrex UK, is also very pleased with the appointment. “ESOT is an extremely prestigious congress to organise. This is a highly topical area of medicine and we anticipate the Glasgow Congress will attract a record delegate attendance for an ESOT Congress. Congrex are looking forward to working with the ESOT Council, local committee and city partners to make the first ESOT Congress to be held in the UK a huge success.” Congrex will provide core PCO duties, such as budget and financial management, registration management, industry fulfilment and management and marketing.

The Congrex team organising this event includes Sarah Fitzpatrick – Managing Director, Camilla O’Brien – Operations Manager, Christine Graham – Account Manager, Jane Houston – Meeting Planning Manager, Kirsty McColl – Registration Manager, and Jillian Nicol – Industry Manager.

Athens to host AIMS Congress in October 2010

Topics & News

The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) will mark the 2,500th year of marathon running by staging its 18th Congress in Athens on 28-30 October 2010.

The Hellenic Athletics Federation (SEGAS) will host the congress. SEGAS has been an integral partner of AIMS, organising the International Athens Classic Marathon (ACM) every November along the original marathon course, from the town of Marathon to the Athens city centre.

The Greek city won the bid ahead of strong proposals from

Prague, Czech Republic; Jungfrau, Switzerland; and Durban, South Africa.

The 2010 Congress will be staged along with the fourth edition of the AIMS-IAAF Marathon Symposium, annually held in the town of Marathon a day before the Athens Classic Marathon.

The symposium offers a unique platform to delve into topical issues within the sport of distance running.

The congress and symposium will be open to AIMS members and all race directors around the world.

Continental Airlines to Resume Flights From New York to Athens 2, 2009 (eastbound).

"Greece is an important market for Continental, for both business and leisure traffic," said Jim Compton, Continental's executive vice president marketing. "We look forward to again offering seasonal service to Athens for travelers from throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America with convenient connections via our New York hub."

HOUSTON /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced it will resume daily, nonstop seasonal service between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Athens, Greece, effective May

The service will operate through Sept. 7, 2009 (eastbound). The flights will depart New York Liberty daily at 5:30 p.m., arriving in Athens at 10:20 a.m. the following day. The return flights will depart Athens daily at 12:00 p.m., arriving at New York Liberty at 4:10 p.m. the same day.

The flights will be operated by Boeing 767-200ER aircraft, seating 25 passengers in the award-winning BusinessFirst cabin and 149 in economy.

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR THE TRAVEL CONVENTION IN BARCELONA Registration is open for the Travel Convention organised

by ABTA which will take place in Barcelona 6-8 October 2009.

Registration fees have been held at 2008 rates and ABTA is encouraging its Members to book their flights now to access the best prices and help ensure that the overall cost of attendance will be lower than last year.

This year's Travel Convention has two satellite events running alongside - The Cruise Forum and The Luxury Travel Forum helping attendees to gain key selling tips and expert knowledge in two highly profitable and essential areas. Accommodation can be booked at the same time as registration.

There are just four official Convention Hotels, all conveniently located adjacent to the Convention Centre (CCIB) in the heart of Barcelona’s busi12

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ness district so attendees are encouraged to take their own advice to customers and book early to avoid disappointment!

Peter Long CEO of TUI Plc has agreed to speak at Barcelona about the future for the industry in the current challenging economic climate. Mr Long brings virtually unrivalled experience and expertise to the Convention gained in the highest directorial level positions at Sunworld, First Choice and TUI. ABTA is also delighted to welcome Specific Media as a headline sponsor.

Specific Media are a market leader in the field of targeted online advertising helping companies to achieve maximum publicity benefits from internet based advertising.

To register and book your accommodation, go to www.thetravelconvention.com

Where Are Americans Headed for Summer Vacation?

ASTA’s 2009 Summer Hot Spots Survey Reveals Top 10 Choices Alexandria, Va. 2009- For the seventh year in a row, Orlando and Las Vegas remain the most popular summer destinations booked by ASTA travel agents, according to ASTA's 2009 Hot Spots for Summer survey. Orlando came out on top with a 17.2 percent share of responses and Las Vegas maintained the second spot with 16.0 percent of the votes.

Overseas, the top four international destination cities remained the same for the seventh year in a row with topranked London receiving a 9.9 percent share of the vote followed by Rome (9%), Paris (7.5%) and Cancun (6.7%).

"The fact that the cities in the top 10 have remained the same for several years is a testimony to their enduring popularity among U.S. travelers," said Chris Russo, ASTA president and Chair. "As travel agents, we know the ins and outs of both emerging destinations as well as those that are tried and true and can help our clients discover something new and exciting no matter where they choose to travel."

After Orlando and Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami, Honolulu, San Diego, Washington, D.C., Chicago and New York City round out the top 10 domestic cities. While these remained the relatively the same since 2006, their rankings have not. New York City, for example, fell again this year from seventh place in 2008 to tenth place after five years in the number three spot from 2003 to 2007.

San Francisco, Los Angeles and Miami maintained their spots at numbers three, four and five respectively. Honolulu moved up from number eight to number six in this year's survey.

When looking at which states see the most summer travelers as booked by travel agents, not surprisingly, Florida again came out on top in 2009, accounting for 20.3 percent of all responses with cities such as Orlando, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa. Nevada drew the second largest number of responses--a 16.1 percent share--with almost all the travel for Las Vegas.

In 2008, Florida topped the top state destinations, accounting for 23.6 percent of all responses; Nevada drew the second largest number of responses a 15.7 percent share. This year, California, New York and Hawaii took third, fourth and fifth places respectively.

For Americans traveling abroad, Western European destinations are the most popular summer spots in 2009 with seven cities coming in the top 10.

Mexican destinations such as Cancun (6.8%) in fourth place and Puerto Vallarta (1.5%) in sixth place are the other major destinations in the international top 10 list. Punta Cana (2.2%) came in at number five this year. Rounding out the top 10 international destinations were Barcelona (1.1%) in seventh place which tied with Venice. Florence and Amsterdam came it at numbers nine and ten, respectively.

Italy remained the top international country/region booked by U.S. travel agents with an 18.1 percent share. Mexico came in second with 17.1 percent, and the UK received a 12.3 percent share of the votes. The UK was second in previous years and both Italy and the UK had larger percentage shares in 2008 (UK had 12.5% and Italy had 18.7%) and in 2007

(UK had 15.2% and Italy had 20.5%), suggesting the weak dollar is shifting some travel away from Europe with Mexico and other locations not in the top five benefiting.

Survey data was collected through the 2009 ASTA Research Family, a representative sample of ASTA member travel agency owners and managers. The Research Family reflects ASTA members in key agency demographics including sales volume, leisure/business mix, number of part-time and full-time employees and geographic location. This survey has a 95-percent confidence with an error rate +/- 3.8%.

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Topics & News

GETTING READY FOR A BRAND NEW WORLD PricewaterhouseCooper analysts will provide Travel Convention delegates with essential insights for business planning when they take to the stage in Barcelona in October.

Mark Hudson, UK Retail and Consumer leader for PricewaterhouseCoopers will explain how economic conditions will affect the consumer of the future; what their attitudes will be to purchasing; what they will consider value for money and what the implications will be for pricing and branding strategy.

He’ll also explore issues driving consumer behaviour such as ‘the flight to value’, on-line behaviour and sustainability – and how understanding these issues can help future proof businesses. The session will also include video interviews with some of the top names on the UK high street.

Mark Hudson agreed to talk on the main stage this year following a private session he conducted with travel industry leaders at last year’s Travel Convention in Gran Canaria. Peter Shanks, Chief Commercial Officer, Carnival UK said: ‘Mark provides a very useful context to the fast changing economic environment - the range of PwC partners means they have a unique oversight of consumer trends and the triggers companies need to pull in order to survive and prosper in tough ecomomic times. He may just have that magic piece of advice that makes the difference.'

Richard Carrick, Chief Executive of Hoseasons, who saw Mark Hudson speak in Gran Canaria and recommended him to speak to a larger audience in Barcelona said: “To understand its prospects and likely winners and losers, what the industry needs right now is some hard nosed financial scrutiny and Mark Hudson provides this in bucketfuls. With a unique combination of original research data and other sources not normally used by our sector, his insight is both illuminating and very practical.”

Following this session, Convention regular Malcolm Preston will explain what the changing consumer retail behaviour will mean for the travel sector and what the industry needs to do to prepare for the next 18 months.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive commented: “Whatever the state of the economy at the time of the Convention, we know that the recession will have changed the way consumers think and act and that things will never be the same again. These will be unmissable sessions for future business planning.”

EFAPCO challenges the Meetings Industry: “Seize the Opportunities” The global economic turndown presents great opportunities for PCOs keen to generate new business, according to Nicolas Le Brun, President of EFAPCO, the European Federation of the Associations of Professional Congress Organisers.

“EFAPCO represents a great number of different European countries and very different members; so a straightforward picture of the impact made by the current financial crisis is not possible. However the conference sector, particularly when associated with government institutions and professional associations, is not suffering too much. Government institutions have little or no cancellations, on the contrary, in times of crisis, they have an increased need for meetings and conferences,” said Le Brun.

tougher time, as they will now look at keeping their budgets as tight as possible. More “exotic” and “fun” destinations will be exchanged for conference cities with a more businesslike and “serious” image. Brussels, as the seat of the European Institutions, should benefit from this tendency along with many similar business “capitals”.

Le Brun added: “Corporate organisations and associations, faced with budget cuts, may well look to trim down their meetings departments and outsource events to PCOs. I hope our members, across ten member countries and the 1,000-plus PCOs they represent, will be ready to meet these new opportunities – with appropriate staffing levels and quality standards.

“Associations are in a similar position: they have to meet with their members; it is the reason for their existence. Budgets will be tighter not only because of the diminished availability of sponsoring budgets, but also because items perceived as “luxury” such as gala dinners, will be looked at more closely and deemed less important.

“Annual association congresses are still on the agenda; little or no cancellations have been noted. PCOs however have an even more important role to play in helping them to reach their goals. Companies and institutions sending participants to an annual congress will probably send less people than before, and they will want to be convinced there was extra value in sending their people to the event.

“PCOs handling corporate clients face a

“All in all there is no major crisis feeling in

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our sector, although some members will deal with more difficult times than others, and organisers will have to confidently justify their budgets and content.”

Daniella Serrati, AIMP Secretary General and Italy’s EFAPCO Board member said: “Our members now have more direct contact with clients, and are dealing with reductions in rates. There’s a constant search for new clients. Everyone is looking more carefully at service quality and financial control.

“The economic downturn has hit marketing, advertising and events and, in future, all of these areas will keep a more careful watch on their investments. Italy’s SMEs are playing a key role in our economic recovery – focusing on new ideas, technologies and product quality.”

As EFAPCO steps up the pressure to secure greater political and economic recognition for the meetings industry from the EU, it is appropriate that the Federation’s 4th Congress will take place in the European Union’s capital city from January 7 to 9, 2010. It will be one the first major events to take place in the brand new SQUARE (Brussels Palais des Congres).

Business travellers tighten their belts - Air travel for business purposes at UK airports has grown by 20 million passengers to 63 million between 1996 and 2007 – but declined in 2008 - No-frills carriers have seen their share of the short-haul business passenger market increase from three per cent in 1996 to around 30 per cent in 2007 - Business passengers are increasingly travelling economy class on short-haul flights - On long-haul flights business passengers are trading down to Premium Economy Class - After four years of high growth, the use of executive jets has declined by over 20

displaced to make room for longer-haul flights. However, Heathrow has captured virtually all the growth in long-haul business passengers at London airports. This also reflects British Airways’ decision to move many of its long-haul flights from Gatwick to Heathrow.

Domestic business traffic at UK airports grew from 15 million passengers in 1996 to 19 million in 2007, with London remaining the main destination.

The way business passengers travel has also changed with around 70 per cent of long-haul and 90 per cent of short-haul

2.3 million in 2007. The number of business passengers travelling economy class increased from 7.6 million to 22.8 million.

Commenting on the report the CAA’s Group Director of Economic Regulation, Harry Bush, said: “The growth of no-frills travel has had a major impact on the business travel market, with nearly a third of business travellers choosing to travel on these carriers from a greater variety of airports. At the same time, many more business passengers using full service carriers are choosing the lower frills options of Economy or Premium Economy Class. The current recession is likely to see these longer term trends continue.”

The use of executive jets grew by 14 per cent per annum between 2003 and 2007, but has fallen by over 20 per cent in the last quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007*. This reflects the on-demand nature of business aviation, with a decline in demand much more likely to result in an immediate decline in flights than for scheduled airlines.

per cent in the last quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007* Business travellers are seeking cheaper alternatives to First and Business Class travel according to a detailed study published today by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This cost cutting trend has occurred during a rise in business travel between 1996 and 2007. However, the current recession has seen UK international scheduled business travel at the major London airports falling by six per cent in 2008 compared with 2007.

Different sectors of business travel (short-haul, long-haul and domestic) have evolved in different ways. Shorthaul international business passengers saw the biggest increase, rising from 19 million in 1996 to 29 million in 2007. Nofrills airlines have been very successful in capturing a share of the short-haul market for international business travel. They have seen a 10 fold increase in their market share from three per cent in 1996 to 30 per cent in 2007.

The number of domestic and short-haul business travellers has either fallen or remained largely static at Heathrow, because of the success of other London airports in gaining a share in the domestic and short-haul business markets.

Another factor has been lack of capacity at Heathrow causing these services to be

business passengers travelling Economy Class in 2007 compared with 66 per cent for long-haul and 60 per cent for shorthaul in 1996.

However, due to the overall increase in business travel, absolute numbers in long-haul premium classes still increased from 1.8 million in 1996 to 3.5 million in 2007.

During this time, the proportion of passengers travelling First or Business Class declined by 11 per cent to 23 per cent, while those opting for Premium Economy increased to nine per cent.

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Topics & News

MALLORCA HOTELS INTRODUCED TO THE TRAVELIFE SUSTAINABILITY SYSTEM ABTA's FTO team has completed three workshops across Mallorca for hotel and accommodation providers to find out more about the Travelife Sustainability System, the industry’s leading environmental protection programme.

Following on from an agreement made by the Municipality of Calvia in November to encourage local businesses to adopt the scheme, over 100 hotels attended the workshops in the major resorts of Palma Nova, Alcudia and Cala Millor and the Mayor of Cala Millor will sign a formal agreement with Travelife in early June.

As a result of the workshops, 18 hotels were audited by the ABTA/FTO team according to the system.

Customers are introduced to the system through tour operator brochures and websites, and from there they can choose sustainable accommodations as part of their holiday package. The highest performing businesses are awarded with bronze, silver or gold Travelife award.

During the workshops suppliers were given numerous examples of how, by following the Travelife principles, they can reduce negative environmental and social impacts whilst at the same time saving several thousand euros off their energy and water bills.

Chris Thompson, Head of Responsible Tourism for the FTO said: “The feedback from the hotels and accommodations who attended the workshops is very encouraging. There is a clear desire to embrace sustainability through the use of the Travelife

System and much support for the Tour Operators in delivering a consistent message to the customer.

Sustainability provides a unique opportunity to add value to the product offer and we are all very pleased that businesses in Mallorca want to participate fully in the scheme.”

He went on to say “businesses who subscribe to the system automatically qualify to be included in the “Travelife Collection”, a brand new directory of sustainable businesses which is being launched to consumers in June.” The “Travelife Collection” will be available through the Travelife website www.its4travel.com and referenced widely throughout the industry.

MITT introduces new destinations to the Russian tourism market Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (MITT) was held on 18-21 March 2009 in Expocentre, Moscow.

Over 16 years, MITT has become one of the leading travel exhibitions in the world. This year, the number of destinations at MITT increased to 157, and approximately 3,000 companies took part in the exhibition. New exhibitors included Colombia, Costa Rica, Japan, Panama, Macao and Hainan Island. Luis Madrigal of the Costa Rica Tourist Board was very happy with his company’s first introduction to the Russian market, “This is our first time in this travel and tourism fair and we see many opportunities in the Russian market. There has been a lot of interest in our destination”.

Many regular exhibitors increased the size of their stands, including Dubai, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Fiji. The event attracted an attendance of 85,741.

This year, Dubai became the official Partner Destination for MITT. In his speech at the official opening ceremony, Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman commented that, thanks to the increased exposure at MITT last year, the

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number of Russian and CIS tourists to Dubai has risen by 15%.

At the end of the four-day event, his colleague Sergey Kanaev, stated that, “The Dubai stand was visited by 10-15% more travel trade professionals than last year. Obviously, the increase in professional interest in the exhibition is determined by the changes in the market and companies’ attempts to find new ways to develop and diversify their activities. But the main thing was that the Russian tourism industry has retained its potential, which was clearly demonstrated at the spring exhibition”.

During the co-located conference, Hisham Zaazou, ViceChairman of the Board of the UNWTO Affiliate Members, gave his forecast for the development of tourism around the world, noting that despite the possible decrease in tourist arrivals in 2009-2010, the total number should still be considerably higher than in 20052006, due to the rapid development of the industry over the last few years.

Event Director, Maria Badakh, comments, “The success of this year’s exhibition and the number of interested contacts our exhibitors have seen is a clear indication that Russian people still have a desire to travel. Our exhibitors tell us that Russia is an extremely attractive market because of the time and money that Russians tend to spend on holiday. Most of our exhibitors plan to continue or even increase their activity in the market, so that when the crisis has run its course, they will gain a larger share of the market. The feedback from our exhibitors this year gives us reason to be very positive about next year’s exhibition and many have already rebooked their stands for next year’s show to ensure they don’t miss out!”

Topics & News

INTERNATIONAL OPERATORS IN MILAN FOR THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW MILAN CONVENTION CENTRE

Milanese mission for 40 major international congress organisers invited by Fiera Milano Congressi to get to know “Milan the congress city” and the jewel in its crown, the MIC Plus: the great convention hub that will be created over the next two years thanks to extension of the existing Milan Convention Centre.

The objective of this visit, which became a real sector convention thanks to participation also by numerous Italian operators, was to present the advantages offered by Milan and by the MIC Plus to those deciding to choose it for international congresses, selecting it out of the dozens of European cities that contend this fiercely competitive market.

The project's characteristics were explained by the CEO of Fiera Milano Congressi, Maurizio Lupi: a complex that offers a seating capacity of 18,000, an auditorium for 1,500, an assembly hall offering a total of 4,500 places and 73 modular rooms with capacity ranging from 20 to 2,000, all supported by 54,000 square metres of exhibition space.

“Absolutely excellent services. Plenty of top-quality hotels. A millenary history and tourist attractions. Great culture, universities and cutting-edge scientific research, above all in the medical field. Milan has all the right numbers for to become the ideal destination for large international congresses."The MIC Plus strongly backs this vocation. This is the birth of the new European market leader, not just Italian. We will be able to host over 200 appointments a year and even several meetings at the

same time. And we will have, well in advance of the event itself, a cutting-edge location at the disposal of Expo 2015. Years go we put in place a strategic business choice, concentrating material and human resources in development of international congresses, medical-scientific in particular, and we are regularly taking part with good results in calls for tenders as host venue.

The MIC Plus will allow us to operate even more effectively in this high-level remunerative bracket of the market".

Red Bull Air Race World the world’s best pilots Bull Air Race can take place almost anywhere.

Spectacular backdrops and jawdropping flying guarantee that guests are glued to the action as they witness one of the most innovative and exciting motor sport competitions around today.

As of April 2009, this exciting show is available to you by Gnomon Performance Sa - the official authorized agent in Greece - of RBAR Hospitality Program.

The Red Bull Air Race World Championship features the world’s best pilots in a motor sport competition based on speed, precision and skill.

Using the fastest, most maneuverable and lightweight racing planes, pilots fly through a low-level aerial slalom track at speeds reaching 370 km/hr, while withstanding forces of up to 10 G. Touching down in six cities worldwide in 2009, each Red Bull Air Race is unique.

From the heart of the city to the open countryside, over land or water, a Red 18

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Red Bull Air Race Hospitality is an integral part of the race weekend and every effort has been put into providing our guests with the highest standards of infrastructure, fine cuisine and service.

Privileged views of the race action, impeccable service, VIP benefits, the finest cuisine and opportunities to meet and greet, are provided with exceptional attention to detail. Our hospitali-

ty areas have been hailed by our guests for their outstanding service levels, high quality catering and unique atmosphere.

Type of Lounges: - High Flyer’s Lounge - Race Club - Business Class Race Club For more information: www.gnomon.eu

Topics & News

From High Tech to Baroque - Hannover has it all HANNOVER, Germany, -- Modern infrastructure, a central position, incomparable event locations, comprehensive service - the City of Hannover has established itself as a vibrant metropolis at the heart of Europe with all-round capability and competence for events of every kind.

As a congress location, Hannover is able to offer its guests two convention centres to choose from: the modern Convention Center of Hannover Fair organisers Deutsche Messe at the heart of the Hannover Exhibition Grounds, and the classic Hannover Congress Centrum (HCC) close to the city centre and immediately adjacent to the City Park.

Thanks to such major events as the World Exposition EXPO 2000 or the FIFA World Cup 2006, Hannover's reputation as a welcoming, cosmopolitan city has spread around the world, leading

to a marked increase in the demand for event locations of the most varied kinds. Whether it is seminar rooms and lecture halls to accommodate up to 3,500 people, exhibition halls on the trade fair site, the TUI Arena for major events with up to 14,000 spectators, or the very exclusive settings offered by the Adventure Zoo, Marienburg Castle, or a former aircraft hangar, interested visitors have a choice between a whole range of possible venues for conferences and events.

HannoverKongress, the congress service of Hannover Marketing und Tourismus GmbH, is the central, independent point of contact for conventions and events in Hannover Region. The services it offers include not only catering, shuttle services and ticketing, but also - of course! - the individual planning and organisation of accompanying tourist programmes.

If would like to inquire about anything or obtain free information material, the HannoverKongress team would be very pleased to talk to you personally.

Successful 7th International Convention for Culture & Tourism. historical Mrs. Viviana Metalinou talked about preservation of Agricultural Monuments on Amorgos.

Mr. George Kapetanakis, guided us in one windmill being reconstructed in Hora..

Mrs. Ewa Kotus, referred to the Tour Film Festival in Poland which she organizes since 2006. Other events which took place during the convention were the Painting Exhibitions of English Painter Mrs. Judy Atwood, of the French Painter Mr. Michel Constant, of "Klimaka" organization for Psychological Health and the photo exhibition of the Polish Photographer Andrzej Danowski.

The 7th YPERIA was successfully completed, with high attendance, and important announcements. Journalists and TV producers from Austria, Belgium, Bulgary, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Italy, Canada, Belarus, Holland, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Russia, Serbia, Sweden and Czech Republic participated.

The acquaintance with the civilization of Amorgos was made, by visiting the monuments of the island, like the famous 1000 years old Monastery of Virgin Hozoviotissa with the relative presentations by Rev. Father Thomas Synodinos and by the guidance to the Hellenistic Tower of Holy Trinity in Ancient Arkesini by the Professor Archeologist Mrs. Lila Maragou.

The beautiful nature of Amorgos was enjoyed through tours in the countryside of the island, and special presentation of herbs and their therapeutic properties were made by Dr. Vageli Vassalo and by the experimental botanologist Mr. Nicholas Theologitis.

The Polish Journalist Mrs. Luda Zach presented her thoughts about traditional art and ecological souvenirs.

The consultant of sustainable tourism, Mr. Theodore Colonas, talked about green tourism and the Architect - environmental 20

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The projection of the Oscar winner film "Peter and the Wolf" of the Polish producer Mr. Zbignew Zmudski, of the documentary film "Amorgos - portrait of an Island" by Polish producer Mr. Jacek Wann, were also high points. The documentary film related to silk production on Amorgos by Giouli Tsotsoli and Vagelis Vassalos, and the Hiking Paths on Amorgos produced by Mr. George Dambasis were all a special experience for those who watched them..

The results of the Convention were summarized by the Attorney Journalist and President of the Cycladic Association of Journalists, Mr. Manolis Lignos who congratulated on behalf of all participants the President of the Convention Mrs. Irene Giannakopoulos, her team and the staff of all departments at Aegialis Hotel & Spa for their excellent services.

The visit to the villages and the countryside of Amorgos, the meals with traditional dishes, in addition to the music, the songs and the dances, gave us a complete picture of the culture and customs of today of the beautiful and picturesque island of Amorgos.

Topics & News

TripAdvisor Survey Reveals Highs and Lows of European Cities It may be home to some of the world's finest chefs, but London's cuisine has been voted the worst in Europe, in a survey of travellers' perceptions of European cities by TripAdvisor(R), the world's most popular and largest travel community.

Yet whilst the capital's food may fail to whet travellers' appetites, its feast of cultural sights and open spaces meets with approval. London emerged as the best European city for both free attractions and public parks in the survey of 2,376 European travellers. As one TripAdvisor reviewer writes, "I have travelled quite a lot and there are NO parks in the world like the ones in London, especially St James' Park."

Copenhagen took the accolade of Europe's cleanest city, whilst London was crowned the dirtiest, for the second year running. One TripAdvisor reviewer writes, "When I went to London last I was looking for a bin at Victoria Station. I couldn't find one so asked security and they told me to just throw it on the floor."

Travellers also ranked London the most expensive city in Europe, whilst Prague was voted the best bargain. And when it comes to architecture, Barcelona boasts Europe's finest, whilst Warsaw has the ugliest, with one TripAdvisor reviewer noting that, "There really isn't much to see architecturally... The castle, which is located in the square, was uninteresting.

There was also this huge ugly building, which is the Ministry of Sciences - that was ugly but BIG." BRITONS STILL PLANNING TRIPS TO EUROZONE Despite the strength of the euro, the survey reveals that a staggering 93% of British travellers intend to travel within Europe in the coming year (beyond their own country) - higher than their Spanish counterparts (90%), the French (91%) or Italians (91%).

However, when it comes to travel budgets, Britons exercise the most caution.

More than one in two Brits (57%) will stick to a tighter budget than on previous European jaunts, compared to 30% of French travellers, 38% of Italians and 48% of Spanish.

Luke Fredberg, TripAdvisor spokesman, says, "Europe's capital cities all have their highs and lows, but no other continent offers travellers' such a wealth of culture and sights within such short distances.

Despite London emerging as the dirtiest 22

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and most expensive city, its fantastic free attractions prove that you don't need to be a millionaire in order to enjoy the capital."

TRIPADVISOR'S EUROPEAN CITIES SURVEY: RESULTS OVERVIEW Best Free Attractions: (35%) 2. Rome (9%) (9%)

1. London 3. Barcelona

Most Over-Rated: 1. Paris (25%) 2. London (12%) 3. Dublin (6%) Most Under-Rated: 1. Krakow (7%) 2. Bruges (6%) 3. Edinburgh (5%) Friendliest Locals: 1. Dublin (15%) 2. Amsterdam (14%) 3. Edinburgh (8%) Least Friendly: 1. Paris (36%) 2. London (17%) 3. Moscow (6%) Most Boring: 1. Brussels (14%) 2. Zurich (9%) 3. Dublin (6%) Most Tourist Traps: 1. London (30%) 2. Paris (15%) 3. Rome (10%) Most Romantic: 1. Venice (29%) 2. Paris (21%) 3. Rome (11%) Most Expensive: 1. London (23%) 2. Paris (19%) 3. Venice (8%) Best Bargain: 1. Prague (16%) 2. Amsterdam (9%) 3. Istanbul (8%) Best Nightlife:1. London (27%) 2. Amsterdam (17%) 3. Barcelona(11%) Cleanest: 1. Copenhagen (9%) 2. Zurich (8%) 3. Stockholm (7%) Dirtiest: 1. London (36%) (9%) 3. Athens (7%)

2. Paris

Best cuisine:1.

Paris (18%) 2. London (17%) 3. Rome (13%) Worst cuisine:1. London (10%) 2. Moscow (7%) 3. Warsaw (6%) Best Architecture: 1. Barcelona (15%) 2. Rome (14%) 3. London (12%) Ugliest Architecture: (8%) 2. Berlin (7%) (6%)

1. Warsaw 3. Brussels

Best Public Parks: 1. London (50%) 2. Paris (7%) 3. Barcelona (6%) Best Dressed:1. Paris (26%) 2. Rome (23%) 3. Madrid (8%) Worst Dressed: 1. London (20%) 2. Dublin (6%) 3. Moscow (6%)

Metropolitan Expo has changed the status quo in Topics & News

the exhibition centre sector of Greece.

With its new sophisticated infrastructures, its large size and its modern architecture, Metropolitan Expo is opening new routes within the sector of multi-use exhibition and conference facilities in Greece.

Greece’s largest exhibition centre covers over 160,000 square metres at the International Airport of Athens (IAA) “Eleftherios Venizelos”, creating new perspectives for Greece.

Metropolitan Expo’s technical specifications and colossal dimensions enable it to organise highstandard events and exhibitions with a broad impact both on exhibitors and visitors.

The 50,000 and 3,000 square metre auxiliary spaces fill visitors with awe and reflect the size of the investment made by Metropolitan Expo. Its not only the impressive size which makes the new exhibition centre stand out, but also its meticulous design which enhances the fact that this is a huge project,, researched thoroughly and in depth. The purpose was the creation of a space which would result in a model of construction and functionality.

Within this scope, Metropolitan Expo has at its disposal state-of-the-art technology, with an electrical and hydraulic floor service system covering 45,000 square metres, an industrial floor with load strength of 10 tons and Wi-Fi Internet coverage throughout the entire building, covering any needs that may arise while hosting exhibitions or conferences. At the same time, great emphasis was given, during the initial stages of the building’s design and construction, to securing the harmonious co-existence of Metropolitan Expo with the environment and the local community.

Furthermore, there are two conference rooms on Metropolitan Expo’s conference floor with capacity for 450 and 250 persons, supported by a sophisticated technology infrastructure and a highly trained and experienced workforce.

Each of its operational sectors, from energy consumption to the building’s appropriate waste and waste water management has been studied and provided for, so as to keep any impact to the minimum.

More specifically, with its architectural design and the correct use of material, the building utilizes natural light and natural temperature. This fact, in combination with the use of air-conditioning and ventilation systems of eco-technology and low energy consumption lamps, has made Metropolitan Expo one of the most "green” buildings in Greece. A similar study and provision has been made for 24

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the treatment and storage of waste and waste water. Within this scope, Metropolitan operates a full recycling program of construction material used at exhibitions, but also of waste produced from its daily operation, while special machines and biological waste treatment facilities are in operation to avoid hazardous emissions into the environment.

Metropolitan Expo, as a a model for construction and operation, has upgraded Greece's position on the international exhibition and conference map, constituting an attraction centre for large events and exhibitions. In a time when business activity is faced with a difficult economy worldwide, the possibility of an appropriate projection towards the broader public, but also on a sector level, is a valuable opportunity for professionals.

For this reason, Metropolitan Expo’s aim of hosting the largest exhibitions in Greece and attracting huge international exhibitions and shows into our country is a significant development for Greek entrepreneurs. Taking also into consideration the fact that Greece is the metropolis of Southern-East Europe and the Balkans, the existence of integral facilities, in terms of infrastructure and technical know-how, will have a catalytic effect on the development of a specifically demanding and high-impact show and exhibition sector.

In addition, the fact that it is located at a hub means that it has particularly convenient access, in terms of a wide range of transportation options, from the Metro Station and bus services to the use of airplanes and cars.

Metropolitan Expo is situated at the end of Attiki Odos in the direction of the Airport, just 2km after the airport buildings and a few minutes from the Metro Station and the Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) with which it is connected with continuous local transport (exhibition centre’s bus service).

Having already built a full program with significant established exhibitions, such as that of Mostra Rota, Xenia, Food & Beverages, Parousies, Metec, Folklore Art and Artefacts, Linea Bianca, Graphica, Logistics, Fetec and Electrotec, Metropolitan Expo has made a dynamic start, looking forward with conviction to a much greater future.

Progress and evolution in the modern global market belong to outward-looking companies which seek to get in touch with the public, which project themselves and pursue communication, creating the conditions necessary for the development of new synergies.

Metropolitan Expo has the capability of adjusting to the particular needs of each activity or event, comprising the ideal field of activity for the business community.

Metropolitan Expo in numbers: • 7-12 m. net height of halls • 50,000 sq. m. total covered surface • 200,000 to 400,000 visitors annually • 20 load/discharge doors per hall • 5 load/discharge doors for large merchandise per hall • 100,000 sq m. surrounding area • 4,000 parking spaces • 160,000 sq m. total surface

Greece focusing on history, luxury and the environment to woo Mid East guests, say country's NTO President Dubai, UAE. May, 2009: Ioannis Kofinis, the President of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, has revealed marrying his country’s ancient history and expansive natural assets with luxury city breaks forms the core of his body’s strategy to increase the Mediterranean nation’s share of inbound Middle East guests.

With Greece already a longestablished, historical destination for European holiday-makers, Kofinis, speaking at Arabian Travel Market 2009 - the region’s premier travel and tourism event which has run in Dubai this week – said he believed re-creating such success in the Middle East represented a different set of challenges.

“Greece is a traditional tourist destination and we strongly believe we have a unique product to sell to the world. In the coming years, we’re looking at maintaining revenue in our traditional Western Europe source markets and targeting certain global markets for expansion.

“The Middle East - along with Russia, China, Poland and South Africa - is one of our key target markets and we are doing a lot of research in to tailoring our products to attract a higher proportion of regional customers. It is a market which has a lot of potential but it is different, with different needs to Western European markets,” said Kofinis.

With a relatively small population of just over 11 million, tourism contributes a staggering 20 per cent of Greece’s GDP. And despite near-by neighbours Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia all investing heavily in their tourism propositions, Kofinis remains unperturbed by the threat Middle East and other Mediterranean countries pose to Greece’s vital tourism sector.

“I don’t view the industry in terms of competition; I think Greece is a unique product and as a destination it is important we focus on our strongest attributes; hence, our history, our culture and our traditions form vital components in our tourism strategy. Our culture and history are a world-wide attraction and it is right that we leverage this as one of our destination’s strengths,” he said.

“Every country, including those in the Middle East, has something different to offer and we don’t think Europeans will travel to other regions instead of Greece; everywhere attracts different clients.

Kofinis, citing Greece’s enchanting Aegean islands as an example, described how recent efforts to modernise aspects of the country’s tourism infrastructure are already bearing fruit, but he also reiterated how any development must limit environmental impact to the area’s stunning natural landscapes.

“Ensuring an eco-conscious focus is the number one priority in our tourism development strategy. Of course we have balance the developments and we will not upset our natural or ancient attractions with irresponsible projects.

“Our tourism infrastructure has improved vastly over the last few years and it is much better than it used to be. However, infrastructure is never good enough, you always need more and more. Take the islands; Greece has a truly unique advantage in terms of its islands.

“There are so many nautical routes and so many unexplored nautical routes; there is variety, you can spend one night on one island, take your boat and sail to the next and the next. We have so much natural coastline, it’s a distinct product we are proud of. We have the biggest fleet of cruising ships in the world under the Greek flag and we have the proper infrastructure to support this sector.”

Kofinis also outlined two tourism sub-sectors his body is targeting to further fuel inbound growth in the coming years: “We are also paying close attention to the sports and religious tourism markets,” he said.

“Greece’s geographical assets mean it is idea for water-sports holidays and golf tourism is another key growth market for us.

In terms of religious tourism, Greece has many historical sites which have always been important attractions for religious travellers and we are examining ways to maximise revenue from this sector,” added Kofinis.

Arabian Travel Market is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and under the auspices of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Government of Dubai.

“However, to attract Middle East guests to Greece, we need to offer luxury city breaks and push our mountains, forests our great historical sites – we need to offer products which aren’t available locally,” he added.

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Meeting Services

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PREMIER DESTINATIONS CONFERENCE & EVENT MANAGEMENT 82, Vas. Pavlou str., 16673 Voula Tel: +30 210 8995400 Fax: +30 210 8991009 www.pdi-group.net E-mail: sales@pdi-group.net SYNODOS AMPHITRION 7, Syngroy Av., 117 43 Athens Tel: +30210 9240772 Fax: +30210 9241624 www.synodos.com.gr email: synodos@amphitrion.gr Travel Plan 3, Chr. Lada str., 10561 Athens, Greece Tel. +30 2103333300 Fax:+30 2103333391 congress@travelplan.gr www.travelplan.gr TUI HELLAS 330, Thisseos Av., 176 75 Kallithea Tel: +30 2109495200 Fax: +30 2109495205 e-mail: info@tui-corp.gr www.tui-corp.gr Aegeon Hotel 68th Km Athens - Sounio Ave. Sounio Attica, 19500 Greece. tel: +30 22920 39200 fax: +30 22920 39234 email: info@aegeonhotel.com www.aegeonhotel.com ASTIR PALACE COMPLEX 40, Apollonos str., 166 71 Vouliagmeni Tel: +30 210 8902000 Fax: +30 210 8962582 www.astir.gr e-mail: sales@astir.gr ATHENAEUM INTER-CONTINENTAL 89-93, Syngrou Ave., 117 45 Athens. Tel: +30 210 9206000 Fax: +30 210 9206509 www.intercontinental.com email: athens@interconti.com DEMOKRITOS - NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos Strs, 153 10 Ag. Paraskevi Tel: +30 210 6545498 Fax: +30 210 6532649. http://www.demokritos.gr

Eden Beach Resort hotel Athens - Sounion av. 47th km 190 13 Anavyssos Attica Greece tel: +30 2291 0 60031 e-mail info@eden.gr www.eden.gr HELEXPO PALACE ATTICA EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE CENTRE 39, Kifissias Ave. 151 23 Maroussi Tel: +30 210 6168888 Fax: +30 210 6168800 http://www.helexpo.gr E-mail: eska@helexpo.gr MEGARON INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER VAS. SOFIAS & KOKALI STR. 11521 Athens Tel.:+30 210-7282156 Fax: +30 210-7290174 E-mail: camsel@megaron.gr www.megaron.gr

Royal Olympic Hotel 28-34 Ath. Diakou str. 117 43 Athens tel.: +30 210 92.88.400 fax.: +30 210 92.33.317 e-mail: info@royalolympic.com www.royalolympic.com

BARCELONA ABOUT EVENTS World Trade Center Muelle de Barcelona Edificio Sur 2ª Planta 08039 Barcelona - Spain Tel. +34 933 443 334 E-mail: info@about-events.com www.about-events.com Hotel Fira Palace Avda Rius I Taulet, 1-3.

Barcelona 08004. Spain.

Tel: +34 934 262 223 - Fax: +34 934 248 679 reception@fira-palace.com www.fira-palace.com MAJESTIC HOTEL & SPA P. de Gracia, 68 · 08007 · Barcelona, Spain · T +34 93 488 17 17 info@hotelmajestic.es · www.hotelmajestic.es Hotel Casa Fuster Passeig de Gràcia 132, 08008 Barcelona, Spain Tel: (+34-93) 255-3000 Fax: (+34-93) 255-3002 info@hotelcasafuster.com www.hotelcasafuster.com Hotel Palace, Barcelona Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 668, 08010 Barcelona, Spain Tel: (+34-93) 510-11-30 Fax: (+34-93) 318-01-48 helpdesk@hotelpalacebarcelona.com www.hotelpalacebarcelona.com

Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I Avenida Diagonal 661-671, Barcelona 08028, Spain Tel: (+34-93) 364-4040 Fax: (+34-93) 364-4264 hotel@hrjuancarlos.com www.hrjuancarlos.com

MALLORCA Hilton Sa Torre Mallorca Cami de Sa Torre 8,7 07609 Llucmajor. Baleares.

Espana Tel. +34 871963700 info.satorremallorca@hilton.c om www.satorremallorca.hilton.com

CYCLADES ISLANDS MYKONOS GRAND HOTEL & RESORT Ag. Yiannis, 846 00 Mykonos Tel: +30 22890 25555 Fax: +30 22890 25111 www.mykonosgrand.gr info@mykonosgrand.gr SANTORINI NINE MUSES HOTEL 847 00 Perivolos Emboriou Tel: +30 22860 81781 Fax: +30 22860 81790 www.santorini9muses.gr email: reservations@santorini9muses.gr AEGIALIS HOTEL & SPA Aegiali, Amorgos 84008, Cyclades, Greece Tel: +30 22850 73393/107 Fax: +30 22850 73395 e-mail info@amorgosaegialis.com www.amorgos-aegialis.com

MEDITERRANEAN AGRONOMIC INSTITUTE OF CHANIA Alsyllion Agrokepion P.O. Box 85, 731 00 Chania, Crete Tel: +30 28210 35000 Fax: +30 28210 35001 http://www.maich.gr E-mail: confer@maich.gr MINOA PALACE RESORT & SPA HOTEL 73014 Platanias Chania Crete Tel: +30-28210-36500 Fax: +30-28210-36555 http://www.minoapalace.gr E-mail: meetings@minoapalace.gr Thalassa Beach Resort Agia Marina, GR-73014 Chania, Crete Tel.: +30 28210 60660 - Fax: +30 28210 60601 info@thalassaresort.gr www.thalassaresort.gr

KOS Dodecanese Travel Service Kos 4th km National Road (Fokalia Area) 85 300 KosGreece. tel: +30 22420 22181, 21931-3, fax: +30 22420 28737 www.dodecanesetravel.gr e-mail: info@dodecansetravel.gr IBEROSTAR KIPRIOTIS PANORAMA HOTEL 853 00 Psalidi, Kos Tel: +30 22420 57000 Fax: +30 22420 29974 http://www.kipriotis.gr, http://www.iberostar.com Email: kipriotis.panorama@iberostar .com.gr KIPRIOTIS VILLAGE RESORT - KOS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER 853 00 Psalidi, Kos Tel: +30 22420 27640 Fax: +30 22420 23590 http://www.kipriotis.gr E-mail: info@kipriotis.gr NEPTUNE HOTELS RESORT & CONVENTION CENTRE 853 00 Mastichari, Kos Tel: +30 22420 41480 Fax: +30 22420 41574 http://www.neptune.gr E-mail: neptunehotels@neptune.gr

CRETE MEGA TRAVEL SERVICES 19 MITSOTAKI Str. GR. 71202 - HERAKLION CRETE. TEL: +30 2810 288123 FAX: +302810 222166 http://www.mts.gr email: superv@mts.gr HERSONISSOS MARIS HOTEL P.O. Box 38, Limin Hersonissos, 700 14 Heraklion, Crete Tel: +30 28970 22400, 23601 Fax: +30 28970 22874 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 http://www.hersotels.gr E-mail: palace@hersotels.gr

RHODES LINDIAN VILLAGE 85109 Lardos-Rhodes Tel. +30 22440 35900 Fax +30 22440 47360 info@lindian.gr http://www.lindianvillage.gr Hellenic Island Services Rhodes Papalouka 31, Rhodes, 85 100 TEL: +30 22410 73690, 73691 www.hellenictours.gr E-mail: info@rhodes.his.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@rhodostours.com RODOS PALACE RESORT HOTELCONVENTION CENTER P.O. Box 121, 851 00 Ialyssos, Rhodes Tel: +30 22410 25222 Fax: +30 22410 25350 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 http://www.rodospalladium.gr E-mail: info@rodospalladium.gr

ALEXANDROUPOLIS THRAKI PALACE HOTEL & CONGRESS CENTER 4th km AlexandroupoliThessaloniki Rd, 681 00 Alexandroupolis Tel: +30 25510 89100 Fax: +30 25510 89119 http://www.thrakipalace.gr thraki@thrakipalace.gr

Rodos Park Suites & Spa 12, Riga Fereou str. 85100 Rhodes Tel./Fax: +30 22410 89700, +30 22410 24613 Email: info@rodospark.gr www.rodospark.gr 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 Xenios

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Rhodes in the Forefront of Professional Tennis

The first International professional tennis tournament ATP Challenger “Aegean Tennis Cup” 125,000 $ that took place in Rhodes went into the hands of the German Benjamin Becker, The experienced tennis player won over his compatriot Simon Stadler by 2-0 set (7-5, 6-3), succeeding in a break in each game and taking advantage of all the service games. The first set was “closed” since after eleven games no break happened.

Becker was the first one to secure a break in the twelfth game and so managed to win the first set by 7-5. Then having the psychological advantage, Benjamin Becker made a break in the second set and forced his rhythm and won by 6-3 facing a triumphant applause from the crowd that gave a dynamic presence in the center court of the tennis facilities of the

Levinsky said:”Before we came to Rhodes I didn’t expect to reach so high as there were many athletes of high standard participating in the tournament.” And added “I am excited with the organization since everything was exceptional from all aspects and it is a fact that next year I will also come to this beautiful island in order to defend my title” said Levinsky.

The Award Ceremony With the best way the organisers of the Aegean Tennis Cup finalized the award ceremony that took place in a spectacular atmosphaire that more than 1000 fans of tennis watched.

Apart from the winners of the finals, the authorities of Rhodes and Dodecanese were present, expressing their satisfaction for the efforts of the organizers. First took the stand, the prefect of Dodecanese Yiannis Mahairidis “I would like to congratylate two young persons that took the initiative to advertise Rhodes all over the world, through an excellent tournament. We as the prefecture of the Dodecanese will be always on their side so that in the future we can watch even greater games in our city.”

island of the knights.

“I came to Rhodes in order to win the tournament, like everybody of course. This is of course the goal when you take part in a tournament like this. During the games, match after match I was gaining self esteem I was finding the correct steps. This, like all other victories I dedicate to my father that has collected all my trophies in a trophy cabinet, So whenever I am at his house and see it I can bring in mind all the good memories of the tournament of Rhodes”, said Becker who thanked everybody as well as the organizers for the exceptional organization.

From the side of Simon Stadler he applauded his opponent: “He was in a very good mood and condition all week and came worthily in the victory. Congratulations for the organization.

Next year I will be back here”.

Beck and Levinsky won in the double Slovak Karol Beck and Czech Jaroslav Levinsky were the triumphant winners of the doubles final in the “Aegean Tennis Cup”. The Eastern Europeans won by 6-3 6-3 over the Americans Reynolds and Ram by taking advantage of the many mistakes of their opponents. Bobby Reynolds before the start of the match was facing a small injury with his neck and this was a negative influence for his game. The big name of the winners, Karol Beck, was obviously excited and satisfied after the end of the game “The Match was not so easy as it seems in the result, we played well when we should and I think fairly came to the first place of the tournament” said the Slovak tennis player. Very happy with the result, Jaroslav 28

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The mayor of Rhodes, Hatzis Hatzieythimiou also congratulated the inspirers of this tournament Tasos Hatziliamis and Petros Kypriadis and added “ We all made great effort to develop athletic tourism in Rhodes. The materialization of such a tournament was very important for our island and from my side I will help with all my powers similar efforts in the future.”

The president of Rhodes Tennis Academy, Dimitris Giortsos combined the Aegean Tennis Cup tournament with the 60th anniversary of the club stating that he could not wait for a better gift “I thank most of all the line umpires and the ballkids for their excellent work. Be certain that without them such an event could not be materialized.”

On behalf of the organizers Tasos Hatziliamis took the stand and after thanking all that helped for the materialization of the tournament underlined: “It was an excellent experience for us that started with a “crazy idea” from my partner Petros Kypriadis. In the way we found problems, made friends and we are satisfied for the flattering comments that we gathered. We are certain that in the next few years the particular sport in Rhodes will climb in another level with the organization of bigger tournaments either men’s or women’s”

Rodos Park Suites & Spa Appeal to your Senses Looking across the soft green swathes and the medieval city, Rodos Park Suites & Spa is one of the most desirable places to stay. Synonymous with providing the right blend of luxury, warm service and quiet efficiency, our "boutique" hotel welcomes you in a place, where everything is designed to combine business and leisure.

This elegant hotel, member of the small luxury hotels of the world and awarded as the best city hotel of Greece in 2006 was recently renovated. The hotel embodies the highest of traditional values, with spacious rooms and suites of great charm, glorious dining and entertaining, and a spa of exquisite indulgence.

For over ten years the hotel has remained a pinnacle of luxury and comfort for people who recognize quality and demand excellence.

Rooms & Suites Luxurious and stylish, yet cosy and inviting, all 59 renovated rooms and suites reflect a distinctive design with exclusive materials. Refined residential elegance is well appointed in each guest room, fully equipped with every comfort, decorated with unprecedented fabrics and fine aesthetics for the ultimate experience.

All suites feature comfortable seating, king-sized bed or two twin beds with mattresses made of cocoon and multiple pillows for every individual preference, while consoles by each bed, control different lighting patents. The magnificent marble bathrooms are equipped with well-proportioned baths, Jacuzzi and powerful showers. Even the bathrobes and toiletries reflect the attention which has been paid to every detail, altogether resulting in a comfortable and inviting ambiance.

A microcosm of endless choices offering the most discerning guests the choice of six different unique products.

Indulge into Events with Elegance...!

The Rodos Park Suites & Spa, Banqueting Department is the place to meet and celebrate. Every event assumes a special distinction, from a grand banqueting or less formal dinner to a business meeting, conference, private reception party, or wedding.

Whether for 10 or 320 people, our dedicated team ensures that even the last detail of your event will be just perfect, combining perfection and imagination to ensure that every function is well remarked and happily remembered.

Wellness Spa The Rodos Park Wellness Spa was created out of our passion to embrace the total Well Being. A mixture of ultra modern design, the traditional Greek welcome and the Asian spa philosophy are blended to ensure that Rodos Park Wellness Spa is byword for quality relaxation and rejuvenation.

Rodos Park Wellness Spa provides a tranquil and truly unforgettable experience of pure pampering and relaxation

in exquisitely peaceful surroundings, using holistic therapies and massages, especially designed to ensure total relaxation and rejuvenation for the body and mind. All different treatments combine the latest of technology, cosmetology, aromatherapy and the ancient Chinese Therapeutic Philosophy.

Wellness Spa recipes features the finest natural ingredients, often local to the hotel, where we stay committed to remaining true of respect for the environment.

Dinning Rodos Park Suites & Spa is a place of fabulous dining opportunities.

Spectacular, luxurious and adventurous are the keywords for describing the culinary excellence of our dining outlets.

With a dedication to outstanding service you are assured of a truly memorable occasion at any of our restaurants and bars.

The dress code at Rodos Park Suites & Spa is smart casual during dinner. www.rodospark.gr E-mail: info@rodospark.gr

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The Luxury Garden & Pool VIP Suites sets a New Era of Rhodes

Fine Hospitality for Rodos Palace!

The total renovation of the Luxury Garden & Pool VIP Suites, the new Suites collection of Rodos Palace, adds a new chapter in the fascinating history of this historical luxury resort hotel located on the cosmopolitan island of Rhodes.

Hence, despite the global financial crisis it continues to redefine and enhance the

concept of the refined accommodation offering superb value-for-money for those who desire to experience‌.the true essence of resort life!

The 200 Luxury Garden & Pool VIP Suites were created within an autonomous area of the resort, nestled around the hotel's extensive Zen gardens,

and only five minutes from the Medieval City of Rhodes. They are characterized by their modern minimal design and exceptional technological equipment is expected to become the center of attraction for demanding guests seeking an idyllic heaven of ultimate luxury and privacy.

Their Interior‌ Their interior space of minimum 65 sq.m. feature two main areas incorporating richly appointed living rooms and bedrooms , in a variety of prestigious layouts.

Their superb decor blends luxury, with minimal touches of natural materials and soft color schemes creating an atmosphere of elegance and relaxation.

They are ideal for couples and families who seek a series of upgraded and exclusive in room facilities and services.

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A Memorable Culinary Experience………

The "12 NISSIA" Gourmet Restaurant, as well as the newly appointed Restaurants "Ambrosia" and "Castellania" live up to the uncompromising commitment to delectable culinary creations, appealing to the savvy travelers and local trendsetters honoring the designation of Rodos Palace as the island's Ultimate Gastronomy Destination.

The intention of Rodos Palace management to proceed towards this direction is reaffirmed by the continuation of its 32.000.000 Euros investment plan, expected to be completed by May 2009, with a view to offer to its discerning guests, additional facilities and increasing services focusing on the concept of 5 star indulgence combined with optimum relaxation and wellness.

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 breakout 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.

bined, 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.

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

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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.

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, Who to contact: R odos Tourism Tourism Promotion Organization www.rodosisland.gr www.rodosisland.gr e-mail: protour@rodosisland.gr

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Turkey and elsewhere -Rhodes sporting infrastructure includes a 18-hole golf court, 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.

Rhodes is a full member of the European Cities Marketing, ex.

Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT) A full member of the European Cities Marketing 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.

Symi island "Symi has the most beautiful harbour in Greece. On either side of a steepsided fjord rise tier upon tier of houses, some white, some pastel yellow, but virtually all with Neo-Classical 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 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

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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.

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Elysium: A Paradise ... for the chosen few in Rhodes! sive services.

The hotel hosts 3 restaurants, 4 bars, a unique pool of 1600 sq.m., a heated pool with aqua gym, and a beach with sand and small pebbles that extends to 400 meters.

The Serenity Spa (800 sq.m) completes the overall experience with a reception, waiting and relaxation, and 6 treatment rooms. Within the next few weeks the hotel will announce the cooperation with an internationally recognized spa company.

The Elysium can accommodate meetings up to 500 delegates in 3 fully equipped conference rooms with a capacity of 280, 110 and 110 delegates respectively.

Elysium Resort & Spa, the newest 5 star hotel on the island of Rhodes, commenced its formal operation yesterday.

The hotel, with a total capacity of 330 rooms, enjoys a premier beach-front location on the east side of the island, at Kallithea, just beside the famous monument of Kallithea Springs, and only 9 km from the city of Rhodes.

Elysium is the third, and newest member of Harmony Resorts Group, along with the Rodos Palladium, the most awarded luxury hotel on the island, and Sun Beach Resort, one of the best hotels for families on Rhodes.

Among the highlights of Elysium Resort &

Spa one can distinguish the breathtaking sea views, both from the public areas and the rooms (98% of rooms with sea view), the panoramic rooftop gourmet restaurant "Nobles" on the 8th floor, where multi awarded executive chef George Troumouchis has created a "vibrant European cuisine" menu offering unique culinary experiences, the Crystal Bar that appears to be hovering on the air offering unique views of Faliraki bay, the panoramic elevators in the atrium, and the Elite Club: Two floors with 64 rooms exclusively dedicated to those who demand attention to fine details, with its own reception area and lounge, breakfast in Senses Cafe on the 8th floor with panoramic views, accommodation with upgraded aesthetics and a range of exclu-

Elysium Resort & Spa required a total investment of 50 million euros and is owned by N.H.KA. SA. The hotel's General Manager is Mr. Michael Vastardis, with a successful career in the general management position in Hilton Athens, Hilton Corfu, Hilton Kenya and Hilton Bahrain, a choice depicting clearly the intention of the owning company for providing high quality services and experiences.

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Crete

Crete: The Warm Welcome of Europe 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 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

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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 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.

Heraklio of Crete aims to hold more meetings and incentives all year round as well as sports-teams' training and golf tourism .

Crete

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 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.

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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.

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.

Crete

Thalori Traditional Resort

The THALORI is a complex of fifteen traditional residences which were restored to reflect the particular style of vernacular architecture which was dominant in the host village of Kapetaniana in the very old days.

Kapetaniana is a small village perched at an altitude of 815 meters on the Asterousia range, west of the ?OPHINAS peak. It commands a magnificent view of the Libyan Sea and combines in harmonious ways the wilderness of the mountain and the serenity and benefits of the sea.

This double character of the village, and its long history, rubs off on its buildings which combine Minoan stylistic influences and monastery architecture. The houses were constructed with defensive concerns in mind.

They have a lot in common with castles, while in the older days sheepfolds of various sizes formed an integral part of these fortified homes.

They were built from materials resourced locally and fitted perfectly with the surrounding environment.

The uniqueness of this resort lies in the materials that were used during the construction works, e.g. locally resourced stones for exterior and interior walls, wood and marble.

The traditional fireplaces are another stylistic element. Perhaps the most eye-catching detail is the integration of rocks and rock formations with other building elements within the resort.

At the center of the complex there is a larger building which in the old days was associated with legends. It now is a common area offering our guests recreation and the opportunity to taste a rich selection of traditional dishes made from fresh, local ingredients that mother earth has been nursing in this area for centuries.

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The position of the resort at an altitude of 815 meters on the Asterousia hills, against the wide open space which forms the Libyan Sea, sets the conditions for a unique climate. When conditions are proper, clouds race to take interesting formations around the village and dissipate just as fast.

Also, the visibility is so perfect that the eye can see very far into the horizon, which has a soothing effect for the body and mind.

The THALORI resort combines in unique ways: the Sea and the Mountain History and Myth Nature and Serenity Vacations and Traditional life The heightened sense of beauty which is evident in the resort and the services available can keep satisfied even the most demanding guests who need to establish a starting point for their exploration of the island of Crete.

It remains for you to find the resort and enjoy it!

Thalori traditional Resort Kapetaniana, Kophinas Municipality 70016 Heraklion, Greece Tel.: +30 28930 41762 info@thalori.gr www.thalori.gr

Minoa Palace Resort, Conference Center & SPA room, wireless internet in all public areas, VIP lounge, play room, TV room, children's outdoors playground, mini club for 4-10 years old, jeweler's, mini market, baby sitting, doctor on call, taxi-limousine service, car rental desk, laundry & dry cleaning service.

SPA & WELLNESS CENTER: Escape to a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation: 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, shiatsu, hairdresser's saloon.

MINOA PALACE RESORT & SPA is a luxury 5* sea-side hotel, built within 35.000m2 of maintained gardens. It is situated at the cosmopolitan area of Platanias, 12km west of the picturesque town of Chania and only 24 km from Chania International Airport. With the extension of the hotel in 2008, guests have immediate access to the sandy beach over the newly built aerial bridge, connecting the two hotel's sections The beautiful view combines the White Mountains, the unique natural environment and the blue sea with its endless sandy beach.

ACCOMMODATION The hotel offers 254 stylish decorated rooms, bungalows & suites, including

the unique, water front Imperial Suite of 300m2, which all combine the discreet luxury and total comfort with the attention to the detail in an idyllic location.

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, marble bathrooms & sitting-room. 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''/32''.

All units are composed of elegant furnished balconies or terraces offering majestic views of its surrounding countryside and of the shimmering sapphire blue Aegean beyond.

FACILITIES: 5 restaurants & 4 bars of sumptuous cuisine and stunning sea views, 24hrs room service, 4 outdoor swimming pools (2000 m2), 2 open air Jacuzzi, 2 children's swimming pools, water sports, tennis & football court (floodlit), table-tennis, open-air amphitheater, high speed internet

CONFERENCE & BANQUETING FACILITIES: State of the art facilities, the latest audiovisual equipment, comfort, high class decoration and cutting edge design are only few words to describe the new, as well as unique in Western Crete, Imperial Congress Hall. Covering an area of 1400sqm & maximum height 5,50m, rectangular, without columns, has a capacity of over 1500 delegates.

The hall, also offers the potential of partition into 5 smaller rooms, from 50650 delegates, by movable soundproof panels (up to 53db). In combination with the exhibition areas of 1350sqm the new congress hall offers flexibility and functionality for meetings, conferences and events, requiring an impressive backdrop.

Athina Conference Hall provides an additional conference area of 720sqm, maximum height 3,50m, total capacity of 750 persons and exhibition areas of 200sqm. It offers as well, the possibility of division into 5 smaller rooms by movable soundproof panels (up to 45db). In addition to the 2 extra breakout rooms, 50sqm each, Athina Conference is also ideal for simultaneous meetings, lectures, shows, presentations, workshops & exhibitions & receptions in combination with gala dinners, receptions, banquets & cocktails.

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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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Kos

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

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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 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.

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 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.

Kos Municipality Akti Koundourioti 7 85300 Kos Greece Tel.: +30 22420 24460 E-mail: kosinfo@kos.gr www.kos.gr

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Kos

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!

Neptune Hotels Resort, Convention Centre & Spa

Along one of the most beautiful sandy beaches of the island, near to the graphic village of Mastichari you will find "Neptune Hotels Resort, Convention Centre & Spa"; a luxurious hotel complex that it is built in the unique style of the traditional Greek Island architecture.

It consists of 570 twin rooms, suites and apartments featuring deluxe facilities and equipped with all the modern comforts. In its elegant reception areas, decorated with fine arts, you will find four restaurants, where you will enjoy exceptional creations from the international and Greek cuisine, eight bars, for moments of sheer pleasure and perfection, leaving you with long lasting memories and wonderful impressions.

There are four exterior swim-

ming-pools, from which 1 is heated, 1 internal, 4 tennis courts, mini soccer field, basket ball court, beach volley, squash, badminton, Chip & Putt golf, mountain bike centre, sailing & surfing station and varied other athletic activities are available to give the holidays a more attractive dimension. In the hotel's premises you will also find: doctor's office, mini market, hairdresser's saloon, jewellery shop, boutique and souvenirs shop.

A visit to the Neptune Spa is a definite must, an opportunity to enjoy the lovely body treatments and facials that will surely rejuvenate your body and soul. Escape from the daily stress into our relaxing world for soul and spirit, face and body. Visit the Neptune Spa; ideal for revitalization, relaxation and for

recovering your inner beauty.

Neptune Hotels makes up a very special conference destination in Greece. At the Neptune Convention Centre, with its 23 meeting rooms and exhibition facilities for up to 1500 delegates, you will experience an environment fully designed for both business and pleasure that effortlessly blends the two with close attention to the smallest detail.

The "Neptune Hotels Resort, Convention Centre & Spa" is one of the loveliest choices on the island of Asklepios. We will make sure that you have experienced the true essence of the art of hospitality.

At the NEPTUNE CONVENTION CENTRE a delegate will experience an environment designed for both business

and pleasure that effortlessly blends the two with close attention to the smallest detail.

From the beautifully appointed guestrooms and amenities to the ergonomically designed meeting rooms and dedicated staff, it all comes together providing a stay that is both productive and relaxing.

Whether you have a group of 6 or 650, one of Neptune's conference rooms will suit your needs perfectly. Each one sets a standard in comfort and communication technology while attention is paid to every detail. And should your meeting turn into a latenight brainstorming session, smaller breakout rooms are available around the clock.

NEPTUNE CONVENTION CENTRE where leisure is our business...

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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 48

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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.

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

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

My Island…

My Life

My delos....

… Little Venice with bars and cafes that

Where… I met Francesco from Milan, danced with Costas and Nikos, strolled with Gisele and Paris, and also ran into Petros the Pelican!

Where..... I just take the small boat and fifteen minutes are more than enough to find myself in an ancient, exotic island with Egyptian gods, a sacred lake with palm trees, ancient hotels and stone lions. A place where beauty can only be and stay divine…

give on to the most beautiful sunset and people who give in to the most alluring temptations. …The white windmills dominate the island… …A church, as old as the hills, which in reality…is three in one!

Municipality of Mykonos www.mykonos.gr

e-mail: info@mykonos.gr

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Mykonos is an island made by Gods for people.

Who hasn’t have something to say about Myconos, who hasn’t swim in its vast boundless blue wkters, who hasn’t have lived unforgettable moments…

Myconos, the sea, the sky, the sun, the hospitality, the fun, the harmony, the charm.

A never-ending real myth surrounding us, every part of it a reality, something special, challenging you to live it, taste it, relish it.

An barren island, arid, burned by the sun but full of golden beaches and crystal waters.

The white color, the stone and the scattered mountains are indelible memories in the mind.

In Neolithic Ages, (1600 1500 BC) the island was quite developed whereas between 1500 and 1200 BC we know that an important settlement was formed. Around 1100 BC Ions came to the island bringing with them the Apollos worship.

The natural elements are vivid and strong, filling you, guiding you in new sensations; the air, the sun, the moon are the eternal guides.

The harmony of the Myconian architecture is really astonishing. The location and the way the town of Myconos is build -inside the Northern eye- the port, the particular colors, it is an exceptional masterpiece. No man and no plan would be able to create something so unique. The feeling of getting lost in the alleys is fascinating. The exit to the seashore is where we end our walk, with a glass of ouzo and the view of the boats.

In 314 BC, Delos was under the protection of Ptolemy of Egypt and then under the influence of Macedonians when another flourishing period starts. During Roman Times, the island turns into a important port in the Aegean Sea. This is the most prosperous time in its history. In 88 BC Mithridatis, King of Pontos, who was in war with the Romans, destroys Delos and Mykonos and looted the sanctum.

You walk and think that you know everybody…you wave and they wave back. As if you have grown up in this neighborhood. Everything is simple, familiar, hospitable. A warm and relaxing atmosphere. Hospitality and a hug are something you can take with you and carry it forever.

And when the sun sets the mood changes. The rhythm becomes vibrant, fast, full of fantasy and intensity.

You can experience everything you want, as much as you want it, as much as you can handle it. Everything is nearby, just beside you, you only make the choice…

You simply choose to come to Mykonos.

DELOS According to greek mythology, Delos is the place where Apollo, the god of light and Artemis, goddess of hunting, both Lito and Zeus children, were born.

In 700 BC the island becomes the centre of an Ionian amphictyony which was the basis for commercial development. In 540 BC Athenians forbade the burial of the deads in Delos because the island belonged to Apollo.

The Persians respected the island during the Persian Wars.

Later the island lost its wealth and its importance yet it was still inhabited until the First Christian Years (the remains of a synagogue and two churches of the First Christian Years have been found). After the 5th century, there is no historical information concerning the island.

Most probably, Delos was preyed upon only by pirates and illicit dealers in antiquities.

The people from the neighbouring islands must have been visiting the island to take pieces of marble used as construction material. Since 1873 the French Archaeological School, founded in 1846, has undertaken many excavation expeditions which have brought to light monuments and archaeological finds of enormous value.

Research and restoration of these finds continues until today.

The visitor can admire most of these finds wandering around Delos sanctum and visiting the islands archaeological museum.

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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.

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 winter, 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, 52

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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

Case Study-Jordan

Experiences in Jordan

Images of the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, Petra, carved from the rock over a thousand years ago, have long been most people’s people’s first impression of Jordan.

But while Petra Petra is indeed one of the most stunning attractions in the Middle East, Jordan offers so much more for the modern traveller. traveller.

A well-travelled bridge between sea and desert, east and west, the Hashemite Kingdom Kingdom of Jordan is a land of mesmerizing beauty and con trasts, from the Jordan Valley Valley,, fer tile, ever changing, to the remote desert canyons, immense and still.

V isitors can explore splendid desert castles, gaze in awe at the haunting wilderness of Wadi Wadi Rum, Rum, or bathe in the restful waters of the Red Red Sea. For adventure lovers, there’s there’s horse riding, 4x4 safaris, rock climbing and hiking. For taking it easy, easy, noth ing on earth compares to the Red Red Sea and its many spa facilities.

Modern Jordan was founded by King King Abdullah I after World World War War I. It was ruled by his grandson, The Late King King Hussein, for 46 years until his death in 1999, when his son King King Abdullah II assumed the throne. Jordan has grown into a modern nation which has enjoyed a remarkable measure of peace, stability and economic growth in recent decades.

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LEISURE & WELLNESS Nature’s Healing Power The popularity of the spa vacation has increased worldwide as many people are adopting healthier lifestyles. For this reason, Jordan has complimented its natural therapeutic sites with first class resorts offering a diverse range of amenities. The goal is to provide its visitors with a unique and relaxing experience catering to all of their health and fitness and beauty needs.

The Dead Sea The Dead Sea coastline with its spectacular salt crystal formations.

At 410 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth.

Jordan’s Dead Sea coast is one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world and it remains as enticing to international visitors today as it was to kings, emperors, traders, and prophets in antiquity.

A large amount of investment in the area has provided the Dead Sea with new roads making the new and luxurious 5 Star Movenpick Hotel and Resort, 5 Star Jordan Valley Marriott, 5 Star Kempenski Ishtar Hotel, and 4 Star Dead Sea Spa Hotel easily accessible.

The main attraction of the Dead Sea is of course the soothing, abnormally salty water itself. The salt content of the water is 31.5% making the water so buoyant that it is impossible for the visitor to sink. The water also contains 21

minerals including high levels of magnesium, sodium, potassium, and bromine and 12 of these minerals are found in no other body of water in the world.

Mud treatment at one of the many spas.

Studies have shown the combination of the Dead Sea water and the rich black mud found along the shoreline to have significant health benefits including increasing circulation, easing discomfort from arthritis, healing allergies, and revitalizing skin.

A trip to the Dead Sea would not be complete without a visit to one of the first class health spa facilities of the luxury hotels. Here the visitor can enjoy year-round a massage, Dead Sea mud bath, use the excellent fitness facilities, or just spend the day relaxing on their beautiful private beaches.

Hammamat Ma’in Hyper-thermal waterfall at Hammamat Ma'in Visitors to the Dead Sea should also take advantage of another nearby wonder, Hammamat Ma’in (Ma’in Hot Springs).

Popular with both locals and tourists alike, the springs are located 264 meters below sea level in one of the most breath-taking desert oases in the world.

Thousands of visiting bathers come each year to enjoy the mineral rich waters of these hyper-thermal waterfalls. These falls originate from winter rainfalls in the highland plains of Jordan and eventually feed the 109 hot and cold springs in the valley. This water is heated to

temperatures up to 63 degrees Celsius by underground lava fissures as it makes its way through the valley before emptying into the Zarqa River.

Situated in this exquisite spot is the 97 room Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa offering a wide variety of professional services including mud wrappings, hydrojet baths and showers, underwater massages, mud facials, electrotherapy and cosmetology treatments.

CONFERENCES & EVENTS Jordan Tourism Board offers an array of new facilities along with various dynamic strategies geared towards enhancing the meetings, incentive, conference and exhibitions sector in Jordan’s tourism industry.

Jordan’s natural attributes whether from the monolithic rockscapes of Wadi Rum to the lively centre of urban Amman; from the majestic ruins of bygone civilizations to the historical and spiritual splendor of the Dead Sea, are all unveiled as unique destinations offering breathtaking and mysterious sights, high standard accommodation, exquisite cuisine and countless activities that provide visitors with inspiration, motivation, and rejuvenation.

Choices for incentive experiences are countless. Adventurous individuals can enjoy a desert experience to discover the challenges and wild beauty of some of the country’s outstanding natural sites like Wadi Rum or Petra, where 4x4 vehicles, camels or Arabian horses are the preferred mode of transportation.

They can soar with the eagles over the towering desert mountains in a hot air balloon, learn to fly, go skydiving, or

climb and explore the challenging cliff faces to discover the ancient rock carvings and man-made tombs of those who lived in the area thousands of years ago.

They can experience the Bedouin lifestyle and dine under a million stars to the haunting sounds of Arabic music.

A Dive group prepares for the plunge.

Aqaba, in the south, offers the best diving sites one can imagine. Vast coral reefs are home to countless species of fish and underwater life. Here visitors can dive with whale sharks, dolphins and turtles and marvel at the kaleidoscopic colours beneath the warm, gentle waves of the Red Sea. Above the waves there is sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and just about every other water-related fun activity imaginable.

Jordan is also famous for its massive ancient castles, such as Karak and Shobak where mock battles can be fought and won (or lost), and mediaeval banquets are served under the vaulted walls and mighty ramparts. Also, there is Jerash – a Rome away from Rome, where chariot races and gladiator-style challenges are par for the course.

Jordan’s famous Dead Sea resorts provide a more relaxed, therapeutic, experience. Here are the exclusive spa resorts, where self-indulgence and pampering are the order of the day. Workworn delegates and other visitors experience a boost in their moral and energy that will make them feel at least 10 years younger and ready to face the challenges of life with newly discovered vitality.

The Society for the Care of Neurological Patients.

Jordan’s nature reserves also provide some great adventure opportunities like: Jeep safaris, cycling trips, hiking and horseriding .These adventurous activities are an excellent ways to discover the beauty, fauna and flora of this outstanding country, where thermal springs, cascading waterfalls and deep canyons that provide a natural playground for energetic incentives.

All this is backed by Jordan’s commitment to providing the very best in conference and meetings venues and facilities. The new stream of luxury hotels emerging in Amman, Petra, Aqaba and the Dead Sea is just adding quality to an already refined product that is distinct, accessible and friendly. All of Jordan’s top hotels have fully-equipped conference and banqueting rooms with dedicated staff. Both the Zara Conference Centre in Amman and the King Hussein Conference Centre at the Dead Sea provide world-class facilities for very large events. These are backed by a full range of support facilities to ensure every event, large or small, is a resounding and memorable success.

Whether it is a conference for 5000 people, a lavish dinner in the peerless desert of Wadi Rum, a barbecue at the shores of the Dead Sea or a reception atop a medieval castle overlooking the Jordan Valley, the amicable and competent people of Jordan will ensure a once in a lifetime experience.

If you want to feel good about yourself and help others, you can participate in the Dead Sea Marathon which takes place every April and raises money for Xenios

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Case Study-Jordan

Cosmorama Motivates with Jordan

The Company: Company: Heating, ventilating, air conditioning, hvac systems and products company Agency: Agency: Cosmorama Group size: 150 Venue: enue: Kempinski Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea 5* The 2008 Dealers & Independent Distributors’ Annual Meeting took place in Jordan, organized by Cosmorama Travel.

150 participants from all over Greece, Cyprus and Balkans joined the incentive meeting.

During the five days event, the delegates were able to participate in detailed presentations of all the new residential and commercial products and innovations of the company.

The best performance dealers & distributors from Greece, Cyprus and Balkans were awarded for their success and contribution to company’s development.

Amman, Petra, Kan Zaman, Mount Nebo, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea Jordan has an abundant number of fascinating options equal to any of the world's great incentive travel destinations. The country also has the infrastructure to ensure quests experience 56

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the highest standard of hotels, transportation and excellent local cuisine .

In Jordan guests experience the world famous hidden rose-red city of Petra, to Jerash - the best preserved GrecoRoman City in the world, a Four Wheel Drive Desert Safari and the city of Amman.

Quests also experience the lowest point on earth '400 metres BELOW SEA LEVEL', on secluded Dead Sea , a meal served under a genuine Bedouin tent including a non-obligatory after dinner smoke on a Narjileh, travelling in the 'FOOTSTEPS OF LAWRENCE OF ARABIA', made famous

by David Lean's film.

AMMAN This is a city of many faces; the Citadel Hill affords a panorama of the old city with the Roman amphitheatre nestled among urban sprawl in the valley below.

Quests visit the amphitheatre in the heart of the city, which is a must, and the Museum of Popular Tradition and the Folklore Museum. Amman is a perfect base from which to explore the fascinating sights that Jordan has to offer.

PETRA - THE ROSE RED CITY This is the most famous attraction in Jordan. It is literally carved out of craggy rocks and is fortified behind a narrow, deep siq (gorge) that slowly winds through a massive rock wall, As you emerge into the sunlight, Petra appears suddenly in front of you as if out of a story book.

MOUNT NEBO Overlooking the Dead Sea, this is where you can see the scenes where Moses smote the ground to bring forth water.

The Church at Mt. Nebo is believed to be built over Moses' burial site.

KAN ZAMAN VILLAGE The Village dates back to 19th Century, offering the opportunity to wander through the cobbled alleys and experience the typical Jordanian culture, craftsmanship and cuisine.

WADI RUM The route T.E. Lawrence and Sherif Hussein took in World War 1 when fighting the Ottoman armies. Made famous by David Lean's film Lawrence of Arabia, this stunningly beautiful area is still patrolled by police on camels rather than horses or jeeps. Wadi Rum is a perfect place to visit or explore in 4-wheel drive vehicles to share the experience of the desert with several Bedouin tribes that still live here.

DEAD SEA The Dea Sea offers a scenery of unique natural beauty which humankind did not create, but can constantly enjoy. Take a swim where it is impossible to sink; why not read a newspaper while floating on the water?! The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth at 400 metres below sea level.

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea

Millennia Of History, Welcome to Ishtar Surely there is no region on earth where nature and history have more wonderfully conspired, where so exciting a drama has obtained so beautiful a theatre.

Amid scenes of exquisiteness and peace, the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea gives you the opportunity to enjoy its riches - where Marc Anthony, Queen of Sheba, Aristotle and even Cleopatra once strived to unravel mystery.

The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea offers three luxurious enclaves set amidst gardens dotted with lagoons, waterfalls and private pools, where ancient olive trees mingle with bamboo palms, providing guests with absolute privacy in a serene and exclusive setting.

Designed in affectionate tribute to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is built with local stone boasting 345 rooms and suites within a stylish Arabesque monument building that weaves clean and simple lines into an Arabian theme. For a more luxurious and exclusive stay, the hotel offers Ishtar Villas (a boutique

resort) designed with a tasteful contemporary decor.

All Rooms and suites benefit from stunning views of the Dead Sea with spacious patios or balconies – the perfect places to enjoy the Dead Sea’s dramatic sunsets.

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is set to redefine luxury service in the lowest point on earth at the highest of levels.

Wellness & Leisure A retreat created for those dreaming of a sanctuary where they can experience the ultimate pampering and relaxation whilst rejuvenating their body and soothing their soul.

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea boasts a total of 9 fresh water swimming pools including Infinity Edge Pools, a Kids' Pool, a Gymnasium and the longest private beach in Jordan, where one can bask in the ultra-violet filtered sunshine of the Dead Sea.

sqm) dedicated to creating to calm, serenity and rejuvenation. It is considered as one of the biggest spas in the Middle East.

Meeting & Banqueting Facilities For discerning business professionals who require only the best for their meetings, the hotel features a state of the art business centre that offers the most sophisticated technology and exclusive luxurious amenities.

Large conference and banqueting facilities are available, including a Grand Ballroom with a capacity of up to 800 guests, an Auditorium for 182 guests and several Meeting Rooms.

Contact our Sales & Marketing Team for meeting or banquet quiries, who will be more than delighted to assist you with your bookings.

The keystone of the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is the new Anantara Spa, which offers guests 20 treatment rooms, 28 Spa Suites plus outdoor therapy lounges covering an area of (10,000 Xenios

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East Macedonia -Thrace

Evros Prefecture Ev ery step is a Journey Destinations in Evros Prefecture The central and south-western part of the Prefecture is covered by the end of the Rodopi mountain range, while the south-eastern and northern areas are covered by the plains of the Evros Delta and Orestiada, respectively.

The island of Samothraki with its great natural beauty is just 2 hours away from the Port of Alexandroupolis, the capital of the Evros Prefecture. It has a surface area of 178 square kilometres and a population of 2,723 (NSSG, 2001). The capital of the island is the town of Samothraki (Hora), population 677 (NSSG, 2001). Its main port is Kamariotissa, population 969 (NSSG, 2001).

The Evros River flows slowly by the boarder of Turkey, just 20 klm from Alexadroupoli. It flows continously since archaic years and Byzantine period until now in order to pour into Aegean Sea. First though, it has shaped its famous Delta, which a rare and very important hydro-biotope in Europe.

The total extension of Delta is 500.000 sqm.

Evros includes the coastal lakes of Skepi and Nymphon and the lagoons of Paloukia, Drana and Laki and it's the home for plenty fishes and rare birds.

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature has built a biological station. More than 200.000 birds living in water hibernate along the Evros Delta. There are many among the 300 kinds of these birds that are threatened to become extinct.

Dadia Forest The Dadia forest is located 1km outside the village Dadia. It is an interesting unique experience for evey visitor. It is a home to 36 out of 39 Europe's predatory bird species, wild animals that are threatend from humans, like wolfs, deers and rare reptiles.

The Ecotourist Centre of Dadia, is an ideal base to explore the famed forest reserve of Dadia, one of the last refuges for predatory birds in Europe.

SAMOTHRAKI Distance from Alexandroupolis : 2 to 3 hours by ship 1 hour 15 min by flying dolphin Natural welth Mountain Saos, Fegari Ritz (highest in the Aegean Sea) Bathres lakes Unique beaches with crystal waters

Alexandroupolis Culture-History: Ethnological Museum of Alexandroupolis Archeological sight of Mesimbria Food: Excellent seafood at the traditional tavernas of the town Sightseeing: The lighthouse and its square The Natural History Museum The Church Museum The Folk Museum

St Nicholas Cathedral Activities: Touring with car or 4X4, trecking. biking Visiting and shopping at the town center Wonderful walk at the seaside road and the old port Visiting the old railway station Amusement park Transportation: International Airport of Alexandroupolis, 23 kmDirect flights and Connections to all European Destinations and Athens.

Culture-History: Famous history of the island even from ancient times Sightseeing Archeological site of Paleopolis Unique local Archeological Museum Bathres (small river lakes) Activities: Touring with car or 4X4, trecking, biking Mountain - climbing, Rappel, Kanyoning, Flying Fox, Sea Kayak at Thracean Sea Shopping traditional sweets at Chora FERES - EVROS DELTA

Distance from Alexandroupolis: up to 70 km Culture-History Byzantine history of Feres Region Wider Region of ancient Egnatia road Natural Welth: Unique Evros Delta (WWF) Sightseeing: Church of Panagia Kosmosotira Touring at Evros Delta Activities Touring with car or 4?4, trecking, biking Water routes with boat at Evros delta for bird watching Visiting and shopping at the town of Alexandroupolis or Feres SOUFLI - DADIA FOREST Distance from Alexandroupolis: Up to 70km Food: Local Traditional tavemas for excellent hunting food Natural welth: The unique Dadia forest (WWF) Culture-History The history of the region of Soufli is famous for the development of sericulture

Alexandroupolis

Sightseeing: The Silk Museum of Soufli The Folk Museum of Soufli Dadia Forest Activities: Touring with car or 4X4, trecking, biking

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ORESTIADA - KASTANIES PETRADES Distance from Alexandroupolis: Up to 140 km Natural Welth: Touring next to Evros & Ardas Rivers Food: Lots of traditional tavems at the region of Orestiada and Kastanies Culture-History:Roman and Byzantine monuments reveal the history of the region Sightseeing: Folk Museum ofOrestiada Folk Museum of Kastanies

Samothraki Samothraki Bird watchingat Dadia forest Shopping silk products at the town of Soufli TRAIANOUPOLIS TICHERO - LEFKIMI Distance from Alexandroupolis:Up to 50klm Culture-history: The history of the famous Traianoupolis baths Food: Lots of tavems at the town of Tichero or Alexandroupolis Sightseeing:

The Traianoupolis baths Exhibition - processing of traditional products at Lefkirni Activities: Touring with car or 4X4, trecking, biking Bird watching Hot baths DIDIMOTICHO - METAXADES - PENTALOFOS Distance from Alexandroupolis: Up to 140klm Food: Excellent hunting food at the tavem ''Evrothiramata'' at Pentalofo

Culture-History : Roman and Byzantine monuments reveal the history of the region Sightseeing: The mosque at the town of Didimoticho The Acropolis and the double wall of Didimoticho Gallery of Didimoticho Activities: Touring with car or 4?4, trecking, biking Wild animal watching at “Evrothirama" park Visit and shopping at Metaxades and Didimoticho

Activities Touring with car or 4?4, trecking, biking Youth festival at Ardas river (summer) Walking next to Ardas river Walking at the beautiful Orestiada square Shopping at the town's center www.nomevrou.gr www.evros.gr

SOUFLI

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East Macedonia -Thrace

Thraki Palace Hotel - Thalasso & Spa Centre A new refuge for well-being and rejuvenation It is also possible to try out all forms of exercise at the Thraki Palace Thalasso & Spa Centre. A fully fitted Fitness Centre with cutting edge exercise equipment, an area specifically dedicated to aerobics, a hairdressing salon, a restaurant offering a special lowcal menu and a relax area with natural light create a heavenly environment. Now you know where you will be in June 2008…

Thalassotherapy… Did you know that…

Anxiety, stress, and the rapid pace of modern life are a scourge for contemporary man. That's where the need to get back to classical methods of unwinding come into play, in effect changes our inner health and mood. One of those methods is thalassotherapy. The Thraki Palace Hotel knows this only too well.

That's why from summer 2009 it will have one of Greece's best organised Thalasso & Spa Centres.

The ancients were first

It is no coincidence that the ancient Greeks chose to build many of their temples next to the sea. The ancient Greeks, and in particular the father of medicine were well aware of and frequently stressed the beneficial properties of seawater both on the mental and physical health of anyone following the specific treatment.

Magical properties Rejuvenation and well-being are not the only results of the therapy; it is also recommended for improving asthma, heart condi-

tions and the quality of sleep. All that combined with the serenity and peace that the treatment engenders make it an ally of man in the battle against today's No. 1 enemy: stress.

2,400 m2 of well-being Management of the Thraki Palace Hotel decided that the minimum size for the centre should be 2,400 m2 to ensure the best possible service for guests at this luxury hotel. The Thraki Palace Thalasso and Spa Centre is fitted to make it the ideal refuge for anyone seeking rejuvenation under the best possible conditions.

Fully-equipped - modern - impressive With a full beauty centre with 6 treatment booths in operation at the Thraki Palace Thalasso & Spa Centre, and a hamam, sauna, scrub room and combi steam room, if anything, the Thraki Palace Hotel, is bound to be a special attraction for guests and the residents of Alexandroupoli.

Its 4 indoor pools, 6 massage rooms and 4 individual hydrotherapy rooms will make the Thraki Palace Thalasso & Spa Centre a real escape from stressful day-to-day life. Why not try Rasul, a new, highly effective form of hydrotherapy?

However, the most important and practical has been left for last… all these services are also available in private in the Thalasso and Spa Suite, specially designed for this purpose.

Much more besides thalassotherapy…

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The first modern thalassotherapy centre was set up in 1964 in France by Louison Bobet and was called the Quiberon Institute.

The term thalassotherapy was first used in 1967 by Dr. La Bonnardiere who derived it from the Greek words for sea and

therapy.

BANQUETING THRAKI PALACE offers unlimited options for the successful organization of social events of all kinds.

You will be charmed by the luxurious and elegant decoration of the banqueting rooms and you will feel completely satisfied when organizing your social events where the staff's experience and professionalism ensure the success.

CONFERENCE CENTER THRAKI PALACE constitutes the ideal place for conferences, seminars, exhibitions and all kinds of social events.

THRAKI PALACE Conference Center is the largest and best organized center in the region, meeting European standards of operation, facilities and security.

In the luxurious ground-floor rooms of THRAKI PALACE Conference Center with a total seating capacity of 2000 people, modern conference infrastructure with multiple auxiliary spaces, state of the art audio visual coverage and translation facilities, secretary service, exhibition spaces, participants' offices, foyer, separate entrance and parking are offered.

The combination of the aforementioned facilities with the excellently trained personnel guarantee the successful outcome of your professional and social meetings.

Spain-Barcelona

Celebrating 25 Years Bringing BARCELONA to the world Barcelona is a metropolis which is fully equipped to host congresses and conventions.

It is one of the cities in Europe and the world which host the greatest number of international congresses. Barcelona gets fifth position in the ICCA ranking and sixth position in the UIA ranking for the year 2007. Leading multinationals choose Barcelona for their conventions and product presentations. Furthermore, in recent years, Barcelona has proved itself to be one of Europe?s most attractive and dynamic cities, and this has made it one of the preferred incentive trip destinations.

Barcelona is a unique city. qualities:

Discover its

Welcoming. Barcelona is a compact city, not too big and not too small. This characteristic makes it a welcoming city with a great diversity of cultural, recreational and commercial facilities.

Mediterranean. Barcelona has the dynamic and open personality so typical of Mediterranean cities. It is the perfect city to relax in, stroll around and enjoy. It is the only major European metropolis with five kilometres of city beachfront.

Warm. Barcelona enjoys a mild climate which is pleasant all the year round, making it possible to organise open-air events in spring, summer and autumn.

Historic. Barcelona’s history dates back over 2,000 years and retains major relics of its past.

Cultural. Barcelona has a rich cultural life all the year round: opera, ballet, concerts, theatre, festivals, exhibitions, museums, etc.

Gourmet. Barcelona has developed a highly creative and stylish culinary movement which has made it the leading ?gourmet? city outside France, according to the magazine Gourmet. Furthermore, the Mediterranean diet, which is considered the most healthy, is applied with rigour even in the most modest restaurants.

Pioneering. Catalonia has been the cradle of great personalities from every pioneering European trend: Picasso, Mirs, Dal?, Gaud?... They are just some examples of the Catalans? desire for renewal and creativity, a quality which is a constant feature of present-day artists, architects and designers.

Well-served. Barcelona has excellent air links, particularly with the majority of Spanish and European cities. Its international airport, located 15 minutes from the city centre, is currently undergoing 62

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expansion. From 2008, the high-speed train connects Barcelona with Madrid and Seville, and France and the European rail network in the future.

Facilities. Barcelona has a wide range of amenities for the organisation of congresses and large- or small-scale meetings, receptions and banquets in historic and enchanting settings, product exhibitions and presentations in modern and well-equipped facilities. The city is wellequipped with a modern hotel infrastructure.

Reliable. The Catalans are a hard-working, conscientious people. Throughout their history they have ably demonstrated their ability to arrange major events with precision, creativity and efficiency.

Barcelona?s organisers and providers have inherited this ability. You can rely on the members of the BCB. A way of life. In short, Barcelona has its own way of life which makes it unique.

Come and experience it for yourself.

Incentives Incentive trips allow their participants to discover the city and its environs through activities which they could not do on their own. This activity fosters the interrelation between participants.

It is with this aim in mind that we suggest a number of ideas about ways of gaining an insight into the spirit and tastes of the people of Barcelona through fun group experiences which illustrate the history and culture of our city.

To organise these programs or other tailor-made, please contact a DMC. The city and sport Individual or team competitive activities have a special significance in incentive programmes. Barcelona offers a wide range of possibilities supported by its tra-

ditions and facilities.

In this section you can access a series of proposals related to sporting and competitive activities.

The Champions Canal A short distance from Barcelona, the Olympic Canal of Catalonia can be booked for the exclusive use of incentive groups to hold all kinds of sporting competitions.

Mini-Olympics Barcelona allows incentive groups to relive the Olympic feats in their authentic settings.

Regattas in the Olympic Marina The Mediterranean washes the Barcelona coastline and the waters of the Olympic Marina can be used for sailing.

City Tour by bicycle The best way to visit the old town is by bicycle. A fun combination of gentle exercise and cultural experience.

Football with El Barha Barcelona Football Club stirs up passions inside and outside the city, do you want to take a closer look?

Regattas in the Olympic Marina Novices (those who are bold enough) can start learning about water sports at the Municipal Sailing Institute which has a wide range of craft available (420, 470, cruisers, etc.), with or without instructors, and organises regattas tailored to the technical know-how of the participants.

The sailing session can be complemented by a meal at any of the restaurants in the Olympic Marina or Port Vell. Those preferring to take part in a waterpolo match, swimming competitions or learning how to scuba dive, can use the spectacular swimming pool which is part of the Olympic Ring on Montju?c.

Incentives The city and motor-racing

Prix.

Incentives - Gastronomy

Driving safely (in adverse conditions)

Barcelona has a true passion for motorracing. The Circuit de Catalunya, a few kilometres outside the city, is the ideal setting for you to give free rein to this passion. The track has been specially designed so that you can enjoy any kind of activity related to cars and motorbikes

The RACC school of motoring has the aim of training its pupils to drive racing cars.

The Mediterranean diet, one of the most nutritious and healthy diets in the world, is the basis of Catalan cuisine. Its ingredients include fish, meat, rice, vegetables, olive oil, fruit, wine... one of its objectives: enjoyment and well-being.

Can you imagine the participants preparing these delicacies?

4x4 rally in Barcelona!

On the outskirts of Barcelona there are forest tracks, in natural settings, which are ideal for 4 x 4 rallies.

A day at the Formula-1 circuit

Learn how to cook paella and make gazpacho

Barcelona?s major motor-racing track, the Circuit de Catalunya, is located just a few kilometres outside the city and is the venue for the Spanish Formula-1 Grand

Barcelona has a number of cookery schools willing to teach the secrets of a variety of local specialities to small groups.

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Spain-Barcelona

Tasting wines and cavas Tasting wines and cavas. The Pened’s region has a long-standing tradition of wine producing and is located a short distance from Barcelona.

Incentives - Festivals “Fiesta” is a Spanish word which is understood around the world. Barcelona and Catalonia have a vibrant festive tradition.

Below you will find some ideas about how to organise a party tailored to your needs.

Festa Major: during the day Every Catalan town and village holds its festa major, or local annual festival, to commemorate its patron saint's day.

The calhotada: during the day Originally this celebration was only held in the winter months in the Tarragona region. Today it is held all over Catalonia all year round.

Festa Major: night-time As night falls, the local festival becomes a feast for the senses. Night-time is usually devoted to dancing and the celebration of fire, according to a Mediterranean ritual dating back over a thousand years.

The revetlla The revetlla is the festival of the summer solstice: a high-spirited celebration with fire as its prevailing theme which, according to tradition, marks the initiation into adult life.

Incentives - The city and culture Barcelona was founded over two thousand years ago, but is still young at heart, in good physical shape and has a head replete with ideas: Gothic art, Picasso, Gaud?, modernisme, Mirs, Isozaki, Meier, Foster, Oldenberg. Our suggestions for incentives linked to the city?s culture are also imaginative, creative, fun and enriching.

Shopping in the medieval city Shopping in the medieval city and on La Rambla. Not far from the very heart of the old town -the Gothic Quarter and the Cathedral- we find the churches of Santa Maria del Mar and Santa Maria del Pi, City Hall and the Catalan government building, the Palau de la Generalitat.

Gaudi treasure hunt A fun tour of the celebrated architect?s works which are located around the city.

A different way of discovering his architectural legacy.

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Playing with modern architecture Over the past 20 years, Barcelona has been undertaking a dynamic programme of urban renewal and been awarded a number of town planning prizes. This activity is a fun-filled competition.

Tours Gaudi and modernisme Barcelona is Gaudi’s city and his architecture, and that of other modernista architects of the period, have left an indelible mark.

Gaud? and the other architects of the Catalan art-nouveau movement, modernisme, built a city of extravagant forms in the early decades of the 20thcentury.

These buildings were erected in the Eixample district , which was built on a rational grid system, designed by the engineer Cerd? in 1856. The Casa Mil? (also known as La Pedrera, or stone quarry) with its magical rooftop, the Centre for Gaud? Studies and the Casa Batlls evidence the talent of the architect on the central boulevard, the Passeig de Gr?cia.

Gaud??s ingenuity becomes fully apparent in the Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia, among other works. The buildings by Dom?nech i Montaner (Palau de la M?sica Catalana, Hospital de Sant Pau), Puig i Cadafalch, Jujol and other masters of modernisme are a splendid complement to Gaud??s works.

Museums Culture is one of Barcelona?s identifying signs. This is borne out by its museums, which take visitors on a journey through the history of art.

The Museu Nacional d?Art de Catalunya (MNAC) showcases unique collections of

Romanesque and Gothic art. In the sphere of contemporary art, Barcelona has the Museu Picasso, the Fundacis Mirs and the Fundacis T?pies, with their magnificent collections of works by major contemporary artists who were born or worked in the city.

The range of artwork on offer is completed with other holdings such as such as the Barbier-Mueller collection of preColumbian art, the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection at the monastery of Pedralbes, museums and galleries such as the Museu d?Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) and the Centre de Cultura Contempor?nia de Barcelona (CCCB). The latter has a collection of over 200 recent sculptures by Mirs, Chillida, Oldenburg and Lichtenstein.

Girona and the Costa Brava Girona is beginning to be known as the Florence of Catalonia.

The refurbishment of the riverfront, the restoration of the Jewish Quarter, El Call, the fresh impetus given to university life and a subtle and respectful process of urban regeneration have made Girona an ideal place to live. New amenities such as the Museu del Cinema, with its remarkable collection of cameras and projectors, coexist with the magnificent assemblage

of monuments. The city?s medieval district is presided over by the Cathedral ?a blend of Romanesque, Gothic and baroque styles?, where the famous Tapestry of Creation is on display. A short distance from Girona, a number of enchanting coastal villages await the visitor, such as Tossa de Mar, L?Escala, Sant Feliu de Gu?xols, Calella de Palafrugell, Tamariu, Begur and L?Estartit.

Olympic Barcelona Barcelona now overlooks the sea. The 1992 Olympic Games enabled the city to redesign its entire seafront, creating beaches stretching for five kilometres along the coastline.

Montju’c Park, in the south of the city, comprises the Olympic Ring and boasts magnificent views of the new seafront.

The World Trade Center is located in the harbour, and here La Rambla extends over the sea to the Marem’gnum, a leisure complex presided over by L?Aqu?rium, very near the refurbished

beaches of the Barceloneta. The Olympic Village rises up next to the sporting marina. The best local architects have taken part in the construction of this new maritime Barcelona, as well as international luminaries such as Isozaki, Meier, Siza and Gehry.

The Pyrenees: adventure

skiing

and

Two hours’ drive away from Barcelona we come to the Pyrenees, the mountain range which connects the Iberian Peninsula with the European continent.

The Pyrenees are the perfect setting for cross-country or alpine skiing at resorts such as La Molina, Andorra, Lles or those in the Vall d?Aran, such as the Baqu?iraBeret complex. During spring and summer, the rivers in the different Pyrenean counties are the venues for adventure sports such as white-water rafting and sledging and canoeing. These places are also suitable for climbing, mountain bike and 4-track excursions and hang-gliding.

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Spain-Barcelona

Majestic Hotel & Spa Luxury in the center of Barcelona since 1918

The Majestic Hotel & Spa is located in the very center of Barcelona, on Paseo de Gracia, home of the best in shopping, Gaudí monuments and walking distance to the Ramblas. The neoclassical façade invites since 1918 to discover luxurious accommodations and excellence in service.

At your arrival, we will handle your luggage and help you forget that you are away from home. Get ready to relax and have an unforgettable stay in Barcelona.

We’ll take care of the rest.

We have designed 303 luxurious rooms and suites with a classic and comfortable style, without leaving out a single detail, in order to satisfy the needs of the most demanding travelers. Many celebrities have chosen the warmth of the Majestic’s rooms for their visit to Barcelona; Jean Paul Belmondo, Catherine Deneuve, Milos Forman, Vargas Llosa or even the Dalai Lama.

The 30 suites, with views of the Paseo de Gracia, invite you to discover a World of design, luxury, comfort, art, and exclusive service.

The 300 m2 (3230 sqft) Penthouse, with its two private terraces and 24-hour personalized service, provides the most exclusive and luxury way to enjoy Barcelona.

• A wide selection for every needs and tastes.

• Attention to details.

• The most luxurious apartment in the center of Barcelona.

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Majestic Spa Close your eyes. Forget about your daily worries and the fast paced rhythm of your life. Focus on yourself, on your body and your mind.

If you want to feel pampered, or even spoiled, give yourself a treat and come to MajesticSpa, the best place to start your day or to relax after work, shopping or sightseeing.

For any additional information please contact us at spa@hotelmajestic.es If you would like to receive our "Spa Promotions" please click here.

• Brand new Spa in the Heart of Barcelona • A Spa for the mind and body • Personalised attention • Products of the highest quality brand, Natura Bissè

Groups & Events Meetings The Salón Mediterráneo, a mix of technology and comfort with space for up to 500 people, entirely divisible by panels and renovated in September 2004, offers you multiple possibilities and combinations to facilitate the organization of your event.

The Passeig de Gràcia, Tibidabo and Montjuic Halls, with their fantastic views of the Passeig de Gràcia, are the perfect places to hold smaller meetings and

events.

All of our event rooms are equipped with high-speed, wireless (Wi-Fi) internet connection in order to provide you the best convenience and possibilities of working in a private network between the rooms.

To make the reservations easier, the Hotel Majestic provides you with a single, multilingual contact person from the initial budget proposal till the conclusion of your event.

Incentives Why is Barcelona one of the most popular destination for incentive trips? Because it has a very easy access through its international airport and garantees nice weather all year round. It also offers great architecture, culture, gastronomy, good shopping and is facing the sea. It is also one of the most important european cruise harbor allowing to do pre/post programs. Additionally, Barcelona has fantastic venues able to host small to large groups.

The Hotel Majestic Barcelona is a 5 star deluxe property of 303 luxurious rooms and suites built in 1918 with a neoclassical architecture. It is located on the most prestigious avenue in the heart of the city, within walking distance to most of Barcelona's highlights and the finest boutiques.

Let your staff, sales team, executives or clients enjoy the vibrant city.

Banqueting & Coctail Imagine a “Welcome Cocktail” for your guests at one of our terraces, enjoying the amazing panoramic views of the city and being able to gaze at buildings as emblematic as the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and the Palacio Real de Montjuic, among others.

Surprise your gests with an unforgettable “Gala Dinner” in our exclusive ballroom.

We can offer you all types of shows and thematic menus that will surpass your guests’ expectations.

The Hotel Majestic has several restaurants and bars: The “Condal Restaurant” offers you a daily menu based on the best recipes and products of the Mediterranean cuisine. The buffet concept will allow you to have a quick, light lunch to get on with your work session. In the evening, a selection of the best tapas and paellas are available.

The Restaurante Drolma, awarded one star in the Michelin Guide, is an obligatory stop for Barcelona’s most exacting gourmands, with excellent recipes prepared by its Chef, Fermi Puig, and with a menu that changes seasonally.

If you would just like a snack, you can opt for the Bar del Majestic, livened up by our pianist, or the Pool Bar, where you can contemplate spectacular views of the city.

Business Groups Exhibitions, tastings, training courses, workshops… Our convention center can hold your event. The professionalism and experience of our team will make possible any event that your company is organizing.

If you need more than 15 rooms for any type of activity in Barcelona and do not require our meeting facilities (Factory visits, visit to your offices, attend training sessions) you will have a single contact person who will take care of everything, from the first quotation to the group’s departure, thus ensuring your comfort.

Majestic Hotel & Spa P. de Gracia, 68 · 08007 · Barcelona, Spain · T +34 93 488 17 17 info@hotelmajestic.es · www.hotelmajestic.es

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Rey Juan Carlos I Spain-Barcelona

BARCELONA’S ONLY URBAN RESORT HOTEL

Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I opened its doors just days before the Olympic Games of Barcelona '92. Since that exciting time in our city’s history, we have expanded and improved our Barcelona resort hotel.

Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I benefits from the addition of the Royal Club Fitness & Spa, the catering service of Prats Fatjó and the state-of-the-art Palau de Congressos de Catalunya. Outstanding restaurants and pools perfect for relaxation are located in our spectacular gardens.

A member of the exclusive “The Leading Hotels of the World”, Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I can proudly call itself one of the best city resorts in the world.

Located on the Diagonal, the city’s main avenue, our Barcelona hotel is just a walking distance from the shopping, cultural and financial centres.

The comfortable and spacious accommodation features the latest facilities and outstanding views over Barcelona. Our 19th century Mediterranean gardens and outdoor pools create a tranquil resort in the city centre.

With 433 luxury rooms and professional conference facilities, Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I is the ideal location for a business or leisure visit to Barcelona. Relax and unwind with our spa and fitness centre.

Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I presents a superb range of luxury Barcelona accommodation in the heart of the city. Our 433 68

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deluxe rooms offer: Individually-controlled air conditioning Color TV with 24 Hour News Channel Pay TV movies and radio Mini-bar In-room safe High-speed WiFi internet Direct-dial telephones EXECUTIVE FLOOR Free internet International newspapers Business centre services Executive Lounge Four meals per day Express check-in and check-out Luxury amenities Turndown service EXPERIENCE OUR RESTAURANTS & BARS Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I presents dining experiences guaranteed to cater to all tastes.

The Garden Restaurant & Lounge offers creative Mediterranean cuisine and is surrounded by tranquil gardens. Enjoy alfresco dining on our terrace overlooking our pool.

The Polo Restaurant offers a wide daily buffet of national and international cuisine and "à la carte" menus from our show-kitchen. Enjoy our Ambigu Brunch on Sundays in the Polo Restaurant prepared with the freshest ingredients only.

Enjoy a relaxed poolside lunch at the Pool Bar or healthy options at the Fitness Bar. Both bars are open during the warmer months.

Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I offers guests a variety of bars to unwind and relax with a drink.

The cosy wood panelled Aris Scotch Bar is our smoking area and offers a wide selection of beverages and is the perfect place to watch sporting events on TV. The glamourous Lobby bar is located in our 16-storey atrium lobby and offers live piano music every evening. Both bars offer a selection of delicious sandwiches.

Meeting Facilities Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I meeting facilities provide the ideal venue for a successful meeting in Barcelona.

Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I offers outstanding meeting facilties on the prestigious Avenida Diagonal of Barcelona, the most important financial and business centre of the city.

The Palau de Congressos de Catalunya has 35 halls and rooms of varying sizes.

The grandiose Auditorium can hold a maximum of 2,027 delegates. The maxi-

mum exhibition space is over 4,000m² with a capacity for banquets catering for up to 3,000 diners.

Event in Barcelona Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I event facilities offer the ideal venue for a successful event in Barcelona.

Our Barcelona event hotel can accommodate a group of guests in up to 350 rooms. Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I presents 14 versatile meeting rooms. Our Fresh Bar is also available for private hire.

Two fixed marquees are located in our expansive hotel gardens. Our lush gardens and spectacular pools offer a unique backdrop for a gala dinner, business lunch or banquet.

fitness room has the latest in fitness technology and exercise equipment.

Maintain your fitness levels while you are away from home with our supervised activities.

Relax in our Spa’s thermal area* as well as our two heated swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), which are open all year round. We offer personalised treatments with cosmetic products from the prestigious Natura Bissé brand.

Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I Av. Diagonal 661 - 671 - 08028 Barcelona Tel +34 933 644 040 hotel@hrjuancarlos.com www.hrjuancarlos.com

THE ROYAL CLUB FITNESS & SPA OUR LUXURY BARCELONA SPA The Royal Club Fitness & Spa is located in the lush gardens of the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I. Experience the ultimate in relaxation and tranquillity surrounded by our gardens and swimming pools.

Our fitness club offers over 5000 sq m of modern facilities. Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I Xenios

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Spain-Mallorca

Congress and convention tourism in Mallorca

The Balearic Islands has a full range of infrastructures in a privileged setting for the business world which combine facilities for holding all types of business events without overlooking the amenities needed for a moment of rest. There is no better complement to a day of work than relaxing on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea with all the facilities offered by one of the most complete and experienced tourist destinations in the world.

Congress and Convention Centres The Balearic Islands is a magnificent venue for congresses and conventions and boast experience, infrastructures and a setting full of incentives that have made it the perfect host for major national and international meetings year after year.

Palma Auditorium Palma Auditorium is located on Paseo Marítimo opposite the sea in Palma de Mallorca, surrounded by the city's finest hotels, restaurants and bars. With good connections that include a bus stop and taxi rank opposite, it is only ten minutes from Son Sant Joan Airport. Its staff has years of experience in hosting congresses and conventions. Visit its website at 70

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http://www.auditoriumdepalma.com/ or contact it at cong@auditoriumdepalma.com, by phone at (+34 971 735 328) or fax at (+34 971 289 681).

Auditori d'Alcúdia Located in Plaça de la Port in Alcudia, in northern Mallorca, the Alcudia Auditorium is 45 minutes from the city of Palma. It has a seating capacity of 496 people, a pressroom, 8 seminars, a booth equipped for simultaneous interpretation and another room for 50 people. Its website is http://www.alcudia.net and it can be reached at auditori@alcudia.net, by phone at +34 971 897 185 or by fax at +34 971 897 199.

The Auditorium of Sa Màniga in Cala Millor is located in eastern Mallorca. It has spacious areas, a hall with a seating capacity of 472 people, 5 workrooms, booths for simultaneous interpretation and a bar. It is fully accessible for the disabled. For further information, visit http://www.samaniga.es, e-mail administracion@samaniga.es, phone +34 971 587 373 or fax +34 971 587 370.

Can Domenge Technology Centre This unique, multi-purpose building on calle Soldat Arrom Quart in Palma boasts over 2000 square metres. An innovative space equipped with the latest technology, it has meeting rooms, classrooms and an events hall that seats 300 people. For further information, visit its website at http://www.candomenge.com, write to the management at info@candomenge.com, or phone +37 971 910 900 or +34 971 910 909.

Pueblo Español Pueblo Español is located on calle del Poble Espanyol, 500 m from Palma's Paseo Maritimo, in the area known as Son Armadams. The grounds, which measure over 23,000 square metres with over 14,000 square metres of building space, are a unique space in the Balearic Islands which seat up to 2500. Please contact info@congress-palace-palma.com www.congress-palace-palma.com, phone +34 971737 070 or fax +34 971 731 592.

Palma Congress Hall The Palma Congress Hall, the largest congress and convention space in the

Balearic Islands, will become a reality in 2010. For further information, visit its website at http://www.pcongresosdepalma.com.

Tel: +34 971 729 920 The Gran Casino of Mallorca The Grand Casino of Mallorca is located in the Sol de Mallorca residential state, close to the Magaluf area at the Andratx turn-off on the motorway. Visit the website at http://www.casinodemallorca.com, call +34 971 130 000 or send an e-mail to incentivos@casinodemallorca.com.

The Gran Centre

Melia

Victoria

Convention

This luxurious hotel with 171 rooms has a congress centre that is fully equipped with cutting-edge technology and a seating capacity for 800 people. It is located on calle Joan Miró, number 21. Please call 34 971 732 542 or send an e-mail to gran.meliavictoria@solmelia.com for further information.

Usat and Tecnoturística. For further information, please visit its website at http://www.firesicongressos.com.

Businesses in the congress and convention sector Hotels and congress halls are not enough for conventions, congresses and incentive trips; a full range of supporting infrastructures are also needed, a network of public and private enterprises that offer a wide array of services to meet all visitors' needs. Enterprises in the audiovisual field, telecommunications, translation services, catering services, the leisure sector, etc..

For further information on the companies that specialise in organising congresses, conventions and incentive trips on the island, we recommend you consult the Business Association of Travel Agencies of

cover different programmes of events such as music concerts, opera, ballet or theatre throughout the year. National and international companies visit Majorca to play concerts and recitals.

The Principal Theatre and the Auditorium of Palma are two places to keep in mind, for the wide selection of cultural activities on offer at these venues.

Coinciding with the beginning of the winter season, November to April, the programme of events entitled 'A Winter in Majorca' takes place, the fruit of a collaboration between the Balearic Institute of Tourism and the Promotion of Tourism of Majorca.

The Organisations and Institutions that Promote Congresses and Conventions Institutions and associations collaborate in making the congresses, conventions and fairs held in the Balearic Islands a success.

Mallorca Convention Bureau The Mallorca Convention Bureau promotes and organises congresses and conventions through an action plan aimed at the main European and American markets. Located in office number four in Pueblo Español, you can reach it by phoning +34 971 739 202, or at the following e-mail: info@mallorcacb.com, as well as at its website: http://www.mallorcacb.com.

Traditional fiestas, performances and shows in Mallorca.

The entertainment and leisure available in Majorca is one of the most varied and interesting in the whole of the Mediterranean region. It is normal to dis-

the Balearic Islands (Agrupación Empresarial de Agencias de Viajes de Baleares) at http://www.aviba.com.

The programme begins a varied list of cultural activities that range between such things as classical music concerts, cycle races, folklore demonstrations, trips to places of historical interest and Baroque period dramatisations. On the other hand, its traditional fiestas provide a unique range of celebrations to help you really get to know the local culture.

IMTUR (The Municipal Tourism Institute of Palma de Mallorca) This newly created body is a member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the Spain Convention Bureau and the European Federation of Congress Bureaus (EFCT).

For further information, please consult http://www.palmademallorca.es.

Fires i Congressos de Balears S.A. Fires i Congressos de Balears S.A.is a public enterprise that sponsors all kinds of fairs in the Balearic Islands. At present, its major events include Alimenta, BaleArt, Nupcial, Mostra de Cuina Mallorquina, Fira del Disc, Saló Nàutic Internacional, Hàbitat Construcció, Fira del Llibre, Agroalimentària, Agroalimentària Menorca, Saló del Vaixell Xenios

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Spain - Mallorca

Hilton San Torre Mallorca The Hilton San Torre Mallorca has 90 rooms, including fifteen Luxury Suites, ten Hilton Suites, five Hilton One Bedroom Suites, nine Juniors Suites, twenty-three Hilton Deluxe rooms and forty-three Hilton Rooms, spread out over a number of different buildings.

in the hotel.

With two restaurants and a bar, cuisine plays a stellar role at the resort. The Arxiduc and Santacília restaurants provide a blend of international and Mediterranean cuisines with a touch of regional inspiration.

Hilton Room All the rooms have been appointed with state-of-theart conveniences to ensure that our guests enjoy the utmost in comfort: air-conditioning, mini-bar, spacious work table, dual ISDN telephone line, high-speed Internet, 32-inch satellite and payper-view TV, Hilton alarm clock, tea and coffee makers and safety deposit box..

The wide selection of teas and coffees served with traditional island sweets at Sa Clastra bar provides a refreshing sample of the finest in Mallorcan cuisine.

This extensive range of possibilities is complemented by the hotel’s privileged setting, with golf (4 minutes away) and water sports (15 minutes away) at guests’ fingertips.

Hilton Suite The hotel staff are fluent in a number of languages and offer visitors a wide array of services that include concierge service, free press, private airport shuttle service, car-hire and safety deposit boxes at the reception desk, daily laundry service and 24-hour room service.

The Hilton Sa Torre Mallorca features a spa, gymnasium, two tennis courts, two outdoor swimming pools - one of which is heated - with a solarium and a children’s swimming pool The Hilton Sa Torre Mallorca’s broad range of facilities and services makes it the ideal spot for holiday retreats as well as for hosting congresses and corporate incentive trips.

The Sa Torre Conference Centre, one of the resort’s signature offerings, encompasses ten meeting rooms, two board rooms and two banquet halls set in two adjacent buildings that offer services worthy of the Hilton Meetings brand. High speed Wifi internet access is available to guests everywhere

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The beaches in southern Mallorca 10 minute away) and shops in Palma (only 20 minutes away) are other appealing features of the zone.

The octagonal neo-Gothic church dedicated to the Virgin del Pilar on the grounds boasts a hexagonal apse and is larger than many village churches on the island.

It is thought to have been erected between 1841 and 1878. One of the main façade’s most breathtaking features is a statue of the Virgin Mary with two angels in attendance. The nave has remained in a perfectly preserved state over the years.

Spain-Barcelona

Barcelona attracts 5.1 million delegates in 25 years

Congresses, conventions and incentive travel in Barcelona has reached new highs with a total of 5.1 million delegates since 1984. Since being created 25 years ago, Barcelona Convention Bureau, a special programme in Turisme de Barcelona’s portfolio, has seen delegate numbers grow 1,291%. The 50,000 professionals that took part in meetings in Barcelona in 1984 rose to 695,902 last year. During this quarter of a century, the meetings business has generated some 20.1 million overnights.

Barcelona has become an international benchmark in terms of meetings tourism.

According to data from the International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA), the Catalan capital is the world’s second top city in terms of delegate numbers, only beaten by Vienna. Regarding the number of meetings, Barcelona comes fifth in the same ICCA ranking. In the last 25 years, this segment in Barcelona’s tourism sector has seen the meetings count jump from 150 in 1984 to 2,282 last year.

Delegates Meetings

1984 50,000 150

2008 695,902 2,482

ed an annual economic impact of 1,715.3 million euros last year, while 25 years ago that figure stood at just 18 million euros.

World Mobile Congress hit

An Oscar for Barcelona Vicky Cristina Barcelona, a Woody Allen film shot Barcelona in 2007, won an Oscar at last month’s glitzy Hollywood Awards, when Penelope Cruz became the first Spanish-born actress to win the coveted award.

More than 47,000 visitors from 189 countries attended the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last February, making it the leading event for the mobile communications industry.

The four-day conference and exhibition attracted key executives from the world’s largest and most influential mobile operators, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies and media and entertainment organisations, including more than 2,800 CEOs. The 2009 Congress featured 1,300 exhibiting companies and occupied more than 57,000 square metres of exhibition and hospitality space, a footprint 11 per cent larger than that of the previous year.

Nearly 2,400 international print, Web and broadcast media attended the event to

She took “best supporting actress” for her role in Allen’s romantic comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Cruz has also won a BAFTA award and other U.S. critics’ awards like a Golden Globe for her performance.

Economic impact (in million €) 1,175 Source: Barcelona Convention Bureau (BCB) Annual turnover of 1,715 million euros The meetings sector is one of principal building blocks in Barcelona’s tourism market. According to BCB, congresses, conventions and incentive travel generat72

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analyse and report on the many significant industry announcements made at the Congress.

"Barcelona has again been a tremendous host city for the Mobile World Congress,” declared John Hoffman, CEO, GSMC Limited. “We thank the city, Catalonia, Fira Montjuic and all our Barcelona partners for being such warm and efficient hosts.”

Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which also starred Javier Bardem and Scarlett Johansson, was part financed by Barcelona City Council to the tune of 1 million euros. City Mayor Jordi Hereu claims the investment has more than paid off, helping convert Barcelona into an international film set. Tourism in the city is also expected to benefit, thanks to the film.

In 2008 Barcelona was the location for 55 films, mini series and TV movies, and the city even has its own Movie Walking Tours so you can follow in the steps of Penelope herself at city locations like the Museu Picasso, the Port Olimpic, the Rambla, Santa Maria del Mar, la Pedrera, Park Guell, the Sagrada Familia or Tibidabo.

New airport terminal ready Barcelona’s Airport will be opening a new terminal for international and national flights this Summer, the T-1, designed as an international hub and service centre.

With a capacity for 30 million passengers, the new terminal has cost 900 million euros and many business and tourism leaders believe it will be a new driver for the local economy.

Barcelona Airport currently receives over 30 million passengers so when the T-1 comes online later this year, the city will take its place amongst Europe’s largest hubs. The terminal is huge, with a significant leisure, shopping and boutique areas for more than 70 shops, 40 bars and additional service companies, 43 fingers, over 90 gates, and a capacity for 90 planes an hour and parking space for 70 planes. AENA, Spain’s airport operator, says the new terminal will create over 3,000 jobs.

Turisme de Barcelona takes shareholding in Spanair A public-private consortium under the name Iniciatives Empresarials Aeronautiques has bought a majority shareholding in Spanair, one of Spain’s leading airliners. The company is a consortium including Turisme de Barcelona, Catalana d’Iniciatives, Fira de Barcelona and other leading business figures from the Catalan tourism industry.

The SAS group retains a 19.9% share in Spanair, whilst agreeing to take on the company’s debt. Spanair, part of the Star Alliance network, will now get a capital injection of 100 million euros. Jaan Albrecht, General Manager of Star Alliance, says: “Star Alliance will work with its partner, Spanair, on ongoing improvements to the hub in Barcelona, providing connectivity and taking full advantage of the new terminals that will be operational shortly.”

SAS will continue to manage Spanair operations through a business plan agreed with the majority shareholder. The idea is to make Barcelona a platform for future growth, harnessing the potential of the new terminal T1.

Spanair will also strengthen its position in existing routes and build its own profitable network with a larger international component, while efficiently exploiting its natural short haul markets in Spain in both the business and leisure areas. In 2008, Spanair’s turnover topped 1bn euros, with more than 10 million passen-

gers, 48 aircraft and a staff of 2,665 employees. The move is expected to boost Barcelona’s position as an international hub.

New hotel openings The WOW factor with a Mediterranean view Come this October, Barcelona will add a real jewel to its crown. W Barcelona, a Ricardo Bofill design will open its doors bringing a unique experience for trav-

ellers to the city. The hotel, which resembles a sail, sits majestically on Barcelona’s shoreline gazing out to sea.

Located just a stroll away from the worldfamed boardwalk area around Barceloneta, the seafood restaurants of Port Vell, and close to Barcelona’s Old Town (Ciutat Vella) and Las Ramblas, with its romantic cafes. W Barcelona will please and tease the senses with its 473 guestrooms, 63 Fantastic Suites and 3 Wow Suites and, wait for it, 1 Extreme Wow Suite. Needless to say the views are unbeatable, a 360? pan from sea-to mountain-to sea. Exquisite dining and 2,500 m2 of quality meetings facilities for large or small groups. Energizing W Barcelona does it all.

Suites Avenue, offers luxury

apartment

hotel

Barcelona now has its own luxury apartment hotel experience at the Suites Avenue. With its 41 highly-stylised apartments boasting everything the discerning traveller might need from personal trainer, a la carte dining, or hairdresser, this Derby group hotel’s facade has been designed by Toyo Ito. With the apartments on Passeig de Gracia located just opposite Gaudi’s Pedrera, the Ito design tries to capture Gaudi’s natural, organic lines in his own design, and the result is quite stunning.

near Gaudi’s Casa Battlo. This Grand Lux hotel boasts 98 rooms and suites, and meetings facilities for 40 pax.

With its exquisite restaurant-lounge, private gardens, exclusive spa facilities,indoor pool and terrace-top infinity edge dipping pool with unbeatable views over the city’s downtown, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is in a class of its own, not least because of its stunning, highly-styled contemporary interior design by Spanish born Patricia Urquiola.

Toyo Ito magic promises new Fira experience The undulating, crimson red walls of the Hotel Porta Fira make an impressive sight. In fact, the Toyo Ito-design is already an established part of Barcelona’s skyline. The hotel, part of the Santos chain, is due to open next October and promises to provide Fira de Barcelona visitors with a wonderful platform for their stay, especially since the hotel literally overlooks the Fira Gran Via trade fair. The hotel is just minutes from the airport and the centre of town. With 339 rooms and suites and a service designed to please the most demanding of travellers, the Hotel Porta Fira has ideal meetings facilities: a 780 m2 adaptable plenary hall which can be distributed into smaller breakout rooms, too.

Luxury Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group opens first Spanish hotel in Barcelona Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, a collection of luxury hotels, resorts and residences, will open their first hotel in Spain this autumn at a privileged spot at the heart of Barcelona on Passeig de Gracia Xenios

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Spain-Barcelona

Congress Calendar - Barcelona June 2009

November 2009

08 LOAIT '09-- 3rd Workshop on Legal Ontologies and Artificial Intelligence Techniques joint with 2nd Workshop on Semantic Processing of Legal Texts Barcelona Spain 12 Commitments on the Fringe of Institutions Barcelona Spain 17 World Innovation Summit: CleanTech Innovation Marketplace Barcelona Spain 22 Phacilitate Active Immunotherapeutics Forum 2009 Barcelona Spain 22 Phacilitate Vaccine Forum Barcelona 2009 Barcelona Spain

05 Mass Spec Europe Barcelona Spain 05 Proteomics Europe Barcelona Spain 05 European Biomarkers Summit Barcelona Spain 05 Advances in Metabolic Profiling Barcelona Spain 17 Water Utilities Europe 2009 Barcelona Spain 18 EMART Energy 2009 Barcelona Spain 19 6th International Congress on Vascular Dementia Barcelona Spain

July 2009

16 EL EXILIO REPUBLICANO DE 1939 Y LA SEGUNDA GENERACISN Barcelona Spain

01 Sixteenth International Conference on Learning Barcelona Spain 02 European Conference on COMPUTING AND PHILOSOPHY (E-CAP 2009) - Track IV: Computational Approaches to the Mind: Thoughts and Actions. Barcelona Spain 06 EDULEARN09 International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies Barcelona Catalonia Spain EDULEARN09 is an excellent opportunity to shareyour experiences in the fields of Education andNew Learning Technologies.

23 Third Workshop on Analytics for Noisy Unstructured Text Data Barcelona Spain September 2009

December 2009

Medical Congresses - Barcelona June 20, 2009 - June 20, 2009 Expert Practice in Breast Cancer Barcelona, Spain June 24, 2009 - June 27, 2009 ESMO International Symposium: 11th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer Barcelona, Spain June 26, 2009 - June 27, 2009 3rd Simposium de Psiquiatria Transcultural: Salud Mental en el Paciente de America Central y Caribe Barcelona, Spain

07 10th Trends in Nanotechnology International Conference - TNT2009 Barcelona Spain 21 EABIS Colloquium 2009 - The Role of Business in Society: Challenges and Issues for Global and Corporate Governance Barcelona Spain

June 27, 2009 - June 29, 2009 4th ESU Masterclass on Medical Treatment for Urological Cancer Barcelona, Spain

October 2009

August 29, 2009 - September 02, 2009 ESC Congress 2009 Barcelona, Spain

07 Metering Europe Barcelona Spain 29 Mediterranean Editors and Translators Meeting 2009 Translation, editing, writing: broadening the scope and setting limits Barcelona Spain

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July 20, 2009 - August 02, 2009 Seminar on Legal-Medical Issues Barcelona, Spain

October 16, 2009 - October 18, 2009 XIII International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (IWCLL) Barcelona, Spain

October 17, 2009 - October 17, 2009 Expert Practice in Genitourinary Malignancies Barcelona, Spain October 17, 2009 - October 17, 2009 Expert Practice in Hematology Barcelona, Spain November 01, 2009 - November 08, 2009 Predictable, Profitable, Minimal Stress Dentistry The Comprehensive Approach Barcelona, Spain November 12, 2009 - November 14, 2009 International Dermoscopy Society 2nd Congress of the International Dermoscopy Society Barcelona, Spain November 18, 2009 - November 20, 2009 ESCMID Conference on Enterococci: from Animals to Man Barcelona, Spain November 19, 2009 - November 22, 2009 6th International Congress on Vascular Dementia Barcelona, Spain November 25, 2009 - November 27, 2009 International Joint Meeting on Thoracic Surgery: 6th International Meeting on General Thoracic Surgery, 5th International Workshop on Surgical Exploration of the Mediastinum and Systematic Nodal Dissection, and 3rd Scientific Meeting of the Bronchogenic Carcinoma Cooperative Group of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery Barcelona, Spain November 27, 2009 - November 29, 2009 Embracing Excellence in Prostate, Bladder and Kidney Cancer Barcelona, Spain

Record attendance for IMEX 2009 IMEX 2009

Bloom told his closing press conference audience.

He continued, “A new sense of purpose applies to exhibitors too. Hundreds of people viewed our exhibitor training video in the weeks leading up to the show. As a result, many have been able to accelerate appointment numbers and consolidate buyer relationships in advance. We know this because we’ve received countless examples of positive feedback, with one exhibitor seeing a six-fold increase in appointment numbers simply by applying all the training we provided.”

Frankfurt, Germany, May 2009 - IMEX 2009 closed on a high note as Ray Bloom, IMEX Chairman, declared the show a remarkable demonstration of the determination and desire of the international meetings industry to overcome the challenge of the global economic downturn and shape a positive and reassuringly profitable future.

Well over 3,700 hosted buyers combined with more than 5,100 unique visitors attended the Messe Frankfurt show making a total of nearly 9,000 over the three days. Records were also broken by the number of countries represented - 157 – by the 3500 companies who exhibited at IMEX this year.

Feedback from exhibitors reinforced this confident mood. Neal Jones, Vice President Global Sales, Europe, Marriott Hotels International Ltd, said, “We look closely at our figures when planning marketing pushes such as IMEX and the value for money and return on investment guaranteed here is far greater than at any other exhibition. It’s a unique show offering pre-qualified visitors that really want to do business. This year seems to be busier than ever and there’s a great buzz around the place. The value of business that Marriott has achieved is now well into the millions so we are feeling very buoyant.”

Bloom also stated that the number of hosted buyers from long haul destinations had increased, notably from the US, Brazil, Russia, China and India. The result was an increased number of individual and group appointments and a significant rise in the amount of business being conducted between suppliers and buyers each day. “Our feedback this year in particular is that buyers have arrived more prepared than ever to do business, with specific dates, events, numbers and budgets to fulfil. This has greatly increased their return on time invested and has been noticeable in dialogue with exhibitors before the show as well as on the show floor over the past three days,” he added.

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Driving industry change Bloom also picked out the launch of Meetings for Success as another highpoint. “This new initiative (organised in collaboration with JMIC – Joint Meetings Industry Council) is designed to highlight the profit-boosting and morale enhancing benefits of meetings and incentives to corporate decision-makers, particularly at board room level. Together with the momentum already created through our Politicians’ Forum, Meetings for Success amplifies the impact and influence that IMEX and its partners can exert on stakeholders. It also complements other global initiatives, such as Keep America Meeting and Meetings Mean Business. Again, it shows that the meetings industry has great reserves of creativity and focus which strengthen it, and, importantly, these are quickly mobilised when circumstances demand a united response. We will be developing all of these initiatives, together with our new educational offering, Meetings Under the Microscope, over the coming months. Expect to see IMEX offering more online forums, webinars and other education and communicationcentred concepts later this year and into 2010.”

Online investment pays off Refinements to IMEX’s online diary and appointments system also paid off this year with over 50,000 appointments made over the three days. “There is no doubt that our investment in the IMEX online experience for buyers, visitors and exhibitors has made it quicker and easier for all groups to meet and do business together, and to plan their time far better in advance. The defining element of this year’s IMEX has been the degree to which individuals and companies have clearly come to Frankfurt determined to extract every last inch from the opportunities we have set out, be they educational, inspirational or, of course, business and networking related. Because this activity is online we can track it and manage it so much better and that degree of transparency and communication with all audiences has proved vital in shaping the show into what is has become this year,”

New IMEX Challenge Announcing new initiatives for 2010, Bloom gave details of a new “IMEX Challenge”. This new bi-annual corporate social responsibility event has been inspired by the efforts of Jon Bradshaw, IMEX Sales Manager, who cycled 3000 miles across Europe in 2008, raising over £20,000 for stroke charities. Bloom explained, “The IMEX Challenge continues our commitment to corporate social responsibility and will be a chance for all corners of the industry to come together to achieve something remarkable. Places will be limited and the first Challenge will take place in Poland in Autumn 2010.

More details will be announced later this year.”

Dedication to business Looking to next year’s IMEX, Bloom reminded his audience of the show’s excellent track record in delivering high quality buyers from all the important markets and assured them that this “backbone” would be reinforced even further over the coming months. “We are aware that quality must always be combined with quantity to satisfy our exhibitors and we will not lose sight of this. We plan to increase the number of alliances with partners, and in particular global associations who can bring active and valuable buyers to Frankfurt. We will also continue to push back boundaries and challenge the industry where we think more progress can be made, whether that’s in new ways to do business or fresh educational thinking. By continuing to invest energy, focus, passion and resources we will ensure that IMEX remains dynamic and exciting and that it evolves in response to market needs every year. Ultimately we all know that success is measured by the volume and quality of business that IMEX generates for buyers and exhibitors, and that is why they keep returning. Business is our mantra – and that will never change – regardless of a world that’s rapidly changing around us.“

Industry high achievers have their day as IMEX announces Academy Award Winners for 2009 Frankfurt, Germany, 28th May 2009 IMEX’s choice of industry high achievers and “most admired” colleagues met with rapturous applause last night as a series of Academy Awards, the JMIC Unity Award and the MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award were presented to winners at the IMEX Gala Dinner.

Four Academy Awards The IMEX Academy Awards are presented every year to outstanding individuals in four geographical regions who are judged to have served the meetings and incentive travel industry exceptionally well.

Each of the winners has to have achieved

Past President of AIPC and AIPC Academy Chair, Barbara Maple, was presented with the JMIC Unity Award 2009 for her outstanding contribution to the international meetings industry.

colleagues recognised how much Sanna had achieved through his work as Exhibition Manager for the Kenya Tourist Board. Flackett told guests that Sanna has become a well-known and extremely well-liked figure in the industry whose own popularity had helped to secure a stronger business reputation for his country.

MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award The joint IMEX- MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award has been modified this

JMIC Unity Award Throughout her career, Maple has played prominent roles within a number of national and international industry organ-

Europe Academy Award Winner Patrick Delaney, Ovation Global DMC with Ray Bloom, IMEX Chairman

JMIC Unity Award Winner Barbara Maple, AIPC with Leigh Harry, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. isations, including the Canadian Tourism Commission, Convention Centres of Canada, and Meeting Professionals International. Outside working hours, Gala Dinner guests learned that she has a passion for figure skating although few of her international industry colleagues knew that she achieved gold medals in figure, free skating and dance and has contributed to the sport in a teaching capacity and through developing skating shows. Maple also currently serves as a Board of Trustee with the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame as well as on the Vancouver Community College Hospitality Management Advisory Committee.

Previous JMIC award winners include Hans Friis, Executive Director of Brahler ICS AG last year, and Roger Tondeur, President of leading global association, communication and events management company MCI in 2007.

consistently high standards within their chosen profession and, in most cases, candidates are recommended by their colleagues.

This year’s Academy Award winner for the Americas region was announced as Eduardo Chaillo, Regional Director of the Strategic Business Unit for the US and Canada for the Mexico Tourism Board.

Chaillo is the former founder and Executive Director of the Mexico Convention Bureau and he also served as the Chair of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) North American Chapter.

Winner for the Asia and Pacific region this year was Liu Ping, CEO of Star Professional Programs in Beijing and Site Director in Asia and the Pacific region. Liu described winning the Award as an “absolute surprise and delight.” Liu Ping has already won several awards for her outstanding professional performance and colleagues often refer to her as a “genius in corporate management, market promotion and development.”

A third Academy Award was presented to Patrick Delaney, Co-Founder and CEO of Ovation Global DMC. Delaney took away the IMEX Academy Award for the European region based on his longstanding commitment to driving quality standards within the industry and doing so, according to IMEX Managing Director, Paul Flackett, “with more than a little Irish charm, good humour and infectious exuberance.”

The final African Region Academy Award was made to Joseph Sanna of the Kenya Tourist Board. Flackett explained that, in making this particular Award, judges and

MPI Foundation Youth Award Winner Miguel Neves, The University of Westminster with Katie CallahanGiobbi, MPI year and is now given to the winner of the international IMEX-MPI ‘University Challenge’ where students are judged on presentations given at various Future Leader Forums around the world. The final “challenge” took place earlier yesterday at the IMEX Future Leaders Forum.

University of Westminster student, Miguel Neves, was judged an outstanding winner of this year’s MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award. His prize includes travel, accommodation and registration fees to attend a global MPI conference of his choice.

He said, "My journey over the past year and a half has been truly amazing and I owe much of that to MPI and IMEX. I am close to completing a masters degree and I now have a job that I love which involves planning meetings and events on both sides of the Atlantic."

As judge Tom Hulton, IMEX Director of International Relations, explained, “The new format of this award really helps the students to shine and gives them a valuable and entertaining platform to get their enthusiasm and industry knowledge across. It is a delight to see so many young talents competing to enter the international meetings industry and this Award is an opportunity to reward an individual prospect who is especially strong and ambitious and who has that extra ‘spark’ that employers are always delighted to see.”

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the Spa experience

The Spa Experience A business traveler wants to minimize jet lag. A group of friends plans a birthday celebration. A man with back pain seeks relief.

A weekend warrior is sore from overexertion. A man decides to stop smoking. A busy executive wants to rediscover spirituality.

An obese man needs help controlling his weight. A couple wants to reconnect. Where can all these people go for help? A spa.

Today's spa is a center for healing and nourishing mind, body, and spirit. People go to spas for fitness, stress management, peace of mind, pampering and pleasure, and health and wellness. Spas offer a wide variety of techniques and services - traditional and modern, from the East and from the West - to meet the diverse needs of their clients: Swedish, Japanese Shiatsu, and Thai massage, European facials, acupuncture, Dead Sea salt scrubs, Moor mud wraps, thalassotherapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, microdermabrasion, endermologie, reiki, aura imaging, watsu, rasul, hypnotherapy, classes in nutrition, meditation, journaling, yoga and Tai Chi, state-of-the-art fitness centers with personal trainers, and much more. To understand and organize this overwhelming variety of spa offerings, the International Spa Association (ISPA) has defined the "ten domains of SPA" or segments of the industry as: 1. "The Waters" 2. Food, Nourishment, Diet and Nutrition 3. Movement, Exercise and Fitness 4. Touch, Massage, and Bodywork 5. Mind/Body/Spirit 6. Aesthetics, Skin Care, Natural Beauty Agents 7. Physical Space, Climatology, Global Ecology 8. Social/Cultural Arts and Values, Spa Culture 9. Management, Marketing, and Operations 10. Time, Rhythm, and Cycles Not every spa includes every domain. Spas come in many shapes, sizes, and focuses - from day spas where you can get a single treatment to destination spas where you can stay for a week or more to medical spas that treat cosmetic and chronic health problems.

Although spas seem to have sprung up overnight, that's not the case. "The Waters" can be traced back to early civilizations. Like water, spa popularity has come in waves throughout history.

Spas has accompanied cultures with leisure time. Social bathing was an important cultural process practiced by Mesopotamians, Egyptians, Minoans, Greeks, and Romans whenever they sought health and relief from their pain and diseases.

Homer and other Greek writers tell us the Greeks favored a variety of baths as early as 500 BC, from hot water tubs to hot-air baths, or laconica. From the small Greek laconica grew the Roman balneum and finally the extravagant Roman thermae (Greek word for "heat"). Before Emperor Agrippa designed and created the first thermae in 25 BC, the smaller, more numerous balneum had been enjoyed by Roman citizens for more than 200 years. Each subsequent emperor created thermae more spacious and splendid than his predecessor. The Diocletian bath could hold 6,000 bathers.

They were built all over the Roman Empire from Africa to England. The thermae later became a central entertainment complex offering sports, restaurants, and various types of baths. A typical routine might begin with a workout in the palestra, followed by a visit to three progressively warmer rooms starting in the tepidarium, the largest and most luxurious room in the thermae. Here the bather would stay for an hour or so while being anointed with oils. This would be followed by a visit to the caldarium with small private bathing stalls offering a choice of hot or cold water. A visit to the hottest chamber, the laconicum, would follow. Here the body was vigorously massaged and the dead skin scraped off with a curved metal tool called a strigil. The bathing ritual would end with a cool dip in 78

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the pool of the frigidarium. Refreshed and clean, the bather then retired to the outer areas of the thermae to relax in the library or assembly room.

As the Roman Empire fell, the Roman thermae fell into disrepair and disuse. The bath gained and lost popularity in different parts of the world - Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America - through the present day. Baths were often built near natural hot or mineral springs.

In the Renaissance era, Paracelsus' mountain mineral springs at Paeffers, Switzerland, and towns like Spa, Belgium, BadenBaden, Germany, and Bath, England, grew up around natural thermal waters considered to have healing properties. The use of saunas and steam baths also emerged.

As these springs and spas were discovered, forgotten, and rediscovered, the healing power of the water was often enhanced and formalized. In 1522, the first scientific book on the Czech Karlovy Vary treatment for disease was published in which a regimen of baths and drinking the waters of the springs was recommended. In the 1890s, Father Sebastian Kneipp developed holistic herbal and water therapy in the German spa village of Bad Worishofen.

With the medical discoveries of the early 20th century, scientific clinics and public hospitals replaced the spa. Existing spas responded by offering luxury accommodations, and many eventually turned into vacation locations or clinics that concentrated on weight loss, catering to the wealthy, with the spa origins obscured. In recent years, the value of prevention, healthy lifestyles, and relaxation has been rediscovered and the spa is again finding its place in modern society as a place uniquely qualified to address these needs. The wealthy no longer have exclusive use of spas. Spas now appeal to and are accessible to a much broader population.

Here are the results of the 15th World Travel Awards, voted by travel agents worldwide for some of the leading spa resorts in Europe.

The Atlantis - Dubai

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 La Reserve, Geneva Hotel Each day, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., in more than 2000 sqm, the Spa of La Reserve will offer you a personalised service.

With 17 treatment rooms, all dedicated to massage, personalised treatments and facials, the time has come at last for you unwind and to reinvigorate in beautifull surroundings.

Here, everything has been planned for your absolute wellbeing: state of art gym, indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, hammam, sun bed, hair salon... A heavenly retreat to relax and forget your daily woes.

301, route de Lausanne 1293 Bellevue, Geneve, Suisse tel. + 41 22 9595959 info@lareserve.ch

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

Bucharest

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 introducing new flights in other destina82

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tions of Romania in 2009, including Cluj also.

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

Cluj Napoca, Transylvania

the

pearl

of

The various cultural influences, which left their mark on Transylvania's history, made up an important cultural and historic legacy. With its variegated landscape

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 Cluj-Napoca 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: 10-11° 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 BucharestBaneasa Health: 51 hospitals, 370 health units, 58 polyclinics, 384 pharmacies Education: primary and gymnasium: 235 schools; high-schools: 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.

Meetings & Incentives Long famous for its medieval towns, Painted Monasteries, Danube Delta, and the spa resorts of the Carpathian Mountains and Black Sea, Romania is now taking its place as a major European meeting destination.

As one of the European Union’s youngest members, Romania offers a warm welcome to conventioneers from all over the

world, with an infrastructure to match the warmth.

The Universal Postal Union Congress (2004), the Francophonie Summit (2006) and the 2008 NATO Summit are the most prominent of the many major, international events successfully hosted by Romania over the past few years.

For decades, the major meeting destinations in the country were easily identified: Bucharest and Brasov. But today, many other cities—such as Sibiu, Cluj, Iasi, Constanta, Timisoara—have developed into meeting hot spots.

Poised on the brink of change, Romania is one of the last countries in Europe to maintain ancient traditions of village life that are still as colorful, festive and vibrant as they have been for centuries.

There is always another mystery to uncover, another cultural treasure to be discovered: Romantic castles and medieval towns filled with treasures of art and architecture, rare wildlife refuges and vast unspoiled land awaiting exploration, vineyards where distinctive wines awaken the jaded palate.

We are inviting you to discover, in the following pages, just a few of the many meeting facilities and incentive programs Romania offers today.

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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 86

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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

Radisson SAS Bucharest ing and banquet facilities are ready to 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

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.

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 meetXenios

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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.

which warm and bring the space near lodger's soul.

Rin Grand Hotel has 1459 accommodation spaces in apartments and rooms with 2 beds (standard and deluxe), elegant furnished with modern decor items

InterContinental Bucharest A MODERN LANDMARK IN THE MAIN SQUARE InterContinental Bucharest is one of the city’s favorite international high-rise hotels, a distinction owed to its ideal location, fine appointments and impeccable service.

Within walking distance are business and shopping boulevards, embassies and the Metro. The National Theatre, four significant museums, the old city and Cismigiu Gardens are just a few minutes away.

MEETINGS & EVENTS All function rooms are well known as ideal for gala dinners , exhibitions, conferences and seminars . All conference rooms are equipped with the latest technology.

5 Meeting Rooms 860.5m² / 9,262.34ft² of Meeting Space 8 Sales & Meeting Professionals On Site Largest Room Capacity: 600 Reception Style Largest Room Measurements: 23.5m / 77.1ft x 20m / 65.62ft (ceiling height = 5m / 16.4ft)

10m / 32.81ft x 3.66m / 12.01ft (ceiling height = 2.65m / 8.69ft) 856m² / 9,213.91ft² of exhibit space DINING CORSO BRASSERIE You’ll feel the pulse of Balcescu Boulevard while dining in Corso Brasserie, an energetic restaurant surrounded by a wall of windows. A full American breakfast with a live omelette station is featured in the morning, followed by a luncheon buffet laden with international and local specialties.

Things get a little cosier in the evening, with an appetiser buffet and an à la carte menu filled with delectable dishes such as the signature Shrimp Salad in Light Cocktail Sauce with Fresh Avocado.

MADRIGAL RESTAURANT Madrigal Restaurant may very well be Bucharest’s best genuine steak house.

The chef insists on the finest Argentinean beef, and his unique creations are always tender and juicy.

Smallest Room Capacity: 10 Boardroom Style Smallest Room Measurements: Xenios

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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.

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www.xeniosworld.com Vol. 13 No 1

29/3/2009

E-magazine & Guide for the MICE & Tourism Professionals

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DESTINATIONS

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