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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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11:30

Page 1

www.xeniosworld.com Vol. 13 No 1

29/3/2009

E-magazine & Guide for the MICE & Tourism Professionals

Xenios

exofillo mar 09c.qxp

DESTINATIONS

MEETINGS & INCENTIVES EXHIBITIONS HEAL TH & SP A RESOR TS

V ol. 13

No 1

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

C O N T E N T S New IMEX Meetings Under the Microscope

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ITTFA Welcomes Moroccan Travel Market and Vakantiebeurs

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Notos-Santorini

“Meetings are the solution not the 8 problem”

ABTA JOINS GROUP TO STAMP OUT TRAVEL FRAUD

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The Spa Experience Bloggers’ Summit attracts increased interest

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Focus on latest topics for travel managers and event planners: GCB seminars at IMEX

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( Athens, Crete, Cyclades, 27-84 Evros, Halkidiki, Kos, Rhodes, the Spa experience )

Destinations

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 1, Vol.13 F e b r u a r y 2 0 0 9 M a r c h 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

XENIOS TRAVEL MEDIA LONDON

Editors : Yulia Ivanovna, Konstantina Papachristopoulos, Thomas Paleologos (LondonAthens), Dimitris Loukas, Julia Ushakova( Moscow-Athens) Advertising Manager: Kostas Katsaros Production Manager: Othonas Bogris Printed in Athens GR & London UK

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Topics & News

New IMEX Meetings Under the Microscope International meetings industry exhibition, IMEX, is launching a new campaign to help planners deliver more effective meetings and events, and so generate greater return on their investment.

“Meetings Under the Microscope” will initially comprise a series of 10 workshops, each designed to give visitors a fast-track understanding of current meetings best practice and measurement plus an introduction to the behavioural science behind meetings planning.

Workshops will address topics such as meetings content and whole audience engagement; managing emotional states and the psychology of learning; meetings environments plus communications and preparation management.

The line-up of expert presenters includes Maarten Vanneste, author of “Meeting Architecture, A Manifesto”; Holger Scholz, IAF Certified Professional Facilitator and Jon Bradshaw, Human Performance Consultant, founder of Equinox Motivation and IMEX Sales Manager.

All participants will have the option to attend a final, extended teaching session when they will receive additional, free support materials including case studies and a comprehensive electronic handbook – in effect a Meetings Under the Microscope Diploma Pack.

All sessions will be provided free of charge and take place on IMEX’s new and dedicated Professional Development and Innovation Pavilion, sponsored by the Convention Industry Council.

Says Jon Bradshaw, “Now, more than ever, it is vital for organisations investing in meetings to feel confident their efforts will produce tangible benefits for months, if not years, to come.

Although there may be growing pressure on budgets, if anything expectations – and the need for results - are higher than ever. The better planners become at proving the true, longterm value of meetings, the more they will be able to influence budgets, strategy and senior internal stakeholders for the good

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of the business or organisation they work for. Our new Meetings Under the Microscope initiative will make sure that organisers are not overlooking the heartbeat of their events.”

This year visitors to IMEX will have a choice of the largest and most comprehensive number of seminars and workshops with more than 70 educational sessions, 19 of them in German.

The German Convention Bureau (GCB) in partnership with IMEX is also extensively marketing all German seminars under a new brand - ‘Innovision – Learning More Effective Meetings & Events’. This also reflects a new focus on the twin issues of innovation and creativity across the whole IMEX educational programme.

Several globally recognised speakers and thought-leaders will be running sessions in 2009 together with more dedicated association seminars than ever before. Futurist, analyst, researcher and humorist, Elliot Masie, who heads up The MASIE Center Think Tank and leads the Learning Consortium, a coalition of 240 Fortune 500 companies will be participating, as will Rohit Talwar, CEO of trends company, Fast Future, who will also examine how creativity can be exploited, especially when budgets are under pressure.

In addition, ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) and the Center for Association Leadership, PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) and IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers), in partnership with IPCAA (International Pharmaceutical Congress Advisory Association) & UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) are running their first ever member seminars, increasing the total of dedicated association seminars to nine from six last year.

For more information on IMEX’s extensive seminar and events programme visit http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/eventsandseminars.php IMEX 2009 will take place on 26th – 28th May at Messe Frankfurt. Register for free online at www.imex-frankfurt.com

Topics & News

ITTFA Welcomes Moroccan Travel Market and Vakantiebeurs ITTFA, the International Tourism Trade Fairs Association, welcomes two new members for 2009, MTM of Morocco and Vakantiebeurs, the Utrecht based event.

The shows join other prestigious market leaders in the tourism exhibition industry, including TUR, Gothenburg; MITT in Moscow and TTG Incontri, Rimini, whose aim, as part of ITTFA, is to promote the industry and raise standards.

Moroccan Travel Market is held in Marrakech in January each year and despite being a relatively new show, coming into its third year, it hosted over 260 exhibiting companies from 23 countries, attracting over 10,000 trade visitors at its show last month and looks set to develop further for next year. An excellent business platform, the fair is the ideal opportunity for all Moroccan and foreign tourism professionals to expose their products and services and meet fellow professionals, decision makers and buyers from around the world.

Enjoying a strategically important geographical position, situated between Europe and Africa, Morocco, through the Moroccan Travel Market, is the ideal link to facilitate the development of the North-South exchanges.

"ITTFA will help us open up internationally," said General Manager, Kamal RAHAL ESSOULAMI. " Admission to the ITTFA will consolidate our event's international standing and provide an opportunity for additional international exhibitors to reach Moroccan travel professionals. We look forward to sharing opinions and experiences with our ITTFA partners and to contributing to increased outbound travel bookings from Morocco for new international exhibitors."

Vakantiebeurs, on the otherhand, is a long established show, having held its 39th event in January at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht exhibition centre. Referred to as the leading event in the Benelux travel market, this year the show covered 88,000 m2, hosting 1633 exhibitors from

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 one of the primary goals of the Association as it strives to improve travel trade exhibition standards across all markets and help maximize the benefits for both visitors and exhibitors. The association continues to maintain, and demand, high standards from all its members as well as those seeking application and in so doing to strive for greater professionalism in the tourism exhibitions industry. over 160 countries with trade visitor numbers reaching 18,000, (in addition to 115.000 consumer visitors). According to research carried out by VNU Exhibitions amongst visitors during the show, the top European destinations are Italy, France, Spain, Scandinavia, Greece, and Germany, in that order with the Far East being the most popular long haul destination.

A well respected show in the travel trade exhibition arena, Vakantiebeurs has deservedly much to offer and ITTFA will indeed benefit from the experience and industry expertise of this long standing show.

Bart Strijker, Project Manager, comments, "Forging stronger relationships with ITTFA member shows and other major players in the international tourism trade fair industry will enable us to reach further into international markets, both established and developing.

We look forward to the benefits our membership will bring and to supporting the continued efforts of ITTFA to raise the exhibition industry's profile and standing, which is particularly crucial in these current times of economic downturn".

Tom Nutley, has been chairman of ITTFA since he helped to establish the association in 1992. "Growth markets are an integral part of the future development and success of travel exhibitions and I am delighted that we have this opportunity to build stronger relationships with Morocco, an exciting country with plenty of scope for development and growth.

These new growth markets are balanced by the traditional, strong European markets in which we have some excellent tourism trade shows. We warmly welcome Vakantiebeurs, a strong force in the tourism exhibition industry and look forward to working with this long standing and professional show. Encouraging new and improved relationships in the international tourism trade fair industry is a key objective for the association which will further enable all of our members to maximise the tremendous opportunities worldwide".

For details on these and all ITTFA member shows, visit www.ittfa.org.

Booking.com and Hilton sign global distribution deal Amsterdam, 23 February, 2009. Booking.com, a global online hotel provider today announced a distribution agreement with Hilton Hotels Corporation. Under the new agreement, Hilton’s worldwide portfolio of hotels will be available directly on Booking.com and via their network of over 4,500 distribution partners. Hilton properties will have access to Booking.com’s customer base of over 30 million unique visitors each month.

Gillian Tans, Director Hotels at Booking.com said “Hilton’s high quality brands are recognized globally and we are excited to offer them to our customers.

With Hilton hotels in 77 countries, we are eager to further develop this beneficial relationship as we continue our global 6

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expansion”.

Philippe Garnier, Senior Director, Distribution Sales at Hilton Hotels Corporation added “We are pleased to be establishing a strategic global partnership with Booking.com, an ideal partner to help us reach millions of additional travelers worldwide.

We trust that Booking.com will complement our distribution globally”.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center by Renzo Piano

The Board of Directors of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and the Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), a world-renowned architectural firm, revealed the concept design for the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), housing the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, both set within the Stavros Niarchos Park.

SNFCC is the first public-private endeavor of its kind with the Greek State and SNF is pleased to have formed a precedent setting relationship to create this new urban icon.

Inspired by SNF’s strong ties to Greece and enduring commitment to enriching the lives of citizens from around the world, SNFCC will honor Greek culture by enabling both Greek and global visitors to experience art, education, and green space.

State-of-the-Art & Environmentally Progressive SNFCC will be located at the Faliron Delta area in Athens, Greece and will include the latest in environmentally progressive, state-ofthe-art facilities.

In addition to increased exposure to the arts and access to green space, both physical and virtual guests will benefit from the technologically advanced library. RPBW also paid particular attention to the accessibility for people of all ages and special needs. In keeping with SNF’s and RPBW’s mission to create an emissions neutral facility, the project has been conceptualized with the highest standards of environmental sustainability.

A pivotal design element that will play a significant role in helping achieve this aggressive standard can be seen in Piano and his Building Workshop’s innovative roof– a series of interconnected photovoltaic cell panels which will cover the structure’s needs, taking advantage of the pure “green” solar and wind energy. SNFCC is also expected to receive LEED certification.

LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-ofthe-art strategies in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality.

“Athens’ First Port” Another fundamental attribute incorporated into SNFCC is the sea, which has played an important role in Greece’s history and culture. To draw in the sea’s sense of light, limitless opportunity and exploration, a canal will run parallel to the existing Espalanade.

Within the border of SNFCC, the canal will provide visitors a chance for family gatherings, activity, and relaxation, also playing the role of levee.

SNFCC is expected to open in 2015 and its construction will be funded exclusively by SNF with an approximate budget of 450 million Euros, pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding executed with the Greek State. A final agreement with the Greek Government describing the work was signed commencing the project. Once completed, the project will be turned over to the Greek State. The site is approximately 187,800 square meters.

Topics & News

MPI UNVEILS 2009 TRENDS FOR EVENT MARKETING IN EUROPE “Meetings are the solution not the problem” Meeting Professionals International (MPI) unveiled initial findings of EventView 2009 at their European Meetings and Events Conference in Turin, 1-3 March 2009.

Among Western European respondents, companies that measure are over two and a half times more likely to receive increases in their marketing budget than those that do not measure

The research shows that meetings and events provide the highest return on investment with 23% of respondents choosing event marketing as the discipline that provided the greatest ROI. Additionally, companies that measure ROI are over two and a half times more likely to receive increases in their marketing budgets than those that did not undertake any form of measurement.

62% of respondents state that they engage in some form of post-event measurement with 38% measuring to demonstrate marketing ROI

Commenting on the findings Bruce MacMillan, MPI’s president and CEO said: “These findings, more than ever, prove that meetings are the solution not the problem at a time when the industry is facing challenging times. Meetings continue to be a powerful marketing tool that can directly impact on a businesses bottom line. The fact that 43% of the marketing and sales executives interviewed in EventView 2009 chose event marketing as a discipline that best accelerates and deepens relationships demonstrates the value of our media. It is crucial for us, as the meetings and events largest and most vibrant global community, to equip our members with the solutions and appropriate tools to help them succeed and thrive.”

EventView 2009 is the largest and longest-running annual survey of corporate sales and marketing executives and is produced through collaboration between the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Foundation, the Event Marketing Institute (EMI) and George P. Johnson (GPJ). More than 1,000 senior executives and marketing managers in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific were surveyed via a telephone survey with the aim of illuminating the value and role of events in the marketing mix.

EventView 2009: Western Europe Initial findings 23% of respondents choose event marketing as the marketing discipline that provides the greatest ROI followed by public relations 19%

43% choose event marketing as the discipline that best accelerates and deepens relationships followed by public relations 25% Event marketing (30%) and Web marketing (26%) are the first marketing channels to benefit from an increase in the overall marketing budget; Events (28%) and print advertising (28%) are the channels first affected by a decrease 48% of respondents indicate that event marketing is considered along with other mediums and 25% characterise events as a vital component of the marketing plan; 11% say events are a lead tactic 13% of the overall corporate budget is dedicated to marketing with 26% of the average marketing budget spent on event marketing The majority of respondents rank the influence of procurement in marketing decisions as low with 21% of respondents indicating that the role of procurement/purchasing is increasing in their organisations 58% of respondents plan on implementing or have already implemented green initiatives within the event function; 48% are doing so as a result of a corporate responsibility mandate and report that these initiatives account for 15% of their event budget 33% of respondents say they will move from event marketing to experience marketing in the next 12 months; 23% already transitioned.

Barcelo Hotels & Resorts Signs Up for Commission-Free Online Distribution With AboutAnywhere.com - Barcelo Hotels & Resorts cuts online distribution costs and increases online booking revenue for its hotels in the Americas by joining, one of the world's top hospitality and travel companies with 34 all-inclusive hotels and more than 10,000 guestrooms in Latin America and the Caribbean, and operator of the world's only free online distribution network for the hotel industry, have entered into a strategic partnership for online distribution in the Americas.

This rapidly expanding Spanish hotel chain will be able to use AboutAnywhere.com's easy Free Hotel Profile tool. At absolutely no cost, hotels are able to upload as much information and media as desired, manage and update their profiles as often as necessary, and receive direct traffic to and bookings on their own hotel websites.

"We approached AboutAnywhere.com after reading about their new 8

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commission-free model in the press. The model just makes sense for the industry and is long overdue. The timing with the economy is just perfect as we are definitely looking for ways to reduce distribution costs. We are really looking forward to a successful partnership with AboutAnywhere.com," said Miquel Moya, Director of Costumer Relationship & Ecommerce.

"Barcelo's commitment to work with AboutAnywhere.com is confirmation that we are doing something right," said Ashwin Kamlani, CEO, AboutAnywhere.com. "We are extremely proud of the fact that the most prestigious hotel chains from all over the world are embracing our commission-free distribution model. The more hotels and hotel chains that participate with us, the more effective we will be in driving traffic and bookings, and in reducing distribution costs for the hotel industry. That is what will make us a successful company and the future looks very promising for AboutAnywhere.com and the hotel industry."

BTC 2009: a year for innovation

Topics & News

Market, renewal, corporate relationships: guidelines for the new exhibition manager Milano,24th February 2009 – She is one of Italy’s top meeting industry experts, and boasts years of experience in the sector’s most important firms: from this month, Gabriella Ghigi takes over as the new exhibition manager of BTC, the Meetings and Incentives Fair, organised by Exmedia, a company 95% owned by TTG Italia (Gruppo Rimini Fiera).

Gabrilla Ghigi’s arrival is not the only news from Exmedia at the start of this year: from February, the company’s head office has moved from Florence to Milan, at 74, Foro Buonaparte.

Paolo Audino, Exmedia’s CEO, explains: “This sector is the number one tourist segment in Italy in terms of turnover, with revenues in excess of 22 billion euros. This makes it a key tool for boosting the Italian economy. The events market seems to be suffering the effects of the crisis to a lesser extent than other sectors. Considering that Italy has not yet fully developed its potential in this field, this is an opportunity that should not be ignored, now more than ever before. As things stand today, BTC’s role as the marketplace for the meeting industry in Italy seems more strategic than ever, which is why we intend to ramp up our business even further, with a view to renewal and development”.

The person entrusted with boosting the business will, then, be Gabrilla Ghigi, who says: “The BTC will move forward with innovation in mind”.

The goals. When it comes to relationships with the market, Gabriella Ghigi intends to reinforce the guidelines that have been followed in the past, strengthening business opportunities, easing links between demand and supply, and bringing

BTC all of the innovation it needs in an increasingly wide-open, complex scenario.

“The meeting industry has changed a lot in the past few years: it’s taken on a more strategic role, new players have stepped forward; the target market has changed; professional roles have changed greatly; there are now more tools available; and competition has grown. Connections between supply and demand have been made easier by new modes of communication, while at the same time become more difficult due to the vast amount of information that we’re surrounded by. BTC, the Italian exhibition for this sector, would appear to have an even more important role in this context; but only if it is able to grasp and take on these changes and the changes that are still to come”. She continues, “From the point of view of our exhibition we will be continuing the upgrading projects that we have been carrying out in the past few years, and we will be researching new opportunities for approaching the market. It’s no longer enough to simply exhibit at a trade fair: now we need to launch new formulas to allow companies to give buyers a meaning experience. Lastly”, Ghigi concludes, “I’d like this year’s BTC to be a truly Roman experience. Buyers and exhibitors should be able to experience the city and not just the trade fair”.

From a corporate perspective, the utmost support will be given to activities carried out in recent years by IFT (Italia for Events), Federcongressi and Enit, bolstering and further developing joint projects with these organisations. “We’ll be seeing to discuss our new project, and will offer our support for working towards a common goal: to make this sector grow. BTC must become a tool that’s on hand for those who want to develop the meeting industry in Italy”.

The next edition of BTC will be held in Rome on November 5th-6th 2009,

MPI LAUNCHES NEW WEB RESOURCE TO EMPHASISE THE VALUE OF MEETINGS IN CRISIS TIME “We do not want draconian measures put in place that affect European jobs, communities and businesses” In light of recent developments in the United States whereby those companies who received emergency government lending from the US Government will be required to approve corporate meetings, events and incentive programme budgets, MPI has launched a new web resource www.MeetingIndustryCrisisCenter.org.

The resource has been developed to keep the industry aware of up-to-date information from both MPI and other supporting organisations, whilst importantly providing solutions and guidelines to address the issue.

“There is a perception that meetings and events need to curtailed. In our view, it is quite the opposite with meetings and events providing the solutions not the problem. Organisations that use meetings and events effectively will stay closer to their employees and customers, emerging sooner and stronger from the crisis,” said Bruce MacMillan, MPI’s president and CEO. He continues: “Despite challenging times, MPI’s recently unveiled EventView 2009 research showed that event marketing provided the greatest ROI compared with other marketing tools. That is good news for the industry, good news for companies investing in events and good news for our 24,000 members worldwide.”

MPI is also part of a coalition of organizations including American Hotel and Lodging Association, Destination Marketing Association International, International Association of Exhibitions and Events, National Business Travel 10

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Association, Maritz Travel, Professional Convention Management Association, SITE (Society of Incentive & Travel Executives) and U.S. Travel Association that also emerged to unify the industry behind a common message to regulators and media.

Companies affected by the regulations – many Global with European operations - include Citigroup, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, General Motors - owners of Opel and Saab Morgan Stanley, Capital One Financial and American Express.

Bruce Macmillan continues: “It is vital that governments recognise the importance of the meetings and events industry.

Our industry is responsible for 15% of all travel, creates over an estimated $200 billion in spending annually, generates nearly 2.4 million jobs and provides around $40 billion in tax revenue in the US alone.

“Regulations will undoubtedly affect those global corporates with offices in Europe and the way our European members conduct business. Our role is to provide our members with resources, tools and knowledge to be successful in this new environment.

“We will ensure that MPI and the meetings industry voices are heard loud and clear amongst any Governments’ and media considering restricting budgets. We do not want draconian measures put in place that affect European jobs, communities and businesses.”

Further information can be found at www.meetingindustrycrisiscenter.org and at www.mpiweb.org.

Topics & News

Hapag-Lloyd sale: TUI Supervisory Board approves change in participation structure of the acquiring company and additional credit facilities

The Supervisory Board of TUI AG discussed the sale of HapagLloyd in its extraordinary meeting held February 27th. The Supervisory Board approved a change in the participation structure of the acquiring company of Hapag-Lloyd AG as well as the lending of additional credit facilities for the Hapag-Lloyd Group.

TUI AG intends to increase its planned remaining stake in the acquiring company from originally 33.33 per cent to 43.33 per cent. In order to ensure the financial stability of the HapagLloyd Group following the ownership change, TUI AG is willing to provide additional credit facilities worth a total of up to 1 billion euros for a limited period of time at customary market terms and conditions. The deal will be closed in the twelfthcalendar week.

“Metropolitan Expo Athens” Exhibition and Convention Centre Access to METROPOLITAN EXPO

Metropolitan Expo Athens is the newest and largest Exhibition and Convention Center in Greece, located near the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" in Spata.

With a grand total of 50.000m2 indoor space, METROPOLITAN EXPO is the most modern and largest integrated Exhibition & Conference Centre in Greece.

The building complex comprises 4 spacious halls for exhibition events, 2 conference areas with a capacity of 600 attendees and provides to visitors all appropriate amenities and services with 2 independent entrances/lobbies/cloakrooms, 2 restaurants and 7 cafe kiosks as well as a fully equipped business centre.

Access to the Exhibition & Conference Centre is possible via all public means of transportation serving Athens International Airport (METRO, Suburban Railway and Bus services). Upon your arrival at the Airport, you can use the free of charge shuttle bus service which transfers you from the Main Terminal Building directly to METROPOLITAN EXPO. The shuttle bus station is located at the Arrivals level, opposite of Exit 2.

If you select to use your vehicle, the main access road is Attiki Odos heading towards the Airport. Leaving behind the exit for “Departures/Arrivals” drive straight ahead for a distance of 2km, following the relevant road signs towards “Exhibition Centre”.

Metropolitan Expo offers free of charge parking accommodation in two ample parking areas with a total capacity of 3.500 lots.

UK government chooses ADNEC's ExCeL London venue for prestigious G20 summit Commenting on the decision of the UK government to hold the summit at ExCeL London, His Excellency Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, ADNEC Managing Director said: "This is excellent news for ExCeL London and for ADNEC. The selection of ExCeL London as the host of the London Summit is testament to the venue's international standing as one of the premier meeting and events destinations in Europe."

Simon Horgan, ADNEC CEO added: "The decision to host G20 Summit at ExCeL London is a strong endorsement of ADNEC's development plans for the site. One of the reasons we acquired ExCeL London was so that Abu Dhabi could benefit from its standing as a premier international exhibition and conference venue, the G20 Summit is the latest in a long list of prestigious events to be held at ExCeL which result in a significant direct and indirect benefits to Abu Dhabi."

The United Kingdom Foreign & Commonwealth Office has announced that it will host the forthcoming G20 Summit at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company's ExCeL London venue in the UK capital.

The ExCeL London Summit will bring together leaders of the world's advanced and emerging economies, including the G20 (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States and European Union), and representatives of international financial institutions to work cooperatively to restore stability and stimulate global economic growth. Leaders will travel from around the globe to attend this crucial event.

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ADNEC acquired ExCeL London in May 2008 in deal valued at more than AED 2.3 billion. Since this time ADNEC has invested in the development of ExCeL London, beginning construction of Phase 2 of the venue which will see it increase to almost 100,000sqm of exhibition floor space. Additionally, ADNEC began the first phase of the brand integration between ADNEC and ExCeL London at last November's World Travel Market.

It is widely acknowledged that by developing a network of world-class venues, ADNEC will be able to serve the needs of an industry which is increasingly global in its outlook.

ABTA JOINS GROUP TO STAMP OUT TRAVEL FRAUD ABTA – The Travel Association has joined together with the Metropolitan Police Economic & Specialist Crime Unit’s Operation Sterling and other leading travel organisations to launch PROFiT (Prevent Fraud in Travel) - a forum that aims to stamp out fraud in the travel industry – on Friday 20 February at New Scotland Yard.

ABTA estimates that more than £10 million each year is stolen by fraudsters targeting the industry while the Office of Fair Trading believes around 400,000 British holidaymakers are hit by travel scams every year.

The travel industry is vulnerable to fraudsters on two fronts: those crooks that target businesses and those that target the public. PROFiT will primarily aim at providing businesses with tips and procedures to spot and avoid fraud.

This will benefit consumers by keeping down prices and prevent reputable companies from potentially going out of business. In addition PROFiT has five essential tips to consumers on how to avoid being scammed.

ABTA’s Top Tips for Travellers 1. Check the company is who they say they are and that they belong to a recognised body such as ABTA. You can check that a company is an ABTA member by doing a search on www.abta.com 2. Collect and keep all receipts for your holiday or flight. If your tickets or booking confirmations are not received well before your departure date, check with the company and its trade body 3. Check your money has been paid to the right company 4. Check out the company you are booking with and ask them what financial protection they have in place.

5. If an offer is too good to be true, it probably is. So check it out Gareth Thomas, Consumer Affairs Minister is supporting the police initiative and said: “I am very pleased that as part of its wider Operation Sterling initiative the Metropolitan Police has identified the travel sector as one which deserves special attention. When fraud does occur in the holiday sector, it can have a particularly devastating effect on consumers. I am also very pleased that those on the Forum who represent the travel industry are so willing to be

involved. I hope this close and collaborative relationship will prove highly successful in identifying and tackling the fraudsters before they can do their damage.”

Mike Monk ABTA Head of Finance said: “If we’re going to beat the fraudsters it is essential that all of us in the travel industry work together and with the police to share information and raise awareness with the public. The cost of fraud shouldn’t just be measured in terms of lost money but also in the misery and disappointment caused to the public when their dream holiday goes up in smoke. We have joined PROFiT to help us improve our procedures and to try and keep one step ahead of the criminals.”

Past examples of travel fraudsters scamming the public have included four criminals who ran a succession of bogus companies that advertised non-existent holidays. These companies subsequently failed leaving thousands out of pocket and without holidays. ABTA estimates that over 12 years this group alone stole in excess of £10 million to fund lavish lifestyles. After concerted efforts by founder members of PROFiT the culprits were finally caught and convicted in

2008 but their form of crime is still attractive to fraudsters and puts the industry and public at risk.

As well as consumers and travel companies, resorts and hotels can also be damaged by this type of crime. When fraudulent companies offer fictitious breaks at unreasonably low prices and then the plug is pulled hotels and resorts are left half empty.

Founding members of PROFiT include: • Association of Payment Clearing Services (APACS) • Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) • British Airways • Civil Aviation Authority • Davenport Lyons (on behalf of IATA) • Freedom Travel Group (Co-op) • Global Travel Group (GTG) • Hays Travel Ltd • Institute of Hotel Security Management • Metropolitan Police Service • Teletext Ltd • Travel Trust Association (TTA)

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Topics & News

ITB World Travel Trends Report Asian Travel Demand Slows, Bright Spots Remain Asia’s final outbound travel figures for 2008 and prospects for 2009 will be revealed in the ITB World Travel Trends Report 2009 to be presented at ITB Future Day, part of the ITB Convention, 11 March 2009 Berlin, February 2009 – As the final numbers on Asia’s 2008 tourism performance are tallied, preliminary results from different sources suggest that the winners in terms of inbound tourism included Indonesia with 17% and Macau with 10%.

Southeast and South Asia tied for best performing sub-region, with average increases of 4% each.

Yet the general trend for Asia, usually a star performer in

terms of both inbound and outbound international travel, was very mixed in 2008 due to rising fuel costs and surcharges.

Inbound international arrivals growth of 6% from January to June 2008 turned to a 2-3% deficit in the second half, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), as economic clouds gathered and the oil price hikes hit home.

2009 could be an even more challenging year. “In addition to Japan, which has been soft for a few years now, a number of other leading source markets for Asia suffered declines in outbound travel in 2008 that are likely to continue in 2009,” said Rolf Freitag, President & CEO of IPK International, founder of the World Travel Monitor, on which much of the ITB World Travel Trends Report 2009 is based.

Mr Freitag said continued economic downturns in Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan will hit travel across much of Asia, which receives around 70% of its arrivals from within the region.

“It is still possible that Asia could start to recover before the end of 2009,” said Dr Martin Buck, Director of the Competence Center Travel & Logistics at Messe Berlin, which commissions the ongoing research from IPK. “Initial findings in the World Travel Trends Report still point to a modest overall growth in outbound travel demand from Asian markets in 2009.

We expect short-haul travel to gain at the expense of longhaul demand. And if oil prices stay low, there could be another surge in low-cost flights in the region,” said Dr Buck.

Economic weakness in Asia has implications for the rest of the world.

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Japan is still the only Asian outbound travel market to rank among the world’s top ten source countries for travel and tourism. The Japanese made an estimated 16.5 million trips in 2008 – a 1.5 million drop on 2007. While China's official outbound trip count is much higher, at around 40 million, some 70% of these trips are to Hong Kong and Macau, special administrative regions of China. Non-Hong Kong and Macau outbound trips were 13-14 million, according to IPK. Official Chinese data says this was still 14% up on 2007.

Residual travel demand from China in 2009, despite rapidly slowing economic growth, will mean China remains a much sought-after source market this year.

Young consumers across Asia, not just in China, are becoming an increasingly powerful market for travel too. According to Dr Yuwa Hedrick-Wong, economic advisor, Asia/Pacific, MasterCard Worldwide, personal travel in Asia was seen as an item of luxury expenditure 10 to 15 years ago. An overseas trip was a rare treat for the average young consumer.

“This has now changed,” said Mr Hedrick-Wong. “Young consumers in Asia Pacific now typically see personal travel as a key activity in their lifestyles. Our research on consumer purchasing priorities shows personal travel ranking among the top discretionary spend priorities for consumers in the region. For young consumers, travel is not something they want to put off. Younger consumers in Asia would postpone buying a car, but not put off going somewhere for their next vacation,” he said.

More details on trends out of Asia’s source markets, and other emerging markets around the world, will be available from the ITB Berlin Message, the annual event held during the ITB Convention on ITB Future Day, Wednesday 11 March. In the Message, IPK’s Rolf Freitag will present final tourism results for 2008, with an update on prospects for 2009 – all of which will be published later the same month in the ITB World Travel Trends Report 2009.

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

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

lift the economy, as well as the spirits.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2008 – A successful year for the convention metropolis Berlin With growth rates of up to three percent last year, the outcome of the stocktaking by the meeting and convention industry sector in the German capital is definitely positive Between January and December last year 104,600 events with approximately 8.15 million participants were staged in Berlin.

This corresponds to a rise of three and two percent, respectively compared with 2007. There has been a substantial rise in bed nights, too. Participants and organisers in the convention industry spent 4.7 million nights in Berlin in 2008 (+5%).

These are the results of the latest convention statistics of the Berlin Convention Office (BCO) of Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH (BTM).

Burkhard Kieker, CEO of BTM, “Berlin has succeeded in concluding the year 2008 with a positive result despite the major, global economic downswings in recent months. Berlin scores points with meeting and convention guests for its unique flair, unusual locations and excellent hotels – at rates that are simply unbeatable.”

(+5%) and 2.5 million participants (+2%) (2007: 13,800 business meetings with 2.45 million guests).

The convention statistics once again confirm the excellent conditions for convention and meeting organisers in the German capital. 161 meeting hotels, alone, offer very high standards and excellent value for money. Furthermore, the numerous unusual locations also play a key role. 135 venues in this category make 278,500 square metres of meeting space available.

They were well booked in 2008 with around 14,500 events

In Berlin the average meeting length increased slightly (1.7 days) between January and December 2008 (2007: 1.6 days).

The number of events in the six convention centres and halls in Berlin also increased. They chalked up 2,500 events (+4%) and 850,000 participants (+4%) in 2008. For the International Congress Centre Berlin, 2008 was its best business year so far.

Bloggers’ Summit attracts increased interest in line with the growing impact of social media on the tourism and hospitality industry Berlin, 02 March 2009 – Now in its second year, the Bloggers Summit Workshops being organised in the context of the PhoCusWright@ITB conference (a highly successful part of the ITB Convention for the past three years) looks like becoming one of the most popular events of the upcoming ITB Berlin show – and not just for technologyfocused delegates.

“The reasons for this are all too evident,” says Dr Martin Buck, Director of the Competence Center Travel & Logistics at Messe Berlin.

“Travel, tourism and hospitality are being dramatically impacted by social media. And there is a never-ending list of options related to this that each travel industry marketer needs to understand and leverage – including blogs, user-generated content, YouTube, Facebook, Google Connect, Twitter and more.”

The Bloggers Summit Workshops, which will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 11 March from 14:30, in Hall 7.3, Europa Room, will include a panel of social media experts who will present and debate their top social media trends for 2009. Audience participation is expected to add insight and controversy to the discussion. The first workshop on ‘The Top Social Media Trends for Travel & Tourism’ will conclude with the panel choosing the top three social media trends which companies need to prioritise in their 2009 sales and marketing plans.

The second session of the afternoon, entitled ‘From Theory to Reality, Putting the Trends to Work for Your Organisation’, will 18

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again feature a panel of experts who will discuss and debate each of the top three social media trends for travel, tourism and hospitality sales and marketing professionals selected in the previous workshop, and will highlight ways of implementing them into one’s own organisation.

“Knowing what the trends will be for the next year is one thing, but putting them into practice is a totally different matter,” said Bruce Rosard Vice President, Sales and Marketing for PhoCusWright, discussing the event with ITB’s media team. “Everyone in the audience will have the opportunity of learning from the experts on the panel as they challenge them to show delegates how to achieve successful results.”

The PhoCusWright Bloggers Summit Workshops will be presented by Tips from the T-List, with publisher Stephen Joyce – who is also CEO of Sentias Software – moderating the sessions. Among the other prominent tourism technology experts making up the two panels will be Kevin May – Editor, Travolution’s Blog, www.travolution.co.uk/blog, Klaus Hildebrand – FVW Editor in Chief, www.fvw.de/blog, Darren Cronian – Editor, www.Travel-Rants.com, and Martin Schobert – CIO, Austrian National Tourist Office, www.blog.austria.info More details about the PhoCusWright@ITB events are available online at www.itb-convention.com/phocuswright where advance bookings can also be made. The participation fee for the whole PhoCusWright@ITB conference is EUR 350, which covers all the sessions, snacks, lunch and a cocktail reception following the event.

3rd SUMMER HOLIDAYS EXPO 2009 Topics & News

May 28 – 31 in Thessaloniki

This year, the major exhibition on summer holidays opens its gates once again in Thessaloniki.

The event will be held from May 28 to 31, at the same time as the International Book Fair, at HELEXPO premises.

It is the top event of its kind and rewards participating modern tourism enterprises with direct results, as their direct communication with consumers, during the peak period of summer holiday planning, transforms their aspirations into tangible results.

• New clients…

• Dynamic, direct sales…

• Substantial upgrade of quality communication with the consuming public…

• Excellent achievement of professional goals…

These are just some of the experiences of enterprises – exhibitors that participated in previous events.

On its third anniversary, SUMMER HOLIDAYS EXPO has already become an institution.

This institution has won a special place in the heart of the modern tourism industry.

It is self-evident that being absent from SUMMER HOLIDAYS EXPO 2009 means being absent from the greatest celebration of summer holidays, which will take place in the presence of

the most dynamic part of the consuming public, who will • Participate…

• Check…

• Plan…

• Dream…

And, of course, organize their summer holidays in cooperation with top sector professionals.

OPENING HOURS Weekdays 17:00-21:00 Weekend 11:00-21:00 Project Manager Ms Chrisa Krassa Tel.:+30 2310 291 293, 2310 291 188 Fax: +30 2310 291 656, e-Mail: summerholidays@helexpo.gr

Athens International Airport awards airlines for their development in 2008 The annual Airline Marketing Workshop, organised for the ninth consecutive year by Athens International Airport (AIA), was highlighted by the airport’s awards presented to the airlines that recorded the highest passenger development in 2008.

As every year, the 9th Airline Marketing Workshop was a unique communication opportunity for the Airport Company and the airlines. This year’s event attracted 180 airline representatives and dealt with issues such as the 2008 market overview, the current situation of the global economy and its impact on the aviation industry, viral marketing, and Athens as a tourist destination.

On this occasion, Athens International Airport presented special awards to the fastest growing airlines for 2008, in the categories of geographical region, thin route, best performing newcomer, best seasonal and best of the top-10 airlines.

The airline awards as per respective category were the following: Best Performing New Airline Award Vueling was awarded for recording in 2008 the highest passenger traffic numbers, among all newcomers that launched scheduled operations in 2007.

Best of the TOP-10 Airlines Award 20

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easyJet was awarded as the overall fastest growing airline operating at AIA in 2008, among the 10 airlines that recorded the highest passenger traffic volumes.

Fastest Growing Airline in a Thin Route Award Air Malta received the award for achieving the highest percentage annual passenger growth in 2008.

Fastest Growing Airline / Seasonal Routes Award Air Lingus received the award for achieving the highest percentage passenger growth in the summer period of 2008.

Fastest Growing Airline Award per geographical region (Highest percentage passenger growth, 2007 - 2008) -Air One was awarded as the fastest growing airline for Western Europe.

-Aegean Airlines was awarded as the fastest growing airline for Eastern Europe.

-Gulf Air was awarded as the fastest growing airline for the Middle East.

-Delta Airlines was awarded as the fastest growing airline for America.

-Aegean Airlines was awarded as the fastest growing airline for the domestic region.

-Egypt Air was awarded as the fastest growing airline for Africa.

- Aegean Airlines was also awarded for presenting the highest passenger volumes increase at Athens International Airport in 2008 AIA’s 9th Airline Marketing Workshop, was held at the Athens “Little Palace Theatre”. This year’s guest speakers were Messrs Olivier Jankovec, Director General ACI-Europe, Panos Tagios, Managing Director Adstream Hellas and Panagiotis Arkoumaneas, Managing Director, Athens Tourism & Economic Development Company.

Topics & News

THE POWER OF NETWORKING @ GIBTM The meetings, incentive, conference and events (MICE) industry places considerable importance on networking events to deliver new contacts and business.

Recognising this GIBTM, taking place at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi from March 31st – April 2nd 2009, has organised three events around the theme of ‘The Power of Networking @ GIBTM’ ensuring that exhibitors, Hosted Buyers, visitors and sponsors have several opportunities to participate in social and business networking events during and after the show hours in the evening.

The events start with an Icebreaker reception for to Hosted Buyers and VIP guests, that will be held on the evening prior to GIBTM, 30th March, sponsored and hosted by the Hilton Hotel Abu Dhabi.

The GIBTM Opening Night Welcome Reception in association with meetme and hosted by ADNEC takes place on Tuesday 31st March, as a grand welcome to all participants attending the Gulf’s largest event dedicated to the Meetings Incentives Conferences Events (MICE) market.

On Wednesday 1st April, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and The Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers play hosts to the Gala Evening Reception. Entertainment and networking in the hotels gardens and pool area will enable guests to cement business relationships made at the show in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

Commenting on the networking opportunities Graeme Barnett, GIBTM’s Exhibition Director comments: “The event has a reputation of providing the very best networking opportunities for exhibitors, Hosted Buyers, visitors and sponsors. We recognise the importance and value of the industry coming together in less formal surroundings, away from the show floor, to socialise and ‘do business’.

Registration for Hosted Buyers, visitors and press is now open.

Log onto www.gibtm.com

LEADING GLOBAL HOTEL GROUPS CHOOSE GIBTM ‘TO DO BUSINESS’ With less than one month to go GIBTM - the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (www.gibtm.com) - has attracted some of the world’s leading global hotel groups.

The event takes place in Abu Dhabi from 31st March – 2nd April.

Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts, Hilton International, Jumeirah, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Marriott Hotels International and Leading Hotels of the World have all recognized the importance GIBTM plays in maintaining, developing and attracting regional and international business by signing up to participate.

Thorsten Meir, Managing Director, Worldwide Leading Group Sales, on the importance of GIBTM to the hotel groups comments: “Leading Group Sales is a long standing supporter of RTE’s meetings industry shows and we strongly believe that GIBTM will continue its successful development. It is an ideal mixture of a region/destination which is more and more requested for meetings by buyers both internationally and from the region.

We have increased our stand compared to previous years as more of our hotels followed our recommendation to participate. With RTE’s classical and proven concept of carefully qualifying buyers for pre-scheduled appointments we are looking forward to a successful show.”

Commenting on GIBTM’s location in Abu Dhabi and its importance to the Region, Mr. Selim El Zyr, President & CEO of Rotana said: “We are very pleased that Abu Dhabi is hosting an important exhibition such as GIBTM, which will hugely assist in developing MICE tourism. We have always been very active with the 22

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promotion of our MICE properties and our participation at GIBTM will assist us in further developing this sector and showcasing our products and offerings.”

As well as some of the world’s top hotel groups, the show has attracted the ‘world of meetings, incentives, conferences and events’ from national tourist offices and convention bureaus to airlines, cruise lines, the industry’s leading associations and the best new technology products and services.

This year sees an increase in Gulf representation. Exhibitors – representing both new and returning include King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Etihad Airways, Dubai, Qatar Tourism & Exhibition Authority, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority,Travel Connnections Arabia, Oman, Gulf Air, Energy Cities Alliance, ApartmentStay and ESP Recruitment.

This growth highlights the importance Gulf exhibitors are placing on a show that they know delivers a quality audience, enabling them to showcase the best the Gulf has to offer.

Other international exhibitors that visitors can expect to ‘do business’ with include new signing Costa del Sol, Singapore Tourism Board, Seoul Convention Bureau, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Egyptian Tourist Authority, Turkish Airlines, Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board, Rendezvous Italiano and South African based event marketing consultants Drewe Associates.

Graeme Barnett, Event Director commented: ‘Now in its third year, GIBTM is gaining a reputation, as EIBTM has achieved in Europe, in delivering an event that successfully matches exhibitors with Hosted Buyers and visitors. The best business, best professional education and best networking message is making its mark in a region that is recognising the importance and value of the meetings, or MICE industry as it is often referred in the region.”

Visitor and Hosted Buyer registration is now live. Please visit www.gibtm.com http://www.gibtm.com/register for further information.

DTCM HOLDS JOINT MEETING OF HOTELS AND TOURISM COMPANIES Topics & News

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) organized a joint meeting of Hotel and Hotel Apartment Group and Travel and Tourism Group at the Jumeirah Emirates Tower Hotel to discuss a wide range of issues relating to the emirate’s tourism industry.

The meeting was chaired by DTCM Director General Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem and attended by senior officials from DTCM and Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Department of Civil

Aviation (DCA) in addition to representatives from the two groups.

The meeting discussed issues relating to the tourism industry in the emirate and ways to strengthen the industry and better coordination among various government organizations to attract more visitors to the emirate.

The meeting discussed ‘Rediscover Dubai’ programme that will be jointly conducted soon by DTCM and Emirates Airlines in association with hotels and tour operators. The familiarization programme will bring 2000 tour operators and media representatives from various parts of the world and help the efforts to promote Dubai in established and emerging tourism outsource markets.

The meeting also discussed various promotional and marketing campaigns that DTCM is taking in certain markets.

The RTA officials – Mr. Nasser bu Shahab and Mr. Abdul Malik Ibrahim- briefed the participants about various projects and initiatives of the authority and answered queries raised by them.

DCA official, Ms. Hannan Al Mazim, briefed the participations about various programmes and responded to queries concerning a variety of issues relating to the tourism industry.

Largest Arabian Travel Market seminar programme planned for 2009 Reed Travel Exhibitions, the company behind Arabian Travel Market - the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event running this May in Dubai, UAE - has announced that it will be increasing its seminar programme for 2009 to better facilitate high-level discussions on countering the harsh trading conditions incumbent in the current economic climate.

“TTN is very pleased to sponsor Arabian Travel Market’s successful seminar programmes once again for 2009. These programmes provide excellent insight to the regional travel business relevant to MENA and provide the opportunity for the travel trade to interact with leading industry opinion makers,” said Kim Thompson, Publishing Director, TTN Middle East.

This year’s seminar programme will include up to 16 free-toattend sessions, with more than 25 industry leaders speaking over the show’s first three trade-only days. The sessions will cover a wide range of key industry issues such as the rise of spa tourism, maximising business opportunities in the growing Middle East cruise industry; the outlook for the Gulf’s MICE industry and the future of air travel in the Middle East.

Registration for the seminar’s can be made through the show’s website www.arabiantravelmarket.com

Destination and company sign-up for the Arabian Travel Market 2009, which is running at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 5-8th May, is picking up pace, with organisers confirming that space bookings are up this year, over the same period last year.

“The current economic climate is generating some of the most severe operating conditions the travel & tourism industry has ever faced. We firmly believe that discussion, debate and examining solutions are going to be essential factors in the sector’s recovery, and this needs to begin happening sooner rather than later,” said Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

“Based on demand, we have decided to enhance Arabian Travel Market’s seminar programme for 2009. We have been in discussion with exhibitors, travel bodies, organisations and the media to develop a seminar programme and speaker line-up that tackles those issues most critical to our future success. As a free-of-charge initiative, I strongly advise our exhibitors and visitors to make the most out of these sessions.”

Adding its weight to the seminar programme again this year is Travel & Tourism News (TTN), who will be Media Seminar Programme Partners. Under the sponsorship, TTN, one of the Middle East’s leading industry magazines, will add high-level consultation on the programme, speakers and session development.

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To date, more than 400 exhibitors representing 62 countries have signed up for the show, with more than 30 exhibitors making their debuts. In addition, the exhibition has seen steady overall space uptake by nearly 60 national tourist bodies representing six continents, including new-to-market showings from Mozambique, Philippines, Ecuador and Slovenia.

Reed Travel Exhibitions recently confirmed that it would expand its Hosted Buyers programme to 150 top international, first time participants for 2009 – up from 120 last year – to foster greater business interaction.

In addition, its also announced that a host of other initiatives will take centre stage in 2009, including Careers Day - which will enable meetings between exhibitors and public with a keen interest in working within the industry or developing an existing career - and Travel Agents Day – which is designed to foster the latest top-class travel and tourism education among travel agents.

Arabian Travel Market 2009 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 DTCM. Visitor registration for Arabian Travel Market 2009 can be done through the show’s dedicated website on www.arabiantravelmarket.com/registertoday

Conceptours is proud to present a new Theme Party "MAMMA MIA!" Topics & News

Your clients will live the Mamma Mia! Fantasy at a Greek Island Scenery for the party of their life!!

Decor The entire area is transformed using scenic decors and props to reproduce and emphasize the feeling of being on a typical Greek island.

Taverna chairs & tables with blue plaid tablecloths; candle lit lanterns and special lighting to reproduce the feeling of being in an island taverna.

All guests will be handed to wear Greek island caps white for the ladies and blue-black for the gentlemen ABBA Band Throughout the event, a band will entertain guests singing the most famous songs from the Abba collection as well as a wide range of international repertoire ENTERTAINMENT A musical extravaganza set to the classic ABBA tunes 3 Dancers-Singers present a lively show, integrally related to the music theme of Mamma Mia! Their costumes and choreography transfer the perfect feeling ! but there is more to come . . . . . . A number of "local patrons" seated at one of the tables and enjoying their wine, become merry and one of them gets up to dance . . . then his "friends", one by one, join him in Zorba dancing and encourage guests to join in on Greek island-style merriment.

An unforgettable night continues on . . .

Focus on latest topics for travel managers and event planners: GCB seminars at IMEX Frankfurt/Main, February 2009. Visitors of this year's "IMEX incorporating Meetings made in Germany" will again be able to enhance their expertise in 15 free German-speaking seminars organised by the GCB German Convention Bureau, which is also offering a lecture in English. In one-hour workshops topnotch speakers will talk about specific topics from the fields of business travel, marketing, event planning, and "green meetings" during the GCB Seminar Days "Innovision - Learning More Effective Meetings & Events" from 26 to 28 May 2009 at Frankfurt Fair.

Optimising business travel costs and sustainable business travel management "Travelling Smarter - priorities for effective travel management in the economic crisis" is the topic of Martina Eggler's workshop on Thursday, 28 May, from 09.30 to 10.30 a.m. As Vice President Strategic Sales & Account Management, Marketing Central & Eastern Europe with Carlson Wagonlit Travel Martina Eggler has detailed knowledge of the business travel segment.

Given that all companies will be focusing especially on business travel costs this year, the seminar will be dealing with questions like: Which areas should one concentrate on to monitor and further optimise travel costs in 2009 - especially in this unstable economic environment? What other areas are there, apart from immediate travel costs, for optimising the corporate travel programme? How important is a travel directive especially now? What impact will the economic situation have on planning meetings & events? "Now is the time to emphasise the value of an effectively managed corporate travel programme - this is an opportunity business travel planners should benefit from" says Martina Eggler.

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Also on Thursday, 28 May, from 3 to 4 p.m. Torsten Kriedt will be discussing "Corporate Social Responsibility - sustainable travel management". The background of this discussion is once again the ailing world market and hence cost pressure on business travel. The speaker, who is among other things a member of the sustainability commission of the German Travel Management Association (VDR) will be looking into the question whether buzzwords like "sustainability", "CSR" and "green" now also play a role in corporate travel management.

The seminar seeks to offer both context and practical advice on how to integrate sustainability in an effective and cost-neutral manner when planning business trips. "Even if we have to save, it is possible to find the right balance between people, costs and environment," explains Torsten Kriedt.

Marketing strategies for the growing target group of senior consumers The generation of the over-50s - aka 50plus - is ever more willing to spend, which makes it the marketing target group of the future. Andreas Reidl will explain this on Tuesday, 26 May, from 4 to 5 p.m. in his seminar "Boom factor 50plus - marketing in times of demographic change". "In tomorrow's marketing one must identify the trends, consumer preferences, purchasing motifs, product and service preferences of consumers aged 50plus," points out Reidl. "The purchase decisions of the 50plus generation are decisive for the success of many companies in a wide range of industries," says the owner of the first agency for senior consumers marketing in Germany and lecturer for "Marketing 50plus" at Georg Simon Ohm University in Nuremberg. For detailed information on all topics and speakers visit www.imex-frankfurt.de/seminars.html.

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.

East Macedonia -Thrace

Kavala & Thassos, Unlimited choices Myrtofyto, Eleochori, Almyra and Kariani beaches. A little further is Nea Peramos with the magical Ammolofi (Sand Dunes) that count among the most beautiful beaches of Greece.

In this case quality is all that matters …! Visitors experience and enjoy all four seasons here. They learn about the history of Philip and Alexander the Great, follow in the steps of Apostles Paul and Silas and

providing traditional hospitality, local delicacies and home-made liquors, to a vivacious nightlife with dozens of clubs vibrant with voices, music and juvenile liveliness.

The Prefecture of Kavala can

Nea Iraklitsa is another wonderful fishing-village with marvelous sea. Those who have a speedboat must not miss the opportunity to explore the sea caves of Fidonissi and Panagia.

For visitors approaching Kavala, the organised beaches of Palio, Tosca and Batis are also fascinating. Kavala City has clean beaches suitable for swimming. Kalamitsa and Rapsani are within the town limits and offer breaks to cool off during one’s touring. The beaches stretch along the eastern side of the Prefecture. Here, one can meet the unique Ammoglossa of Keramoti where the sand stretches for a long distance inside the sea.

All the organised beaches of Kavala Prefecture are located in close proximity to fishing villages or just a few meters from them. Those settlements offer modern accommodation amenities. If anyone wishes to go for a midnight swim, they can then combine it with having fun in areas that offer entertainment facilities all around the coastline of the Prefecture.

WELL-KEPT SECRETS

revive the baptismal of Lydia, the first European Christian, at her baptistery.

They can travel to another world by strolling through Ammolofi (Sand Dunes), while refusing to abandon its seashores. In every area of Kavala Prefecture, there is something different that enchants passers-by.

Modern and traditional features alternate so harmonically that one may suddenly find themselves from traditional settlements in a noisy town with numerous commercial centres.

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live with exaggerations, bring differences into relief and stand out. For many centuries, it has been the centre of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and therefore all roads, either from the land, air or sea, lead here..

NEVER-ENDING SUMMER VACATION One hundred kilometres of swimmable beaches. Beautiful fully organized sea shores with numerous hidden creeks can be a paradise for any group of people. Starting from the west, one comes across Ofrynio, Sarakina,

Kavala is famous for its fishtaverns.

Unique pictures are displayed in the town’s Ichthyoscala (Fish-pier), with the fishing boats unloading their fish and selling it on auction. When someone wants to savour their own catch, the entire bay of Eleftheres and many other seaside areas will not disappoint the “ambitious” anglers, and the fishing-items shops all around the Prefecture’s seaside areas provide all the proper «accessories» of a good fisherman.

Should the heat be too much to bear, one could begin a magical journey from Eleftheroupoli and Chryssoupoli to the mountains and their villages and embrace nature in all its majesty.

Culinary specialties such as

local goat kid’s meat satisfy the most demanding visitors, during their mountain hike.

Should one have a craving for tsipouro or wine, the picturesque fish-taverns of Nea Peramos or Nea Iraklitsa are the best suggestion.

Here people cultivate their own vineyards while keeping the secrets of good wine and tsipouro preparation well and safe. For dessert, one may taste the famous courambie (sugared buns) of Nea Karvali and syrupy sweets based on recipes handed down by the refugees from Asia Minor.

Thassos Island Full of light. Amazing, numerous, world - famous, sandy beaches. Evergreen natural landscapes. White marble.

Memories and traditions. A land paradise. A genuine enjoyment. A binding promise of enjoyment.

Thassos, the island that offer a unique view. The island that attracts, day and night.

Thassos is the greenest island of Aegean. And this is being accepted by each visitor. With the pine that reaches as the wave and with the olive that covers each free ground. Place with blessed guts, full of minerals, but also with a sea full of oil, as Prinos, constitutes the last thirty years synonym of Greek oils.

From the most famous islands of Greece, Thassos, belongs in the Prefecture of Kavala. The northerner island of Aegean, is found in distance of 8 kilometers opposite from beach of Eastern Macedonia, in small distance from Keramoti and Nestos river. It has total extent 380 kilometers and 14.000 inhabitants. The taller point of island, is Ispario with height 1.127 meters. All around there are magnificent coasts.

The climate is healthy. The summertime with the winds and the winter in Thassos is soft. The market complete, capable to satisfy all the requirements.

CULTURE Many cultural events are organized mainly during the summer. One of the top festivals of Northern Greece is the Festival of Filippi that lasts from July to September and includes theatrical performances and big concerts. The International Festival of Cosmopolis takes place in the Old Town of Kavala and is an excellent opportunity for anyone, to become familiar with world wide cultures, through dancing and musical groups, traditional cuisine, cinema, exhibitions and a colourful street bazaar with kiosks of participating countries.

Giannis Papaioannou’s Festival covers classical music and jazz. It includes concerts and seminars for students and professors from conservatoires all around the world. In Keramoti, the municipal campsite hosts the festival of «Plai sto Kyma» (Close to Waves) where great stars of Greek modern music appear on stage.

The festival «Ilios ke Petra» (Sun and Stone) is of a folkloric character and it is held in Nea Karvali’s «Akontisma» with the participation of traditional dancing groups from all around the world.

One can also attend other remarkable cultural events such as «The secrets of the swamp» festival in Filippi, «Laiko Panigiri» (Popular Feasts) in Chryssoupoli and many concerts in Nea Peramos within the wonderful venue of «Anactoroupolis».

Apart from its own productions, the Municipal Regional Theatre of Kavala hosts some remarkable theatrical events from Athens and Thessalonica during the «Theatrical May» events. Theatre, concerts, book presentations and fine arts exhibitions justify Kavala’s title as the cultural centre of the region.

VISIT… • Panagia, which is the Old Town of Kavala , and wander

around its narrow lanes. Have a stop at Faros (Lighthouse) and let your eyes contemplate the Aegean Sea. • The wonderful traditional settlement of Eleftheroupoli with its mansions.

• The traditional settlements in Nikissiani, Messoropi and Moustheni.

• The Municipal Museum of Kavala that is housed in a neoclassic building and admire the hall of the Thassian sculptor Polygnotos Vagis. In those halls one can revive moments of the town’s history.

• The Tobacco Museum, where rare photographs and documents of commercial transactions and machinery of that time are exhibited.

• The Town Hall of Kavala and all neoclassical buildings of the town designed by great European architects, which reflect the wealth of Kavala in times that the trade of tobacco flourished.

• The Archaeological Museum of Kavala and admire the collections of prehistoric articles and excavation findings from Neapolis and Amphipolis.

• The Archaeological Museum of Filippi where articles from the prehistoric settlement of Dikili Tas (Stand Stone), as well as from the Hellenistic, Roman and Paleochristian town of Filippi are exhibited.

•The Castles of the Prefecture. Visit the Castle of Kavala with its original and subsequent fortifications. Moreover, the Acropolis in Filippi towers over

the archaeological site, offering a unique view. Up on Mount Paggeo, the Byzantine Castle of Paleochori (Vranokastro) seems to contemplate the world. The Byzantine Anactoroupolis (Palatial Town) of Nea Peramos and Apollonia Tower open to an exquisite view to the horizons of the Aegean.

EXPERIENCES With an altitude of 1956 m., Mount Paggeo is an excellent choice for those enchanted by mythology and history. It is from here that Alexander the Great drew a large amount of gold that was used for his conquest of Asia.

Many people choose organized mountain hiking pathways that start from Nikissiani, Avli, Moustheni and Messoropi, to live close to and marvel the unique chestnut, oak and forests full of chestnut, oak and beech-tree forests.

You can reach the ski resort that lies on the mountain top, through an asphalted road. There is a mountain refuge there, and half way up one will find Dassiko Chorio (Forest Village), an ideal place for many-day or weekend excursions. One of the five most important aquatic biotope of Europe is also found in Kavala Prefecture: the Delta of Nestos River. Herons, cormorants and flamingos add colour to this paradise. The big forest of Kotza Orman, (Great Forest), is one of the few remaining forests, a habitat of rare fauna and flora. The Thermal Baths of Eleftheres provide cures to rheumatological and gynaecological diseases, constituting a pole of attraction for thousands of visitors. This area offers an important choice for curative tourism. Moreover, the Mud Baths of Krinides with their miraculous mud help combat rheumatological diseases, arthritis, skin and gynaecological problems.

Mount PREFECTURE OF KAVALA Tel: +30 2510291115 Fax: +30 2510 291287 e-mail: tourism@kavala.gr www.kavala.gr

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Western Macedonia -Thessaly

Special forms of tourism in Kastoria

Agrotourism Agrotourism, that is currently developing in the region, can offer unique experiences to its visitors. Getting to know the agricultural activities, local products, the traditional cuisine and the everyday life of natives gives another dimension to a trip. The visitor can admire the landscape and feel the joy of discovering and adventure.

Local agricultural products are known for their top quality: beans are cultivated in all the settlements of the prefecture, in two brands: the white ones and the colored ones. They have strong antioxidant qualities and very rich taste. The brand of GigantesElephantes has been classified as Protected Geographic Mark products.

The unique climate of the region highly contributes in making cultivated apples very sweet, crispy and resistant.

They are also classified as Protected Geographic Mark products. Edible wild mushrooms are collected from the humid, sunless and leeward woody slopes, the ravines and valleys of the Grammos and Vitsi Mountains or they are cultivated.

Their top quality is partly due to the climate of the country as well as to the lack of acid rain. In the mountain forests of Kastoria, 800 metres above sea level, chestnuts offer their extremely nutritious fruit. On the slopes of the mountains and the ravines, there are three different varieties of walnuts: the soft, the semi-hard and the hard ones.

The long tradition of the region in cheese making is still going on, providing various types of cheese with special taste and top quality.

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These types of cheese are classified as PDO products.

Feta cheese, kasseri (hard cheese), cephalotyri and cefalograviera are made of high quality milk from sheep and goats living in the alpine pasturelands of the prefecture of Kastoria.

Sport Tourism The facilities of two ski centres serve the needs of the ever-increasing fans of winter sports. The ski centre of Vitsi is at the borders of the Prefectures of Kastoria and Florina, 22 km from the city

of Kastoria.

Located 1.610 m above sea level, in a unique landscape with picturesque settlements, dense beech forests and rare fauna and flora, the ski centre has 3 lifts and 5 slopes. All slopes have a common starting point and they are served by the same lift.

The central slope is 1000m long, the side north-eastern one is 2.500m long and the side north-western one is 1.300 m long.

The ski centre of Vigla (Pisoderi) is at the junction of the Varnountas and the

Vernos ranges, … km from Kastoria. Its 5 lifts and 10 slopes cover the needs of a large number of skiers of all skill levels. On the top of the ski centre, the view to Prespa Lake is really fascinating.

Rowing Rowing is closely associated with the life of the city, since many national and international watersport events are held in the lake.

The associations dealing with water sports are the following: the Marine Club of Kastoria (N.O.K), the Rowing Club of Kastoria (K.O.K.) and the Marine Club of Mavrochori (N.O.M.).

Sport Activities in the River and the Lake • Boating in the lake with a canoe-kayak or a small sailboat • Rafting in Sarantoporos river • Rafting in Nestorio. Descent from the Aliakmonas River springs.

Photography The natural beauty of Kastoria and the alternations of the landscape over the seasons offer multiple stimuli for amateurs as well as professional photographers.

The sites that are highly recommended for shooting are the following: • Tsardaki, Prophitis Elias • “Balkoni” site in Petra region (between Dispilio and Kastoria) • Psalida • Lake (for shooting birds) • Grammos (for shooting wild animals and forest landscape) • Sidirochori • Aliakmonas – Nestorio www.kastoria.gr e-mail: nakast@otenet.gr

Larissa: Tourism for all Seasons high and steep rocky slopes.

This area has a great aesthetic and ecological value since a lot of birds such as storks, horn-owls, kingfishes live in it.

THE AESTHETIC GROVE OF MOUNT OSSA

The Prefecture of Larissa stretches 5,381 km2 and borders on the Prefectures of Pieria and Kozani in the north, on the Prefectures of Fthiotida and Magnisia in the south and in the east is washed by the Aegean Sea for approximately 70 km.

48% of the terrain of the Prefecture is in a plain, 25% of it is semi-mountainous and 27% of it is mountainous.

The plain of Larissa is very new in geological terms.

The basin was formed in the Middle Pleistocene Age (about 210,000 or 45,000 years ago) while one half of the plain has been formed in the last 8,000 years.

MOUNTAINS The high mountain ranges in the north part of the Prefecture constitute one of the main morphological features of it.

Mounts Carvounia, Titanon, Olympus, Low Olympus, Ossa, Mavrovouni, Fillihio, Halkodonio or Kinos Kefale, Narthaki or Kassidiaris, Titanio or Dovroutsi and Oxia constitute the natural borders of the Prefecture.

The eastern part of the big Thessalian plain stretches among the mountains.

The Thessalian plain contains the low part of the valley of Pinios river as well as the valleys of Titarisio and Enipea tributaries.

In this way the plain of Larissa is formed; the plains of Tirnavos and Xirias that are situated in the area of Elassona come after the plain of Larissa.

In the north stretches the plain of Farsala and towards the Aegean Sea the plain of Agia.

THE STRAITS OF KALAMAKI Penios river flows through this ravine. It is considered to be a region where a lot of predatory birds live such as vultures, royal eagles and Buteo rufinus.

THE AESTHETIC GROVE OF THE VALLEY OF TEMPI This recreation grove is a large area of the valley of Tempi between the mountains of Low Olympus and Ossa and has

In this area, there is the forest complex of the northeastern side of mount Ossa that starts on the sea-level and finally reaches Prophet Elijah (1,980 m) which is its highest peak. This forest is a real ‘Botanical Garden’ since the propitious environmental and weather conditions of the area and particularly the high rate of rainfall, which is due to the eastern winds, favor the existence of numerous vegetable species.

There is a great variety of vegetable species and biotopes where the vast forests of beeches and fir-trees alternate with small mountainous meadows while on top of it there is a bare rock.

The Holy Metropolis of Larissa and Tirnavos Thessaly has been well-known for being the birthplace of the Greek religion and culture according to the Greek legends and mythology since ancient times.

On November 4, 2004 the Metropolis of Larissa celebrated 1680 years since 324 A.D., the year when Saint Contantinos the Great proclaimed it an Episcopate.

It is worth mentioning its significant contribution to the foundation and preservation of the Orthodox Christian faith and tradition.

About 25 or 35 episcopates were subject to the jurisdiction of the Metropolis of Larissa. The extent of its power is easily estimated if it is taken into account that today many of these episcopates belong to Thessaly not only geographically but also ecclesiastically.

The metropolite of Larissa has been metropolite of Larissa and Tirnavos since 1734.

Number 1471 and 1472 codes of the National Library of Greece provide valuable information about the procedure that was followed for the election of the bishops that belonged to the Metropolis of Larissa in the 17th century. www.tourismlarissa.gr E-mail: info@tourismlarissa.gr

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Rhodes

Rhodes in the Forefront of Professional Tennis “Big” Surprises are to be expected, from the organizers of the international professional men’s tennis tournament ATP Challenger tour, Aegean Tennis Cup with prize money $ 125,000 that is taking place in Rhodes Tennis Academy from 27th April 2009 until the 3rd of May. The management of the event is already in contact with big names of world tennis for the participation in the event. Their effort is finding ATP as an ally since for the first time this year the month of April is welcoming more hard surface tournaments with the addition of Rhodes and Johannesburg.

The organizers (sporting events ltd of Mr. Petros Kypriadis and Anastasios Hatziliamis) agreed with the company Team Pro, member of the TFF group in order for the latter to take over the commercial part as well as the advertising campaign of the tournament.

At the same time the upgrading and renovation works of the Rhodes Tennis Academy are reaching final point. As a matter of fact a central court is planned taking into consideration all aspects and standards of ATP for major tournaments. More information is uploaded in the website including 3d images of the academy.

The Aegean Tennis Cup is the biggest professional men’s tournament that is going to take place in Greece the past 15 years and also one of the greatest events in the region of East Mediterranean.

Inspirer of the Aegean Tennis Cup is businessman Petros Kypriadis. “The tournament is a private initiative that targets to attract people from all over the world to the island of Rhodes and to create the infrastructure and conditions for the establishment of an even greater ATP event in the future”, Mr. Kipriadis revealed.

The tournament will take place in the athletic center “Kalipateira” on the outskirts of Rhodes town, where the 5 new hard courts exist in the Rhodes Tennis Association. Works of modernization and refurbishment of the establishments have already started.

It is worth mentioning that the organizers are delivering to the athletes apart from a very rich hospitality package (even for the players that lost during the tournament) the potential of practicing in any surface court they want in order to prepare for their next challenges.

THE STORY BEHIND THE EVENT Thematic or theme tourism and especially coaching and athletic tourism are in the top of the priority list in our country, but without the private initiative, the development rate of such kinds of tourism would not be adequate and with the planning and implementation just like the international competition implies.

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

The plan for the preparation of the Aegean Tennis Cup 2009 that follows has as its main target the development of Tennis in Rhodes and the Dodecanese Region and has the full support of the Rhodes Tennis Club, which will have a lot of benefits in terms of improvement of the existing courts and of course promotion in national and international level.

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Rodos Park Suites & Spa Hotel 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.

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

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

Spectacular, luxurious and adventurous

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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RODOS PALACE A world of Meeting Hospitality

Rodos Palace! A meeting place that combines the efficiency of an internationally acclaimed Convention Center with a capacity of 4800 delegates in 20 distinct meeting rooms and 100 adjustable break-out rooms and the pleasure inherent to a deluxe Resort Hotel of 785 rooms and suites together with a dedicated Executive VIP Wing and the new 200 Luxury & Garden VIP Pool Suites to create synergies.

Bracing this combination, the experience borne of more than 2500 conferences, incentives and exhibitions held in Rodos Palace grants you the assurance that the venue chosen is capable of delivering what it promised. After all‌ these have been the main keys of success of a World of Meeting Hospitality just waiting to welcome you.

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

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

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

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

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Rhodes

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

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neither ticket in the cultural events nor payment for the artists. The Town Hall covers the expenses of going and stay of the participants. Symis Festival has to do with several cultural activities like classical and modern music concerts, dance, thetre, cinema, literature evenings, conferences. All these manifestations take place in buildings with traditional architecture of 17th, 18th, 19th century like the famous manor house of Chatziagapitos, the courtyard of Saint John and the monastery of Panormitis.

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

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

Rhodes

A world-class Sporting Destination Ialisos attracts Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Sailing events Rhodes Windsurfing Academy In the northwest extremity of the island of Rhodes, Ialisos beach, with the lush fields and the hill of Filerimos in the background, is a prime example of natural beauty both in terms of landscapes and in terms of the quality of the marine environment. This coastline has come to be acknowledged as one of the most favored destinations for Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Sailing fans, due to the high level of safety and in the light of wind conditions favoring such practices in the area.

The wind and wave directions, which are generally stable and, direction-wise, predictable, are almost invariably to bring one towards the shore. These northwesterly winds, known as “meltemia�, blow in this zone between March and October, although their peak time is in high summer.

Since 1992 Ialisos has been host of National and International Windsurfing events. Rhodes Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Sailing Academy, founded and created by a Greek National Team Windsurfer and official Sailing and Windsurfing trainer: Achilleas E. Tzimas GRE - IIII 44

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Sport Events in Ialisos Host of the I.F.C.A. 1992 World Championship Organizer of the:

Future Events 2009: FORMULA WINDSURFING EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

P.W.A. World Cup 1997

2010: FORMULA WINDSURFING GRAND PRIX

Greek National Championship (Funboard) 1998

2011: FORMULA WINDSURFING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

King of Rhodes Freestyle and Slalom 1998

2012: FORMULA WINDSURFING GRAND PRIX Followed by Aegean Odyssey by Windsurfing (a challenge for the best international athletes to participate in the event, to be included in the course of the "Olympic Flame")

Greek National Championship (Funboard) 1999 King of Rhodes Freestyle and Slalom 1999 Formula Windsurfing Grand Prix 2002 Formula Windsurfing Grand Prix 2004 Formula Windsurfing European Championship 2005

More info at: www.rwa.gr www.ialisos.gr E-mail: info@rwa.gr

Within the town of Ialisos, there are also such sport facilities as football and basketball stadiums, tennis courts, a newly constructed Olympic size swimming pool and a multitude of facilities for water sports along the beach.

Horseback riding in the wooded countryside of Ixia, not far from the hotels of Ialisos town. Let yourself get the riding spirit, guided by experienced coaches.

Take a ride!

The Filerimos hill is suitable for alternative sport activities, such as uphill car-racing, trekking, off-road mountain-biking and bike racing.

Ialisos Municipality Ialisos (or Trianda), birthplace of Olympic Heroes, a site of amazing sunsets and a hub of tourism, conferences, religion, culture, clubing and sports. It used to be one of the three great ancient cities of Rhodes, which together with Lindos, Kamiros, Kos, Knidos and Alikarnasos formed the Dorian Exapolis (six-cities federation).

The area was first settled by the prehellenic tribe of Kares, followed by the Phoenicians.

Tradition has it that the town of Ialisos, acquired fame thanks to the Olympic Champion Diagoras. Ialisos took part in

the Athenian wars until 412 BC. In the Middle Ages, the area came under the rule of the Knights of the Order of St. John, authors of many monuments and buildings. Ruins of the Acropolis of Ialisos, witness the existence of a once grandiose Dorian temple, dedicated to Goddess Athena (Minerva) and Dias.

Today the municipality of Ialisos is a popular cosmopolitan resort.

The modern hotel units of Ialisos, in the zones of Trianda and Ixia play host to thousands of guests all through the year - holiday makers, conference attendees and business people, with peak times between March and October. Guests enjoy the sun, sea, water sports, beach soccer and beach volley on the organized beaches, to mention but a few of the many opportunities for leisure available on the waterfront. Ialisos beach is one of the most favored international destinations for Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Sailing fans.

Nights are full of light and excitement, thanks to a multitude of coffee shops, bars and Greek Tavernas, in the center of the towns of Trianda and Ixia, catering to all tastes. Traditional Greek hospitality is combined with the scenic delights of the region and an abundance of archaeological sites.

On the green slopes of Filerimos one can visit the monastery of Virgin Mary as well as the ruins of the ancient acropolis. Moreover, visitors may enjoy

the natural beauty of the landscape and the unique view on the sea while trekking, horse riding or mountain-biking. The neo-classical houses, Byzantine churches, and the numerous residences and fortified mansions dating from the Knight’s era in the area, are of special interest.

Arrive to Ialisos, Rhodes

By Air Rhodos is well-served by direct scheduled and charter flights. It is one of the favourite destinations in Mediterranean sea with Tour operators word- wide and in the height of the season as many as 120 flights may arrive on the same day.

During the high season there are 6 Olympic Airlines and 4 Aegean Airline flights between Athens and Rhodes every day. There are also flights to Cos, Karpathos, Kastellorizo, Mykonos, Santorini, Iraklio Creta, Thessaloniki.

By Sea Large ferry boats operate between the ports of Piraeus and Rhodos every day.

The boats usually stop at the islands of Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos and Cos. The trip takes approximately 12 hours.

Details of arrival and departure times should be checked on the spot and from The Harbor police station.There are also ferry services from Rhodos to other Dodecanesse islands and Crete.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Halkidiki

Halkidiki, Greece’s secret paradise!

Boundless blue … endless sandy beaches and beautiful shores in over 550 km , awarded with 32 blue flags .

Deep green … fragrant pine trees embracing the waves , a smell of resin and salt sea air. A unique combination in the Aegean ! Halkidiki , a fertile place, rich in flora and animal life , colours and scents , fertility and harmony . Silvery olive groves , golden fields of grain and endless vineyards produce rich harvests .

An unspoiled natural paradise that harmonizes tradition with modern life.Aristocratic mansions , fine hand-made textiles , exceptional local cuisine and wine , ancient legends and popular songs , festivities and feasts enriched by 2.500 years of history .

Olynthos, Akanthos, Afytos.

Potidea : powerful ancient cities whose walls were built by the colonists from Eretria.Stagira : the birthplace of Aristotle where he lived and taught. Petralona: a cave of stunning natural beauty, sheltering the renowned “Archanthropos (ancient man) of Petralona” who lived 250.000 years ago.

The cape of Poseidi : the most ancient sanctuary of Poseidon, with the dog face fairies. Kassandra : the peninsula named after the Macedonian King Kassandros, brother-in-law of Alexander the Great. Sithonia : the peninsula named after the son of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea .

Ouranoupolis, Nea Focea, Sani, Toroni, Galatista: towers of rock and stone, magnificent jewels of the Byzantine era .

Nikiti: ancient Christian churches with their characteristic architecture . Ierissos and Nea Potidea: where martyrs suffered under the Turkish domination. Athos : monasteries which are real fortresses built on the tempest-lashed rocks of Mount Athos , ramparts standing firm against the impious intruder . Shady and tranquil gardens, refuges for contemplation and meditation, silence that sharpens hearing, harmony. Unique holy images and church treasures.

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Today's Halkidiki : a wide choice of hotels, offering luxury and comfort , a casino and blue flag awarded marinas , spas and shopping centres, fully equipped conference halls, good food and wine, beach bars and clubs .

International festivals, cultural events, popular celebrations, local feasts and in addition to that countless opportunities for exercise and entertainment . Modern facilities for tourists accompanied by top quality services that the people of Halkidiki know how to provide without sacrificing the region's special character.

BLUE FLAGGS 2005 With 34 awarded beaches and 2 marinas with the BLUE FLAGG for the year 2005, Halkidiki reached the 2nd place in Greece for its clear waters. The programm BLUE FLAGGS awards a certification to the beaches, according the following criterias: clear water and beach, degree of the organisation of the beach, safety of the visitors and the active environmental protection of the nature. More specifically for the year 2004, the above BLUE FLAGG certification was awarded to 32 beaches and 2 marinas in Halkidiki.

Kassandra A real heaven on earth, with incomparable natural beauty, clean seas, perfect beaches (most of which are awarded every year with a "Blue Flag" by the EC), beautiful forests, prehistoric, ancient and Byzantine monuments, tradi-

tional villages and modern tourist resorts - this is Kassandra, the first "prong" of the Halkidiki peninsula and the closest to the city of Thessaloniki.Kassandra extends from northwest to southeast.

The Canal of Potidea connects it to the mainland . It is 50 km long and 15 km wide at its widest point. The highest hilltop is 353 m from the sea level. The coastline is famous for the clean beaches, the picturesque capes, and the green hills, where the trees reach up to the seashore.

The Gulf Toroneos or Kassandra washes its east coastline and the Gulf Thermaikos the west. At the south end of the peninsula is the cape Kanastreo or Paliouri , from where the Aegean Sea extends, and at the west end the cape Possidi or Kassandra.

The climate is healthy

Mediterranean . The whole of Kassandra offers the visitor, besides the endless variety of beaches, unequalled environmental diversity, where the scenery changes continuously between beautiful beaches, hills and pinewoods, overwhelmed by the sweet smell of resin and thyme, incomparable beauties!

The variety of its settlements is also admirable. Small churches, old monastery properties, traditional settlements combine harmonically with modern holiday houses and big hotel complexes, with every imaginable facility.

Kassandra is full of life. Its 44 villages and settlements house more than 13.000 permanent residents and hundreds thousands of visitors in the summer.

It has wonderful hotels and other tourist centres, nightclubs and entertainment facilities to provide the visitors with every comfort. It is a worldwide famous modern holiday resort. Most villages and settlements are on the coastline, built on beautiful beaches. Others, like Kassandria , are in the mainland of the prong of Kassandra. Fresh fish is one of the famous delicacies of our region. The visitor can enjoy this delicate gastronomic delight at picturesque little taverns or modern restaurants. Furthermore, the oil, the olives, and the honey are of the finest quality and the demand for them from all over Greece is high. Our agricultural products, as well as the local Kassandra wines,

specially the wine from Mendi , are famous since the antique years.

which are delicious and of the highest quality.

Sithonia Sithonia is the middle peninsula - "second prong" - of Halkidiki. It extends between the Gulfs Toroneos and Siggitikos and ends south at Cape Drepano . It is mostly a mountainous region with beautiful forests. The coastline is full of little gulfs with picturesque bays, capes, white, sandy beaches with wonderful turquoise, blue and green, shallow and warm waters, surrounded by thick pines and shiny grey rocky formations. It is less developed than Kassandra and offers the visitors quieter vacation close to nature on some of the most exotic beaches in the whole Aegean Sea area The region is famous for the magnificent honey it produces (Nikiti is the biggest honey producing centre in Greece), but also for the oil, olives, fish, wine, grapes and cheese,

Athos It is the third and most special peninsula of Halkidiki , also known as Agio Oros ( Mount Athos ). The part of the peninsula, where all visitors are allowed, includes the Gulf Akanthios, from the border of Mount Athos and upwards, as well as the northern coast, which is washed by the Gulf Strymonikos.Agio OrosFar away from the rest of Macedonia and the whole world as well, there is a natural and spiritual paradise with a special glory and magnificence, namely the eastern peninsula of Halkidiki , Mount Athos (Agion Oros), the bay of ancient Greeks or as monks put it, the " land of Virgin Mary ".

Mount Athos consists of twenty monasteries, several skites (hermitages) and places of absolute tranquility. This is the religious community of Mount Athos , with historical monasteries, cells in caves or between the rocks, towers,

domes, belfries, chants, etc. Mount Athos is a big temple under the sky; it is the main carrier of Orthodox Christianity.

Mount Athos covers an area of about 336 sq. kilometers, with 112 kilometers of coastline and 1.550 inhabitants; it is an imposing place in the northern Aegean, surrounded by trees and bluff cliffs. Its mountains are 2.033 meter high, extend to the sky and approach the clouds. When the atmosphere is clean you can see from the little church of Metamorphosi Sotiros (Transfiguration of Christ) nearly half the Aegean; the bays of Troy in the east and the mountain Olympos in the west. Some of the monks claim to be able to see the dome of Agia Sofia springing like a flower from the earth in the East. Today in Mount Athos there are 20 monasteries and 12 skites.

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Halkidiki

Festival & Events in Halkidiki

23997, 24851 During the summer season, in the amphitheatre concerts and performances happen.

The festival takes place every year for the last 10 years. It lasts from the beginning of July until the end of August and it is a summer oasis, as it combines for the thousands of visitors the relaxing holiday with culture and art. Apart from the events of the amphitheatre, there are other events that take place at the same time in other parts of the municipality of Kassandra (happenings, artistic events, cinema shows, shadow theatre, painting exhibitions, sculpture exhibitions, theatrical poster exhibitions, costume exhibitions etc). The entrance is free.

Information: Municipality of Kassandra tel: +30 23740 22001

In a place with such rich history, the events provide a variety of choices and create a communication bridge between inhabitants and visitors. There are two international festivals – one in Kassandra and one in Sani with the international section of Jazz- and more than 60 festivities during the summer time that make life in Halkidiki a continuous celebration!

CULTURAL EVENTS During the summer, several cultural events take place that include concerts, dance and music shows. For information, you must contact the municipal offices.

AFYTOS OF ATHYTOS This is a series of events that include art, street art, concerts of folk music and dance, but also classical and modern music. From July to August.

Information: Community of Athytos tel:+30 23740 91239 KASSANDRA FESTIVAL Amphitheatre of Siviri, tel: +30 2374 0 52

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SANI FESTIVAL The artistic events started in 1991 with an art exhibition and were driven by the love for art.

In 1992, the events were enriched with

the organisation of the first “Jazz on the hill”, three days dedicated to Jazz. Since 1993, the events that take place in the area of the Sani Beach Holiday Resort in Kassandra, were named “Sani Festival”.

That is how this festival started and every year the organisers try to include more art events of high quality and innovation.

During the last years, many popular Greek and foreign artists charmed an audience that sometimes numbered more than 3,500 people in concerts and exhibitions.

Part of these events take place on the Hill of Sani, especially the music and dance events. Such a location, surrounded by the sea, the sky and the greenery, creates the conditions that can awake the senses and gives the audience and the artists the chance to lift up away from routine.

The program of the events is divided in three categories: :: Concerts of jazz under the title “Jazz on the hill”, which is the only international jazz festival in Greece that takes place for ten years :: Concerts of Greek artistic music :: Concerts of classical music under the title Sani Classic, which promotes young, talented Greek artists.

Dance shows and exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography also take place.

Information telephone No +30 2310 317327 FESTIVAL OF THE SEA Amphitheatre of N. Moudania, tel.: +30 2373 0 21210 Concerts with popular Greek artists, dance and theatrical events. It lasts from July to August and it is organised by the municipality of N. Moudania.

Porto Carras Grand Resort

A world apart on Halkidiki's second peninsula surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Aegean. On a site covering 17.630 million m2 Porto Carras Grand Resort is just waiting for you to discover it.

This is a place endowed with natural beauty: verdant forests, hills, vineyards, small picturesque bays, and kilometres of golden sandy beaches.

All under the sun, bathed in colour.

The Villa Galini and Meliton, Sithonia and Village Inn Hotels await you for an interesting trip that will stimulate your senses

Conferences Porto Carras is the ideal solution for hosting conferences and events with up to 5,200 participants.

The resort has a large range of conference rooms and halls at its disposal, offering impeccable service levels and highly skilled staff to ensure your event is organized without a flaw.

The European Union Summit was held at Porto Carras Grand Resort in June 2003.

The internationally renowned Porto Carras Grand Resort was able to ensure that the Summit would be a success and that the leaders of the EU Member States had a thoroughly enjoyable stay.

The Forum of Heads of State of Western Balkan States was also held at the same time.

This is the Resort's main conference hall.

Olympic Hall It can seat up to 2,300 delegates.

This state-of-the-art hall was used to host the Summit under the Greek Presidency in June 2003.

Gina Bahauer The Resort's Gina Bahauer theatre can seat up to 464 people, offering modern set and audiovisual installations.

The Gina Bahauer Hall offers unique facilities and allows for a wide range of events to be held there.

The key features of this unique space are its cuttingedge technology, its system for simultaneous interpretation into 4 languages, excellent acoustics, fully equipped dressing rooms, sound and lighting booth and extremely comfortable seats in an amphitheatre-like arrangement.

Apollon Hall Capable of seating up to 800, the open-air Apollon amphitheatre is ideal for live performances, presentations, or cinema screenings.

The theatre includes professional specification dressing rooms with toilets and showers, a wardrobe area, specially designed offices, a small bar and storage areas.

During the summer it operates as an open-air cinema.

Other Events Halls Six fully equipped, ultra-modern halls have been created at the recently renovated Meliton Hotel which can be opened up to create one open-place space.

There are also three other new conference halls in operation. The facilities at the Meliton Hotel can seat between 20 and 290 people.

The Sithonia Hotel has 4 conference and events halls seating between 25 and 400

people.

At the Village Inn Hotel, located next to the charming Porto Carras Marina, there are 5 conference halls seating between 50 and 2,100 people.

The Meliton Hotel's Business Centre offers: • Secretarial support upon request • Rental of laptop computers • Internet access • Access to faxes, photocopiers, scanners and printers • Mobile phone rental.

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Halkidiki

Thalassotherapy & Spa The new Thalassotherapy and Spa center of Porto Carras - the biggest in Southeastern Europe (4.700m2 ) applies in a modern way, the most ancient methods to health and beauty.

By offering a wide range of treatments and therapies, our target is to relax totally, both your body and soul. All you have to do is visit our center, lay comfortably back , enjoy the view to the sea and let the experienced therapist hands guide you to a unique journey "in the land of senses…"

Center of Thalassotherapy and Spa contains: Thalassotherapy zone • Thalasso pool • Jacuzzi • Atomic hydrobaths with warm sea water • Kinisiotherapy pool- physiotherapy in warm sea water pool • Douche Affusion • Hydrojet • Application of mud, seaweeds The Spa region is offered to care, revitalise and relax your body, face and soul. Use the Finish saunas, the Roman baths with the heated reclining chairs ,the warm swimming pool in combination to the unique therapies of the exotic line of St. Barth ( 99% natural products, arriving from the Caribian islands with perfect smells from mango, papaya, lily, vanilla…) to moisturize, detoxify, and rejuvanate yourself!!!

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Marina Porto Carras The Porto Carras Marina is the largest private marina in Northern Greece and each year is honoured with a European Blue Flag.

Our marina is ideal for relaxing by the sea, taking a stroll, or engaging in water sports.

The recent renovation work significantly upgraded and improved the services provided, meaning we can now offer our guests a plethora of amenities such as: fuel, electricity, water, telephones, showers, launderette, dryers, ironing facilities, guarding by a security firm and other comforts. The Port Captain is at the disposal of guests around the clock.

The marina is open all year round.

Golf in Porto Carras Porto Carras' international standard golf course lies just a few minutes from your hotel and covers and area of 770,000 m2.

The holes cover a distance of some 5.5 km.

The golf course is on the 40th parallel protected by the warm Mediterranean climate and by the area's own microclimate of mild winters and cool summers Porto Carras’ golf course is open all year round.

Aegean Melathron Resort & Spa Aegean Melathron is a luxury, 5-Star Hotel and a member of the Aegean Star Hotels Group.

It is situated in the Peninsula of Cassandra, at Chalkidiki, which is a steady centre of attraction for thousands of visitors from all the world.

Aegean Melathron is 90 km away from Thessaloniki International Airport and just 3 kms away from the cosmopolitan resort of Kallithea. The location is breathtaking and offers contrasting natural landscapes of unique beauty. The hotel is surrounded by a verdant wooded area reaching all the way down to a golden beach and the crystal-clear blue waters of the Gulf of Toroneos . Aegean Melathron has been awarded the “TUI Holly” every year from 2004 until 2008 as one of the 100 best hotels in the world Accommodation The hotel's capacity is 254 Rooms, Suites and Suites with Private Pool. All the rooms are equipped with the modern amenities of a 5-star hotel: air conditioning, satellite TV, internet access, direct dial telephone, Voltage 220V, safe deposit box (free of charge), refrigerator, coffee making facilities (in suites), luxurious bathroom with bathtub(in some suites - Jacuzzi), hair-dryer, magnifying mirror, personal hygiene items and telephone, bathrobes.

The complex has especially arranged double rooms for physically impaired guests. Their stay in the hotel will be comfortable and easy.

Restaurants & Bars There are many restaurants offered by the hotel in order to satisfy every guest's preference: -The main restaurants "Aigeas" and "Artemis" are located in the main buildings. Breakfast and dinner are served from a rich buffet full of traditional and international fare.

-"Mistral" a la carte restaurant is located in front of the hotel beach. Traditional Greek dishes await you at Mistral, while lunch or dinner is accompanied by a selection of exquisite Greek wines.

-The self-service restaurant "Poseidon" is located at the upper part of the hotel.

There you can enjoy fresh and easy dishes, cooked in front of you at the cooking station.

· The 3 pool bars are located in the gardens next to the pools. Cool off with sorbets, soft drinks, coffees and ice creams after endless hours of sunbathing and relaxing next to the pool.

You will also find various snacks (such as fruits, Greek traditional pies, toasts, cold sandwiches and hot dogs) for a light and fast meal. · The beach bar "Thalassa" can offer everything the guests might need during a hot day at the beach.

Spa & Wellness The Thalassotherapy center operates within the premises of Aegean Melathron. The guests can enjoy face and body treatments, sauna, massage, hydro massage and aromatherapy. For all the treatments and therapies is used sea water. All the guests can use the internal pool and the gym free of charge.

Facilities & Services

medical care is available .

The nearest healthcare centre is 5 km away, and the pharmacy is just 2 km away.

To facilitate guests, a car rental agency is situated inside the hotel with very competitive prices.

Inside the complex there is an ATM installed by the National Bank of Greece.

Also, you will find a Jeweller store with high aesthetics and quality jewellery.

The hotel provides afternoon maid service every day. Also upon request, same day delivery laundry/ ironing service is available, dry cleaning service.

Room service is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Conferences & Events Aegean Melathron Conference Center has a total capacity of 1.200 delegates in four Multi-use Meeting Halls. The total Conference and Exhibition area is 2.000 sq.m, equipped with State-of-the-Art AV facilities.

At any time during the day or night

There are 6 elegant areas for music and drinks in the company of good friends every moment of the day: · The lobby bars "Toroneos" "Olympos" are located in the main buildings. Every evening the guests can enjoy nights accompanied by the sounds of a piano, a saxophone and a flute, taking guests back in time with jazz, rock, soul and pop hits.

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My Island…

My delos....

… Little Venice with bars and cafes that 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!

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…

Municipality of Mykonos www.mykonos.gr

e-mail: info@mykonos.gr

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My Life Where… danced strolled also ran

I met Francesco from Milan, with Costas and Nikos, with Gisele and Paris, and into Petrosthe Pelican!

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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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 58

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

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

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

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

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

visitors leave their island loaded with the most unforgettable memories.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Syros: The seaside town

Aegialis Hotel & Spa: Winter Special

Cyclades Islands

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

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

Long stay:1 month in standard accommodation including full

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

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

board.

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

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

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

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

Relaxation, peace and unforgettable moments await you!

In the Spa area there will be rooms for massage, Facial & Body Treatments, Steam Bath facility (Hamam), sauna, jet showers, fitness room and indoor pool. The offered treatments are in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape, the sea and the local elements of Amorgos, 60

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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

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.

Minoa Palace Resort, Conference Center & SPA Crete

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

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

ner & theme nights buffet.

"TA NISSIA" A-la-carte Italian restaurant, daily, from early noon until late afternoon.

"KORALI" New, sea-side restaurant. Breakfast buffet of splendid variety, a-la-carte restaurant of the world renown traditional Cretan & Greek cuisine, from noon until late afternoon and, distinguished menus from around the world.

"KALYPSO" New a-la-carte STEAK HOUSE, situated at the beach, with unique designed meat dishes, served under the sounds of the waves.

"GALAZIO" New a-la-carte SEA FOOD restaurant, with an exquisite panoramic view of Chania Bay. Outstanding Mediterranean cuisine, designed by our awarded Chef.

"MYTHOS" Lounge Piano bar, with a generously sized terrace, overlooking the lush gardens and the azure pool & sea surroundings.

"THOLOS" water-falls.

Impressive pool bar, with glamorous

"THALASSA" Beach snack bar, ideal for refreshing cocktails & fresh juices, beside the beach "GALINI" Imperial wing.

ACCOMMODATION Minoa Palace Resort & Spa 156 Luxurious Rooms & Bungalows (26-28m2) 7 Bungalows with private pool (28m2) 5 Superior family suites (45m2) 3 Executive Suites (65-70m2) 2 Suites with private pool (50m2) Minoa Palace BEACH Resort (IMPERIAL) 58 Luxurious Rooms (32m2) 20 Sea View Rooms with private outdoor heated swimming pool (32m2) 2 Suites with private outdoor heated pool and front view of the Chania Bay (55-60m2) 1 Imperial Suite, 105m2, facing the sea, consisting of a private fully furnished terrace 200m2, with whirlpool and breathtaking view of the Chania Bay. Total: 254 units/ 600 Beds All rooms & bungalows, feature individually controlled air conditioning / heating, direct dial phone, electronic safe, high speed ADSL Internet connection, satellite TV, hairdryer and mini bar. All units are composed of marble bathrooms (with phone), sitting-room and elegant furnished balconies or terraces.

There is also availability of connecting family rooms.

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

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

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Main restaurant with rich breakfast, din-

New lounge- TV bar, situated at the

FACILITIES: 24hrs room service, 4 outdoor swimming pools (2000 m2), 2 open air Jacuzzi, children's swimming pool, water sports (at the beach), tennis & football court (floodlit), table-tennis, open-air amphitheater, high speed internet room, (wireless internet), VIP lounge, play room, TV room, children's outdoors playground, mini club for 4-10 years old, jeweler's, mini market, baby sitting (upon request), doctor on call, taxi-limousine service, car rental desk, laundry & dry cleaning service.

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

CONFERENCE & BANQUETING FACILITIES: New as well as unique in Western Crete, state of the art conference room, 1.350sqm & maximum height 5,50m, rectangular, without columns, with a capacity of over 1.500 delegates & with the possibility of division into 5 smaller rooms from 50-600 delegates & exhibition area of more than 500sqm.

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

Moreover, one conference room 720sqm & maximum height 3,35m, with the possibility of division into 5 smaller rooms, with a capacity of 50-700 delegates & an exhibition area 200sqm.

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

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

Creta Royal & Creta Star

The CRETA ROYAL is an exquisite 5star hotel built on a 400-m beach, surrounded by magnificent gardens, offering relaxation and traditional Cretan hospitality. It is located in the area of Skaleta, Rethymno at 12 km from Rethymno and 65 km from the airports of Herakleion and Chania.

Rethymno is a place of contradictions, boasting a rich history, beautiful pristine natural settings and many living traditions. This small Mediterranean town with its Renaissance center, its fortress, several museums and beaches will definitely charm you. As for the places you can visit in the entire Prefecture of Rethymno, you are spoilt for choice: picturesque villages, sites of unique natural beauty, caves, beaches, and mountains.

The Rethymno people are most friendly to visitors, ready to treat them to a shot of tsikoudia and invite them in their homes...

The hotel has 122 (two-bed or threebed) elegantly furnished rooms distributed amongst 4 two-storey buildings, with a balcony or terrace and direct or side view to the sea or the Cretan mountains.

All rooms, irrespective of their type, boast an impressively elegant interior design and all the modern amenities of a five-star hotel.

CRETA STAR is a wonderful 4-star hotel complex and is the first of the hotels of the Aegean Star Hotels Group.

It is located in Crete, on the magnificent beach of Skaleta, 12 km east of Rethymno and at 65 km from the ariports of Herakleion and Chania.

The location is beautiful and easily accessible by all parts of the island.

The hotel boasts magnificent gardens running down to its fabulous beach.

The hotel has 324 rooms on 6 floors, which include: rooms with twin or double beds and a direct or side view of the sea rooms with twin or double beds looking onto the Rethymno mainland family rooms mini-suites as well as two presidential suites Convention Centre CRETA STAR has an experienced team used to organising all forms of conventions. Whatever the size or type of event you may need to organise, whether a simple one-room meeting or a full specialist convention with 600 participants, Creta Royal & Creta Star team will assist you in planning and hosting a successful event.

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Five new galleries at National Archaeological Museum of Athens

The grand opening was held at a newly opened wing which served as the Numismatic Museum from 1946 to 1998.

This 500 m2-wing will house parts of the Vases and Small Objects Collection and includes objects never before exhibited publicly.

More than 2,500 objects, including figurines, vessels, gold jewellery and silver utensils, among others, now grace five new exhibition halls at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, completing the museum's re-exhibition process.

The ceremony launched a series of events to mark the 120 years since the National Archaeological Museum of Athens was first opened at this location (1889), as well as the 180 years since its founding in 1829.

The first gallery features vessels from the Hellenistic period (4th-1st century BC), which are notable for the variety of their shapes as well as for their rare decorative images.

These are followed by approximately 500 ceramic figurines, exhibited in sections according to their association with specific areas of ancient Greek society, such as religion, theatre, agricultural life, women's activities and childhood.

The Vlastou-Serpieri Collection is displayed as a distinct category and includes ancient items from Greece and Taranta, Italy. The ancient Greek art of gold- and silversmithing is presented in an exhibition of artfully made gold jewellery and silver utensils. There are about 600 objects, notable for their originality, elegance and the fine detail of their craftsmanship.

The final gallery features rare glass vessels from the Epirus and island regions of Greece, from the Archaic period through the Byzantine era (6th century BC-6th century AD).

The New Acropolis Museum Official opening on 20 June 2009 Antiquity meets contemporary architecture and technology at the New Acropolis Museum, which opens to the public in summer 2009.

The building is made of glass, stainless steel and cement, and houses marbles of Classical Athens: a total of 4,000 archaeological findings.

The museum is at the foot of the Acropolis hill, located in the heart of the city, and is right next to one of the most beautiful pedestrian paths in the world.

The building was designed by Bernard Tschumi, dean of the School of Architecture at Columbia University in New York. The Swiss architect's suggestion was accepted because it fulfilled the particular specifications set.

The new Acropolis Museum was built in such a way as to utilise the natural light so that there is a feeling of being outside, as most of the findings were out in the countryside in ancient times.

The architect also placed great importance on the connection between the Museum and the Parthenon, so that while visitors are looking at the exhibits, they will simultaneously have a clear view of the monument itself.

The use of glass for its construction makes it possible for a person to be looking at the display cases one moment, and then in the next looking across towards the Parthenon itself, with the light of Attica filling the inside of the building and giving the impression of being outdoors. www.newacropolismuseum.gr

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A unique ingredient “At the Royal Olympic, the view of Classic Athens is in complete harmony with the discreet ultra-modern Meeting & Conference Technology.�

28-34 Ath.Diakou str., 117 43 Athens , Greece Tel.: +30 210 9288400 - Fax: +30 210 9230331 E: info@royalolympic.com - W: www.royalolympic.com

Attica-Athens

THE ASTIR PALACE COMPLEX THE ARION SPA

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

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

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

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

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

The facial therapies are done in association with the Valmont and Anne Semonin Companies, while the body therapies in association with the Algoane and Anne 70

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Semonin Companies.

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

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

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

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

Etihad to launch new service to Athens Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is set to boost its flying programme to Europe with the addition of a major new route to Athens.

Direct flights to the Greek capital city will start at the beginning of June 2009.

Etihad’s latest destination will bring the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s global flight network to 53 cities, supplementing services to Melbourne in Australia due to be launched in March 2009.

The Greek capital of Athens will initially be served non-stop, three times a week from early June, increasing to five services a week from October 2009 and then daily from the start of 2010.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “The launch of flights to Athens illustrates Etihad’s ambitions to boost its European network and link key strategic cities of the world through our Abu Dhabi home base. We anticipate strong demand for flights to and from Athens which will help open up new commercial and cultural ties between the UAE and Greece.

“The new route also offers excellent connecting opportunities between Athens and the rest of our growing network, helping to link this historic European city with Greek communities worldwide.”

The addition of Athens will bring to 12 the number of European destinations served by Etihad.

Athens, with a population of nearly three quarters of a million people, is one of the world's oldest cities with a recorded history which spans more than 3,000 years. The city, as well as the surrounding islands, is a top European holiday destination with traffic expected from across the Etihad network, particularly Australia which has a strong Greek community.

Etihad will operate a two-class Airbus A320 to Athens, configured to carry 140 passengers with 20 seats in business class and 120 in economy class.

Attica-Athens

Athenaeum Intercontinental Athens Redefines Hotel Comfort & Elegance

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

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

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

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

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

Showcasing the highest standards of quality and aesthetics,

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the renovated Deluxe rooms & suites, the most spacious in Athens, provide a variety of exclusive conveniences appreciated by the modern day traveller.

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

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

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

PCO’s & DMC’s Athens - Greece AFEA Travel Consultants & Congress Services Lykavittou 39-41 Str., 10672 Athens, GREECE Tel: +302103668800, Fax: +302103643511 Email: info@afea.gr www.afea.gr ALVIA DMC 16, Poseidonos Av., 17455 Alimos Tel: +30 210 9889200 Fax: +30 210 9889201 www.alvia.gr e-mail: alvia@alvia.gr Event Makers 14, K. Palaiologou str 17121 Nea Smirni Athens, Greece Tel:+30 2109370205-7 Fax:+30 2109370208 Email: info@eventmakers.gr www.eventmakers.gr HELLENIC TOURS SA 4, Priinis str., 171 22 Nea Smirni Tel: +30 2109477000 Fax: +30 2109401120

www.hellenictours.gr E-mail: inbox@hellenictours.gr GNOMON PERFORMANCE SA 446B Irakliou Ave-14122 N.Iraklio Athens-Greece T: +30 2102845982 F: +30 2102845983 E-mail: sales@gnomon.eu www.gnomon.eu INTERMED TRAVEL CONSULTANS 2, Frinis str., 17676 Kalithea Tel: +30 210 9578441 fax: +30 210 9578490 www.intermed.gr E-mail: intermed@intermed.gr MARINE TOURS S.A. 22, Voulis str., 10563 AthensGreece Tel: +30 210 337 9905 Fax:+30 210 321 6870 email: thanos.marinos@marinetours.gr http: www.marinetours.gr

PREMIER DESTINATIONS CONFERENCE & EVENT MANAGEMENT 82, Vas. Pavlou str., 16673 Voula Tel: +30 210 8995400 Fax: +30 210 8991009 www.premier-destinations.gr E-mail: info@pdi-group.net T&T EXECUTIVE LUFTHANSA CITY CENTER 64, L. Riankour str., 115 23 Athens Tel. +30 210 6984291 Fax. +30 210 6984294 www.tnt-executive.gr E-mail: tnt@tnt-executive.gr 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 YALOS TOURS 14, Trivonianou str. 116 36 Athens, Tel: +30 210 9248919 Fax: +30 210 9248690 e-mail: yalosgr@otenet.gr ZITA CONGRESS & TRAVEL P.O. Box 155 1st km Paiania-Markopoulo, 190 02 Peania Tel: +30 210 6641190 Fax: +30 210 6642116 www.zita-congress.gr e-mail: info@zita-congress.gr

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International Meetings & Congresses International Conference of European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis 18 March - 21 March, Megaron Athens International Conference Centre The objective of ECCEO 9 is to provide practitioners with the latest clinical and economic information, allowing them to organize their daily practice, in an evidence-based medicine perspective, with a cost-conscious perception.

The European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) is a non-profit organization, dedicated to a close interaction between clinical scientists dealing with rheumatic disorders, pharmaceutical industry developing new compounds in this field, regulators responsible for the registration of such drugs and health policy makers, to intergrate the management of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis within the comprehensive perspective of health resources utilization. The objective of ESCEO is to provide practitioners with the latest clinical and economic information, allowing them to organize their daily practice, in an evidence-based medicine perspective, with a cost-conscious perception. www.ecceo9.org CARDIO ATHENA 2009 - International Meeting on Cardiovascular Medicine.

The Meeting, is held in Athens at the Divani Caravel Hotel on April 3 and 4,

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2009, organized by the 1st Department of Cardiology of the Athens Medical School, Hippokration Hospital and is under the auspices of University of Athens Medical School and the Hellenic Cardiological Society.

The CARDIO ATHENA 2009 is an effort to enhance the interchange of emerging new information on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

During these two days delegates will have the opportunity to attend sessions with the participation of world experts, who are pioneers in the field of

Cardiovascular Research. Through Lectures, Round Table Discussions and Satellite Symposia, the meeting offers an outstanding Scientific Program featuring both state-of-the-art knowledge and innovative approaches in cardiovascular medicine.

This year the scientific program of the Meeting will be enriched with parallel sessions concerning the issue of Hypertention from prevention to diagnosis and its therapeutical treatment.

The IFIP WG9.5 "Virtuality and Society" International Workshop on Images of Virtuality April 23 - April 24, Athens University of Economics and Business The main objective of this workshop is to encourage the continuation and enrichment of the discussion on virtuality and society, by focusing more on the technologies, arts, and practices of virtuality as they emerge in spaces and contexts of everyday life. The workshop constitutes an opportunity to bring together theoretical conceptualizations and practical applications of Images of Virtuality manifest in human interaction with information, social, professional and technological systems, art, culture, and nature.

April 23, 2009 - April 26, 2009 6th Spring Symposium of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Bucharest, Romania April 29, 2009 - May 01, 2009 17th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals Crete , Greece May 16-20 8th European Congress on Menopause (EMAS) London, UK June 9-12 27th Annual Meeting of the European

Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases - ESPID Brussels, Belgium June 14-17 20th ESPNIC Medical & Nursing Annual Congress Verona, Italy June 21 – 23 EASL Monothematic Conference Oslo, Norway June 28 - July 2 FEMS 2009 3rd Congress of European Microbiologists Göteburg, Sweden

Airport Cities - World Conference & Exhibition 27 April- 29 April, Athens Hilton Hotel Airport Cities World Conference & Exhibition primary aim is to provide a forum for airport-related management issues, a vehicle for airports to promote and market themselves and a direct route for suppliers of products and services to airports.

Your Congress Specialists

More Meetings & Conferences March 26-28, 2009 5th International Symposium on Diabetes and Pregnancy - DIP Sorrento, Italy March 29, 2009 2nd Practical Symposium on Voice and Swallowing and their Disorders, Athens, Greece March 27-31 Marseille Neurosurgery 2009 Joint Annual Meeting (EANSSFNC), Marseille, France April 1-4 3rd International Congress on Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome Nice, France

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April 22 – 26 44th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver – EASL Copenhagen, Denmark April 23-25 2nd World Congress of Total Intravenous Anaesthesia - TIVA TCI Berlin, Germany

ME§O™ TOY OMI§OY

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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-ofthe-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.

Katikies Santorini

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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 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

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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Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko Zales the Spa experience

Spa and Welness Center

The up-scale Zalez Spa & Wellness center represents unique space for anybody who revels in luxury, relaxation and harmony at the foot of the beautiful Pirin Mountains.

The center is divided into three areas for a complete beauty, well-being and revitalizing satisfaction.

In the common area guests enjoy two indoor and two outdoor swimming pools, heated throughout the year, and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Large windows overlook the mountains and open a stunning view, which inspires admiration of the natural beauty.

In the Wellness area one feels like the most important person in the world and all senses are soothed. Here every detail is designed to give complete relaxation and luxury.

The treatment area is where miracles happen - isolated from main zone, guests are greeted at a separated reception and offered best body, beauty and health care.

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, Bansko 96, Pirin Str., 2770 Bansko BULGARIA Tel: +359 (0)749 88888 Fax: +359 (0)749 88560

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Fairplay Golf Hotel and Spa Escape to a gentler pace at The Fairplay Spa, part of The Leading spas of the World where the constant presence of the sierra inspires renewal. All 13 treatment rooms within this totally relaxing Andalucian spa are bathed in soft hues of aqua and beige and tranquil water features, adding to the overall sensory experience. Indulge in a variety of state-of -art beauty treatments such as the ¨M6 Anti Cellulite Slimming treatment / and the ¨Lift Defense Anti Age facial¨, showcased in light and airy spa rooms. Also , we offer special treatments for golfers who are now realising how it will benefit their fitness levels and mental alertness for the next game.

All therapies are authentically designed to nurture body and mind, enliven the spirit, and uncover nature's beauty - providing a blissful return to balance.

High-style locker rooms, public spaces, and saunas ensure a soothing aura throughout this luxury spa in Benalup, Andalucia - set to the ever-present rhythm of the nature.

Calle La Torre S/N, 11190 Benalup-Casas Viejas, Espana info@fairplaygolfhotel.com Tel: (+34-956) 42 91 00 Fax: (+34-956) 42 91 19

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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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www.xeniosworld.com Vol. 13 No 1

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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

V ol. 13

No 1

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

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Ultimate Spa Destinations