www.xeniosworld.com E-magazine & Guide for the MICE & Tourism Professionals
DESTINATIONS
MEETINGS & INCENTIVES
EXHIBITIONS
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Vol. 13
Where Frequent Business Travellers Enjoy Their Stay Europe’s Sexiest Hotels
Top Cruise Destinations Revealed
No 6
C O N T E N T S
Travel Industry Crowns WTM The Best Event Where Frequent Business Travellers Enjoy Their Stay
Top 10 Cruise Destinations Revealed Europe’s Sexiest Hotels
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Mykonos
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Showcasing London to the Associations Conference Forum
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Travel Trade & MICE Exhibitions
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Destinations(Dodecanese, Cyclades, Halkidiki)
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www.xeniosworld.com X E N I O S T O U R I S M & B U S I N E S S T R A V E L No 6, Vol.13 February 2010 @ Copyright Xenios Publications 1997-2010 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.
Executive Editor: Vassilis Bogris
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Travel Trends OSCE conference seat- Hofburg at the heart of international politics
SITE GREECE IMIC AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe(OSCE) has had its permanent conference seat at the Hofburg Vienna for over 20 years. 1,500 delegates from 56
participating states and 12 partners for co-operation meet here annually for 3,000 meetings, transforming the Hofburg into a global political hub. In 2010 Kazakhstan took over the chairmanship of the OSCE and has already hosted a number of high-level diplomatic summits. The majority of delegates stay in the Austrian capital with their families for a period of around three years. There are about 800 accredited diplomats living in the city at any one time. Such long-standing partnerships as well as the congress and events business enable the Hofburg Vienna to generate added value of about EUR 180200 million annually. But the professionalism of the Hofburg staff has also convinces countless other high-profile organisations to return for their events time and again. Highlevel meetings and seminars by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) take place at the conference centre, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hosts its annual ball and a number of meetings at the former imperial residence. ThePreparatory Commission for the Comprehensive nuclear-testban treaty organization (CTBTO ) is another organisation in the Hofburg’s portfolio.
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Site GREECE contributed again to the success of the 6th International Meetings & Incentives Conference (IMIC) which took place at Megaron in Athens on 10th & 11th of February 2010, with theme “Creating and Managing Successful Products and Powerful Brands” The opening of the conference on February 10th was followed by the attributions of the traditional Site GreeceIMIC Awards of Excellence. The President of Site GREECE Mr Tasso Papppas (CITE)
gave the international personality Award of Excellence to Mr. Ray Bloom, Chairman of IMEX, in recognition of his lifetime and outstanding international contribution to the development of the Incentives and Meetings Industry and his continued support for the development of the Greek Business Travel Market. Ray Bloom was also the key note speaker at the conference and spoke about “Building an exhibition brand” . The Greek personality Award
New promotional film on Athens “Breathtaking Athens”
was given to Mr. Vassilios Brovas in recognition for his contribution to the foundation and development of Thessaloniki Convention Bureau During the conference Mr Tasso Pappas (CITE) gave a lecture with the theme “Creative proposals and products-Keys to success” and coordinated the panel discussion with the theme “ DMC or PCO”, defining the difference between those professionals DMC (Destination Management Company) and PCO (Professional Congress Organizer) Site GREECE was also represented at the conference by the Chapter President Elect Mr Balakakis who presented Site’s profile and important role in the local and international incentive market and by Mrs Maria Papadaki who participated at the panel discussion PCO or DMC.
stantly changing city that inspires awe with moments that take your breath way. The transitions between the images take the viewer one step further from the typical tourist clichés and present a different side of Athens, Greece. The traveller, in one breath, literally following a bubble, is taken on a tour of 25 locations in Athens, Greece. Parks, the historical centre, museums, beaches, nightlife, all record on celluloid a message aimed directly at the heart. The bewitching music, which was created exclusively for the new film on Athens, also floats above the city to create a pleasurable experience.
The gaze of the traveller in Athens, Greece is captivated by the image of the contemporary metropolis. The new promotional film “Breathtaking Athens,” made by the City of Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company, showcases Athens as the ideal destination offering plenty of options. The charm of Athens comes across scene by scene of the new film “Breathtaking Athens.” Projecting the city with a unique and modern way, it portrays Athens, Greece as a enchanting destination in a creative and artistic way while at the same time representing a con-
“Athens is the feeling, the experience, something that we ultimately proved,” said Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis. The new promotional film on http://www.athensconventionbureau.gr/?q=e n/content/breathtaking-athens-film receives dozens of positive comments daily on foreign blogs and is a candidate for a Clio Award in New York, a D&AD in Great Britain, the Golden City Gate Award and the international Cannes Lion award.
Workshop by the Athens Convention Bureau
As part of City of Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis’ strategy for developing conference tourism in Athens and the implementation of activities that promote the variety of tourism services and choices available to visitors to the city, the Athens Convention Bureau staged a workshop on the topic:
City of Athens Council Member and President of the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company, Dr Katerina Katsabe, in opening the workshop, referred to the tourism policy framework that is being implemented on the initiative of Mayor Kaklamanis and presented ATEDCo’s activities.
Destination Athens… revisited Presenting more choices for things to do or see while in Athens.
“The City of Athens and the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company, in rising to the challenges and overcoming difficulties they have faced as a destination, invest in activities that reinforce existing tourism infrastructure and develop new ones, communicate a unified and competitive identity for Athens and promote the city beyond the country’s borders with professionalism, creativity and expertise,” she said.
The ACB workshop took place at the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre as part of the International Meetings and Incentives Conference 2010 with the participation of distinguished speakers and a huge response from individuals in the tourism sector, representatives of the foreign media and diplomatic missions, tourism enterprise executives and others. During the workshop, unknown aspects of tourist Athens were presented, along with a variety of alternative activities that visitors to the city could choose from, regardless of whether they are in Athens for professional reasons – conferences, company meetings, etc. – or taking part in an incentive travel programme. The main conclusion drawn from the workshop was the fact that Athens is a destination that uniquely combines the basic characteristics of a business travel destination (access, infrastructure, quality hotels, security, etc.) with a multitude of options of an ideal destination for city and pleasure tourism (culture, entertainment, tours-excursions, outdoor activities and water sports, etc.). As it was noted, the ACBuses these advantages in every one of its promotion and marketing activities abroad, strengthening the image of Athens in the “pre/post congress” activities sector.
The workshop included presentations and interventions by Giorgos Angelis, Director of the ACB; Artemis Skoubourdi, tour guide and writer on Athens; Diana Kohyla, journalist-author and expert on traditional cuisine and nutrition; Dimitris Efremoglou, CEO of the Foundation of the Hellenic World; Christos Anagnostou, winemaker and President of the Association of Wine-producers of Ampelonas Attikis (ENOAA); Penny Doska, Senior Project Manager for Kipling Events; and Giorgos Pittas, hotelier and author.
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More than 22,000 at the COP15
Thomas Cook UK & Ireland Features TripAdvisor’s User-Generated Content
LONDON, February 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — A new partnership between Thomas Cook UK & Ireland and TripAdvisor(R) will enable travellers on thomascook.com to benefit from user reviews and ratings from the world’s largest and most popular travel community.
More than 22,000 politicians, officials, reporters and NGO’s entered the doors at Bella Center during the 13-day climate change conference COP 15 in December. This makes COP15 the absolutely largest event ever held in Bella Center – and in Copenhagen. The Climate Change Conference, COP 15, has unconditionally been the biggest Bella Center has ever experienced. And the biggest the UN has experienced. The UN accredited more than 45,000 delegates, NGOs and reporters. With the decision to have, at the most, 15,000 people inside and the enormous interest from outside, the system broke down so the queues outside Bella Center became far too long. On behalf of the UN Yvo de Boer, Head of the UNFCCC, has apologised for this and has taken on the full responsibility. Watch his honest and direct annoncement on the BBC “Seen from the Danes’ and Bella Center’s points of view, the long queues have also been the only practical thing that did not function,” says a very satisfied Director of Bella Center, Arne Bang Mikkelsen. “Inside, the execution of the summit conference has been a fantastic experience. Servicing 11,000 to 15,000 guests around the clock has been an enormous task and I am really proud that we and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been able to deliver. It has created respect out in the world,” says Arne Bang Mikkelsen.
were 500 -1,000 police officers, UN officers and security staff. Almost 300 tons food has been consumed – from fish and poultry to fruit, sandwiches and vegetables. 107,889 meals have been eaten – including vegetarian dishes. In addition, 20,057 sandwiches and 8,127 open sandwiches. And everyone’s “sweet tooth” was also taken care of with 14,779 cakes and cookies. 350,000 glasses of water – Danish tap water! – have been consumed and 250,000 cups of coffee. In the busiest days, there have been almost 100 chefs at work. With 5,500 new computer workstations and up to 8,000 laptops, the Internet has been under pressure. The connection had been expanded to 6 gigabit. If you had a connection like this at home, you would be able to download a DVD film in about six seconds. 400 mobile phones were hired out and 200 mobile phones were sold. In addition, 1,750 start packs with SIM cards and 2,300 prepaid phone cards were sold. Three days before the conclusion of the summit Bella Center was asked to establish 38 extra meeting rooms – for the USA and China, among others. The meeting rooms where build and furnish in record time.
Thomascook.com will feature TripAdvisor’s content, including the five most recent hotel reviews, on its property pages, allowing customers to make more informed hotel decisions based on fellow travellers’ feedback. Further content will be integrated on thomascook.com’s destination pages, including a “Best of” overview of the city, the top 10 hotels, attractions and restaurants and best traveller photos. The most recent five reviews of places to stay, dine and visit will also be available, providing travellers with comprehensive travel information to plan their perfect trip. David Hilton, Deputy Director of eCommerce at Thomas Cook UK & Ireland, said: “We want to make our visitors’ online journeys as easy as possible. By introducing TripAdvisor reviews and ratings on to thomascook.com we’ve broadened the amount of relevant information they have access to, which will assist them when it comes to choosing the ideal holiday.” “We are thrilled to be partnering with Thomas Cook, so their customers can benefit from valuable insight and feedback from the experiences of millions of travellers,” said Severine Philardeau, Director of European Partnerships, TripAdvisor.
Between 11,000 -15,000 guests have gone through 23 scanners every day. Added to this Xenios
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IMEX America increases hosted buyer programme to 2000
Strong demand from US and international associations, hotel groups and agencies to bring their top buyers to IMEX America when it launches in October 2011 has led organisers, the IMEX Group, to announce an increase in expected hosted buyer numbers. The announcement comes just four months after the show was launched. [22 February 2010] IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom, announced that 2000 qualified buyers will now be hosted to the new Las Vegas trade show for the meetings, incentive travel and events industry – an increase of just over 30 percent on the figure announced at launch. 80% of these buyers will come from North America, with the balance attending from around the world. Says Bloom: “Our previous figures were confident but conservative. Recent discussions with our partners and other new business alliances make it clear that that there is pent-up demand. I’m confident we will see 2000 hosted buyers at IMEX America – an increase of more than 30 percent on our previous announcement. As mentioned before, the IMEX hosted buyer program is set to be the largest of its kind for any such US trade show and unique in this regard.” IMEX America is set to follow a completely different model to any other trade show of its kind in the US due to the scale of the hosted program. Qualification for places on the program will follow the strict guidelines that have been used to build the authority and credibility of IMEX in Frankfurt. The program will bring top quality association, corporate and agency buyers from every corner of the meetings and events industry onto the show floor to do business with exhibitors. In addition, according to the ‘IMEX model’ they will spend longer periods of time on the show floor meeting exhibitors compared to non-hosted trade visitors.
As Bloom explains, “IMEX puts extremely high levels of effort and detail into making sure that only buyers who are active, serious and proven to place business attend as our hosted buyer guests. We already have some excellent partnerships with intermediaries who are similarly committed to these high standards and to driving serious business at the show. Together we place the strongest emphasis possible on getting this aspect of IMEX America absolutely right from the start. This is what our exhibitors expect and this is why IMEX has an unparalleled reputation. MPI, Site, PCMA and ASAE are just some of the most important organizations we will work with in the US to drive buyer attendance. They know and understand our unique model and are highly committed to it. Other US and international partnerships will be announced shortly.” Bloom sums up: “Although the first IMEX America is over a year away, we have a very clear vision of what success will look like for our exhibitors, hosted buyers and trade visitors and we have a clear plan for bringing that vision to life at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas October 2011.” Future dates for IMEX America are also now confirmed as 9 – 11 October 2012 and 15 – 17 October 2013. Exhibitors and buyers can register their interest in IMEX America at http://www.imex-america.com/users_prereg_interest.php.
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IAPCO News The Meetings Masterclass A new educational initiative from IAPCO is The Meetings Masterclass, an advanced training seminar held in collaboration with IPCAA. Intended for those with more than 6-years decisionmaking experience in the industry, the Masterclass will take place at IAPCO's educational home of Wolfsberg, Switzerland from 17-20 January 2011 and will be run in parallel with IAPCO's Annual Wolfsberg Seminar.
Travel Trends
Travel Industry Crowns WTM The Best Event World Travel Market 2009, ExCeL London: 120 Miss World's gather on the steps of ExCeL after visiting the World's biggest tradel trade show.
National Seminar in Estonia The first IAPCO National Seminar in northern europe will take place from 14-16 April and is expected to attract participants from Finland, Estonia and Russia. The seminar will be held at the Tallink Spa and Conference Hotel in Tallin, Estonia. Register now: http://www.ecb.ee/est/page/koo litusseminar Macau Regional Seminar 1517 March 2010 The second IAPCO/MGTO Regional Seminar will take place in Macau from 15-17 March 2010. The first two days will cover basic organisation of an international event, covering all aspects of conference management, whilst the third day will be dedicated to an in-depth seminar on Promoting a Destination and Bidding to Win. Register now http://eservice.macautourism.go v.mo/registration/registerIAPCO. php Regional Seminar in India 6-8 April 2010 An IAPCO Regional Seminar will be held in India at the Lake Lavasa International Convention Center from April 06 - 08, 2010. Covering some of the most important aspects of congress management, the seminar is aimed at all sectors of the meetings industry. Register now http://www.iapcoseminar.org/ France wins Presidency of IAPCO for the first time At the recent General Assembly held in Athens, Greece, Philippe Fournier, of MCI, was unanimously elected as IAPCO's President. "My goal", says Philippe, "is to prepare the members to be ready and get adapted to the changes that are coming. Let's lead to change by leading the trend".
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World Travel Market’s visitor satisfaction levels have increased dramatically cementing WTM’s position as the premier global event for the travel industry, independent research reveals. Visitors to WTM 2009 rated the exhibition as better than other industry events, including ITB Berlin, in a range of categories with WTM being particularly strong for meeting and networking and keeping up to date with the latest trends. The independent research of 2,058 visitors to WTM 2009, by Fusion Communications, also reveals increased levels of satisfaction compared to WTM 2008. An impressive eight out of ten visitors in 2009 came away feeling completely satisfied or very satisfied. Overall, WTM 2009 met or exceeded the expectations of 94% of visitors. The research also reveals WTM remains an extremely important place to do business with a massive 91% stating the event is imperative for their business and an impressive 97% of visitors likely to return in 2010.
Furthermore, 85% of visitors feel attending WTM gives them a competitive advantage over their rivals. International media, which increased by 12% to 2,839 for WTM 2009, are in agreement with visitors with a massive 86% rating WTM as the best event or among the best events in the travel industry, including four out of ten stating WTM is the best event. World Travel Market Exhibition Director Simon Press said: “It’s great to see that visitors are delighted with the experience of World Travel Market 2009 and view the exhibition as the best in the industry. “WTM 2010 is expanding with a new floorplan, seminar content and networking functions offering greater opportunities. “The findings from the independent research firmly cements World Travel Market’s position as the premier global event for the travel industry.”
All Leisure group backs Just Help Haiti and urges others to follow suit All Leisure group has partnered with Just a Drop’s ‘Just Help Haiti’ campaign to appeal to the travel and tourism industry to raise funds that will supply clean safe water to Haiti following the recent disaster. This one off fund raising exercise aims to raise £1 million for the people of Haiti, the amount required to ensure urgent water and sanitation needs and implement a long term water supply solution. This partnership initiative was founded by Roger Allard, Chairman of All Leisure group, and Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of World Travel Market and Just a Drop. Roger Allard, Chairman of All Leisure group plc comments: “This tragic disaster has left Haiti with enormous challenges to overcome and long after the headlines have gone the people of Haiti will still need our support. By raising £1 million we hope to aid the urgent water shortage problems and, just as importantly, help with the vital ongoing support to ensure that the recovery process is sustained. We implore the industry to rally behind this campaign to help raise our first target of £250,000.” So far, confirmed partners include All Leisure group, Kuoni, P&O Ferries,Shearings, Thomas Cook and Tui Travel – each of whom will donate £25,000. All Leisure group is urging those within the industry to lend their support in any way they can. Allard is also encouraging operators to donate product in the form of free holidays/vouchers etc, which will be sold through participating agents and the money donated to the Just Help Haiti campaign. Thomas Cook CEO, Manny Fontenla-Nova, comments: “The plight of Haiti has touched the world, with massive relief efforts underway to aid the people and bring back some stability to the country. We can all make a difference on a personal level, but Thomas Cook Group plc has recognised the importance of making a significant practical and financial contribution to the aid effort. We have already been involved in transporting aid, as well as involving many of our customers and our people in the Dominican Republic. We are equally concerned to help the people of this devastated country recover from the impacts of the earthquake. We are therefore very pleased to support the Just a Drop “Just Help Haiti” initiative. ”
Tate Modern begins work on £215m extension
Peter Long, Chief Executive TUI Travel PLC comments: “The earthquakes in Haiti have had a devastating effect on the Haitian people and TUI Travel is keen to contribute to this appeal to raise money to help reestablish water and sanitation in the affected areas. Many of our colleagues in the Dominican Republic with relatives in Haiti have been affected by the disaster and this is an issue that is close to our hearts. We want to help the long term redevelopment programme in Haiti and TUI Travel fully supports the work being done by Just a Drop to help displaced communities safely return to their Work has got underway on Tate homes.” Modern’s £215m re-development this Fiona Jeffery, Chairman and founder of Just month. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, a Drop comments: launched the start of preparatory “It is great that the travel and tourism industry are collectively getting behind Just building works in the oil tanks of the former power station at Bankside on Help Haiti so whole heartedly and I’m 06 January. The extension will add a extremely grateful for all the donations further 5,000m² of gallery space to that have already been made through this the iconic London venue, doubling the partnership initiative. Where Just a Drop makes a real difference is in the work post size of the existing building and boosting its available event space. the emergency relief effort as its field operatives will look to create sustainable water and sanitation solutions for commu- “The new Tate Modern development will be an iconic, world-class addition nities encouraging them back to their to London’s skyline,” said Tate homes, villages and schools so they are not locked in temporary refugee camps for Director Nicholas Serota. “We are delighted that the Mayor of London too long.” has taken with us the first steps towards its realisation. We look forA £1 donation can deliver safe water to a ward to creating one of the most person for nearly 10 years so visit www.justadrop.org to make your donation exciting cultural buildings in Europe, which will bring direct benefits to today. Alternatively send a cheque made Southwark and London as a whole.” payable to Just a Drop, to the attention of Ana Sustelo – Just a Drop Co-Ordinator The £215m project is expected to be Gateway House, 28 The Quadrant, Richmond TW9 1DN. Alternatively to make completed in time for the London a BACS transfer, please contact Nikki Davis 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Five million people a year cur. Industry accountants and specialists White Hart Associates LLP will be monitor- rently visit Tate Modern. The venue’s restaurant, East Room and Members ing the finances of this particular camRoom are all popular spaces with corpaign. porate event organisers.
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Travel Trends
The Top 10 British Business Hotels - Where Frequent Business Travellers Enjoy Their Stay the evaluations given by guests who have stayed in them. Here is the list of the 2 to 4-star hotels in Great Britain most frequently booked by business travellers:
LONDON, February, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The business traveller is an important and much sought after guest for hotels – but in which hotels does the business traveller prefer to stay? Do these business clients remain true to the hotel chains or do smaller, privately owned, hotels have a chance? hotel.info, the international hotel reservation service with over 210,000 hotels worldwide, which offers its service free of charge, has recently undertaken a detailed survey of the booking patterns of its corporate customers all over the world during 2009. Based on the important premise of the price and service provided to the business traveller and the resultant preference of these travellers for hotels in the middle and up-market segments, the study has concentrated on 2, 3 and 4-star hotels. The ranking of the 10 most frequently booked hotels is based on
Hotel name Evaluation Town/City Category Hilton London Canary Wharf 8.9 London 4.0 Novotel London Paddington 8.5 London 4.0 Hilton London Tower Bridge 8.2 London 4.0 Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport 8.2 London Stansted Airport 4.0 Apartmenthotel 196 Bishopsgate 8.2 London 4.0 Ashburn Hotel 8.2 London 4.0 Crowne Plaza Hotel London-Shoreditch 8.1 London 4.0 Express by Holiday Inn Liverpool John Lennon Airport 8.1 Liverpool 2.0 Holiday Inn Kenilworth 8.0 Kenilworth 3.0 Mercure Holland House Hotel & Spa Bristol 8.0 Bristol 4.0 * the ranking of the ten most frequently booked hotels is based on the evaluations awarded by guests who have stayed in them (best possible mark = 10.0). http://www.hotel.info/homepage.aspx?lng=EN
PGA European KPMG Golf Business Forum May 12-14 tour visits Czech Republic The Prosper golf club in the Czech Republic is to be the venue for the PGA European Tour’s Euros 2000,000 Czech Open from 19 -20 August 2010. The return of the tour to The Czech Republic after many years absence is wonderful news and further evidence that the Czech Republic with it long history of past tour events is a great golf tourism destination. The Prosper Golf club along with the Prosper Horse Ranch and a four star hotel is located in Celodna in the beautiful mountainous countryside of northern Moravia close to the borders of Poland and Slovakia. This is an extremely picturesque region in the Beskydy Mountains with rivers and forests adding to the attractiveness of the venue. The Golf course was designed by Miguel Angel Jimenez and can be guaranteed to be a challenging contest and with global TV coverage a great promotion for golf tourism across the whole region.
Now in its 7th year the KPMG Golf business forum is gearing up for this year’s event in Belek Turkey with a list of outstanding speakers and dignitaries from the world of golf. This conference is a great opportunity to learn from the experts and to meet key people from within the golf industry. The programme is social schedule for to local golf and year’s event will
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extensive with a full networking, plus visits leisure facilities. This also include debate
about the value and opportunities for developing ladies golf and golf tourism. The theme for this year’s conference is rethink, redesign and reposition the global golf industry more www.golfbusinessforum.com
TUI publishes sustainability On a tour of discovery with the MS Hanseatic: a zodiac excursion for watching wildlife right up close in the Arctic
Under the title “Guests in Paradise” TUI AG has published its Environment and Sustainability Report 2009/2010. The report documents the activities, progress, targets and performance indicators in sustainable development and meets the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the internationally recognized standard for sustainability reporting. “We firmly believe that sustainability and responsibility are key factors in a company’s economic success, in particular in difficult times. The report now presented lists numerous examples illustrating how we implement our responsibility to customers, employees, business associates, shareholders and society”, says Dr Peter Engelen, TUI AG Executive Board member whose responsibilities include Sustainable Development. He continues: “With the report we set out to make our social ‘investment’ visible.” The key topics of the report include a comprehensive presentation of the Group’s biodiversity and climate strategy and the Code of Conduct binding on all employees. Apart from documenting measures to reduce energy consumption and emissions, the report provides an overview of the climate targets of the individual business sectors. Examples include energy consumption, which the Group reduced by around 4 per cent in 2009 versus the comparative period in 2008. The report also documents, for instance, numerous species preservation projects. In cooperation with the Federal Agency for Nature Protection, TUI’s Sustainability Management unit has, inter alia, prepared a brochure on species preservation to be distributed to holidaymakers worldwide. The report also presents additional practical measures along the value chain, such as initiatives by the TUI Group’s hotels and incoming agencies. With the publication of the Sustainability Report, the Environmental Management and Sustainable Development department also celebrates its anniversary: As early as in 1990, TUI was the first large tour operator to establish its own environmental unit, which has continually engaged in activities both in Germany and abroad since then. 20 years of enviromental and sustainability management
of the local environment 1991 TUI awards its first International Environment Award 1992 TUI’s first Environment Forum at the ITB fair in Berlin 1995 Active contribution to the Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Lanzarote 1995 The Annual Report starts to include environmental reporting 1995 TUI Sponsorship adopts its first charitable project in Hanover 1996 TUI selects the first Environment Champions 2000 TUI co-founds the Tour Operators‘ Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development 2000 The Preussag Foundation (now: TUI Foundation) is established 2001 TUI AG co-founds econsense 2003 Contribution to UNWTO’s Djerba Declaration on Tourism and Climate Change 2003 TUI Deutschland receives its ISO 14001 certificate 2004 TUI AG is listed on FTSE4Good 2004 TUI AG publishes the first Group Environment Report 2005 TUI AG receives its ISO 14001 certificate 2006 First involvement in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) 2006 TUI AG joins the Dow Jones Sustainability Index 2006 First EcoResort award for a Group hotel brand 2007 TUI AG publishes the first Group Sustainability Report 2007 TUI AG wins first place in the Good Company Ranking environment category 2007/08 Group-wide Year of the Dolphin campaign with the UNEP Bonn Convention 2007 Contribution to the UNWTO’s Davos Declaration on Tourism and Climate Change 2008 TUI AG signs the Diversity Charter 2008 TUI AG joins the Business & Biodiversity Initiative set up by the German Environ-ment Ministry 2009 TUI AG co-founds the sustainability initiative Futouris e. V.
1990 TUI is the first mainstream tour operator to set up an environmental management unit 1990 TUI launches destination monitoring to observe the state Xenios
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Research to Focus on the Performance Drivers and Value of Meetings AIBTM Research Alliance Consolidates MPI, RTE Global Relationship
February, 2010 – Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) and the MPI Foundation announced a major AIBTM research alliance at MPI’s MeetDifferent in Cancun. In an initiative which further focuses both parties’ long standing relationship, the MPI Foundation will produce a comprehensive initiative on meeting and business event performance to be presented at AIBTM in Baltimore in June 2011 as part of an America Meetings Week. This initiative is a culmination of a broad scope of initiatives that will focus on studying and understanding the appreciable business value of meetings. “Through this alliance, meeting and event professionals will gain access to critical data and resources to more effectively design, implement and measure the business value of their meetings. We see our relationship with RTE as a prime driver in highlighting our commitment to content
and thought leadership around the world,” said Bruce MacMillan, MPI President and CEO. Vanessa Cotton, CMM Chair Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Incentives Events, comments: “One of the areas that will set us apart from other events for the meetings industry in North America is our reputation in providing best professional education. Whether from the corporate, association or agency sector, this major piece of research is designed to provide the industry with information on key trends and developments that will have a significant impact on their business. “Our global partnership with MPI, which additionally includes the development of education programs at all our IBTM events in Barcelona, Abu Dhabi, Beijing and now Baltimore, is an indication of the importance both parties place on the providing the industry at all levels with sources of relevant and validated knowledge.”
with quality interaction with over 300 North American and international exhibitors. It is set to attract 500 Hosted Buyers, of which 100 will come from outside America and around 2,500 trade visitors made up of largely North American based meeting planners with domestic, interstate business. America Meetings Week will raise the profile of the meetings and events industry to the wider business market and political community across North America, focusing on the economic contribution which meetings and events make to the economy, the number of jobs supported and the positive benefits which effective meetings and events bring to business development and communication.
AIBTM will provide meeting and event professionals in all sectors – association, corporate, government and third party – Xenios
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Travel Trends LONDON, March, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska has been selected as the world's greatest cruise destination by a jury of the UK's leading cruise writers and industry experts.
Top 10 Cruise Destinations Revealed
Alaska's incredible bays, dazzling glaciers and exotic wildlife make it the ultimate cruise destination, just ahead of other nature lovers' paradises The Galapagos Islands, The Arctic and Antarctic Peninsula. All four were selected by a panel of 13 experts when asked to nominate their favourite cruise destinations by The CRUISE Show, the UK's only exhibition dedicated to cruise travel. Russia was hotly tipped, with The Black Sea taking fifth place on the list and St Petersburg sixth. Venice, a more traditional cruise destination, was highly rated by the panel, featuring at number seven, just ahead of the Mediterranean generally. The Middle East, an upand-coming cruise destination, completed the top 10. Cruise expert Jane Archer said: "One of the best things about cruising is the diversity of places you can visit on a cruise ship. There are all the iconic cities in the Mediterranean and Baltic, which attract huge numbers of cruisers, but then you can also get way off the beaten track, discovering remote and exotic places and seeing sights that non-cruisers can only dream about." "The cruise lines that visit all these places and many more will be at The Cruise Show, so visiting the show is a very easy way to hear more from the experts about the fabulous places you could be going on your next holiday at sea." The CRUISE Show takes place at London Olympia on 27 and 28 March.
Top 10 cruise destinations 1 Alaska: "Watching black bears in their natural habitat, catching salmon as they made their way up river, is a moment I'm unlikely to capture again." William Gibbons 2 The Galapagos: "These sequestered islands are unlike any other cruise destination anywhere on earth and you leave knowing you've visited a very special corner of our planet." Gary Buchanan 3 Arctic: "Before the cruise, circumnavigating Spitsbergen, all I wanted was to see a Polar bear. We saw the first on day one. At 15 I gave up counting. It's desolate, dangerous, but a true once-in a lifetime experience." Jane Archer 4 Antarctic Peninsula: "There's something awe-inspiring as icebergs the size of Belgium go by. And then there's the noise of whole regiments of penguins and seals, and the spectacle of nature at its most unpredictable." Douglas Ward 5 The Black Sea: "The Black Sea has seen civilisations come and go over the millennia and today the intriguing mix of Turkish, Ukrainian and Russian cultures make for an endlessly fascinating travel experience." Andrew Cochrane 6 St Petersburg: "The magnificent Hermitage Museum and stunning art galleries must be seen to be believed. Peterhof with the amazing gravity-fed cascading fountains, and Catherine's palaces are simply breathtaking." Lol Nichols 7 Venice: "The Venetian Festa del Redentore, dating back to 1577, is a stunning time to stay. On July 17, hundreds of decorated boats line up to view fireworks light up the domes and bell towers of the city, all set against the
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beautiful backdrop of Saint Mark's Basin." Stephen Park 8 The Mediterranean: "The best cruise destination is right on our doorstep. You're set to do a whole holiday brochure in one go as you tour the greatest cities in the world such as Barcelona, Venice, Rome and Nice." Steve Read 9 The Corinth Canal: "At first sight it is hard to see the narrow entrance to the canal, then guided by a tug - Minerva enters the narrow, steep-sided canal, with just a metre clearance on each side of the ship." Colin Stone 10 Middle East: Offering a blend of countries of varying customs, cruising in the Middle East is a terrific and relatively hassle-free way to visit cities as disparate as Dubai, Muscat and Aqaba. The fact that the sun nearly always shines is another plus! Carolyn Spencer Brown The panel comprised: Wendy Atkin Smith(Managing Director Viking River Cruises UK); Jane Archer (Telegraph Travel cruise correspondent); Gary Buchanan (travel writer); Andrew Cochrane (Managing Director, Noble Caledonia); William Gibbons (Director, Passenger Shipping Association); Andy Harmer (The Cruise Portfolio); Lol Nichols (General Sales Manager, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines); Stephen Park (General manager, NCL UK); Jo Rzymowska (Associate Vice President and General Manager Royal Caribbean Cruise Line UK and Ireland); Steve Read (Sky Travel cruise correspondent); Carolyn Spencer Brown (Editor in Chief, Cruise Critic); Colin Stone (Managing Director, Swan Hellenic); Douglas Ward (author, Berlitz Guide to Cruising).
Travel Trends
Stefania Agostini: Rimini is ready to welcome BTC
“We will make all our know-how and the best resources of the region available”, says the director of the Riviera di Rimini Convention Bureau, which operates the new Palacongressi conference and exhibition centre. Stefania Agostini is determined to offer Rimini’s best resources to ensure Italy’s trade show for the meetings industry is a success: “For the Riviera di Rimini Convention Bureau, BTC has always been the sector’s most important national event, and we have now fully embraced the call Be there to demonstrate; we will not therefore just be in attendance, but will take part in an active and proactive manner, which will allow us to show the Italian and international meetings industry gathering for BTC what Rimini has done and can do in this business”. The new Palacongressi which will host BTC is already a tangible demonstration of the city’s commitment to strengthening and exploiting to the full its vocation for hosting events that began forty years ago. “It is a flexible venue, which allows a dynamic use of space, fulfilling BTC’s need to bring innovation to the traditional trade fair format,” continues Agostini. “Of course, we are also highly suitable for traditional exhibitions, but our experience lies in events, and we therefore offer our spaces in a way that enables people to meet in the freest and least conventional way possible. BTC will be able to capitalise fully on this opportunity”. As an event destination, Rimini is highly coordinated and cohesive: the city’s conference hotels have formed the AIA Palas consortium ? a shareholder of Palacongressi ? through which they 18
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manage the accommodation for events hosted at the conference centre in order to provide guests with the best possible service. “We are also working very closely with Aeradria, which manages Rimini airport, with a view to improving links with the hubs of Milan and Rome and optimising those with Munich”, says Agostini. Rimini is therefore preparing to give a united demonstration of its event-hosting capabilities. “We want to take BTC into the city, creating meeting places that supplement the networking activities that will occur within Palacongressi”, Agostini adds. “We are still working on it, but one such opportunity is the Notte Rosa (the Pink Night) on 2 July, a festival of music, dance, entertainment and performances throughout the city, which can be exploited for BTC buyers and exhibitors wishing to attend, creating an organisational synergy that adds value to the show”. Another way in which BTC is being integrated with the city is ensuring that Palacongressi can be reached on foot or by bicycle, with routes and services that will offer BTC guests a truly alternative experience of the destination. “We really believe in this event, we are proactive, and are making available to BTC all our know-how, our supplier network and partnerships with local institutions. We hope that in Rimini, BTC will be able to truly innovate, grow and thrive” concludes Agostini.
International Tourism Trade Fairs Association
For information into the world’s top travel trade shows…
www.ittfa.org SUPPORTED BY ITTFA
Affiliate Member of World Travel Organization
Travel Trends
ACB is official sponsor of international study "Convention 2020" As part of City of Athens Mayor Nikita Kaklamanis' strategy to establish Athens as one of the major conference destinations in the world and the dynamic presence of the city at international proceedings, the Athens Convention BureauACB has signed a strategic agreement of cooperation and support for the pioneering study "Convention 2020."
The "Convention 2020- The Future of Meetings, Venues and Meeting Destinations" programme is the initiative of leading organisations in the conference and meetings market, such as the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) and IMEX (the largest international trade show in the conference market), and is being coordinated by the Fast Future Research company. Rohit Talwar, considered an authority in the field of scientific prognostic models, particularly in economic and entrepreneurial activity sectors, is heading the programme.
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The "Convention 2020" programme has already been received with great interest by the world conference community and by important organisations, such as Visit London, the BestCities Global Alliance network (which includes Copenhagen, Cape Town, Dubai, Edinburgh, Melbourne, Singapore, Vancouver and others), the Seoul Tourism Organisation and the Qatar National Convention Centre. The Athens Convention Bureau, as one of the main supporters of the initiative, will actively participate in all phases of the study, and will contribute to the enrichment and analysis of the findings and the formulation of conclusions. In addition, the ACB will gain particularly specialised expertise from which its members will benefit first and foremost, as part of its support calls for staging a workshop in Athens with Talwar, as well as the participation of ACB staff in similar events abroad. The goals of the programme, which will be conducted in two research phases, each one lasting several months, include: The documentation and analysis of the main trends emerging in the world conference and meeting market. The monitoring of the main changes and their reduction into prognostic and forecast models
so as to highlight the main characteristics and the general direction of the market over the next decade. The examination and development of possible scenarios for the progress of the conference market and the identification of possible impacts with regard to the activities and operation of destinations and conference infrastructure (for example, the Conference Centre) and the activities of related sectors and businesses (such as technology and equipment, conference organisers, suppliers, support services etc.), as well as the "participation experience," in other words, the conference participants themselves. The formulation of options, suggestions and ideas for adapting to new conditions and predictions, as well as the collection of detailed conclusions regarding the course and potential of the market. The first phase of the study is expected to be completed in May and will be presented as part of IMEX 2010 in Frankfurt.
ICCA further expands Association Database
New easyJet routes to Greece
EasyJet announced it would launch new routes to Greece in the coming year, taking the total number of routes to be launched across its European to Greece network to 35.
Since 1972, the ICCA Research Department has assembled information on international association meetings. The structure of the Association Database is designed to perfectly suit the marketing information needs of suppliers in the international meeting business. ICCA members use this database for their research, marketing and sales activities to identify prospective association clients and to bid for important international congresses. 3,000 “incomplete” profiles added Up to now a considerable number of incomplete- (meeting series without a clear contact reference) or outdated (historical overview not up-to-date) profiles were automatically “hidden” in the online database. As ICCA members indicated that they would like to see this data nonetheless because they would be happy to further research these profiles for their marketing purposes, these profiles are now added to the online database. ICCA expects to generate a lot of useful information amongst its members, who can use an online “Report on Update” form to update and add missing information.
regularly occurring meeting and profiles of more than 130,000 individual events since 1873. “Having recently upgraded and simplified the “report an update” functionality on our database, it was a logical step to add the incomplete records to the congresses that are visible to our members – we’re anticipating a massive increase in feedback of commercially relevant information. And with international associations continuing to be the most recession-proof sector in the global meetings market this will open up even more congress bidding opportunities for our members.”, says Martin Sirk, ICCA CEO. Link to UIA data Last month ICCA already linked the profiles of 4,500 regularly occurring meetings within ICCA’s extensive database of international association events to supplementary UIA data. The new data provides valuable background information that will enable more relevant and targeted proposals to be created.
Flights to Crete (Chania), Kos and Zakynthos will be added to the company’s schedule beginning in May 2010. The new routes are as follows: Chania - London Gatwick, KosLondon Gatwick, Zakynthos London Gatwick, Heraklion Geneva, Heraklion - Bristol, Corfu - Berlin, Mykonos - Paris Orly, Thessaloniki- Milan Malpensa, Santorini - Milan Malpensa, Corfu - Milan Malpensa, Rhodes - Liverpool, Heraklion - Rome Fiumicino, Thessaloniki - Basel, Mykonos - Rome Fiumicino. The flights will take place with the new Airbus 320 that will be arriving at London Gatwick this spring.
The Association Database Online currently contains over 13,000 profiles of rotating and Xenios
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Travel Trends
Tripadvisor Reveals Europe’s Sexiest Hotels – Amsterdam’s Black Tulip Hotel Tops List of Provocative Properties 5. Amour, Paris The brainchild of a graffiti artist and nightclub entrepreneur the Amour has everything you need for a sultry weekend. Bedrooms lead off black-painted corridors lit by naked bulbs and each room offers something different. Some have been decorated by named artists; others display risqué photographs. Amour is summed up by one TripAdvisor traveller as “an ideal place to drink, eat, sleep, find an intelligent conversation or be seduced.” February 2010 /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor(R), the world’s largest and most popular travel community, announced the top 10 sexiest hotels in Europe, based on TripAdvisor editors and travellers. From seductive city suites, to beach-side personal butlers, these properties offer serious va-va-voom for those seeking a sultry sanctuary à deux. TripAdvisor site data also reveals that Paris, London and Amsterdam boast the most sizzling hotels in Europe, based on the “sexy index”, calculating the number of times that travellers use the term “sexy” in their candid TripAdvisor reviews. 1. Black Tulip, Amsterdam Centrally located in a stylish 16th century canal-side building this hotel features specially designed ‘lust’ rooms. All rooms boast black-out curtains and guests can take advantage of the “fun equipment” installed in certain suites. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “The rooms are seriously sexy, complete with all the bondage gear you could wish for.” 2. Propeller Island City Lodge, Berlin For couples looking to add some spice to their getaway the quirky art installations within this hotel will not disappoint. Each room is uniquely sexy – the ‘Flying Bed’ room includes a mattress as an iconic temple at the top of an inclined ramp. The ‘Galerie’ room features a round bed with a pedal-operated mechanism that allows it to spin on a pivot. “We stayed in the room completely lined with mirrors. It was very tiny, but that was all part of the fun,” writes one TripAdvisor traveller. 3. The Witchery, Edinburgh
6. The Hempel, London Anouska Hempel’s temple to minimalist Zen is hidden behind its discreet, west-London, townhouse façade, giving it an instantly illicit feel. For couples looking for something special the Lioness Den suite should be explored. The bed is suspended from the ceiling by bars resulting in a cage-like experience. As one TripAdvisor traveller writes, “The mattress, the pillows and the blankets are all extremely lovable…excellent for couples.” 7. Hotel Arts Barcelona, Barcelona With its double showers and black-out blinds Hotel Arts oozes sex appeal. The hotel’s infamous art isn’t the only thing that will appeal to amorous guests – even the technology adds an air of passion. as one TripAdvisor travellers explains, “We could lie in our fabulous, sumptuous bed, and using a remote control, bring down electronic shutters to all the windows, they even had their own CD called Barcelona Nights to help get you in the mood!” 8. Adam and Eve Hotel, Turkey Antalya Coast With its sexy minimalist decor this hotel has been created specifically with couples in mind. Not only does it provide aphrodisiac incense to spice up your stay but guests can even select a ‘fantasy box’ for the room. Summed up by one TripAdvisor traveller, “I recommend this hotel to all couples, but come without children – it is really is a fantasy hotel…” 9. Suite Sistina, Rome
The hotel’s magnificent Guardroom suite offers sheer aristocratic decadence. If you tire of the delights of its romantic four-poster bed, the suite has breath-taking views over Princes Street to Fife. From the brocade and velvet bedroom furnishings to the antique double bath with its enormous mirror The Witchery provides guests with sexiness from a bygone age. Even X-Factor star Danni Minogue describes the hotel as “the perfect lust-den.”
The four suites of this luxury residence bring together antique mosaics, modern furniture and avant-garde technology to offer couples an extraordinarily discreet and unique experience. With beds embraced by soft silk, state-of-the-art stereo systems and romantic lighting your stay is sure to be a passionately memorable one. As one TripAdvisor traveller notes, “Really large round bed, twin tub in the bedroom. All electrics are centrally controlled and the mood lighting certainly added to our stay.”
4. Buddha Bar Hotel, Prague
10. Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, Cote D-Azur
Couples seeking treats galore should add this hotel their wanton wish list. This urban hotel offers stylish surroundings, not to mention a special couples getaway package which includes a one-hour massage each, private use of the jacuzzi, fresh flowers and a mood music CD. As one TripAdvisor traveller writes, “A chilled bottle of champagne and a bowl of strawberries waited for us along with a gift of massage oils, honey dust and feathers, setting the pace for the most romantic honeymoon anyone could have.”
Located in the millionaire paradise on the peninsula of St. Jean Cap Ferrat, this hotel is a once-in-a-lifetime luxury escape. Exclusive suites offer everything from private swimming pools to personal butler service – the sheer scale of excess is guaranteed to get pulses racing. One TripAdvisor traveller is impressed with the hotel staff, “He arranged a very romantic table setting complete with candles and even snuck me a rose to give to my wife.”
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GIBTM ATTRACTS FIRST TIMERS TO TECHNOLOGY & EVENT SERVICES VILLAGE
Following the introduction two years ago at Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) of the Technology & Event Services Village, the event has attracted new exhibitors recognising the business opportunities of interacting directly with Gulf buyers and planners.
Returning to GIBTM, Thorston Kolbinger, Managing Director EMEA Ungerboeck Systems International GmbH said “The Technology Village @ GIBTM was a great location for us and we had a very successful time with some good sales leads and new contacts. We look forward to exhibiting at GIBTM in 2010!”
Visitors to the 2010 event will come face-to-face with a dedicated area featuring the latest technology and support services and products for the meetings and incentives industry.
Graeme Barnett, GIBTM Event Director said: “Technology and event services are key to buyers as they are crucial elements of a successful meeting, incentive, conference and/or large event. There is no better place than GIBTM to keep up-to-date with the latest technology advances as well as seeing the newest products and services on offer.”
New timers at the show, taking place from 29 – 31 March 2010 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), include USA based Cvent Inc (Stand F125) and Dubai based Matrix Party & Audio Visual Services LLC (F140). Returning to GIBTM, on the back of a successful 2009 include Ungerboeck Systems International (G140) and London Speaker Bureau (F141). Commenting on their first time attendance at GIBTM, Rajesh Pereira, Chief Entertainment Officer, Matrix Party and Audio Visual Services LLC commented: “We look forward to exhibiting at GIBTM for the first time. Having held a strong presence for the last 12 years in Dubai, UAE, the international market is very important for us to reach for events and conferences. We are now exhibiting to be able to meet the international Hosted Buyers as well as focus on the UAE market especially the city of Abu Dhabi.” Cvent Inc have committed to GIBTM after a successful EIBTM in Barcelona, commenting: “This is our first time exhibiting at GIBTM at the Technology & Events Village. However, because we work with 35,000 meeting planners from around the world and EIBTM worked so well for us, we are confident GIBTM will provide the same level of industry contacts and meetings for us, particularly from the local Middle East market.” Reggie Aggarwal, Founder and CEO Cvent, Inc. <http://www.cvent.com> USA.
Complementing the Technology & Event Services Village @ GIBTM will be a dedicated Professional Education Programme, divided into three distinct themes – Event Planning Day on Monday 29 March; Industry Research Day on Tuesday 30 March and Industry Trends Day on Wednesday 31 March. All three days will feature discussions on future technological developments and how to use technology cost-effectively. Further information on the Technology & Event Services Village @ GIBTM can be found at www.gibtm.com/techevents <http://www.gibtm.com/techevents> . For those interested in booking a stand please contact Sandie McCoubrey at sandiemc@otenet.gr <mailto:sandiemc@otenet.gr>. Free registration to attend GIBTM is still open. Log onto www.gibtm.com <http://www.gibtm.com>
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Travel Trends Client: Associations Conference Forum (AC Forum) Event Annual meeting of the AC Forum, 14-16 January 2010
Showcasing London to the Associations Conference Forum
Requirements The AC Forum meets in January every year in a different European city. The requirements were to stage an intense two-day meeting in a city that can accommodate association conferences and large meetings. Europe's leading medical associations were also keen to gain an insight into London's credentials for hosting major events. With the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games coming up, the UK capital fitted the bill perfectly. Event solution From 14-16 January, some 23 member companies, including the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, the European Society for Medical Oncology, the European Society for Cardiology and the World Dental Federation, were treated to an access all areas tour of London's key venue developments as part of an itinerary hosted by Visit London.
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The programme, implemented with the help of Destination Management Company Brook Green UK, included the body's General Assembly meetings staged at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC), as well as several opportunities for peer networking against iconic London backdrops.
minute stroll from the QEIICC. On the first evening, after an afternoon sharing best practice and discussing congress strategies, delegates were escorted by Brook Green UK to the Houses of Parliament for a dinner hosted by John Greenway MP and an after-dinner speech from Jonathan Edwards CBE.
First day – 14 January
Second day – 15 January
AC Forum delegates resided at Park Plaza County Hall during their stay – just a seven
On the second evening, following an all-day plenary meeting at the QEIICC, delegates
were transported by coach to a dinner, hosted by Visit London in the White Tower at the Tower of London. Guests were greeted by a Yeoman Warder (popularly known as 'Beefeater') and given a short tour of the attraction, which included the Henry VIII exhibition.
For the first time in the ten year history of the annual forum meetings across Europe, we have been able to engage with a representative of the political world who demonstrated he understands the business of staging events and congresses.
Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Garmes had prepared a video on how the park was progressing before guests were guided around the site and shown the venues currently under development. Delegates then returned to the coach to be taken onto ExCeL London to be updated on the phase two extension, which will result in the venue becoming London's first International Convention Centre, due to open in May 2010.
Over dinner, the Mayor of London's Marketing Director Dan Ritterband outlined the capital's intent and strategy to attract a greater number of congresses. Ritterband's speech was folFollowing a tour of the London Boat Show, lowed and reiterated by Visit London Business which was taking place at ExCeL, delegates Tourism Director Tracy Halliwell. She said: "We boarded the London Eye boat Silver Bonito and have the product, the desire and talented peowere transported back to Waterloo by river, ple in place to well serve the interests of globwhere their London experience tour came to an al congress planners. We are currently carrying end. out three key pieces of research, which will not - Luc Hendrickx, only determine what more we can do on behalf Results President of the AC of clients wishing to come to London, but will Visit London Associations Sales Manager Becky also provide buyers with quarterly survey data Graveney hailed the three-day event a sucForum to assist with planning documents and provide cess: "We are receiving many more enquiries a stronger picture of London's meetings and to stage larger events in London and we were events offer both for the present day and for the future. In get- able to get across our message that London not only welcomes ting across this message, we are being taken seriously as a these congresses but is also working on initiatives to enhance major congress destination." our abilities to stage these types of events. To have the opportunity to welcome such an influential group of congress organisers at such a time of relevance for new hotel and venue openThe finale of the dinner came when guests were 'commanded' ings was perfect." to attend the Ceremony of the Keys â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a spectacular ritual to close the gates of the Tower, which has taken place every Commenting on the choice to come to London, AC Forum outevening for more than 750 years. Many delegates expressed going President Luc Hendrickx says: "As one of the positive what a unique experience it was and how there was time to effects of London hosting the 2012 Olympic Games and reflect while the Last Post was sounded on a bugle. Paralympic Games, AC Forum members learnt how the congress and events industry can benefit from the Games. They will creLast day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 16 January ate an event momentum and we saw one of the tangible effects of this during our visit to see the extension of ExCeL London." In contrast, the next day, delegates were taken on a tour of contemporary modern London. First stop was access to the soon-to-open Park Plaza Westminster Bridge four-star hotel. From there, delegates were taken by bus to the Olympic Park and given a bespoke Blue Badge guided tour. The London
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Travel Trends
THE EMPOWERMENT OF GEN Y - KEY TO ATTRACTING AND RETAINING THE FUTURE OF THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY
EIBTM’s annual CEO Summit puts youth and social networking top of agenda EIBTM’s annual CEO Summit, which took place last month in Barcelona, brought together more than 60 members of the global meetings industry to facilitate debate about two pressing issues affecting the future of the industry as it enters a new decade – managing generation Y and the use of social media in meetings and events. Created as a strategic business network, and launched under the banner of EIBTM five years ago, the ‘C’ level executives included representatives from both planners and suppliers from multi national to national hotels, CVB’s, PCO’s and full service agencies. In wide ranging discussions and debates, moderated by Peter Rand, Director of Industry Relations Zibrant, the consensus of opinion recognised the need to empower younger recruits to the industry, giving them responsibility and space by stepping back and enabling them to develop their own confidence and style. There was an admission that sometimes the industry had a feeling of an old boys club and there was a need to recognise that the future development of the indus28
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try and indeed the future of EIBTM’s CEO summit lay with Generation Y. The Summit also acknowledged that Generation Y is looking for a life/work balance, transparency within organisations, ability to be creative and to involve themselves in social communities and corporate social responsible projects. A further topic of discussion turned to the use of social media in meetings and events. It was agreed that social media had created a revolution in how the industry communicated with each other. There was a need to embrace a new language and style of writing to communicate effectively with the younger generation who demand information quickly and concisely. It was felt that organisations need to ensure that social media became an integral part of a company’s business model. CEO Summit Moderator Peter Rand commented: “Bringing together such a high profile group of C’ executives representing all sectors of the meetings industry is invaluable in acting as a catalyst for initial discussion before turning talk into action. It recognises that the industry has to continually evolve if it is to attract and retain the highest calibre of talent. There have been a number of take-away points which will be actioned to ensure this
international group of industry leaders materially influence the response of the Meetings Industry to a fast changing world.” The 2009 CEO Summit was attended by the following companies: Abbit Meeting Support, AEG Ogeden Convention & Exhibition Centres, Asia & Pacific, Agenda Pty Ltd, Avant Guide Institute, Barcelona Convention Bureau, Congrex, Creative Travel India, Daniel Tschudy Consultancy, Deeper Blue, Drewe Associates, European Event ROI Institute, Event Genuity, Expology Oy, Extraordinary Events, First Incentive Travel, Friis Consulting, Harry Fine Associates, HelmsBriscoe, HelmsBriscoe International, MCI Group Holding SA, Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau, Moulden Marketing, MVKA Productions, Net Group, Ovation Global DMC, Pacific World, PRA Destinationa Management New York, Rfb Group, Seoul Tourism Organisation, Star Professional Programs, Swantegy, Teknocongress, The Right Solution Limited, tmf - Travel Marketing Factor and Trinity Conferences.
Conference «SPA in Ukraine»
If you are a company that wants to develop its business successfully, to implement the newest technologies, to increase the loyalty of customers or you want that your services to be in demand, Ukrainian SPA Association offers to your attention and invites you to attend the conference “SPA in Ukraine”. The audience: directors and spa managers, wellness establishments, spa-hotels, resorts and recreational facilities. An interesting educational program, lectures from experts of the SPA market, the possibility of free attending of the exhibition “Hotels & Restaurant Expo 2010”, useful contacts and, of course, gifts from sponsors of the event. Advantages of the conference: Practicality. The program of the conference includes the most requested topics. It will be covered by leading
experts of the SPA market who have many years’ practical experience in real business. Relevance. The questions of conference are selected in accordance with the market requirements, in accordance with the problems and needs of the leaders of the SPA market. They contribute to the achievement of high results due to the relevance of the material. Complexity. Such mix of topics is selected in conference’s program which deals with various aspects of activities of the SPA market and allows you in full measure to meet the challenges of your business. Guaranteed results. Participation in the conference will give you new knowledge about the latest SPA-industry innovations, the possibility to deal with problems effectively, to promote your business successfully and to make profits from invested funds. CONFERENCE PROGRAM * Market Overview spa hotels of Ukraine (marketing research); Current solutions in the offseason. How not season make in velvet; Nutrition at the hotel, as the card; Innovative solutions for phyto bars;
Motivation of staff. Teambuilding; High service — as a guarantee of success; SPA on the territory of hotels. New ideas and spa programs; Swimming pool as an additional source of income; Innovation in equipping the hotel, restaurant and spa center; Round table. * in conference’s program can be some changes. The cost of participation in the conference: If you pay before February 20 it will cost 350 UAH. If you pay from February 21 till March 23 it will cost 450 UAH. For Members of the Association — discount 10%. If you are going to participate in conference “SPA in Ukraine”, please, contact : Tel/Fax: +38 (044) 253-74-79 E-mail: info@spaua.org or spaukraine@ukr.net Organizer — Ukrainian Spa Association and Premier Expo
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Adding Value Makes the Difference Industry Comment from ITTFA
Time and research have shown that exhibitions are undoubtedly an important part of the sales and marketing mix, however they do involve a considerable investment and it is therefore imperative for exhibitors to make the right choices. This decision has never been more important as we struggle through a period of recession and money has to be spent wisely. With so many exhibitions to choose from, event organisers have to work hard to ensure that they are among the chosen ones. Selling the space should only be the beginning of the story and not the end. So how do organisers retain those important exhibitors, attract new ones and add value to the cost of exhibiting? Exhibitors need to know that the visitor quality and mix is appropriate for their product or service. Visitor numbers are not necessarily an indication of success, far better to have one visitor who is the decision maker and key to your business rather than 3 who are not. So drawing in the top buyers and decision makers is a must for successful trade events. A good organiser will find out all about his exhibitors business, how they function, understand their product and customer base, what their future goals are. They will build a relationship with each client and prove that they are targeting visitors on their behalf. ITTFA member, TTG ITALIA which runs two major travel shows in Italy, TTG Incontri and BTC, achieves this in several ways including running educational and training programmes and via targeted and crossed communication on selected groups of potential visitors and exhibitors. Antonio Dell’Aquilano, Exhibition & Event Manager TTG Italia explains further. “In 2009 we organized over 100 one hour training courses during the three days of the fair, dedicated to all segments of travel professionals. We want to repeat the same successful experience in 2010. We believe that if companies have to invest their money and personnel time in participating at exhibitions, as well as the business opportunities made by the meetings at the fair, they have to come out with added professional value for their personnel too. For the same reasons, we invest money in bringing very high caliber Italian and foreign speakers for seminars. We also select segments of exhibiting companies and communicate their presence to a particular segment of potential visitors – for example we have hundreds of tour operators dealing with, among other products, golfing holidays; we target golf clubs, which are not normally associated with travel exhibitions, but they contribute by creating travel demand organizing golf holidays for their associates. We do the same with many different segments. On the other hand, we attract more exhibitors, telling them what we are doing, in terms of targeted communication, to bring specific visitors to the fair.”
“We have an on-going project at the Swedish Fair in Gothenburg where we analyze the future for fairs in general and then try to break down the conclusions as to how this will affect our fair. There is no doubt that every participant (exhibitor and visitor) are looking a lot more at what they get for their money. We have to give them a tool so they can measure their ROI. We have to have an even more direct and open discussion with the business itself so we are aware of what is real for them. Therefore we have tried to be more involved in the on going discussion of businesses and also provide different platforms where they can meet. In our business plan for TUR we have highlighted that it is vital for us to get even more involved with all the players in the business. The main thing is to be a platform for the business to meet, to be the natural meeting place and outside the fair, provide conditions where the business can meet in real life and in the digital world. We want to be on show all year in a variety of places. In order to achieve this we have tried to build up our webpage (tur.se) to provide news and topics for the business rather than only provide information about the event thus extending the life of the fair. For 2010 we will look at articles on our webpage and give our whole customer base an opportunity to comment on certain topics on our new Facebook group. We have also started “BookTUR”, a webpage where all the exhibitors can promote their best offers during the fair. You can´t buy anything on”BookTUR” you have to come to the fair to buy it. We use the BookTUR in all our public advertising which means that the exhibitors get free marketing for their products through our market. They sell more products and the public loves the good prices. It is a clear win-win! We work harder to collaborate with all the different organizations in the business and together we carry out seminars, galas, dinners etc. Thus providing more opportunities to market the show and build our network. All this will hopefully lead to the conclusion that TUR is the natural meeting forum for the business – not for our sake – but for themselves. To participate in a fair is a cost-efficient way to keep up the most important thing in all business, the personal meeting itself. There is no substitute for that. From such meetings you can build faith with your partners for successful long term relationships. TUR and TTG Italia are setting high standards and like other ITTFA members go the extra mile to prove their commitment. This is what helps exhibitors choose one show over another and in these challenging times it is important to build a close relationship for both parties to maximise results. ITTFA is dedicated to the continual development of the travel trade show industry, increasing participation and setting high standards worldwide. For details on all members visit us at www.ittfa.org For further information please contact: Wendy Walker / Sara Armitage Evans, International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA), Email. info@ittfa.org
TUR, leading Scandinavian travel trade fair held in Gothenburg each year also looks to going that extra mile and getting closer to its exhibitors. Johan F Lundberg, Exhibition Manager of TUR gives us an insight into why TUR is so successful. Xenios
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Travel Trade & MICE Exhibitions
MITT-MOSCOW Date 17 - 20 March 2010 Venue Moscow, Russia Edition 17th Telephone +44 (0) 207 596 5043/5083 Fax +44 (0) 207 596 5102 E-mail travel@ite-exhbitions.com www.mitt.ru
Firmly established as the leading travel trade event for Russia and the CIS, MITT annually welcomes some 3000 companies from over 100 countries and regions world-wide. MITT is also a member of the WTO and
Total net space Exhibitors Trade Visitors Mass Media Represented countries Public 30,000
157
40,000 sqm 3000 88,741 410
Entrance Fee USD $5 for general public Management Ms Zeljka Tomljenovic, Senior Event & Sales Manager, ITE Group Plc- UK Ms Maria Badakh, Event & Sales Director, ITE Group Plc – UK Mr Sergei Gorski, Event Director, ITE LLC Moscow Member Of ITTFA – International Tourism Trade Fairs Association, WTO - World Tourism Organization, PATA - Pacific Asia Travel Association, CECTA – Central European Countries Travel Association, ICCA – International Congress & Convention Association, UFI – Union de Foires Internationales Organised By ITE Travel Exhibitions ITE Group PLC 105 Salusbury Road London NW6 6RG UK
has an UFI accreditation. For further information, please contact the organisers. Participants
TUR-GOTEBORG
Apartments, Camping, Hotels, Resorts, Villas, Activity & Adventure Travel, Airline, Airport, Business & Incentive Travel, Car Rental, Children’s Travel, Coach Travel, Conventions & Visitors Bureau, Cruise Lines & Ferries, Eco-Tourism, Educational Travel, Conference/Meeting Venue & Organiser, Fishing & Hunting, Golfing Holidays, Health Resorts & Spas, Luxury Service, General & Travel Trade Publications, Medical Tourism, National/Regional Tourist Board, Pilgrimage, Safari, Senior Citizen Travel, Shopping Tour, Skiing Holidays, Special Needs Holidays, Technology, Ticketing Service, Tour Operator, Tourist Attraction, Trains, Travel Trade Association, Travel Agency, Yachting. Parallel Activites Seminars, presentations, workshops, press conferences Russian Travel Awards ceremony (in association with TTG Russia) Opening Hours Price Per Square Metre € 399 per sqm space only € 499 per sqm equipped space 2009 Figures Total space exhibition area 34
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TUR in Gothenburg is Scandinavia's largest and leading trade exhibition gathering some 2000 exhibitors from some 100 countries- the place where the world meets the Scandinavian tour operators to do business.
55,000 sqm
Date 25 - 28 March 2010 Venue Goteborg, Sweden Edition 27th Telephone (46) 31 708 80 00 Fax (46) 31 160 330 E-mail tur@svenskamassan.se www.tur.se literature (guides, maps) camping
Participants National and International Tourist organizations, Tour Operators/travel agencies, Carriers, hotels/conference venues, SPA, rental companies, data communications, reservations systems,
Parallel Activites Seminars and conferences, appointments forum Opening Hours March 25
09.00 – 18.00 trade only
March 26
09.00 – 18.00 trade only
March 27 09.00 – 18.00 trade visitors and general public March 28 10.00 – 17.00 trade visitors and general public Price Per Square Metre SEK 1,640 for areas of 12-100 sqm, SEK 1,500 over and above 101sqm, for entire area. SEK 2,995 for space and rent + shell stand All in one “Basic”. Application fee SEK 5,000.
RTS (Swedish Travel & Tourist Industry Federation); ANTOR (Association of National Tourist Offices Representatives in Sweden); The association for Swedish Tourism; PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association); VisitSweden Represented Countries: 102
Kazakhstan – big tourist opportunities
2009 Figures Total Space Exhibition Area: 37000 sqm. Total Net Space: 15,000sqm Exhibitors: 952 exhibitors repr. 1 900 companies Trade Visitors: 23 000 incl entrance with exhibitor badges Mass Media: 510. Public: 30,800 Represented Countries: 102 Entrance Fee Thur – Fri SEK 400 / Sat – Sun SEK 120 incl. VAT Management Mr. Johan F Lundberg - Exhibition Manager, Mr Per Magnusson
STARTING FROM 1993 KAZAKHSTAN IS A FULL MEMBER OF UNWTO. The Governments of foreign states consider Kazakhstan a promising partner with a great potential for tourism, and the number of international agreements on cooperation in the sphere of tourism is increasing year by year! Kazakhstan’s participation in the “Silk Road” transcontinental tourism route carried out under the aegis of UNWTO in cooperation with UNESCO opens great opportunities for the development of outbound and inbound tourism in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
KITF-ALMATY ITE Group Plc 105 Salusbury Rd, London NW6 6RG, UK Ph.: +44 (0) 207 596 5043 / 5083 Fax: +44 (0) 207 596 5102 web-site: http://www.travel-exhibitions.com/
IN THE STRATEGY OF DEVELOPMENT OF KAZAKHSTAN 2030 Tourism industry has been recognised as a priority sector of the Economy.
In 2008 according to the statistics the main figures of tourism industry development saw an impressive increase compared to the previous year. The Kazakhstani tourists continue to travel to other countries: outbound tourism grew by 15,3 %, last year, domestic travel increased by 8.2 % and reached 4.2 million people, the total number of tourism organisations increased by 16%. TODAY KAZAKHSTAN has air communication with all countries in the World. International flights are performed by the leading international air carriers along with local air companies. Up to now 1000 tourism agencies are operating in Kazakhstan. The overwhelming majority of Kazakhstan’s travel companies provide human services to welcoming foreign citizens from CIS and non-CIS countries to Kazakhstan and outbound services for Kazakhstan’s citizens. ALMATY CITY is going to host the 2011 Winter Asian Games, and the main goal is to adequately represent the Republic of Kazakhstan to the international community.
- Deputy Exhibition Manager, Mrs Jane Ringenson - Sales Manager, Mrs Lise Backby-Moberg - Marketing Manager, Mrs Eva Bursell - Sales, Ms Jessica Santesson - Administration Member Of ITTFA – International Tourism Trade Fairs Association PATA – Pacific Asia Travel Association RTS – Swedish Travel & Tourist Industry Federation BTC – Baltic Sea Tourism Commission Organised By THE SWEDISH EXHIBITION CENTRE backed by: Xenios
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Travel Trade & MICE Exhibitions
Ukraine's largest and most wellknown travel and tourism event! 761 exhibitors from 71 destinations, attracting 15,000 visitors.
TOURSIB-2009 international specialized exhibition for tourism. TourSib is the main exhibition for the tourism industry in Siberia. It offers forward-looking companies the opportunity to make their mark on the region’s tourism industry and ensure their destination attracts the attention of Siberia’s traveling population. Exhibitors from other countries and regions will find this event to be a perfect doorway to the burgeoning tourism market of Siberian region!
The Ukraine International Travel & Tourism exhibition (UITT) is the largest and most important travel industry event in Ukraine. It attracts key international travel industry players looking to promote their services and increase their presence in the Ukrainian market.
OFFICIAL SUPPORT: Russian Federal Agency for Tourism Russian Union of Travel Industry Administration of Novosibirsk region Committee on International Cooperation and Foreign economic relations, Novosibirsk Major’s Office CO-ORGANIZERS: Novosibirsk Association of Tourist Organizations (NATO) Committee for International Relations and Tourism, Administration of Novosibirsk region MAJOR EXHIBITS CATEGORIES Tourist Boards Tourist organizations and associations Travel agencies Tour operators Airlines Health resorts Hotels, hotel chains Insurance companies Transportation companies Children camps Ecological tourism Car rental companies Travel multimedia Travel clubs Professional publishers Cargo and customs companies SPA-TOURISM SPA - tourism SPA - centers SPA – resorts SPA hotels Tour companies providing SPA rest Specialized magazines of tour companies TOURSIB – 2009 FACTS & FIGURES Number of Exhibitors: 240 Represented countries: 15 Number of visitors: 3700
UITT-KIEV ITE Group Plc 105 Salusbury Rd, London NW6 6RG, UK Ph.: +44 (0) 207 596 5043 / 5083 Fax: +44 (0) 207 596 5102 web-site: http://www.travel-exhibitions.com/
Outbound tourism in Ukraine has been boosted by recent growth in the economy. As a result, more and more Ukrainian travellers are discovering new destinations. In 2009, more than 15 million Ukrainians travelled abroad. Click here for news about Ukraine's tourism industry. Representatives from all over the world come to the UITT travel exhibition to develop new international channels to increase the volume of tourism and investment in their respective countries. Many established exhibitors are stepping up their marketing activities in Ukraine. Furthermore, UITT is attracting increased attention from long haul destinations, which reflects the growing number of Ukrainians keen to explore exotic locations. Click here for the latest exhibitor list.The Ukraine International Travel & Tourism Show (UITT) is universally recognised as the leading travel industry event in Ukraine. With over 70 destinations and a substantial audience, UITT is an effective way to build your business in Ukraine. Size (2009 event): 12,500 m² Total number of exhibitors (2009 event): 761 Number of countries & regions represented (2009 event): 71 Overall number of visitors (2009 event): 15,000 (national and international) UITT is supported by: Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine Kyiv City State Administration UNWTO UFI — the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
TOURSIB-NOVOSIBIRSK 220/10, Krasny Prospekt, Novosibirsk, 630049, Russia. telephones: +7-383-2106290, 2106298, 2255151. fax: +7-383-2209747. e-mail: strutz@sibfair.ru http://www.sibfair.ru/ http://www.travel-exhibitions.com/
TOURSIB’2010 XX International Specialized Exhibition for Tourism, Leisure and Sport. Airlines.
APRIL 15-17, 2010 NOVOSIBIRSK, RUSSIAN FEDERATION ITE SIBERIAN FAIR is pleased to invite you to participate in
Destinations: Russian Federation, Greece, Egypt, Vietnam, Italy, Mongolia, Tunisia, Thailand, Turkey, Kazakhstan, China, Kirghizia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland. TOURISM IN NOVOSIBIRSK REGION Novosibirsk is the administrative centre of the Siberian region and the capital of Western Siberia. The region serves as a major transport hub and the biggest industrial, cultural and scientific centre in Eastern Russia. The international airport Tolmachevo links Novosibirsk with many countries of the world. Regular flights connect Siberia with Europe (Frankfurt, Munich) and Asia (Dubai, Tel-Aviv,
There is no doubt that exhibitions are an extremely
members of the travel-buying public. Relationships
powerful sales and marketing tool for the travel
are built, contracts are signed and business gets
industry, whether they are exhibitions aimed at the
done.
international travel trade itself or those targeted at
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Seoul, Beijing, Urumqi). There are charter flights to Thailand, Hainan, Czech Republic, and up to 12 flights a day from Novosibirsk to Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Over the last few years, with the help of the local authorities, the tourism industry in Siberia has developed considerably and become an attractive prospect for investors. The region boasts over 1,000 travel companies, with 260 based in Novosibirsk. Most offer outbound tourism services, 20% deal with inbound tourism and approximately 80% promote regional tourism. Tourism business in Siberia is one of the industries, which are prospering in Russia, and “TOURSIB – 2009” offers a great opportunity for Siberian market development.
BTC-RIMINI
In 25 years in the business, BTC has helped promote meetings between service contractors and customers, inviting and hosting conference organizers and promoters from Italy, Europe and the rest of the world. In BTC the Meeting and Events Industry can find a qualified and well-organized showcase where promoters and professional event and conference organizers can meet new and interesting suppliers. The BTC fair is a 'must' for anyone planning their business and keeping up to date with the latest developments in the Meetings and Events market.
Exmedia Srl Foro Buonaparte, 74 20121 Milano Tel. Fax: +39 02 86998479 http://www.btc.it
Meet the experts Continuous updating and in-depth knowledge of the market are indispensable requisites for everyone and are a guarantee of quality. In particular for people, such as meeting industry professionals, who operate in a global context. BTC's aim is to consolidate its support role to operators in the sector by offering training opportunities designed to meet their various needs. The programme being prepared will include events devoted to young professionals and to the more experienced, as well as to buyers and sellers and will provide opportunities for networking. The seminars will be devoted to in-depth analysis of basic techniques, meetings with the best experts and information on market trends. The prospectus with details of the seminars and round tables will soon be on line.
BTC is the place where you can give selected customers the chance to live this experience. There are many benefits for exhibitors at BTC: • a complete and expert overview of the Meeting and Events industry in Italy • many meetings with experienced buyers in a short space of time.The format of the fair, based on 2 working days, allows you to develop your business without having to be away from the office for too long, so optimising time and costs • effective meetings, because the Online Agenda allows meetings aimed at satisfying mutual requirements to be set up by exhibitors and buyers, prior to the fair • networking is the order of the day, because relationships are the key to success: with customers, suppliers, colleagues and competitors • top quality training and updating, through a programme of seminars dedicated to the various types of profession • the experience of people who, for 26 years, have been bringing together customers and suppliers of the Meeting and Events Industry in Italy • assistance: our exhibitor office is available to update and assist customers at every stage. BTC is organised by Exmedia, a company of TTG Italia, part of the Rimini Fiera Group a leading group in the Italian tourist market.
In this dynamic and ever challenging environment,
exchange knowledge and aspirations that will help
travel trade fairs provide the backbone to the indus-
our industry grow stronger and become even more
try and a place in which we can all meet and
valuable.
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IMEX 2010 signals global growth and strong business outlook
- Year on year rise in number of international hosted buyers - Strong turn out from hotel groups - Personal and professional development expands - New hourly drop-in workshops meet continuing ‘need for green’ The eighth IMEX will open on May 25th at Messe Frankfurt with its largest ever hosted buyer programme in place and buyer, exhibitor and trade visitor targets all on course for year-on-year growth. “We have spent the last 12 months concentrating on developing new partnerships with intermediaries who can deliver more high quality buyers from the most important and resilient long-haul markets,” explains IMEX Group Chairman, Ray Bloom. “What is more, we have made sure that a large proportion of these buyers will be staying for three full days and also spending longer on the show floor meeting and doing business with exhibitors.” 45 new hosted buyer groups have been confirmed for IMEX 2010; with many of these new buyers coming through key global hotel groups who have expanded the regions from which they are delivering clients. These include Marriott International, Mandarin Oriental, Kempinski, Hilton, Starwood, the Ritz, Rocco Forte, Concorde, Sol Melia and Leading Hotels of the World. 38
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A total of 50 exhibitors have already increased their stand space compared to 2009. From Europe, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Czech Tourism Authority, Romania, Serbia, Iceland, Meet Sicily and Figur Tourism will all have a larger presence at the show. Continued strength among Asian exhibitors is also demonstrated by increased space for Seoul, Korea, Malaysia, Macau, Indonesia and Japan. From the Middle East, Qatar and Discovery Jordan will be taking bigger stands, whilst further growth in the Latin American market has prompted Argentina and Uruguay to increase their stand space. Other larger exhibitors include St Petersburg Express, China, DMC South Africa and the Canadian Tourism Commission. Among the hotel groups, Rezidor, Ritz Carlton, Steigenberger, Möevenpick, Fairmont/Swissotel Raffles, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Rixos Hotels have also increased the size of their stands. Hotels also account for a number of brand new exhibitors to IMEX 2010. These include Scandic Hotels, Albert Management and Warwick Hotel International who are making a welcome return. Visitors will also see Columbia, Meeting Point International, Showcare, DMC4EU, Business on Cruise and Green Globe Tourism exhibiting for the first time. Abercrombie & Kent return to IMEX with their biggest stand ever. Spain has once again increased its presence at IMEX. This now makes it second only to the GCB Germany stand in terms of size. Spanish exhibitors now account for 800 square metres, which includes separate stands for Valencia and Madrid for the first time this year. In addition three suppliers brand new to the meetings industry will each be celebrating winning a free place on the Wild Card Pavilion. This year’s winners are: Uganda; Morzine in France and the Hof Conference Center in Iceland. The US Pavilion will once again be an extremely diverse and business-centred section of the show. Anchorage, Arizona, Chicago, Texas, the Eastern Seaboard and New York City will all be present. Las Vegas also plans to bring up to 16 partner exhibitors to Frankfurt.
Also new this year will be the offer of specially discounted airfares from Qantas. The airline operates 28 flights a week from London Heathrow via the Far East into seven gateway cities across Australia and will be making the fare discounts available to all IMEX participants. Association Day – results revealed This year’s IMEX Association Day will be held at the Messe Frankfurt Congress Center. This important annual event allows association buyers and planners to participate in a tailor-made education and networking programme. Concurrent and themed sessions for 2010 include: Strategic Global Planning for Associations; How to Decide where to Hold International Congresses and Leveraging Conference Content Online. The day’s educational programme will also include ‘Convention 2020 Research - A Snapshot of The Future of Association Meetings.’ Following the educational element, suppliers from recognised association partners of IMEX will be invited to network with Association Day guests. This evening drinks reception frequently draws up to 700 people and has become the unofficial start of the show, taking place as it does the night before opening. Politicians Forum and Future Leaders Forum 2010 Industry leaders and politicians attending this year’s IMEX Politicians Forum will hear the views of panellists including Mr Hein Verbruggen, President of SportAccord and Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee and the Honorary Bruce Baird, MP, Australia. Both have extensive experience of the impact a major sporting event can have on a destination and its long-term legacy and will share their insights with delegates. As Ray Bloom, IMEX Group Chairman explains, “With each passing year the importance and influence of this Forum becomes more obvious and more direct. We now have a host of examples of destinations acquiring more funding for new infrastructure and marketing efforts in particular as a direct result of their political representatives attending the Forum, meeting likeminded politicians and understanding the wider benefits of hosting large-scale meetings and conventions in their home regions.
Giving education a new edge
This is extremely gratifying and precisely why we continue to pour a great deal of effort into this Forum. I am delighted to announce the Politicians Forum is already expanding into other countries through a variety of new IMEX alliances and I will announce further details after the show.” 2010 will also see a total of 13 separate IMEX-MPI Future Leaders Forums taking place at various events and in diverse destinations around the world including Serbia, Iceland, South America, the Middle East, Italy, Thailand, Poland and Shanghai together with Frankfurt and the US. The Forum’s mission is to help inform and unite the next generation of industry leaders to give them valuable insight into the industry and position them to lead it in the future. The global programme now includes internships, an International University Challenge competition and a global mentoring network. Topical German language seminars IMEX 2010 will present a choice of 17 German language seminars. The sessions will each address an important issue currently facing the industry in Germany. Topics will include ‘Change management in associations’ and ‘Association Sponsorships’. Detailed discussions about the growing role of corporate social responsibility will be covered in ‘CSR meets live communication’ and ‘Green meetings – change or necessity?’ Marketing and media issues will be addressed in two seminars – ‘Trends in the German media’ and ‘The challenges of online direct marketing’. Other seminars will look at current technology, logistical and liability issues. The programme has been devised by the German Convention Bureau. Simple new green measures IMEX has also taken the market’s appetite for environmental education and green suppliers into account by developing a new green education and awareness programme. New drop-in workshops will take place every hour on the Corporate Responsibility Stand (powered by the Green Meeting Industry Council). These will offer live case studies from previous IMEX Green Award winners plus insight into the many green meeting industry standards that now exist, including the GRI Report Initiative, Green Globe Certification, ISO and APEX. Other topics will also be addressed. Exhibitors will also be able to apply for a new Green Ribbon scheme this year. If their exhi-
bition stands meet a number of criteria relating to reduced waste output, energy usage and the use of sustainable materials, all staff will be able to wear an IMEX 2010 ‘Green Team’ ribbon. Explains Dale Hudson, Head of Project Development, IMEX Group, “We hope that the new green ribbons will give those exhibitors who’ve made special environmental efforts for 2010 more visibility and make them easier for buyers to spot. They are intended to be a good talking point and we know that buyers want quick and simple ways to see that those companies they are doing business with are environmentally aware.” First phase of global research results made public Earlier this year IMEX joined forces with ICCA and Fast Future to fund and support an important new piece of global research. The ‘Convention 2020’ Strategic Foresight Study will look in detail at the conventions industry in 10 years’ time. The study is being conducted by a large team from research and trends company, Fast Future. Its CEO, Rohit Talwar, will present six different seminars, each detailing the study’s first phase findings. His presentations will include ‘Meeting the technology timeline’, ‘The Meeting Experience’ plus an interactive workshop looking at the potential long-term impact of the study’s results on the design of venues and their services.
Other seminars and presentations at IMEX will include Women’s Forum sessions on ’How to develop your personal branding’ plus a CrossCultural seminar on ‘Getting a competitive edge from culture’ by Richard Lewis Communications. A team from the COP15 taskforce will also look at ‘How to implement extremely sustainable events that transform a destination’ and share the lessons learned from the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. Teachings from New York Times Bestselling book ‘Influencer’ will also be presented. A number of industry associations will also be delivering seminars including CIC’s ‘In alphabet soup’ and DMAI’s ‘How to establish and build a CVB.’
The Professional Development and Innovation Pavilion is again expected to be extremely popular. Sponsored Also new this year is a partnership with iby CIC (Convention Industry Meet, the industry’s largest online social netCouncil) it will also host work. This will enable IMEX hosted buyers to IMEX’s new Meetings Under network with each other and share ideas in a the Microscope education proprivate online environment both before and after the exhibition. IMEX will create a “com- gramme. Launched last year, this scheme aims to help munity within the community” at i-Meet, and meeting planners keep up to offer various ways for attendees to join. date with the latest ideas and Summing up the benefits of IMEX 2010, advice on how to improve IMEX Group Chairman, Ray Bloom, says: “IMEX continues to advance, invest and inno- meeting content delivery and vate. This year will be no exception. In fact, information retention. One of with industry sentiment both realistic and this year’s speakers will be robust, we must continue to deliver on all Graphic Facilitator, Andrew fronts. That means high quality buyers; high Parks of Cognitive Media who numbers of genuine business appointments; will demonstrate the power satisfied exhibitors; targeted, relevant and and purpose of live illustrainteresting professional education and, not tion as an ‘edutainment’ tool least, the chance to meet old colleagues and for meetings. peers face to face as well as developing new contacts. Never has IMEX been more comprehensive, or more necessary for business.”
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Meetings and Incentives in Kos Island
Greece-Dodecanese
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.
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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 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 comprising lifebuoys, lifelines, emergency tele-phones and rescue ladders. Facilities & Services: Pilot speedboat, WC-showers, Trolleys, Parking Lot, Bilge pump out, Sewerage pump out, Waste oil disposal, Refuse containers, Fuel station. Administration Building with Reception, Authorities, Info center, Meeting room, Clinic & Guests' Suites. Weather report, Internet, telephone and facsimile services are offered in the Marina's Info Center, where meetings and events can be organized. Bank ATM, Baggage storage and Postal services are available. Shopping center with Cafeteriabistro, 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-ElectricalElectronic 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.
Events in Kos European Beach Volley under 20 Championship in Kos For the first time in Kos Island took place, the "European Championship Beach Volley U20" with athletes of 24 countries under 20 years old. The games were held in Kos Marina in a specially designed area in accordance with the requirements of the European Volleyball Federation .
National Jet Ski Championship in Kos Hosted by the Municipal Sports organization of Kos Island in cooperation with Tritons and the Hellenic Speed Club by the categories: Racing, Stock, Novic , Pro Ski and Free Style.
Contact: Kos Municipality Akti Koundourioti 7, 85300 Kos Greece Tel.: +30 22420 24460 E-mail: kosinfo@kos.gr www.kos.gr
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Greece-Dodecanese
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.
-Rhodes has a developed tourism infrastructure. Many incoming, Rodos-based travel agents operating conference and incentive brands. -Easy air and sea access to the surrounding islands, Athens, Turkey and elsewhere -Rhodes sporting infrastructure includes a 18-hole golf court, horse riding, tennis, mini-golf, water-parks, scubadiving and sailing.
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.
-Exquisite endertainment possibilities include the new Casino in Rhodes town and a numerous restaurants, bars and night
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. 42
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-The Sound and Light performance takes place at the Palace of the Grand Masters.
clubs with local and international origin.
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 state-of-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 Park Suites Hotel Looking across the soft green swathes and the medieval city, Rodos Park Suites & Spa is one of the most desirable places to stay. Luxurious and stylish, yet cosy and inviting, all 59 renovated rooms and suites reflect a distinctive design with exclusive materials. Whether for 10 or 320 people, a 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.
Symi island "Symi has the most beautiful harbour in Greece. On either side of a steepsided fjord rise tier upon tier of houses, some white, some pastel yellow, but virtually all with Neo-Classical pediments - a reminder that 100 years ago this was one of Greece's most prosperous islands. There has been virtually no modern concrete construction here and now these fine old houses are being resurrected for visitors. The spirit of the island remains intact." ABOUT SYMI Symi is located in the Southern Dodecanese, north of Rhodes and close to the coast of south-west Turkey. Symi is just over 13 km north/south and about 8 km east/west with an area of some 68 square km. SYMI FESTIVAL Symi Festival is organised every Symi Festival is organised every summer for the last thirteen years. The idea is based in the disenterested participation of artists and organisers. There is neither ticket in the cultural events nor payment for the artists. The Town Hall covers the expenses of going and stay of the participants. Symis Festival has to do with several cultural activities like classical and modern music con-
certs, 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 Xenios
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Greece-Dodecanese
The New Imperial Garden VIP Suite with Private Pool and Spa
Prestigious Rodos Palace , Greece’s leading convention resort celebrated in a spectacular way its 35th year of successful operation with a series of innovative and pioneering management actions, such as the full completion of an extensive renovation & transformation program both in the resort and in the conference areas of the establishment, as well as, the lavish investment to the addition of outstanding amenities & services offering superb value-for-money to its distinguished leisure guests and conference delegates.
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Reflecting the ultimate essence of resort life in luxury, privacy and style, Rodos Palace introduces the new Imperial Garden VIP Suite with Private Pool and Spa to its discerning guests and distinguished clientele. Located within the fragrant landscaped gardens, the Imperial Garden VIP Suite represents an opulent residence type Suite with numerous exclusive facilities and features. The Suite welcomes its guests with an impressive entrance foyer, while an ample lounge includes a sitting area for 6 persons, as well as, a distinct dining area accessible by the separate, fully equipped kitchen and a visitor's WC. The vast Master Bedroom with a king-size, exclusive quality bed, will pamper guests with every luxury amenity, including an opulent ensuite marble bathroom with extra steam Jacuzzi wellness system with remote control and a TV-Set for in-bathroom entertainment. Its High Technology features include three (3) TFT Plasma TV sets (42”-50”), a Sony Playstation unit, a Sony quality Home Theatre Stereo Device, an IBM Thinkpad Notebook with online High Speed Internet connection, a Tivoli Hi-Fi system, remote-controlled curtains and dimmed lightings and many more, to complement your high-tech holidays. A distinct “boudoir” dressing area, with walk-in closets is set next door, while the second bed-
room features its own en-suite bathroom. The Exclusive Spa of the Imperial Suite, including a biometric gymnasium, sauna and a private massage area will be devoted to Personal Fitness. The Imperial Suite offers its own private outdoor heated Pool situated within a large private terrace with solid wooden deck ideal for lounging away sunny days in beauty and style. The Imperial Garden VIP Suite can be interconnected with an adjacent Maisonette Loft Suite (180m2-320 m2). The new Imperial Garden VIP Suite along with the Royal and the five Presidential ones created for the Heads of State of Europe adds up to the unique Top Collection of Rodos Palace Suites
Greece-Athens
8th Annual International Conference on Communication and Mass Media
6th Hellenic Conference on Artificial Intelligence (SETN 2010)
17-20 MAY 2010, Athens, Greece The Mass Media & Communication Research Unit of the Athens Institute for Education and Research (AT.IN.E.R.) organizes its 8th annual international conference on Communication and Mass Media, 17-20 May 2010. The registration fee is â&#x201A;Ź250 (euro), covering access to all sessions, two lunches, coffee breaks and conference material. Special arrangements will be made with local hotels for a limited number of rooms at a special conference rate. In addition, a number of special events will be organized: A Greek night of entertainment, a special one-day cruise in the Greek islands and a half-day archaeological tour in the wider area of Attica (Athens) tour.
5 May - 7 May, Eugenides Foundation The 6th Hellenic Conference on Artificial Intelligence (SETN 2010) will be held in Athens, Greece on May 4-7, 2010 and is organised by the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications of NCSR Demokritos, in collaboration with the Hellenic Artificial Intelligence Society (EETN). The conference aims: to bring together researchers who work actively on the field of Artificial Intelligence, to support the exchange of opinions and the formation of new research groups and collaborations, to disseminate original and highly-qualitative results of the Greek AI community and Greek research labs, fostering international collaborations, to inform undergraduate and postgraduate students about the current state of affairs of AI research as conducted by scientists in Greece and worldwide, to promote research results to companies and facilitate the development of innovative products.
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The aim of the conference is to bring together scholars and students of Communications, Mass Media and other related disciplines. You may participate as panel organizer, presenter of a paper, chair of a session or observer. Past conferences drew participants from five continents and more than 50 countries, presenting papers on diverse topics such as political communication, EU enlargement, Website design, cross-media ownership, war correspondence, cultural studies, film, public relations, telecommunication policy, advertising, agenda setting, juvenile audience preferences, and cross-national communication, among others. Papers (in English) from all areas of mass media and communication are welcome. Selected papers will be published in a Special Volume of the Conference Proceedings or in Edited Books as part of ATINER's mass media and communication book series. For Books and Proceedings of previous conferences you may visit
http://www.atiner.gr/docs/MEDIA_PUBLICATIONS.htm where you can download tables of contents and order forms. The Athens Institute for Education and Research (ATINER) was established in 1995 as an independent academic organization with the mission to become a forum, where academics and researchers from all over the world could meet in Athens and exchange ideas on their research and discuss the future developments of their discipline. Since 1995, more than 100 international conferences were organized and more than 80 books have been published. The Institute is organized into four research divisions and 19 research units. Each research unit organizes at least an annual conference and undertakes various small- and largescale research projects.
IAPCO General Assembly France wins presidency of IAPCO for the first time!
At the recent General Assembly held in Athens, Greece, Philippe Fournier, of MCI, was unanimously elected as IAPCO’s
further and continue with education, commitment to produce events and meetings that are environmentally and socially responsible, branding and other involvement for the development of our members. My goal, says Philippe, is to prepare the members to be ready and get adapted to the changes. Let’s lead to change by leading the trend!” he said. Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno steps down as President to take up the post of Chairman of the Committee of Ethics, yet a further endorsement of IAPCO’s Quality Programme.
President. Philippe took over the office immediately and was delighted to receive the vote of confidence. “It is a tremendous honour to become president of our prestigious institution and to serve our profession. I would like to thank all of you for your confidence and count on you and the new council members to continue improving the professionalism of our industry. In these challenging times where the meetings sector requires the attention of all stakeholders, IAPCO has an important role to play as a Quality driven association. With the implementation of our Quality programme, we can now go a step
Philippe is a member of the management board of MCI and created the Paris office in 2003. He is Managing Director for MCI in France and manages now a growing company with 5 offices in Paris, Lyon, Montpellier, French Riviera and Marseilles and with 85 staff.
Memorandum of Cooperation signed A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed Tuesday between the City of Athens and the Athens 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games Organising Committee during an intensely emotional ceremony at Kotzia Square in Athens, Greece. As of that moment, the Special Olympics flag is waving next to that of the City of Athens in front of Athens City Hall.
In a special ceremony that took place in the "Dimokratia" Hall, City of Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis noted: "The idea of the Special Olympics gives meaning and content to universal human values, more or Philippe has been in the industry for less forgotten, such as social solidarialmost 25 years providing full concept ty, contribution to society and love for event, congress and exhibition manageour fellow humans. For this reason, ment, marketing and communication serv- our meeting here today and the signices to worldwide based scientific societies, ing of the Memorandum of associations, corporations and federations. Cooperation, in addition to its practical aspect, also serves a symbolic function. It gives us the opportunity to remember that volunteerism is the surest route to a more human and communal society. It brings out sensitivities and reminds us that communal action and contribution to society concern us all." The Memorandum of Cooperation includes, among other things, the concession of the City of Athens' campsite in Agios Andreas as accommodation for athletes and their escorts; the provision of all services available at the campsite; cooperation in the planning of communication programmes for the event; the contribution of the City of Athens in promoting and ensuring the success of the Volunteer Programme; the joint hosting of events; the concession of city personnel to serve the needs of the "Athens 2011" World Games; and the City's cooperation in implementing the "Polis-Amphitrion" (Host Town) Programme. Xenios
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ATHENSTHE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on its feet, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It also lies on the archaeological site of Makrygianni and the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens. The museum was founded in 2003 while the Organisation of the Museum was established in 2008. It opened to the public on June 21, 2009. Nearly 4,000 objects are exhibited over an area of 14,000 square metres.The Organisation for the Construction of the new museum is chaired by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Professor Emeritus of Archaeology, Dimitrios Pandermalis. The entrance fee to the museum will be €1 for the first year and €5 thereafter. The excavation below ground level continues. The site and process are visible through the ground level glass flooring. The site will be available for visitation once the excavation is complete. The Acropolis Museum recently was selected as the motif for a commemorative Euro coin edition: the €10 Greek Acropolis Museum commemorative coin, minted in 2008 to mark the relocation of the museum. On the obverse is a panoramic view of the Acropolis and the new museum lies at the base. In the first two months since the museum opened, it was visited by 523,540 people (an average of 9,200 a day). Of these, 60 percent were foreign visitors. During the same two-month period, 409,000 hits by unique visitors from 180 countries were recorded by the museum’s website.
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The Acropolis Slopes The first gallery of the Museum houses finds from the slopes of the Acropolis. The gallery’s glass floor affords views to the excavation, while its upward slope alludes t? the ascent to the Acropolis. In antiquity, the slopes of the Sacred Rock constituted the transition zone between the city and its most famous sanctuary. This was the area where official and popular cults, as
Photo By Nikos Daniilidis
well as large and small sanctuaries existed alongside private houses.
The Hekatompedon (the earliest Parthenon). Two lionesses tear up Taurus (Exhibit Number 3). The Triton (Exhibit Number 36) and the Triple-Bodied Monster (Exhibit Number 35) are depicted on the left and right corners of the pediment respectively. 570 BC The earliest building known on the Acropolis was the Hekatompedon or Hekatompedos neos – meaning 100 feet long, and comes from an inscription referring to the layout of the sanctuary. It is thought that the building was built on the site, later occupied by the Classical Parthenon. The fragments of poros architectural members and sculptures uncovered to the south and east of the Parthenon, reveal that the Hekatompedon was a Doric peripteral temple. The lioness pediment is distinguished by its high-relief carving and Photo By Nikos Daniilidis its striking size. It depicts a lioness with an unusually bushy mane, rearing on its hind legs and tearing apart a calf. It is believed to have adorned the east pediment of the temple. Two compositions belong to the west pediment. The one to the left depicts Herakles on his right knee, wrestling with the Triton, a creature with a body of a man ending in the scaly tail of a sea monster. The group to the right is the Triple-Bodied Monster, a composite creature consisting of three male figures conjoined at the waist. Each figure holds an object in its left hand: the first has water, the second fire, and the third a bird (symbolizing air).
The pediment of the Gigantomachy. The Gigantomachy pediment belongs to the decoration of the Old Temple of Athena. It has been argued that the Temple had an earlier building phase (570 BC), involving the poros sculptures that are now assigned to the Hekatompedon, while the marble sculptures were associated with a renovation by the sons of Peisistratos. It is possible, however, that the Temple was built and given its marble sculpted decoration in the last quarter of the 6th century BC. The compositions of the pediments consist of larger than life-size statues, carved in Parian marble, which are attributed to the workshop of an important Athenian sculptor, either Antenor or Endoios.
The Parthenon Gallery
The metopes South Metope 30. Scene from the Centauromachy. The real
metope is today located in the British Museum. The 92 metopes were the first of the sculptural decoration to be made for the Temple. They were carved on the ground by different teams of sculptors and stonecutters, who undertook the work in separate teams. Among them were also metics, (resident aliens), who had come to Athens mainly from the Aegean islands. This explains the slight differences of style in the metopes. On the metopes of the Parthenon there are four main themes, known from the sculptures of many other Greek temples, as well as from various other works of art. The themes are connected with The Contest, the struggle between two adversaries, whoever they may be.
Photo By Nikos Daniilidis
This expression of The Contest is unsurpassed and stands as a symbol of the eternal fight between the opposing and counterpoised forces in nature, in human society and in the human soul.
Architects Iktinos and Kallikrates designed the Parthenon, while for the carving of the sculptures, Pheidias collaborated with his pupils Agorakritos, Alkamenes and other great sculptors. Pheidias himself created the gold and ivory statue of the armed Goddess that adorned the cella interior. The Parthenon architectural sculptures, namely the metopes, frieze and pediments, were made of Pentelic marble and were embellished with the addition of metal attachments and paint.
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ATHENSTHE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
Frieze of the Parthenon
Photo By Nikos Daniilidis
In contrast to the mythological subjects of the metopes and pediments, on the Parthenon frieze, Pheidias chose to depict the Great Panathenaia, the greatest festival of the city in honor of the Goddess Athena. The frieze consisted of 115 blocks. It had a total length of 160 meters and was 1.02 meters high. Some 378 human figures and deities and more than 200 animals, mainly horses, are presented in the process. Groups of horses and chariots occupy most of the space on the frieze. The sacrificial procession follows next, with animals and groups of men and women carrying ceremonial vessels and offerings. The procession concludes with the giving of the peplos, the gift of the Athenian people to the cult statue of the goddess, a xoanon (ancient wooden statue). Left and right of the peplos scene sit the twelve gods of Mount Olympos. From the entire frieze that survives today, 50 meters are in the Acropolis Museum, 80 meters in the British Museum, one block in the Louvre, and several fragments are scattered in the museums of Palermo, the Vatican, W端rzburg, Vienna and Munich.
Photo By Nikos Daniilidis
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Other Monuments of the Classical Acropolis Other Collections
The Propylaia
In the Propylaia stood works of art made by great sculptors, like the statue of the Hermes Propylaios by Alkamenes. Head of a young barbaric leader. Found inside the The building consisted of a central section Theatre of Dionysus. ca. 2nd flanked by two wings. The main building fea- c. AD tured five openings. The central opening was the widest to accommodate the passing of the Panathenaic procession and sacrificial animals. The north wing had an anteroom and a spacious hall known as the Pinakotheke. This was probably a recreation area with paintings on the walls and couches with tables, where visitors could rest. The south wing had to be reduced due to the Temple of Athena Nike.
The Caryatids from the South Porch of the Erechtheion. The area around the Erechtheion was considered the most sacred of the Acropolis. The Erechtheion was a complex marble building in the Ionic order, an exceptional artwork. The east-
Photo By Nikos Daniilidis
Throughout the Roman period, the Acropolis retained the appearance it had in its heyday. It also preserved most of its dedications, unlike other Greek cities and sanctuaries, whose artistic treasures were plundered and transferred to Italy, mostly in order to adorn public buildings. At the same time, a series of new dedications were added to the earlier ones. These were portraits of emperors, generals and other officials, portraits of philosophers, orators and priests, as well as images of individuals who benefited the city or distinguished themselves in athletic and other contests.
ern part of the Temple was dedicated to Athena, whilst the western part was dedicated to local hero Boutes, Hephaistos and other gods and heroes. Thus, the Erechtheion was a temple with multiple functions, housing older and newer cults, and the site of the ‘Sacred Tokens’, the marks made by Poseidon’s trident and the olive tree of Athena. A building inscription of the Erechtheion refers to the Caryatids simply as Korai (maidens), while the name Caryatids was assigned at a later time. The second Korai from the western section was removed by Lord Elgin in 1801 and is today located in the British Museum. www.theacropolismuseum.gr Xenios
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Greece-Cyclades
Naxos Island
Naxos: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Big Sweet has this island, virtuous are the faces of people, piles are shaped by melons, peaches, figs and the sea is calm. I looked at the people - never this people have been frightened by earthquakes or by Turks, and their eyes did not burn out. Here freedom had extinguished the need for freedom, and life spread out as happy sleeping water. And if sometimes was discomposed, never rose tempest. Safety was the first gift of island that I felt as walking around Naxos." (N. Kazantzaki - "A Report to El.Greko").
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Naxos: In the heart of Cyclades, in the heart of Aegean, Naxos has, always, followed the destiny of adventure of residents of Aegean. This destiny is interwoven with travel, exchanges, new techniques and pioneering ideas, but also with wars and conflicts over the hegemony of sea. Everything is big - imposing -, compared with the rest of Cyclades islands. The extent of the island is 435 sq. km and the length of coasts 91 km. The form is an ellipsoid and with a mountainous volume from North to South across the island. In the backbone of this ridge dominate Za Mountain (1004 m.) and Fanari (908 m.) the highest in Cyclades. The landscape of the island has many rotations. Plains succeed barren areas, marble mountains lead in deep shadowed glens, areas with vegetation host all white villages and sandy beaches meet the sea. The coastline of the island is almost straight and not forming large natural harbours, which affected the occupations of residents from the ancient years. In the island from end to end beautiful and clean coasts are situated next to small solitary coves. The ground of island is blessed and provides self-sufficiency to life of this place.
The rich aquifer of Naxos offers drinking water to wells and streams of the island. The fertile land produces citrus fruits, olives, fruits, vegetables, potatoes Naxos specials and amazing wine. Livestock-farming and the apiculture are particularly developed and offer exceptional quality meats, milk, cheeses and thyme honey. From geological aspect the subsoil presents great interest because of the presence of emery, of marble and granite that are exploitable products. The rocks constitute solidly foundations of Naxos and make the island stable against earthquake. In this imposing and big island of Cyclades, where mountainous volumes dominate, with the highest altitudes in the Aegean, - with the highest peak of Cyclades, the top of Za (1004 m.) - immediately gives a sense of security and "stable", in this turbulent marine state of Cyclades. Naxos itself is a whole universe.
Traditional architecture and urban planning Looking at the buildings of Naxos, we can see that history has left its marks on the architecture of the island. Rich variety of architectural monuments, which had been left over by different peoples and cultures, make up the image over the years. The period, which shaped decisively Naxos, is the Franks sovereignty with the medieval castle of Chora and the dispersed imposing stone Venetian towers, throughout the island. The villages are still traditional, because the building was based on the climate, the topography, the needs and all these in charge of the local artisan and with materials from the nearby mountain and river. The Naxos picture is not different from the Cycladic architecture. All-white buildings, white-washed that have at the most two floors and no surface is perfectly flat ,the one next to the other, with their courtyards united with paved alleys and stairways. Sports Naxos offers chances for activities to the friends of sports. There are centres for windsurfing and kitesurfing for the lovers of water sports in Mikri Vigla, Agios Georgios and Plaka, fully organized with full equipment. The endless sandy beaches in conjunction with the north winds offer…
really unique emotions, while for the visitors who are not funs of extreme sports, there are jet ski, canoe, sea bicycles… for quiet roaming on the waves.
Taste of Naxos
Also, there are courts for beach volley, next to the sea, in Agios Georgios, Agia Anna and almost in every beach. In an island, with a coastline of 90km, it is easy to practice diving… The rocky clusters, the reefs, the underwater caves and the small islands around Naxos, create conditions for an enjoyable dive in the all blue and crystal clear waters of the Aegean. In Agio Prokopio operates diving school which provides courses and the necessary equipment to the nes who want to explorer rich sea bottom of Naxos. Naxos, also, offers chances for sport as trekking & mountain bike in beautiful routes. The route Chora –Agia AnnaOrkos-Alikos and the access to Mountain Naxos for the most demanding cyclists, is unique options that combine exercise with the acquaintance of the beautiful landscapes of the interior of the island. Basketball, volleyball, mini soccer and tennis courts are scattered on the island.
Each island has its own sense of taste and its own cooking. The cuisine of Naxos is famous for its simplicity, variety but above all, for a great strong taste that is a result of the abundance of fresh material. Herbs, exceptional olive oil and high quality meat are produced on the island. Naxos is famous for products such as potatoes, dairy products, citrus, wine, thyme honey and many other showing that Naxos has a tradition of quality Greek cuisine and pastry making. The housewives of Naxos have learned to keep the taste balance, to respect the clock of nature and create with passion and imagination dishes that look like works of art, leaving the visitors of the island astonished and putting Naxos at the forefront of Cycladic cooking. Correct Diet was and is an important part of our lives because, as my friend and Frenchman gastronome B. Savarin said «Nothing is more precious in the universe than life and everything, that live, needs of food».
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Greece-Cyclades
Naxian Collection
Naxian Collection (Naxos Villas) is a brand new hotel complex (opening in the summer of 2009) which provides high standard accommodation. It consists of 8 luxury villas with a size of 85 - 100 m² and two suites sized 30 - 45 m², each having their own private swimming pool and panoramic view to the sea . The complex is located ten minutes away from Naxos Town and five minutes from St. Prokopios Beach, and it is perfectly situated on the wonderful area of Stelida, from where you can enjoy the magnificent view (from one side of the complex you can see from Naxos Town until the island of Mykonos and from the other side St. prokopios Beach until the island of Ios. It is built with respect to the environment and Cycladic architectural standards.
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Naxos Villas(up to 6 people):8 Villas with private swimming poolEach villa is twostoried and consists of two bedrooms: individually designed oak furniture and iron bed on the master room. There is a spacious living room with fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen: inox refrigerator and ceramic cooker, espresso coffee machine, kettle and complimentary branded tea and coffee. Both bathrooms (one on each floor) have a shower and on the upper floor there is a bathtub Jacuzzi where someone can indulge their body and mind by relaxing. It is an ideal choice for a honeymoon trip. Your pleasant accommodation will make you fall in love once again! Each villa also offers satellite TV (flat) in each room, DVD/CD player with a vast variety of films to choose. In order to make the accommodation easy and pleasant for you each villa has a hairdryer, air-conditioning, telephone, safe box, free Wi-Fi and cable internet access and laptop PC on request . The large exterior verandas with the spectacular view of the sea and the Aegean landscapes will amaze you. Naxos Suites (up to 4 people):2 Suites with shared swimming poolGrant suite (2 to 4 people): The Grant Suite will offer you the privacy and elegance that you need. It should accommodate 2-4 people. It consists of a double room with individually designed oak furniture and an iron
bed. There is a large living room with fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen that will certainly make you feel satisfied: inox refrigerator, ceramic cooker, espresso coffee machine and complimentary branded tea and coffee. The grant Suite also contains a bathroom with shower, a satellite TV (flat) in each room, DVD/CD player with a large variety of films to choose when you want to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of your suite. The hair dryer, the air-conditioning the direct dial telephone, the safe box, the free Wi- Fi and cable internet access and a laptop PC on request will only make your staying more comfortable. The share swimming pool with another suite and the exterior verandas with the amazing view of the Naxos Town and the Aegean Sea will rejuvenate you for sure. Junior suite (2 people): This suite will make you relax and enjoy the romantic atmosphere that offers. Designed for two people to share special moments during holidays. The "junior suite" consists of one double bedroom, a bathroom with bathtub Jacuzzi and a share swimming pool with another suite. Also, the suite offers you a satellite TV(flat), DVD/CD player with a variety of films to choose. The air-condition, the direct dial phone, the safe box, the hairdryer are just a few of our services. Amongst the above, this suite also contains a mini refrigerator, an espresso
coffee machine, kettle and complimentary branded tea and coffee, a laptop PC on request, a cable and Wi-Fi internet access. Finally, the large exterior space of the suite with the panoramic view of the sea will please and relax your senses. Facilities & Services Private swimming pools Panoramic sea view Wine bar TV lounge Dailymaid Car / Bike rental service Internet facilities Post service Parking place Safe Free transfer to/from airport/port
Astir of Naxos
Laundry & dry cleaning services Laptop (on request) Baby sitting (on request) Hairdresser (on request) Massage sessions (on request) Chef (on request) Doctor on call Complimentary wine and fruit basket upon arrival All major credit cards are accepted Distance From: Beach: 500 meters St. Prokopios Beach: 700 meters Aqua Fun Park: 200 meters Airport: 1,5 km Naxos Town: 2,5km
son to make Cyclades â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Naxos your next destination
Hotel Astir of Naxos is one of the newest and most luxurious hotels in Cyclades at Naxos Island. Close to the beach (just 2 minutes from St. George beach), to Naxos centre (just 10 minutes on foot) and to the Naxos airport (5 minutes by car), Astir of Naxos offers accommodation for single or family travellers.
Its excellent location attracts both business and vacation travelers. It is one of the most modern hotels in Naxos Island build according to the traditional Naxian architecture, combined with modern and luxurious facilities and services.
It boasts a variety of rooms that can satisfy every need and every budget. Your accommodation will be in a quiet surrounding, ideal for relaxation
Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the opportunity to relax and enjoy your vacation in Astir of Naxos hotel. The nicely and above standards equipped rooms with the view to Naxos Town, the sea and the mountains in the background make your holidays in Naxos an experience.
This is maybe one of the most beautiful hotels in Cyclades at such reasonable prices. Our hotel, Astir of Naxos is a good rea-
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Municipality of Mykonos www.mykonos.gr
e-mail: info@mykonos.gr
22nd ACM Symposium on Parallelism in Algorithms and
Greece-Cyclades
Architectures - SPAA 2010
Santorini Architecture Model Against Global Warming When 20 Nobel Laureates sit together to discuss ways to save Earth from the plight of global warming, the outcome would definitely be special. Out of the many suggestions that would flow from the Nobel Laureate Symposium being held in London, the US Energy Secretary (Barack Obama's best man on "green), Steven Chu, came out with the most interesting: Paint the world white!
The World Spinal Column Society (WScS) with great honor invites you to join us for the World Spine V and the World Spine 2010 hands-on Course hosted by the Neurosurgery Clinic of Arta General Hospital and Medical School, University of Thessalia. This conference will take place May 7-14, 2010 in Santorini and Larissa (Greece). This canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss Congress focuses to further advance the art and science of Spine care by providing a pleasant academic setting where leading globally renowned spine Surgeons from across the world will cover state-of-the-art concepts, recent advances, and emerging trends in Spine surgery, as well as they will present and discuss Spine Surgical Techniques, MIS indications, outcomes and pitfalls, pain management techniques and conservative treatment. This eight day conference entails presentations, Mastersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; panel discussions, oral papers, e-posters, seminars and hands-on workshops.
Meeting highlights include: 3 full days of CME-accredited topic and plenary sessions, case discussions led by internationally renowned spine surgeons Professor Chu is advocating the use of 5 days of CME-accredited Hands-on workshops white roofs and roads which could offset Network with colleagues and friends from around the world the global warming process. In his Exhibits from industry leading technology providers vision, doing so would be as if you're taking all the cars out of the roads, for SPAA '10 is sponsored by the ACM Special Interest Groups on Algorithms and 11 years. Computation Theory (SIGACT) and Computer Architecture (SIGARCH) and organized in Architecture Model of Cyclades seems to cooperation with the European Association for Theoretical Computer Science. SPAA '10 hel solving modern environment probwill feature regular papers, each with a 25-minute talk, and brief announcements, each lems. GreenPacks reltive article includes with a 10-minute talk. The SPAA brief announcements are for brief communications a photo of a characteristic Santorini's including work in progress or demos. archtecture sample with a caption: 'Santorini Island, Greece - The Most Beautiful White Architecture in The World?'
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Katikies - Oia Santorini
Perennially alluring, Katikies The Hotel in Oia Santorini is a sublime conceptual landmark. For this was the original Oia luxury hotel that from the foundling moments of its conception, set the benchmark for the Greek boutique hotel market that tumultuously followed in its wake. Providing guests with an experience rich in elegant interpretation, the transcendent and breathtakingly beautiful Katikies The Hotel in Oia Santorini lures the beholder into its fairytale complex of rooms and suites.
be interrupted by bursts of fuchsia bougainvillea making their presence known as they thrust and climb up chalky textured walls. Tantalizing Oia Santorini views merge effortlessly with breathtakingly luxurious accommodation, original and Cycladic in form, complemented by innovative new design, both everlasting and romantic in stature.
Pure whitewashed cubist buildings haphazardly form along the Caldera edge, only to
The guest experience in Oia’s luxury hotel The luxurious delights of this idyllic retreat in Oia Santorini can be felt in the opulent and extravagant accents throughout. Luxury pervades every tenet of our guests’ stay where staff both magically and intuitively realize guests’ needs and desires, where eternity pools merge effortlessly with the blue seas of the Aegean, where gourmet restaurant and bar facilities, refined and playful, lure guests further into the magnificence of Katikies Hotel’s Caldera views.
ICONS SANTORINI Icons is a boutique hotel in Imerovigli, Santorini that gives guests and travelers seeking luxury, a heavenly slice of Cyclades island life. Providing stepping stones into luxury, the brilliance of the sun graciously becomes one with the never ending sky. Visions of sublime loveliness where sunsets linger magnificently, complemented by a sense of elegance and refinement, that come alive in natural surroundings of heart rendering beauty.
for couples in Santorini mixes art and luxury with up-to-date technology and faithfully restored Imerovigli and Cyclades features. The design philosophy behind Icons, a most prestigious luxury private 5 star hotel in Imerovigli, is one where artful images are reflected throughout and where an understanding of what the luxury traveller seeks in a private 5 star hotel in Santorini sets the example.
Located in mesmerizing Imerovigli, with its eternally stunning Caldera view, the luxury private 5 star hotel in Santorini in the Cyclades, offers guests an experience enveloped in its sensuous style and ambience. A HOTEL FOR COUPLES IN SANTORINI This luxurious hotel for couples in Santorini features black and white art cuttings from famous art masterpieces, the rights for which have been bought by the hotel. It is so, that famous art pieces in black and white are scattered on the walls of the hotel, creating surroundings that are elegant, contemporary and highly unique. Impossibly romantic in stature, the hotel Xenios
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Greece-Cyclades
Yperia 2010: an International Meeting for culture and tourism
FIRST AMORGOS SHORT
Yperia 2010:
FILM FESTIVAL
an International Meeting for culture and tourism which has been successfully organized since 2003, by Aegialis Hotel & Spa in cooperation with the Cultural Association of Tholaria Women in Aegiali – Amorgos island.
The First Short Film Festival of Amorgos is being organized for the period between 8th and 11th of April 2010, as part of the 8th International Convention for Culture and Tourism “YPERIA 2010” which will take place at Aegialis Hotel & Spa in Aegiali. Other related activities are: International Meeting of Tour Film Festival Organizers from different countries. Greek Film Academy. The Festival aims : To promote Short Films and to develop a spirit of friendship and cooperation among producers from around the World. To create a New Meeting Place for presentation and discussion on maters of information, technology and techniques, for the benefit of Amorgos and the surrounding areas. Films can participate, if the production was concluded after January 1, 2008, and the duration is no more than 25 minutes.
Culture and Tourism are two meanings closely influenced by each other. For this reason, all the years of Yperia organization, the topics of the conventions are related to the Cultural Heritage , the Civilization and the environment of Amorgos, which are promoted through articles and films of Greek and International Media by the invited journalists, photographers and film makers from different countries around the world.. “YPERIA” was one of the ancient names of Amorgos.(Other names were Pagali, Karkisia, Melania) The inspiration for organizing the 1st YPERIA 2003, happened when the President Mrs. Irene Giannakopoulos and other members of the board of the Tholaria Women Cultural Association, realized during their visit to the Scandinavian Travel Shows, that there was not enough information for the public, related to the upcoming Olympic Games of 2004, in Athens. The ladies, under the Presidency of Mrs. Irene Giannakopoulos, thought that this information could be easily spread around the world, through the Media, so journalists were invited from different countries, and representatives from the Olympic Committee, to give the journalists all information and details regarding Olympic Games 2004. It was also decided, this International Meeting, to be dedicated to the French producer Mr. Luck Besson, as an honor and recognition for his contribution to the development of Amorgos island through his successful movie “The Big Blue”, filmed on Amorgos, which made the island famous around the world. At YPERIA 2009, there was representation from 22 different countries.
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The main topic of this year’s Convention will be “Alternative forms of Tourism”, including: Eco tourism and environment. Health tourism Hiking and herbs on Amorgos Amorgian - Mediterranean Gastronomy Religious Tourism A new entry to YPERIA 2010 will be : Amorgos Festival of Short Tourist Films Meeting of Tour Film Festival Organizers from different countries. Greek Film Academy Distinguished people from Greece and countries from around the world are invited for the occasion, mainly journalists interested in Tourism and Travelling, but also local authorities, Political Representatives, Scientists, people from the Theatre and Arts. There will be the opportunity to develop contacts to promote the development of sustainable tourism. Views will be exchanged and there will be an introduction to the History and Culture of Amorgos. There will also be photograph & painting exhibitions, workshops in Greek language and dancing, cooking, wine tasting and evenings of Traditional local Food and Music. Access to Amorgos island for the Event: By Blue Star Ferries at 17.30, April 7th, from Piraeus Port. Arrival to Aegiali Port – Amorgos. Departure 6:00 on April 12th- Arrival to Athens at 15.00 hour. For participation and more information visit our site www.yperia.gr or call +30 22850 73393
The Magic of a Greek Wedding by Aegialis Hotel on the island of Amorgos
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 710 minutes walk away from the crystal clear waters of Aegiali bay.
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.
The summer is full of musical and cultural events. Moonlit island nights featuring diverse musical & dancing performances, all promising a good time.
Amorgos is the Eastern-most 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.
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
In the Northern region of the island, the town of 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.
Live island Experience
Amorgos is the most easterly of the Cycladic islands, and largest of the Small Cyclades, lying between Naxos and Astypalea. It is a mountainous island with many rocky cliffs, but it is worldwide famous for its unique beaches and the colours of the sea. Amorgos is a perfect destination for those looking for the unspoiled Greek hospitality and traditions. On this island the Cycladic way of living is complemented by the dramatic beauty of the landscape, which offers to our guests a memorable experience. Give yourself the opportunity to satisfy all of your five senses. Experience the aromas, the tastes, the sounds of nature, the views and the feeling of touching the rocks. There are also many summer festivals that the guests can attend and learn more for the island's customs. Xenios
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Greece-Halkidiki
Halkidiki, Greece’s secret paradise!
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 An unspoiled natural paradise that har- character. monizes tradition with modern life.Aristocratic mansions , fine hand- BLUE FLAGGS made textiles , exceptional local cuisine With 34 awarded beaches and 2 marinas and wine , ancient legends and popular with the BLUE FLAGG for the year 2005, songs , festivities and feasts enriched Halkidiki reached the 2nd place in Greece by 2.500 years of history . Olynthos, for its clear waters. The programm BLUE FLAGGS awards a certification to the Akanthos, Afytos. Potidea : powerful ancient cities whose walls were built by beaches, according the following criterias: the colonists from Eretria.Stagira : the clear water and beach, degree of the birthplace of Aristotle where he lived organisation of the beach, safety of the and taught. Petralona: a cave of stun- visitors and the active environmental protection of the nature. More specifically for ning natural beauty, sheltering the the year 2004, the above BLUE FLAGG renowned “Archanthropos (ancient man) of Petralona” who lived 250.000 certification was awarded to 32 beaches and 2 marinas in Halkidiki. years ago. The cape of Poseidi : the most ancient sanctuary of Poseidon, with the dog face fairies. Kassandra : Kassandra A real heaven on earth, with incomparable the peninsula named after the Macedonian King Kassandros, brother- natural beauty, clean seas, perfect beachin-law of Alexander the Great. Sithonia es (most of which are awarded every year : the peninsula named after the son of with a "Blue Flag" by the EC), beautiful Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the forests, prehistoric, ancient and Byzantine sea . Ouranoupolis, Nea Focea, Sani, monuments, traditional villages and modern tourist resorts - this is Kassandra, the Toroni, Galatista: towers of rock and first "prong" of the Halkidiki peninsula and stone, magnificent jewels of the the closest to the city of Byzantine era . Nikiti: ancient Christian churches with Thessaloniki.Kassandra extends from northwest to southeast. their characteristic architecture . Ierissos and Nea Potidea: where martyrs suffered under the Turkish domina- The Canal of Potidea connects it to the mainland . It is 50 km long and 15 km tion. Athos : monasteries which are wide at its widest point. The highest hillreal fortresses built on the tempestlashed rocks of Mount Athos , ramparts top is 353 m from the sea level. The coastline is famous for the clean beaches, standing firm against the impious intruder . Shady and tranquil gardens, the picturesque capes, and the green hills, refuges for contemplation and medita- where the trees reach up to the seashore. The Gulf Toroneos or Kassandra washes its tion, silence that sharpens hearing, east coastline and the Gulf Thermaikos the harmony. Unique holy images and west. At the south end of the peninsula is church treasures. the cape Kanastreo or Paliouri , from where the Aegean Sea extends, and at the west end the cape Possidi or Kassandra. 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 .
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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 imag-
inable 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.
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, which are delicious and of the highest quality.
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 Oros Far 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.
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