Xenios Vol. 15, No 1 by Xenios

“ T H E O S C A R S O F T H E T R AV E L I N D U S T R Y ” WA L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L

GR AND TOUR 2012 United Arab Emirates • Portugal • India • South Africa

Global Reach • Global Recognition • Global Rewards

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Dedicated TOT section nearly

50% bigger than 2010

100+ Technology & Online Travel an suppliers - more th l any other UK Trave t Technology Even

WTM. Means Technology 07-10 NOV 2011 © ExCeL LONDON © Join more than 47,500 industry professionals at World Travel Market (WTM), the leading global event for the travel industry © Network at the WTM Technology & Online Travel drinks reception

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WTM. Means Business Register online: www.wtmlondon.com/xenios

Events Calendar

2012

Industry Leading Events In Growing Travel & Tourism Markets. Brought to You by ITE Travel Exhibitions

EMITT 9–12 February 2012 Istanbul, Turkey

50,176 m² space 3,000 exhibitors 52,800 trade visitors

MITT 21–24 March 2012 Moscow, Russia

51,215 m² space 3,000 exhibitors 79,930 visitors

UITT 28–30 March 2012 Kiev, Ukraine

11,034 m² space 710 exhibitors 20,526 visitors

AITF 12–14 April 2012 Baku, Azerbaijan

4,032 m² space 230 exhibitors 6,309 visitors

SITT 12–14 April 2012 Novosibirsk, Russia

2,588 m² space 250 exhibitors 3,500 visitors

KITF 25–27 April 2012 Almaty, Kazakhstan

7674 m² space 500 exhibitors 7,140 visitors

Astana Leisure 26–28 September 2012 Astana, Kazakhstan

1,150 m² space 60 exhibitors 3,700 trade visitors

For more information, contact us now. International enquiries:

Tel: +44 (0)20 7596 5083 / 5043 / 5064

travel@ite-exhibitions.com

www.travel-exhibitions.com

WORLD TRA AVEL VEL MARKET MARKE ADVERTISEMENT FEA ATURE

WTM. W TM. Means Business

WTM. WTM. Means Business

Speed Networking Overhauled for WTM 2011 Speed Networking will now take place as a one hour long session, before the exhibition opens, on Monday 7 November at 9am - 10am in Platinum Suite 3 and 4.

World Travel Market, the leading global e evvent for the travel industry, hass o ovverhauled its Speed Networking exhibit xhibitors and buyyer ers programme for 2011 to allow e even more time to conclude deals.

Previously, Speed Networking took place in five sessions based around the regions of the exhibition throughout the first day of World Travel Market. ange increases the tim at the event amountt of time bitors and Meridian b member mem Club s to carr y on and conclude c egotiations that star t n the Speed Networking session. Crucially, it also allows

exhibitors to remain on their stands throughout the first day of WTM conducting even more business with Meridian Club buyyer ers. WTM 2010 was the catalyst for a record £1,425 million in travel and tourism industry deals – a 25% increase on the £1,139 million generated by WTM 2009. World Travel Market Exhibition Director Simon Press said: “Speed Networking has been a great success since World Travel Market introduced it in 2009. The changes we have made for WTM 2011 will be the catalyst for a greater amount of travel industry deals than ever before.”

www.wtmlondon.com/mcxenios

Kenya H Helps Just a Drop with Holidays Auction The Kenya Tourist Board has joined forces with Just a Drop for WTM 2011and will be running an auction to raise money for the many projects that the charity supports. There will be a huge variety of incredible holidays to Kenya to be won as well as a series of once in a lifetime experiences

and all with a Kenya theme. The auction will be live on the JaD website – www.justadrop.org - from mid-September until the end of November so stay tuned as there will be loads on of fer. Hills Balfour – K TB marketing agency – Regional Director Angie Sloan is pictured with Just a Drop Events & Promotions Manager Nikki Davies promoting the initiative.

W WTM TM Official Premier Partner Pr em emier P artner

WTM Official WTM Media P Partner

WORLD RLD TRA AVEL VEL MARKET ADVERTISEMENT MENT FEA ATURE TURE

WTM. WTM. Means Business

WTM. W TM. Means Business

WTM. WTM. Means Business

This includes the Business Day on Thursday November 10, which is headlined by TV personality Hilary Devey. The WTM Advice Clinics will also take place on the Thursday. Experts on hand from all sectors - technologyy, strategic management, responsible tourism and social media - can offer visitors hints and tips on dealing with the challenges for today’s market during 15-minute one-toone sessions.

WTM. Means Business World Travel Market is continuing to add new features evvent to strengthen its position as the leading global e for doing business. The event in 2010 generated a massive £1,425 million of travel and tourism industry deals. Despite the global economic situation, this represented an impressive 25% increase on WTM 2009. The increase was helped by new initiatives, such as an expanded Speed Networking session on the firs t day of W TM, giving exhibitors and Meridian Club members the remaining three days of the event to continue

negotiations and agree deals. World Travel Market Exhibition Director Simon Press said: “We are delighted so much business was conducted at WTM 2010. With all the new initiatives introduced for WTM 2011 I’m confident even more business will be conducted.” The seminar and presentation content for World Travel Market 2011 includes sessions specifically aimed at helping tourism business during the ongoing economic difficulties.

New research from Euromonitor International into global travel trends will be released earlier during the event. The second World Travel Market Industry Report will reveal what global buyers and suppliers think about the past twelve months and prospects for 2012. With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games coming up, there is an ever bigger focus on sports tourism at this year’s World Travel Market. “WTM understands that many travel businesses are struggling in the current economic climate. We are going the extra mile this year to help suppliers, buyyer e s and er visitors sit down and talk business over the four days,” Press added.

GNTO to Sponsor WTM International Press Centre W TM International Press Centre attracts up to 3,000 international media across the four days of the event, making it the largest press centres in the UK. Greece’s sponsorship of the space allows many oppor tunities for promotion other than the branding. Media using the W TM International Press Centre come from travel and tourism industr y trade press, consumer newspapers and magazines. T V and radio stations and social media also have access to the facilities.

R REGISTE R NOW FO

2011

BA CEO Headlines High-Level WTM Airline Programme

British Airways ne ew wlyappointed Chief Executive Keith Williams is headlining World Travel Market’s high profile airline programme. Williams (pictured) is speaking as par t of the WTM Business Day on Thursday 10 November at 3.30pm in Platinum Suite 4. Other high profile speakers in the airline programme include Air China Vice President Nor th America Zhihang Chi. Chi is joined by IA ATA Regional Vice President & RCT Leader Europe Rafael Schvar tzmann in the New World Order: The airline industry in new growth markets of the 21st century in Platinum Suite 4 at 2.30pm on Tuesday 8 November. On the same day, Sky Team managing director Michael Wisbrun as par t of the Airlines – new Industry groupings sessions in Nor th Gallery Room 6 & 7 at 11pm.

FMCGF del HFGG © ExCeL FM C GF d el H FGG © EExCeL LLONDON ONDON WTM. WTM. Means Business Find Find us on:

R Register egister online: www www.wtmlondon.com/xenios .wtmlondon.com/xenios

Topics & Trends

EIBTM – DIGITAL INNOVATIONS FOR BETTER BUSINESS The changing face of EIBTM (www.eibtm.com) – the leading global event for the meetings and events industry – will see a number of innovations at this years show, dedicated to bringing business directly to Trade Visitors, Hosted Buyers and Exhibitors more effectively. Reed Travel Exhibitions Event Director EIBTM Graeme Barnett commented “Whilst we expect some 60,000 pre-scheduled business meetings to take place during the 3 days of the event, we are also delivering new ways of providing communications between more than 14,000 attendees through every available digital channel from live TV to interactive floor plans and Apps”. “The changing world we are all living in is being re-shaped every day by emerging technologies that connect and engage individuals all over the world to contribute, share, express and debate information. They also affect the way businesses are run today, and that consequentially impacts all aspects of the event industry. One of our key objectives is to utilise every tool available to us to ensure all business opportunities are delivered in a relevant, accessible and meaningful way”. The onsite TV channel EIBTM TV produced by Grupo eventoplus has been developed to add new business dimension to the event. The channel will deliver a continuous news stream including the EIBTM programme of events, products and services. Content will be projected on two 6m LCD screens which will be suspended over the main aisle and in key locations around the exhibition to ensure that content can be clearly viewed by all show attendees. EIBTM will deliver the first full show EIBTM Event APP, which has been designed to meet the individual needs of all Hosted Buyers and Trade Visitors. The APP will contain exhibitor and show information, venue maps and floor plan, a guide to the city of

Barcelona and direct links to all social media portals. It has also been designed to allow users to build their event itinerary before and during EIBTM. EIBTM Event APP will be available soon and you can download the APP by visiting www.eibtm.com/APP This year EIBTM will launch A2Z’s newly developed Event Map tool to offer all attendees an interactive floor plan of the EIBTM exhibition online. The interactive platform will facilitate better pre-show planning by enabling users to click on each location to view full exhibitor details so they can plan their business visits before arriving at EIBTM. In conjunction with Poken, EIBTM will also provide each Association Hosted Buyer attending the show with a unique device, which will allow them to exchange a social business card with other Association Buyers present. Following the show, EIBTM Association Hosted Buyers can download all data to their PC’s and explore business opportunities via the personalised hub. The move served to illustrate the ways in which technology can be used to improve networking, business and contact building at the show. EIBTM will use digital posters around the Future Events Experience to showcase exhibitor advertisements digitally. QR codes will be used on the show floor to assist visitors in downloading information directly to their mobile device. There will also be a series of video blogs and education content posted on the EIBTM TV website following the show to ensure that all education and show content can be accessed remotely. EIBTM 2011 takes place 29th November – 1st December 2011, Barcelona.

EIBTM WELCOMES OVER 42 NEW EXHIBITORS TO THE SHOW EIBTM, the world’s leading Global Meetings and Events Exhibition (www.eibtm.com) sees 42 new destinations, DMC’s and venues present at the show this year which will take place in the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona (29th November – 1st December). New suppliers exhibiting for the first time include; American Express, Calima Marketing Turistico Sl, Btg Event Solutions DMC & PCO, Louvre Hotels Group, Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, ATAHOTELS Spa, Pepper and Salt ® Event Group, 2morrow srl, H10 Hotels, Georgian National Tourism Agency and Riga Tourism Development Bureau. EIBTM, a Reed Travel Exhibitions event has also seen 43 exhibitors from 2010 expand the size of their stand to accommodate more sharing companies who plan to do business at the event. These include Pacific World Asia / Ultramar Events Spain, Hungarian National Tourist Office, Moscow Exhibition and Convention Agency, Finland Convention Bureau, NH Hoteles and Cyprus Tourism Organisation – others are expected to follow. Atout France and the members of the France Meetings and Convention Board will represent the French “savoir-faire” and are pleased to announce new exhibiting partners including Royal Riviera Hotel, Impérial Palace, Belambra Business resorts, The Blue Yellow Company and Vanilia Events. EIBTM has made major developments in the layout of the show this year to accommodate the ever-growing demand for new and innovative companies who have chosen EIBTM as the platform to launch their product. The EIBTM Technology Village will also see 19 new technology companies exhibit there for the first 6

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time this year. Exhibitors who attend EIBTM year on year have used EIBTM as a business platform since its inception. Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau who will be exhibiting for their 23rd year commented: “We have attended every EIBTM since the beginning and as the main fair for the industry it’s very important. This year there will be over 30 people on our stand with 15 local convention bureaus and DMC’s”; commented Guendalina Rampazzi, Project Manager Meeting & Incentives, Switzerland Convention Bureau. Reed Travel Exhibitions Event Director EIBTM Graeme Barnett commented: “EIBTM expects to see over 3,800 Hosted Buyers with serious purchasing power attend the show this year – 47% of Hosted Buyers attending EIBTM 2010 had annual meetings budgets of over $1m – so it is not surprising that suppliers of products and services for this industry should choose to attend EIBTM as part of their strategic marketing plans.” “Exhibitors at the show benefit from tailored solutions for their sales and marketing objectives from having a stand presence to brand enhancing sponsorship which supports them further in delivering the best possible return on investment from their participation at the show”. If you are interested in attending or exhibiting at EIBTM this year, please visit www.eibtm.com

The Global Meetings & Events Exhibition 29 November – 1 December 2011 Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain

Five star business opportunities for meetings and events professionals Join over 14,200 industry professionals at the leading international event for the meetings and events industry, taking place in the vibrant city of Barcelona. Senior level buyers and decision makers can also benefit from being fully hosted at the show.

“

If you only go to one show a year this is an annual must-attend event without a doubt. Tim Procter – Air Charter Ltd.

Scan the QR code with your mobile to watch our show video and be inspired! No code reader? Search for QR reader in your app store; download one of the selection of apps available. Alternatively, visit our website to view the video www.eibtm.com

Find out more and register today at www.eibtm.com/xenios EIBTM is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Events Portfolio organised by

Topics & Trends

Asia’s leading brands win big at World Travel Awards

Asia’s role in leading the global travel and tourism recovery has been acknowledged at a VIP gala ceremony hosted by World Travel Awards (WTA) in Bangkok, Thailand on 28 September 2011. VIPs, senior tourism leaders, captains of industry and international media travelled from over 30 nations to attend the WTA Asia & Australasia Ceremony 2011 at Dusit Thani Bangkok. Malaysia Airlines overcame stiff competition from Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, Thai Airways and Air China to collect “Asia’s Leading Airline”. Meanwhile India saw off the likes of Bali, Korea and Sri Lanka to win “Asia’s Leading Destination”; whilst Trident Gurgaon was voted “Asia’s Leading Hotel”. Korean Air was voted “Asia’s Leading Airline First Class” and the new super luxury hotel Oberoi Gurgaon collected “Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel”. Thailand, which played host to WTA for the first time, enjoyed a large slice of the evening’s honours, reflecting its growing role as a travel and tourism hub of Asia. Home-grown winners included Bangkok Airways (Asia’s Leading Regional Airline); Six Senses Hideaway, Samui (“Asia’s Leading Honeymoon Resort”); and Bangkok (“Asia’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination”). It was also an evening of travel triumph for Australasia. Among the big winners were Air New Zealand, which was voted “Australasia’s Leading Airline”, Bora Bora, French Polynesia named “Australasia’s Leading Destination” and Sheraton on the Park, Sydney, picked up “Australasia’s Leading Hotel”. The industry’s elite travelled from over 30 countries across Asia and Australasia to attend the glittering gala ceremony. The raft of media in attendance included CNN, Thailand Tatler, Bangkok Post, National Geographic Traveller and Lonely Planet. Graham E. Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards, underlined the incredible strength of the region’s travel and tourism economy. He said: “Asia is powering the global travel and tourism recovery, and tonight’s winners represent the very cream of our 8

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industry. “The burgeoning middle classes in markets such as India, China and Malaysia are fuelling a surge in intra-Asia travel. We expect this growth to continue for at least the next decade, making the future very bright indeed for Asia’s luxury hospitality sector. Thailand, in particular, is reaping the rewards of the changes sweeping across the region thanks to its culture, amazing beaches and world-class facilities.” The famed Dusit Thani Bangkok played host to the ceremony. For 41 years, the 517-room five-star property has served as a social and business landmark in Thai capital. Alex Willats, Acting General Manager, Dusit Thani Bangkok, said: “It was a marvelous honour for Dusit Thani to play host to this blue riband event in Asia and the opportunity to showcase our unique Thai hospitality to the world. To become the recipient of a regional World Travel Award is indeed recognition of our staffs dedication to service and of Dusit Thani Bangkok which continues to remain a preferred hotel in Asia.” The Asia & Australasia Ceremony marks the fourth leg of World Travel Awards 2011 Grand Tour, and follows the legs in Dubai, UAE; Antalya, Turkey; and Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt; whilst Montego Bay, Jamaica will play host to the final heat on 19 October. The regional winners will then progress to the Grand Final at the end of the year. The event partners were Dusit Thani Bangkok, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, BBC World News and WeClickMedia, and the media partners included eTurboNews, Breaking Travel News, Trav Talk and Travel Daily News. For a full list of winners at World Travel Awards 2011 Asia & Australasia Ceremony visit: www.worldtravelawards.com/winners2011-4

Cream of the Caribbean celebrates at World Travel Awards Montego Bay, Jamaica, October 2011 The Caribbean’s leading travel brands have walked off with top honours at a VIP gala ceremony hosted by World Travel Awards (WTA) in Montego Bay, Jamaica on 19th October 2011. VIPs, senior tourism figures, captains of industry and international media travelled from over 30 nations to attend WTA’s Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2011 at Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island. Jamaica’s position as a leader in the global tourism arena was strengthened further as it was named “Caribbean’s Leading Destination” for the sixth year running. In a year that has seen visitor arrivals rise 5.7 percent, the paradise island also picked up “Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board” and “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination”. It was also an evening of travel triumph for countries right across the Caribbean. St Lucia won the coveted title of “Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination”, whilst Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island was voted “Caribbean Leading Private Island”. In the “Caribbean’s Leading Resort” category, Casa de Campo (Dominican Republic) saw off stiff competition from the likes of Half Moon (Jamaica), Jumby Bay (Antigua), Four Seasons Resort (Nevis) and Sandy Lane (Barbados). Meanwhile Caribbean Airlines picked up “Caribbean’s Leading Airline”. Graham E. Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards, underlined the remarkable resilience of the Caribbean’s travel and tourism economy despite the challenges of the global recession. He said: “The Caribbean is a textbook example of how the travel and tourism industry can serve an engine for growth, with the ability to steer the region out of one of the most challenging periods in global financial history.” “It is during times of economic uncertainty that world-class brands come into their own, continuing to reinvent themselves and grow market share – traits all shared by tonight’s World Travel Award winners.” “Jamaica in particular has proved its credentials as a world-class tourism brand, thanks to its unrivalled mix of paradise beaches, luxury resorts and warmth of welcome. This is reflected in the number of honours won by Jamaica’s top travel organisation at our Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony,” he added. Jamaia’s Director of Tourism, John Lynch, said: “We’re honoured to be recognized as the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Destination’. Jamaica is committed to providing travellers with an unparalleled experience. We’ll continue to develop our infrastructure and tourism product to ensure we maintain an edge in an increasingly competitive landscape.”

Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island, which features a private, offshore island and oozes colonial elegance, forms part of the growing portfolio of properties owned and operated by Sandals Resorts International. “It is a true testament to our brand, and the team that supports it, to have won the highest number of awards in Sandals Resorts’ history during our 30th anniversary year,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “We continue to invest in our product so that each year we can be proud to say we are ‘Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand’. Our number one priority remains to provide the best product and experience for our customers and we look forward to continuing to do so.” The Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony marked the fifth and final leg of World Travel Awards 2011 Grand Tour, and followed heats in Dubai, UAE; Antalya, Turkey; Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt; and Bangkok, Thailand. The regional winners progress to the Grand Final, which takes place in Doha, Qatar on 11th December 2011. The event partners were the Jamaica Tourist Board, Sandals Resorts, BBC World News and WeClickMedia, while media partners included National Geographic Traveller, ABTA Magazine, ASTA Network, eTurboNews, Breaking Travel News, JaxFax and Travel Daily News. For a full list of winners at WTA 2011 Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony visit: www.worldtravelawards.com/winners2011-6

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Topics & Trends

5 best winter city breaks ringed – surprise, surprise – by the Town Hall, and beside it you find the ancient pharmacy, which is still operating on the site it has occupied since 1422. Surprisingly few people manage to find The Museum of Occupation, but it’s well worth locating (at Toompea 8) In the period from 1940 to 1991, Estonia was occupied briefly by Nazi Germany and then for four and a half decades by the USSR. The history of this difficult period comes to life in through high-tech audio-visual displays and art. The Botanical Garden which covers 110 hectares and contains more than 8,000 plant species, is certainly worth a look – and yes, there are Hot Houses to warm up in. The stunning Baroque Kadriorg Palace was the summer residence of Russian Tsar Peter 1, and today stands in the centre of its namesake’s seaside suburb, just outside Tallinn, housing the Estonian Art Museum’s foreign collection of thousands of European and Russian works from the 16th century on. Finally, don’t miss the Health Museum (Tervishoiumuuseum) where Tallinn’s school kids learn all about the human body at this old-fashioned and somewhat disturbing museum. On one floor, interactive displays teach younger kids all the systems in the human body, while the upper floor has photos and models designed to scare older kids away from using drugs or from ever having children. Don’t visit before, during, or after lunch. Retail therapy Ceramics, glassware, jewellery and paintings are all good value and good quality here. Heavy woollens are excellent value, as are the Russian-inspired souvenirs. Find flights to Tallinn: www.skyscanner.net More info www.tourism.tallinn.ee 2. Budapest Some cities in Europe are infinitely better to visit in winter than summer. Without the crowds, the harassed locals, the hordes of school kids, and long queues for everything from entry to the Cathedral to the public lav, suddenly the experience becomes far richer and more relaxing; in fact, positively romantic. Crisp cold days are decidedly better for walking ancient streets snuggled up to a loved one, as the brightly lit cafes and shops entice you in to meet the locals and get a real feel for the city you’re in. In winter you’re a visitor, not just another damn tourist – always a better feeling. 1. Tallinn Why winter? Because it’s generally snowy at this time of year, and oh so romantic. Heat up in the atmospheric cafés, restaurants and galleries, and immerse yourself in the plethora of exhibitions and concerts going on from January to March. The big attractions To get your bearings head to St. Olaf’s Church which sits high above the city and dates back to 1267 when it was the tallest church in Europe. From here you’ll see the ancient warren of cobbled streets and fortified walls that make up one of Europe’s most attractive city centres. Once in the walled Old Town go to Toompea Hill- the residential area of the former aristocracy where the imposing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands. You can’t miss Town Hall Square, 10

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Why winter? Go in March for the Mohacs Carnival, which includes a legendary parade on the Sunday before Lent featuring scary masks, dancing and the burning of winter’s coffin on a bonfire. Copious amounts of goulash and Bull’s Blood vino on offer. The big attractions Budapest is two cities in one. Until 1873, the royal palaces of the posh part: Buda, on the hilly West bank of the Danube, literally looked down on the citizens of ‘Pauvre Pest’ on the East bank, but then the two cities merged to create a capital packed with beautiful buildings, riverside walks and a bustling nightlife. Buda is still quieter, greener, and has more historic buildings than Pest. The Royal Palace and the Castle Hill district are only slightly upstaged by the magnificent Fishermen’s Bastion, with its panoramic views across the Danube to Pest. Pest is an altogether livelier place, with its pavement cafes, neo-Classical Parliament building, State Opera House, St Stephen’s Basilica and designer shops. Retail therapy Antiques, leather goods and crafts are all great in Budapest. The main shopping area is south of Vorosmarty Ter in Pest, and the streets around Vaci Utca are awash with designer shops. For antiques hit Falk Miksa Utca. Find flights to Budapest www.skyscanner.net More info: www.gotohungary.com

3. Amsterdam Why winter? The Brown Cafes look so inviting, the walks down the Canals are just sooo romantic, the Christmas Markets and the locals are just so damn cheery that it does your soul good to go there. The big attractions The Rijksmuseum has 400 masterpieces on display, including Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ and Vermeer’s ‘Woman Reading a Letter’. In the Van Gogh Museum you’ll find more than 700 of the artist’s paintings and drawings, including the world-famous ‘Sunflowers’, ‘The Bedroom’ and ‘The Potato Eaters’. Anne Frank Huis is a fabulous visit – incredibly moving, even to this day. If you didn’t already know Anne Frank and her family hid here for two years during World War II; a bookcase marks the entrance to the sober, unfurnished rooms in which she wrote her famous diary. Retail therapy Diamonds anyone? If money’s tight take home delicious cheese, chocolate, beer and cookies. Also clogs and a huge variety of flowering bulbs. Find flights to Amsterdam www.skyscanner.net More information http://www.holland.com 4. Salzburg Why winter? It is the ultimate Christmas Market city and chocolate-box beautiful in the snow. There’s nothing like hearing ‘Silent Night’ in the city it was written in. The big attractions Hard to choose as the whole centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but if reduced to just three: Hohensalzburg Fortress rewards you with a magnificent view over the city; built in 1077 it’s Salzburg’s landmark. Mozart Square – not surprisingly, a statue of Ludwig dominates the square which was unveiled in 1842 in the presence of Mozart’s sons. In a skyline punctuated by church spires, there is no mistaking the distinctive dome and towers of Salzburg’s early Baroque cathedral. Inside, among the stucco swirls and paintings, is the Gothic font where Mozart was baptised (and speaking of him, don’t miss his birth-place and house, also in the city). Retail therapy ‘Mozartkugeln’ – Mozart chocolates are a must, and Austrian linen/embroidery is also worth a look. Dirndls and ledershosen are in many shops, and there lots of good outdoor sports gear on offer here too. Find flights to Salzburg www.skyscanner.net More information www.austria.info/uk 5. Berlin Why winter? In a word, Carnival. On February 6 Lenten madness takes over bringing with it great atmosphere with floats, costumes and parties aplenty. From 10 – 20 February a major International Film Festival hits town bringing in Hollywood’s best. These events aside, Berlin is heaving with brilliant museums, galleries, bars and coffee houses, all of which are perfect when the light has gone and the temperatures dip. In summer you have to queue for ages to get into the Pergamonmuseum (hous-

ing 19th German plunder of the Ancient World); in winter, just stroll in and enjoy the space. The big attractions The Brandenburg Gate is to Berlin what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, only with a lot more history and significance. Built in the late 18th century as the main entrance to the city, for decades it acted as a barrier between the East and West. And speaking of significant barriers, these days there isn’t much left to see of the Berlin Wall, but it’s got to be visited. Take the U-Bahn to Potsdamer Platz to see a brightly graffitied section of it, along with a watchtower which used to stand in this former no-man’s land. The Berliner Dom is one of Germany’s most impressive churches. Built at the end of the 19th century, it’s lavishly decorated both inside and out and is the final resting place for the royal Hohenzollern family. A reminder that it was not only allied countries which suffered during WWII is the Gedächtniskirche. This partially destroyed church was bombed and never rebuilt. It still manages to chill passers by. There are over 50 museums in Berlin, but head for Museum Island and you’ll see the city’s best. Two not on the island but worth seeing are the Topographie des Terrors, a museum based in the former Gestapo headquarters that examines what went on under interrogation. And, of course, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, built on one of the famous crossing between West and East. It presents a graphic history of the many heroic attempts at escape from the East. Retail therapy Wallow in kitsch at Falbala on Knaackstraße 43, where you’ll find a wonderful jumble of clothes from decades past to have a rake through. Another spot to shop for some flaky souvenirs is the flea market at Bahnhof Friedrichstraße, held Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays. Berlin’s main department store is KaDeWe at Tauentizenstraße 21. This is Germany’s Harrods, with great clothes and a stunning food hall. Find flights to Berlin www.skyscanner.net Xenios

Topics & Trends

Sabre signs multi-year distribution agreement with Aegean Airlines said: “Distributing our fares through Sabre is an important part of our ongoing growth strategy. “Working with leading Sabre GDS is important for our business in the Greek and Cypriot markets, and enhances our global reach that will help drive our business to the next level.”

Greek carrier’s complete fare inventory available to Sabre agencies worldwide Athens – Sabre Travel Network, a global technology company serving travel agencies and suppliers, has signed a multi-year agreement to distribute Aegean Airlines’ fares, schedules and inventory. The deal means travel agencies connected to the Sabre global distribution system (GDS) will be guaranteed access to all of Aegean Airlines’ seats and fare classes.

Dean Bibb, Sabre Travel Network’s vice-president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: “Aegean Airlines recognises the value of the Sabre GDS and our innovative leadership in helping airlines market and sell their products, including ancillaries, to millions of travellers worldwide. “Sabre is the world’s most efficient, cost-effective travel marketplace and Aegean joins the many global airlines that understand the GDS is an important source of revenue and growth. “This agreement gives our agency customers greater choice and relevant content throughout the regions.” The agreement provides Aegean Airlines access to more than 350,000 Sabre travel agency users around the world.

Dimitris Gerogiannis, managing director of Aegean Airlines,

OVATION WINS GOLD AT THE UK MEETING INDUSTRY MARKETING AWARDS Ovation Global DMC is proud to announce that the company has won the Gold Award for Best Brand Marketing Campaign at the 2011 UK Meeting Industry Marketing Awards. Ovation was selected as a finalist for its Bear Kidnapping Campaign which ran over a two week period to coincide with EIBTM 2010. The campaign was commended by an independent adjudicating panel for demonstrating the impact and high return on investment potential of social media marketing. In just five days the promotion generated increased visits to the Ovation website of 150%, a 134% increase in Twitter followers and a 26% increase in Facebook friends. Accepting the award in front a 400 strong audience of meeting industry professionals, Doris Reynolds, Marketing & PR Manager with Ovation Global DMC commented on the value of social media in building community around the Ovation brand, driving traffic to the Ovation website and translating the noise generated by the Bear Kidnapping Campaign into tangible business leads. Paying tribute to his marketing team, Padraic Gilligan, Managing Director of Ovation Global DMC said ‘’I’m so proud of the team’s achievement as it clearly shows that genuine innovation and true creativity doesn’t have to come at a high price’’. 12

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VOK DAMS Supports Lotus Cars in Lead Generation Three hundred sixty enthusiasts were invited to experience first hand the Lotus EVORA, a four-seater m i d s h i p sports car of the British automobile manufacturer Lotus Cars. They were the exclusive guests at three events in Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Mainz, where 60 participants on two days each could experience the pure joy of driving. For the generation of potential buyers a multi-level communications concept was implemented, which encompassed both traditional elements (supplement to the specialist magazine sport auto for drivers and lovers of sports cars) and social media campaign via the business platform XING. For the support and implementation of the communications concept as well as the events Lotus Cars entrusted the automobile and hybrid event specialists of VOK DAMS, one of the international leading agencies for

events and live-marketing. Since the guests had to qualify for their participation in advance, their enthusiasm for the Lotus EVORA at the events was great. “We are very pleased with this kind of lead generation because we can announce a clear increase in Lotus enthusiasts,” said Georg Prisner, Territory Manager Central Europe at Lotus Cars.

Mayor warns economy will lose out if hub airport not taken seriously The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has warned the Government that the UK risks being relegated to a bit part player in the global economy unless they give serious consideration to the construction of a new hub airport in the south east of England. Figures calculated by the Department for Transport estimate that by 2030 all of London’s airports will be operating at full capacity. However that rapidly diminishing capacity is occurring at the same time as opportunities to provide links to the businesses and growing economies in the Far East and other areas are rapidly increasing. That means in just twenty years time the only possible locations in the UK for airlines to meet demand for flights to those locations will be smaller regional airports. In his response to a Government study the Mayor is warning that those airports simply cannot provide the efficiencies that a hub airport offers airlines who operate to those long haul destinations. In his submission to the Government the Mayor explains that the UK’s only true hub airport at Heathrow is already running at 99 per cent of its capacity, which makes it totally incapable of responding to the emergence of new business destinations in Asia and elsewhere. This lack of capacity means European competitors are already snapping up business and putting themselves in a position where they could threaten the capital’s position within the world’s global elite. That is why the Mayor has once again urged the Government to develop a credible long-term aviation policy with a plan to protect London’s global reputation as an economic powerhouse, by planning to increase aviation capacity in the southeast and properly examining the options for a new hub airport in the region. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “This great country of ours risks becoming an aviation backwater unless we find a location to provide the extra runways that are so desperately needed. Without those runways we will lose business to our European competitors and we risk relegation from economic powerhouse to merely a bit part player in the global economy. We cannot go on as we are and I respectfully urge the Government to make it a priority to consider plans to build a full service, round the clock, multiple runway hub airport of the type that so many of our neighbours already boast.” The aviation sector plays a vital role in the UK and London economy and employs hundreds of thousands of people, including 130,000 at London’s main airports alone. The UK depends on London in particular as its economic motor and that role is only possible because of the highly productive, export oriented and aviation intensive nature of the Capital’s economy. London’s continued success will greatly depend on the continuing presence of a competitive hub airport.

The UK is already facing tougher global competition for resources and markets and needs to rise to the challenge by forging new trading relationships in emerging economies such as China. While Heathrow performs well in serving established routes, such as those between London and major US cities, it is not responding to these new opportunities as well as rival Continental hub airports. While Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol offer approximately 17,500, 15,000 and 11,000 seats a week to mainland Chinese airports respectively, Heathrow only offers 9,000. These figures reflect the greater ease with which airlines based at these Continental hubs can offer new routes and capture lucrative new business than those based at Heathrow. The consequence of this is that the UK’s competitors are stealing a lead in new markets. That is backed by figures showing that while there were 1m visitors from China to France in 2009, the UK only managed to attract 89,000 visitors from mainland China (and a further 143,000 from Hong Kong). The average spend of Chinese visitors to the UK was £1300. But if the UK attracted the same number of Chinese visitors as France an additional £1bn in tourist revenue could potentially be generated. Daniel Moylan, the Deputy Chairman of Transport for London, is leading on aviation matters for the Mayor. He said: “Several ideas have been put forward to try and address our increasing lack of runway capacity. But I remain to be persuaded of there being any workable solution other than the creation of a new hub airport. And the obvious location for a 24 hour airport with the least possible impact on the local population is the Thames Estuary. A true ‘airport city’ of the type never seen before in the UK would provide the capacity we need and provide vital support to the UK economy.” The Mayor’s submission to the Government argues that providing more capacity at Heathrow is not an option as the local environmental consequences of growth are too great there. Nor can a regional airport realistically be converted into a hub airport as their local transport networks simply could not offer the capacity or capability to accommodate the demand in London and the south east. In the paper it is also noted that whatever the benefits of a UK high speed rail network, it does not offer the solution to the aviation capacity problem. No more than 10% or so of Heathrow’s passengers could be transferred onto such a system. The Mayor also believes that full account needs to be taken of aviation’s local environmental impacts in determining where new growth is provided. He continues to support proposals for including aviation in an effective international Emissions Trading Scheme, and his position is fully consistent with recommendations made by the Government’s Committee on Climate Change.

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Healthy growth of international tourism in first half of 2011 International tourist arrivals are forecast to reach 1.8 billion by 2030 according to the newly released UNWTO long-term forecast, Tourism Towards 2030. The report, presented on the occasion of the 19th session of the UNWTO General Assembly, confirms that international tourism will continue to grow in a sustained manner in the next two decades (814 October 2011, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea). International tourism will continue to grow in the period 2010-2030, but at a more moderate pace than the past decades, with the number of international tourist arrivals worldwide increasing by an average 3.3% a year. As a result, an average 43 million additional international tourists will join the tourism marketplace every year. At the projected pace of growth, arrivals will pass the 1 billion mark by 2012, up from 940 million in 2010. By 2030, arrivals are expected to reach 1.8 billion, meaning that in two decades’ time, 5 million people will be crossing international borders for leisure, business or other purposes such as visiting friends and family every day. “The next 20 years will be of continued growth for the sector – a more moderate, responsible and inclusive growth,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. ”This growth offers immense possibilities as these can also be years of leadership, with tourism leading economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability, “ he said. Emerging economies to continue gaining market share International arrivals in emerging economy destinations are expected to continue growing at double the pace (+4.4% year) of advanced ones (+2.2% a year). In absolute terms, the emerging economies of Asia, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Eastern Mediterranean Europe, the Middle East and Africa will gain an average 30 million arrivals a year, compared to 14 million in the traditional destinations of the advanced economies of North America, Europe and Asia and the Pacific. By 2015, emerging economies will receive more international tourist arrivals than advanced economies, and by 2030 their share is expected to reach 58%. There will be increases in the global market shares of Asia and 14

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the Pacific (to 30% in 2030, up from 22% in 2010), the Middle East (to 8% from 6%) and Africa (to 7% from 5%), and further declines in the shares of Europe (to 41% from 51%) and the Americas (to 14% from 16%), mostly due to the slower growth of North America. By 2030, North East Asia will be the most visited subregion in the world, representing 16% of total arrivals and taking over from Southern and Mediterranean Europe, with a 15% share in 2030. Outbound tourism to grow most in Asia and the Pacific A large proportion of the arrivals of the next two decades will originate from the countries of Asia and the Pacific, growing at a rate of 5.0% a year and generating an average 17 million additional international arrivals every year. Europe follows with an average 16 million extra arrivals a year, resulting from a much more moderate growth rate (+2.5% a year), but on top of a much larger base. The remaining 10 million additional yearly arrivals are generated by the Americas (5 million), Africa (3 million) and the Middle East (2 million). “Tourism Towards 2030 shows that there is still significant potential for further expansion in the coming decades. Established, as well as new destinations, can benefit from this trend and opportunity, provided they shape the appropriate conditions and policies with regard to business environment, infrastructure, facilitation, marketing and human resources,” said Mr. Rifai. “Nevertheless, alongside this opportunity, challenges will also arise in terms of maximizing tourism’s social and economic benefits while minimizing negative impacts. As such, it is more important than ever that all tourism development be guided by the principles of sustainable development”.

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TTG Asia Media Rolls Out 3rd IT&CM Event IT&CM India 2012 IT&CM India is organised in collaboration with India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB), with the bureau being the event’s endorsing association. Delegates to IT&CM India will also gain access to ICPB’s Conventions India Conclave (CIC) that features educational sessions on industry topics focusing on doing business in India. This collaboration is expected to mutually enhance both the IT&CM India and CIC offering.

IT&CM India Will Be The First In The IT&CM Series of Events To Incorporate Luxury Travel Delhi, October 2011 – TTG Asia Media – event organisers of IT&CMA and CTW (The World’s Only Doublebill Event in MICE and Corporate Travel) and IT&CM China – has introduced an IT&CM event to the Indian market. Named IT&CM India, this 3rd event in the IT&CM series will be held on 21 to 23 August 2012 in Delhi NCR.

Commented Rajeev Kohli, vice president of ICPB, “The board discussed this in great detail, and we decided that it was better to be part of a larger pie. This will benefit the entire industry. We have a lot of respect for TTG Asia Media and we are delighted to welcome IT&CM to India”.

Predominantly an international MICE event, IT&CM India will adopt the proven IT&CM programme formula of business, education and networking. Industry professionals already familiar with the IT&CM concept can however expect a couple of added features to this latest event. “IT&CM India will be the first IT&CM event to incorporate Luxury Travel in its exhibition showcase,” said Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Asia Media, “as such, in addition to MICE and Corporate buyers, we will also be targeting buyers representing up-market clientele.”

IT&CM India will deliver an equal mix of international and Indian delegates across exhibitors, buyers and media categories. This promotes business opportunities on all fronts – inbound, outbound and domestic. This first IT&CM India is expected to field some 300 exhibiting companies and an equal number of buyers.

Bangkok Wins “Asia’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination” Ensuring t h e Business E v e n t s with the Perfect Location f o r Maximum Success, C i t e d TCEB Bangkok: October 2011 – Bangkok has been awarded “Asia’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination” by 2011 World Travel Award. The city ranks first among the 9 Asia’s leading business events cities. The award indicates that Thailand’s business events industry is bouncing back after the uncertainty caused by global businesses during 2010. Bangkok and Thailand are committed to delivering maximum success to all kind of business events. “Bangkok adds to its record of achievement and it proves that Bangkok has undoubtedly remained the unique and perfect business event destination”, revealed Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, the President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau. “The award has robustly reflected the success of our ‘Believe in Thailand’ campaign which has been launched worldwide to rebuild Thailand’s image and reassure international confidence in the country’s business events industry.” The fact that Thailand has enjoyed a series of honours will further reinforce the confidence in the country’s tourism and business events industry. Thailand today becomes the leading “Tourism & MICE Powerhouse” of Asia. Other leading titles 16

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bestowed on Thailand by 2011 World Travel Award include; Asia’s Leading Beach Resort-Four Seasons Resort, Koh Samui Asia’s Leading City Hotel-Dusit Thani, Bangkok Asia’s Leading City Spa-Hotel Banyan Tree, Bangkok Asia’s Leading Cruise Port-Bangkok (Laem Chabang) Asia’s Leading Family Resort-Ramada Resort, Karon Beach Asia’s Leading Honeymoon Resort-Six Senses Hideaway, Samui, Asia’s Leading Regional Airline-Bangkok Airways Asia’s Leading Spa Resort-Layana Resort & Spa The strong performances of Thailand’s professionalism and destinations are no surprise. Thailand continues to offer the multitude of choices and the unique and perfect locations for all kinds of business events. With more choices now, Thailand is the Asia’s leading business events destination. But, with the most choices for the future, Thailand commit itself to serving as one of the world’s most preferred MICE destinations. Building upon such commitment, Thailand has recently unveiled the 2nd phase of its ‘Believe in Thailand’ campaign. A new emphasis is reflected in the campaign’s new theme: ‘Thailand: Destination of CHOICES – No matter which path you choose, success is sure to follow.’ “The theme is very appropriate. TCEB has categorised the MICE industry into 3 segments: Meetings, Trade Shows and International Events. No matter which path you choose, TCEB will assist you towards your business success step by step. With our ‘Believe in Thailand’ campaign, we will ensure that all kinds of business events soar to even greater heights.” “Thailand’s reputation for hospitality is unsurpassed and when combined with professional services, world class infrastructure and facilities, varieties of meetings destinations and countless business opportunities, it will come as no surprise that you will want to come back again and again,” remarked Mr. Akapol.

TCEB kicks off “Thailand: Destination of “CHOICES” No matter which path you choose, success is sure to follow…. Bangkok: October 2011 – At this year’s 19th IT&CMA and 14th CTW Asia-Pacific event from 4-6 October, TCEB launched Phase 2 of its ‘Believe in Thailand’ campaign. A new emphasis is reflected in the campaign’s new theme: ‘Thailand: Destination of “CHOICES” No matter which path you choose, success is sure to follow.’ Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, TCEB President, explained, “The theme perfectly reflects the multitude of choices, options and settings that together make Thailand a unique and perfect location for your next business events. Our goal is to ensure that every experience is unique, with more choices now and the most choices for the future. Thailand’s MICE and travel operators work to world-class standards, and will give your event the special, personalized service it requires because the diversity available allows you to personally design your event for maximum success. “This event offers a perfect platform to highlight Thailand’s potential and new marketing direction, and we expect this year to be a record year, with delegate numbers continuing to grow. We already have 2,457 preregistered delegates and 827 exhibitors from 60 countries, so the event promises to surpass last year’s final figure of 2,340 delegates.” The event is recognized as the largest and most important meetings and incentives trade show in the Asia-Pacific region. With the concept “Winning Asia and Beyond”, the event is the result of cooperation between Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), TTG Asia Media and the Thai Team, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (Thailand) or TICA, Thai Airways International Plc., Tourism Council of Thailand, Airports of Thailand (AOT) and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Designed to serve as a platform to showcase the potential of the Asia-Pacific meetings and incentives industry, IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific is the industry’s flagship event in the region, aiming to attract MICE travelers from around the world to meet in Asia. The event will generate opportunities to exchange and learn latest MICE innovations and boost trade between MICE buyers and service providers from across the globe. Commenting on the event, TCEB’s President, Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart said “TCEB extends its warmest congratulations to IT&CMA on this auspicious occasion of the 10th anniversary of IT&CMA in Thailand. We are truly honored that IT&CMA has chosen Thailand as the venue for its flagship double bill event for so long, It choice demonstrates Thailand’ maturity and resilience as a business event destination as well as tourist destination. It also represents a strong vote of confidence in the world-class professional standards, diverse offerings and value for money that Thailand offers and delivers. “This year Thailand will have the largest pavilion of all AsiaPacific countries participating, with a 375 sq. metres space. The pavilion will accommodate 61 private sector businesses, including hotels, DMCs, event organizers and meetings planners.This year’s event is expected to generate revenues of over 1 billion Baht, and Thailand has also been granted the right to organize the IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific for a further year, until 2012. Commenting on the role of TCEB, Mr. Akapol added, “TCEB is a government agency mandated to support the development of Thailand’s business event, or MICE industry. We have worked very closely with the private sector- the tourism and hotel industry, as well as the convention and trade fair industry, to

identify the key constraints to the sector’s growth, and how we may best target our support for private sector development. TCEB provides financial and non-financial assistance to Thailand-based MICE operators in market promotion, bid preparation and strategic advice. But we also have some exciting support packages specifically tailored to the needs of overseas MICE operators, professional bodies and societies who want to bring their business events to Thailand. I therefore encourage you to contact us to find out how TCEB can help you organize a superlative, memorable and cost-effective event here in Thailand. “The theme of the second phase of TCEB’s ‘Believe in Thailand’ campaign at IT&CMA, and its emphasis on choices, is very appropriate. TCEB has categorised the MICE industry into 3 segments: Meetings, Trade Shows and International Events. No matter which path you choose, TCEB will assist you towards your business success step by step. Believe in Thailand to ensure that your next business event soars to even greater heights. Thailand’s reputation for hospitality is unsurpassed and when combined with professional services, world class infrastructure and facilities, varities of meeting destinations and countless business opportunities, it will comes as no surprise that you will want to come back again and again.” Mr. Akapol added. This year, Thailand is expected to welcome almost 720,000 MICE visitors to the country, who will participate in meetings& incentives, conventions, exhibitions and trade fairs, generating expected revenues of 57.6 billion baht. “Our recently announced MICE policy and 5-year roadmap projects global MICE travelers to Thailand to increase by more than 75% from 2012 to 2016, with revenues up by more than 87% by the year 2016. Thailand’s MICE industry is also projected to play an increasingly important role in the country’s overall economy; today the MICE industry represents only 9.13% of total tourism revenues for 2011, but this share is expected to rise to 18.35% by 2016, with revenues of 130.92 billion Baht.” Mr. Akapol also noted the significant progress in Thailand’s bid to host the World Expo 2020: “TCEB is also playing a central role in coordinating Thailand’s bid to host World Expo 2020 in the ancient capital of Ayuthaya. We have already conducted a series of events, including the recent ‘World Expo 2020” in coordination with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, in order to build public awareness, support and unity among Thai people from all walks of life in supporting our bid to host this megaevent.” Concluding, Mr. Akapol offered his perspective on the enormous opportunity represented by the forthcoming formation of the ASEAN Economic Community, or AEC in 2015. “The projected value of trade in AEC, at 6.4 trillion US dollars, will represent quarter of global trade, which translates into countless business opportunities through closer economic cooperation within the region. From now on, when we talk about Thailand, we are also speaking as a representative of the AEC because Thailand serves as the natural gateway to the ASEAN countries. With Modern infrastructure and facilities, such as 6 international airports nationwide, the upcoming high speed rail network through Thailand and direct access to Kunming – Singapore rail link, Thailand is the center of North South and East West Corridors of ASEAN and can therefore ensure maximum mobility for participants, providing them the most choices for meetings and events. We therefore believe the AEC market holds enormous promise as well as challenges, and will fuel strong economic growth and a flourishing MICE industry in the region.

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21 New Winners Lauded At TTG Travel Awards 2011

Bangkok, October 6 2011 –21 of tonight’s 79 winning organisations and individuals at The 22nd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2011 are taking home the signature Hermes trophy for the first time at this yearly regional event organised by TTG Asia Media’s Publishing Group. A total of 49,000 votes of confidence were cast for these winners by readers of the five TTG Publishing publications: TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice and TTG-BTmice China. Readers of the relevant industry sectors named their organisation of choice for each title in both online and print voting forms inserted into publications. Among new winners were Shangri-la Singapore and Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, best hotels in Singapore and Bangkok respectively. Resorts World at Sentosa Pte Ltd took the title of Best Integrated Resort for the first time, as Seoul beat long-standing competitors Singapore and Shanghai for the first time to become Best BT-MICE City. Notably, The Peninsula Tokyo took the Best City Hotel – Tokyo title only three years after winning the Best New City Hotel in 2008. This year, Lotte Tour became the first travel agency to be inducted into the Travel Hall of Fame after winning the Best Travel Agency – Korea for ten years running. The TTG Travel Awards pays tribute yearly to the Hall of Fame honoraries, who are inducted after 10 consecutive wins in the same award.

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14 out of last year’s 24 new winners kept hold of their titles, including Centara Grand at CentralWorld as Best Meetings & Conventions Hotel and InterContinental Manila, the Best City Hotel in Manila. Besides Air India, which was replaced by Kingfisher Airlines as Best South Asian Airline, previous year’s winners in the airline segment continue their reign this year. “The travel awards have been designed to mirror industry trends,” shared Mr. Darren Ng, TTG Asia Media’s Managing Director. “It is important for industry players to note the shifts in tastes of their clientele, as well as the direction their competitors are taking to distinguish themselves as outstanding.” Thailand’s presence in the Asia-Pacific MICE scene was clear in this year’s awards. Grand Hyatt Erawan was voted Best Business Hotel this year after winning the Best Bangkok Hotel for the past 3 years. It was just one of the four companies from Thailand that had won prizes in the BT-MICE segment: these included Thai Airways for the Best Airline – Business Class, Centara Grand at Centralworld for Best Meetings & Conventions Hotel, and the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau for Best Convention & Exhibition Bureau. Thai Airways showed it had more strengths than just MICE, and was one of the two companies that won more than one award with its Best South-East Asian Airline win. Best Western International was the other double winner, winning both the Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand and Best Marketing &

Development Effort titles. In addition to the Best Marketing & Development Effort title, TTG Publishing’s editorial team handpicked three other outstanding achievers in the category. Mr Shao Qiwei, the chairman of the Chinese National Tourism Administration, was Travel Personality of the Year for being proactive and innovative in developing the industry. Singapore was crowned Destination of the Year for the second year running, and Cox & Kings became the Most Entrepreneurial Travel Company. The 22nd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2011 Ceremony and Gala Dinner is held yearly in Bangkok, in conjunction with Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia and Corporate Travel World (IT&CMA and CTW). The event, Asia’s Only Doublebill in MICE and Corporate Travel, is a one-stop platform for industry professionals to do business, learn and network in a single location – Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Voting for the TTG Travel Awards 2012 opens in June 2012. The 23rd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2012 Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held on 4 October 2012. More information on the TTG Travel Awards can be found at: www.ttgasia.com/ttg-awards

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“A breath of fresh air”

First edition of IMEX America reinvigorates business with successful new collaborative model Las Vegas, NV – Feedback from over 2000 hosted buyers, 1700 attendees and nearly 2000 exhibitors who attended the debut of IMEX America confirms that the new trade show for the meetings, incentive travel and events industry lived up to its promise of delivering high quality business, networking and professional education . Speaking at the show’s closing press briefing at The Venetian®|The Palazzo® , IMEX Group Chairman, Ray Bloom, expressed his delight that the first show had gone so well and received a widespread positive reaction. Reiterating a comment made earlier in the week by Bruce MacMillan, CEO & President of the show’s strategic partner and premier education provider, MPI, he said: “We have successfully delivered a new, collaborative business model, which is not a US trade show in Las Vegas but a truly global marketplace in America plus a tremendous education program. That was always our vision but, of course, over the past four days thousands of industry professionals have been able to see and experience it for themselves. They now completely understand what we set out to do and have appreciated the fresh dimension it has brought to the industry here in the US.” 22

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He shared some of the feedback and first-year achievements with media and guests who attended the briefing and explained that a notable aspect of IMEX America had been the high volumes of pre-scheduled appointments, as well as ‘walk-up’ business that exhibitors had been receiving. He gave one example of the SECC (Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre) whose team were delighted to receive a booking for a 12,000 delegate event from a buyer who simply arrived on the day without an appointment looking to place the event outside of the US for the first time. Michelle Saran, Executive director of the Canadian Tourism Commission had also commented: “We’ve had many one-on-one appointments – I haven’t seen a booth this busy in North America for years and years. Our team pre-planned appointments but we’ve also had a lot of people walking on to the stand for ad-hoc meetings.” Business expectations fulfilled Bloom explained that over 800 US companies were among the nearly-2000 exhibitors at IMEX America this week. Many had high hopes before the show but were understandably cautious given the wider economic challenges facing many global markets. However, from the largest international hotel groups to single destinations, positive feedback showed that those hopes had been fulfilled by the levels and quality of business achieved. This had been particularly noticeable at Association Day, organised by ICCA and ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership, when the seniority and quality of association meeting buyers present had been remarked on by many of the Las Vegas partners in particular. Bloom also delivered some key statistics about the first show’s performance. 53% of hosted buyers attending had budgets in excess of $1 million. Over 30,000 total appointments were made before and during the show including 23,930 individual appointments. Downloads of the IMEX App (developed by IMEX, MPI and QuickMobile and sponsored by Freeman) also reached

high levels with 2050 people using the App to enhance and inform their IMEX America experience. The use of RFID badging technology for the first time (thanks to sponsors Experient and Lygase) will also provide new and deeper levels of information. “We will definitely be using this new insight to develop and refine the show in 2012,” explained Bloom. Positive buzz He also described how several of the professional education sessions had left a lasting impression on attendees with a noticeable ‘buzz’ around the MPI keynote speakers and USTA President Roger Dow’s update on the US Meetings Mean Business campaign. The invitation only Executive Meetings Forum, for C-level corporate meeting executives, was also extremely well received. Many participants confessed that, although they knew the trade show offered an extensive professional development program, few had realised quite how big it really was. As Bruce MacMillan had expressed it the day before: “Having packed-out sessions at our own education conference is one thing. Having packed-out sessions at a trade show is unheard of. That’s the big difference. MPI and IMEX America have changed the value proposition here in Vegas this week.” The Strategic Partnership with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) had ‘more than delivered’ said Bloom and he expressed his delight that Smart Monday together with the previous night’s MPI Foundation Rendezvous had been such a success.

nerships further in the future.” Bloom also acknowledged once again the importance of the support the show had received from its numerous partners in Las Vegas, notably the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, The Venetian®|The Palazzo® and Sands Expo and many others. “Their support has been truly exceptional,” he said. “We really could not have asked for more and once again I’d like to express my gratitude for their backing and for all their hard work and understanding.” In his closing remarks, Bloom said: “IMEX America has succeeded in producing lasting achievements in three main areas this week: volume and quality of business, professional education and, of course, networking and new global and US business contacts. This being Vegas, ‘the city of cities’, thousands of people were also able to laugh, relax and be entertained at the same time.” He concluded: “This has been a successful first show and everything we had hoped for. IMEX America and MPI both agree we’ve found a formula for success and we now intend to build on it. I look forward to seeing many of you in Frankfurt come May when we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of IMEX in Frankfurt and I very much look forward to returning to Las Vegas in 2012 when I expect IMEX America to hit another home run.”

In addition, he praised and congratulated other important partners, including Site and PCMA. “Both Site and PCMA directors and members have embraced IMEX America and, for them, the week isn’t over yet as the Site International Conference and the PCMA International Summit both get underway later this afternoon. We look forward to developing all our association partXenios

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World’s cheapest ski resorts: where to ski cheap this season

Krvavec, Slovenia

With a six day lift pass in Courchevel costing a whopping £224 this season and an après ski beer now £7 or more, the time has come to ditch the overpriced resorts of the Alps, and seek out slopes that don’t require a new mortgage to ski. To ski on a budget (yes, it is possible), forget France, side-step Switzerland and escape Austria all together; Eastern Europe is where the best value skiing is to be found this winter. Why? Lift passes, accommodation and food is far cheaper than in the traditional haunts of British skiers and you’ll feel like more of an adventurer in most of these mountains, skiing slopes that far few Brits have skied before! Jasna, Slovakia Jasna continues to become better known on the international ski scene, and though Slovakia isn’t a big name in the ski world, Jasna is well known to savvy skiers and snowboarders who want great skiing, cheap food, and even cheaper beer. There’s a respectable 1,000m of vertical drop and with more and more investment in the resort and local area, this underrated resort won’t stay that way for long. British run company Propaganda Snowboards welcomes skiers and snowboarders to their chalets which are a short drive from Jasna’s lifts. Pricewise, Slovakia is infinitely better value than France; a pint of beer will cost £1 or less; a three course meal just a tenner. 6 Day Ski Pass: £120 7 nights’ accommodation: from £175 Flights to Bratislava from £76 departing London Stansted airport TOTAL: £371 Borovets, Bulgaria Borovets is the oldest winter resort in Bulgaria, huddled in coniferous forests among the highest mountain range on the Balkan Peninsula. It is also the biggest and most modern Alpine resort in the country. The highest pistes sit at 2600m and offer fantastic downhill runs while the town itself has lively restaurants and bars serving hearty bites at bargain prices. Borovets is a cheap and cheerful resort for all abilities of skier, snowboarder and cross-country fanatic. 6 day ski pass: £161 including skis and poles 7 nights’ accommodation: from £109 Flights to Sofia from £70 departing Manchester airport 24

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TOTAL: £340 Kopaonik, Serbia One of Eastern Europe’s most modern resorts, Kopaonik in Serbia, has 21 shiny new lifts, whisking skiers up thick, forestlined runs. There are some interesting off-piste opportunities and extensive cross-country trails. The longest downhill run is 3.5km from a modest drop of 521m with 44km of day and night skiing and snowboarding on partly wooded trails. One of the main draws is Kopaonik’s rural charm; traditional thatched huts dot the slopes and offer cosy open fires and lashings of ‘hot wine’. Being Serbia, there is no shortage of après ski partying well into the small hours. 6 day ski pass: £77 7 nights’ accommodation: from £273 Flights to Belgrade from £141 departing London Gatwick airport TOTAL: £425 Krvavec, Slovenia Close to the beautiful capital Ljubljana, Krvavec in Slovenia is a small but mainly intermediate ski area, with a max altitude of 1,971m of altitude and three distinct summits. Brand new gondolas transport skiers to the slopes in less than seven minutes where they can enjoy a guaranteed 100 days of snow. Snowshoeing, snow biking and skidooing are also available. For a unique twist on your holiday why not stay in Igloo Village, a ‘snow hotel’ with tunnels that connect igloo chamber rooms, including romantic ones just for couples. 6 day ski pass: £117 7 nights’ accommodation: from £183 Flights to Ljubljana from £52 return departing London Stansted airport TOTAL: £352 Popova Shapka, FYROM Popova Shapka is a major winter destination in north-western FYROM. Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will love the deep snow, as long as the lifts are running. For those looking to try something a little more daring, there isEurope’s only cat-skiing operation: Eskimo-freeride. You get taken up the mountains in a converted piste-groomer, to the best backcountry in the area where you can glide through pines on pure Popova powder.

Jasna, Slovakia

6 day ski pass: £52 7 nights’ accommodation: from £131 Flights to Skopje from £65 departing London Luton airport TOTAL: £248

6 day ski pass: £96 7 nights’ accommodation: from £110 Flights to Prague from £76 departing Edinburgh airport TOTAL: £282

Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Glenshee, the Highlands, Scotland

Jahorina is one of the larger ski resorts in the Balkans and was a winter Olympic venue. Most of the skiing here is intermediate level, and there are 20km of pistes, efficient lifts and lovely views towards Sarajevo too. Those who don’t want to stop just because the sun goes down can enjoy night skiing, and there’s a lively après ski scene with great value food and drink to revive you after a day on the slopes.

Remember, you don’t have to leave the country to get your snow fix. Glenshee is the largest ski and snowboard area in the UK and home to the infamous Tiger, one of the most challenging black runs going. On a clear day the snow-covered views across the Cairngorms National Park are just stunning and there are some surprisingly steep slopes, along with open bowls, narrow gullies, pisted and unpisted runs. Though Scottish skiing is famed for the wind, if you get lucky with the weather you can have better conditions than the Alps, and if not, the Scottish hospitality will warm your cockles anyway! 6 day lift pass: £135 7 nights’ accommodation: from £114 Flights to Edinburgh form £52 departing London Stansted airport TOTAL: £301

6 day ski pass: £71 7 nights’ accommodation: from £123 Flights to Sarajevo from £156 return departing London Stansted airport TOTAL: £350 Poiana-Brasov, Romania The well-groomed pistes of popular Poiana-Brasov are perfect for beginners and intermediates, and a new eight-seater gondola has improved the somewhat dated lift system. The resort may be small but it’s perfectly formed and is giving Borovets a run for its money. There’s fun floodlit night skiing so you can stay longer on the slopes but advanced skiers may find the skiing limited as there are only a few black runs. Off piste you can relax in a horse-drawn sleigh, or hit the bars, restaurants – be sure to try the Ţuică – plum wine. 6 Day lift pass: £87 7 nights’ accommodation: from £213 Flights to Bucharest from £89 departing London Heathrow airport TOTAL: £389

Euro prices have been converted to approx GBP value using XE.com. Airport transfers not included in total price. Flight and accommodation prices correct at time of publication. More info: www.skyscanner.net

Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic Nestled high in the Krkonose Mountains, Spindleruv Mlyn has consistently excellent snow conditions thanks to teeth chattering temperatures of between -15 to -20 degrees C, getting even colder at night. The resulting snow is powder champagne and the combined ski area has 23 lifts and 20 long runs with the highest at 1310m and excellent black and red runs for advanced skiers. End the day with warming traditional food and 90% proof plum brandy that is almost as astonishing as the cheap prices.

Spindleruv Mlyn, Czech Republic

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Topics & Trends SPA Destinations by Julia Ushakova

HOW TO CHOOSE A SPA Make your spa experience extraordinary, regardless of your budget. CLUB SPA A facility whose primary purpose is fitness and which offers a variety of professionally administered spa services on a day-use basis. CRUISE SHIP SPA A spa aboard a cruise ship providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices. DAY SPA A spa offering a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day-use basis. Day spas offer many of the same services and procedures as cosmetic spas.

Serenity Spa: Elysium Resort & Spa, Rhodes Who goes to a spa? Aren't they just for the wealthy to get pampered? While spas may have had a reputation as havens for the wealthy to be pampered, that misconception is rapidly being dispelled. ISPA research indicates there were more than 111 million spa visits made in the United States in 2006, and the spa lifestyle is appealing to virtually everyone. Women continue to represent the majority of spa-goers; however, men account for approximately 30% of spa-goers, and teenagers are quickly incorporating spa visits into their lives as well. With an increased emphasis on wellness, people are recognizing the health benefits of regular spa visits as a way to aid in treatment of health concerns and as a preventative measure as well. Proper pedicures can assist diabetics, massage treatments can reduce stress, facials can help those with acne and the simple act of going to the peaceful atmosphere of a spa can help everyone relax and unwind. Stress is at the center of many illnesses. For those who think spas are expensive, it's important to note that spa experiences range dramatically in price. You may wish to invest in a spa getaway to a destination spa, book a vacation at a resort spa, seek a physician's services at a medical spa or plan a lunchtime visit to your neighborhood day spa. Whatever you choose, explore the vast array of spa treatments available and select what best suits you and your budget. Be sure to inquire about the amenities your spa offers and take advantage of them. Extend your spa visit by relaxing in the steam room, sauna or mineral pool. Or simply lounge in the peaceful ambiance of the relaxation area, enjoying a cup of herbal tea and a magazine.

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DESTINATION SPA A destination spa is a facility with the primary purpose of guiding individual spa-goers to develop healthy habits. Historically a seven-day stay, this lifestyle transformation can be accomplished by providing a comprehensive program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthful cuisine and special interest programming. MEDICAL SPA A facility that operates under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment that integrates spa services, as well as traditional, complimentary and/or alternative therapies and treatments. The facility operates within the scope of practice of its staff, which can include both aesthetic/cosmetic and prevention/wellness procedures and services. MINERAL SPRINGS SPA A spa offering an on-site source of natural mineral, thermal or seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments. RESORT/HOTEL SPA A spa owned by and located within a resort or hotel providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices. In addition to the leisure guest, this is a great place for business travelers who wish to take advantage of the spa experience while away from home. In many cases resort/hotel spas also act as day spas for local clientele and may offer special rates for people that live in the community. If you have a resort/hotel spa in your area be sure to ask if they accept local clientele.

Destination Spa: Serenity Spa: Elysium Resort & Spa, Rhodes

Step into a world of true luxury where impeccable style and attention to detail is complemented by a blend of contemporary facilities, sophisticated services and culinary splendour creating an exquisite holiday environment for those seeking the very best out of a 5 star hotel in Rhodes. Set in a unique beachfront location, the Elysium Resort and Spa stands in a class entirely of its own. Modern and chic in nature with minimalist design, grandiose public areas and spacious rooms overlooking the beach, the luxurious Elysium hotel is the perfect example of a high standard luxury resort and the finest spa hotel in Rhodes. Unwind, rejuvenate and revitalize. Experience the ultimate spa holiday in Greece at the Elysium Resort and spa hotel! At the Serenity Spa, every detail is an important part of the experience and every sense is indulged, from the rituals that accompany each treatment to the exclusive premium aromatherapy products using the finest indigenous ingredients, from cactus to flowers. In recognition of the many different

ways each of us respond to the stresses of life, the entire spa philosophy pivots around three pillars: unwind, rejuvenate and revitalize. Guests can journey through the full Serenity Spa experience, commencing by unwinding mind and body to release nervous tension and improve sleep patterns. Once relaxed, the body, mind and skin are ready to be rejuvenated through purifying treatments to cleanse and rebalance. Finally, the revitalize collection of treatments focuses on raising energy levels, resulting in a sense of renewed vitality and well-being. Elysium resort and spa is one of the very few spa hotels in Greece that offer the ESPA brand and the most prestigious spa hotel in Rhodes www.elysium.gr

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GETTING PEOPLE TOGETHER FOR A MEETING CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS SUCCEED. MEETINGS PLUS ADDS VALUE TO YOUR PLANNING, AND WE MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER BY MAKING YOUR MEETING OUR PRIORITY.

The important thing is for you to focus on your meeting, not on how to get people there. That’s where we can help. Quite simply, we have the advantage of a worldwide airline network which makes it easier for you to plan your international meeting across the globe. And we can do it through one point of contact, efficiently and at a great price. So the world opens up to you and everyone attending your meeting through the network of 28 member airlines. Your people gain a lot too. They’ll get cheaper fares, coordinated flights and access to over 990 airport lounges worldwide. They can also get frequent flyer benefits at every step of the way – from priority check-in and priority boarding, as well as all the advantages of priority baggage handling and additional allowances. And by simply downloading a widget you get the opportunity to check flight status anytime. Just visit www.staralliance.com/meetingsplus.

www.staralliance.com

Information correct as at 09/2010

Major congresses to generate more than $22 million for Victorian economy Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher, today announced that Melbourne has been successful in its bid to host four world-class business events over the next six years. Ms Asher congratulated the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau on its winning bids. “These four events are expected to attract 4,400 delegates to Victoria and generate $22.8 million for the state economy,” Ms Asher said. The events are: -The 25th World Congress of the International Society for Forensic Genetics 2012; -The Meeting of the International Committee for Conservation of the International Council of Museums (ICOM-CC), 2014; -The World Congress of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities 2016; and -The Congress of the International Union of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences 2017. Ms Asher said the congresses will attract delegates from North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. “These events will further cement Victoria’s reputation as a world-class medical, scientific and research hub and will provide an opportunity to showcase the work that is undertaken in each of the respective areas of expertise within Australia, and in particular Victoria,” Ms Asher said. The Acting CEO of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), Keith Herdman, said Melbourne was undoubtedly Australia’s business events capital. “It was the city’s superior infrastructure, namely the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and MCVB’s capabilities to support the congresses which got the bids over the line,” Mr Herdman said. Mr Herdman added that the large number of delegates generated by the meetings also presented Melbourne with an invaluable opportunity to showcase the city and regional Victoria. The Acting CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Leighton Wood said he was delighted the centre was hosting all four events. “These major events bring together leaders from around the world to discuss important issues and make way for future advancements,” Mr Wood said. The Victorian business events industry is estimated to be worth more than $1.2 billion and generates more than 22,000 jobs.

MCVB Celebrates Record Success in 2010/11 Speaking at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, Chairman of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), Mr Chris Barlow, announced that MCVB had achieved record-breaking results in the 2010/11 financial year. MCVB secured 245 business events (i.e. won and/or assisted) across the business, an increase of 37 per cent from 2009/10. “These events are expected to deliver 92,236 delegates to Melbourne in the coming years and generate in excess of $354 million for the state economy,” Mr Barlow said.

“These figures represent an increase of 28 per cent and 32 per cent from 2009/10 respectively, which is an outstanding achievement. “One of MCVB’s most significant wins in the 2010/11 financial year was the World Congress of Cardiology, which is one of the largest and most prestigious medical conferences in the world. “The four-day Congress will be held in Melbourne in 2014 attracting more than 9,000 cardiologists and other health care professionals, generating an economic impact in excess of $36 million. “MCVB also secured one of its largest incentive groups since the Incentive and Corporate Travel department was established in 2006 with the Amway India Leadership Seminar. “The group of more than 4,400 delegates coming to Melbourne in 2012 will be the largest Indian incentive group in Australia’s history and it is expected that the event will generate more than $23 million for the the state economy.” Other key achievements for MCVB in the 2010/11 financial year were as follows: An increase of 72 per cent in the number of new leads generated An increase of 135 per cent in the number of incentive and corporate sales business events secured An increase of 43 per cent in economic impact achieved through business facilitated by MCVB’s Melbourne Meetings + Events Service An increase of 25 per cent in the number of events serviced by the Convention Servicing department An increase of 10 per cent in the number of attendees to the Asia-Pacific Incentives& Meetings Expo (AIME) MCVB also produced a number of world-first innovations for a convention and visitors bureau (CVB) in the last financial year including: the Business Events Marketing e-Kit, a suite of five free ‘white’ label online and mobile products; the use of Augmented Reality for the invitation to the AIME Welcome Reception and as an incentive product; and the use of Braille as a research tool. “These results are testament to MCVB’s deserved reputation as a world-leading CVB and Australia’s business events capital,” Mr Barlow said. “MCVB was inducted into the prestigious Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) Hall of Fame for winning the national ‘Metropolitan Destination Marketing Organisation’ award for three consecutive years in the last financial year, a feat which we are very proud of. “Similarly, AIME was also inducted into the MEA Hall of Fame in the category of ‘Exhibition of the Year’, which is further proof of its status as the must-attend event in the Asia-Pacific region. “These accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without the dedication, passion and hard work of our staff and representatives in Melbourne and New South Wales, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. “I would also like to thank the State Government of Victoria for their ongoing support of the Bureau and look forward to what I hope will be yet another record-breaking year ahead.”

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Topics & Trends

ICS International Congress Center Stuttgart to host four large medical congresses in 2012 Four large annual medical congresses are to be held next year in Stuttgart. The 47th Annual Meeting of the German Diabetes Society will be taking place from 16 – 19 May 2012, followed by the 32nd Annual Conference of the German Society for Senology at the start of July. In autumn 2012, another two important medical congresses will take place with the 85th Scientific Conference of the German Orthodontic Society from 26 – 29 September and the Annual Meeting of the German, Austrian and Swiss Societies for Haematology and Oncology from 19 – 23 October 2012. This is a promising development for the ICS which has specifically courted the medical congress sector: “Four large medical congresses within one year is a major achievement for us, “says Stefan Lohnert, Divison Director of Guest Events at Messe Stuttgart. “We are looking forward to the collaboration with the organisers. “The ICS had plenty to offer when bidding

for the events, with excellent transport connections, the flexible utilisation of its rooms, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a professional team of employees.

Germany number one for sustainability and green meetings Frankfurt /Main / Las Vegas, October, 2011 — Germany has the largest market worldwide in virtually all fields of environmental technology and is one of the most important locations for the industry. For example, the country is number one in the field of renewable energies: Germany is the world export leader for recycling and sustainable water technologies. In addition, with more than 14 percent of globally available capacities, the German wind energy industry is the largest in the world and sets standards for research and development. Green meetings – a competitive advantage of the German meetings and conventions industry Germany’s expertise in this field is also one of the distinctive competitive advantages of the German meetings and conventions industry: Many companies in various fields of business have realized that sustainable practices are an image booster and offer sound economic advantages. German congress providers integrate climate-friendly measures in their entire preparation, implementation, and follow-up work for events. They range from eco-friendly travel to the venue and comprehensive recycling through purchasing local foodstuffs, to using leftovers to produce energy and converting car fleets. The German Convention Bureau (GCB) offers practical support for staging green meetings on its website www.germany-meetings.com. There you will find a list of existing certificates and best practices of hotels and convention centers. Staged together by the GCB and European Association of Event Venues (EVVC), the greenmeetings and events conference in early March 2011 showed that awareness of green practices and climate protection has reached the German meetings, conventions and events industry. Around 400 delegates from all fields of the industry discussed the role of sustainability for the meetings and congress sector for two days. Another 200 registered participants were reached by the virtual tie-in event of the conference, which made its debut on the Internet two weeks later. Excellent standards for venues in Germany According to the results of the Meeting & Event Barometer, over one-quarter of the interviewed meeting hotels, convention centers and venues in Germany (27.4 percent) have already integrated a management system with a green concept for all business activities.

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Best practice examples One example is the darmstadtium in Hessen. Thanks to making comprehensive use of geothermal energy, biomass and solar energy, the science and convention center in Darmstadt runs almost entirely on renewable energy sources. In late 2010 it received the Green Globe eco-label. The event center of the Academy of German Cooperatives (ADG) at Schloss Montabaur in the Westerwald region, which opened in April 2011, is the first venue in Germany to achieve energy independence thanks to state-of-the-art technology. In the German capital, the Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz has been setting new standards for sustainability since October 2010. The hotel solely uses energy from renewable sources. Energy-saving lamps throughout the entire house and the use of district heating and cooling lower consumption. This is the first hotel in Germany to be awarded the EU ecolabel and silver medal for sustainable building. Deutsche Bahn’s Umwelt-Plus event ticket offers all attendees of large events carbon-free travel to the venue. This will get delegates comfortably and swiftly to the destination at a fixed price. Deutsche Bahn’s green campaign is titled “DB Eco Program.“ This is a climate protection program featuring more than 20 different activities DB is using to lower its worldwide specific carbon emissions by 20 percent from 2006 to 2020 in all parts of the group. The German Convention Bureau (GCB) based in Frankfurt /Main, markets Germany as a destination for conventions, meetings, events, and incentives both on a national and international level, and is the place to contact for all customers who are planning events in Germany. Its 230 members include leading hotels, convention centers, and destinations, rental car firms, event agencies and service providers of the German meetings and conventions industry. Maritim Hotels, the SevenCenters of Germany and darmstadtium science and convention center are Preferred Partners of the GCB. As Strategic Partners, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Deutsche Bahn AG and the German National Tourist Board (DZT) support the work of the GCB.

UK MOVES UP WORLD RANKINGS AHEAD OF CRITICAL YEAR FOR TOURISM

The United Kingdom’s image overseas has improved significantly over the last year, driven by greater perceptions of British culture, its people and its appeal as a tourist destination. The findings have been published in the latest Anholt-GFK Roper Nation Brands Index (NBI) released today. Notable improvements across a number of key indicators means that the UK now overtakes France on the overall rankings to become the third most admired country globally, and positioning itself as one of the strongest and most well-rounded nations in the world. The results reveal that the UK – now one place higher than it was in 2010 – is also one of the few countries to feature in the top six slots within each of the six brand measurements that the NBI analyses annually. Britain’s enhanced standing on the world stage has been buoyed by respondents’ views on it as a tourist destination, particularly because of the appeal of its rich historic landmarks and vibrant city life. It has also improved its aspirational appeal for overseas markets with visitors more likely to make the journey to the UK if money was no object. Along with these gains, the UK has also enjoyed success for the third consecutive year in being seen as an interesting and exciting place for contemporary culture, jumping up two spots to fourth place with music, films, art, literature and sports all areas strongly associated with the British. Welcoming the latest findings, Chief Executive of VisitBritain Sandie Dawe said: “This year’s NBI report provides yet another insightful score-card for the UK. It shows that the overwhelming perception of Britain by overseas visitors is positive and that our image is improving significantly in many of the countries in which we operate around the world.

“Particularly encouraging is the news that China and India – two vital markets offering long-term growth potential for inbound tourism – rank the UK very highly as an aspirational destination. It is our ambition to attract an additional four million overseas visitors over the next four years, and that will mean turning these positive perceptions into new arrivals. “All this underpins how important it is for VisitBritain to increase our efforts over the coming year if we are to continue to climb up the world rankings and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.” While the NBI report has given a much needed boost to the UK as it approaches a critical year for tourism, it has also highlighted areas for improvement if it is to remain one of the most desired destinations. Responses among the survey panel about Britain’s natural beauty (an unchanged ranking of 22nd) dragged down the Tourism Index score and suggests more could be done to help educate visitors about the diversity of Britain’s rich landscape. Despite progress being seen in the perceived welcome by Brits (ranked 12th, up one slot from 2010), questions still remain on how warm that welcome is and what can be done to improve the UK’s overall friendliness. Brits themselves held their own country in high esteem, positioning itself as number one across all but one of the indices.

Wembley celebrates ‘Best Venue’ award win

Wembley is celebrating after being named Best Meetings and Conference Venue – Europe by the Business Destinations Travel Awards. The awards showcase companies whose products and services represent best practice in the business travel industry and the winners were voted for by an international audience. In winning Wembley beat off strong competition from three other venues. Wembley is one of the world’s most modern stadiums, capable of holding conference and banqueting events ranging from just a handful of people to 3,000. Unlike older venues, the facilities at Wembley were built with the end user in mind. The flexible spaces means Wembley can host a variety of events, including; conferences, meetings, AGMs, product launches, training and team building, exhibitions, award ceremonies and corporate hospitality. It is the second award Wembley has won this year. It won the Coolest Sporting Venue in the Cool Venue Awards – an award it also won in 2010. Jackie Boughton, of DNC Wembley, comments: “The awards were judged on quality of service, value for money, sustainability practices and CSR. We pride ourselves on achieving the highest standards in all of these areas and this award is recognition of our hard work. Wembley is the home of great events and we’re delighted that our peers have acknowledged our achievements. Our focus is on making continuous improvements to ensure clients and delegates experience the best events at Wembley.”

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UITT – the meeting place for Ukraine’s travel industry

UITT (Ukraine International Travel & Tourism Exhibition) is the largest and most important travel industry event in Ukraine. From the 28th – 30th March 2012 in Kiev, key international travel industry players will participate to promote their countries and regions, to increase the awareness of their presence in the Ukrainian market. In 2010 710 exhibitors from 55 destinations exhibited at UITT, which attracted 20,526 visitors to discover more about each country and region. Over the past 18 years UITT has become well established as the exhibition for companies who wish to generate new business and assess the development of the Ukraine travel market. UITT is part of the ITE travel portfolio, and is a follow up from MITT. The Ukrainian market is the 2nd largest after Russia in the region of the former Soviet Union. Over recent years, the government of Ukraine has placed a greater emphasis on developing its tourism industry. The Ukrainian Association of Tour Business reported that the outbound traffic from Ukraine in 2011 increased by 15-20%, and overall increase in 2011 is anticipated.*¹ Outbound tourism in 2010 was 17.2 million people (a 12% increase compared to 2009). The most significant growth was recorded by the following destinations in 2010: Germany – 100% (by 193,300 tourists), Hungary – 12% (by 186,700 tourists), Greece – 61% (by 24,000 tourists), Italy – 13% (by 13,100 tourists), Poland – 35% (by 1 million tourists), Georgia – 32% (by 7,700 tourists), Egypt – 39% (by 88, 124tourists).*². The most popular destinations for Ukrainian tourists are Egypt, Turkey, Hungary and Slovakia, who will look to maintain and grow their popularity within the Ukrainian industry. Several new countries joined UITT 32

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for the first time in 2011, including: Sri Lanka, Syria, Tanzania, Montenegro, Indonesia, Jurmala Tourism board (regional) who sought to attract Ukrainian tourists to their destinations. In 2012, the Fujairah tourism authority will exhibit for the first time, and will join exhibitors such as the Tourist Boards of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia and Dubai. From the private sector Natalie Tours will also exhibit. At UITT next year, an online appointment system will also be launched which will enable visitors and exhibitors to schedule their meetings, to provide a more productive and efficient use of their time during the exhibition. An annual awards ceremony takes place at UITT, where the best stands and newcomers are recognised, both internationally and regionally. UITT is also supported by the: Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine Kyiv City State Administration UNWTO UFI — the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry For more information about MITT, please visit the website: http://www.uitt-kiev.com/en/ or contact Maria Badakh, Head of Sales, E-mail: Maria.Badakh@ite-exhibitions.com, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7596 5083. To view the other exhibitions in the ITE travel portfolio please view the website: www.travel-exhibitions.com *¹ Source: TMI Consultancy Newsletters *² Source: State Service for Tourism and Resorts www.ukrtourism.com.ua

MITT – Whole World. One Show.

MITT (Moscow International Travel and Tourism) is Russia’s leading travel exhibition and one of the top five travel exhibitions in the world. The exhibition is in its 19th annual edition, and takes place on 21st -24th March, in Moscow, Russia. MITT is an efficient method for global destinations to promote their countries and build awareness amongst the local tourism trade and consumers. The continued success of the event over the last 18 years reflects the growing demand for travel services in Russia and the spending power of Russian travellers. According to The Russian Federal Agency for Tourism, Russians made 39,323,033 trips abroad in 2010, a 15% increase compared to 2009. For many international destinations Russia represents a huge potential market to be explored and to target a vast population. Over 3,000 companies from 189 countries & regions exhibited at the exhibition in 2011, demonstrating that MITT represents the world in one show. 79,930 visitors over 4 days from 479 Russian cities and 95 other countries attended the exhibition, and discovered the latest destinations available to the Russian outbound tourist market. At MITT 2012 the Palau Tourism Board and Louis Hotels will exhibit for the first time. Mouzenidis and Kos are returning to the exhibition, and the Cyprus stand will be considerably bigger next year. The luxury sector at MITT has also increased, as many luxury hotels and service providers have expressed their interest in MITT, due to Russian tourists outnumbering Europeans in many luxurious resorts.

learn about the culture of the country.” For the 3rd year, alongside the exhibition MITT also hosts a medical tourism sector, which proved once again to be a popular attraction in 2011. Medical tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Russian travel industry, as the ever more health-conscious population seeks more advanced technology, better healthcare or faster medical services abroad. Hotels, clinics and rehabilitation centres worldwide showcase their facilities to a targeted market that are looking to undertake procedures abroad and speak directly to the practitioners. For the first time in 2012 MITT will be launching a one day specialised sea cruising conference, where companies can also exhibit. The conference will discuss the integration of domestic tourism into the global cruise market, the formation and development of the cruise market in Russia, new routes and special onboard services. MITT is officially supported by the following organisations: Ministry of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy of the RF The Council of the Federation The State Duma or the RF The Russian Union of Tourism Industry The Government of Moscow PATA UNWTO MITT is part of the ITE travel portfolio of events, which take place in Turkey, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Russia. For more information on these exhibitions please visit: www.travel-exhibitions.com. For more information about MITT, please visit the website: http://mitt.ru/ or contact Maria Badadk, Head of Sales, Email: Maria.Badakh@ite-exhibitions.com, Tel: +44 (0) 20 7596 5083

MITT exhibitor, Alfredo Perez Bravo, Mexican Ambassador in Moscow commented, “Mexico recently entered the Russian tourism market and, within a short space of time, from 2007 to 2010, tourist arrivals have grown from 1400 to 30,000 per year. Currently, the Russian market is the fastest growing tourism market in Europe for Mexico. Russian tourists, in general, are well-educated and intelligent. They don’t only want sun and beaches, they also want to visit historical sites and

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Meet the world face to face... For information on the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top travel trade shows and how to join us, visit

www.ittfa.org INTERNATIONAL TOURISM TRADE FAIRS ASSOCIATION

ITTFA Launches New Website ITTFA, the International Tourism Trade Fairs Association, announces the launch of its newly designed website, www.ittfa.org. This new site reflects the changes in the Association over the past few years to aid adn promote the growth of new and smaller shows as well as and its larger, world reknowned member events. ITTFA is dedicated to underlining the continued development of the travel trade show industry, both across Europe and worldwide and in doing so the association continues to strive for greater professionalism in the tourism exhibitions industry whilst enhancing the quality and effectiveness of participation in travel trade fairs. The website has been revised with a new, more contemporary look, providing easy access to all its members in one click, as well as information on the benefits of joining the Association, its media partners and other initiatives. Browsers can check the latest information on all ITTFA members, such as exhibition figures and stand rates and there are links to all individual member sites. The Association’s popular How to Exhibit Guide is available to download as a pdf. Tom Nutley, Chairman of the ITTFA, comments “This new, updated website reflects the growth in our Association and the global envi-

ITTFA CALENDAR

ronment in which we all work. It provides the travel industry with an excellent information tool – giving the travel trade access to member exhibitions, news updates, press releases and other information related to the ITTFA and the industry in general, as well as acting as an excellent promotional tool for the association. ” Wendy Walker, ITTFA Secretariat, commented on the site, “We are extremely pleased to construct a site that is both user-friendly and eyecatching. It has been designed specifically for easy loading, using a clean design and striking graphics”. Walker added, “The information on the website will be useful to everyone in the travel exhibition industry, being constantly updated with the latest news and statistics from member shows and on the industry itself.” You can find www.ittfa.org

the

ITTFA

website

Philoxenia 18 - 20 November 2011 International Exhibition Centre, Thessalonika Vakantiebeurs 10 - 15 January 2012 Utrecht, The Netherlands Slovakia Tour 19 - 22 January 2012 Bratislava, Slovak Republic Alpe-Adria TIP 26 - 29 January 2012 Ljubljana, Slovenia Holiday World 09 - 12 February 2012 Prague, Czech Republic

at: EMITT 09 - 12 February 2012 Istanbul SATTE 10 - 12 February 2012 New Delhi India MITT 21 - 24 March 2012 Moscow, Russia TUR 22 - 25 March 2012 Goteborg, Sweden KITF 25 - 27 April 2012 Almaty, Kazakhstan BTC 21-22 June 2012 Rimini ASTANA LEISURE 27 - 29 September 2012 Astana UKRAINE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL MARKET 04 - 06 October 2012 International Exhibition Centre, Kiev TTG INCONTRI 18 - 20 October 2012 Rimini - Fiera African Travel Market October 2012 Lagos, Nigeria

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Meetings & Events

Athens to host the 16th European Congress of Neurosurgery An amazing success lies in the fact that Athens was chosen to host the 16th European Congress of Neurosurgery in 2016, following a successful bid by the Hellenic Neurosurgical Society (HNS) at the presentation of the candidate cities, during the 14th European Congress of Neurosurgery that took place on 13 October 2011 in Rome. The organization of a congress of such calibre in a Greek city – approximately 2500 delegates are expected to attend – will underline its dynamic presence on the convention scene, contribute to promoting its tourism potential and provide actual support to the Greek economy. Other candidate cities also participating in the bid for the congress included Geneva and Tel Aviv, with Athens finally prevailing. The Congress, that will be taking place for the first time in Greece and South East Europe in general, aims to promote the networking of neurosurgeons in Europe, and the exchange of knowledge among the neurosurgical communities of Europe. The bid committee for the Congress consists of the Chairman, Prof. Panayiotis Selviaridis and the President of the HNS, Prof. Ioannis Patsalas, who were supported throughout the preparation phase by ARTION Conferences & Events (PCO), which put together the bid proposal and coordinated all the processes required to ensure a complete, flawless presentation, starting in

2007. “We are particularly pleased that the Neurosurgeons of Europe have entrusted us with the organization of the Congress of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS), particularly during this difficult period for our country”, stated Prof. Panayiotis Selviaridis, Chairman of the bid committee for the Congress. “The organization of the 16th European Congress of Neurosurgery in Athens is a unique opportunity to promote the Greek neurosurgical community abroad”, noted Prof. Ioannis Patsalas, President of the HNS. “Such a successful outcome, which promotes convention tourism in our country, is of utmost importance, particularly at a time when Greece is “eager” to highlight its convention tourism potential abroad. “Good things can only be achieved with great effort”, as the ancient Greeks used to say, and after a lot of hard work over a number of years, against very strong competitors, we have managed, despite the current situation, to promote Athens in the best possible way and undertake the organization of the Congress in 2016”, stated Ms. Despoina Amarantidou, Communication Manager at Artion Conferences & Events. The bid by the Hellenic Neurosurgical Society was supported by the City of Athens and the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Urban body artists fly through Santorini A victory by Pavels Petkuns of Latvia concluded the Red Bull Art of Motion of Freerunners in Firostefani on the Greek island of Santorini. Yoann Leroux of France and Gaetan Bouillet of Belgium finished in second and third.

Pavels Petkuns, a 20-year-old from Latvia, completed his run through the unique greek parkour with the most spectacular, elegant and fluid style – and ended up finishing the final run with a stylish dive into the swimming pool.

At the Red Bull Art of Motion on the Greek island of Santorini, the world’s best urban artists attempted to blend art and sports together in the unique ambience of the immaculate white city perched on the rocky cliffs. Rooftops, domes, terraces and swimming pools were all part of the 200-meter long course with a height differential of 50 meters that the athletes had to master within a two-minute time limit.

Red Bull Art of Motion was first introduced as a competition in 2007 and it has since turned into the state-of-the-art event in the Free Running community. In 2011 Tim Shieff (UK) won the first competition in London.

Competition, results, wins and victories are not the words that are usually heard when Freerunners congregate. Instead they tend to talk about pleasure, elegance, fluidity and efficiency. Even though the “Traceurs” prefer sometimes not to view themselves as pure athletes, their performances are nevertheless bursting with world class athleticism. They leap from rooftop to rooftop, scamper up trees, balance themselves on exposed obstacles in urban jungles while all the while completing series of daring flips, spins and flick-flacks.

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At the end of July, Jason Paul (GER) took the top honors from a jury in a competition in front of Japan’s tallest building in Yokohama. The world-famous stuntman and Free Runner Ryan Doyle (UK) was victorious at the competition in Sao Paulo (BRA). Marcus Gustafsson (SWE) won the competition in Detroit (USA).

“Business events offer more to our destinations, economies and global community than tourism dollars alone” Business Events Sydney research demonstrates the broad benefits of business events Australia’s leading convention bureau, Business Events Sydney (BESydney), has released the second phase of its Beyond Tourism Benefits: Measuring the social legacies of business events research, which quantitatively examines the extensive social, innovation and knowledge benefits of business events. Lyn Lewis-Smith, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BESydney comments, “Our industry has long struggled to measure the important legacy effects of hosting conferences and conventions. This research is a huge step in the right direction: we believe this is the first quantitative research examining this subject.” The Beyond Tourism Benefits research, undertaken by the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) on behalf of BESydney, demonstrates that the international norm to evaluate the lucrative business events sector in tourism terms alone overlooks perhaps the most valuable legacies – the many educational, intellectual, trade and investment outcomes from business events. “If we don’t measure the multiple, long-term benefits, such as the ability to increase professional knowledge, improve local education offerings and career opportunities, disseminate the latest technical practices and forge international networking, research and business collaborations, we are undervaluing our industry. “The research highlights that business events offer much more to our destinations, economies and global community than tourism dollars alone: they are a key driver in knowledge economies,” Lewis-Smith concludes. The key outcome of the research was an innovative framework developed to classify and understand the diverse and valuable benefits outside of the tourism sector. Five broad legacy categories – social, intrinsic, practice, economic and attitudinal – comprise the framework and relate to benefits delivered to delegates, sponsors and exhibitors, professional bodies, the host destination and even the wider community. The lifeblood of any business event, delegates are the benefactors of a large number of the legacies identified. Over 90% of delegates surveyed believe that congresses have facilitated the dissemination of new knowledge, ideas, techniques, materials and technologies and 85% indicate that they have applied these new insights to their professional practice. Collaboration is a key outcome from the shared social interactions created at business events – 95% of respondents agreed business events fostered networking that led to the sharing of knowledge and ideas, whilst almost 60% agreed events either acted as a catalyst for research collaboration (58%) or resulted in business relationships (57%). Professor Roy Green, Dean of the UTS Business School and BESydney Ambassador agrees business events provide essential opportunities for collaboration. “In a knowledge economy, education and innovation are principal drivers of productivity and prosperity. And innovation is driven by collaboration, not silos. Innovation requires the exchange of ideas, skills and passion. Business events provide opportunities to network and collaborate locally and globally.”

The Beyond Tourism Benefits research also found that legacies extended to sponsors and exhibitors. Those surveyed reported an important economic legacy, with 90% confirming they gained product exposure and awareness, and also obtained leads for further business. Although, not applicable to the whole sample, one respondent indicated that they had benefited from investment worth more than $10 million as a result of exhibiting at a business event. And at a time when the education and training of the young workforce is so topical, the research revealed that business events equip the destination’s workforce with skills and knowledge and foster global networks and collaborative projects to drive innovation. 82% agreed that the events exposed local delegates to cutting edge research and the world’s best practice and 76% agreed the capacity of the professional sector was enhanced post-event. From a destination’s perspective, the host city (for this research, Sydney) was shown to also benefit from a wide range of valuable legacies. Sydney’s reputation for driving social change and action was enhanced (52% agree) and the business events increased the attractiveness of the local education sector for delegates from outside of Sydney (60% agree). Sydney also received a positive wrap, as a conference destination. The majority of respondents (87%) agreed that the conference destination was suitable for hosting global, world-class business events, congresses and meetings. Lyn Lewis-Smith confirms, “The time is right to harness the potential of the global business events industry.” “We will continue to champion a broader and deeper evaluation of the impact of business events.” The next stage of this research will be global. The Future Convention Cities Initiative (FCCI) has also selected UTS to conduct similar studies across some of its seven member cities (San Francisco, London, Abu Dhabi, Seoul, Sydney, Durban and Toronto). The full Beyond Tourism Benefits: measuring the social legacies of business events report can be accessed at http://www.businesseventssydney.com.au.

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Ever greener

Denmark is renowned for its leading work in sustainable events and meetings. By aiming to certify the sustainability of Denmark’s EU Presidency in 2012, the country hopes to demonstrate that it is possible to have growth and be sustainable at the same time, without incurring extra costs. Denmark will host the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2012. As a result, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs will organise over 100 meetings of various sizes, attracting more than 15,000 participants to Copenhagen and the town of Horsens in western Denmark.Over the last decade Denmark has become known as a green pioneer. Danish households and businesses have become so successful at implementing energy efficiency measures that last year the country consumed less energy than in 1990. And this has been achieved without increasing costs and reduced growth. In fact, over the same period Denmark’s GDP grew by 37.8 percent! The Danish Sustainable Events Initiative (DSEI) is approaching the Danish EU Presidency in 2012 with a similar strategy, founded in part on the country’s experiences of hosting COP15 in 2009, which was the world’s first certified sustainable international political summit. Key players within the Danish meetings industry will team up with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that the logistics of the EU Presidency will be as sustainable as possible. The aim is to achieve an ISO20121 certification of the governmental event management system. - By aiming to certify the EU Presidency, we are trying to stay ahead of developments by combining a close control of costs and achieving sustainability, explains Andreas Clausen Boor, head of section in the Logistical Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Certified sustainability The DSEI’s aim is to use the Danish EU Presidency to inspire businesses to greater collaboration, innovation and sustainable development. The project aims to increase the competitive positioning of Denmark as an undisputed leader in sustainable events and clean technology solutions. For Andreas Clausen Boor the ISO20121 certification is a highly effective way to do

this. - The advantage of having the certification as a goal is that we work with a structured approach to the numerous criteria of the certification process which forces us to consider what we prioritize and how to incorporate sustainability into all aspects of the project. One example from the project is to cut down on the amount of gifts to the delegates. In this way the project will save money and reduce its environmental impact, as most gifts usually get left behind or discarded at a later date. Include it in the contracts Another approach is to include sustainability criteria in contracts with suppliers. - It actually doesn’t scare them away. It makes it more attractive for them to bid for the task, explains Andreas Clausen Boor. - This means that we can have sustainable benefits without extra costs. For example, one of our caterers thinks it is an exciting challenge to deliver more local ingredients and less meat – it makes healthier food and a lower environmental impact at the same price. This approach was also used at COP15, which gave Denmark valuable experience in terms of the greening of the meetings industry. One of the areas which was made greener as a result of COP15 were the city’s hotel rooms. At the end of 2008, 12 percent of Copenhagen’s hotel rooms were eco-certified. Following COP15, by the end of 2009 that figure was 53 percent. Today it is at 60 percent. - Through this project we would like to help to reinforce Denmark’s green position within the meetings industry. I think we have made fantastic progress over the last five years – for example, with the amount of sustainable hotel rooms. Many countries in the world look to Denmark for green ideas, and we want to help to reinforce this image. So, it is an important element of our work that we help to support the initiatives being taken by industry, concludes Andres Clausen Boor.

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Meetings & Events

ACS played an integral role in realising the ESC Congress 2011 for the European Society of Cardiology ACS constructed 31 temporary lecture rooms, to accommodate the record attendance of almost 33,000 participants at Parc des Expositions – Paris Nord Villepinte.

from outside Europe. Large delegations came from Brazil, Japan, China and India this year,” said Prof Böhm.

ACS was also responsible for furnishing all of the lecture rooms, placing state-of-the-art HD projectors, speakers, screens, microphones and lights in each of the rooms, the largest of which was the 3200 capacity plenary room. ACS is an invaluable partner in achieving a congress of such enormity and has been the preferred supplier of room building and AV to the European Society of Cardiology since 1998.

The planning for this colossal event starts years in advance, initially in finding a location that is able to accommodate such an immense number of attendees. The logistics by ACS are impressive: dispatching 38 trucks from Amsterdam to the venue in Paris.

“The ESC Congress 2011 in Paris has been a record breaking event” said Prof Michael Böhm, chairman of the ESC Congress Programme Committee. “With a total attendance of 32,946 participants, this is our largest congress ever. We are especially pleased to see that more and more delegates are coming

These trucks are packed full with: 59 projectors, 1400m2 of projection screen surface, 65 plasma screens, 720 spotlights, 360 microphones, 262 speakers, 42km of cabling, 6km of trussing, 7.2km of curtains, 2.5km of walls, 23,000m2 of carpeting, 18,000 stools, and of course the 80 ACS staff needed to build, set up and manage the operation at the Paris venue.

AIBTM 2012 – US Exhibitors Increase Presence requesting to work alongside AIBTM to support the registration process which will start in late January 2012. New for next year’s event is the addition of a choice of Post Event Tours made available to the Hosted Buyers. As a result of the interest shown by so many US destinations, the full list will be available on www.aibtm.com as they are confirmed.

Success Of 2011 Drives Larger Booths Association and Corporate Program added to Education Sessions Hosted Buyers given increased room night options Post Event Tours With just three months since the inaugural AIBTM, 22 exhibitors have re-signed with greater booth sizes amounting to an additional 4300 sq ft of show floor for next year’s event. Currently more than 50% of space has been contracted and AIBTM 2012 will also welcome a number of new exhibitors who have been quick to sign up. In addition to the larger show floor, Hosted Buyers for 2012 will be offered the opportunity to attend AIBTM for 3 nights so that they can participate in the AIBTM Education Day which will once again take place the day preceding the opening of the show floor. AIBTM will open with AIBTM Education day on June 19th and will be followed by AIBTM Exhibition on 20th and 21st June 2012. More Hosted Buyer Group Co-ordinators within the US are 40

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Hosted Buyers will also see a dedicated Association and Corporate Education program delivered as part of the Education Day at AIBTM co-ordinated with the support of the Industry Associations. With Destination DC, Vancouver Hotel Destination Association, Boston Convention Bureau, Atlanta Convention Bureau, Vantage Hospitality, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau and Nassau Paradise Island, Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, Sol Melia, Dominican Republic Tourism Board, Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau taking larger stands, they will join new exhibitors already contracted including, Carlson Hotels, Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, Morocco, Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Authority, and Visit Pittsburgh. A full list of exhibiting companies is available on www.aibtm.com “We are well ahead of ourselves and the increase in booths by so many exhibitors who took part in the inaugural AIBTM proves the thirst for continuing the business that was traded on the show floor. Because of the success of the Professional Education Programme feedback showed that Hosted Buyers wanted to be given the choice to attend the Day before the show opened. So for 2012 we will be increasing their flexibility to do so by providing a third night option in Baltimore. “ commented Steve Knight, AIBTM Project Manager. AIBTM takes place from 19th June – 21st June, 2012. Join AIBTM on Linked in, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) 2012 Conference Partners and the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser join forces on Europe’s largest Scientific Conference Ireland’s award winning Professional Conference Organiser, Conference Partners, has been awarded the honour of working with the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser to deliver Europe’s largest scientificconference. July 2012 will see the arrival of over 5,000 top international scientists, business leaders, policy-makers, researchers, and science journalists to Ireland’s capital forthe Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) 2012. Conference Partners has over 13 years experience in delivering high quality international conferences to Ireland. Their portfolio includes a large range of scientific conferences and it is therefore a great honour for Managing Director, Nicola McGrane and the entireteam to be a part of this prestigious international celebration of science. Speaking about Conference Partners, the Chief Scientific Adviser Prof. Patrick Cunningham had this to say, “We are delighted to have Conference Partners on board as we work towards bringing ESOF 2012, one of Europe’s top science events, to Dublin next July. ESOF 2012 promises to be a fantastic event, and is already attracting some of the top international researchers. Conference Partners’ wealth of experience in delivering successful conferences will help us ensure that

ESOF 2012 is the biggest and best ESOF to date.” Having taken a personal interest in ESOF 2012 since it was announced for Dublin in November 2008, Nicola McGrane had this to say about winning the contract, “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Chief Scientific Adviser’s Office to raise the bar for ESOF2012 and to be part of a team that will showcase our rich scientific heritage to the world. Conference Partners is a company driven by passion and enthusiasm for delivering high quality conferences that we as a nation will be proud of for years to come. Winning this contract is testament to our ability to deliver, on a large scale, a comprehensive and well rounded service to our clients.” Conference Partners has also worked tirelessly on bringing other science conferences to Ireland since it was announced that ESOF 2012 was coming to Dublin. To this end Conference Partners has successfully secured a number of science related conferences and events for the coming years for Ireland.

Dubai hosts Natalie Tours Annual Congress for 7th consecutive year Dubai and some of the important Russian cities outside Moscow, such as Yekaterinburg and Samara. The deal is expected to increase the number of tourists from the Russian, CIS and Ukranian markets to Dubai in the coming years . Dubai’s first low cost airline announced that three Ukrainian cities – Kiev, Kharkiv and Donetsk – have become new destinations on the airline’s rapidly growing network in September.

For the seventh consecutive year, Dubai hosted the Annual Congress of Natalie Tours at Atlantis hotel from September 29 to October 4, offering 250 of its travel agents from Russia, CIS and Baltic region valuable insights into the emirate’s varied tourism products and attractions. In the first quarter of 2011, Dubai properties hosted 171,329 guests from these markets, an increase of 24 per cent compared with the corresponding period in 2010. The congress has been organised by Natalie Tours , Alpha Tours, the largest tour operator in Dubai in cooperation with Atlantis . The congress was also attended by Mr.Ghassan El Aridi, CEO of Alpha Tours, Adnan Aridi General Manager and Ms. Natalia Vorobieva, CEO of Natalie Tours. Recalling her company’s long association with Dubai and its efforts in selling holiday packages to Dubai to Russians and tourists in other markets, Ms. Natalia said the choice of Dubai as the host city for their annual congress reaffirms the importance of Dubai as a distinctive tourist destination and its ability to attract a high number of Russian tourists.

According to Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), in a report in May 2011, said the interest of the Russians in the UAE increased considerably during the first three months of the year. For example, the growth of the visits of the Russians to Dubai amounted to 27 per cent during the first quarter of the year in comparison with the same period of last year. The number of the tourists of Natalie Tours in Dubai increased by 76 per cent during the period from January till March 2011 in comparison with the same period of last year. The share of Natalie Tours in the UAE market comes nearly to 40 per cent according to the results of the first quarter of 2011. Established in April 1992, Natalie Tours has been a leading tour operator of Russia offering holiday packages to various destinations, including the UAE in general and Dubai in particular. Mr. Ghassan El Aridi, said Natalie Tours has been playing a key role in ensuring the steady annual increase in Russian tourists to Dubai.

Natalie Tours, in cooperation with Alpha Tours, had signed an agreement with flydubai airline to offer regular flights between Xenios

Meetings & Events

Experience the Power of the Wind Energy Industry EWEA Annual Event is Europe’s premier wind energy event; a place where the industry’s brightest minds meet to exchange the latest knowledge, forge meaningful business relationships and create connections with influential people around the world. It combines a comprehensive, high-quality conference with a first class exhibition and incomparable networking opportunities. This is why it is considered unmissable by the international wind energy community. Calling all innovators: submit your abstract for EWEA 2012 The call for abstracts for Europe’s premier wind energy event is now open! Conference track chairs – six of the industry’s top experts, are calling for fresh, cuttingedge ideas to be discussed in one of the six tracks during EWEA 2012 and covering policies, technology, financing and science. Find out more about the conference and call for innovative abstracts at EWEA 2012. Save the date for EWEA 2012 in Copenhagen EWEA 2011 attracted a record-breaking 9,000+ participants, coming from a total of 84 countries. In 2012, Europe’s premier wind energy event will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark; the leading country in European wind power technology. The 2012 edition is set to be bigger and better than ever before. Over 10,000 professionals from around the world are expected to attend and experience the power of the wind energy industry. With even more insightful seminars and more impressive exhi-

bitions than ever before, EWEA 2012 is gearing up to be the most stimulating arena Europe-wide for dynamic networking and achieving great business performance. Don’t let this brilliant business opportunity pass you by. Plan the event in your calendars to benefit from: -latest knowledge from wind power technology experts -wide-ranging information on every aspect of the wind energy -exchange of insight with the most diverse network of specialists -the world’s leading companies at one floor -networking with players from the full scope of the supply chain -building meaningful business relations with the people that matter -signing new business deals with the decision-makers Save the date and get ready to ‘Experience the power of the wind energy industry’ at EWEA 2012 Annual Event in Copenhagen.

6000 neurologists on EFNS Conference This year is the 20th anniversary of the fundation of EFNS, the European Federation of Neurological Societies which held the 15th Annnual Congress at HUNGEXPO Budapest between 10-13th September. Around 6000 delegates arrived from more than 100 countries for the congress. The Federation has 44 national member societies, which are representing altogether more than 19 000 individual neurologists. The importance of the congress lies not only in its size but for Budapest as a congress destination it was the biggest associational event of the last decade. There were 8 session rooms for 250-700 delegates each, a plenary room with 2000 seats, and nearly 60 exhibitors representing the world leading pharmaceutical companies.Certainly the final time schedule beside the scientific program offered several city programs and notes the famous cultural sites of Budapest as well. 42

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Congrex bring efficiency to trio of prestigious conferences

`All good things come in three they say´. Congrex Sweden takes this old saying seriously and announced that it will be the exclusive supplier to three of Sweden’s prestigious medical conferences to be held in Uppsala in 2013. The three conferences will be produced back-to-back by Congrex Sweden’s conference team in three consecutive weeks. The move represents a maximisation of resources and efficiency in executing these three very large events for Congrex clients in order to create value and successful outcomes for all involved. The conferences to be organised will be Radiology Week, Surgery Week, and Orthopaedics Surgeon Week with a total of 6,000 participants expected. It is the first time these meetings will take place consecutively and in one place, and it’s a first for the city of Uppsala. When asked why Congrex Sweden had been the chosen supplier, Radiology Week’s Congress Director, Professor Anders Magnusson, Head of Imaging and Functional Medicine at University Hospital explained, “It was natural for us to choose Congrex. It is simply a matter of confidence. I have worked with them before and know it feels right. Everything works easily and efficiently.” The three medical congresses have previously taken place at various other locations throughout Sweden and at different times of the year. For the first time with the 2013 editions, they will be held back-to-back on weeks 34, 35 and 36 respectively, from 19th August to 6th September. The staging of these three events all in a row brings a tremendous advantage and great efficiency to all and everything involved. Professor Magnusson added “We immediately saw great benefits, especially financially, to coordinate the event.”

The medical meetings also mean a great boost for the city of Uppsala where room night’s consumption will increase greatly, and the high profile events will put the municipality and its offering clearly on the map – both with the academic world and the hospitality industry. The three events will all take place at the Uppsala Concert & Congress, UKK. Beyond the 14,000 sqm congress hall that will be used, a large tent will be built in Vaksala Square to accommodate the space needed for the convention exhibits.

physicians and Uppsala in Sweden.”

Additionally organisers are planning activities at various public events. “It’s really fun for medical congresses to choose to come to us. We have had Radiology Week here before, but never all three Congresses at once,” commented Mats Molander, Marketing Manager at Uppsala Concert & Congress. Together with Congrex we plan a very significant event for both

Commenting on this exciting project Congrex Sweden Managing Director, Lena Fletcher added, “We are very proud to be hosting these important meetings and are really looking forward to working with our clients, and the city of Uppsala again, to make each and every one of the conference days a thoroughly successful and gratifying experience for all concerned.”

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Meetings & Events

FLORENCE INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Instead, news of these days the acquisition of the prestigious Euro Fed Lipid Congress Europe 2015 (27-30 September 2015) which will arrive in the city over 800 leading international experts in research on lipids, fats and oils and associations belonging to 13 major European scientists involved in the field. Satisfaction in the words of the Councillor for Tourism the Province of Florence and Fcb President Giacomo Billi: “These numbers surprised us a lot, mainly because it starts from an activity that in recent years had been quite marginal. We did not even minimally able to obtain these results in a single year with new management“.

In these days Florence Convention Bureau wins four scientific conferences candidacy: more than 3.000 people from 2013 to 2015. Councillor for Tourism Giacomo Billi: “A great result for the local economy” Between 2013 and 2015 the committees of four prestigious associations of doctors, psychologists, mathematicians, statisticians and sociologists have chosen the “cradle of the Renaissance” as the seat of their annual meetings, bringing more than 3,000 people in Florence. This results thanks to the activity of Florence Convention Bureau, which has followed the candidacy procedure and wins prestigious European cities.

The Councillor focused also on the economic impact that such events have on the city: “The statistics of the Province of Florence Congress Observatory estimate that such events can have a total relapse in the area of 250,000 euros each, important datas that we are proud to be able to communicate in support of our daily work and demonstrate the importance of the conference for the city“. “Fcb – said Billi – is hosting an impressive average of nearly 3 international candidacies per month, one every 10 days, a total amount of 30 presentations. In addition to this staff has participated in around 20 trade fairs, representing Tuscany as a whole through an agreement with Toscana Promozione. We believe – the President concluded - that the conference sector can represent a strong weapon in solving the current crisis as an overall recovery, involving private and public in a partnership that can be considered the secret of the Fcb success“.

Going in chronological order the first candidacy won is represented by the conference “European Society for Rural Sociology”, August 2013 from 19th to 22nd the Business Center will gather around 500 international experts in agriculture, rural development and environmental protection association ESRS (European Society for Rural Sociology), leader in the study of agriculture and fisheries, food production and consumption, rural development and change, nature and environmental protection born in 1957 in Europe.

“It is a great satisfaction in seeing the results of our work – said the Director Carlotta Ferrari – bringing prestige and economic benefits important to the entire territory. I want to thank our partners and the institutions for their support with experience and professionalism“. On the last congress victory the Director said: “We are very happy for this victory - said Carlotta Ferrari – many thanks to the invaluable support of Prof. Lanfranco Conte and Dr. Alissa Mattei of the Italian Society for the Study of Fat Subtances, thank you on behalf of the entire staff“.

A few months later, from October 2nd to 6th, Florence will host the Society for Psychophysiological Research Congress 2013, with its 700 members in the aim of promoting research on the interrelationships between the physiological and psychological aspects of behavior.

Fcb is working on the national side for the organization of the Dynamic Test Events Show, fam trips and unique among the first in Italy from November 10th to 13th, which will gather in Tuscany important companies to promote the destinations through a unique and unusual emotional event.

On 2014 the International Biometric Conference (July 5th to 11th, 700 participants) is an event captured in collaboration with Florence Fair, which has the purpose of promotion, development and application of mathematical and statistical theory and methods in biological sciences, including agriculture, biomedical science and public health, ecology, environmental science, forestry, and related disciplines. The Association welcomes as its members statistical, mathematical, world-class scientists. The event will gather 700 participants.

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Liverpool praised by opposition leader for successful conference The Leader of the opposition has praised Liverpool for being a “fantastic backdrop” for the Labour Party conference. The city has enjoyed an estimated £15 million economic boost from the event, which has attracted 11,000 delegates including two thousand national and international press and media to the 5 day event held at ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena. The Right Honourable Ed Miliband MP, said: “Liverpool has been a fantastic host city and I would like to thank all the people and agencies involved in making our conference such a great success. “Listening to people has always been at the heart of Labour Party conference and by holding conference in Liverpool many people have experienced conference for the first time. “The city and its venues have been a fantastic back drop for a very successful conference.” A record 500 fringe meetings, debates and discussions have taken place at venues across the city, and the city has been the backdrop for hundreds of hours of national TV coverage. Flagship network television programmes such as BBC One Breakfast, the Andrew Marr show, Newsnight and Sky News have all broadcast live from in and around ACC Liverpool.

city and to ACC Liverpool. “The conference has enabled us to showcase everything the city and our world-class venue has to offer, not least the talent of our team here at ACC Liverpool, the expertise of our partners across the city and the warm welcome that the people of Liverpool have once again provided. “To have successfully delivered such a large-scale event, with the eyes of the world’s media upon us, has been a massive coup. “We hope Mr Miliband, and all the delegates who attended, have enjoyed their time in Liverpool as much as we have enjoyed hosting them.” Lorraine Rogers, Chief Executive of The Mersey Partnership – Tourist Board for Liverpool City Region said: “The Labour Party Conference has played a significant role in raising the profile of Liverpool City Region as an excellent conference destination which can stage high profile events. “The conference has also provided a valuable opportunity to attract a huge amount of media interest – resulting in widespread TV coverage featuring stunning shots of the city centre and Waterfront shown live around the world. Feedback from delegates has been extremely positive, and we look forward to welcoming them back in the future.”

Bob Prattey, Chief Executive of ACC Liverpool, said: “We are proud to have welcomed the Labour Party Conference to the

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Meetings & Events

PCOs – International Disconnect? What is a PCO? Do you really know? This was a hot topic at the recent IMEX America seminar run by IAPCO. Managing the six conference success factors highlighted the strategic extension of services often provided by the PCO: the political considerations; the outreach; the scientific content; the long-term legacy; the emotional after effect and ultimately the financial outcome. “And with the financial outcome, I mean bottom line outcome” said Mathias Posch, President ICS Vancouver, and IAPCO International Relations Officer, presenting on the topic, “not the cheapest through the door. You need to look increased delegate attendance, greater sponsorship outreach, additional inclusive services …. The Value Add On”. Following this outline presentation, extensive but surprisingly non-controversial discussion evolved from the 30 or so attendees, from all sectors of the meetings industry. The most immediate question was why were there no PCOs from the USA in IAPCO? “Because the terminology is different …. Is a Meeting Planner in the US the same as a PCO elsewhere….. few in the US comprehend what a PCO is” responded Mathias. “It is a difference in dialogue” said Brian Riggs of Association Headquarters “But today’s marketplace is truly global and individual meeting planners in the States and around the world will miss out because we as a community are not using a language that is international. The disconnect will become more and more apparent as the world becomes more global … and remember” he continued” every young person is already globally connected … it is in their DNA”.

“The lines are becoming more blurred” commented Barbara Maple, consultant to the industry. “Originally a Meeting Planner was asked to provide very specific tasks, but now they are asked to do more and more, and to further embrace the strategic planning concept.” “Yes but historically” said Susan Daugulis of Venue West “Meeting Planners outsourced many of the services having few permanent staff, whereas PCOs generally have all the services in-house”. IAPCO is the only association certifying PCOs and it was deemed important that Meeting Planners and PCOs, regardless of their title, should strive to achieve this accreditation, and to be recognised internationally in order to benefit from the onset of globalisation. “IAPCO is to be congratulated for having set the standards” commented Harry Fine, who represents many DMCs worldwide “I wish all associations in our industry had such standards and criteria. IAPCO may not have all the answers but they have certainly set the standard for the industry”. As a result of IMEX America, IAPCO anticipates at least half a dozen applications from Meeting Planners in the US, who are looking to breach the international language barrier, and embrace the global market, by becoming PCOs as well as retaining their US Meeting Planning title.

The Westin Dragonara Resort announced Europe’s Leading Meetings and Conference Resort during The 2011 World Travel Awards The Westin Dragonara Resort awarded Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Resort at the World Travel Awards The World Travel awards are hailed as “The Oscars of the Travel Industry” by the Wall Street Journal and recognised worldwide as the ultimate travel accolade. The Westin Dragonara Resort has once again achieved a winning title: ‘Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Resort’ during the World Travel Awards European regional ceremony, staged in Antalya, Turkey that took place on Friday 2nd September. The award was presented to Mr Michael Kamsky, General Manager at The Westin Dragonara Resort, during the gala night organised to celebrate this accomplishment. This year, a phenomenal 213,000 industry professionals participated in the voting process, which is scrupulously monitored and independently audited. “Because of its global reach and reputation, World Travel Awards is unique and regularly referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of travel and tourism”, said Graham E. Cooke, Founder and President of World Travel Awards Increasingly, the awards are known as raising the bar for ultimate customer service and overall business performance. Growing numbers of travel companies, airlines, operators and resorts compete to walk away with one of the coveted titles. 46

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The Westin Dragonara Resort is honored in receiving such a prestigious award. The resort boasts of hosting numerous conferences ranging from Medical, Ministerial, Pharmaceutical, Product launches, IT conferences etc. The meetings and conference segment is one of great importance for The Westin Dragonara Resort which represents over 30% share of business. The Westin Malta offers meeting planners a whole team of in-house professionals who specialize in this area and cater for the individual needs of meeting planners to ensure that the conference is a total success.

Vienna lands two top-class medical congresses

The latest acquisitions made by the Vienna Convention Bureau at the Vienna Tourist Board will generate up to 50,000 bednights for Vienna and contribute € 30 million to Austria’s gross domestic product (GDP). The European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) will hold its 16th Congress at the Austria Center Vienna from September 8–11, 2013. The congress will provide an opportunity for over three thousand delegates to discuss the latest findings in organ and tissue transplantation. The society last held its congress in Vienna in the year 1995. During the selection process, a team of surgeons from Vienna and Innsbruck won out in the face of competition from Barcelona. The Austrian team was more convincing mainly due to Vienna’s attractiveness as a venue and to a modern, innovative congress format. Professor Ferdinand Mühlbacher of the University Clinic of Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna, explains the return of this congress: “Austria has established an international reputation for itself in the field of organ transplantation. This is expressed not only in the high number of organ transplants, but also in the excellent results obtained. Besides, transplantation research in Austria is at the head of this field with a host of innovations and multicentre studies. Close collaboration between Austrian transplantation centers and a very attractive, innovative concept for the 2013 congress persuaded the Council of the ESOT, the European Society for Organ Transplantation, to choose Vienna as its congress venue. Vienna also hosted the Congress of the International Transplantation Organization in the year 2004, a congress which many of delegates remember to this day, not only for its scientific content, but also for its excellent general conditions.”

Hard-won success after twelve-year competition A long selection process was necessary before the World Lung Cancer Congress could be secured for Vienna. The Vienna Convention Bureau and the Austrian acquisition team headed by Professor Robert Pirker of the 1st University Clinic for Internal Medicine have been working on this project since 1999. On its third attempt, Vienna’s bid was finally accepted by the board of the international association with an overwhelming majority. The decisive reasons for its decision were not only an excellent bid book and an acquisition team that included internationally renowned lung cancer experts, but also massive support from the surrounding provinces coupled with Vienna’s reputation as a top congress venue. As a result, at the end of August/beginning of September 2017, more than 8,000 specialists will be discussing the latest advancements in the field of lung cancer. There are also plans for public campaigns designed to inform the local populace about risks and prevention . “These two large-scale events will generate at total of around 50,000 bednights for Vienna and contribute some 30 million euros to Austria’s gross domestic product,” explains Christian Mutschlechner, Director of the Vienna Convention Bureau at the Vienna Tourist Board. “Once again, the tried and tested cooperation between the organizers, the congress centers involved and the Vienna Convention Bureau played a decisive role here. This was particularly difficult in the competition for the World Lung Cancer Conference, which required all those involved to exhibit remarkable perseverance. However, their mutual support for one another also helped tremendously. It has not yet been decided where the conference will be staged: both the Austria Center Vienna and the Messe Wien are currently under consideration.” Xenios

Meetings & Events

Travel Club The Place for Travel Professionals

early three years ago, Travel Club directors Tom Nutley and Linda Lancaster first walked through the doors of Number 4 St. James’s Square in central London. It was to be a defining moment Travel Club nine months later.

and led to the birth of The

“I can hardly believe that its two years since we first officially opened The Travel Club”, said club managing director Tom Nutley. “We were overwhelmed by the support and goodwill we received from the industry but if I am honest, many executives waited to see how valuable the club would become for business and pleasure before becoming members.

“The building has everything you could want for a club – meeting rooms, business centre, restaurant, bars, bedrooms, gym, swimming pool and much more. During the summer months, members seem to particularly enjoy having a drink in the courtyard. You would never guess that you are literally a couple of minutes walk from Piccadilly Circus. Make sure you join Tom and Linda between 18.0021.00hrs. on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday 7,8 and 9 November. It’s also an opportunity for non members to see just what they are missing!

“It was understandable that there was some cynics in the industry who thought it would fold in just a few months.

But perhaps most important of all, the club offers members an affordable subscription that in these straightened times, will not break the bank.

“No one had ever come up with an idea like this regardless of the fact that so many people over the years had said to me how useful this would be for conducting profitable business and making contacts.

“In fact for people who do not have offices in the capital, The Travel Club is a means of saving money and making maximum use of their time in London.

“Up until then there had been no one place in the world, never mind London, where industry management could gather and feel at home. “Many met at some of the key annual events such as World Travel Market but that was all.” Membership Growing Nutley said that he was delighted that the disbelievers have long since forgotten their initial concerns. “The Travel Club is an established and growing phenomenon that has brought members from across the world as well as, of course, from the UK.“ he added. Tom, former chairman of Reed Travel Exhibitions, had originally come from a hospitality background and had been ‘nursing’ the idea of a dedicated club for the industry for sometime. “Many times colleagues would say to me that they hated the rather sanitised atmosphere in some London hotels. They wanted a home from home where they knew the staff and the staff knew them and where they felt relaxed and comfortable”. But the problem was finding somewhere that had not only the appropriate facilities but also a central location. “When we first talked to the In & Out Club with whom we finally made an agreement, we were struck by the friendly nature of the rooms and the sheer scale of members’ benefits. 48 Xenios

“The result is that every week the club sees new members coming on board.” The Business Centre But if you pinned Tom to the wall and asked him pointblank what he feels is the directors’ greatest achievement since launching the club, he would say that unmistakably the new Business Centre has been of particular benefit. “The centre offers a business friendly free space where you can hold meetings, conduct business or just simply catch up on your emails. “It’s brilliant for Travel Club members because it does not involve an additional charge other than the annual subscription”, said Nutley. “There are of course some very grand and beautiful rooms for that special occasion but for routine business meetings this is an ideal value for money solution. “So many members have said that in the past it had cost them a fortune to hire meetings rooms in other venues in London.”