Xenios November 2008

Xenios

3

C z O z N z T z E z N z T z S Kivotos - Mykonos

‘Walk the World’, For Just a Drop

4

Strong outlook for IMEX proves success of global expansion

strategy

6

Historic UNWTO Ministers' Summit at WTM

8

REED TRAVEL EXHIBITIONS LAUNCH AMERICAS MEETINGS

TRADE SHOW FOR 2010

10

International Meeting Statistics for the Year 2007

11

The tourist accommodation sector employs 2.3 million in the

European Union

12

Leading generators of international tourism

17

European Destinations of Excellence: Glorius Grevena

22

Exhibitions

24

Destinations

30

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

Publishing Director: Vassilis Bogris Editor in Chief: Yulia Ivanovna

Editor: Konstantina Papachristopoulos, Thomas EURO 8 No 5, Vol.12 O c t o b e r - N o v e m b e r Paleologos (London), 2 0 0 8 @ Copyright Xenios Publications 1997-2008 All rights reserved. No part of Xenios may be reprinted or reprodused by any means without the prior written permission from the publisher. The name, logo, various titles and headings herein are registered trademarks of Xenios Tourism & Business Travel Magazine.

Published by Xenios Mice Ltd, London, UK. 2

Xenios

Nikos Katrakis, Dimitris Loukas, Julia Ushakova( Moscow)

Advertising Manager: Kostas Katsaros Production Manager: Othonas Bogris Printed in Athens GR & London UK

XENIOS TRAVEL MEDIA LONDON 145-157 St John Street London EC1V 4PY Tel: +44 (0) 20 8133 5993 e-mail: xenios.london@xeniosworld.com www.xeniosworld.com ATHENS 9 Tousa Botsari 11741 Athens Greece Tel :+30 2109244360, e-mail: xenios.athens@xeniosworld.com www.xeniosworld.com

'WALK THE WORLD' FOR JUST A DROP

Topics & News

Organisers stress that there is never any difficulty finding worthwhile projects. "Just a Drop is acquiring a hard-won reputation by reaching communities often living in more remote areas of the Third World that other charities are simply unable to help," said Jeffery. "But there is never sufficient money to cover them all."

"These are people who have never known the luxury of turning on a tap close to their home and enjoying clean water, who watch helplessly as their children suffer and sometimes die because of a lack of clean water."

Jeffery said the scale of the problem is unimaginable. A total of 1.8 million children die each year because of water borne diseases - one every 17 seconds.

"We are anxious to find more industry organisations that will commit to sponsoring a specific project. Working with 'Just a Drop' can offer real business benefits, helping companies to find a solution that delivers strategic objectives."

"We are finding that more companies are beginning to use 'Just a Drop' as a core element of their corporate social policy, and in addition, it engages customers and suppliers, helps to bolster staff morale and encourage team achievement."

The 'Just a Drop' team is appealing for sponsorship for an average protected well costing approximately £7,500. In addition, they would like to discuss other fund raising activity at World Travel Market 2008, Monday 10 - Thursday 13 November.

Contact Nikki Davis, Promotions & Events Manager; email nikki.davis@reedexpo.co.uk tele +44 (0) 208 910 7981.

Nikki Davis, Promotions and Events Manager Just a Drop, Craig Moyes, Exhibition Director WTM and Fiona Jeffrey, WTM Chairman.

Make every step at World Travel Market in London 'count' this November while raising money at the same time for the industry's international water-aid charity 'Just a Drop.'

Log on to www.justadrop.org for further information.

If you wish to make a donation today, please visit www.justgiving.com/justadrop/donate Alternatively please contact Ana Sustelo - Charity Coordinator ana.sustelo@reedexpo.co.uk .

Celebrating its tenth birthday, the organisers of World Travel Market have come up with the perfect opportunity for you to make your contribution... without having to do anything.

The answer lies in the aching feet and throbbing toes which is an inevitable result of a productive and enjoyable day of business at World Travel Market!

As part of the tenth anniversary, 'Just a Drop' is asking World Travel Market delegates to purchase a 'Just a Drop' pedometer for £10 - £10 for 10 years - to use throughout the exhibition and encourage participants to sign-up for further funding to sponsor the exact number of kilometres they will walk during the course of a busy WTM week.

"When visiting stands in all the regions of the world, people often wonder just how far they have walked at World Travel Market", said Just a Drop's founder and chairman," Fiona Jeffery. "Now it will be easy to check how many kilometres they clock up with one of the 'Just a Drop' pedometers."

"The beauty of the idea is that we are not asking delegates to do anything more than they usually do."

"Now delegates can walk around ExCeL, London and at the same time help give the gift of clean water to a child."

The 'Just a Drop Walk the World' initiative is a key part of the charity's fund raising activities for the fourth quarter of 2008.

Log on to www.justadrop.org/walktheworld to purchase a pedometer.

4

Xenios

Jo Marshall, WTM Regional Account Manager for Technology & Online Travel, Craig Moyes, Exhibition Director WTM, Wendy Hartley, Head of Sales WTM and Christian Vicente, WTM Sales Executive

Topics & News

Strong outlook for IMEX proves success of global expansion strategy

Strong demand from intermediaries, especially in the US and Middle East, to bring hosted buyers to IMEX 2009, is the clearest endorsement yet of the success of IMEX’s long-term strategy to concentrate on global development as a means of fulfilling the expanding business needs of the international meetings industry.

According to IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom, this focus on worldwide growth of the hosted buyer programme, using an extensive network of respected intermediaries including the top hotel groups and trade associations, has given IMEX a strong, sustainable foundation for further growth over the next 12 months.

“We have spent more than six years forging strong relationships with intermediaries and hosted buyer groups in a broad range of international markets. As a result we have a detailed understanding of each destination’s and each sector’s unique business ambitions. We also appreciate the increasing pressures that buyers are under to maximise the time they spend at any trade show. By concentrating on controlled global expansion, we have made the world a smaller and more accessible place for the 3,600 corporate, association and agency buyers who come to Frankfurt each year, in addition to the suppliers they do business with.”

Testament to the success of this plan is an early increase in exhibition space from Croatia (15%), the Czech Tourist Authority (17%), Accor Hotels (30%) and Prestige Hotels of the World (38%). Brand new exhibitors so far include ITC Welcom Group, India; Top Atlantico DMC and Tiara Hotels, both from Portugal. Early indications suggest a larger number of hotel groups than ever before will attend IMEX as part of a more aggressive marketing push for 2009.

6

Xenios

The IMEX team reports a business outlook that is both strong and positive, with several markets especially upbeat including the Middle East, Asia, Russia, China, India and the newer European states. Feedback from Kuwait, the Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in particular is optimistic with buyers expressing satisfaction that one visit to IMEX enables them to efficiently meet a wide range of suppliers from favoured markets including Australia, Singapore, Asia and India.

IMEX organisers are focusing on delivering more hosted buyers in 2009, as well as putting the emphasis on extending the length of time that buyers spend on the exhibition floor meeting suppliers. A new combination of familiarisation trips and two to four-night stays for long-haul buyers will extend this business transaction time by up to 25%. In addition more German buyers are expected to attend as a result of increased marketing activity to this strong and resilient sector.

Speaking about the broader market outlook, Roger Tondeur, President of MCI who partner with IMEX and ICCA to organise the annual Association Day, says, “The traditional mass-consumption marketplaces that are the USA/Canada and Western Europe will face slow intrinsic growth in the coming year.

However the prospects of economic development in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) will pull the global economy forward. Therefore, we believe that transnational organisations like ours and global exhibitions like IMEX will maintain a solid pace of growth."

IMEX 2009 will take place on 26th – 28th May. For further information see www.imex-frankfurt.com

Louis Hotels - New Deluxe Project in Protaras

Topics & News

luxury Cyprus villas furnish in a modern style.

From Summer 09 Louis Hotels will be introducing a new deluxe project in the Protaras area, the 'Louis Althea Kalamies Villas'. The complex will be located on the sandy beach of Protaras next to the Louis Althea Beach and will consist of 18, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom villas. All villas will have a private swimming pool.

Explore the highlights of the Louis Althea Kalamies Villas Superior Comfort & Furnishing A choice of 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom villas offering superior comfort equipped with all modern appliances. A distinguish

Located on the famous Pernera bay in Protaras Louis Althea Kalamies Villas in Protaras surrender to the irresistible charm of the eastern sun as it gilds the tranquil, turquoise-clear waters of the famous Pernera bay in Protaras.

Louis Althea Kalamies Villas an absolute trilogy of senses ...Feel the sand ....Smell the sea .....Breathe in the fresh mediterranean air Louis Hotels currently owns and operates a range of 10 hotels in Greece and 9 hotels in Cyprus .

Louis’ luxury hotel accommodation comprises of 4 & 5 star hotels, A’ category hotel apartments, in Cyprus, 4 star hotels in the Greek Islands.

Louis Hotels offers Hotels in Cyprus and Hotels in Greece for leisure, family holidays, all-inclusive stay and business. Louis Hotels is currently present with hotels in Cyprus, in the Greek islands of: Kefalonia, Corfu, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Crete and Mykonos.

Historic UNWTO Ministers' Summit at WTM markets."

What's on the AgendaMinisters and their aides will be discussing subjects that are vital to the entire industry.

They include: - Mitigating GHG emissions from tourism, especially within transport and accommodation - Adapting tourism businesses and destinations to changing climate conditions

More than 100 government Tourism Ministers and senior aides will meet at World Travel Market this year to examine the impact of the current economic meltdown. They will look at its impact on the pressing global industry issues of poverty reduction, sustainability and climate change.

World Travel Market's Ministers' Summit on Tuesday 11 November at ExCeL London, part of WTM's Ministers' Programme, is in partnership with the UNWTO. The half-day meeting will be broadcast into a separate room for delegates to watch, as well as on screens in ExCeL's Central Boulevard.

"This is one of the vital issues for the industry in these turbulent times," said Fiona Jeffery, chairman, World Travel Market.

"Faced with the economic uncertainty, tourism must seriously look at how these reservations will affect the industry while making sure not to loose sight of its commitment to provide solutions to global challenges, particularly global warming, sustainable development and poverty."

- Applying existing and new technologies to improve energy efficiency - Secure financial resources to assist regions and countries in need.

Hard Rain The summit will be followed by a Ministers Lunch sponsored

by National Geographic and Sky News. In the afternoon, Ministers will be invited to a special showing of 'Hard Rain', a harrowing but beautiful presentation on environmental issues, to be held at 14.00 hrs on Tuesday 11 November at WTM's Conference Set, Platinum Suite 4, Level 3. All delegates will be free to attend.

Mark Edwards' dramatic presentation, which has enjoyed rave reviews worldwide, is a series of unforgettable graphic images set to the words and music of Dylan's 'A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall'.

Ministers from both UNWTO Member States and non Member States will be welcomed.

One of the world's most widely published environmental photographers, Edwards has made 'Hard Rain' a lifetime's work.

UNWTO Spokesperson Geoffrey Lipman said: "The short term economic perception has turned downward. However, global efforts to address poverty and climate imperatives within a 30-year framework of change continue to progress", he said.

Mark Edwards will also officially open WTM World Responsible Tourism Day's at 10.30 hrs on Wednesday 12 November and will once again stage the full Hard Rain presentation at 16.30 hrs on Wednesday 12 November.

"These efforts must be understood and embraced by the tourism industry along with its role as an undisputed economic growth engine for rich and poor nations alike, as a force for social and cultural cohesion and as a vehicle for environmental stewardship, particularly in emerging and least developed 8

Xenios

Topics & News

REED TRAVEL EXHIBITIONS LAUNCH AMERICAS MEETINGS TRADE SHOW FOR 2010 BALTIMORE CHOSEN TO BE THE HOME OF THE AMERICAS INCENTIVE BUSINESS TRAVEL & MEETINGS EXHIBITION – (AIBTM) Reed Travel Exhibitions has announced (7 October 2008) that it is to launch a new international trade show for the global meetings and incentive industry – the Americas Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (AIBTM) to be held in Baltimore, Maryland from June 29 - July 1, 2010.

This new major event completes the company’s established portfolio of ‘IBTM’ exhibitions specifically serving the global meetings industry marketplace. AIBTM joins EIBTM in Barcelona, GIBTM in Abu Dhabi, and CIBTM in Beijing. The portfolio also includes AIME, Melbourne and the ICCA Congress Exhibition held in a different destination each year.

Paul Kennedy MBE, Group Exhibition Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Incentive Events commented: “Following a two year research and business development plan for AIBTM it was clear that there was a real need and demand for an Americas event that delivered domestic and international exhibitors and buyers.

“AIBTM will be based on the hugely successful EIBTM model and with our considerable expertise and reputation in the meetings sector in providing best business, best education and best networking – is highly targeted, matching exhibitors with quality Hosted Buyers and visitors with the power to ‘do business.”

In choosing Baltimore to host an event that is set to become the Americas leading meetings event, Paul Kennedy added: “it was essential to find a city that had a first class venue with excellent on-site facilities, a variety of quality hotel stock, and a transport infrastructure which included airports that had extensive air routes to cater for the international audience arriving from all over Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Far East and of course North America.”

“What impressed us most was the enthusiasm, desire and ability shown by the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association, The Convention Center, DMCs and hotels. We have made a terrific choice in Baltimore, which will host what must be considered the biggest fam trip the city will ever see.

AIBTM is well and truly in good hands.”

Speaking at the launch, Tom Noonan, President and CEO of the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association said: “This is a major coup for our city. We are delighted to have

been chosen as the host city for AIBTM for at least the next five years, and look forward to working with Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Incentive Events team led by Paul Kennedy. They are widely respected and have an international reputation in organising and running events for the meetings industry.”

AIBTM will witness the first truly large-scale international Hosted Buyer program in the Americas enhanced by a substantial domestic Hosted Buyer and trade visitor population.

Baltimore is superbly located to draw upon the world’s largest concentration of meetings planners situated in the North East USA. Leading industry figures have welcomed the launch: Christian Mutschlechner, CEO Vienna Convention Bureau stated: “I am delighted that Reed Travel Exhibitions have launched AIBTM. Vienna will be exhibiting and I am sure we will be joined by all the major destinations around the globe.”

Bruce M. MacMillan, President & CEO of Meeting Professionals International remarked: "Through events like EIBTM in Europe, GIBTM in the Gulf Region and CIBTM in China, Reed Travel Exhibitions has positioned itself as the global meeting and event industry marketplace leader and we look forward to extending our global partnership with them at AIBTM.” Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA commented: “We’re delighted to welcome the launch of AIBTM as a genuinely international meetings industry trade show in the USA, and feel certain that the ‘hosted buyer’ business model which RTE uses for EIBTM and the rest of the portfolio will prove to be a big winner with this new event. I am certain there will be enthusiastic support for AIBTM by ICCA members from all regions of the world.”

Dates for AIBTM from 2011 – 2014 are as follows: 21 – 23 June 2011 19 – 21 June 2012 18 – 20 June 2013 17 – 19 June 2014

TOURISM COMPANIES AND DESTINATIONS SUPPORT FITUR This year, tourist companies and destinations will once again support the International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR, which will stage its twenty-ninth edition from 28th January to 1st February 2009. With four months still to go before the event takes place, the fair organised by IFEMA has already allocated some 80% of its total exhibition space.

Furthermore, the international support for the fair has shown an increase in the amount of exhibition space. Importantly Bosnia Herzegovina will be present at the fair for the first time, whilst Kenya, a country that has recently opened a new tourist office in Spain, will once again be officially represented.

Furthermore, France, Italy, Argentina, Central America and Morocco have all increased the size of their stands.

For their part, tourist bodies and companies will once again account for more than 50% of the overall exhibition, thus underlining the considerable interest on the part of Spanish companies to take part in this established forum, an event that provides a key setting in which to establish contacts,

10

Xenios

organise meetings and conduct tourism business. In addition, with a view to enhancing knowledge and awareness of the industry, FITUR '09 will present a leading forum for analysis and debate, by implementing of a packed programme of trade meetings. This programme will be of considerable interest, both due to the topics scheduled for discussion and the considerable prestige of the participating speakers, organisations and bodies.

All of this coincides with the forecasts that have been made by the WTO (World Tourism Organisation) and the State Turism Secretary, which indicate that Spain will retain its second place in the world rankings in terms of both the number of foreign tourists and the revenue generated by its tourist industry.

Union of International Associations International Meeting Statistics for the Year 2007

By Joel Fischer For the past 59 years, the Union of International Associations has undertaken, for the benefit of its members, statistical studies on the preceding year’s international meetings.

As of 2005, the report is available for sale to the public following a period of three months exclusive use by UIA Associate Members.

The statistics are based on information systematically collected by the UIA Congress Department and selected according to strict criteria maintained over the years (thus enabling meaningful comparison from year to year).

Meetings taken into consideration include those organized and/or sponsored by the international organizations which appear in the Yearbook of International Organizations and in the International Congress Calendar, i.e.: the sittings of their principal organs, congresses, conventions, symposia, regional sessions grouping several countries, as well as some national meetings with international participation organized by national branches of international associations.

This latter category includes meetings which are not collected systematically but which have been brought to our attention and which meet the following criteria : - either a concurrent exhibition OR a minimum of 300 participants - minimum number of foreign participants : 40 % - minimum number of nationalities : 5 - minimum duration : 3 days Excluded from the UIA figures are: purely national meetings as well as those of an essential religious, didactic, political, commercial, sporting nature such as religious gatherings, courses, party conferences, fairs, sales meetings, contests etc.

General picture

This report covers 10,318 meetings; 8864 meetings of international organizations and 1454 other international meetings.

The worldwide breakdown (market share) by continent: The top ten countries and cities are as follows, see tables below for more details: Countries : USA, France, Germany, Singapore, Japan, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Austria, UK. Cities : Singapore, Paris, Vienna, Brussels, Geneva, Barcelona, New York NY, Tokyo, Seoul, Amsterdam.

Top international meeting countries in 2007 – Minimum of 45 international meetings

TOP TEN INTERNATIONAL MEETING CITIES IN 2007 Minimum of 20 international meetings

Also excluded are: meetings strictly limited in participation such as committees, groups of experts etc. most of these being held at an intergovernmental level and taking place mainly at the headquarters of the large IGO's in New York, Geneva, Rome, Brussels, Vienna...

Corporate and incentive meetings are not included; the survey of these specific markets being not within the scope of activities of the UIA. Additions to the report resentation 1.2 was developed to include “other international meetings” of 2 days duration (instead of 3 days) to provide a comparative view.

Xenios

11

The tourist accommodation sector employs 2.3 million in the European Union Topics & News

The importance of the tourism industry for economic, social and cultural development in Europe and the role of tourism as a driver of development and socioeconomic integration are generally acknowledged.

This publication takes a look at the contribution made

by the tourism industry to the labour market in the EU, focusing on the pattern of employment in the tourist accommodation sector.

Highlights • The tourist accommodation sector accounts for more than 25% of employment in the hotels, restaurants and catering (horeca) sector and for slightly over 1% of the entire labour market in the EU. • With a relatively high share of female workers (60%) and of workers with low formal educational qualifications (36%), tourist accommodation is a source of jobs for certain at-risk groups on the European labour market. Nevertheless, the jobs tend to be less stable.

• The tourism industry is strongly affected by seasonal influences, leading to – on average across the EU – 10% more employment in the summer season.

• Regions attracting large numbers of tourists very often have an unemployment rate below the national average.

On average, 1.1% of persons employed in the EU work in the tourist accommodation sector In 2007, more than 9 million persons were employed in the hotels, restaurants and catering (horeca) sector in the European Union (see Table 1); this equals 4.2% of all persons employed. The highest number of jobs in this sector was observed in Spain (1.45 million), followed by Germany (1.43 million).

However, when taking into account the size of the labour market, the largest shares employed in the horeca sector were found in Malta (8.3%), Spain (7.1%), Greece (6.9%), Austria (6.4%) and Cyprus (6.3%).

About one out of every four persons employed in the horeca sector works in an enterprise providing tourist accommodation (hotels and similar accommodation, campsites, etc.), giving a total of 2.3 million employed in 2007. At the height of the tourist season, i.e. in the third quarter of the year, the number of persons employed climbs by an additional 10 percent to an estimated 2.5 million .

In relative terms, this means that 1.1% of all the employed in the European Union work in the tourist accommodation sector. The Member States showing the highest share of employment in tourist accommodation were Malta (5.3%), Cyprus (3.2%) and Austria (2.3%). Not surprisingly, these are also the top three Member 12

Xenios

States in terms of tourism intensity, i.e. the number of nights in collective tourist accommodation divided by the number of inhabitants.

The sections which follow take a closer look at the pattern of employment in the tourist accommodation sector, compared with the horeca sector and the labour market as a whole.

The share of female employment in the tourist accommodation sector is high at 60% The share of full-time employment in the tourist accommodation sector is not much different from the share in the EU-27 economy as a whole.

About four out of every five persons are employed on a full-time basis. Looking at the hotels and restaurants sector as a whole, this is the case for only 72% of the persons employed (or 69% when excluding the tourist accommodation subsector).

Only in the Czech Republic does part-time work tend to be slightly more common in tourist accommodation (8%) than in the horeca sector as a whole (7%).

Looking at the country data, big differences can be seen, ranging from almost no parttime employment in the tourist accommodation sector in Bulgaria or Romania to a rate of 60% in the Netherlands. In general, the figures for this sector reflect the full-time/parttime breakdown in the economy as a whole.

Countries with a high share of part-time employment in shortstay accommodation, such as the Netherlands, Denmark (44%), Norway (38%), Germany (32%) or Sweden (30%), also have around 25% or more part-time workers in the whole labour market, compared with the EU average of 18%.

The tourist accommodation sector is a major employer of women.

On average, 60% of the EU labour force in this sector consists of female workers, who make up only 45% of the persons employed in all economic activities in the EU. In terms of creating job opportunities for women, the accommodation sector scores even better than the hotels and restaurants sector as a whole – where female employment stands at 56%.

As Table 3 shows, the differences across the European Union are relatively small, although slightly more pronounced than for the economy as a whole, where in nearly every country the share of female employment deviates from the EU average of 45% by no more than a few percentage points.

Among the countries for which data are available, more than two out of every three persons employed in the tourist accommodation sector are female in Romania (72%),Norway (71%), Poland (70%), Finland (70%) and Germany (69%). Malta (38%) and Italy (49%) are the only countries where women do not take the majority of the jobs in the tourist accommodation sector. But, together with Greece, these two countries also have the lowest female participation rate in the economy as a whole.

43% of those employed in the tourist accommodation sector are under 35 years old Both the hotels and restaurants sector as a whole and the tourist accommodation sector offer job opportunities to a young workforce.

Indeed, with 48% of persons employed in hotels and restaurants and 43% in the tourist accommodation sector younger than 35 years, both have a much younger age profile than the rest of the European Union labour market, where only about one in three of those employed is under 35 .

This observation at EU level also applies to most of the Member States for which data on the age profile of employment in tourist accommodation are available. In most of these countries, the share of the two youngest age groups taken together lies 10 or more percentage points above their average share in employment in the economy as a whole. Under-35s make up more than half of the employees in the tourist accommodation sector in Slovakia (58%), the Netherlands (56%), Sweden (56%) and Norway (56%).

In all four countries, this share exceeds the average for the whole economy by around 20 percentage points. Cyprus is the only Member State where the age profile of employees in tourist accommodation is less young, with under-35s taking just 28% of the jobs in the tourist accommodation and 33% in the horeca sectors, whereas their share in the economy of Cyprus as a whole stands at 37%. Only in Greece and Spain, two countries with a big tourism industry, does the age profile in the accommodation sector appear to be not significantly different from the age profile in all economic activities taken together.

At the other end of the age distribution, employment opportunities for persons aged 55 or more tend to be more limited in tourist accommodation (11%) than in the labour market (14%) overall. However, it must be underlined that reliable data are available for only a few countries, partly due to the low probability of including older persons employed in this sector in the sample for the survey used to collect the data.

More than one out of every three persons employed in tourism accommodation has a lower level of education The data in the previous sections revealed that tourist accommodation in particular employs younger and female workers.

A third socio-demographic group strongly represented in this sector are persons with a lower level of education, i.e. persons who completed lower secondary education at most.

36% of employees in the tourist accommodation sector did not complete upper secondary education, compared with a general labour market average of 25%.

For all countries where data on employment broken down by educational level are available, the conclusion that the tourist accommodation sector employs relatively more persons with a lower level of education holds true. The biggest deviations from the average for the economy can be observed in Switzerland, where the share of lower educated persons in tourist accommodation is more than double their share in the whole labour market (36% versus 16%).

Other countries where – compared with the entire economy – this sector offers jobs especially to less educated persons are Germany, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Portugal (71%), Cyprus (24%) and Hungary (14%) are the only countries where there seems to be no noticeable difference (Portugal being the country with the highest share of employees with a

low level of education in the European Union).

These findings are in line with the statistics on ICT use in enterprises, which indicate that the tourist accommodation sector does not require a high level of e-skills from most staff. Instead, only 36% of the employees in this sector use computers in their daily work, compared with almost one out of every two employees (49%) when considering all economic activities. Among the branches covered by the Community survey on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises, only the construction sector has a lower penetration rate for ICT at the place of work than the hotel and accommodation sector.

A high share of temporary jobs and limited average stay with the same employer The accommodation sector does not differ significantly from the rest of the economy in terms of full-time/part-time breakdown.

However, considering the duration of the jobs and the average stay with the same employer, the sector appears to offer less stable jobs than the rest of the labour market.

The proportion of those having a temporary job rather than a permanent job is more than twice as high in the tourist accommodation sector (where 30% of the jobs are temporary) than in the economy as a whole (14%). In all the countries for which data on the duration of jobs are available, the accommodation sector performs relatively poorly.

The largest discrepancies between this sector and the economy as a whole can be observed in Greece (59% permanent jobs v. 89% in the whole economy), Italy, Sweden and Bulgaria.

The more limited availability of permanent jobs can be linked to the seasonal nature of tourism. Indeed, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria and Malta also appear to have the largest variation in number of persons employed between the peak and the trough quarters.

The discrepancy in terms of share of permanent jobs between the tourist accommodation sector and the economy as a whole is particularly small – not more than 3 percentage points – in Hungary, Finland, Denmark and Spain.

The lowest shares of permanent jobs in the tourist accommodation sector can be found in Poland (58%), Greece (59%) and Sweden (61%). In the case of Poland, however, this is not exceptional, as this is also the Member State with the lowest proportion of permanent jobs in the economy as a whole (72%).

On most Member States’ labour markets, the average stay with the same employer exceeds 100 months. In the tourist accommodation sector this is only the case in Portugal (108 months). In Europe, Croatia seems to be an outlier with an average of more than 12 years (147 months) with the same employer. But this is also the country with the lowest staff turnover in the horeca sector (101 months) and in the economy as a whole (149). The highest turnover can be noted in Sweden, Greece, Denmark and Bulgaria, where the average stay with the same employer is less than 5 years.

Xenios

13

Topics & News

Club Hotel Casino Loutraki donates 174 ancient Cretan coins to the Ministry of Culture

The coin collection was acquired through an auction in Germany, to the amount of €164,000 and will be exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Hania With yet another initiative in Corporate Social Responsibility, Club Hotel Casino Loutraki contributes to the promotion of our country's cultural heritage.

The Company granted the amount of €164,000 for the acquisition and repatriation of 174 ancient Corinthian coins, which were auctioned on March 10th 2008, at Osnabruck, Germany.

The coins, which belonged to the "Burkhard Traeger" collection originating from 23 of Crete's ancient cities, were donated by Club Hotel Casino Loutraki to the Hellenic State and, more specifically, to the Ministry of Culture.

Silver stater, Knossos ca 300 B.C., 10,89 gr.

-Female head wearing earring and necklace; on left sealing shield -Square labyrinth; below it BIP.

The donation has already been accepted through the unanimous decision of the Central Archaeological Committee (C.Á.S.). The final recipient is to be the Archaeological Museum of Hania where the valuable collection will be exhibited.

Acquisition of the coins was made possible with the co-operation of the KE' Department of Prehistoric & Classical Antiquities of Western Crete and the Numismatic Museum, as well as the services of the renowned Auctioneers A.H. Baldwin & Sons of London, who have also co-operated with the Ministry of Culture in the past.

The collection was delivered to Greece on March 31st 2008 by A.H. Baldwin & Sons.

Silver stater, Kydonia ca. 280 B.C., 9,48 gr.

-Head of Artemis Diktynna wreathed with ivy; border of dots.

-KYDON Kydon nude, stringing bow; in front hound; in the background torch.

The collection is representative of the entire Cretan Numismatic Mint from the classical period up to the years of Crete's strategic position as a province of the Roman Empire.

A few coins in the collection (silver and copper) are characteristic and exceptionally rare; actually unique. Included among them are a few early mints from the island's most important cities, such as Knossos, Kidonia, Aptera, Phaistos, Gortyna, Polyrinia, Syvrito and Lyto.

Mr. Antonis Stergiotis, Administrator of Club Hotel Casino Loutraki, commented: "Within the framework of the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility, our company follows with great interest the attempt of the Ministry of Culture to repatriate Hellenic antiquities from abroad. Through this initiative, we are sending the message that the private sector can and must contribute to this direction.

Silver stater, Gortyna ca. 450 B.C., 11,74 gr.

-Europe with extended arms sat on bull moving to the right; below it dolphin.

-In square incuse LORT-VNOM-TA CA-SANA; lion mask in linear square.

We are also pleased that this archaeological treasure will enrich the Archaeological Museum of Hania's collection and will constitute a valuable cultural trust for Greece's future generations."

Silver stater, Rithymna 330/270 B.C., 4,70 gr.

-Head of Athena wearing Corinthian helmet -P-I trident downwards between two dolphins floating downwards

14

Xenios

Xenios

15

Topics & News

Panorama on tourism Europe is the most important tourism region, both as a destination and as a source. In spite of the steady fall in its market share over the last ten years, as a consequence of the dramatic growth of very dynamic regions like Asia (especially South Asia), Europe’s tourism flows still increased in absolute terms from 1995 to 2000 and then fluctuated in the following six years. Europe nonetheless continues to play a central role in the global tourism market.

Looking within Europe, however, shows a different trend between western and southern countries and northern and eastern Europe over the period analysed. The first group of countries still lead the market, but have generally seen a fall in international demand. The second group, on the other hand, has shown a significant growth in both incoming and outgoing flows, much of it to and from the rest of Europe.

This section discusses the overall trends in tourism in Europe, in terms of flows and economic transactions.

1.1 Recent trends, 2000-2006 The number of tourism nights spent by residents and nonresidents is the major indicator of the development of tourism (Figure 1.1). The two groups of countries considered, the EU-27 and the EU-15, showed an overall increase in the period from 2000 to 2006 of +1.3% and +1.1% respectively on average each year.

However, the general picture is two-sided. Between 2000 and 2003 each of the two groups recorded a small but steady decrease each year, with the absolute number of nights falling from 2 146 million to 2 116 million in the EU-27 and from 1 967 million to 1 935 million in the EU-15.

Between 2003 and 2006 both groups showed a recovery, with an average growth of +2.9% each year. In 2004, the total number of nights in the EU-27 surpassed the value recorded in 2000.

In the EU-15, the same happened in 2005, meaning that the recovery in the EU-27 was led by the new Member States.

During the whole period, the "old" Member States’ share in total nights decreased only slightly whereas in general the new Member States showed the highest growth rates, especially in the years 2004, 2005 and 2006.

In 2006, hotels and similar establishments hosted about 1 525 million nights in the EU-27 area (66% of total nights in all collective accommodation establishments), with an average growth rate of +1.1% between 2000 and 2006 (Table 1.1). About 34% of tourist nights were spent in other collective accommodation, which are composed of 15.5% in tourist campsites, 8.6% in holiday dwellings and 9.8% in other collective accommodation not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.). Amongst these three groups of non-hotel establishments, other collective accommodation (n.e.c.) recorded the highest increase in nights between 2000 and 2006 (+2.6% on average each year), followed by campsites (+1.8%). Unlike these two types of accommodation, holiday dwellings stagnated over the same period (-0.3% on average each year).

Looking at the distribution of tourist nights by country (Table 1.2), in 2006, five countries (Spain, Italy, Germany, France and the United Kingdom) together accounted for 72.0% of total nights in the EU-27. All new Member States together recorded less than ten percent of the EU-27 total, with the highest values registered for Poland (2.2%) and the Czech Republic (1.8%).

Although lower in absolute terms, tourist nights spent in Bulgaria and the Baltic States recorded the highest growth between 2000 and 2006 (Bulgaria +12.5% on average 16

Xenios

each year, Estonia +17.7%, Latvia and Lithuania +13.1%).

Other European countries where the average annual increase in nights was higher than the EU-27 average were Iceland (+5.6%), Croatia (+3.2%), Sweden (+3.1%), Germany (+2.7%), Slovenia (+2.3%), Ireland, Finland and Norway (+2.1% each), Spain (+1.6%), Portugal (+1.4%), Denmark, Italy and Austria (+1.3% each).

On the other hand, a decline in nights was recorded in Cyprus (-3.1% on average each year), Liechtenstein (-1.5%), Greece (-1.2%), the Czech Republic (-1.1%), the United Kingdom (1.0%) and Hungary (-0.6%).

Scandinavian countries performed well, together with Slovenia, Ireland, the countries of the Iberian Peninsula, Italy and Austria between 2000 and 2006. In Sweden, Finland, Slovenia, Italy and Austria the increase was driven by international tourism, in Norway, Ireland, Spain and Portugal by domestic tourism. The decrease in Greece, Cyprus and Hungary was mainly due to a fall in nonresident tourist nights.

Leading generators of international tourism Turning to the most important countries of origin, Table 1.9 presents the leading generators of international tourism in the EU-27 in 2000 and 2006, in terms of nights spent on outbound trips of at least one night. The ranking is based on the data for 2006. A comparison with 2000 shows how the ranking has changed over time and reveals which countries have strengthened their position and which have lost ground over the last six years.

In terms of nights spent abroad, the top 10 countries of origin accounted for more than 2.0 billion nights in 2006, which corresponds to about 90% of total nights abroad within the EU-27. This resulted in average annual growth in the top 10 countries between 2000 and 2006 of +1.4%, which is lower than the EU-27 average (+2.6% per year).

This means that the increase of outbound tourism from other EU countries, and particular from the new Member States, was growing at a higher rate.

Germany ranked first, with about 749 million nights in 2006 (33.3% of the EU-27 total), as against 909 million in 2000. This is an average annual decrease of -3.2%. The United Kingdom held second place with strong expansion in the number of nights abroad (+6.7% on average each year).

Overnight stays rose from 386 million in 2000 to 569 million in 2006 (25.3% of the EU-27 total). France came third, some way behind, with 151 million nights spent on outbound trips in 2006 (6.7% of the EU-27 total), as against 141 million in 2000. That is an increase of +1.1% on average per year. The Netherlands ranked fourth, with 139 million nights in 2006, which represented an average annual growth of +1.6% since 2000 and a market share of 6.2% in 2006. Italy and Spain followed, showing a higher average yearly growth of nights abroad in comparison with the top 10 average (+3.1% and +12.2% respectively).

Spain in particular climbed to

sixth in 2006 and, among the "old" Member States, recorded the highest growth of outbound tourism, with nights abroad doubling between 2000 and 2006 (from 36 million to 72 million).

Belgium ranked seventh in 2006, showing a decrease in nights spent abroad, from 79.8 million to 69.9 million (-2.2% on average each year), accounting for 3.1% market share in 2006. Austria followed, with 58.3 million nights in 2006 (+0.7% on average each year since 2000) and a market share of +2.6%. In 2006, Poland climbed to ninth spot with about 53.8 million nights spent abroad (2.4% of the EU-27 total).

Looking at the top 10 countries of origin in terms of total international expenditure (Table 1.10), the ranking is almost the same as for nights spent. In 2006, the leading countries accounted for about 87% of total expenditure abroad by visitors from EU-27 countries. Although the amount of money spent by these top 10 countries increased from 2000 to 2006 (from EUR 188.8 bn to 215.6 bn, +2.2% on average each year), their share in the total declined (from 88.6% in 2000 to 87.4% in 2006), meaning that expenditure by visitors from other EU countries was growing at a higher rate.

Germany ranked first, with nearly EUR 59.6 bn in 2006 (24.1% of the EU-27 total), against EUR 57.4 bn in 2000 (26.9%). The United Kingdom came second with a steady rise in expenditure abroad (+3.2% on average each year).

Its international expenditure rose from EUR 41.6 bn in 2000 to EUR 50.3 bn in 2006, and its share in the EU-27 total from 19.5% to 20.4%. France held third place, with EUR 24.8 bn (10.1% of the EU-27 total), against EUR 19.2 bn in 2000 (9.0%), an increase of +4.4% on average per year.

Italy came fourth, followed by Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain. It is interesting to note that expenditure by Spanish tourists abroad boomed. In 2006, they spent EUR 13.3 bn (5.4% of the EU-27 total) against 6.4 bn in 2000 (3.0%). This meant an annual average growth rate of +12.8%. Among the top 10 spenders, only Austria recorded a decrease in international tourism expenditure between 2000 and 2006 (from 9.2 bn to 7.4 bn, -3.6% on average each year), and fell from the seventh to ninth in the ranking, being passed by Spain and Sweden.

Leading destinations of international tourism Turning to the most important tourism destinations, Table 1.11 classifies the top 10 countries of the EU27 area according to the total number of nights spent by resident and nonresident tourists in each country in

2000 and 2006. The ranking is based on the data for 2006.

Compared with 2000, positions one to nine did not change but Sweden joined the top 10, overtaking the Czech Republic.

Xenios

17

ADNEC begins brand alignment with ExCeL London

Topics & News

First phase of strategy deployed at World Travel Market Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has revealed that this year's World Travel Market (WTM), being held at ExCeL London - ADNEC's London exhibition centre, from November 10th - 13th 2008, will see the first stage of the brand integration of ADNEC and ExCeL London unveiled.

The integration of the two brands has been designed to align the two venues and represents the first phase of ADNEC's strategy to develop a coherent and consistent product in key exhibition markets around the world. It has also been developed to assist the ongoing promotion of the emirate of Abu Dhabi being carried out by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and other key Abu Dhabi organisations.

In addition to the brand integration, a delegation from ADNEC will be at the event to position ADNEC as one of the world's leading venue destination developers.

Simon Horgan, ADNEC Group CEO said: "The World Travel Market is a very important event for us for a variety of reasons: it is the largest event of its type in the world, it's being held at our London venue; it gives us an opportunity to position ourselves as a leading international venue developer and it's the first time the world will see the alignment of the ExCeL and ADNEC brands. Exhibitions such as World Travel Market are a major reason why ADNEC has invested in ExCeL and I'm delighted that the benefits of this investment are being felt so soon."

ADNEC recently announced that work had begun on Phase 2 expansion of ExCeL London. When complete in 2010, ExCeL London will be the largest exhibition centre in the UK capital with around 100,000sqm of floor space. ADNEC will also open the additional exhibition halls of its Abu Dhabi venue on November the 3rd when ADIPEC opens at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

UK Event Industry Fair Pricing and Practice Charter launched Visit London and VisitBritain, supported by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), have launched their London 2012 UK Event Industry Fair Pricing & Practice Charter (FPPC) for UK venues and suppliers.

Commercial Director at Visit London, David Hornby, said; “This is a massive step forward for the UK events industry.

London is the first Olympic host to attempt to create a Charter like this and LOCOG is an enthusiastic supporter of the FPPC and all it stands for. Right back at the bid stage, London wanted to create a vision for the games that would deliver an inspirational event and lasting legacy for the city and country.

We believe the charter will be one key measure in delivering a true legacy for the events industry and has potential for other major event bids.”

The charter, which is supported by 21 individual organisations, including government and tourism bodies, marketing consortia and industry trade associations, provides a voluntary Code of Practice for both UK venues and event suppliers. Signatories to the Charter undertake that their pricing for the period around the 2012 Olympic Games, be both fair and reasonable and that they will not artificially inflate prices for goods or services. In turn, Charter members will be promoted to organisers seeking venues and suppliers via Visit London’s enquiry service and through Visit Britain’s network of overseas offices.

Venues and suppliers are now able to sign up to the Charter, by visiting http://www.visitlondon.com/business/2012Charter In addition, the previously announced Business Tourism 18

Xenios

Development & Communications Group, which is being headed up by David Sharpe, the Merlin Entertainments Group’s Divisional Director for London, is close to finalising its senior industry team. The group are working on a range of initiatives designed to maximise the opportunities that the games provide, such as the FPPC, the introduction of a ‘thought leader’ group and an annual industry conference, the first of which will be held in 2009 at Earls Court during International Confex.

David Sharpe commented; “We are in the final stages of putting together a hugely impressive team of people in the Development Group, who will help to ensure that the entire events industry, not just in London but throughout the UK, benefit directly from the 2012 Olympic Games.”

The Charter is recognised, endorsed and promoted by the following organisations; Coordinating agencies Visit London VisitBritain Olympic Organisations: London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) Government and Tourism Bodies: Department for Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) Greater London Authority (GLA) Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) Industry associations: Meetings Industry Association (MIA) Unique Venues of London (UVL) Eventia National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) International Special Events Society (ISES) Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Association of Event Venues (AEV) Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) Events Industry Alliance (EIA) Production Services Association (PSA) British Association of Conference Destinations (BACD) Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) Tourism Alliance British Hospitality Association (BHA) MPI UK

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

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

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

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

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

CLUB HOTEL CASINO LOUTRAKI

Topics & News

Consistent with the Principles of Corporate Social Responsibility

Reconstruction of the ancient Temple of Zeus in Nemea Club Hotel Casino Loutraki sponsors the reconstruction of the ancient Temple of Zeus in Nemea to the amount of 500,000 Euro. Sharing a common goal with Corinth's Department of Antiquities, the aim is conservation of our cultural heritage and exhibition of the temple, so that the archaeological site of Nemea with its sanctuary, stadium and museum is included in UNESCO's Worldwide Cultural Heritage list of monuments. The University of California, Berkeley is responsible for materialization of the project under the supervision of the American School of Classical Studies in co-operation with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.

With responsibility to our commitments Preventing entertainment from becoming a threat

gambling addiction.

In co-operation with the Hellenic Intercultural Centre of Psychiatry, Club Hotel Casino Loutraki founded and sponsors a special therapeutic program for the prevention and therapy of gambling addiction.

The program includes a 24-hour SOS hotline for immediate assistance and information. Parallel to this, the company continually trains its personnel in dealing with the specialized circumstances of

With sensitivity in Environmental Protection Economic support for the protection of Corinth's forests.

20

Xenios

Support and economic reinforcement of the Local and Prefectural Administration of Corinth, for the formation and training of a firefighting team of volunteers, as well as acquisition of equipment and materials for the protection of the unique beauty of the area's natural environment.

Conscious of the community we live in “Children's Smile Association�

Club Hotel Casino Loutraki actively stands by the side of the association "Children's Smile", supporting the "Corinthian Home of Smiles", which lodges over 35 children.

Long-term and steadfast is the company's support to the "Efthymeio Centre" of Corinth, which provides care, training and services to handicapped people.

Topics & News

GREECE: Glorious Grevena

The local action plan for sustainable tourism development was completed after a process of consultation, overseen by specialists in the field. A permanent special committee for tourism issues was also set up, while an important contribution was made by the trans-national programmes for sustainable tourism development in which local agencies were involved.

Networking with other European agencies has had a positive impact on the handling and resolution of common problems and the adoption of best practices.

Eighteen months ago, the Grevena prefectural authority launched a drive to highlight and promote the region as an allyear-round tourist destination, of which our participation in the EDEN competition was part. We have been working hard to provide the prefecture of Grevena with a strategic plan for developing its tourist sector.

This was the demand voiced by local businessmen, agencies and ordinary people - all eyeing with some trepidation the dramatic rise in tourism the region has witnessed in the last 15 years.

Grevena is a destination with great potential for tourist development, boasting a significant cultural heritage with all sorts of themed tourism possibilities. Its potential for development of outdoor activities, its high-quality local produce and local cultural events have turned it into a new tourist destination.

Grevena is home to one of Europe's best ski centres, part of the Natura 2000 network. At Milia meanwhile, palaeontologists have uncovered finds dating back three million years which have attracted worldwide interest. The region is also regarded as one of the world's most important locations for geological research.

The intangible cultural heritage of our region includes a variety of festivals, customs, music, dances and ceremonies - all bearing witness to the experiences of local people and the distinctive features of their way of life. It is also made up of the knowledge passed down from generation to generation in stories, legends, Iinh'1listic idioms, performances and many other forms of expression: the techniques, practices and crafts which demonstrate the familiarity of the local people with their natural environment, the strong ties which bind the two.

Winning the EDEN award has helped create an awareness of sustainable tourism across the region, making it easier to develop synergies between public agencies, the private sector and local people. And our cooperation with other EDEN winners has broadened the scope for actions and collaborations in the tourist sector, giving Grevena a more prominent position on the European stage.

22

Xenios

Exhibitions

European Incentive and Business Travel Meetings Date 2 - 4 December 2008 Venue Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain Edition Telephone 00 44 208 910 7830 Fax 00 44 208 334 0532 E-mail paul.kennedy@reedexpo.co.uk Website www.eibtm.com Introduction The European Incentive and Business Travel Meetings Exhibition is a specialist exhibition designed to help organisations with their meetings and conference programmes, business travel requirements, and motivational travel campaigns.

EIBTM is an annual event, now held in Barcelona, where Buyers and Suppliers from all over the world meet to exchange ideas and information and formulate their future business plans.

Participants National tourism organization, Convention bureaux, Airlines, Hotels Destination management companies, Cruise lines, Conference Venues, Hotel Groups, Ground Transportation, Incentive Houses, Luxury Trains, Health Resorts, Publications, Trade Associations, Technology Providers Parallel Activities Daily Seminars, EIBTM Awards, Worldwide Watch, Internet Cafe, Association Programme, Forum for Young Professionals Opening Hours 10am - 18.00 pm 2nd, 3rd 10am - 17.00 pm 4th Price Per Square Metre € 698per sqm + IVA (7%) space only € 775 per sqm + IVA (7%) shell scheme Entrance Fee Pre-register: free entry On-site

trade visitor entry fee €20 Management Mr Paul Kennedy, Exhibition Director Member Of ITTFA - International Tourism Trade Fairs Association ICCA - International Conventions and Conferences Association MPI - Meeting Planners International PATA - Pacific Asia Travel Association SITE - Society of Incentive Travel Executives CHA - Caribbean Hotel Association Organised By Reed Travel Exhibitions Gateway House, 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DN UK

Matka Date 15 - 18 January 2009 Venue Helsinki, Finland Edition 23rd Telephone 358 9 150 91 Fax 358 9 142 358 E-mail matka@finnexpo.fi Website www.matkamessut.fi Introduction The Finnish International Travel Fair Matka is the largest travel fair in the Nordic countries. Tavel Industry professionals update their know-how and make contacts. It is also the place where active Finnish travellers get new ideas and make purchasing decisions.

Participants National and Regional travel organizers, Tour organizers and travel agencies, Carriers, Hotel chains and other enterprises and

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

www.ittfa.org 24

Xenios

organizations offering accommodation and food services.

Producers of programme services and auxiliary products Parallel Activities Seminars and Congresses, Press conferences and meetings organized by exhibitors Stand and poster competition Opening Hours January 15 9.00 – 19.00h (trade only) January 16 9.00 – 12.00 (trade only) 12.00- 19.00h (general public) January 17 10.00 – 18.00h (general public) January 18 10.00 – 18.00h (general public) Business Travel lounge Jan 15 9.00-16.00, Jan 16 9.00- 12.00 Price Per Square Metre Price for row stands: € 111, sqm

Price for corner stands: First 9100 sq m € 120, Following 101 sq m € 94 Registration fee € 350. VAT (22 %) will be added to the prices.

Entrance Fee Trade visitors with trade visitor voucher: free if you register in internet beforehand €15 with the voucher at the entrance, (€25 without voucher) €12 for public Management Ms Rilla Engblom, Exhibition Group Manager Member Of ITTFA – International Tourism Trade Fairs Association The Association of Finnish Travel Agents Organised By The Finnish Fair Corporation, PO Box 21, FIN-00521, Helsinki, Finland

Lisboa Travel Market Date 21 – 25 January 2009 Venue Lisbon Portugal Edition 21st Telephone (+ 351) 21 892 1500 Fax (+ 351) 21 892 1555 Email btl@aip.pt Website www.btl.fil.pt/ Introduction Based on the experience and tradition of 10 exhibitions, BTL is a successful European Fair as can be seen by the increasing number of exhibitors and is the place for making business contacts and identifying new clients for the Portuguese market.

Participants Tourist Accommodation; Hotel and Hotels Services; Tourist Carriers; Tour Operators; Travel Agencies; National and International Tourism Organizations; Regional and Local Tourism Organizations; Tourist Leisure Attractions; SPAS; Sport Tourism/Nature;

Ecological Tourism; Adventure Tourism; Senior Tourism; Tourism of Portuguese Vineyards; Spa therapy and complementary techniques; Technology as applied to Tourism. Services for the Tourism Industry – consulting/training/decor/ insurance/banking; Specialized Press; Congress and Incentives Represented Countires South Africa, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, China, Cyprus, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Egypt, Spain, United States of America, France, Greece, Guinea- Bissau, Hungary, Reunion, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Libyan, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Poland, Kenya, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Russia and Senegal Parallel Activities Seminars and Congresses, Gastronomy and Folklore Opening Hours First two days for professional access only: 10 am – 20 pm Public access - Friday and Saturday: 13 pm – 23 pm; Sunday: 13 pm – 20 pm Price Per Square Metre 1 open side 88,00 € 2 open sides 96,00 € 3 open sides 102,00 € 4 open sides 106,00 € Entrance Fee Professionals 10,00 € Public Single - 4 €; 4 pax - 10,50 € Management Mrs. Sandra Patricia Almeida, Exhibition Manager Mrs. Sandra Tereso, Exhibition Marketing Manage Member Of ITTFA - International Tourism

Trade Fairs Association COTAL - Latin American Confederation of Tourism Organization UFI - Union des Foires Internationales Organised By INTERNATIONAL FAIR OF LISBON Rua de Bojador, Parque das Nacoes,1998-010 Lisboa , Portugal

Slovakia Tour Date 22 - 25 January 2009 Venue Bratislava Slovak Republic Edition 15th Telephone +421 2 67272 588 Fax +421 2 67272 201 E-mail enagy@incheba.sk Website www.incheba.sk Introduction Apartments, Camping, Hotels, Resorts, Villas, Activity & Adventure Travel, Airline, Airport, Business & Incentive Travel, Car Rental, Children’s Travel, Coach Travel, Conventions & Visitors Bureau, Cruise Lines & Ferries, Eco-Tourism, Educational Travel, Conference/Meeting Venue & Organiser, Fishing & Hunting, Golfing Holidays, Health Resorts & Spas, Luxury Service, General & Travel Trade Publications, Medical Tourism, National/Regional Tourist Board, Pilgrimage, Safari, Senior Citizen Travel, Shopping Tour, Skiing Holidays, Special Needs Holidays, Technology, Ticketing Service, Tour Operator, Tourist Attraction, Trains, Travel Trade Association, Travel Agency, Yachting Participants TBA Parallel Activities Supplementary programme and presentations of firms and exhibitors, professional seminars, press conferences, festival of travel films, photography and publications

Opening Hours 22 January 2009 10 am - 6 pm trade visitors 23January 2009 10 am - 12 am trade visitors 24 January 2009 12 am - 6 pm public 25.January 2009 10 am - 6 pm public Price Per Square Metre € 399 per sqm space only € 499 per sqm equipped space Entrance Fee USD $5 for general public Member Of ITTFA - International Tourism Trade Fairs Association PATA - Pacific Asia Travel Association WATA - World Association of Travel Agents WTO - World Tourism Organisation UFI - Union de Foires Internationales UFTAA - Universal Federation of Travel Agents Association IOD - Institute of Directors

Tourism & Leisure Show Date 22 - 25 January 2009 Venue Ljubljana, Slovenia Edition 3rd Telephone + 386 (0)1 300 26 20 Fax + 386 (0)1 300 26 59 E-mail spela.bratun@gr-sejem.si Website www.tourism-fair.com Participants National and International Tourist organizations, Tour Operators/Travel agencies, Carriers, Airports, Destination management services, Event management offices, Land travel, Hotels/conference venues, SPA, Data communications, Reservations systems, Literature (guides, maps), Camping equipment, Caravans and motor homes, Bicycle equipment, Surf equipment, Restaurants and inns.

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

www.ittfa.org Xenios

25

Exhibitions

Parallel Activities Simex- Incentive travel show for the Southeast Europe (in 2009 renamed Conventa) 2008 Figures Total space exhibition area 6500 sqm Total net space 4550 sqm Exhibitors 174 Main standholders Trade visitors 60 - CONVENTA – Slovenian Exhibition for Incentive Travel, Meetings and Events Represented countries Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey.

Public 25.000 visitors Parallel activities in 2008 i.e. seminars, conferences SimexIncentive travel show for the Southeast Europe (in 2009 renamed Conventa)

325 Fax 00 420 (2) 20 103 113 E-mail l.patocka@incheba.cz Website www.holidayworld.cz Introduction Apartments, Camping, Hotels, Resorts, Villas, Activity & Adventure Travel, Airline, Airport,

hotels, accommodation, facilities, boarding, catering, airlines, renta-car, bus operators, ferries and cruises, railway companies, tourist regions, spas and sanatoria, business ans congress tourism, tourism trade fairs, exhibitions and conferences, pro-

Opening Hours 10 am – 7 pm (Thur.- Sat.) 10 am – 5 pm (Sun.) Price for Exhibitors for 2009 40,00 EUR qm- exhibition space in row* 45,00 EUR sqm – corner exhibition space* 50,00 EUR sqm- island exhibition space* *unequipped exhibition space + VAT Entrance Fee Not decided yet (cca. 5,00 EUR) Management Spela Bratun, Urska Bozic Member Of ITTFA - International Tourism Trade Fairs Association Organised By Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre

Holiday World Date 5 - 8 February 2009 Venue Prague, Czech Republic Edition 18th Telephone 00 420 (2) 20 103

Business & Incentive Travel, Car Rental, Children’s Travel, Coach Travel, Conventions & Visitors Bureau, Cruise Lines & Ferries, Eco-Tourism, Educational Travel, Conference/Meeting Venue & Organiser, Fishing & Hunting, Golfing Holidays, Health Resorts & Spas, Luxury Service, General & Travel Trade Publications, Medical Tourism, National/Regional Tourist Board, Pilgrimage, Safari, Senior Citizen Travel, Shopping Tour, Skiing Holidays, Special Needs Holidays, Technology, Ticketing Service, Tour Operator, Tourist Attraction, Trains, Travel Trade Association, Travel Agency, Yachting Participants Travel Agents and tour operators,

gramme agencies and cultural events, reservation and information sysytems, professional education, editorial and publishing houses, technology, telecommunications, courier services, financial and insurance services, other travel related services, industry associations, tourism boards and governments agencies and marketing agencies Parallel Activities Central European Travel Conference Press Conferences Presentations Opening Hours February 5 , 2009 trade only 10 am– 6 pm February 6-8, 2009 trade and public 9 am– 6 pm Price Per Square Metre

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

www.ittfa.org 26

Xenios

Space only – US$171.00 (basic) per sqm Equipped space – US$243.00 per sqm Registration Fee – US$310.00/Exhibiting Company Entrance Fee TBA Management Libor Patocka, Project Manager, Prague Rupesh Chandor, Sales Manager Jaroslav Eepek, Director, Prague Member Of ITTFA - International Tourism Trade Fairs Association WTO - World Tourism Organisation ASTA - International American Society of Travel Agents PATA - Pacific Asia Travel Association WATA - World Association of Travel Agents UFTAA - Universal Federation of Travel Agents' Associations PAKT - Prague Convention Bureau ACK CR - Czech Association of Travel Agents ACSCK - Association of Czech Private Travel Agencies NFHR CR - National Federation of Hotels and Restaurants of the Czech Republic HK CR - Chamber of Industry of the Czech Republic SO CR - Trade Association of the Czech Republic ATIC - Association of Tourism Information Centres RDA - Association of German Bus Operators CECTA - Central European Countries Travel Association Organised By Incheba Praha, SPOL S.R.O. Areal Vystavisti 67, P. O. BOX 50 170 90 Praha 7 Holesovice Czech Republic Tel: +4202 6710 0111

Russian and Ukrainian Tourism Markets Riding High The UN World Tourism Organisation ranks Russia ninth in the world, in terms of spending on travel abroad.

Outbound trips increased by 17% in 2007, the countries with the highest growth in Russian tourists being Vietnam, Thailand and Austria. As the trend in overseas holidays continues to grow, encouraged by the increase in disposable income for many Russians, these figures can only increase further.

Russia itself is growing as a tourist destination and, with new destinations being announced regularly by airlines such as Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines, Russia is developing its tourist infrastructure and opening up to the world. In August, a new programme for tourism development was announced, which will see 50 million roubles from the government budget invested into promoting tourism in Russia. A further 160 million roubles will be used to promote Russia as a destination for tourists from all over the world.

Ukraine is following in Russia’s footsteps. Its travellers are quickly gaining a reputation for being big spenders like their Russian cousins. With a population of 48 million and GDP growth of over 7%, Ukraine is becoming a desirable market for many destinations. Increasing numbers of Ukrainian residents are taking holidays abroad and many are venturing further afield from the more traditional destinations in Russia’s neighbouring countries. This can be attributed to two major factors: the increase in charter flights to and from the country and increased competition amongst destinations promoting themselves in the Ukrainian market.

The Ukrainian government is investing heavily in the tourism market and, in 2008,

UAH 20 million from the national budget will be spent promoting Ukraine as a tourism destination. 23 million tourists visited Ukraine last year and this figure is expected to grow significantly as a result of the new investments and UEFA’s decision to host the Euro 2012 football tournament in the country.

Hotels are springing up across Ukraine, including those commissioned by global hotel chains, such as Intercontinental, Radisson and Hilton.

ITTFA member MITT continues to grow and, in 2008, the event covered 11% more space and commandeered an extra pavilion, Pavilion 8.

Amongst the 118 countries and regions represented at the show, there were many new destinations and MITT’s first ‘partner country’, Turkey presented over 500 companies. This year, a strict admission policy was introduced whereby the first two days of the exhibition were ‘trade only’. This proved extremely popular amongst exhibitors, who were able to concentrate fully on business during these two days, making their participation much more effective.

This year, UITT was chosen as the venue for the launch of Ukraine’s ‘Year of Tourism’. At the launch, the President of Ukraine, Victor Yuschenko commented, “Over the last 23 years, the growth in visits to our country by foreign tourists has been 25% annually, which shows great prospects for our travel

industry”. Confidence in the market is growing and a large number of new destinations could be seen at UITT. The exhibition featured 688 exhibitors from 58 countries and regions, and showed an impressive 40% compared to the previous year. UITT also had ‘trade only’ visitors on the first two days of the show.

Meanwhile, Ukraine International Travel Market, (UITM), also a member of ITTFA, has moved site and will celebrate its 15th edition next month when it opens at the International Exhibition Centre (IEC) at Brovarsky Ave in Kiev. Relocation to the new ground is a result of qualitative and quantitative growth of the Travel Market that annually brings together key tour operators and national travel agencies from 40 countries as well as hotels, SPA, recreation centers and even museums. The new site also offers a significant number of conference rooms enabling those, who wish, to hold more events and extend their traditionally comprehensive Travel Market program.

As well as displaying a variety of travel destinations available for Ukrainian tourists today, UITM 2008 will also showcase current world trends and brand-new products available in the travel market. As usual, national pavilions will form a significant part of the event, with at least 14 countries being represented and Poland hosting the largest pavilion.

There are a number of changes occurring in the market and UITM reports an increase in SPA tourism.

Compared with the last year, SPA offers increased by 70%, and the number of exhibiting resorts and health centers doubled. ITE’s Travel Division, the organizers of MITT, report an increasing number of Russian tourists visiting Africa but there are still only a few African countries actively promoting in the Russian market. To encourage this area of growth, ITE Travel has signed a joint promotion agreement with Africa Travel Association, ATA. Another area that appears to be on the increase in both Russia and Ukraine, is that travellers are discovering much more ‘exotic’ destinations. UITM notes a large increase in companies offering products to destinations further afield and Seychelles, Mauritius and Singapore are all newcomers at this years’ event.

All in all, as the choice of destinations and holiday types continues to grow, many more opportunities are being created for those involved in travel and tourism in the region. Add to this the fact that some countries are cancelling visa requirements for Russian citizens and it looks as though both inbound and outbound traffic is set to move up a gear.

ITTFA, International Tourism Trade Fairs Association, represents some of the best travel trade events worldwide. For more details on our members, see www.ittfa.org

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

www.ittfa.org Xenios

27

Exhibitions

International Tourism ExhibitionBudapest Date 26 February - 1 March 2009 Venue Budapest, Hungary Edition 32nd Telephone (361) 263 6263 Fax (361) 263 6435 E-mail utazas@hungexpo.hu Website www.utazas.hungexpo.hu Introduction Apartments, Camping, Hotels, Resorts, Villas, Activity & Adventure Travel, Airline, Airport, Business & Incentive Travel, Car Rental, Children’s Travel, Coach Travel, Conventions & Visitors Bureau, Cruise Lines & Ferries, Eco-Tourism, Educational Travel, Conference/Meeting Venue & Organiser, Fishing & Hunting, Golfing Holidays, Health Resorts & Spas, Luxury Service, General & Travel Trade Publications, Medical Tourism, National/Regional Tourist Board, Pilgrimage, Safari, Senior Citizen Travel, Shopping Tour, Skiing Holidays, Special Needs Holidays, Technology, Ticketing Service, Tour Operator, Tourist Attraction, Trains, Travel Trade Association, Travel Agency, Yachting Participants Travel agencies, tourism boards, hotels, map and paper publishers, language schools, tourist services 2007 Figures Total net space 24,600 sq metres Exhibitors 2,056 Trade visitors 13,742 Mass media 976 Represented countries 108 visiting countries. 53 exhibiting countries Public 3,364 Parallel Activities Sport International Sport and Leisure Time Fair Budapest Boat Show International Boat Exhibition FeHoVa Hunting, Fishing and Arms International Exhibition Opening Hours 26 February , 10.00-17.00 (trade only day) 27 February - 1 March 10.0018.00 (trade only) Price Per Square Metre 64-90 EUR/sqm depending on standtype (2008) 28

Xenios

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

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

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

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

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

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

Participants National and International Tourist organizations, Tour Operators/travel agencies, Carriers, hotels/conference venues, SPA, rental companies, data communications, reservations systems, literature (guides, maps) camping Parallel Activities Seminars and conferences,

appointments forum, Meeting Industry Week Opening Hours March 19 09.00 – 18.00 trade only March 20 09.00 – 18.00 trade only March 21 09.00 – 18.00 trade visitors and general public March 22 10.00 – 17.00 trade visitors and general public Price Per Square Metre SEK 1,640 for areas of 12150 sqm, SEK 1,500 over and above 101sqm, for entire area.

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

Application fee SEK 5,000.

Entrance Fee Thur – Fri SEK 300 / Sat – Sun SEK 120 incl. VAT Management Mr. Johan F Lundberg Exhibition Manager, Mr Per Magnusson - Deputy Exhibition Manager, Mrs Jane Ringenson - Sales Manager, Mrs Lise Backby-Moberg Marketing Manager, Mrs Eva Bursell - Sales, Ms Jessica Santesson Administration Member Of ITTFA - International Tourism Trade Fairs Association PATA – Pacific Asia Travel Association RTS – Swedish Travel & Tourist Industry Federation BTC – Baltic Sea Tourism Commission GOTEBORG & CO – Gothenburg Tourist Board The Swedish Tourism Network Organised By THE SWEDISH EXHIBITION CENTRE backed by: RTS (The Swedish Travel & Tourist Industry Federation); ANTOR (Association of National Tourist Organizations Representations in Sweden); Swedish Tourism Associated; PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association); The Swedish Tourism Network; VisitSweden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ITTFA EXHIBITIONS 2009 ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET-Dubai, 5-8 May 2009 BTL - Lisbon, 21-25 January 2009 CIS - Russia, St. Petersburg, 14-16 October 2009 EIBTM - Barcelona, 2-4 December 2008 HOLIDAY WORLD - Prague, 5-8 February 2009 IFT - Serbia & Montenegro, 26 February-1 March 2009 MATKA - Finland - Helsinski, 15-18 January 2009 MITT - Moscow, 18-21 March 2009 PHILOXENIA - Thessaloniki 29 October - 1 November 2009 SATTE - India, 24-26 April 2009 SLOVAKIATOUR - Bratislava, 22-25 January 2009 TTG Incontri - Rimini 16-18 October 2009 TUR - Geteborg, 19-22 March 2009 UITT - Kiev, 25-27 March 2009 UKRAINE TRAVEL MARKET - Ukraine 7-9 October 2008 UTAZAS - Budapest, 26 February - 1 March 2009 WTM - London, 10-13 November 2008 Xenios

29

Grand Serai Congress & Spa

Ioannina

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accomodation: Opulence and comfort

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

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

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

Meetings & Events: Why settle for the ordinary?

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

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

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

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

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

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

30

Xenios

Meeting Rooms

Ioannina

33, Dodonis str. 45332 Ioannina - Greece Tel.: +30-26510-90550 Fax: +30-26510-90557 E-mail: info@mitsis-grandserai.com www.mitsishotels.com

Attica-Athens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

32

Xenios

Attica-Athens

THE ASTIR PALACE COMPLEX THE ARION SPA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xenios

Semonin Companies.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attica-Athens

Athenaeum Intercontinental Athens Redefines Hotel Comfort & Elegance

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

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

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

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

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

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

36

Xenios

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xenios

37

Congress Calendar

Attica-Athens

Ôhe Conference aims to bring together researchers, policy makers, energy sector decision makers, academics, members of funding institutions, Government officials and anyone else interested in current and future developments in the energy sector. The Conference will include specific sections regarding Renewable Energy Sources, Energy Efficiency and Energy Management.

2nd International Symmetria Meeting 21 November - 23 November, Athens Hilton Hotel An international faculty of distinguished plastic and aesthetic surgeons from around the world will be present in Athens and address the audience of the 2nd International Symmetria Meeting about topics such as: Aesthetic Surgery: Facelift Browlift Blepharoplasty Rhinoplasty Breast augmentation Breast reduction Breast lift Body lift Abdominoplasty Liposuction Suspension threads Endoscopic surgery Non Surgical Rejuvenation: 3rd International Conference on Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency 20 November - 23 November, Mediterranean Exhibition Center The current situation in the energy sector has heightened concerns that modern societies' ever increasing needs for energy, as well as the energy sufficiency problem, are threatening the quality of the environment and sustainable development.

Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are the most promising solution for the resolution of these problems, offering an inexhaustible source of energy while fostering environmental protection.

38

Xenios

Botulinum toxin Fillers Lasers Peels/Mesotherapy Cosmeuceuticals 22nd Annual Congress of the Hellenic Association for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 28-30 November 2008 | Aegli Zappiou The 22nd Annual Congress of HAOMS will be held in Athens, from 28th to 30th November 2008, having as main subject

“Functional and Esthetic Rehabilitation in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery” including several interesting subjects on the whole field of the specialty.

Many scientists from Europe, Asia and USA have been invited to participate and share their experience in different subjects of our specialty. The aim of the Meeting is to familiarize the participant with the latest developments in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

4th Panhellenic Congress on Management, Economics and Health Policy 3 December - 6 December, Athens Hilton Hotel The 4th Congress is focusing on the crucial questions and major problems, which concern health and health care. The selection of the proper biomedical and pharmaceutical technology in the chronic diseases management and the impact on health cost, the search for medical effectiveness in health services and social insurance and the consumers' choices in medical care will be the major axes of the debate.

The Congress is aiming to propose the guidelines in health policy based on scientific evidence and their adoption in the development of the national health policy in clinical practices, health interventions and defragmentation of health services.

The Congress Scientific Program includes Symposiums, Workshops, Special Workshops, Oral Presentations and Round Tables, where specialized themes of high interest will be discussed by distinguished scientists from the Greek and international arena with the collaboration of organizations, bodies and universities of world status

Global Forum for Media Development, Athens World Conference

experts from over 100 countries will be invited to attend the second Global Forum for Media Development in Athens on December 7-10, 2008 to develop common strategies for media development and to ensure that free, independent and pluralistic media are at the core of development programmes.

The President of Greece, Dr. Karolos Papoulias will open the conference. Key speakers, such as Nobel-Prize winner Orhan Pamuk have been invited to attend. High-level representatives from the UN, UNESCO, World Bank and other intergovernmental institutions will address the conference. Senior media executives and key representatives from a wide range of media development organisations will present new and innovative ideas for ensuring sustainability of independent media and media development goals.

Your Congress Specialists

∫ÂÓÙÚÈο °Ú·Ê›·: ¶·Ó‰ÚfiÛÔ˘ 7-15 & ªÓËÛÈÎÏ¤Ô˘˜ 8, 1Ô˜ fiÚÔÊÔ˜ 105 56 ∞ı‹Ó· ∆ËÏ. 210 3712200, 210 4596700ñ Fax: 210 3712290 °Ú·ÊÂ›Ô ∞ıËÓÒÓ: µÔ˘Ï‹˜ 22, 1Ô˜ fiÚÔÊÔ˜ñ 105 63 ∞ı‹Ó· TËÏ. 210 3379000ñ Fax: 210 3216870 °Ú·ÊÂ›Ô ¶ÂÈÚ·È¿: º›ÏˆÓÔ˜ 133 ∞ñ 185 36 ¶ÂÈÚ·È¿˜ TËÏ. 210 4293646ñ Fax: 210 4293724 °Ú·ÊÂ›Ô £ÂÛ/ӛ΢: ÿˆÓÔ˜ ¢Ú·ÁÔ‡ÌË 3ñ 546 25 £ÂÛÛ·ÏÔÓ›ÎË TËÏ. 2310 538700ñ Fax: 2310 531040 °Ú·ÊÂ›Ô ∏Ú·ÎÏ›Ԣ/∫Ú‹Ù˘: ÃÔÚÙ·ÙÛÒÓ 14ñ 712 02 ∏Ú¿ÎÏÂÈÔ ∫Ú‹Ù˘ TËÏ. 2810 341309ñ Fax: 2810 341926 °Ú·ÊÂ›Ô ¶¿ÙÚ·˜: ¶Ï·Ù›· µ·Û. °ÂˆÚÁ›Ô˘ 3ñ 262 21 ¶¿ÙÚ· TËÏ. 2610 621166-78-84-85ñ Fax: 2610 621190

ME§O™ TOY OMI§OY

Some 500 media Xenios

39

Attica-Athens

ATTD 2009 The Vanguard Diabetes Technology Conference February 25, 2009 - February 28, 2009, Athens Hilton The 2nd International ATTD Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) presents professionals in the field a cutting-edge scientific program focusing on the latest technologies for the treatment and prevention of diabetes and related illnesses.

ATTD Athens 2009 topics include new insulin analogues and delivery systems, insulin pumps, glucose sensors, closed-loop systems devices for diabetic prevention, artificial pancreas, and new technologies for treating obesity.

ATTD Conference Highlights: Presentations by renowned professionals Plenary lectures Company workshops An industry exhibition Poster sessions

Neuropsychiatric, Psychological & Social Developments in a Globalised World Date: May 05, 2009 - May 08, 2009 Athens Hilton

3rd International Congress of Rhinology-Otology & Skull Base Current Concepts Date: May 07, 2009 - May 10, 2009 Divani Apollon Palace Language The official language of the Congress will be English.

Preliminary Programme The Preliminary Programme and Call for Abstracts will be available by November 2008. It will contain the Scientific Programme, instructions for the submission of Abstracts, the Social Programme and the Registration/Hotel Accommodation

Forms.

Website The official website of the Congress is www.rhinotoskull2009.com.

5th World Congress of Neuroendoscopy Date: May 31, 2009 - June 06, 2009 Grande Bretagne Hotel Congress Topics : Hydrocephalus Ventricular tumors and cysts Pituitary adenomas Endoscopic approach to the Skull base Endoscopic approach to the Spine Technological Advances in Endoscopy www.neuroendoscopy2009.com

World Federation of Mental Health World Congress September 02, 2090 - September 09, 2009 Athens Hilton www.wmhc2009.com

3rd Joint Meeting of the International Bone & Mineral Society and the European Calcified Tissue Society Date: May 07, 2011 - May 11, 2011 City: Athens Country: Greece Contact: Maurice Maloney, Association Coordinator, International Bone and Mineral Society (IBMS), 2025 M Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036, USA Phone: 1-202-367-1121 Fax: 1-202-367-2121 E-Mail: info@IBMSonline.org

Oriflame Cosmetics Event in Athens One of the most demanding Events (since the 2004 Olympic Games) took place in Athens last August, organized with great success by the leading DMC / PCO 'Event Makers'.

The largest-scale ever Global Conference of 'Oriflame Cosmetics' with 5.000 participants from the 60 countries where the company operates, was thrilled to experience world-famous Greek hospitality and the exceptional planning and execution of a challenging 7-day program (August 19 – 25).

40

Xenios

Event Makers', exciting and challenging role included accommodation arrangements in 13 hotels, transportation with 120 coaches, chartering two cruise ships for daily cruises, operation of daily tours and excursions and staffing of hospitality desks at the Airport & in Hotels.

The highlights of the Event were the Welcome and Gala dinners that took place in the open-air premises of the Olympic Stadium with a rich entertainment program (local and international), amazing production and audiovisuals as well as catering serving 500 tables with a 4-course menu! 170 parallel events were also organized including country meetings. .

These included meetings at the Olympic Stadium of Taekwondo in the coast of Athens and a fab beach party at a stunning coastal venue also.

With almost 16.000 overnights and a â‚Ź7M budget, the 2008 Oriflame Global Conference is considered one of the top events ever organized in Athens, resulting in a very significant contribution in the local MICE industry and a very positive showcasing of Athens as a top MICE destination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xenios

41

Attica-Athens

Royal Olympic: A Unique Ingredient

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

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

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

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

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

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

42

Xenios

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

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

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

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

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

After its impressive renovation, the Royal Olympic can satisfy

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

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

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

OLYMPIA, the largest

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

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

WiFi is available throughout the Hotel.

Xenios

43

Crete: The Warm Welcome of Europe

Crete

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

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

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

44

Xenios

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crete

over the world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heraklio of Crete aims to hold more meetings 46

Xenios

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

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

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

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

The Hersonissos of Greece..

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

Crete

blessed land.

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

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

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

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

48

Xenios

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

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

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

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

Gonies is situated in the

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

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

It lays 680 metres above the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xenios

49

Crete

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

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

Chania: Alternative tourism

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

In this way the Zeus of Crete 50

Xenios

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

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

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

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

The people of Chania will

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

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

ers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

birds in the wetlands of the lake of Agia.

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

Marinas function in Chania, Kisamos and Paleochora.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

51

Crete

Minoa Palace Resort, Conference Center & SPA

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

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

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

There is also availability of connecting family rooms.

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

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

52

Xenios

RESTAURANTS - BARS: ''ELIA'' Main restaurant with rich breakfast, dinner & theme nights buffet.

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

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

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

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

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

"THOLOS" falls.

Impressive pool bar, with glamorous water-

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

CONFERENCE & BANQUETING FACILITIES: New as well as unique in Western Crete, state of the art conference room, 1.350sqm & maximum height 5,50m, rectangular, without columns, with a capacity of over 1.500 delegates & with the possibility of division into 5 smaller rooms from 50600 delegates & exhibition area of more than 500sqm.

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

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

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

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

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

New lounge- TV bar, situated at the Imperial

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

Xenios

53

Crete

 thalasso maris hotels Â

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

also very effective on stressed-out people.

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

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

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

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

Improvement of Blood circulation

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

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

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

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

54

Xenios

Crete

ATLANTIS THE ART OF RELAXATION

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

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

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

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

Hotel Facilities

meters.

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

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

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

Special menus are prepared for vegetarians and diabetics.

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

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

Xenios

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

Available on request: simultaneous interpresentation system, CD player.

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

Ionian Islands: Lefkada

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

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

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

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

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

The village spreads amphithe-

atrically from the sandy beach and the crystal gulf.

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

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

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

From the magic and full of small

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The people in Vasiliki are particularly friendly and hospitable.

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

Xenios

57

Zakynthos, a floating Paradise

Ionian Islands

most sea sports.

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

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

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

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

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

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

58

Xenios

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

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

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

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

Gelina Village Hotel, Resort & SpaÌÌÌÌ

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

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

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

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

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

60

Xenios

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

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

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

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

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

traditions of Greece.

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

Mykonos Grand, where extra is ordinary.

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

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

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

Mykonos Town.

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

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

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

Xenios

61

Cyclades Islands

Cyclades, where your myth takes place

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

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

These islands complement Athens perfectly.

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

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

Many of the Cycladic islands have developed conference facilities 62

Xenios

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

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

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

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

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

visitors leave their island loaded with the most unforgettable memories.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Syros: The seaside town

Aegialis Hotel & Spa: Winter Special

Cyclades Islands

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

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

Long stay:1 month in standard accommodation including full

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

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

board.

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

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

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

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

Relaxation, peace and unforgettable moments await you!

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

Xenios

planned around the guests' needs and wishes.

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

The Magic of a Greek Wedding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

never forget.

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

There's No Place Like Home for British Travellers

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

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

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

Top 20 European cities No.

City

Country

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

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

17 18 19 20

Lanzarote Edinburgh Glasgow Birmingham

Spain Great Britain Great Britain Great Britain

Euro Pound Pound Pound

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

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

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

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

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

Xenios

67

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xenios

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

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

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

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

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

City

Country

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

Currency Pound Pound Krona Krone Lira Pound Pound Pound

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

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

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

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

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

Top 20 cities in the Eurozone No.

City

Country

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

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

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

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

Where possible, three prices were Xenios

69

London

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

70

Xenios

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xenios

71

Rhodes

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

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

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

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

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

Xenios

Cup, and were very surprised with these exciting news.

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

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

Rhodes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

74

Xenios

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

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

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

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

75

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

76

Xenios

RODOS PALACE A world of Meeting Hospitality

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

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

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

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

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

Xenios

77

Rhodes

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

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

78

Xenios

and close to the coast of south-west Turkey.

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

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

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

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