Xenios September 2008 by Xenios

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www.eibtm.com

A vibrant business. Revealed. For brighter, bolder business ideas, explore WTM 2008. Register for free entry at www.wtmlondon.com/xenios

Official Supporting Publication

IMPORTANT New Admission Policy for WTM Monday 10 November; Opening Day - Admission by invitation only Open to Registered: Exhibitors, Exhibitor Invitees*, Ministers and Press

How will this affect you? Visit www.wtmlondon.com to find out more

Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 November Open to Registered: Exhibitors, Meridian Club members, Travel Trade Professionals and Press

* As well as attending on Monday 10, Exhibitor Invitees can also attend on Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13

C z O z N z T z E z N z T z S Profit from Responsible Tourism Not a Dirty Word, Says WTM Spelling out the Business Case for Responsible Tourism

ITTFA Supports UNWTO in Relaunch of Protect Children Campaign

2nd Athens Biennale 2009: HEAVEN

Athens hosted the most successful SportAccord

Congresses in Athens

There's No Place Like Home There's No Place Like Home for British

Travellers

Visit London welcomes London 2012 Cultural Olympiad

THE AEGEAN TENNIS CUP Rhodes 2009

Crete: The Warm Welcome of Europe

Bucharest: A City of Contrast and Culture

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Publishing Director: Vassilis Bogris

@ 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.

Nikos Katrakis, Dimitris Loukas,

Editor in Chief: Yulia Ivanovna

EURO 8 Editor: Konstantina Papachristopoulos, Thomas No 4, Vol.12 A u g u s t - S e p t e m b e r Paleologos (London), 2 0 0 8

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Julia Ushakova( Moscow) Advertising Manager: Kostas Katsaros Production Manager: Othonas Bogris

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Asia’s Online Travel Sales to Grow 90% in 10 Years

Topics & News

Tech-savvy ITB Asia exhibitors say China, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Vietnam will lead the way SINGAPORE, 2008 – Online travel sales in Asia will grow about 90% over the next 10 years, say industry experts, with China, India, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Vietnam leading the way. According to exhibitors of the inaugural ITB Asia event, the new B2B travel trade show to be held in Singapore, 22-24 October, a majority of the cyber sales are expected to come from current customers aged up to 25 as they gain more spending power over the next decade. “There is going to be a huge increase in online travel and many global players have recognised the economic potential of the market, as well as the importance of maintaining service quality,” says Neelu Singh, Chief Operating Officer of Indiabased Ezeego One Travel & Tours Limited.

edge but also helps to protect their assets, brand equity and drives innovation,” says Oliver Winzer, Regional Director of IT Asia, Amadeus Hospitality Business Group, a global technology and distribution solutions provider for the travel industry. “In a world which is literally run by technology, it is imperative that one sustains the growth and invests intelligently to generate better yields and revenue,” he says. ITB Asia will have a Travel Technology pavilion and delegates are also being offered preferential rates to attend the Web in Travel travel technology event which takes place 21-22 October, also in Suntec Singapore. The key theme is how technology will change the way we communicate and travel in the future.

According to the Pacific Asia Travel Association, regional tourism is expected to soar with nearly 500 million visitors arriving by 2010, generating US$4.6 trillion in revenue.

“Most successful travel companies now embrace innovative technology solutions and online sales,” says Dr Martin Buck, director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organisers of ITB Asia. “Our role is to convene a great travel trade event that shows exhibitors and travel buyers how to get their share of the future of travel.”

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and global management consultancy, Accenture, expect the hospitality industry to be worth US$15 trillion in the next ten years. Hotels now have to keep up with the growing competition by aggressively embracing technology.

ITB Asia will cater to the three major sectors of the travel industry: holiday travel, business travel, and the meetings, or ‘MICE’ sector. About 5,000 members of the travel industry are expected to attend the premiere of ITB Asia. Floor space is already sold out with exhibitors confirmed from 42 countries.

“It [technology] provides them not only with a competitive

EIBTM 2008 CALLS ALL TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS TO ENTER THE WORLDWIDE TECHNOLOGY WATCH COMPETITION The WorldWide Technology Watch (WWTW) competition forms part of EIBTM’s increasing focus on new technology solutions for the meetings industry and will once again be taking place this year. The competition is dedicated to discovering the latest technological innovations that will have a positive impact on meetings, events, incentive travel, conferences and exhibitions. The closing date for entries is Friday 5th September 2008 and the winner receives a free stand at the MPI Technology Village @ EIBTM 2008 and the opportunity to present their product during EIBTM 2008 in Barcelona. Mandy Torrens, EIBTM’s Event Director says, “After the great success of last year’s WWTW competition and the record number of entries we received, EIBTM is looking forward to seeing the calibre of this year’s entrants. The WWTW competition is an important part of EIBTM as it nurtures innovative technology products which will enhance the future of the industry.” This is a great chance for these companies to receive recognition and gain increased exposure for their product. · The 2008 Judging Panel includes: o Corbin Ball, CMP, Corbin Ball Associates, WA, USA – CHAIRMAN o Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA- Amsterdam o Bruce M. MacMillan, President/CEO, Meeting Professionals International o Paul Hussey, Managing Director, Olive 360 o Charles Robinson, previously ITMA Executive Director 6

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Corbin Ball, CMP, Corbin Ball Associates says, “Meetings technology is progressing at a rapid rate and is an increasingly important tool for the meeting planner. Of course products such as RFID, innovative registration and management software are very important but so are the new technologies that will start to impact on the meetings industry including Web 2.0 technologies, social software, multi-user virtual environment and more. The WWTW judges anticipate a wide range of products reflecting these latest innovations to enter the EIBTM WorldWide Technology Watch”. To enter the WWTW awards or to find out more about the judging criteria, please visit www.eibtm.com/wwtw. The closing date for entries is Friday 5th September 2008. Judging will take place on Wednesday 1st October 2008 and the company chosen will be informed shortly after this date. The 2007 WWTW competition attracted a record number of entries from over 40 different international companies. The 2007 WorldWide Technology Watch (WWTW) winner was Shockfish SA with the new SPOTME ®. The judging committee felt that this product scored highly in all three judging criteria: innovation, completeness of concept, and value to users at events. The winners of previous years’ competitions have found positive publicity and commercial backing through presenting their products to the industry at EIBTM. The WWTW competition is the right platform from which to gain extra credibility within the industry. Samuel J. Smith, Marketing Manager from Spotme, 2007 WorldWide Technology Watch winner says, “A special thanks to the EIBTM team! We listened to your advice, followed your recommendations and had a great show. 2008 is going to be the best year yet for Spotme! EIBTM helped us get off to a great start!” EIBTM 2008 will take place from 2-4th December 2008, at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona. For more information, please visit www.eibtm.com .

Topics & News

More networking opportunities at AIME 09 “For AIME 09 we are extending the networking on Tuesday evening from 5pm to 7pm. This will allow more time for networking and lead into the ‘official event-free night’ and the Dine Around Melbourne program of restaurant discounts organised by Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau,” Ms Sarian said. Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has extended its successful networking hours, introduced for the first time at AIME 2008. AIME’s Welcome Reception, Dine Around Melbourne program, Club Night and networking hours provide additional opportunities for business discussions with up to 6,000 industry members in a more informal manner. “Facilitating opportunities for delegates, Hosted Buyers and exhibitors to meet in a more relaxed and informal environment is an extremely important aspect of AIME. 79% of Hosted Buyers to AIME 08 said that networking was a high priority and 82% said they were satisfied that AIME met their objective,” said Acting Event Director, Elizabeth Sarian. “For AIME 2008 we introduced a networking hour at the end of each day at the Globe Restaurant & Bar, within the exhibition. The initiative was well received by exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and visitors, who used the hour as an additional way of making new contacts and doing business.

The venue for the AIME 09 Welcome Reception is still ‘top secret’ at this stage, but promises to continue the Melbourne traditional of providing an exciting new location each year. The Globe Restaurant & Bar will be sponsored by South African Tourism in 2009, and promises to add a special taste and flavour of South Africa to the dining facility. Melbourne’s Dine Around Program of discounts organised by Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau and its members will again see several of Melbourne’s leading restaurants and bars offering special dinner and drink offers to AIME exhibitors and delegates on the evening of Tuesday 17 February. Back by popular demand in 2009 is the AIME Club Night, mix@fusion, which will again be held at Crown Entertainment Complex’s Fusion Nightclub. AIME 09 will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Australia, on 17 & 18 February. www.aime.com.au

RTE’S PAUL KENNEDY VOTED ONE OF MEETINGS INDUSTRY’S 25 MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE Paul Kennedy, MBE, Group Exhibition Director Reed Travel Exhibitions’ Meetings and Incentives Events has been named in the top ten of one of the meetings industry’s ‘25 most powerful’. The list compiled by US publication Meeting News recognised the 25 individuals, forces and trends who have had the greatest impact and influence in the meetings industry in 2008. Kennedy has been recognised for RTE’s flagship meetings event EIBTM in Barcelona and for his leadership and successes in setting up two events in potentially huge meetings markets – the Middle East and China. These three, together with AIME (Melbourne), and the ICCA Congress Exhibition represent the largest portfolio of meetings industry events anywhere in the world. Attendance at this year’s Gulf Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) grew by more than 40 per cent. In China, CIBTM postponed this year because of the Olympics, has the potential to become the country’s top meetings indus-

try event. Paul has been a major player within Meetings Professionals International (MPI) both within the UK and internationally, serving as UK Chapter Board President and International Board Member, with two years on the Executive Committee. Paul has been honoured many times with awards over the past fifteen years. These include the UK’s Meeting Incentive Industry personality 2001, a year he was awarded with the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). For the past three years, Paul has been placed in the top ten most powerful leading figures in the industry in a Conference and Incentive Travel poll, reaching second place in 2006. He is the only European to win an International MPI Award, and has won both the Leader of Tomorrow (2001) and Chapter Leader Award (2004).

UNWTO, UNEP, DREAM RESORTS FACTORY, STARWOODS HOTELS, are attending the 3rd International Rhodes Tourism Forum 24 -25 October 2008 Important personalities, representatives of organizations and corporations, business executives from the tourism sector, politicians and scientists will grace the forum with their presence. Through their propositions, the topic of change will be highlighted and will be covered by experts who have the practical knowledge and experience with regards to this issue. The list of speakers comprises the following names: FOTIOU STEFANOS – United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) UROSEVIC ZORITSA – World Tourism Organization 8

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(U.N.W.T.O.) ISUN RAFAEL – Dream Resorts Factory, TIM ANANIADIS – Starwood Hotels ÍIGEL HEMMINGTON – Bournemouth University VOROBIEV VLADIMIR – Natalie Tours TONY TSE – Hong Kong Polytechnic University DIMITRIOS BUHALIS – Bournemouth University NIKOLAOS ANALYTHS – Hellenic Network for Corporate Social Responsibility MURRAY SIMPSON – University of Oxford YIANNIS MICHAILIDIS - Hospitality and Tourism MICHALIS VASTARDIS - Athens Park Hotel For additional information regarding the forum, visit the official website of the event www.rhodesforum.gr

Fill in... the gaps

Topics & News

Slovenia is the first official partner country of Nordic Travel Fair MATKA 2009 For the first time in the history of the Nordic Travel Fair MATKA, a partner country has been chosen for the event. Slovenia, a client for the fair since 2004, was chosen as the first partner from amongst several good candidates. The numbers of Finnish people travelling to Slovenia has increased at a staggering pace in the last few years. In 2007, nearly 20,000 Finns visited the country. Tourists have been attracted in particular by the versatility of Slovenia’s nature and its many charming cities. In particular, the capital, Ljubljana, has been popular amongst Finns as it is easy to fly to direct from Helsinki all year round. “Slovenia is still a relatively unknown country to Finns, and the partnership will surely benefit both visitors of MATKA and Slovenian tourism. Slovenia has many good golf and skiing destinations, for example, which will become better known to Finns at MATKA,” says Rilla Engblom, Head of the Exhibition Group for The Finnish Fair Corporation. In practice, the status of partner country will mean more visi-

bility in all pre-event marketing and plenty of visibility and audibility prior and during the fair. Slovenia will be in the spotlight, for example, during press events, at the opening and naturally, in many other ways during the fair. “It is with great pleasure that we can announce, for the first time, that Slovenia will be a partner country at Northern Europe's largest tourism trade show, MATKA 2009. The Finnish and other Nordic markets are increasingly important for Slovenian tourism. Our activities and attention specifically focus on Finland, one of the fastest growing markets for tourism in Slovenia. The number of Finnish visitors to Slovenia is increasing every year. Just for comparison, Slovenia registered a more than 50 percent increase in the number of Finnish visitors in 2007 over 2006,” says Dimitrij Piciga, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board. Matka and Caravan 2009, the largest travel fair in Northern Europe The Nordic Travel Fair MATKA, being held at the Helsinki Fair Centre 15-18 of January 2009, is the industry’s largest event in Northern Europe. The MATKA 2009 theme is Our World – Our Responsibility. In 2008, the fair attracted over 1,100 exhibitors from 75 countries. Nearly 85,000 people visited the MATKA and Caravan fair, approximately 16,000 of which were travel trade professionals. www.matkamessut.fi

IMEX invites conference and convention centres to "go wild" plus subsidised air travel and accommodation. Says Dale Hudson, IMEX Projects Manager, "This year IMEX welcomed over 3500 exhibiting companies from 150 countries plus 3,600 hosted buyers from 58 world markets, amongst a total of 8,700 visitors. For Wild Card Winners this translates into an exceptional opportunity to meet interested buyers, gain feedback and learn from and share ideas with established exhibitors. The Wild Card Programme is genuinely unique in the industry and reflects our ongoing pledge to support meetings industry growth, diversity and innovation." New convention and conference centres in emerging destinations are being invited to apply for the 2009 IMEX Wild Card Programme for the first time. The amendment to Wild Card rules has been motivated by findings from the IMEX Politicians' Forum which suggest that newly built convention or conference centres in fledgling destinations often suffer from lack of local political support and understanding. By opening the scheme to include new venues (up to three years old) as well as the destinations in their own right, IMEX hopes to give Wild Card winners a valuable global endorsement which can be used to reinforce prominence, funding and goodwill locally. The IMEX Wild Card Programme offers a high profile opportunity for emerging destinations and new convention centres in such destinations to learn about the global meetings market and to hone their offering and market positioning in front of a relevant and active worldwide audience of buyers. It also provides a forum for winners to build important contacts and potential partnerships for the future. IMEX will be offering four free Wild Card places at its 2009 trade show which takes place from May 26th - 28th in Messe Frankfurt. Each winner will receive a place in the Wild Card "Look to the Future" Pavilion in addition to a valuable support package that includes year-round marketing and sales advice 10

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Application forms to win a Wild Card place can be found online at http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/wildcard.html. Applicants are not permitted to have exhibited at a major meetings or incentive travel trade fair before. They also have to demonstrate that they have the commitment and capacity to handle new business and that their destination has the infrastructure to support the demands of the meetings and incentive travel market. Recent winners of IMEX Wild Card places have included Armenia, Addis Ababa, City of Praia in the Cape Verde Islands and Transylvania. Speaking about the benefits of becoming a Wild Card winner, Tigran Ghahramanyan, President of Armenian Event, says, "As a new company in the meetings market we were able to represent our destination to the world market at IMEX. Thanks to Wild Card we made very useful contacts that gave us the chance to develop Armenia as a new destination. We believe Wild Card is a great idea and have advertised our win widely to all our partners." The closing deadline for Wild Card 2009 entries is 14th November 2008.

EIBTM POST EVENT TOUR LINKS UP WITH SITE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Topics & News

As part of EIBTM’s post event tours for Hosted Buyers, the organisers have linked with the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives ( SITE ) to offer Hosted Buyers the opportunity to attend the SITE International Conference taking place immediately after EIBTM, 5-8 December in Montreux, Switzerland.

The post event tour includes full attendance at the conference, the opening reception, closing Gala dinner and a trip to either Geneva or Lausanne. EIBTM and SITE have arranged with Swiss International Air Lines Ltd (SWISS), Geneva Tourism & Convention Bureau and Lausanne Tourism to offer EIBTM delegates special arrangements on flights from Barcelona, complimentary accommodation on Thursday 4 December in Geneva or Montreux and a full day of activity in Geneva or Lausanne prior to the transfer to delegates’ hotels and the start of the SITE International Conference on the evening of Friday 5 December. Mandy Torrens, EIBTM Exhibition Director commented: “This is a great opportunity for Hosted Buyers to attend two of the key annual industry events in one week.” For more information on EIBTM, and to register for EIBTM and the SITE International Conference log onto www.eibtm.com

Melbourne doubles its pre touring program for AIME 09 Melbourne has doubled the number of pre-touring options on offer to Hosted Buyers and media to AIME 2009, the Asia Pacific’s premier meetings and incentive event. AIME 2009 will be held on 17 & 18 February at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Australia, with pre touring commencing on Saturday 14 February. Twelve pre-touring programs are available in half-day, full-day or two-day one night options. “We have created an extensive pre touring program that provides a wonderful range of experiences in Melbourne and in some of the most picturesque regions of Victoria,” said Sandra Chipchase, CEO, Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau. “It’s a program you won’t want to miss. Whether you are an Australian buyer or an international buyer, you will find pre touring an invaluable source of great ideas for your next conference or incentive,” she said. The seven two-day excursions are offered on Saturday and Sunday, 14 & 15 February and buyers will need to arrive in

Melbourne by 13 February. The tours will showcase some of the most beautiful and scenic areas around Melbourne including the historic gold rush cities of Ballarat and Bendigo, the river-side towns of Echuca-Moama, the home of the little penguins, Phillip Island, the spectacular Great Ocean Road and Warrnambool, and the stunning Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas, home to beautiful beaches and challenging golf courses. Full-day tours on Sunday 15 February mix stunning vistas with delicious food and wine experiences, or give participants the chance to travel back in time to the gold rush days. Half-day tours on Sunday 15 February will deliver the best of Melbourne, exploring street art in hidden laneways, or creating your own restaurant in the historic Carlton BrewHouse. “Our survey of Hosted Buyers who attended AIME 2008 pre touring showed that 63% of buyers found their perceptions about Melbourne and Victoria changed after discovering the wonderful new and different venues and experiences offered in the region,” Ms Chipchase said.

Rezidor announces 3 new hotels in Russia The Rezidor Hotel Group once again increases its portfolio in Russia and announces 3 new hotels with a total of 969 rooms: The Park Inn Volgograd (173 rooms) is scheduled to open in Q2 2010, followed by the Park Inn Kaliningrad (276 rooms) in Q1 2011 and the Radisson Grand Hotel Rostov-on-Don (520 rooms) in Q3 2011. “These signings clearly strengthen our leading position in Russia”, comments Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. “Our strong pipeline in the country now features 23 hotels with more than 6,700 rooms – if we look at Russia and all further CIS countries all together, we even reach 35 hotels with more than 9,200 rooms in operation and under development.” The Park Inn Volgograd will be located close to the city centre – Volgograd is stretched along the river Volga and one of the key stops on the route of the popular tourism cruises. Near the hotel guests can visit the famous statue of Mamaev Kurgan which commemorates the Battle of Stalingrad (Volgograd’s former name). The train station with links to Moscow, Ukraine, the Caucasus and Siberia is 7 km away, the

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international airport 14 km. Besides 173 rooms, the Park Inn will offer a restaurant, 2 bars, and nearly 1,000 square meters conference space. The Park Inn Kaliningrad will be situated in the heart of the city – alongside the Radisson SAS Kaliningrad due to open in 2009 – and 24 km away from the international airport. Services will comprise 276 rooms, a restaurant, a lobby bar and lounge, a fitness, a Paulaner mini-brewery and more than 1,500 square meters conference space. The Radisson Grand Hotel Rostov-on-Don is the second Radisson hotel in town – the stylish Radisson SAS Don Hotel with 81 rooms opened its doors in April 2008. The spectacular Grand Hotel with 520 rooms will be located on the city’s main promenade overlooking the River Don. It will feature 2 restaurants, a sky bar, a lounge bar and 1,900 square meters conference space. A fitness center on 800 square meters and including spa, pool and outdoor terrace will complete the service portfolio.

ICCA publishes top 20 country and city rankings 2007

U.S.A. and Vienna top country and city respectively for the third year in a row

ICCA country and city ranking measured by number of meetings organised in 2007

The ICCA rankings cover meetings organised by international associations which take place on a regular basis and which rotate between a minimum of three countries. The data represents a "snapshot" of qualifying events in the ICCA Association Database as sampled on 14 April 2008. ICCA's Association Database is designed as a sales and marketing resource for its members to target future international association meetings, which is why it does not include one-off events or those which do not move between locations. This year the ICCA Data researchers have identified over 6,500 events which took place in 2007, a rise of approximately 800 over 2006. Partly this reflects the strength of the market, partly

it is thanks to a record number of ICCA members sending us their calendar information to help identify new events. As has been the case since 2004, the U.S.A. and Germany are the number one and two countries respectively measured by the number of international meetings organised in 2007. Spain, fifth in 2006, climbs two places to third in 2007, at the cost of the United Kingdom and France, which both dropped one place in the ranking to respectively fourth and fifth. Italy remains sixth and Japan, which was twelfth in 2006, is seventh in 2007. Brazil, which was the first

Latin American country ever to make the top 10 in 2006, is consolidating its position by taking eighth place in 2007. Austria and Canada complete the top 10 at respectively ninth and tenth place. Belgium and Finland are both newcomers in the top 20.

results. The full ICCA statistics report for 2007 will be released early June. The 10 Year statistics report covering 19982007 will be published early July. The ICCA statistics reports will be freely available online to ICCA members. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The International Association Meetings Market 2007â&#x20AC;? will also be sent to over 2,500

association meeting planners all over the world. ICCA encourages associations to use the statistics as a practical way to identify potential new destinations for their events.

As in 2005 and 2006, Vienna tops the charts as the most popular city; its first place has even become stronger compared to previous years. Berlin jumps four places to number two and Singapore remains third. Paris and Barcelona are fourth and fifth and Budapest remains sixth, but is now sharing sixth place with Lisbon. Beijing is a newcomer in the top 10 and climbs from thirteenth place in 2006 to eighth in 2007, followed by Amsterdam, which climbs three places to ninth. Madrid, nineteenth in 2006, completes the top 10. Taipei is a remarkable newcomer in the top 20 as it took fortieth place in 2006. ICCA is now working on the details behind these headline Xenios

Topics & News

Convention destination Berlin continues its successful course are the keys to success. Between January and June of this year they hosted 42,300 events, three percent more events than in the 1st half of 2007. What’s more, the number of participants also climbed by two percent to 2.27 million.

50,700 events with 3.86 million participants in the 1st half of 2008 National and international convention and meeting organisers are convinced of the quality of the convention metropolis Berlin. This is confirmed by the latest convention statistics of the Berlin Convention Office (BCO) of Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH (BTM) for the first half of 2008. The numbers of both events and participants increased compared with the same period last year. Between January and June 2008 50,700 conventions and meetings were held in Berlin. This corresponds to an increase of three percent (2007: 49,300 events). 3.86 million visitors came to the German capital to attend these events – two percent more than the previous year. Hanns Peter Nerger, President and CEO of Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH comments, "The latest data confirm the leading position of Berlin as an excellent convention location. We are delighted that the German capital is proving increasingly popular abroad as well. One in five events now has an international dimension. This underscores once again the growing importance of the convention market as an economic factor for Berlin.” The very high standards and the excellent value for money in the 160 convention hotels in the metropolis on the river Spree

Furthermore, the numerous unusual venues, also called "Locations", play a central role on the Berlin meeting and convention market. 132 venues in this category make available 276,200 m2 event space. With around 7,100 events (+3%) and 1.1 million participants (+4%), they were very well booked in the first half of 2008 (2007: 6,900 business meetings with 1.05 million guests). The number of events in the six convention centres and halls in the German capital was consolidated on a high level. They recorded 1,300 events and 500,000 participants in the HalfYearly Report 2008. According to information from the International Congress Centre (ICC), the most important convention centre in the Spree metropolis, it is fully booked for 2008. This positive result is reflected in the numbers in the latest convention statistics. Meeting and convention business travel generated more than two million bed nights in Berlin between January and June 2008. This is an increase of three percent compared with the same period last year (1.99 million bed nights). In the first half of 2008 the events generally had a more pronounced international dimension. The proportion of European guests and visitors from other continents increased by one percent to 15 (Europe) and five percent respectively. By contrast, the proportion of regional participants in the first half of 2008 fell by three to 46 percent. 34 percent of all convention and meeting participants in the first half of 2008 were of German origin. This corresponds to an increase of one percent compared with the same period last year.Given the growing number of international participants, the average length of meetings in Berlin between January and June 2008 has risen slightly to 1.6 days (2007: 1.5 days).

Special themed areas at the Nordic Travel fair MATKA 2009 The Active Holidays area introduces a world of possibilities to travellers. The latest addition is the Spa & Wellness area with great offers for travellers interested in spa travel and being pampered. Visitors will also be offered mini spa treatments at the fair. The Golf Destinations area introduces Finnish and overseas golf destinations and also includes activities for visitors. The Living Abroad area gives visitors information on opportunities for purchasing a home overseas. The Caravan World is home to importers and retailers of recreational vehicles and accessories. The Caravan Stage presents informative sessions for both newcomers and more experienced caravan owners.. The Active Holidays area is also home to the MATKA fair’s Main Stage, which hosts the opening ceremony of the fair and much more. Friday's Traveller Programme directed at young travellers and Sunday's family theme are also featured on the Main Stage. The Culture and Event Street will bring together domestic events, attractions and cultural destinations. There will be performances, mascots, songs, dance and all kinds of fun for the entire family. The Tasty Travel area is focused on domestic food culture as well as tastes from abroad. It offers exhibitors the opportunity to arrange tasting sessions and sell regional specialties. The Travel Services and Accessories area includes insurance, finance and health services as well as important accessories such as suitcases. The stage hosts information sessions and, between 9:00-13:00 on Friday, the Recruitment Session where 14 Xenios

exhibitors can introduce themselves to professionals and students in the field of travel and tourism. There are notice boards for posting recruitment ads that will be on display for the entire duration of the fair. The Book Corner features travel guides and other related literature. The stage hosts information sessions and interviews with authors. The Business Travel Forum is a meeting place for business travel service providers, buyers and company decision makers during the times when the fair is open to travel trade representatives. In addition to the exhibition, the Business Travel Forum hosts seminars and information sessions tailored to the needs of business travel professionals. Young Travellers' Friday and Family Sunday Friday's focus on young travellers and backpackers continues the tradition established in previous years, while Sunday's focus on families and travelling with children is a new addition to the fair this coming January. Special activities and programmes aimed at families are brought together from various participating exhibitors on the Main Stage of the fair as well as the Active Holidays hall upstairs while the focus is on small children on the Culture and Event Street. Exhibitors are asked to keep the special themes of Friday and Sunday in mind as they plan the programme for their stand and reserve time slots for the stages. For example, Sunday would be an appropriate day for exhibitorst to bring their company mascot on stage! www.matkamessut.fi

MEETING PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL SETS RECORD FOR LARGEST GLOBAL GATHERING IN ORGANIZATION’S HISTORY Topics & News

“Our membership’s response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said David Basler, editor-in-chief of One +, “Readers have immediately embraced the new magazine, excited about the thought-provoking, co-created content that is igniting conversations around the world.” MPI continues to pursue robust growth opportunities in emerging markets, adopting strong collaborative industry relationships, and exploring opportunities for community expansion and content business enhancement. As an integral part to this enhancement, last September MPI began revamping its awards program to recognize exceptional performance and best practices within the context of MPI’s new vision, mission and strategic imperatives.

MPI’s 2008 World Education Congress in Las Vegas Hosts Over 4,500 Meeting and Event Professionals DALLAS – MPI’s 2008 World Education Congress (WEC) in Las Vegas proved to be the largest global gathering of meeting and event professionals ever in its history. With over 4,500 attendees from thirty-three countries, the event attests to MPI’s shared vision of building a rich global meetings industry community. During the 2008 World Education Congress, MPI energized members with elevated content, new programs, exciting announcements, expansive networking, and enhanced corporate social responsibility initiatives. Upholding an ongoing commitment to a richer educational experience, MPI delivered over 100 knowledge sessions designed to enhance professional skills and increase member success. An enhanced marketplace experience also leveraged creative concepts initially pioneered at MPI’s MeetDifferentSM event in February, featuring open environments and connection spots as an alternative to the traditional trade show. “MPI members have a thirst for knowledge and business opportunities in an increasingly competitive environment. We created a transformational event. According to preliminary survey results, over 94 percent of our members felt this event would improve their job performance and productivity. Moreover, they confirmed that WEC was a worthwhile investment in their career,” said Bruce MacMillan, CEO and president of MPI. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Las Vegas community and look forward to carrying the success of this event to Salt Lake City in July of 2009,” he added. During the opening general session, MacMillan unveiled MPI’s new magazine, One +TM, which evokes MPI’s revitalized brand essence – connecting members to knowledge, relationships, and marketplaces. One + has a new, bold, vibrant look that mirrors the revitalized MPI brand and global community, with elevated content that engages and informs at a new level. Following the One + launch, this week MPI revealed a new and enhanced website effectively delivering the content and connections that support members’ success.

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During the opening general session at WEC, Larry Luteran, chair of MPI’s Board of Directors, announced MPI’s new RISE Award program – Recognizing Industry Success and Excellence. Seven annual awards will be featured, recognizing excellence in organizational, individual and community achievement. The RISE Award’s new recognition categories and criteria reflect our changing industry and better alignment with MPI’s drive to build a rich global meetings industry community. MPI’s commitment to lead in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was reflected in new initiatives at WEC. Attendee volunteers from WEC participated in a community outreach program at Opportunity Village. The organization employs disabled people through several channels in Las Vegas, including a fund-raising thrift store and two campuses. Recognizing the importance of this group, WEC volunteers traveled to the Opportunity Village thrift store and spent a fun-filled morning painting the expansive rooms a cheery light blue. Leading by example in sustainability best practices during WEC as well, MPI implemented re-usable water bottles and re-filling stations positioned throughout the convention center, utilized china service or biodegradable disposable service ware rather than paper or plastic service ware, MPI staff uniform shirts were made from an innovative cotton/bamboo blend, and the Onsite daily paper was printed by a Forest Stewardship Council-certified printer on paper that contains 10 percent post-consumer recycled content and soy-based ink. WEC 2008 raised the bar in many ways –with record-breaking attendance, elevated educational content, exciting unveilings of publications and programs, and enhanced CSR initiatives. When asked, “How do you do it?” MacMillan replied, “The answer is simple: a vision of what success looks like, members who help us push the envelope and co-create a passionate team for which success is the only option, and partner relationships around our shared vision of success.” July 11-14, 2009, Salt Lake City, Utah, is scheduled to host the MPI World Education Congress.

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1.763 hectares of peaceful and secure sanctuary for ideal relaxation 9 kilometers of unspoiled coastline, 25 secluded sandy coves with crystal waters 770 hectares of the finest quality turf for an 18-hole Golf course open all year round 4.700 square meters for an elegant and modern Thalassotherapy & Spa 425 Slot machines and, 17 roulette tables in a cosmopolitan privately owned casino 475 hectares of vineyards producing the famous Porto Carras wines 315 berths in a well protected private marina, 5.200 conference seats in the Olympic Hall and in another 19 convention facilities in the Porto Carras Grand Resort

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Terminal 5 dedicated check-in zone for business class customers

Topics & News

British Airways is introducing a dedicated check-in area for business class customers . The area, located at Zone H at the far end of Terminal 5 next to the First class check in area, will be clearly signposted for Club World and Club Europe passengers. Customers are still encouraged to checkin online and select their seats up to 24 hours prior to arriving at the airport on www.ba.com/managemybooking, but the dedicated area also offers the option of check-in kiosks and for those customers with hold luggage or more complex trips fast bag drop and customer service desks.

Paul Nickson, Terminal 5 customer experience manager, said: "We've had more than seven million customers through Terminal 5 and have received great feedback - it's working well now. We're looking forward to moving a further 30 longhaul flights into the terminal on September 17. This increased capacity means that even more business class customers are flying through Terminal 5 so it's a good time to introduce the dedicated zone."

Watch the US Presidential election results or experience top quality networking and education? Topics range from "Multinational companies and the evolution of their meetings" to "Glorius failure - how to profit from lost bids" and from "Current state of the US outbound meetings market" to "Bidding for major sporting events". Other sessions will examine some of the industry's most critical current issues, such as the dramatic changes occuring around the world in pharmaceutical funding for medical congresses, strategies for coping with times of economic turbulence, and managing communication with clients and the media during disasters and crises. The keynote Copenhagen Lecture will be given by Professor Mads Ovlisen, Immediate past CEO and Chairman of bio-pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk and current Board member of the UN Global Compact, the world's largest and most influential CSR initiative.

- this year's ICCA Congress delegates will get the best of both worlds. This year's ICCA Congress taking place 1-5 November in Victoria, Canada coincides with the US elections, so all-nighter TV rooms will be set up for political junkies to follow the results as they come in state by state. This year's education programme also promises to be a powerful attraction: "Hewlett Packard, Nike, International AIDS Society, World Dental Federation, World Bank/IMF, AstraZeneca, Smith Bucklin: these are just a few examples from our strongest ever line-up of world class global companies and associations whose senior executives will be speakers at the Congress," said Martin Sirk, ICCA CEO. "In addition, as always, there will also be a tremendous range of ICCA member session leaders who are keen to share their own knowledge and experiences".

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"We know that this year's US elections are being keenly followed by our members all around the world" said Sirk, "so we wanted to make sure they won't have to miss any of the action. I think the election all-nighter could end up being one of the most popular networking sessions of the week, with our US delegates being joined by colleagues from dozens of other countries!" The ICCA Congress is expected to attract between 700 and 800 senior meetings industry delegates from over 60 countries, covering all supplier sectors including congress centres and convention hotels, destination marketing organisations, and meetings management companies.

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Profit from Responsible Tourism Not a Dirty Word, Says WTM Spelling out the Business Case for Responsible Tourism Topics & News

Profit and responsible tourism can go hand in hand – and World Travel Market aims to prove it beyond doubt. A unique conference ‘The Business Case for Responsible Tourism’, aimed at demonstrating its value to travel companies worldwide, features a line-up of internationally respected Responsible Tourism experts. Taking place on Thursday 13 November at ExCeL London, it follows the second WTM World Responsible Tourism Day on Wednesday 12 November. The conference will be chaired by Prof. Harold Goodwin, Director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism. Taking place between 11.00 and 16.00 hrs the day will focus specifically on issues facing hoteliers and tour operators.

Profit and responsible tourism can go

hand in hand – and World Travel Market

aims to prove it beyond doubt.

A unique conference ‘The Business

Case for Responsible Tourism’, aimed

at demonstrating its value to travel com-

panies worldwide, features a line-up of

internationally respected Responsible

Tourism experts. 22

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Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of World Travel Market comments, “Businesses suffer from the misconception that responsible tourism strategies can mean taking a hit on profits. In fact, if responsible tourism activity is integrated with a well orchestrated business plan, it can have a positive impact on overall performance and has resulted in some highly successful businesses reaping the benefits of responsible tourism.” “Yet other organisations misguidedly turn their backs on responsible tourism because they simply do not understand that it can filter down to the triple bottom line of economic as well as social and environmental concerns. A clear signal has now gone out to the world that responsible tourism must be at the top of the agenda, but this definitely does not mean the industry has to forgo profits”, explained Jeffery. As consumer demand for companies to supply clear and recognisable steps towards providing greater responsible tourism initiatives grows, so does the number of organisations successfully incorporating them into their core business plans including a number of WTM exhibitors such as Intrepid Travel and Casuarina Beach Club Barbados. “Surely this is the time to play more than lip service to responsible tourism? The global economic slowdown means that all businesses have no alternative but to seek fresh ways of retaining and beating sales targets. That is why this conference is significant as the first opportunity of its kind to tackle head-on this vital issue that can deliver commercial rewards as well as make a contribution to the increasing problems of the world and more specifically our industry”, continued Jeffery. The conference will complement the comprehensive programme for WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Day on the Wednesday of World Travel Market, which will educate, encourage and stimulate travel professionals. Discussing his involvement, Professor Goodwin said, “The conference will show how businesses can reap real economic benefit from responsible tourism. It will focus on what responsible tourism means for the bottom line, how ‘doing good’ can enable businesses to improve performance, how to develop strategies to minimise risk and enhance products as well as secure market advantage.” Speakers include; Jane Ashton, Head of Sustainable Development TUI Travel PLC; Nicky Fitzgerald, Conservation Corporation Africa; Richard Hearn, former owner and MD of Inntravel; Liam Lambert, Operations Director, Europe, Mandarin Oriental Hotels and Chairman of the Considerate Hoteliers Association; Geoff Manchester, MD of Intrepid Travel; Lyndall de Marco, International Business Leaders Forum; Amanda Marks, MD of Tribes Travel; Chris Thomson, Federation of Tour Operators; and Loreto Duffy-Meyers, Casuarina Beach Club Barbados, Green Hotel Certification– Caribbean. As Head of Sustainable Development at TUI Travel PLC, Jane comments on her panel member role, “It is heartening to see debate and activity around responsible tourism gaining momentum, many still need to be convinced this should be a core dynamic in a company's strategic direction. The conference 'The Business Case for Responsible Tourism' at World Travel Market will, I hope, change that perception.” An early bird discount rate of £165 is attainable on conference fees for bookings made before 1 August 2008. The pre-registration fee is £195 and onsite registration £235, including lunch and refreshments. Log on to www.wtmwrtd.com for further information on WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Day.

ITTFA Supports UNWTO Topics & News

in Relaunch of Protect Children Campaign

The World Tourism Organization, UNWTO, is strengthening its efforts to encourage the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and within this framework is relaunching its “Protect Children Campaign.” International Tourism Trade Fairs Association, ITTFA, has recently confirmed its support of the campaign and will be encouraging members to promote the cause and help raise awareness around the globe. The campaign is a renewed endeavour to raise awareness

across the globe, emphasising that it is unacceptable for the tourism trade and travelling public to tolerate child exploitation in all its forms. Through this campaign, the World Tourism Organization, UNWTO, hopes to help eradicate child labour and sexual exploitation in the global travel industry. According to an estimate by the International Labour Organization, 246 million children are engaged in child labour, while millions are especially vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. There is little doubt that there is a strong link between the tourism industry and child exploitation in some areas, especially in countries where economic growth has created an enormous demand for child labour. UNWTO is also concerned about the spiralling growth of sexual exploitation of minors which is often associated to travel and tourism. UNWTO is currently designing a new logo, documents and video that will be launched at World Travel Market in London in early November. The full campaign will take effect on Universal Children’s Day – November 20, 2008. ITTFA meanwhile will ensure that the campaign logo and related documents will be distributed via their member show stands as well as in their own quarterly newsletter and relevant marketing materials. 24

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“ITTFA and its members fully support this worthy project, “ states Tom Nutley, ITTFA Chairman, “ and we encourage other tourism industry bodies, companies and related suppliers to join us in working towards a successful implementation of these basic principles. As responsible industry leaders, it is the duty of us all to educate new and growing markets and help show the way forward in all aspects of the industry.” In today’s busy and competitive environment, trade associations offer members a secure and comfortable environment in which they can gain knowledge and exchange ideas. Instead of going it alone, the power and voice of a group gets faster results and carries more weight. It is within this domain that ITTFA feel they can add weight to this worthy campaign.

Johan F Lundberg, current President of ITTFA is particularly concerned that the tourism industry take a more active role in social issues. “I would like to see the industry in general take on more responsibility for the environment and sit down to discuss the various global issues that affect us all, such as exploitation of children. Events are slowly becoming more socially aware and some, such as our ITTFA member show, WTM, now run their own charities and support various social projects. I do feel that we should be taking the lead rather than just a part in such issues which are common to the global community. Travel is a part of most people’s lives these days and as an industry we hold a unique position as travel trade shows to reach millions of people on a regular basis.” UNWTO and ITTFA hope that this renewed campaign will put the issue of child exploitation in tourism firmly back on the international human rights agenda. The project is being led by Alla Peressolova, Fairs and Communications Assistance at UNWTO (aperessolova@unwto.org) together with the International Task Force for the Protection of Children in Tourism. For more information on ITTFA, view www.ittfa.org

A unique ingredient â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the Royal Olympic, the view of Classic Athens is in complete harmony with the discreet ultra-modern Meeting & Conference Technology.â&#x20AC;?

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

Hellenic Tours, well established for over 50 years, ranks amongst the largest and oldest Travel Organizations in Greece offering full range of services provided by a contemporary Destination Management Company.

are only but a few of our ingredients used in serving â&#x20AC;Ś "exquisite au cuisine'' travel arrangements

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2nd Athens Biennale 2009 HEAVEN 15 June â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 October Attica-Athens

Profit Organization, which was founded in November 2005 by Xenia Kalpaktsoglou, Poka-Yio, and Augustine Zenakos.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 Non-

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Greece: Ten Reasons To Consider!

Attica-Athens

Into 2008 and Greece will unveil its new state–of–the-art facilities and ideas for inspiring incentives. The successful organisation and hosting of the Olympic Games, has presented to the whole world the new image and vision of Greece and showcased the country’s modern infrastructure. These two factors combined have set the scene for Greece to emerge as a contender in the MICE market. Greece is destination comprising of a variety of cities and islands offering organisers a plethora of choices. Greece is a single destination which houses a number of other destinations with varying characteristics, each offering its own unique blend of culture, history, landscape, facilities and activities. The conference and incentive portfolio of our country has been enriched with the Olympic Games venues. A number of the 23 venues have been designated as conference and events locations. Athens as the capital is enjoying a tremendous renaissance. Athens experienced a very busy 2006 and 2007, bookings are fast coming in for 2008 and 2009. Thessaloniki, the capital of Northern Greece, has seen a tremendous increase of 37% year on year in the number of events being hosted(224 International Meetings in 2007, compare to 179 International Meetings for 2006, and 131 International Meetings for 2005. Both cities however, should not rest on their laurels because there is a number of up and coming destinations that are doing extremely well in hosting conferences such as Rhodes, Crete, Kos and Halkidiki. All of these destinations over the past few years have been hosts to some prestigious events like ABTA Convention in 2000 held at Kos International Conference Centre, Porto Carras in Halkidiki hosted the European Summit in 2003 and the ICCA Conference for 2006 at the Capsis Conference Centre in Rhodes.

Ten Reasons To Consider: 1 People, Culture and Hospitality! Throughout the centuries, Greece has always been renowned for its three

PCO’s & DMC’s Athens - Greece AFEA Travel Consultants & Congress Services Lykavittou 39-41 Str., 10672 Athens, GREECE Tel: +302103668800, Fax: +302103643511 Email: info@afea.gr www.afea.gr ALVIA DMC 16, Poseidonos Av., 17455 Alimos Tel: +30 210 9889200 Fax: +30 210 9889201 www.alvia.gr e-mail: alvia@alvia.gr ANDY'S TOURS 89, Kalirois Avenue, 117 45 Athens Tel +30 210 9229511-4 Fax +30 210 9236012 www.andystours.gr, www.luxury.gr E-mail: andys@andystours.gr Event Makers 14, K. Palaiologou str 17121 Nea Smirni Athens, Greece Tel:+30 2109370205-7 Fax:+30 2109370208 Email: info@eventmakers.gr www.eventmakers.gr

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HELLENIC TOURS SA 4, Priinis str., 171 22 Nea Smirni Tel: +30 2109477000 Fax: +30 2109401120 www.hellenictours.gr E-mail: inbox@hellenictours.gr GNOMON PERFORMANCE SA 446B Irakliou Ave-14122 N.Iraklio Athens-Greece T: +30 2102845982 F: +30 2102845983 E-mail: sales@gnomon.eu www.gnomon.eu INTERMED TRAVEL CONSULTANS 2, Frinis str., 17676 Kalithea Tel: +30 210 9578441 fax: +30 210 9578490 www.intermed.gr E-mail: intermed@intermed.gr MARINE TOURS S.A. 22, Voulis str., 10563 AthensGreece Tel: +30 210 337 9905 Fax:+30 210 321 6870 email: thanos.marinos@marinetours.gr http: www.marinetours.gr

Next Generation DMC/EMC 66,Poseidonos Avenue, 17455 Alimos, Athens, Greece Tel: +30 210 9834620 Fax: +30 210 9889987 www.nextgeneration.gr E-mail: info@nextgeneration.gr PREMIER DESTINATIONS CONFERENCE & EVENT MANAGEMENT 82, Vas. Pavlou str., 16673 Voula Tel: +30 210 8995400 Fax: +30 210 8991009 www.premier-destinations.gr E-mail: info@pdi-group.net T&T EXECUTIVE LUFTHANSA CITY CENTER 64, L. Riankour str., 115 23 Athens Tel. +30 210 6984291 Fax. +30 210 6984294 www.tnt-executive.gr E-mail: tnt@tnt-executive.gr SYNODOS AMPHITRION 7, Syngroy Av., 117 43 Athens Tel: +30210 9240772 Fax: +30210 9241624 www.synodos.com.gr email: synodos@amphitrion.gr

Travel Plan 3, Chr. Lada str., 10561 Athens, Greece Tel. +30 2103333300 Fax:+30 2103333391 congress@travelplan.gr www.travelplan.gr TUI HELLAS 330, Thisseos Av., 176 75 Kallithea Tel: +30 2109495200 Fax: +30 2109495205 e-mail: info@tui-corp.gr www.tui-corp.gr YALOS TOURS 14, Trivonianou str. 116 36 Athens, Tel: +30 210 9248919 Fax: +30 210 9248690 e-mail: yalosgr@otenet.gr ZITA CONGRESS & TRAVEL P.O. Box 155 1st km Paiania-Markopoulo, 190 02 Peania Tel: +30 210 6641190 Fax: +30 210 6642116 www.zita-congress.gr e-mail: info@zita-congress.gr

basic characteristics; its people, culture and hospitality. Our strength lies in our people, who are friendly and hospitable, as well as speaking English and other European languages and always provide a warm welcome. 2 Close to home! Greece is easily accessible from London and other UK destinations as well as all European Destinations. There are six daily scheduled flights from London to choose from and a flight time of only three and half-hours, with only a twohour time difference! 26 International airports and over 20 international ports make Greece the ideal destination for a floating conference or for running a yachting/sailing incentive or just a cruise. 3 Breathtaking Contrasts & Physical Environment! Cosmopolitan cities sit side by side with the exciting outdoors offering visitors the chance to combine a wide range of both spectator and participation activities with urban cultural pursuits. With its 17,000 km coastline and two archipelagos scattered with numerous islands, Greece is a country that presents its guests with a variety of activities to be enjoyed all year round. 4 The Weather! One of the most important advantages of Greece is its mild weather. All four seasons and the activities completing them can be enjoyed; from a warm summer and water sports to a crisp winter and skiing in the country’s five ski resorts. 5 Safety! A full EU member since 1981, Greece is considered one of the safest European countries in the whole world. Demographic changes indicate that delegates are getting older and more of them are women. In addition, delegates are keener to bring along their families. The family market for business travel and events is expected to grow as executives try to balance long working hours with family time. Greece can provide safety for delegates and the opportunity to bring their family along as most hotels have made special provisions. 6 Investment in purpose-built conference facilities. Over the past few years, Greece has invested heavily in purpose-built conference facilities to complement the existing ones. Plans are under way for the development of six new conference centres in Patra (Western Peloponnese), Volos (Central Greece), Larissa (Central Greece), Ioannina (Epirus), Chania (Crete) and Argos (Eastern Peloponnese). 7 Competitive Delegate Rates. Greece is a country with a long established leisure travel industry. In the last few years, there has been a strong investment in developing a well-managed business travel industry. The ideal time to host an event in the country is during the shoulder or low season between October and May when most hotels offer competitive delegate rates coupled with mild weather conditions make Greece the obvious choice. 8 World-class facilities and services. Greece’s existing venues, facilities and amenities are all you would expect from a full-service business class destination. Including the Athens Concert Hall, Athinais, Kos International Convention Center, Creta Maris Convention Center, Capsis Convention Centre, Rodos Palace Convention Center and Helexpo in Thessaloniki. 9 Professional and inventive DMCs. On the ground support is provided by a number of professional and innovative DMCs blending imagination with attention to detail and inspiration through the country’s rich heritage. Our DMC's will take you way beyond what you thought could be possible when it comes to pre or post activity programmes and general itineraries. 10 Multiple centre business or conventions – or "consentives"! Due to its diverse landscape combined with the transport infrastructure, Greece is a country that is ideal for multiple option trips. For example, it is possible to host a convention in a city and an incentive in an island due to the transport links between the mainland and the islands or other resorts.

Attica-Athens

Posidonia 2008: A new record in the participation of exhibitors and visitors The 21st edition of Posidonia, the biannual world maritime exhibition taking place in Athens, achieved two new records in terms of the participation of both exhibitors and visitors. This year the number of exhibitors exceeded 1,700, whereas more than 16,000 people visited the exhibition to find out more about the most recent developments in various areas of the maritime field. From June 2nd to 6th, Athens was placed in the spotlight of the international maritime field. "The Hellenic maritime field is the pearl barley of the world maritime industry and the Posidonia Exhibition is its compass which, pointing always towards Greece, invites the international maritime community", said Mr Themistocles Vokos, President of the Posidonia Exhibition. The Exhibition was opened by the Greek Prime Minister, Kostas Karamanlis, who emphasised the legal framework that his government has developed in order to support investments in the Hellenic maritime field. He stated that "In 2006, the maritime field contributed a total of 14 billion euros to the Greek economy, an amount that increased to 17 billion euros in 2007". World wide participation The number of exhibitors amounted to 1,710 from 82 different countries. The large number of participants led the organizers to extend the exhibition area to 28,100 square meters. Posidonia took place at the Hellenikon (former airport) Exhibition Center. Besides the growth of participation in terms of numbers, there were also new countries coming in such as Honduras, Iceland, Luxembourg and Mongolia. There was also a considerable increase in exhibitors from Asian countries, who totalled more than 300, a number that

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has almost tripled since the exhibition held in the year 2000. One third of them (almost 100 exhibitors) were from China and 62 from Japan, Singapore and Korea. This edition also marked a record in the number of national delegations, which accounted for 22 in total. "As far as the Asian shipbuilding companies are concerned, Posidonia is a biannual event in which they need to participate in order to network with Greek ship owners and executives of shipping companies. This is mainly because the Greek shipping industry controls the bulk of the orders for the building of new ships on the international scene, with orders that by the end of March exceeded 1,050 ships and 75 million dwt.", says Ms Nana Michael, CEO of Posidonia Exhibition. And she continues: "Those involved in the maritime field have to keep pace with the developments and Posidonia, an exhibiton that contributes to the formation of the agenda in the international maritime industry, offers considerable services to both exhibitors and visitors as the ideal environment for co-operation and networking." On the Hellenic Maritime Industry Although Greece is a small country both in terms of population and geographic area, the Hellenic Maritime Industry controls 8,7% of the world fleet with 4,173 ships and a total capacity of 261 million tones. In 2007, the Hellenic Maritime Industry contributed 17 billion Euros , to the Hellenic Economy a number that accounts for 7% of the National GDP. The Port of Piraeus is home to 1,300 maritime companies that employ around 12,000 people. It is also estimated that in the region of 250,000 people are employed in companies that are related directly or indirectly to the maritime industry.

Athens hosted the most successful edition of SportAccord Bodies. The organizers of SportAccord happily expressed their gratitude to the City of Athens for hosting a great event, making it the largest and most successful edition up till now. The Greek hosts worked closely with the organisers ahead of the Athens SportAccord to present an increasingly memorable program of social and cultural events in Athens, enhancing SportAccord's already recognized platform for networking opportunities. Athens' Tourism and Economic Development Agency commented on the preparations, saying, "A brand new Athens celebrates the privilege of hosting the distinguished SportAccord Event in 2008. As a city steeped in sporting tradition, we look forward to offering a unique and very special experience to all delegates attending the 6th edition of the event."

"Following the great success of the 2004 Olympic Games, Greece has refined its place on the sports map. It has proved that it is in a position to meet major demands and has won respect and international recognition. The holding of SportAccord in Athens is once again turning people's attention to the Greek capital, which now has the right experience and know-how to become a popular venue again." These were the words of the Greek Minister of Culture, Michalis Liapis, preceding the sixth, and so far the biggest and most successful SportAccord, one of the most important sport conventions in the world, marking yet another victory for Athens as a host to a significant event in the Olympic spirit. Only just two months before the Grand Opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing, SportAccord Athens 2008, the annual international convention of the sport movement, took place at the convention hotel, Athens Hilton. Over five dynamic days, representatives from the 100 International Sports Federations affiliated to GAISF, ASOIF and AIOWF, as well as the International Olympic Committee Executive Board came together. The President of GAISF & Chairman of SportAccord, Hein Verbruggen, said they were "honoured to be in a city that has such a historic and passionate involvement with the sports movement." Dr. Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee could not agree more, saying that Athens was, without a doubt, the most appropriate city to host the 6th annual SportAccord convention.

During this sixth edition of the SportAccord, a new feature was introduced to the programme, the SportAccord â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;City Forum' aiming to serve cities that host or want to host sports events around the world. It is designed specifically to facilitate cities in conveying ideas and best-practice principles. Similarly, the first edition of SportAccord Yearbook, to be launched later in 2008, will focus on sport cities, providing a valuable reference tool on the sporting and event infrastructure of cities worldwide. In keeping with the SportAccord organizers' aim of providing an information resource that extends beyond the event, SportAccord TV, provided video coverage for the first time, featuring the conference sessions and more than 20 exclusive interviews with top executives and sport industry leaders in Athens. Foremost media from all over the world, such as AFP, The Times, Reuters, NBC, Eurosport, DPA, BBC, AP, China Central Television, Insight Media Hong Kong, JIJI PRESS Japan and Al Jazeera International, attended SportAccord to report on the IOC's announcement of the official candidate cities to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, and this sold-out highlight was also made accessible for all to experience the event online through streaming.

Between 2 and 6 June, Athens proved to the world, yet again, that it undeniably has the ability to turn the most demanding of events into a success story, welcoming over 1500 delegates from more than 500 organisations in 60 countries worldwide, including sponsors, bidding and host cities, architects, sports lawyers, broadcasters, Olympic Organising Committees, rights holders and other specialists that all came together to present and discuss the key issues facing the sports industry. Ahead of the upcoming event, the Mayor of Athens Nikitas Kaklamanis believed that "Athens is sure to elicit a powerful sports vibe to all that attend the SportAccord convention, and to offer participants a memorable experience in this vibrant European capital, with world-class cultural attractions complimented with modern amenities, diverse entertainment and natural beauty," and his faith was rewarded. The convention had almost 70 exhibitors, top-notch speeches from over 30 leading figures, abundant networking receptions and the Annual General Meetings of the Sports Governing Xenios

Attica-Athens

Financial Times organise the 1st World Shipping Congress in Athens Athens enters the list of Financial Times Global Conferences and Events hosts, since the distinguished British newspaper chose the Greek capital to launch the FT 1st World Shipping Congress, which takes place on October 9 at Zappeion Megaron.

International Chamber of Shipping and the International Shipping Federation.

Under the title "Charting the Course of World Shipping", the conference debates where the global shipping market is headed and how to manage risk and raise financing for future development. As pointed out by the organizers "shipping carries 90% of world trade, contributing over $380 billion to the world economy every year. The exceptional growth in world trade in recent years has given the industry record profits, with both dry and wet bulk demand from both the developed and developing world consistently outpacing supply. While Asian demand for commodities such as steel and oil continues to grow, a significant downturn in western consumer markets will undoubtedly have an impact on future growth." The conference brings in Athens important personalities of the shipping industry. President and CEO of First International Corp and Director General of Griffin Holdings Group LLC, Paul Slater comments on the downturn of the economy in developed counties and China, the instability of the world banking system and their impact for the shipping field. President and CEO of BIMCO, Filippos Embeirikos comments on recent developments in economy and sea trade, while Ted Petropoulos, CEO of Petrofin, discusses issues of ship financing, risk management and opportunities in the shipping field. Robert Wright, Financial Times' editor in the field of transportation chairs the conference, which is organized in partnership with Action Global Communication and with the support of the

Conference Venues in Athens - Greece Aegeon Hotel 68th Km Athens - Sounio Ave. Sounio Attica, 19500 Greece. tel: +30 22920 39200 fax: +30 22920 39234 email: info@aegeon-hotel.com www.aegeon-hotel.com ART LUXURY HOTEL ERIDANUS 78 Piraeus street, 104 35 Athens - Attica Tel.: +30 210 5205360 Fax: +30 210 5200550 200 delegates total seating capacity e-mail: eridanus@eridanus.gr www.eridanus.gr ASTIR PALACE COMPLEX 40, Apollonos str., 166 71 Vouliagmeni Tel: +30 210 8902000 Fax: +30 210 8962582 2000 delegates total seating capacity www.astir.gr e-mail: sales@astir.gr

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ATHENAEUM INTER-CONTINENTAL 89-93, Syngrou Ave., 117 45 Athens. Tel: +30 210 9206000 Fax: +30 210 9206509 4500 delegates total seating capacity. www.intercontinental.com e-mail: athens@interconti.com Classical Hotels Headquarters 3-5, Kolokotroni & Voulis Str., 105 62 Athens, Greece Tel.: +30 210 3743 600 Fax: +30 210 3743 643 www.classicalhotels.com contact@classicalhotels.com DEMOKRITOS - NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Patriarchou Grigoriou & Neapoleos Strs, 153 10 Ag. Paraskevi Tel: +30 210 6545498 Fax: +30 210 6532649. 480 delegates total seating

capacity http://www.demokritos.gr Eden Beach Resort hotel Athens - Sounion av. 47th km 190 13 Anavyssos Attica Greece tel: +30 2291 0 60031 200 delegates total seating capacity e-mail info@eden.gr www.eden.gr HELEXPO PALACE ATTICA EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE CENTRE 39, Kifissias Ave. 151 23 Maroussi Tel: +30 210 6168888 Fax: +30 210 6168800 400 delegates total seating capacity http://www.helexpo.gr E-mail: eska@helexpo.gr

Royal Olympic Hotel 28-34 Ath. Diakou str. 117 43 Athens tel.: +30 210 92.88.400 fax.: +30 210 92.33.317 2000 delegates total seating capacity. e-mail: info@royalolympic.com www.royalolympic.com TITANIA HOTEL 52, Panepistimiou Ave. 10678, Athens Downtown, Greece Tel: +30 210 332 6200 Fax: +30 210 330 0700 1000 delegates total seating capacity E-mail: titania@titania.gr www.titania.gr

Defendory International 2008 Start: 07/10/2008 - 06:25 End: 11/10/2008 - 06:25 7-11 October, Hellenikon Exhibition Center For the last 30 years, "Defendory International" exhibition provides the opportunity for the presentation of the latest defense technology achievements,inter state contacts,tec hnical briefings,vie ws exchange,as well as establishment of cooperative figures between defense industries or even promotion of existing ones.

8th International Hydrogeological Congress Start: 08/10/2008 - 06:29 End: 10/10/2008 - 06:29 8-10 October, Athens Imperial Hotel Hosted by the Hellenic Committee of Hydrogeology, commission of the Geological Society of Greece, whose members are also members of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH), in collaboration with the Cyprus Association of Geologists & Mining Engineers, the 8th International Hydrogeological Congress of Greece aims to the presentation and development of opinions and solutions of the contemporary Hydrogeologic problems in connection with the promotion of knowledge and science.

Your Congress Specialists

Current Concepts in Head & Neck Surgery and Oncology Global Continuing Education Program (IFHNOS) Start: 09/10/2008 - 06:31 End: 11/10/2008 - 06:31 9-11 October, Divani Caravel Hotel This major educational and scientific event was conceived by the Founder of International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) Dr. Jatin P. Shah, a world leader in head and neck surgery and oncology. With the World Tour, IFHNOS is offering a global continuing medical education program featuring the most respected figures in the field of head & neck surgery and oncology. The program provides state-of-the-art knowledge and explore the frontiers of head and neck cancer diagnosis and treatment. Ample opportunity for interactive sessions between the local faculty, attendees and the traveling faculty will be provided.

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Attica-Athens

Recent Advances in Cancer Immunotherapy with an Emphasis on Vaccines Start: 09/10/2008 - 06:33 End: 11/10/2008 - 06:33 9-11 October, National Hellenic Research Foundation Organized by the European Society of Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy (ESCII) and Progress in Vaccine against Cancer (PIVAC), the conference aims to investigate into recent advances in cancer immunotherapy.

39th International Conference of the CMI (Comite Maritime International) Start: 12/10/2008 - 06:36 End: 17/10/2008 - 06:36 12-17 October, Astir Palace Hotel Organized by the Comite Maritime International in co-operation with the Greek Maritime Law Association, the conference is an opportunity to promote and further maritime law, hear experts in all fields, meet old friends and make new contacts.

27th Conference of the International Academy of Pathology (IAP) Start: 12/10/2008 - 06:40 End: 17/10/2008 - 06:40 12-17 October, Megaron Athens International Conference Center Organized by the International Academy of Pathology, the congress gathers experts from all over the world to reflect on the latest developments in various fields of pathology, such as autopsy pathology, bone pathology, breast pathology, cardiovascular pathology, hematopathology, molecular pathology etc.

3rd Dual Congress on Psychiatry and the Neurosciences Start: 16/10/2008 - 04:25 End: 19/10/2008 - 04:25 16-19 October, Divani Caravel Hotel

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Two major events in the fields of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, namely the 2nd European Congress of the International Neuropsychiatric Association and the 3rd Mediterranean Congress of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry come together to form the 3rd Dual Congress on Psychiatry and the Neurosciences, thus offering a holistic approach into these closely related fields.

3rd International Conference on Performance Evaluation Methodologies and Tools, Valuetools 2008 Start: 20/10/2008 - 04:31 End: 24/10/2008 - 04:31 20-24 October, Hotel Amarilia In recent years, a range of performance evaluation methodologies and tools has been developed within disparate research communities for the purposes of evaluation, design, and model reduction. The aim of the Performance Evaluation Methodologies and Tools conference is to build bridges between these communities, bringing theory and practice together in order to compare and debate the complete range of performance evaluation methodologies and their implementation into tools and to promote interdisciplinary flow of technical information among industry systems designers and researchers.

2nd World Congress on Controversies in Neurology (CONy) Start: 23/10/2008 - 04:35 End: 26/10/2008 - 04:35 23-26 October, Athens Hilton With the problem of neurological diseases reaching epidemiological dimensions, treatment possibilities have digressed diversely. This development has created a need for debates on the numerous controversial issues, and to attain clinical conclusions. The intention of the 2nd World Congress on Controversies in Neurology (CONy) is to function as an exclusive forum for international experts to share and compare experiences, in order to outline appropriate treatment. A congress that focuses on clinical controversies is an entirely new

concept. It is embarked upon primarily to facilitate effective debate on unresolved clinical and therapeutic dilemmas

13th International Anti-Corruption Conference Start: 30/10/2008 - 04:39 End: 02/11/2008 - 04:39 30 October - 2 November, Megaron Athens International Conference Center Organized by the International Anti Corruption Council, the Transparency International and the Ministry of Justice of the Hellenic Republic, the conference brings together leading practitioners and experts on sustainability, governance, and transparency to discuss the role of corruption and governance in the crucial questions that will make or break a sustainable future.

The 10th International Symposium on Echocardiography 9-11 October

2008 Onassis Center, Athens ONASSIS CARDIAC SURGERY CENTER Cardiology Department Under the Auspices of the

Medical School University of Athens and the Hellenic Cardiological Society

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 Semonin Companies. 38

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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, or call +30 210 8902000.

Athens All Anew Capitalizes on its Mega Makeover out throughout Attica in light of hosting the Summer 2004 Olympics including a new fast, clean and timely metro and suburban rail network, a new and award-winning international airport, new highways, new environmentallyfriendly buses, trolleys and a new sleek tram. Improvements in the city’s urban setting included the installment of 1,000 handicap access ramps, 65 km of newly-paved sidewalks, 250 km of rebuilt streets, 65 km of streets designed to aid the blind as wells as 300 km of new street lighting. Aesthetic Improvements to Athens’ Classic Architecture

Athens today is a place to visit, stay, enjoy and live, summer and winter, for a weekend, or weeks on end. And thanks to the monumental mega-infrastructure improvements -- new airport, new metro system, new tram, new highways, new roads, new pavements, new hotels, new department stores, flowers, trees and greenery brought on by the Summer Olympics of 2004, Athens has blossomed into a fresh, buzzing cosmopolitan city with a travel guide that competes with some of its more famous European counterparts. Studded with a stellar roster of arts and culture, modern and archaeological museums and galleries, all within close proximity, Athens is an easy city to navigate and enjoy and a must to visit. It may seem that Athens’ mega makeover happened magically, perhaps with some help from its patron goddess Athena. But it was a concentrated – albeit expensive – targeted set of initiatives, determination, and a strong Greek will that ultimately brought about Athens’ innovative turnaround. Taking full advantage of the “now or never” and “day after” opportunity for change brought about by the successful bid to host the Olympic Games, Athens, over-extended itself. But the rewards are many. According to research, the image of Athens has changed for the better. In England, for example, Athens is the 4th leading European holiday destination. Overall customer satisfaction of our visitors is at a high range: between 70% and 90%. Already this year, tourism in Athens is showing an impressive growth of 16% in terms of visitor arrivals. The general overhaul of 66 luxury hotels contributed to the higher number of luxury travelers visiting our city. To pay special attention to the consistent upgrading and promotion of Athens as a travel destination, we initiated and created The Athens Tourism and Economic Development Agency. The Agency has already devised a two-year plan of action and begun its implementation for developing and expanding tourism in Athens. A Behind-the-scenes look at the Athens Mega Makeover

Visitors to Athens today will immediately take notice of the improved aesthetic look of the city. Polished neoclassical buildings -- a staple of Athenian architecture from the late 19th century -- today gleam under the sunny Mediterranean sky as a direct result of the implementation of a series of renovation projects. Athens’ «Building Facades» plan of action improved and rejuvenated the aesthetic image of the city when many buildings in and around it were given a refreshing facelift. In fact, the program’s notable success has become a subject of study at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. This exceptional urban task, undertaken and completed by Athens has also recently been adopted as a national program sponsored by the European Union. More than 3,000 buildings in the city’s districts have already received this facelift with many more scheduled in the near future. Infrastructure and Aesthetic Stats at a Glance * Remodeled roads and public spaces along 450 streets covering 750,000 square metres * Repaved 250,000 square metres of pedestrian walkways * Rebuilt 250 km (100 miles approx.) of streets * Lighting improvements in over 200 roads covering over 300 km (115 miles) * Installed special grooved walkways for visually impaired * Installed 1,000 handicap access ramps * Designed 65 km (25 miles) of streets to aid the blind A Greener, Cleaner Athens Athens’ new network infrastructure sporting a sparkling sheen, had to be placed in a complementing milieu. Thanks to the city’s «Clean Alliance Programme» and increased budget for sanitation (it has doubled), Athens is a cleaner city. The results are apparent by the respect shown by the people that live, work and visit. This high regard is a direct result of the city’s development, implementation and enforcement of new sanitation laws, policies and practices that include ongoing public awareness campaigns. The city’s urban landscape was beautified further with the planting of over 14,000 trees, 67,000 shrubs and over 600,000 beautiful flowers per season, changing the canvas of the city to a painting with magnificent colors.

The new vigor of Athens and its citizens can be attributed, in part, to the new and extensive framework of innovations rolled Xenios

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.

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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.

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Eden Beach Resort OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE HOSPITALITY NETWORK ATHENS 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES Location: The hotel is located in the 47km of Athens Sounion coastal road. Description: Eden Beach Hotel Club comprises of 250 rooms in two buildings. It is amphitheatrically build in an area of

boarding school · Mini golf · Basket ball · Archery - shooting range facility · Large swimming pool: 320 s.q. · Parasols and sunbeds by the pool and by the beach · Beach volley · Pedaloes · 2 tennis courts · Basketball court · Petanque · Archery and shooting range facility Eating & Drinking: The hotel provides fine cuisine for its guests. Our freshly prepared meals combine Greek, Mediterranean and international flavours.

The beach The beach has been consecutively awarded with the "blue flag". The award reflects the cleanliness of the waters and the numerous facilities for the swimmers and the visitors of the beach. Services include Snack bar · Parasols and sun beds (on charge) · Canoes and Pedalos · Lifeguard watch and first aid · Changing cabins - outdoors showers facility · Windsurfers · Water ski school - wakeboard, Conference Halls Hercules Boardroom Artemis I Artemis II Theatre Layout School Layout U Shape

200 140 60

30 15 20

Large outdoor exhibition area of 1.500 s.q.m.

50.000 m2 rich in pine trees and gardens. The hotel offers direct access to the beach. Last major renovation was in year 2002. Distances · 20 km ancient Shrine of Poseidon · 25 k from Athens international airport · 47 km from Athens center · 30 km from Lavrion Harbor · 20 km away from the newly constructed Attica ring road (attiki odos), which enables easy access to the north and the south (peloponissos) of the country. Sport and leisure A group of professional entertainers provide a rich daily program that includes aerobics, contests and tournaments, lots of sports, dancing classes, folkloric night (1 per week) · Wind surfring · Professional water ski and wake-

banana ride, rings ride, flying fish · Beach volley Services · Mini club: Service for children between 4 and 11 years of age. Special entertainers supervise children and organize games, activities and surprises. · Children's seat (restaurant) · Beach towel service (on charge) · Excursions and sightseeing tours (on charge) · Public Transportation service · Car rental · Taxi service (on request) · ISO 9001 -HACCP study implementation

Conference facilities The conference center of the hotel was renovated in 2004. It features all the essential equipment and services to satisfy corporate meeting, conferences and product presentations. Equipment - installations Microphone installation Podium Microphone installation (cordless) High Speed Internet Connection Overhead projector T. V. laser LCD projector (beamer) Secretarial support Slide projector Poster boards VCR Organizers help desk DVD player Phone booth next to hercules room Laser pointers Different light scenarios Flip charts Natural light Wall screen A/C

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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

Thessaloniki 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 46

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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

Currency

London Great Britain Pound Manchester Great Britain Pound Stockholm Sweden Krona Copenhagen Denmark Krone Dalaman Turkey Lira Edinburgh Great Britain Pound Glasgow Great Britain Pound Birmingham Great Britain 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 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 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 retailer 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.

Topics & News

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.” 48

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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.

Visit London welcomes London 2012 Cultural Olympiad This image is available from the Visit London image library Visit London, the capital’s official tourism agency, has welcomed today’s plans for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. London’s tourism chief, James Bidwell said: “The Cultural Olympiad will be a great celebration of Britain in the lead up to London 2012. Beginning with Open Rehearsal this month, the four-year programme of events will showcase London’s dynamic arts scene and enrich our existing cultural wealth.

Commenting on the tourism benefits of the London 2012 Games, Mr Bidwell added: “Tourism in London is big business. It is worth over £16 billion each year to our capital’s economy and the tourism legacy of 2012 Games is forecast at £2.2 billion for London alone. Our status as Host City for 2012 is unique and Visit London is committed to delivering the tourism legacy of the Games to London and Londoners.”

“The Olympics like no other event on earth and they are more than two weeks of sport. The Cultural Olympiad will bring together and engage sporting and non-sporting fans in our dynamic, exciting and creative cultural scene.

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THE AEGEAN TENNIS CUP Rhodes 2009

Rhodes

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 companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 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.

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Protour : Model of a Tourism Promotion Organisation

Rhodes

Protour(Organization for Rhodian Tourism Tourism Promotion) founded in 1996 on the initiainitiative tive of the Rhodes Hoteliers’ Association -Collaborates -Collaborates perperfectly with all ranks ranks of the Administration Administration (Municipalities, Region of Southern Aegean, Greek National Tourism Tourism Organization, Ministry of Tourism) Tourism) -The Organization for Rhodian Tourism Tourism Promotion should definitely be considconsidered as the first colcollaboration laboration between municipalities -PROT -PROTOUR remain the only self financed Tourism Promotion Organisation in Greece with an annuannual budget of ov ov er 1,5 million Euro -PROT -PROTOUR is financed by by contribucontributions of the Municipalities of Rhodes Island and the Chamber of Commerce of the Dodecanese

The Organisation for Rhodian Tourism Promotion (PROTOUR) was founded in 1996 on the initiative of the Rhodes Hoteliers’ Association, the Organization of Local Municipalities and the Chamber of Commerce of the Dodecanese, which represents the productive classes. It is for Greece an innovating institution that coordinates the activities of the Organization of Rhodian Municipalities and of the productive classes in a common effort for recording, remodeling, improving, promoting and advertising the tourist product of Rhodes.

Administration: PROTOUR is managed by an Administrative Council of 13 members, composed of 7 representatives of the Rhodian Municipalities and 6 of the productive classes. Chairman is always the Mayor of the Town of Rhodes The Administrative Council determines the politics of the organisation and approves the action, promotion and advertisement plans, which are worked out by a 7 member Executive Committee (always under the presidency of the Chairman of the Rhodes Hoteliers’ Association), and by representatives of the Rhodian Municipalities and the productive classes members of the Administrative Council. These programs are officially realised by the Rhodes Hoteliers’ Association and are supported by the General Director (Special Councilor). Resources: PROTOUR is financed by contributions of the Municipalities of Rhodes Island and the Chamber of Commerce of the Dodecanese .

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Actions: The target of this effort is the enlargement of the tourist product, in order to present Rhodes as a COMPLETE TOURIST DESTINATION. It records and publishes all the characteristics and particularities of each district, as for example sights, ancient, Byzantine or medieval monuments, sightseeing tours, manners and customs, festivals, events, and so on. It participates in 24 international and local tourism exhibitions . It creates, prints and distributes all leaflets concerning the promotion of Rhodes. It collaborates with big advertisement companies for the creation of television material and for public relations issues, as it organises various presentations and workshops both in Greece as abroad. It looks after the recording and promotion of the tourist product through the Internet press. It strengthens and supports the organization of congresses (Rhodes is a member of the European Federation of Congress Cities). PROTOUR coordinates and encourages the cultural, athletic, artistic activities of the Municipalities, that promote the image of Rhodes. It invites and welcomes representatives of the medias and other factors that promote tourism. The Organization of Rhodian Tourism Promotion, which is first of all the tourism representative of Rhodes Island, collaborates perfectly with all ranks of the Administration (Municipalities, Region of Southern Aegean, Greek National Tourism Organization, Ministry of Tourism) as well in the planning as in the application of special tourist programs which promote this destination abroad and in Greece. Thanks to the above mentioned but also thanks to all activities realised until today, the PROTOUR Organization has won a great value not only in Rhodes but it has also become a prototype for most tourist regions of our country. And the Organization for Rhodian Tourism Promotion should definitely be considered as the first collaboration between municipalities.

Rhodes

Rhodes: A Cultural & Congress Destination

Who to contact: R odos Tourism Tourism Promotion Organization www.rodosisland.gr www.rodosisland.gr e-mail: protour@rodosisland.gr Rhodes is the third in size island of Greece and one of the most developed Mediterranean islands. Rhodes was one of the first Greek areas which develop infrastructure for the tourism and meetings industry. The medieval city of Rhodes, a place characterized by UNESCO as a monument for the worlds cultural heritage, is the largest medieval city in Europe inhabited today. Other places to visit is the Grand Master's Palace, the Archeological Museum, the Decorative Museum, the National Gallery, the Acropolis of Rhodes. The island of Rhodes has an ideal winter climate and holds the European sunshine record, with an average of 330 sunny days per year. The island's International airport 'Diagoras' is located 15 km from the city centre. Meetings & Incentives in Rhodes The same attributes that made Rhodes a particularly popular cosmopolitan tourist destination for over 30 year are still today those that make the island very attractive to the organizers of conferences and incentives seeking for novice qualitative ideas. It comes as no surprise when an organizer returns with a group that has been on the island for an unforgettable holiday trip for a conference or an incentive this time and vice versa. Rhodes enchants each year more and more holidaymakers from the thousands of conventioneers it receives each year. The island provides to a meeting 54

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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, horse riding, tennis, mini-golf, water-parks, scubadiving and sailing. -The Sound and Light performance takes place at the Palace of the Grand Masters. -Exquisite endertainment possibilities include the new Casino in Rhodes town and a numerous restaurants, bars and night clubs with local and international origin.

Rhodes is a full member of the European 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.

Industry). It is worth noting that the major multinational companies in every field of activity (ALCATEL, FORD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, AVIS, BARCLAYS BANK, BAYER, CANON, COCA-COLA, IBM, LAURA ASHLEY, to name just a few) have organized their corporate meetings and incentives on Rhodos.

Apart from the political events, Rodos is a favorite choice for international scientific conferences, such as the 1990 2nd International Meeting of Bacterial Epidemiological markets, the 1994 1st International Congress of Hormones, Brain and Neuropsychopharmacology, the 1st Mediterranean Congress of International Diagnosis of Thorax Disease and the 1998 XVI World Congress of the International Society for Heart Research. Moreover, major conventions of international interest have been held in the fields of technology (1998 European Association for Signal Processing, 1996 3rd International Circuits Electronic Convention), culture (1997 4th International Symposium on the Conservation of Monuments), sports (1996 World Bridge Olympiad) and economics (the 1994 9th Assembly of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce &

PCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & DMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Rhodes Conference Venues in Rhodes Rodos Palace Few venues can lay claim to having forged the image of a privileged conference and holiday destination. With more than 2500 conferences, incentives and exhibitions held in its premises, the Rodos Palace has braced an international reputation as a top meeting venue, that lends its legacy of success to grant you the assurance that the hotel you select is capable of handling every aspect of your meeting with the confidence borne of 30 years of experience. -9000 sq.m. meetings, pre-function & exhibition space -4800 delegates total seating capacity

-2500 conferences, events, incentives & exhibitions Lindian Village In Lindian Village, a modern equipped Conference Hall for special meeting or summits accommodating up to 350 persons equipped with individually controlled air conditioning and stateof-the-art technological equipment. Lindian Village is the latest arrival in the Mediterranean hospitality business, owned and managed by Sviriades S.A., a succesful presence in the Greek Hoteling since the early 60's. Located on the idyllic beach on the South-eastern tip of the island of Rodos, compining the Aegean island style architecture with modern cutting edge aesthetics, this deluxe resort offers high level facilities and impeccable personalized service, satisfying the needs of today's discerning traveler. Rodos Palladium The Rodos Palladium conference and banqueting facilities are recognized among the finest on the island. Academia, on the ground floor, is a magnificent round shaped multi-purpose ballroom with murano chandeliers, for 450 delegates in theater style. Comprehensive Business Services are available, as well as wireless Internet access, guests' parking in front of the hotel, organised excursions to local attractions and nearby islands and yacht hiring services. The hotel is accessible for wheelchairs at all its departments. The Lindos Bay The Lindos Bay Hotel in Rhodes is the island's latest luxury property to have undergone a total refurbishment, taking over two years in completion. Due to fully re-open in summer 2008 the four star property offers superior accommodation and an excellent range of facilities, all set within one of the island's most sought after locations. New for 2008 is the Wellness Centre, a fully equipped spa and gymnasium complete with steam bath, sauna, treatment rooms and a glass roofed pool. Three Conference-Meeting rooms for up to 250 delegates, makes it an ideal destination, for incentive groups. A new a la carte restaurant has been added alongside three new conference/meeting rooms, which also provide the ideal location for a wedding party.

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THE "PREMIER" YEAR OF THE LUXURY GARDEN & POOL VIP SUITES SETS A NEW ERA OF FINE HOSPITALITY FOR RODOS PALACE! Rhodes

types of Luxury Garden & Pool VIP Suites became the center of attraction for the demanding guests seeking an idyllic haven of ultimate luxury and privacy. A Whole Paradise of Gastronomy Experiences

Upon the completion of the first year of the Luxury Garden & Pool VIP Suites, the new Suites collection of Rodos Palace, the historical luxury hotel located in the cosmopolitan resort of Ixia has added this year a new chapter in its fascinating history. Hence, it continues to redefine and enhance the concept of the refined accommodation for those who desire to experienceâ&#x20AC;Ś.the true essence of resort life! The Luxury Garden & Pool VIP Suites were created last year within an autonomous area, nestled around the extensive hotel's Zen gardens and only five minutes from the Medieval City of Rhodes. They are characterized by their modern minimal design and their exceptional technological equipment. During the summer, the Suites with Private Pool, as well as the other

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Turning now to the new F&B outlets, the "12 NISSIA" Gourmet Restaurant, during its first year has lived up to the expectations of those who consider it as the most fashionable gastronomic destination on the island of Rhodes, combining a variety of flavors inspired by the Greek, Mediterranean and European Cuisine with an exquisite wine list from exclusive Greek and International wine labels. At the same time, the uniqueness of the hotel's Restaurants "Ambrosia" and "Castellania" was highlighted by the fact that they were chosen by the Organizers as the venue for the International Competition of Sommeliers and the Moet & Chandon Gala Dinner which is considered to be the most significant event of the international wine industry. The intention of Rodos Palace management to proceed towards this direction with a view to providing services of high quality for its discerning guests is reaffirmed by its willingness to continue its investment plan, expected to be completed in 3 years including, among others, new installations of the same type and services focusing on the concept of the well-being.

RHODES & RODOS PALACE AT THE EPICENTER OF INTERNATIONAL WINE EVENTS! THE 12TH INTERNATIONAL SOMMELIERS COMPETITION

The Gastronomic Event of the Year, the 12th International Sommeliers Competition of the International Sommeliers Association (ASI) took place in Rhodes and Rodos Palace . Taking into account the fact that wine attracts a very large part of the tourists globally, this competition proved itself a great means of promotion for both the Greek wine industry and the island of Rhodes as a destination with wine heritage, because it is considered to be the most prominent event for the international wine industry. The award for the Best Sommelier of the World for the Year 2007 was conferred to the Swedish Andreas Larsson who managed to "win" the judges with his vast knowledge and his talent in an impressive "Grand Final" in the crowded Jupiter Hall of Rodos Palace lasting in total five hours. More than 250 persons from 48 countries, authorities in the field of sommeliers and the wine industry participated in this world-class event that has already been recorded in the history of ASI as one of the most successful competition up to

date. It is worth noting that this competition is organized yearly in various places around the globe since 1969, the year the ASI was founded. During the three-day competition, the participants had the opportunity to enjoy a rich programme of social and other events, the most important being the Greek wine exhibition and the Gala Dinner offered by Moet & Chandon both organized in Rodos Palace. It is worth noting that this dinner was prepared by Rodos Palace Chefs in cooperation with Moet & Chandon Chefs who came for this purpose from France. During the event, four different types of champagne were served, including that of 1962 Moet & Chandon Vintage (!). The Heliotopos Conferences S.A. was in charge of the organization and the coordination of both the sponsorship programme and the exhibition while Rodos Palace was responsible for the participants' accommodation and the realization of the parallel events.

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www.travelexchange.gr

...the professional experience! Incentives & Events Meetings & Conferences Special Groups Leisure Packages Charter Flights Cruises Sea & Land Excursions

6th Km Rhodes - Lindos Av., 85100 Rhodes, Greece TEL : +30 22410-60330, FAX : +30 22410-69435 e-mail: sales@travelexchange.gr Branch Offices: Kos - Karpathos www.travelexchange.gr

Rhodes

The most awarded luxury hotel on the island, right on the beach of Kallithea.

Discrete luxury and authentic quality in a harmonious combination! With an aim to emerge as Rodos' finest hotel, Rodos Palladium commenced its operation in August 1998. Since then, our focus on quality and excellence of service converted from a corporate philosophy to daily practice. Uniquely situated in an area of 30,000 sq.m, the hotel enjoys a premier, beach-front location, right on the Blue Flagawarded sandy & pebble beach of Kallithea. The Afandou 18hole golf course is 8 km away, while the city of Rhodes with its magnificent medieval town is 9 km away. The Rodos Palladium offers luxurious accommodation in 355 beautifully designed, spacious guestrooms, 17 elegantly furnishes Junior Suites and 5 lavishly decorated Suites. All guestrooms enjoy spectacular views of the Aegean Sea or the tropical pools and feature state-of-the-art facilities to ensure exceptional comfort. Rodos Palladium is renowned for the quality and the high standards of service of its food & beverage outlets. The elegantly furnished Symposium Restaurant, with show kitchen and terrace, serves American buffet breakfast, as well as local & international culinary delights for dinner. Calypso Restaurant, by the pools, serves a la carte meals in its large open-air terrace and the brand new Mediterranean a-la-carte Thalassa restaurant offers delectable fresh seafood and regular themed nights. Mythos Bar is an attractive choice for an aperitif or cof62

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fee, while the Oasis Pool Bar serves refreshing cocktails by the pools, and the Poseidon Beach Bar serves drinks and light snacks those who prefer to relax at the beach, enjoying spectacular views of the Aegean. Rodos Palladium offers a variety of leisure facilities & services for every lifestyle: A large twin tropical pool with fresh water, indoor pool with Jacuzzi, fitness centre including sauna, steam bath and massage, two floodlit tennis courts, full size basketball/volleyball court, mini golf, table tennis, beach volley, boccia, water sports, aerobics & aqua-gym classes, as well as daytime & evening recreation with live music evenings and folklore nights. A lavish, ultramodern spa center with sophisticated care treatment equipment is also at guests' dispos-

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, fully equipped with a dedicated state of the art control room, permanent stage, remote controlled projection screen, dome computer-controlled camera, visualizer, data & video projector (3,000 ANSI lumen), dimmer controlled special effects lighting, wireless microphones, and an option for simultaneous translation for up to 5 languages. Plato and Socrates, on the lobby level, are two meeting rooms with natural light, for 100 delegates each, in theater style, equipped with data projector, projection screen, dimmer controlled lighting, and built-in sound system. Aristotle, on the lobby level, is a multi-purpose meeting room, for 100 delegates in theater style, with natural lighting and built-in speaker system. The hotel's banquet team can create memorable theme parties and gala dinners with a special touch. With its distinctive architecture, lush gardens, and tropical pools, the Rodos Palladium provides the ideal place both for indoor as well as outdoor festivities, accompanied by talented musicians and local folklore groups. 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. Rodos Palladium is an ISO 9001:2000 and a HACCP certified hotel by RWTUV Systems GmbH.

Rhodes

LINDOS BAY RE-OPENS AFTER 9.8 MILLION EURO REFURBISHMENT

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. 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. Also new is the entirely remodelled hotel entrance and reception plus a fresh water swimming pool and a children's pool with play area. Each of the rooms and suites has been carefully renovated featuring contemporary modern furnishings and a selection of useful amenities including internet access, mini-fridge, safety deposit box, satellite television and air-conditioning. Within the grounds of the hotel guests will find plenty of facilities including a further two restaurants, two bars, a mini-market, news agent and a full programme of entertainment and activities including barbecues and folklore dancing and music. The property is set on Vlycha Beach, renowned for being one of the best beaches on the island, and just 4.5km from the centre of Lindos with its historical attractions and quality bars and restaurants. The Lindos Bay has 186 standard rooms, 26 junior suites and eight corner suites. For reservations book direct by visiting www.lindosbay.gr or call 00 30 22440 31501. Alternatively bookings can be 64

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made through the following tour operators: Argo Holidays, First Choice, Thomas Cook, Olympic Holidays, Thomson. Direct return flights with British Airways start from ÂŁ110 per person including taxes. Book on-line at www.ba.com. The Lindos Bay Hotel is part of Premier Hotels and Resorts.

Lindian Village Lardos Beach, Rodos the flavours and discover the essence of a perfectly matching wine. Greek Restaurant

A prevailing Aegean environment in Rodos island, invites you to experience an atmosphere beyond expectations. If you want to settle amidst a luch garden of tropical flowers and trees, walk by a river, lay by a natural lake, smell the colorful bougainvilleas, view the sparkling sea, in an deluxe resort designed as a small village in classical island-style architecture, Lindian Village provide the idyllic venue.. Located on the idyllic beach on the South-eastem tip of the island of Rodos, compining the Aegean island style architecture with modem cutting edge aesthetics, this deluxe resort offers high level facilities and impeccable personalized service, satisfying the needs of today's disceming traveler. Lavish accomodation surroundings, exotic restaurants, luxurious pool complexes, gym, a superb 'Mediterranean only' spa, a state of the art Conference Hall, are just a few of the factors that have been shaped Lindian Village into a perfect escape. Conference Halls A modem equipped Conference Hall for special meeting or summits accommodating up to 350 persons equipped with individually controlled air conditioning and state-of-the-art technological equipment. International Restaurant The International Restaurant features classical tastes prepared to perfection combining influences from around the globe. The restaurant reflects the international flavours in simple yet refined cuisine, superbly prepared and served with flair. The atmosphere offers a combination of cosmopolitan and casual tone while at the same time elegance and genuine peace. The dishes include international recipes as well as nutritionally balanced options. Choose from an extensive menu for breakfast or dinner. A carefully selected wine collection, located in the restaurant's cellar, invites the customer for a visit to savour

Feel Greece amidst the opulent hues of the Aegean Blue and enjoy authentic Greek dishes. Ingredients such as olive oil, vegetables, wild greens, legumes and fruits blend harmoniously in most recipes that have made Greek food famous. Our restaurant offers a diversity of dishes and is a culinary challenge to the "connaisseurs". In a luxurious atmosphere overlooking the Village, white and blue details merge with the magnificent colours of sunset; we here introduce you to a range of carefully selected recipes deriving either from mainland Greece or the Aegean islands. Our sommelier will guide you through to the secrets of Greek wine mainly originating from small but exceptional producers. Thai South East Asian Restaurant Thai and South East Asian cuisine is gaining ground in cosmopolitan centres, adding a fresh touch in contemporary lifestyle. It is essentially a marriage of centuries old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something new and unique. In a delightful vibrant red atmosphere we emphasize the importance of taste and quality to present the flair of the Orient and the touch of Eastern spices in dishes with an overwhelming experience. We combine the talent and the creativity of our executive chef to offer an ultimately professional service. Our inspired menu includes a selection of innovative, contemporary and traditional specialities while our extensive selection of wines and beverages is guaranteed to charmingly accompany the dishes of your selection. Fish and Oyster Open air Fish and Oyster restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the sea and suggests the perfect atmosphere for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. A champagne bar accompanied with an extensive variety of seafood is set up to serve even the most demanding gourmand. A remarkable breadth of flavor, texture and suitability with different cooking methods should be considered when deciding on seafood dining. We present an outstanding service where attention to detail and the setting of the scene create the absolute banquet experience.

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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 Neo-Classical pediments - a reminder that 100 years ago this was one of Greece's most prosperous islands. There has been virtually no modern concrete construction here and now these fine old houses are being resurrected for visitors. The spirit of the island remains intact." ABOUT SYMI Symi is located in the Southern Dodecanese, north of Rhodes and close to the coast of southwest 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 summer for the last ten 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. Symi’s 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. 66

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This year Symi festival was dedicated to athleticism and to the Olympic Games of Athens 2004. Symi’s Festival popularity has attracted famous artists to participate like Nana Mouschouri, Leonidas Kavakos, Stavros Xarchakos, Thanos Mikroutsikos, Stefanos Korkolis, Orchestra of Moscow etc Symi has also been the host of important conferences such as EMIGRANT HELLENISM, NEOCLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE, LITTERATURE OF EMIGRANT HELLENISM, HEALTH NURSING IN SMALL ISLANDS OF SOUTH AEGEAN… www.symi.gr

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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

Meetings and Incentives in Crete

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

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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 74

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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

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

Lagada. It is situated in the eastern part of the area, on the 39th km of the artery leading to the plateau of Lassithi.Avdou, wooded like most villages of Lagada, looks like a small earthy paradise. Avdou is also called Kapetanohori, on the grounds of the well-known chieftains it bred during the Cretan Revolutions. Gonies is situated in the

province of Pediada, in the prefecture of Heraklion and is populated by 565 inhabitants. It lies on the 40th km of the road artery between Heraklion and the Plateau of Lassithi, at the foot of historical Dicti, the mountains of Lassithi. The village has not been named accidentally, but on the grounds of its location. It is situated in the middle of olive groves, at the southern corner of Lagada.Locals are occupied primarily with agriculture, cattle breeding and tourism. Oil, wine, top quality raki, cattle-breeding products and vegetables constitute their produce. Kera is the very last village of Lagada where you pass in order to enter the plateau of Lassithi. It lays 680 metres above the

road between Heraklion and Lassithi Plateau, 170 metres above sea level. According to documentary proof dated in 1368, it was referred to as one of Laurentiuw Maripero's feuds, named as Paramiew et Cammea. Moreover, in all probability, in Venetian Domination, the Byzantine Sovereign who named the settlement "Galini", immediately after the regaining of Crete mentions by Nikiforos Fokas. This very village had been destroyed for reasons we are not aware of, while the inhabitants who had been saved, built a new settlement in a place called Lagadi. The organized infrastructure of the wider area of Hersonissos represents a cultural recourseand include cultural tours, visits to the picturesque villages of Lagadas. Everyone can enjoy visiting Hersonissos, as it offers a plethora of activities, such as sports, water sports, an 18-hole golf course, paragliding, mountain bike, playlands, animal farms and for the lovers of good food and wine a wide variety of local rural production.

sea level, at the far end of a valley where streams, brooks flow and fruit-bearing or wild trees grow. It consists of two old settlements, Kato and Ano Kera, while Panagia Kera, or else, Monastery of Kardiotissa, after which they have been named, extends tight in the middle, between them both. The place where Kera is situated played a vital role in the revolution of 1821 and 1866. Potamies, this beautiful village of the province of Pediada, lies on the 34th km of the national

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

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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: "â&#x20AC;ŚOh fatherâ&#x20AC;Ś 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 springâ&#x20AC;Ś. 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 78

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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 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 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

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

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 400 delegates total seating Xenios

Crete

Minoa Palace Resort, Conference Center & SPA

MINOA PALACE 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 overhead bridge, connecting the

two hotel departments. ACCOMMODATION 214 Luxurious Rooms & Bungalows, 7 Superior Suites 31 Luxurius Rooms, Suites & Bungalows with private swimming pools 1 Presidential Suite, 85 sqm 2 Suites with private outdoor heated pool and front view of the Chania Bay. 1 Imperial Suite, 105sqm, facing the sea, consisting of a private fully furnished terrace 200sqm, 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 the rooms of the new Minoa Palace BEACH Resort, are composed of separate bathroom & shower and TV LCD 23''. RESTAURANTS - BARS: 路 "ELIA'' Main restaurant with rich breakfast, dinner & theme nights buffet. 路 "TA NISSIA" A-la-carte Italian restaurant, daily, from early noon until late afternoon.

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· "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, at night. · "GALAZIO" New a-la-carte restaurant, with an exquisite panoramic view of Chania Bay. Outstanding Mediterranean cuisine, designed by our rewarded Chef. · "MYTHOS" Lounge main bar, with a generously sized terrace, overlooking the lush gardens and the azure pool & sea surroundings. · "THOLOS" Impressive pool bar, with glamorous water-falls. · "THALASSA" Beach snack bar, ideal for refreshing cocktails & fresh juices, beside the beach. FACILITIES: 24hrs room service, 4 outdoor swimming pools (2000 sqm), 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.

week including our resident musicians in the main piano bar, theme nights with live orchestra and dancers. Daytime activities including aerobics, gymnastics, games e.t.c and other evening entertainment programs organized by professional soft animation team. CONFERENCE & BANQUETING FACILITIES: New as well as unique in Western Crete, state of the art conference room, 1350sqm & maximum height 5,70m, rectangular, without columns, with a capacity of over 1200 delegates & with the possibility of division into 6 smaller rooms from 50600 delegates & exhibition area of 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 3 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.

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, tai-chi, shiatsu, hairdresser's saloon. ENTERTAINMENT: Great variety of music and dancing options throughout the Xenios

Crete

Â 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.

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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 84

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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

Bucharest: A City of Contrast and Culture

Bucharest

Antim Monastery - founded 1714 - 1715 by the metropolitan bishop of Georgian origin, Antim Ivireanul, one of the outstanding cultural personalities during Constantin Brancoveanu's reign. The monastery represents one of the most beautiful monuments of architecture in Bucharest that belongs, through its decoration and conception, to the Brancoveanu style. The University Palace erected between 1857 and 1869, according to the plans of the architect Al. Orascu, who was helped in decorating the exterior by Karol Storck. In this massive construction, there functions the oldest institution of university education in Bucharest. The Palace of Parliament also called the House of People or the House of Ceausescu has been built between 1984-1989 and it represents the grandest administrative construction in Europe. It has hundreds of offices, halls for receptions or for other events (scientific, cultural, social-political), dozens of conference rooms (one of them with the capacity of 1000 places). It covers 265.000 sqm interior surface, being the second biggest in the world after the Pentagon building in Washington. It is also the third in the world considering its volume, after Cape Canaveral building, USA (where the cosmic shuttles are assembled) and after the Quetzalcoatl pyramid in Mexico. The city of Bucharest, Romania's capital, is situated in the south of the country, in the center of Romanian Plain .According to the legend, a shepherd named Bucur, whose name means "joy". His flute playing reportedly dazzled the locals and his hearty wine from nearby vineyards endeared him to the local traders, who gave his name to the place. The official document in which the city is for the first time mentioned, dates from the 20th September 1459 and was issued by Vlad Tepes Dracula, the king of Valahia at that time. Bucharest detains numerous proofs of its troubled past, and a mere stroll on its streets would reveal places and monuments of great historical importance. Over 40 museums scattered on its area evoke important events. Also, the green oases of the city, the parks, invite the traveler for some moments of pleasant relaxation. The attractive views around the capital, with some beautifully arranged lakes, constitute touristic attractions, specially wanted. 86

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Bucharest entertainment Bucharest is the best place to hear fine music: dance music, house, techno, jazz, irish-celtic, rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;roll, rock, heavy speed, hard, gothic, Romanian music (old and new, modern and traditional). Alive all night, we call you to our endless parties. You have the opportunity to become a celebrity over night at our karaoke and after all why not? And if you want more choose any live concert you want! But the night is long and you have also time for some cultural experiments (contemporary dance and music, underground theatre, outside cinema projections) or a cup of tea in Oriental ambient: Laptaria Enache, Green Hours, La Scena, Casa Eliad, Club A, Prometheus, La Cotroceni.

The Royal Palace in Bucharest is a 5 floors neoclassic building. It was built between 1812 and 1815 and it served as a royal

Conference & Banqueting facilities residence only until 1948, when the monarchy was abolished. It was then turned into an art museum and it nowadays hosts two major galleries: the Romanian Art Gallery and the European Art Gallery. Paintings made by El Greco, Rubens, Renoir, Delacroix, Tintoretto, Monet, Titian, Peter Bruegel the Young, Rembrandt or Jan van Eyck can be admired here. Auditorium Capacity: 450 persons, 75 sqm stage, 6.5/4 m screen, projection and internet facilities Separate coffee break hall Throne Hall Capacity: 350 persons sitting Natural lightening Usage: conference room dinning room Separate entry for catering services Balcony for orchestra of 20 persons Separate coffee break hall Royal dinning room Capacity: 350 persons sitting Separate entry for catering services Separate coffee break/ cocktail hall Round Hall Capacity: 200 persons sitting Usage: conference room dinning room Separate coffee break/cocktail hall Mirrors Hall Capacity: 150 persons sitting Usage: conference room dinning room Separate coffee break/cocktail hall Separate entry for catering services Rehearsal Hall Capacity: 90 persons sitting Usage: conference/presentation room Natural lightening Projection room Capacity: 50 persons sitting Natural lightening Usage: conference/presentation room Tea Saloon Capacity: 20 persons Natural lightening Usage: meeting/presentation room Separate coffee break hall For all the official delegates and conference participant the entry is made through the main entry, over 40 coaches being able to park inside the Royal Palace court.

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Venue: JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel

Bucharest

equipment; business center, executive lounge and Room Service accessibile 24 hours seven days a week; butler service upon request; valet parking; transportation to/from the airport; digital newspapers in several languages; five restaurants and bars: meal at Cucina, and Grand Avenue - a sophisticated shopping gallery, retail office space, - an international class health club, and 535 parking lots., and a welcome gift. The hotel has a sprinkler and smoke detector system. 90, Calea 13 Septembrie 050726 Bucuresti Tel. 403-0000 Fax 403-0001 marriott.bucharest@marriotthotels.com http://marriott.com/buhro

Bucharest is the first European capital to host a hotel of the JW Marriott elite collection. With 402 rooms, this is practically a city within a city, where the guest finds everything necessary for a successful business trip. All the rooms have safes, hair drier, TV set, two phone lines, minibar, work area, natural plants, umbrella, and separate vanity in the bathroom. The service offer includes high-speed Internet in every room and in all twelve conference rooms; state-of-the-art technical

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Â The House of People Â Conference Halls

The House of People is the second building in size after the Pentagon (330.000 sqm) and the third in volume, after Cape Canaveral and Quetzacoatl pyramid in Cholula, Mexic (2.550.000 m3). Over 400 architects and 20.00 workers were used for raising this building, and every single material used was 100 % Romanian. The construction started in 1984, having 6 levels with cabinets, reception halls, offices and the Chamber of Deputies. The palace has over 1000 rooms, with surfaces between 100-2.600 sqm. In 1989 most of the works were finished, remaining few interior decorations to be made. Nowadays, the palace is hosting the Romanian Parliament, being also the most important Conference Center in Bucharest, with a total capacity of over 5000 persons. The Parliament also offers the possibility to organize the most outstanding gala dinners in Bucharest.

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