MEETINGS STAR AWARDS 2017 by KONGRES MAGAZINE

2017

113

MEETOLOGUE Meetlogue

APPLES TO ORANGES NEW CATEGORIZATION OF MTLG 2017

Text by Gorazd Čad Photo credit Kongres Archive

“Ten years ago, when we started preparing the congress travelogues, we couldn’t possibly have foreseen that our methodology for evaluating destinations would have become such an important reference point for meeting planners. As of today, we have published 76 travelogues of various meeting destinations, all based on hard graft and solid field work. Our unflagging enthusiasm for this has demonstrated that we have been setting quality standards that are also being recognized by the wider international industry public through the Meetings Star Awards.” - Gorazd Čad, Editor in Chief

ongress travelogues, or Meetologues, have become a firm reference for event organisers in selecting destinations over the past decade, mainly because of their sound logic and the benefits that they bring to all parties.

On the initiative of individual destinations that have participated in the MTLG project, we have now prepared a new categorization of meeting destinations. The primary reason we have done this is to ensure the clarity and comprehensibility of the individual categories; the new categorization involves a combination of criteria and the basis for the classification of destinations into four classes is based on the full range of the index and total scores that fall within it. The main drive for us to update the categorization is so that we can provide to meeting planners as much information as possible on the capacity of destinations, which we have been evaluating since 2009 through our tried and tested method of congress travelogues – Meetlogue. Every destination is evaluated based on fieldwork and research, through which we want to get as close as possible to the real situation. The complexity of the meetings industry means there are many possible variables that can contribute to defining the ‘size’ of a destination. We have been looking for those that are frequently considered to be closely connected and interdependent. This aspect of the defining criteria process necessitated a review of existing literature, which is quite limited in that field and is heavily reliant on the statistics prepared by the international association ICCA, which focuses on recording the number of association meetings and their participants at a destination. Our pillar capacity of meeting estinations were calculated based on criteria that were defined with the help of leading experts from various destinations and are as follows:

114 2

Air accessibility of destinations This assessment is based on the European air connectivity report, which is prepared annually by ACI Europe. Analysing connectivity data from the SEO Economic Research’s ‘Netscan’ connectivity model, the report provides in-depth insights into how well Europe is connected by air, both internally and with other regions in the world. It distinguishes between direct and indirect connectivity, and takes a special in-depth look at the dynamics at Europe’s hubs – which act as engines of connectivity for wider outreach.

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms The development of meeting destination is directly linked to the number of hotel rooms it has, which according to our study reaches at least twice the maximum capacity of the plenary hall at the destination. The single use of rooms is dominated by congress guests and for business tourism, which includes the meetings industry, the use of rooms in the business categories of of 4 and 5 stars is predominant. For that reason, only those hotels are assessed in this category.

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels To enhance destination comparisons, we also captured the number of 4 and 5 star category hotels that are predominantly used by congress guests. The number of such hotels is a unique indicator of how well a destination is adapted to business tourism and vice versa.

Banquet hall maximum capacity Practically every congress or event also plays host to a social event or a gala dinner. It is often the case that the maximum capacity of the hall for banquets dictates the maximum size of the congress that the destination is able to accommodate. This criterion is therefore extremely important to our assessment.

MEETOLOGUE Meetlogue

The largest hall in the city (in m2) The size of the hall further dictates the size of the largest events and accompanying exhibitions that can ordinarily accompany such events. These are normally the multifunctional halls in congress and exhibition centres. This criterion is directly linked to exhibition activity, which is most highly developed in the so-called ‘meeting hubs’.

Maximum hall capacity in theatre layout Congress centre halls that are suitable for plenary sessions are assessed in this category. To make this a level assessment many sports facilities were excluded, as they typically lack the additional infrastructure required for the organisation of events.

Destination population A city or a town’s population tends to be the catalyst for development, transformation and, of course, also the generator of many events. Over the course of history the meetings industry has developed in the urban regions and is therefore considered one of the factors associated with metropolitanisation and the major conurbations in Europe. The results of this new categorization are presented in detail below. It highlighted that, depending on the supporting capacity, destinations can be divided into four categories that are framed based on the maximum number of participants that can be accommodated without encountering any major logistical turmoil or complications.

MEETING DESTINATIONS Destinations that can host more than 2,000 congress attendees

DESTINATION

MTLG INDEX 2017

on the detailed evaluation the destinations with an index of 500 to 600 still have some challenges in different fields, for example at Baku, where infrastructure development is incredible but where on the other hand it has a significantly low level of flight availability, or with Belgrade and Bucharest, where better accessibility and a larger number of hotel rooms is lacking. In each of the MTLGs you can find a more detailed and revealing in-depth analysis of the criteria.

LONDON, Great Britain

700

BARCELONA, Spain

700

PARIS, France

700

BERLIN, Germany

698

ISTANBUL, Turkey

685

VIENNA, Austria

682

PRAGUE, Czech Republic

659

MILANO, Italy

682

DESTINATION

MUNICH, Germany

634

VENICE, Italy

DUBLIN, Ireland

622

KRAKOW, Poland

475

BUDAPEST, Hungary

613

GRAZ, Austria

452

WARSAW, Poland

608

GDANSK, Poland

446

MOSCOW, Russia

591

SALZBURG, Austria

438

SOFIA, Bulgaria

571

ZAGREB, Croatia

437

ATHENS, Greece

569

VILNIUS, Lithuania

435

ZURICH, Switzerland

566

TALLIN, Estonia

417

BELGRADE, Serbia

545

SARAJEVO, Bosnia

413

BUCHAREST, Romania

531

BRNO, Czech Republic

413

BAKU, Azerbaijan

511

KATOWICE, Poland

404

THESSALONIKI, Greece

392

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia

385

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia

382

The largest European meeting destinations are to be found in the first category, as they have advanced development of congress infrastructure and excellent flight accessibility. These destinations are also predominantly the most important aviation hubs. There are, however, significant differences among the destinations that will be further brought out by a detailed evaluation of their qualitative criteria. At the top end of the category are the largest destinations, all with excellent infrastructure and minimum differentiation in their broad provision, mainly being in the sphere of flight availability. Based 115 3

MEETING DESTINATIONS Destinations that can host up to 2,000 congress attendees MTLG INDEX 2017 479

INNSBRUCK, Austria

374

GRANADA, Spain

370

NOVI SAD, Serbia

367

Congress infrastructure (hall capacity) and flight availability on destinations listed here enables the hosting of a congress for up to 2,000 attendees. In the field of congress infrastructure some especially great progress has

been made by a number of the destinations, such as Poland and the Baltic countries, where a number of brand new congress centres can be found today. Among the destinations there are also those where the infrastructure is in place, but is in need of extensive renovation, or those that are still waiting for a proper and dedicated convention centre to be built, such as Sarajevo or Zagreb. For this category flight availability is an extremely important criterion and is where major differences and significant competitive advantages can be made.

MEETING DESTINATIONS Destinations that can host up to 1,000 congress attendees

DESTINATION

MTLG INDEX 2017

DUBROVNIK

295

LVIV

293

KLAGENFURT

286

TIRANA

285

GRADO

274

SPLIT

267

TRIESTE

259

VILLACH

256

PODGORICA

245

SCHLADMING

245

PORTOROŽ

244

BUDVA

244

OPATIJA

242

ROVINJ

236

MARIBOR

212

POREČ

230

ŠIBENIK

208

UDINE

201

SUBOTICA

199

BLED

198

PULA

198

ZADAR

196

KOSICE

191

This is probably the most heterogeneous category and the one for which the general conclusion is that it is dominated by regional centres and major tourist cities. The congress offer here is mainly based on the offer of local congress

hotels and smaller convention centres. The capacity of listed destinations is therefore up to maximum of 1,200 congress attendees. All of the cities in this category have great potential for further development, which will be determined by additional investments in infrastructure.

MEETING DESTINATIONS Destinations that can host up to 500 congress attendees

DESTINATION

MTLG INDEX 2017

PODČETRTEK

175

UMAG

173

ROGAŠKA SLATINA

171

VYSOKE TATRE

171

HVAR

169

MOSTAR

169

BREŽICE - ČATEŽ

168

KRANJSKA GORA

160

OSIJEK

158

SARVAR

154

OHRID

151

LAŠKO

150

RIJEKA

149

NIŠ

145

NOVA GORICA

140

MALI LOŠINJ

138

HEVIZ

137

SOČA VALLEY

121

GORIŠKA BRDA

103

BOHINJ

SAVINJA VALLEY

This category is dominated by the smaller tourist resorts, where the meeting industry is a complementary activity during low season. Congress capacities are smaller and more personalized, adapted to meetings with a small number of participants (and dominated by the congress halls for up to 150 participants). The data for our overall categorization was collected through a questionnaire that was answered by convention bureaus, with data on the population of each destination gathered through Wikipedia. All of the recorded criteria were then 4 116

standardized and statistically ranked, a process by which at the end an estimation of the relative position of individual destinations could be made. Throughout this process of data trawling we directly obtained data from 68 convention bureaus (altogether there were 78 destinations ranked). The process therefore covers a relevant statistical sample, which will be further expanded in the future. The initial reaction from congress organisers whom we have provided the index has been positive, as this is a tool that will provide them with a genuinely realistic comparison. The entire methodology of our work had already been upgraded previous year with a system of benchmarking that is carried out for each individual congress destinations, under the name MTLG BENCHMARK. With our complete methodology we have saved you a lot of your valuable time that would otherwise have been spent in comparing yourself with your main competitors. Our process is conducted at two different levels:

DESTINATION EVALUATION (following the congress MTLG’s methodology) At this stage destinations are evaluated on all the criteria that are covered in our methodology, including 63 competitive criteria. Based on the destination evaluation a comparative matrix is prepared, which is the basis for the workshop performance of the second stage.

BENCHMARK WORKSHOP (with key stakeholders at the destination) The workshop is designed to evaluate the competitive strengths and weaknesses of a destination and provide the exchange of good case studies in regard to its the further development. We are confident that our objective evaluation will help event organisers and at the same time allow destinations to implement the further improvements required to overcome their comparative disadvantages. For further information regarding the MTLG benchmark we’d love to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to call us to 00386 (0)1 430 51 04, or send an e-mail to gorazd.cad@toleranca.eu.

2017

MEETINGS STAR 2017

X LARGE DESTINATIONS

MEETING

Destinations that can host more than 2,000 congress attendees

SIZE OF CITY

The number The number of 4* and 5* of 4* and 5* category hotel hotels rooms

Banquet hall maximum capacity

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

TOTAL MARK

VIENNA

1,867,960

19,877

189

2,500

4,320

4,77

MUNICH

1,450,381

12,744

2,160

2,387

4,68

BERLIN

3,671,000

117,637

634

3,500

5,000

4,64

ZURICH

396,027

9,761

113

700

1.435

4,62

EDINBURGH

464,990

10,405

141

1,400

2,000

4,62

BARCELONA

1,604,555

35,253

428

8,096

14,288

4,58

PRAGUE

1,280,508

22,491

258

1,700

2,764

4,55

LONDON

8,673,713

102,963

924

3,000

10,000

4,46

ATHENS

664,046

4,152

1,300

1,960

4,41

GLASGOW

603,080

7,230

6,000

10,000

4,40

WARSAW

1,753,977

12,000

2,500

5,200

4,39

ISTANBUL

14,804,116

106,000

217

3,000

3,500

4,34

BUDAPEST

1,759,407

19,524

208

870

2,000

4,30

SEVILLA

690,566

8,112

6,000

4,28

BELGRADE

1,233,796

4,158

1,500

3,672

4,14

MOSCOW

12,380,664

7,456

197

3,000

6,000

4,09

BUCHAREST

2,106,144

3,640

800

2,100

4,03

BAKU

3,202,300

3,900

700

3,500

3,88

SOFIA

1,260,120

5,500

100

1,500

3,380

3,79

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

1. VIENNA

MEETINGS STAR AWARD BEST MEETING 2017 DESTINATIONS 2016

DID YOU KNOW

WORLD CAPITAL OF CONGRESS TOURISM

More than 300 Balls per year are organised in this capital of music. Half of them are public, so you might get lucky and stumble upon one of them on your trip. Prepare to become familiar with the Viennese Waltz at some of the most famous Balls, like The Philharmonic Ball, Blumenball or Kaffeesiederball.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA “The Third Man” In the footsteps of the great movie classic shot in Vienna in 1947. You become immersed in the atmosphere of the movie at the original locations in the inner city and deep down in the Vienna “underworld” – the sewers made famous by the great Harry Lime chase.

COOL MEETINGS

4.77 Final Score

Vienna is a tourist, cultural and historical, convention and business centre with a high standard of living. One of the four headquarters of the United Nations has been in the Austrian capital for more than 30 years, as well as the seats of other relevant international organisations such as the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). Vienna is also an important meeting point of international diplomacy, as more than 3,500 diplomats and more than 5,000 employees of international organisations work in the city, generating a significant number of events. Vienna’s success also owes more than a little to the well-organised meetings industry represented by the legendary Christian Mutschlechner, with proof if it were needed of the city having one of the most professional convention bureaus in that as many as eight Certified Meeting Professionals (CMP) operating at the Vienna Office. The programme is run by the Convention Industry Council (CIC) and is considered to have the Highest Professional Quality Standards for the international meetings industry. Vienna is the epicentre of informal meetings of the New Europe and represents something of a benchmark for every destination, both in terms of organization and results, and most especially in terms of the quality of the entire congress offer.

Destination mark: EXCELLENT MEETING DESTINATION

WIENER SCHNITZEL – or Wienerschnitzel in Switzerland, is a very thin, breaded and pan fried cutlet made from veal. It is one of the best known specialities of Viennese cuisine. The Wiener Schnitzel is a national dish of Austria.

Marks: 5 excellent meeting destination 4 quality meeting destination 3 recommendable meeting destination 2 average meeting destination 1 passable INDIVIDUAL GRADES: Natural and cultural factors: General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meetings infrastructure: Subjective tgrade: Marketing buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index: ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

4,89 4,98 4,99 4,99 4,90 4,73 5,00 3,84 4,35 5,00

DESTINATION MARK:

4,77

Comparisons with the region Looking at a number of various criteria the City of Vienna is listed among the world’s most innovative, energy efficient and so-called smart congress cities. These titles are the result of active development of the meetings industry, which is managed and directed by the Vienna Convention Bureau. The calendar of congress and events clearly illustrates why the city on the Danube 9 121

has developed into one of the world’s leading congress destinations. Having a well-developed infrastructure is the formula for success, especially when the city has clear objectives, is taking targeted action and is integrating the entire city. Without a high quality service it would not function and this is reflected in the system for preparing the congress candidacies, with which Vienna has set the standard for other congress offices around the world. WHO TO CONTACT Vienna Convention Bureau Invalidenstrasse 6, 1030 Vienna, Austria T: +43-1-211 14 ext. 521-529 E: convention@vienna.info www.vienna.convention.at

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

1,867,960

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 19,877 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

189

Banquet hall maximum capacity

2,500

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

55,000

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

4,320

Destination capacity Destination population

1,450,381

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 12,744 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

2,160

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

11,000

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,387

Destination population

3,671,000

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 117,637

Overall performance

WORLD CAPITAL OF CONGRESS TOURISM • With the richest and most groomed congress tradition in Europe imperial Vienna is leading the game across many different scales of the congress industry. Over the past decade Vienna has also broadened its modern content and offer. As a bridge between eastern and western Europe, Vienna is known as a starting point and a central hub, which many other destinations are trying to mimic. Vienna’s success also owes more than a little to the well-organised meetings industry represented by the legendary Christian Mutschlechner, with proof if it were needed of the city having one of the most professional convention bureaus in that as many as eight Certified Meeting Professionals (CMP) operating at the Vienna Office. Vienna is the epicentre of informal meetings of the New Europe and represents something of a benchmark for every destination, both in terms of organization and results, and most especially in terms of the quality of the entire congress offer.

Natural and cultural factors:

Overall performance

MUNICH, GERMANY

LIVEABLE MEETINGSM • Unsurprisingly, the city of quality beer, wurst, dirndl skirts and "lederhosen" is also a first-class European congress destination with one of the most developed fair infrastructures in the wider region. There are 31,000 hotel rooms in 395 excellent hotels with conference capacities. Added to the charm and picturesqueness of the Bavarian capital are numerous green open spaces and a high quality of living. Munich airport is also one of the key European air-traffic hubs, cementing the city's position on the world congress map. Its history has always been distinguished by major events, including the 1972 Summer Olympics. In the world's beer capital with centuries of tradition, beer doesn't just flow freely in October, but the whole year round. The city belongs at the very top of our evaluation.

BERLIN, GERMANY

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index: Connectivity Index:

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

3,500

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

6.015

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

5,000

Destination capacity Destination population

396,027

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 9,761

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

4.78 4.93 4.93 4.94 4.79 4.46 4.57 3.75 4.61 5.00

4.64 4.80 4.85 4.99 4.98 4.87 4.94 4.98 3.62 3.36 5.00

4.62 4.82

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

113

Banquet hall maximum capacity

700

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

4,710

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1.435

122 10

4.68

General and transport

634

THE CLASSIC IN A NEW LIGHT • According to Numbeo, Zurich is a city with one of the highest "quality of life" indexes in our comparison and a similiar result is provided by Mercer. Switzerland's biggest city boasts quite a few superlatives and is known as the commercial, cultural and congress centre of Switzerland. It is the hub for train, road and air traffic, which gives it a big advantage over its competitors. It offer great congress infrastructure in the Kongresshaus Zurich and numerous other spaces, acccompanied by some amazing special venues. Congress guests will appreciate the excellent public transport, which, in combination with great public infrastructure, is a must if you want to stay at the top of your game.

5.00

ACI Airport

Banquet hall maximum capacity

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

4.98 4.99 4.99 4.90 4.73 5.00 3.84 4.35

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

4.89

ACI Airport

Overall performance

WALK THE WALK • Berlin is exciting in every sense of the word and one can only speculate on the range of its different options in this congress 'land of plenty'. The Convention Bureau is known for its ingenuity, creativity and the rich offer it brings together. Moreover, Berlin's congress offer is jam-packed into a very reasonably priced package. It's no surprise that the city hosts more than 115,000 events annually and this number is expected to increase once the new Berlin Brandenburg airport finally opens its doors. Fuse Berlin's excellent congress offer with its urban heartbeat and you get a first-class congress destination. The city is also the capital of fun, dance, creativity, socializing and unforgettable nightlife, which sets it apart from its competitors.

4.77

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

Destination capacity

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

4.90 4.85 4.95 4.78 4.47 4.25 3.69 4.51 5.00

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

464,990

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 10,405 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

141

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,400

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

15,200

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,000

AN IRRESISTIBLE PASSION FOR MEETINGS • Edinburgh is a top convention destination, which is blessed with outstanding cultural and historical heritage. The destination is in its mature phase, with a fully-developed congress infrastructure and excellent destination management. Four universities and numerous centres of excellence in science and art related to the Edinburgh Science Triangle are a guarantee for further successful development of the destination. Congresses and events are a part of a scientific breakthrough and further development of the city, as it stimulates numerous multiplier effects. The key stakeholders in Edinburgh are aware of this and this message should also be transmitted as an example of best practice in new European destinations.

Destination population

1,604,555

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 35,253 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

428

Banquet hall maximum capacity

8,096

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

10,000

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

14,288

Destination population

1,280,508

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 31,092 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

472

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,200

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

10,237

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,764

Destination population

8,673,713

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 102,963 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

924

Banquet hall maximum capacity

3,000

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

10,000

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

10,000

Natural and cultural factors:

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

SLAVIC PARIS • Prague has for a long time not been an Eastern European gem, but a true European tourist metropolis with a diverse and comprehensive offer, luxury hotels and sometimes too high prices. The story is reminiscent of Škoda, of which the Czechs are very proud and is one of the oldest automotive in Europe. Reputable, solid and reliable pre-war limousines were after the war changed by cars that were behind the times. Today, Škoda’s shine again and again puts the Czech manufacturer where it once was. The same can be said for the meetings industry, where Prague began to seriously falter the locations top of the European league. If we look at the position of Prague regionally, Prague certainly has all the conditions to remain one of the most popular congress destinations for a long time.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

MAKE IT BIG • London is the unofficial capital of Europe and a place where events are going on day and night, from the galactic Olympic Games to a series of other diverse events. The city has no match in Europe in terms of variety and from the moment the development of the congress scene became a priority it has been doing very well indeed. It is by far the most accessible destination on our list, boasting five airports in the vicinity of its city centre. For quite some time now, it has been the mecca for foodies and all of the corporate events connected to it. The ExCel Centre is the heart of London's congress offer, capable of carrying out mega events that not a lot of other cities can handle. Its prosperity can only be rocked by the question of safety, which virtually no European city is able to avoid right now.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

4.89 4.96 4.98 4.89 4.88 4.68 3.89 3.80 4.32

4.58 4.87

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.85 5.00 4.99 4.93 4.91 4.98 2.88 3.41

ACI Airport

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

5.00

4.55 4.86

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.66 4.89 4.83 4.83 4.90 4.88 3.20 3.91

ACI Airport

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

4.54

4.46 4.73

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.81 5.00 4.99 4.79 4.95 4.95 2.45 2.97

ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

11 123

4.90

ACI Airport

Connectivity Index:

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

4.62

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

Destination capacity

BARCELONA, SPAIN

THE MEDITERRANEAN BREVIARY • Spain's second largest city has become an annual stop on the congress pilgrimage to IBTM World. Its extroversion and trendy city architecture and design, in combination with a healthy dose of Mediterranean casualness, is all worthy of serious praise and admiration. Barcelona is a city that comes alive in the evening, when it becomes a paradise for lovers of cuisine, cool taverns and cultural icons. Barcelona's list-topping luxury and designer hotels and a nearly perfect congress infrastructure have positioned the city at the very peak of Europe's congress industry. Although it is battling its current "OMG, there are so many tourists!" syndrome, we believe it will soon evolve into a city where the congress industry becomes part of the positive transformation of an otherwise overcrowded destination.

Destination capacity

Overall performance

Connectivity Index:

Destination capacity

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

5.00

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

664,046

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 4,152

ATHENS, GREECE

Overall performance

BRIDGING THE GAP • A historic city with excellent connectivity to the rest of the world and where you will find infrastructure befitting a major European capital, but with better weather and in a more interesting location. The Athens allure includes 300 days of sunshine a year, more than 30,000 hotel rooms in 439 hotels, 95,000 sq.m of conference space, 1,000+ restaurants and 200,000 flights per year. All major hotels in the city underwent a refurbishment for the 2004 Olympics. Athens is an attractive destination in its own, very special way. It is a unique combination of the old and the new, set in a spectacular Mediterranean landscape.

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,300

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

13,000

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,960

Destination capacity Destination population

603,080

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 7,230 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

6,000

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

10,965

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

10,000

Overall performance

PEOPLE MAKE MEETINGS • Glasgow has realised an urban transformation and has become the congress city in which people want to organise events. This is supported by excellent infrastructure and the connectivity of all players. In the field of infrastructure the King is the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre. It is an events hub that can’t be compared to any other venue in Europe, as it combines a comprehensive range of hotels, special venues and excellent accessibility. It is not surprising that on the ICCA scale last year, if we look at the number of participants, Glasgow surpassed destinations such as New York, Munich, Washington, Dublin and Beijing. Looking at the number of events, Glasgow is even ahead of cities such as Melbourne, Geneva, Chicago, Florence, Cape Town and Los Angeles (of 400 cities, Glasgow was ranked in 28th place in 2015). Within the UK, only London has surpassed Glasgow.

Natural and cultural factors:

11.

Overall performance

WARSAW, POLAND

CLEAR VISION • Today Warsaw is one of the fastest growing capitals in the EU and a city that can pride itself on a mix of new and old architectural styles. Its growth in infrastructure was strongly boosted when Warsaw was the host of the UEFA European Championship in 2012 and many new hotels were opened. The biggest congress hotel, the Hilton Warsaw with a hall for 1,600 participants, is one of the biggest in Europe, but The Palace of Culture with its 40 congress halls is also an interesting option.

Destination capacity Destination population

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index: Connectivity Index:

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

2,500

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

10,000

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

5,200

Destination capacity Destination population

14,804,116

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 106,000

Overall performance

SIZE DOES MATTER • The Turkish congress tiger is relentlessly growling and Natural and cultural factors: overcoming everything set in front of it. Professionalism and entrepreneur- General and transport ship when they are competing for international events is not lacking and they infrastructure: could be setting an example to other convention bureaus. Congress Bazaar Tourist infrastructure: of Istanbul offers everything that a meetings organizer needs, in addition to Meeting infrastructure: 7 convention centers, 3 fair grounds and almost 100.000 hotel rooms, and Subjective grade: the excellently organized Convention Bureau of Instanbul. The quality of life Marketing Buzz: in Istanbul is improving as well as the general infrastructure; Turkish airlines ICCA index: MEETLOGUE has become the fourth largest airline in the world. Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

217

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

3,000

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

8,400

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

3,500

12 124

4.40 4.70 4.82 4.82 4.96 4.88 4.99 4.40 3.53 3.04 3.88

4,39 4.54

General and transport

Numbeo quality of life Index:

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

4.99

ACI Airport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 12,000

12.

4.71 4.98 4.99 4.83 4.85 4.70 2.33 2.79

General and transport

ICCA index:

1,753,977

4.89

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

10.

4.41

4.68 4.81 4.77 4.52 4.54 4.64 2.97 4.05 4.41

4.34 4.72 4.56 4.97 4.97 4.56 4.85 4.52 2.48 2.75 5.00

MEETINGSStar STAR 2017 Meetings 2017

13.

Destination capacity Destination population

1,759,407

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

CONGRESS QUEEN OF THE DANUBE • Budapest enjoys a very favorable position in Europe, at the crossroads between the East and the West. It is one of just a few cities in the world that literally lies on thermal springs and to which the Danube River gives a special experiential value. The city has no shortage of picturesque special venues nor the most luxurious hotels and crazy and diverse incentive locations. If Prague is love at first sight, then Budapest is love on the long run. All this has been for many years an excellent and well-established MICE destination with well-oiled congress machinery.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

208

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

870

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

19,250

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,000

Destination capacity Destination population

690,566

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 8,112 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

6,000

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

7,200

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

6,000

SUNNY OUTLOOK • Sevilla is a city that grows on you with its relaxed approach, friendly locals, rich cultural heritage and a typical Spanish temperament that all attracts meeting planners. Almost every sign, building and alleyway tells a story about the city's historical and cultural meaning. Sevilla's leading congress provider is the legendary FIBES Congress Centre. The city is also home to some amazing hotels, connected by the well-organised Sevilla Convention Bureau. As a university city, it hosts a lot of international associations and as the artistic and financial capital of Spain also attracts many corporate events. Just one friendly piece of advice – don't bother going to Sevilla in the Summer, as the 40+ Celsius temperatures will leave you soaking wet. In our opinion, Andalusia is best enjoyed in the Spring or Fall.

Destination population

1,233,796

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 4,158

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

BELGRADE, SERBIA

A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS • Belgrade bases its congress story on the rich culture at the crossroads of East and West, the central position in the SouthEast Europe and a lively social life. It is a city with remarkable cuisine, worldclass nightlife, world events and positive vibrations, which makes it a very dynamic and attractive tourist destination. Belgrade is a city on the rise and a rough congress diamond, which has enormous development potential. With the establishment of the Serbian Convention Bureau in 2007, co-operation and promotion has thoroughly improved and now Belgrade has in terms of management a unique opportunity to take advantage of its benefits, provided so the complete infrastructure can be thoroughly renewed.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,500

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

15,030

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

3,672

Destination capacity Destination population

12,380,664

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 7,456

Overall performance

POSITIVE SPIN • The Russian capital is one of the biggest cities in the world, Natural and cultural factors: but what makes it really special is not its size. First mentioned in 1147, Moscow General and transport has a way of interlacing its historical roots with a very modern way of life. The infrastructure: city's congress industry, offering everything from the most modern congress Tourist infrastructure: centres to the more traditional providers, reflects that intertwinement. The list Meeting infrastructure: of venues goes on forever and encompasses everything from luxurious hotels Subjective grade: of international chains to excellent congress centres. The size of the city isn't Marketing Buzz: the only thing that's hefty, as Moscow has also become knownMEETLOGUE as the most ICCA index: expensive city in the world. This somewhat dampens its competitiveness, but Numbeo quality of life Index: Moscow is nevertheless a great host for any kind of event. Numbeo Safety Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

197

Banquet hall maximum capacity

3,000

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

17,852

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

6,000

13 125

4.28 4.79 4.65 4.83 4.80 4.75 4.48 3.74 3.71 4.07 2.93

4.14 4.37

General and transport

MOSCOW, RUSSIA

4.21

ACI Airport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

16.

4.65 4.90 4.71 4.69 4.26 4.83 2.56 3.36

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

15.

Destination capacity

SEVILLA, SPAIN

4.86

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 19,524

14.

4.30

4.47 4.79 4.63 4.77 4.43 4.37 2.48 3.47 3.61

4.09 4.42 4.56 4.73 4.72 4.42 4.31 4.39 1.79 2.99 4.62

Meetings STAR Star 2017 MEETINGS 2017

17.

Destination capacity Destination population

2,106,144

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 3,640

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA

PARIS OF THE EAST • Bucharest is a city of contrasts. Great palaces and the latest congress hotels but on the other hand poorly recognized brand and unrelated congress offer. These are the main disadvantages compared to the much more active cities such as Belgrade and Sofia in the vicinity. But at this moment it is certainly the most affordable major European Congress Capital. With a little effort you will find everything you need for any events. Even the friendliness of the staff in the hotel and congress sector deviates from the average. It appears that the city is missing a little bit more energy so it can be placed alongside big cities, where it actually falls depending on its situation and the conditions for the congress industry development.

Banquet hall maximum capacity

800

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

5,110

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,100

Destination capacity Destination population

3,202,300

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 3,900

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

Overall performance

ON THE MAKE • Baku is the capital city of 'the land of fire' by the Caspian Sea which has lately been turning into a Dubai of the Caucasus. Oil and gas revenues have given Azerbaijan the chance to develop in different fields, with the congress industry being one of them. Investment in infrastructure has seen the rise of first-class hotels and architectural pearls, such as The Heydar Aliyev Centre designed by Zaha Hadid. It's simply astonishing to see how fast and how many projects are being realised in the country. A turning point in terms of mega events was definitely the Eurovision contest, hosted in 2012, which was a proper test run and one that proved that Baku is capable of hosting big projects and has a lot of potential in the congress industry scene.

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

700

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

5,019

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

3,500

Destination capacity Destination population

1,260,120

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 5,500

SOFIA, BULGARIA

Overall performance

HIDDEN CHARM • Sofia is a typical transition convention destination, which needs some more quality of services and a connection of the meetings industry with creative industries. As a destination to discover Bulgaria Sofia has a lot to offer, yet it will have to internationalize its meetings industry and strengthen marketing. The biggest opportunity is in the added value of the destination unknown to the rest of congress Europe. Sofia needs to get rid of the image of a cheap congress destination of a lesser quality and become an internationally recognized congress brand. Sofia is a congress sleeping beauty caught between east and west.

4.55 4.59 4.34 4.48 3.42 4.00 2.46 3.96 4.14

3.88 4.69

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

19.

4.31

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

18.

4.03

Natural and cultural factors:

4.66 4.79 4.81 4.57 4.61 1.02 1.93 4.02 3.68

3.79 4.32

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

100

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,500

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

9,000

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

3,380

READ MORE MT

4.48 4.71 4.38 4.56 3.48 2.70 2.66 3.03 3.55

LG'S www.kongres-m eetologue.eu 14 126

LARGE

MEETING DESTINATIONS

Destinations that can host up to 2,000 congress attendees

SIZE OF CITY

The number The number of 4* and 5* of 4* and 5* category hotel hotels rooms

Banquet hall maximum capacity

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

TOTAL MARK

LJUBLJANA

279,756

1,610

1,200

2,200

4,33

GRAZ

280,200

1,800

2,800

5,560

4,32

ZAGREB

799,556

2,666

1,600

1,851

4,31

VENICE

264,579

10,579

218

630

1,000

4,30

TALLINN

444,885

4,765

1,200

1,892

4,28

KRAKOW

762,448

3,037

2,200

2,100

4,23

BRATISLAVA

432,801

5,094

600

2,500

4,20

INNSBRUCK

130,894

2,563

450

1,499

4,16

SALZBURG

150,887

7,090

5,000

4,14

THESSALONIKI

325,182

3,395

1,000

2,100

4,10

GRANADA

237,540

4,200

659

1,999

4,07

VILNIUS

622,543

2,154

1,650

2,400

4,03

GDANSK

461,489

1,406

3,600

6,000

4,02

BRNO

377,208

2,000

900

3,500

3,98

KATOWICE

299,910

1,282

1,000

8,000

3,70

NOVI SAD

277,522

729

1,600

1,000

3,63

SARAJEVO

395,133

2,911

600

2,500

3,53

TIRANA

811,649

900

500

1,000

3,32

MEETINGS STAR 2017 Meetings Star 2017

1. LJUBLJANA

MEETINGS STAR AWARD BEST MEETING 2017 DESTINATIONS 2016

EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL

DID YOU KNOW That in the warm season you can refill your bottle for free at a number of public drinking water fountains around the city? And there is a shortcut to them! The Tap Ljubljana Water application helps users find the nearest one among 17 locations by detecting their current location and displaying a map with a plotted route to point out the right direction. Set all worries aside while quenching your thirst, as the drinking water’s quality is being constantly monitored.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Taste Ljubljana Food Tour - A new, themed experience suitable for groups of up to 35 people. Tasting sessions of traditional Ljubljana dishes, the city’s culinary offerings and their historical background are the “fil rouge” of this enjoyable programme.

4.33

COOL MEETINGS

Final Score

Ljubljana has congresses written in its genome. Long before the emergence of the meetings industry as we know it today, in 1821 Ljubljana hosted the Congress of the Holy Alliance, which brought together important sovereigns, politicians and diplomats of the time to draw a new political map of Europe after Napoleon’s downfall. Then a provincial centre in the Austrian Empire, Ljubljana was chosen to host the event because of its strategic location and adequate accommodation facilities, thus stepping on the stage of European diplomatic history. Chronicles report that during the four months (!) of the Congress many concerts, theatre performances, balls, parades and fireworks were held for the illustrious guests, much to the delight of the local residents, too. The legacy of this historic event is the central Congress Square, which is surrounded by some notable buildings and has been transformed, following a recent extensive renovation, into one of the most attractive open-air event spaces in the city, with the Ljubljana Castle as a backdrop. Due to a natural passage through the Ljubljana basin, the Slovenian capital has always had a linking role between South East and Central Europe. Ljubljana has many attributes of a big city, while creating the impression of a smaller and friendly town, which makes it so relaxing. A comprehensive urban renewal plan that has won several international awards and is an ongoing project, has contributed to redesigning the city’s image with its sustainable development at the forefront. Over the recent years, traffic-free areas in the city centre and the Old Town have been visibly expanded, which made a positive impact on the quality of life of locals residents and visitors alike. With this, a number of public spaces have acquired a new functionality, now being also suitable for events. The city is compact, pictur-

esque, attractive and friendly to delegates attending conferences, corporate events or incentives. Ljubljana is the major congress destination in Slovenia and the highest share of (international) meetings take place in the capital due to the well-developed and diversified meeting infrastructure and its accessibility. Destination mark: EXCELLENT MEETING DESTINATION Marks: 5 excellent meeting destination 4 quality meeting destination 3 recommendable meeting destination 2 average meeting destination 1 passable INDIVIDUAL GRADES: Natural and cultural factors: General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meetings infrastructure: Subjective tgrade: Marketing buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index: ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

4,89 4,68 4,62 4,85 4,68 4,52 4,42 3,32 4,13 3,16

DESTINATION MARK:

4,33

Comparisons with the region Based on its conference and accommodation infrastructure, Ljubljana belongs to the group of capitals suitable for medium-sized and smaller meetings (up to 2.500 participants). It is positioned side by side with the new EU member states and geographically in the region of the Western Balkans. Thus, according to congress 128 16

OPEN KITCHEN - On Fridays from mid-March to October, a square at the Ljubljana Central Market is literally occupied by a street food market that has in two years established itself as a true city hot spot. The Open Kitchen is wrapped up in the scents of delicious Slovenian and international dishes freshly prepared by chefs and cooks right there, on the market stalls. Locals mix with visitors from around the globe enjoying a wide array of flavours in a convivial atmosphere. Many people check the weather forecast on Thursdays, hoping it will not rain… stakeholders in Ljubljana the most competitive destinations are Zagreb, Belgrade, Prague and Budapest. Compared to the newer EU capitals and countries of South East Europe, Ljubljana is ranked in the second half. It is preceded by Budapest and Vilnius, and we should also highlight the rapid growth of Belgrade. While most countries and cities in Europe, including New York, recorded a minimal decrease in the number of congresses, the cities in our immediate vicinity, mainly from South East Europe, recorded a fall on a smaller scale or record growth. At the end of last year in order to give Ljubljana a new sales and promotional momentum, a partnership called Ljubljana Strategic Bidding Team (LSBT), was established; it is composed of interested partners from both the private and public area. WHO TO CONTACT Ljubljana Tourism/Convention Burau, Krekov trg 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Ms. Tatjana Radovič, E: tatjana.radovic@visitljubljana.si, T: +386 1 306 45 84 www.visitljubljana.com/meetings www.vienna.convention.at

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

279,756

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,610 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,200

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

2,456

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,200

EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL • According to its conference and accommodation infrastructure, Ljubljana belongs to the group of capitals suitable for medium-sized and smaller meetings (up to 2.500 participants). It is positioned side by side with the new EU member states and geographically in the region of the Western Balkans. With two top-level convention centers and a very well developed hotel meetings offer, Ljubljana is the region’s leading congress destination. At the end of last year in order to give Ljubljana a new sales and promotional momentum, a partnership called Ljubljana Strategic Bidding Team (LSBT) was established; it is composed of interested partners from both the private and public area. The city is extremely safe and one of the region’s most sustainably-oriented.

Destination population

280,200

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,800 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

2,800

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

6,500

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

5,560

Destination population

799,556

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 2,666 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,600

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

2,360

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,851

ZAGREB, CROATIA

WHITE ZAGREB TOWN • It can be said that Zagreb has a great congress future. As well as Belgrade, Zagreb is also progressing steadily on the chart of development meetings destinations; the final breakthrough of the intire region is intertwined and dependent on the marketing of mayor regional congress cities in the international market. In the last ten years Croatia has radically improved road infrastructure and thus its accessibility. Significantly improved is also air accessibility via Zagreb Airport, which accepts over 40 % of all air traffic in Croatia. The hotel infrastructure with new acquisitions fully satisfies modern congress guests and is perhaps at this moment the best among regional capitals. Zagreb is a pocket-friendly destination that offers a lot for reasonable money.

VENICE, ITALY

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

4.68 4.62 4.85 4.68 4.52 4.42 3.32 4.13 3.16

4.32 4.73

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.63 4.72 4.82 4.70 4.63 3.52 3.45 4.52

ACI Airport

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

3.51

4.31 4.76

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.81 4.78 4.74 4.75 4.38 4.00 3.25 3.96

ACI Airport

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

3.64

4.30 4.86

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 10,579

Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

218

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

630

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

3,500

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,000

129 17

4.89

ACI Airport

ICCA index:

264,579

4.33

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

CONGRESS SERENISSIMA • The magical city par excellence and one of the most extraordinary world destinations. Venice and its province are unquestionably hospitable by vocation, as illustrated by some of the most famous hotels and temples of hospitality. Venice is a city which has long been hosting world events. As a commercial crossroads it is easy to reach either by land or by sea, the city offering various means of transport. A city with irresistible charm and a wide range of different offers typical to the “Italian way of life”.

Destination capacity

Natural and cultural factors:

Connectivity Index:

Destination population

GRAZ, AUSTRIA

SECOND CITY FIRST • Graz is a mature tourist destination, which is despite the crisis recording a steady growth of tourist arrivals and overnight stays in all tourism segments. Cultural diversity, rich history and the connecting Mura River have formed a high experiential diversity, which is reflected in the many opportunities for congress and incentive organizers and planners. In terms of infrastructure and transport, Graz is still the leading regional convention destination and can be also in this term described as modern, dynamic and internationally competitive. With more than 154 congress event and some 46.000 participants it achieves excellent results and is stable on the charts ranking international events. A very big focus in Graz is on environmental responsibility and tidiness of the surrounding areas and infrastructure.

Destination capacity

Overall performance

Connectivity Index:

Destination capacity

LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

4.66 4.75 4.85 4.47 4.19 3.86 3.14 3.76 4.49

Meetings STAR Star 2017 MEETINGS 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

444,885

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 4,765 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,200

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

3,000

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,892

Destination capacity Destination population

762,448

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 3,037 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

2,200

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

4,500

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,100

Destination population

432,801

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 5,094

Overall performance

CREATIVE THINKING • Not many countries of the former Eastern Bloc have made such a huge step in terms of development as the three small Baltic states. Estonians also excel in the field of congress tourism, successfully implementing the creativity that helped them through Soviet times, Scandinavian minimalism and rich folklore into their congress story. For the last couple of years, they have been trying to give the city some of its old glory back by building new infrastructure, like the 21. Century skyscraper. Our own favourite congress venue is the Kultuutikatel, an old electric power plant that has been transformed into a congress centre. This truly special venue is the host of practically every key event of the Estonian EU presidency. Tallinn isn't short of special venues, as more and more meeting planners are turning towards a combination of its contemporary architecture and local creativity.

Natural and cultural factors:

Overall performance

KRAKOW, POLAND

PROUD CITY • Of all Polish cities Krakow is the one with the greatest soul and is the most fraught with history. In Poland, Krakow will be the destination of the new generation, which will soon be recognized as a high quality, compact and most versatile meetings destination in Poland due to the cultural heritage, hospitality of the locals, new meetings capacities and because of its huge scientific potentials. Krakow has a variety of hotels services and an exceptional number of tourist attractions. Being the main tourist city it has excellent conditions in place for the development of congress tourism. With the construction of the new convention center ICE it has also received a real affirmation. Krakow’s recipe is successful and a case of good practice for other more traditional central European destinations.

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

MEETOSLAVIAS • The city of four rivers defines the Danube river with its tributaries and with the mighty Renaissance castle above the intimate and compact old town. Bratislava is undiscovered European congress capital which slowly and steadily penetrates into the congress market. It represents a novelty for international congress market which impresses due to the kind and sympathetic city center but also because of not excessive commercialization. The city is close to the congress organizers mainly due to a more personal congress experience – the city is very friendly and there are no problems with the safety. The city center is full of pubs, restaurants and shops and the hotel offer includes the best known hotel chains.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index: Connectivity Index:

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

600

ACI Airport

2,500

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,500

Destination population

130,894

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 2,563 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

450

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

5,660

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,499

130 18

4.23 4.73 4.63 4.81 4.65 4.68 4.60 4.20 2.69 3.91 3.37

4.20 4.38

General and transport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

Destination capacity

3.34

ACI Airport

Banquet hall maximum capacity

THE HEART OF THE ALPS • Innsbruck, the capital of Austrian Tyrol, lies by the River Inn and is just a stone's throw from the Alps. Sometimes hidden behind its well-known sporting spirit are a number of other, different vibes that create an image of an urban, dynamic and metropolitan city with loads of experience in event organisation. Innsbruck has twice been the host of the Winter Olympics (in 1964 and 1976) and its Bergisel Ski Jump is one of the scenes of the prestigious Four Hills Tournament that takes place every year. The famous ski jump was designed by Zaha Hadid and quickly became one of the most attractive special venues in Innsbruck. The city is a combination of the typical Alpine spirit and new urbanism, embodied by the CMI Congress and Messe Innsbruck. It distinguishes itself from the pack with numerous incentive programmes that keep its offer competitive throughout the year.

4.65 4.68 4.75 4.84 4.80 3.62 3.28 4.30

General and transport

INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA

4.58

ACI Airport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

4.28

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

Destination capacity

TALLINN, ESTONIA

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

4.84 4.79 4.67 4.71 4.73 3.52 3.08 3.80 3.51

4.16 4.77

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.74 4.73 4.87 4.73 4.63 2.68 3.60 4.02

ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

2.81

Meetings STAR Star 2017 MEETINGS 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

150,887

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 7,090 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

5,000

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

7,000

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

5,000

Destination capacity Destination population

325,182

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 3,395 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,000

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,800

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,100

Destination population

237,540

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 4,200

Overall performance

SALZBURG GIVES YOU WINGS • Salzburg offers all the characteristics of a congress destination and a cosmopolitan mix of visitors. With its location in the heart of Europe and because of the high quality of life, Salzburg has a great starting point in congress tourism. For current logistics and transport restrictions of the city, medium sized congresses with up to 2.000 participants are the best suited. Two top-quality, modern and high tech congress centers are together with a top quality conference hotel infrastructure a foundation for this congress destination. In this area they will offer you a superior product wrapped in superior packaging. Although you will find Mozart on every step of your way and it seems that the clock stopped in the times of the famous composer, Salzburg is a very modern and urban. Otherwise, location, location, location and once again location is considered a crucial reason for choosing Salzburg for your event.

Natural and cultural factors:

10.

Overall performance

THESSALONIKI, GREECE

FRESH TALENT • Thessaloniki is the second largest Greek city, located in the North of the country on the Thermaic Gulf. Many consider it as the capital of Greek cuisine, which is a guarantee for an enjoyable time at your event. Most of Thessaloniki's big events take place at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Centre, at the heart of the congress offer. The city's hotel offer is also diverse and perfect for smaller corporate events. The entire congress offer is connected by the proactive Convention Bureau, which despite a limited budget has been maintaining a stable position on the ICCA scale, with 18 international congresses annually. Last year they hit a record number of 28 congresses, a perfect example of how Thessaloniki is gaining new momentum.

GRANADA, SPAIN

CONGRESS CITY WITH A TEMPERAMENT • This might come across as something of an exaggeration, but such a rich combination of natural and historical experiences and contrasts are difficult to find in the otherwise attraction-loaded Spain. Granada is nestled between the largest Spanish ski resort of Sierra Nevada and the nearby Costa del Tropico. This creates an unprecedented combination of experiences that attracts both incentive organisers as well as organisers of professional associations. In our view, the number of events would increase with better airline accessibility – the city has great potential in the fields of science and new technologies that are not yet able to be fully exploited.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index: Connectivity Index:

Natural and cultural factors: General and transport Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

4,000

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,999

Destination population

622,543

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 2,154 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,650

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

3,450

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,400

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

4.53 4.65 4.67 4.53 4.68 4.47 3.79 2.95 3.58 3.16

4.07 4.76 4.34 4.79 4.65 4.65 4.37 2.90 3.87 3.93 2.41

4.05 4.29

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.51 4.49 4.56 4.59 4.52 3.91 2.90 3.64

ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

131 19

4.10

General and transport

659

Destination capacity

2.93

ACI Airport

Banquet hall maximum capacity

BALTIC CONGRESS TIGERS • Over the last few years Vilnius learned diligently, polished its offer and was preparing for its entry into the international congress scene. In their favour they have the charm of the city, which is cosmopolitan, urban, very European and full of hidden surprises. It’s a city where socialist modernist architecture coexists with the Baroque centre, and unlike some other Eastern European congress destinations this makes it very attractive. By joining the EU the city has become a credible partner of the international meetings industry, making is one of the new, undiscovered convention destinations that appeals because of its freshness. For all three Baltic Congress Tigers – Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn – we predict a sunny congress future.

4.76 4.73 4.91 4.73 4.65 1.82 3.62 4.46

infrastructure:

VILNIUS, LITHUANIA

4.76

ACI Airport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

12.

4.14

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

11.

Destination capacity

SALZBURG, AUSTRIA

3.07

Meetings Star 2017 MEETINGS STAR2016 2017

13.

GDANSK, POLAND

Overall performance

The winners in the individual categories for the year 2016 are: Destination capacity Destination population

461,489

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,406

CITY OF SOLIDARITY AND FREEDOM • Gdansk differs markedly from other Polish cities because of the special atmosphere in the old town and its many historical sites suitable for congress tourism. There is an attractive mix of west and east, of northern culture and of the old and the new, all adding to the city’s unique identity. Gdansk is known as a place of freedom, which is written into its genetic code and is reflected in the rich cultural heritage and current cultural and artistic production. As a result of the hyperactive Convention Bureau, Gdansk as a destination is in an extremely high position in comparison with other Polish international destination.

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

3,600

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

12,000

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

6,000

Destination capacity Destination population

377,208

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 2,000 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

900

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

6,791

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

3,500

A CITY ON THE RISE • Brno is a congress hybrid that combines the modern with its traditional Central-European city spirit. The city was heavily defined by the industrial revolution, which consequently lead to Brno becoming an important commercial hub. Built in 1982, Brno's fairground gave trade show activities a new drive and the striking building still manages to impress today. A big advantage is the city's size, as one can easily get around on foot. Whilst Brno might seem like it's sitting in the shadow of its bigger brother Prague, it offers some amazing infrastructure and a special Moravian lifestyle that excites congress organisers. For all of the petrol heads and car incentive lovers, Autodrom Brno is a special treat – built in 1987, it is one of the Moto GP tracks. Overall, Brno is a great alternative to Prague.

Destination population

299,910

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,282

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

KATOWICE, POLAND

HIDDEN MEETING GEM • Katowice is the heart of Silesia and an epicentre of science, culture, industry, and transport in the South of Poland. The city was built on a foundation of heavy industrial projects, but is starting to see its future in congress tourism as well. The city centre is constantly being renovated and the urban life gives this Polish city a special flare. A big push towards developing the congress industry was the construction of the imposing ICC Congress Centre, an architectural pearl and one of the most modern centres of its kind in Europe. The city is a newcomer to the world congress scene, but one boasting great potential. Its vicinity to the touristically interesting parts of Poland and reasonable prices make for an excellent congress package.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,000

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

8,147

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

8,000

Destination capacity Destination population

277,522

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 729

Overall performance

AUTHENTIC CONVENTION “EXIT” • Novi Sad maintains well its image of an advanced capital also with festi- vals such as Exit and others. Unfortunately, the tourism sector is lagging behind some of the most active destinations, especially the capital Belgrade, which is perfectly establishing itself as an important European congress destination. The question is why to organise a congress in the city, which is only 100 km away from the capital city of Serbia. The answer is in a different, perhaps more authentic atmosphere and hospitality, numerous possibilities of accompanying programmes genuine ‘salaš’, in short in the authenticity of the congress story of Novi Sad.

Natural and cultural factors:

4.57 4.63 4.69 4.61 4.65 4.49 2.90 3.23 3.91 2.16

3.70 4.35 4.56 4.53 4.43 4.61 4.25 1.02 2.71 3.91 2.63

3.63 4.41

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,600

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

5,970

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,000

132 20

3.98

General and transport

NOVI SAD, SERBIA

2.82

ACI Airport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

16.

4.61 4.57 4.49 4.62 4.48 3.11 3.41 3.75

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

15.

Destination capacity

BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC

4.36

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

14.

4.02

4.48 4.59 4.27 4.69 3.94 1.52 2.88 2.97 2.52

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

17.

Destination capacity Destination population

395,133

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

BETWEEN EAST AND WEST • The brand ‘Sarajevo’ is one of the strongest trademarks in the region. It gets its character from the dramatic juncture between East and West. In the meetings industry the brand and destination are completely unexploited despite their immense potential. With proper positioning and investments in the meetings industry Sarajevo can quickly catch up with other destinations in the region. A special asset for the development of the meetings industry is the attitude of the people of Sarajevo, who are known for their humour, tolerance and understanding.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

600

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

10,900

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,500

Destination capacity Destination population

811,649

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 900

TIRANA, ALBANIA

THE TALE OF THE EAGLE • Despite the chaotic first impression, you can organise your event in Tirana without any problems and to the satisfaction of your congress participants. Albanians are in fact extremely proud, friendly, calm, excellent hosts, which outweighs any weaknesses in infrastructure. They like to help, are very sociable and stick to their words and promises, expecting the same in return. Tirana has enormous meetings potential, which could be improved with investment in hotel infrastructure. Due to their beautiful nature there are also untapped opportunities for incentive programmes, today marketed by only a few DMCs. For a faster breakthrough they will have to connect and establish a congress bureau.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

4.28 4.46 4.20 4.50 3.20 2.02 2.40 2.86 2.71

3.32 4.27

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

500

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,500

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,000

21 133

4.67

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 2,911

18.

3.53

4.15 4.19 3.94 4.23 3.25 1.02 2.15 3.14 2.86

MEDIUM DESTINATIONS

MEETING

Destinations that can host up to 1,000 congress attendees

SIZE OF CITY

The number The number of 4* and 5* of 4* and 5* category hotel hotels rooms

Banquet hall maximum capacity

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

TOTAL MARK

DUBROVNIK

42,615

4,165

700

1,200

4,27

VILLACH

61,221

517

400

1,060

4,06

KLAGENFURT

99,110

525

500

668

3,98

SCHLADMING

4,402

2,251

800

1,200

3,96

OPATIJA

11,659

1,800

600

900

3,92

BLED

6,322

693

400

514

3,91

ROVINJ

14,294

1,342

800

1,000

3,89

PORTOROSE

2,849

4,500

360

1,100

3,88

SPLIT

178,102

1,428

450

800

3,85

POREČ

16,696

1,642

576

1,000

3,82

TRIESTE

204,849

3,000

600

3,81

MARIBOR

95,589

525

400

500

3,81

UDINE

541,587

1,727

250

360

3,80

GRADO

8,650

1,100

450

994

3,77

BUDVA

36,739

3,620

360

800

3,73

ŠIBENIK

46,332

2,676

220

500

3,72

KOSICE

355,047

800

350

3,71

RIJEKA

97,910

450

180

677

3,70

ZADAR

75,082

1,824

150

400

3,69

PULA

57,460

372

180

700

3,66

PODGORICA

204,877

1,125

480

715

3,60

LVIV

728,350

913

400

1,200

3,58

SUBOTICA

97,910

436

270

400

3,45

MEETINGS STAR2017 2017 Meetings Star

1. DUBROVNIK

MEETINGS STAR AWARD BEST MEETING 2017 DESTINATIONS 2016

DID YOU KNOW

PEARL OF THE ADRIATIC

That Dubrovnik, back then an independent state, was the first nation to formally recognise the United States as a nation when it declared independence from Great Britain.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Dubrovnik polaroid treasure hunt The programme has been adapted to Dubrovnik’s most attractive locations, where teams get the chance to explore, compete and have fun. Tasks include answering a list of questions, as well as finding and photographing objects and situations inside the city walls.

COOL MEETINGS DUBROVAČKA ROŽATA – The dessert of Dubrovnik’s nobility. Cream eggs with caramel sauce, served most often with the sweet liquer of fruit. One of Croatian versions of the world-famous cream with caramel.

4.27 Final Score

Congress geography of the former Yugoslavia recognized city locations of Ljubljana, Zagreb, Sarajevo and Belgrade, and Adriatic locations Portorož, Opatija and Dubrovnik. These cities are still by some accounts seen as locations from the olden days. I was first turned to Dubrovnik by legendary professor Ignacij Voje, one of the experts on SE Europe and the Dubrovnik republic, which used to dictate the faith of the entire region. With each visit I remember his comparison of Dubrovnik to some sort of renaissance Hong Kong. The republic peaked in the 15th century. For twelve centuries it defied the pressures and threats of superpowers with trade skills and diplomacy. The character of the people of Dubrovnik can be summarized by the inscription above the entrance to the Lovrijenac fortress: “Freedom is not for sale for all the gold in the world”. I’ve been visiting Dubrovnik on a regular basis since 1996, when the city was wounded by a brutal Chetnik attack. In 1998 I was one of the few guests of a conference on Project Management in Cavtat. At that time Hotel Croatia was the only serious convention hotel and it didn’t look too bright. Hotels at Babin kuk still looked pretty grim and were mostly abandoned. Where the Radisson Blu stands today, the former Dubrovački vrtovi sunca were full of refugees. The Dubrovnik of that time was replaced by new convention hotels, the insufferable summer crowds and a feeling your at the

centre of the world. On a random visit to Stradun you can run into John McEnroe, preparing for a tennis match against veteran Goran Ivanišević in front of the Duke’s Palace. Many celebrities visit the city. As a sign of complete tourist renovation the Sr☺ funicular was finished this year, finally putting an unpleasant era of the city behind it. Destination mark: EXCELLENT MEETING DESTINATION Marks: 5 excellent meeting destination 4 quality meeting destination 3 recommendable meeting destination 2 average meeting destination 1 passable INDIVIDUAL GRADES: Natural and cultural factors: General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meetings infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index: ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

4,94 4,56 4,90 4,80 4,77 4,39 3,35 3,44 4,79 2,81

DESTINATION MARK:

4,27

135 23

Comparisons with the region Dubrovnik is the flagship of regional tourism and is the first association of meetings organizers we meet daily. It has still not reached its full potential. It is the closest in the region to renowned Mediterranean convention destinations Cannes and Monte Carlo. It has the biggest potential in the area of corporate and other incentives; after the completion of the convention centre also in the area of international associations conventions. WHO TO CONTACT Dubrovnik Tourist Board & Convention Bureua Brsalje 5 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia Ms. Romana Vlašič E: romana.vlasic@tzdubrovnik.hr T: +385 20 312 015 www.tzdubrovnik.hr

Meetings STAR Star 2017 MEETINGS 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

42,615

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 4,165 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

700

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

900

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,200

Destination capacity Destination population

61,221

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 517 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

400

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

4,500

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,060

Destination capacity Destination population

99,110

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 525 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

500

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

6,400

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

668

Destination population

4,402

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 2,251

Overall performance

PEARL OF THE ADRIATIC • Dubrovnik is the flagship of regional tourism and is commonly the first association of meetings organizers we meet daily. It is the closest in the region to renowned Mediterranean convention destinations Cannes and Monte Carlo, and it will be even closer after the completion of the convention center. So far the center is successfully replaced by modern and well-equipped centers at hotels such as Dubrovnik Palace, Excelsior, Bellevue, Grand Villa Argentina, Importanne Resort, Dubrovnik President, Valamar Lacroma and Radisson Blue. Well-developed is the entire conference infrastructure including destination management and creative agency scene. The city is safe and one of the tourist icons of the Adriatic and justifiably the most painted tourist skyline with unprecedented experiential diversity for conference guests.

Natural and cultural factors:

Overall performance

VILLACH, AUSTRIA

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index: Connectivity Index:

Overall performance

CONVENTIONLAND • Klagenfurt is a likable alpine congress destination with rich cultural heritage and high experiential diversity. Key advantage is definitely fairytale-like well-maintained and pleasant environment, quality offer that is above average in regional sense, and professionalism of suppliers. Position at the crossroads of important routes is also an important factor in competitiveness of this destination. The city is an important inter-social and European transit region that is easily reachable thanks to modern highways and rail connections. Klagenfurt as the center of Carinthia with its tidiness, safety and ratio between price and quality is one of the best convention destinations in the wider region. The city builds its meetings offer on a sustainable development.

MEETINGS IN EMBRACE OF ALPINE BEAUTIES • Schladming is a big skiing centre, the scene of the best slalom races of the season as well as other internationally known sport competitions. Besides that it is also an excellent congress venue and a place, which stays in fond memory of every guest. We can say without a doubt that the tourist development in Schladming is a success story and we are certain that will also be the case in the future. Contributing to the success were mostly sporting events, on which they have built extensively. With event organisation, the destination has gained a lot of experience, which can now be transferred into the congress field.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

2.81

4.06 4.72 4.74 4.69 4.53 4.62 4.44 1.02 4.42 4.95

ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

Natural and cultural factors:

2.43

3.98 4.73

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.72 4.70 4.52 4.67 4.52 1.02 3.70 4.81

ACI Airport

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

2.43

3.96 4.74

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

800

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,400

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,200

136 24

4.56 4.90 4.80 4.77 4.39 3.35 3.44 4.79

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

SCHLADMING, AUSTRIA

4.94

ACI Airport

Natural and cultural factors:

KLAGENFURT, AUSTRIA

4.27

General and transport

THE ALPINE LAKES EXPERIENCE • Villach is the second largest city of Carinthia and its tourist sights attract an enormous amount of visitors. Villach has also become established as a small Silicon Valley in the Alps, with an international character reflected in the town‘s infrastructure. The main reason for a meetings industry in this part of Austria are the numerous incentive programmes, all of which you can engage with in a very clean enviroment. The most charming aspects are the Carnithian way of life, cultural diversity and a general sense of casualness. In our opinion the main advantages are the size and the feeling of familarity, along with a modern congress infrastructure. Locals also like to emphasise the border location, sat at the crossroads of three nations, which hasn‘t been totally picked up in a congress sense. Locals also like to emphasise the border location, sat at the crossroads of three nations, which hasn’t been totally picked up in a congress sense.

Destination capacity

DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

4.77 4.62 4.53 4.61 4.25 1.02 3.70 4.81 2.57

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

11,659

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,800

OPATIJA, CROATIA

WHERE MEETINGS MEET HISTORY AND ELEGANCE • 170 years of tourism tradition is based on the positive energy of the riviera and the exceptional natural conditions. This is a great sign for the revival of Opatija congress tourism, which has recently relaxed slightly in comparison with the hyperactive Croatian Adriatic competitors. The city already boasts the entire infrastructure, but it is beaten mostly by an unfavourable image and somewhat slow adjustment to the new congress market conditions. A change of the structure of hotels is also necessary, as ‘cosmopolitan’ Opatija today only boasts three hotels in the 5-star category, whilst in Dubrovnik there are now 14.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

600

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,728

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

900

Destination capacity Destination population

6,322

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 693

BLED, SLOVENIA

THE IMAGE OF HEAVEN • As a recognisable brand Bled stands out among other congress destinations in the region. It most closely resembles Dubrovnik, which caught up with the pre-war congress tempo by taking the right steps. Currently the biggest disadvantage is the lack of a clear focus towards quality rather than mass tourism. This is most clearly seen in the restaurant, night life and shopping offer. As a result the current perception of quality is lower than with largest competitors. In Bled the saying ‘Less is more’ is very true. The potential for the meetings industry is immense, it just needs to be harnessed in the right way.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

400

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

500

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

514

Destination capacity Destination population

14,294

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,342 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

800

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,600

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,000

ROVINJ GIVES YOU WINGS • If at the destination you have owners who have clear goals and who look at congress tourism strategically, then in a short time you can do a lot. It is possible to revitalize the old factory premises and build a superior conference hotel. Maistra in Rovinj has undoubtedly left its mark. Taking into consideration the geographical location of Rovinj as one of the closest Mediterranean congress destinations for Central and Western Europe, the future of this industry is guaranteed. Missing is only a convention bureau, which would know how to step out of corporate governance of the destination and would be able to serve as attorney of the meetings industry. Otherwise, forecasts of mayor Sponza that Rovinj will be more exclusive than Dubrovnik, can be realized.

Destination population

2,849

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 4,500

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

PORTOROSE, SLOVENIA

PORT OF ROSES • The historic laurels of the leading Adriatic congress destination are slowly starting to gather dust. Portorož is still in hard competition with Dubrovnik, Opatija and new Adriatic congress destinations that are developing all the time. A rich congress history, tradition and the existing infrastructure are a competitive advantage. The meetings industry is by no means a tree to sleep under and simply harvest its fruit of wealthy congress participants. Despite that, Portorož has proven resilient and adaptable many times in the course of history, so some innovativeness and marketing opportunities should ensure it has a bright future.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

3.91 4.85 4.61 4.45 4.62 4.65 4.19 1.02 3.37 4.14 3.16

3.89 4.71 4.45 4.54 4.55 4.59 4.25 1.02 3.87 4.35

ACI Airport

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

2.51

3.88 4.73

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

360

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,085

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,100

137 25

2.52

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

Destination capacity

ROVINJ, CROATIA

4.56 4.61 4.76 4.77 4.44 1.02 3.49 4.35

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

4.73

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

3.92

4.54 4.37 4.49 4.70 4.19 1.02 3.79 4.48 2.52

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

178,102

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,428

SPLIT, CROATIA

Overall performance

CROSSROADS DALMATIA • Among the Adriatic congress destinations Split has become serious competition to Dubrovnik in the last years. The main disadvantages of the destination are bad cooperation between the service providers, lack of air traffic connections to key markets and not enough destination marketing. If Split gets a real convention centre in the future, it could become one of the leading congress destinations in the Mediterranean. New and excellent hotel capacities, good road connections to Europe and wonderful surroundings, with islands offering numerous incentive programme opportunities, all bolster this proposition. Split is still one of the most unexploited congress destinations in the Mediterranean.

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

450

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

768

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

800

Destination capacity Destination population

16,696

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,642 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

576

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,036

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,000

Destination capacity Destination population

204,849

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 3,000 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

600

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

640

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

600

Destination population

95,589

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 525 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

400

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

404

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

500

Overall performance

SUNNYSIDE MEETINGS • Until recently Poreč was known mostly for its family tourism, which is focused on the sun and sea. In the last couple of years there have been significant moves in terms of seasonality and also the meetings industry. The whole of Istria, in fact, has a huge potential for incentive programmes. The congress infrastructure already exists, including the main culinary and sports programmes, as well as the salubrious surroundings that make them special. It’s just the appropriate connections to form real incentive products that have to be put in place, which will definitely make them seriously competitive. The list of events is getting longer every year and is moving Poreč up the ladder of event destinations in Croatia. If Poreč continues to be a tourist champion of Croatia, it will definitely make the break into the international congress scene.

Natural and cultural factors:

11.

Overall performance

TRIESTE, ITALY

TERGESTE, TRIEST, TRST, TRIESTE • Can you imagine a meeting in Italy without a cup of freshly roasted coffee? No, I didn't think so either. Trieste is the Mediterranean, or maybe even the European, capital of coffee, espresso and every other kind of coffee-infused delights you can imagine. Trieste isn't just about coffee though, as it also offers a well-developed congress infrastructure. Besides the congress centre, the city is home to an amazing array of pop-up locations, where Viennese spirit meets Slavic flare. It seems that the essence of the city, where the Slavic, Romanic, and Germanic worlds once met, is starting to show itself once more and regain its full spirit. Its top-notch hotels, cuisine, ice-cream, wine and smell of the sea make it one of the most desirable congress destinations on the Adriatic coast.

MARIBOR, SLOVENIA

EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE • Maribor is one of the most promising meetings destinations in Slovenia. The city is historically, ethnically and culturally extremely interesting. It gives an impression of familiarity and warmth. Transport infrastructure, mostly because of the inactive Maribor Airport, is the weakest part of the Maribor meetings industry offer. Otherwise the city is safe and pleasant to live in. Its speciality is an extraordinary access to nature. Congress offer of Maribor is concentrated in company Terme Maribor and their hotels Habakuk, Piramida (Pyramid) and Bellevue. The town is very rich with additional convention programmes suitable for incentives, but unfortunately a comprehensive offer of Pohorje and the town is under-utilised and not well presented.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

2.81

3.82 4.56 4.40 4.59 4.27 4.48 4.13 1.02 3.87 4.34

ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

Natural and cultural factors:

2.52

3.81 4.57

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.59 4.56 4.31 4.60 3.98 1.02 3.60 4.35

ACI Airport

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

2.51

3.81 4.64

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.49 4.39 4.19 4.49 4.04 1.02 3.45 4.24

ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

138 26

4.49 4.67 4.27 4.65 4.04 1.82 3.14 3.96

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

12.

Destination capacity

POREČ, CROATIA

4.61

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

10.

3.85

3.09

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

13.

UDINE, ITALY

Overall performance

The winners in the individual categories for the year 2016 are: Destination capacity Destination population

541,587

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,727 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

250

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

400

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

360

Destination capacity Destination population

8,650

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,100

CONGRESS ELEGANCE WITH FRIULIAN CHARM • It is a unique world in which the Latin elements from the period of Roman Empire are mixed with those of Lombard, Venetian, Austrian and Slavic. History touches you at every step, which is the perfect backdrop for a variety of innovative incentive programs. Udine has a rich quality of life, being one of the most economically developed Italian region. The city is perfectly accessible via highways, rail and air. There are plenty of hotel facilities in the city and the surrounding areas, which are a true shopping paradise with superb cuisine and some of the best Italian restaurants with Michelin stars. In the middle of one of the most important Italian wine regions you can organize you event in wineries, renovated industrial buildings or palaces. The whole offer is quality linked by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Tourist Board.

Natural and cultural factors:

14.

Overall performance

GRADO, ITALY

ISLAND OF SUN • The Italian city of Grado, mostly known among CentralEuropean tourists as a summer vacation headquarters, is much more than just a tourist-infested destination. Not a lot of people know that it actually boasts a large congress centre, making it suitable for this type of tourism too. If you succeed in avoiding the summer rush hour, Grado will impress you with its laid-back rhythm, great congress offer and numerous incentive activities, such as the golf courses or the excellent Friulian culinary experiences. Grado's true charm hides in the inviting alleyways of the old city centre, where the full congress potential is still waiting to be uncovered.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index: Connectivity Index:

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

450

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1.057

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

994

Destination population

36,739

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 3,620 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

360

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

658

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

800

Destination population

Natural and cultural factors:

16.

Overall performance

THE HEART OF DALMATIA • Šibenik very rarely raises any association with the meeting industry. In the process of transition from an industrial city into a tourist destination it has not yet asserted its image among competing cities. Despite this, it is a fact that it has excellent conditions and is somehow considered to be a hidden jewel of the Croatian congress offer. For ease of accessibility it may be a suitable location for small association conferences as well as a variety of incentive programmes.

Destination capacity

Overall performance

ON THE FOAMING SEA • Budva is one of the central incentive destinations on the Adriatic coast, with very successful marketing and despite numerous deficiencies in poor accessibility and current capacity selection. The development plans for the Monte Carlo of the Adriatic, openness from foreign investors and very liberal policies could position the Montenegro coast very high on the meetings industry map in the next few years, while it is already the leader in the area of incentive programs. It boasts the unique opportunity for the practically untapped Russian meetings industry, which has always had a positive relationship with Budva. If this “wild beauty” improves its accessibility, price competitiveness and infrastructure, it can be a worthy competitor as a meetings destination even in the wider region of the Mediterranean as one of the top destinations.

ŠIBENIK, CROATIA

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.60 4.59 4.43 4.24 4.46 3.86 1.02 3.60 4.35 2.53

3.73 4.44 4.38 4.65 4.62 4.43 4.08 1.02 3.31 3.91

ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

Natural and cultural factors:

2.50

3.72 4.68

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 2,676

Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

220

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

600

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

500

139 27

3.77

General and transport

ICCA index:

46,332

2.52

General and transport

Numbeo Safety Index:

Destination capacity

4.68 4.50 4.33 4.60 3.97 1.02 3.58 4.35

ACI Airport

BUDVA, MONTENEGRO

4.47

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

15.

3.80

4.44 4.56 4.07 4.48 3.98 1.02 3.14 3.94 2.85

Meetings 2017 MEETINGSStar STAR 2017

17.

Destination capacity Destination population

355,047

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 800

KOSICE, SLOVAKIA

Overall performance

A PHOENIX BETWEEN EAST AND WEST • If Bratislava is the capital of the country, then Kosice can be declared its creative center, one that impresses with vibrant urban zones, positive diversity and an urban transformation of the city throughout layers of history. Košice seems pleasant for the accommodation and organization of congresses and also seems a very tolerant city. A border location has greatly contributed to that, which has made residents more tolerant, but it is precisely this border diversity that defines the vitality and resistance of the city. The specific local identity gives the city its charm and soul, and it ranks it among one of the most promising Eastern European convention destinations.

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

350

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

400

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

350

Destination capacity Destination population

97,910

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 450

RIJEKA, CROATIA

Overall performance

A CITY WITH CHARACTER • The extended region of Kvarner has the huge potential to become a leading meetings destination. Individual congress cities together with the islands of Opatija, Lošinj and Cres are the heart of a very rich product. It is a complex offer, appropriate for associations as well as corporate events. Comparing Rijeka to Split it’s possible to see just how fast the tourist-congress transformation can happen. With its Mediterranean – industrial character Rijeka has no competitor in the Adriatic; the urban scene is so very alive and contains a rich cultural offer. Plenty of congress stories are just waiting for discovery.

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

180

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

250

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

677

Destination capacity Destination population

75,082

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,824 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

150

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,000

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

400

Destination population

57,460

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 372

Overall performance

A COOL MEETINGS DESTINATION • Zadar with over 4000 beds, several campgrounds and resorts is a developed summer destination for leisure and a yachting paradise. The charming city with thousand years of cultural heritage, the proximity of the islands, five national parks and improving flight connections has a number of good reviews by foreign media describing it as a cool convention destination. The city is an ideal destination for organization of smaller conferences and incentives for up to 100 participants. Currently, the main drawback are congress facilities that are not offering enough space for bigger business events, as well as congress infrastructure which is not yet built and in function. Once everything is in place, Zadar will certainly be an important congress player.

Natural and cultural factors:

PULA, CROATIA

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Natural and cultural factors:

4.56 4.46 4.47 4.17 4.45 3.92 1.02 3.52 4.35 2.05

3.69 4.60 4.47 4.82 4.17 4.64 3.94 1.02 3.14 3.94 2.19

3.66 4.58

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

180

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,000

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

700

140 28

3.70

ACI Airport

Overall performance

URBAN MEETINGS • Pula is a city of intoxicating flavours, scents and multiple images. Only when you experience it, it becomes clear why it’s also a great meetings destination. Pula as a regional centre of Istria is in terms of congress tourism currently less developed than some tourist destinations in Istria. The role of the regional congress centre took Rovinj with intensive investment, partly Poreč and cities of NW Istria. Current investments of company Arenaturist incite very high degree of optimism since the city acquired a high quality infrastructure. Along with the urban culture of the city and number of higher education institutions, the potential for congress tourism in Istria is among the largest.

2.04

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

20.

Destination capacity

ZADAR, CROATIA

4.66 4.72 4.37 4.66 4.07 1.02 3.08 3.86

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

19.

4.64

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

18.

3.71

4.45 4.43 4.08 4.36 3.85 1.02 3.87 3.79 2.16

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

21.

Destination capacity Destination population

204,877

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,125 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

480

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

422

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

715

Destination capacity Destination population

728,350

PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO

Overall performance

REGION'S WARMEST CITY • For now Podgorica can rarely be found on the meetings industry map. Considering the outstanding potential it will over time come to have all that is necessary to be a true meeting destination. Among its advantages there is its strategic position, which enables easy access to the most attractive parts of Montenegro for incentives. Among the weaknesses we have to point out the current state of the meeting infrastructure and its transport isolation. Being an air travel destination it is highly dependant on the number of flight connections, including low cost ones. A convention bureau for the town would greatly help in positioning the destination, which it deserves as a capital city. The town is developing quickly and is looking for the right image, torn between the classic tourism flow and the idea of development into a meeting destination.

Natural and cultural factors:

22.

Overall performance

LVIV, UKRAINE

OPEN TO THE WORLD • If Kiev is the heart of Ukraine, then Lviv is its soul. That’s certainly how it is seen by the locals. In 2009 Lviv became officially recognized as the Ukrainian capital of culture, reflecting its status as a creative and educational centre that impresses with its vibrant urban spirit. When you learn that every fifth resident of Lviv is a student, then this is not so surprising. The city has been at the crossroads of East and West for the past eight centuries and is today successfully using its rich history and tradition to create a pleasant and creative atmosphere for meeting planners and participants.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index: Connectivity Index:

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

400

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,300

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,200

Destination capacity Destination population

97,910

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 436 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

270

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

570

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

400

141 29

2.57

3.58 4.56

General and transport

COLOURFUL CONGRESS VARIETY • Subotica has a soul. It is a city where it seems that time has stopped. The proud town centre merges almost imperceptibly into the surrounding melancholy plains. Economically and culturally Subotica is one of the most developed cities in Serbia. Congress guests will be impressed by the multicultural spirit and European charm, which is reflected in a large number of special venues in a small area. Well-developed albeit not connected is the offer of various incentive programmes. Subotica has a functioning Congress bureau, the hotel facilities are good and the culinary tradition is an extra plus. All of this represents an exciting congress package calling out for more penetrating international or at least regional marketing to exploit the full potential of the city. We see this especially in the development of incentive programmes and smaller professional meetings and conferences taking advantage of the scientific and cultural potential of the city. To top it all off, Subotica offers a lot of music for little money.

4.54 4.56 4.38 4.40 4.00 1.02 2.56 3.41

ACI Airport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

SUBOTICA, SERBIA

4.60

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 913

23.

3.60

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

4.41 4.70 4.31 4.55 4.56 1.02 1.94 3.13 2.67

3.45 4.48

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.16 4.41 4.13 4.40 3.91 1.02 2.84 2.97

ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

2.18

SMALL

MEETING DESTINATIONS

Destinations that can host up to 500 congress attendees

SIZE OF CITY

The number The number of 4* and 5* of 4* and 5* category hotel hotels rooms

Banquet hall maximum capacity

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

TOTAL MARK

KRANJSKA GORA

1,452

858

300

360

3,82

BOHINJ

5,277

150

112

130

3,80

SOČA VALLEY

16,537

155

100

425

3,79

HVAR

11,103

1,500

220

370

3,75

GORIŠKA BRDA

5,757

130

200

3,74

MALI LOŠINJ

8,388

1,353

182

400

3,73

LAŠKO

3,416

390

280

490

3,72

SAVINJA VALLEY

61,442

400

100

3,71

PODČETRTEK

3,224

250

150

350

3,68

ROGAŠKA SLATINA

6,856

820

180

389

3,67

VYSOKE TATRE

4,718

1,000

300

650

3,66

ZELENI KRAS

52.531

290

180

350

3,63

UMAG

4,718

1,200

350

3,62

NOVA GORICA

32,763

500

180

280

3,62

BREŽICE/ČATEŽ

6,856

300

750

3,61

OSIJEK

108,048

700

300

450

3,57

MOSTAR

113,169

800

200

350

3,48

HEVIZ

4.375

1,200

120

150

3,38

SARVAR

15,651

800

300

500

3,36

OHRID

42,033

1,000

120

400

3,34

MEETINGS STAR2017 2017 Meetings Star

1. KRANJSKA GORA

MEETINGS STAR AWARD BEST MEETING 2017 DESTINATIONS 2016

DID YOU KNOW

GOOD WILL IS THE BEST

“There is nothing more beautiful in Europe than this,” wrote Sir Humphry Davy about the beauties of the Sava Valley with its waterfalls and lakes.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA PLANICA ZIPLINE – the steepest zipline in the world Experience the sensations of world legends that descended the legendary Planica hill and achieved historical milestones. Your flight will be 566m long and you will reach a speed of up to 90km/h in just a few seconds.

COOL MEETINGS CARNIOLAN SAUSAGE - particularly famous among meat products is the Kranjska sausage, a protected Slovenian specialty coming from a centuries-old tradition.

3.82 Final Score

The image of the most famous Slovenian ski resort with the Julian Alps in the background is in the heart of all Slovenian active skiers. Many people have made their first steps on the snow on these ski slopes. Kranjska Gora is a worldwide brand known as the traditional Slovenian winter ski resort, which also offers a lot in the summer season too and is increasingly establishing itself as a congress and incentive destination. Today, Kranjska Gora builds its image on sustainable natural development as well as on quality yearround tourist facilities. Kranjska Gora is in the winter season primarily a sports and recreation centre. In the summer season it is more a destination for trekking, relaxation and the congress industry, which is the only year round activity in the area. It seems that with the arrival of a new hotel manager, the place has received a new impetus for the further development of congress tourism. Conditions for smaller conferences are already excellent and with a wide range of casino offer and incentive programmes satisfies the basic needs. In Kranjska Gora you will not find city streets with boutiques offering ski equipment, cafés and restaurants. This is something you should not look for when coming to Kranjska Gora. Instead, however, you will be greeted by beautiful scenery and plenty of authenticity along with genuine congress experiences.

Destination mark: EXCELLENT MEETING DESTINATION Marks: 5 excellent meeting destination 4 quality meeting destination 3 recommendable meeting destination 2 average meeting destination 1 passable INDIVIDUAL GRADES: Natural and cultural factors: General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meetings infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Global Peace Index: ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

4,75 4,57 4,49 4,15 4,61 3,95 1,02 3,46 4,53 2,66

DESTINATION MARK:

3.82

Comparisons with the region The most important winter sports centre in Slovenia has among the Slovenian ski resorts the strongest brand, which is known worldwide mainly due to the Cup Vitranc. It has stayed n the company of places like Kitzbuhel, Cortina, Garmisch and Wengen for many years. In recent 143 31

years, Kranjska Gora successfully defied the green winters and economic hardship of key hoteliers. Slowly and steadily it has also developed a summer tourist offer, which enables the development of congress tourism. Both seasons are now virtually in balance. With the latest changes in the field of hospitality it will surely strengthen its position as an important centre for the implementation of incentive programmes and small conferences. Due to the recognition of the ski jumps in Planica and Vitranc Cup it has a high priority over other rivals in the region. It is an important boutique congress destination for quality mid-size corporate events up to 350 participants. WHO TO CONTACT TIC – Turistično informacijski center Kranjska Gora Kolodvorska ul. 1c, 4280 Kranjska Gora +386 (0)4 580 94 40 +386 (0)41 619 443 +386 (0)4 580 94 41 www.kranjska-gora.si

Meetings Star 2017 MEETINGS STAR 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

1,452

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 858 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

300

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,200

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

360

GOOD WILL IS THE BEST • The most important winter sports centre in Slovenia has among the Slovenian ski resorts the strongest brand, which is known worldwide mainly due to the Cup Vitranc. Slowly and steadily it has also developed a summer tourist offer, which enables the development of congress tourism. Both seasons are now virtually in balance. With the latest changes in the field of hospitality it will surely strengthen its position as an important centre for the implementation of incentive programmes and small conferences. Due to the recognition of the ski jumps in Planica and Vitranc Cup it has a high priority over other rivals in the region. It is an important boutique congress destination for quality mid-size corporate events up to 350 participants.

Destination population

5,277

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

BOHINJ, SLOVENIA

HIDDEN SUSTAINABLE MEETINGS GEM • The majority of congress guests will be sworn lovers of nature and its aesthetic value. Bohinj is a place that is created for sustainable conference programmes and for active incentive experiences. It is a place where without any hesitation you can drink water from the public water supply and from its clean streams. Even the basic network of thematic paths offers ideas for authentic congress programmes. In Slovenia, the beauty of Bohinj can only be matched by its neighbours across the peaks in the Soča Valley, or in Kranjska Gora.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

112

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

220

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

130

Destination capacity Destination population

16,537

EPICENTRE OF INCENTIVE INSPIRATIONS • In the narrow micro-region the Soča Valley is currently not facing increased competition. On the Italian side in Friuli Venezia Giulia, incentive tourism is underdeveloped and the development of the product in Brda and Nova Gorica is also at the beginning stages. A more serious competition is in Istria and neighbouring Carinthia, as well as within the wider Slovenian Julian Alps. The main advantage of the destination is a developed incentive product, gastronomy and preserved natural and cultural heritage, which is unequalled.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

100

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

300

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

425

Destination capacity Destination population

11,103

HVAR, CROATIA

Overall performance

ROOM WITH A VIEW • None of the more than 1,000 Croatian islands has such karma and recognition as Hvar. Definitely a “must” Croatian destination, right behind Dubrovnik. Distance from the mainland gives it a touch of boutique smallness. On the beauty of the island, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, there is no point in wasting words, since there is no shortage of various urban legends and superlatives. Among other things, it used to be called Austrian Madeira. In Hvar, the urban has been coexisting with the rural for centuries.

Natural and cultural factors:

3.80 4.81 4.56 4.23 4.17 4.52 4.03 1.02 3.46 4.53 2.66

3.79 4.82 4.40 4.47 4.11 4.64 3.97 1.02 3.46 4.53 2.53

3.75 4.88

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,500

Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

220

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

370

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

370

144 32

2.66

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 155

4.57 4.49 4.15 4.61 3.95 1.02 3.46 4.53

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

SOČA VALLEY, SLOVENIA

4.75

ACI Airport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 150

3.82

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

Destination capacity

KRANJSKA GORA, SLOVENIA

4.14 4.57 4.38 4.67 4.20 1.02 3.15 3.95 2.52

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

5,757

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 88

GORIŠKA BRDA, SLOVENIA

FERTILE CROSSROADS OF CULTURES • A number of the features of Brda make it special and unique in the wider area. In the first place is its openness to the sea, creating a pleasant Mediterranean climate, followed up by its natural beauty with rich cultural heritage and eco-preserved countryside with exceptional culinary and wine offer, unrivalled in the region. A panorama of hills with a cluster of agglomerations and subdivided farmland and countless terraced vineyards is certainly one of the most beautiful Italian- Slovenian landscape-aesthetic experiences. In the field of tourism-convention offer, Brda is perhaps the future formula of tourism development: “less is more”. The convention fate of Brda and Collio is in co-operation and joint promotion.

Banquet hall maximum capacity

130

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

330

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

200

Destination capacity Destination population

8,388

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,353 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

182

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

390

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

400

Destination capacity Destination population

3,416

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 390

MALI LOŠINJ, CROATIA

Overall performance

LOW-CARBON INCENTIVE ISLAND • Lošinj and Cres are the only Adriatic islands that successfully deal with sustainable tourism and are amongst the more eco-friendly islands of Kvarner. They differ from the more famous Dalmatian isles, with their nature preservation, systematic sustainable development and cultural heritage. All these activities are well managed and present a huge opportunity for sustainable meetings industry in harmony with the capabilities of the islands. The key challenge is the invisibility on the meetings industry radar, lacking the recognisable incentive brands to build the high quality boutique and intimate stories. If local suppliers can develop from these points, they will be able to benefit from the current trends in the industry. I am certain their first clients will be the existing loyal guest of Cres and Lošinj.

Natural and cultural factors:

Overall performance

LAŠKO, SLOVENIA

BEER AND CONGRESSES • Laško is first and foremost a spa destination, because the main motive of going there are the two spa and thermal centres. In the future it will remain so. In the past five years, however, much has been done in developing congress tourism and enriching the offer and it is today surprising how much Laško can offer to congress guests beyond its traditional tasty beer. Everything from one of the best Slovenian cuisines to an exceptional cultural and historical heritage together with the possibility of organising green meetings. In making this breakthrough Laško has very quickly become much more competitive to the more established meeting industry destinations.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index: Connectivity Index:

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

280

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

538

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

490

Destination capacity Destination population

61,442

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 400 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

100

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

200

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

4.79 4.01 4.53 4.33 4.62 4.13 1.02 3.51 4.35 1.98

3.72 4.46 4.21 4.13 4.16 4.42 3.98 1.02 3.91 4.40 2.50

3.71 4.68

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.39 4.41 4.09 4.46 3.67 1.02 3.46 4.40

ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

145 33

3.73

General and transport

Banquet hall maximum capacity

OF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK • Upper Savinja Valley is one of Slovenia’s natural jewels of. Its tourism offer is undoubtedly getting more diverse with every passing year, but still many of its foreign guests are not getting a comprehensive source of information about the full range of events and activities offer. The valley can be compared with the Soča Valley, which in many respects has a similar congress offer and the advantage of a functioning destination organisation (LTO Sotočje). Both valleys are two uncut diamonds of the Slovenian meetings offer that we believe will sooner or later be discovered by European event organisers. Given the advantages of this valley that is really impressive with its diversity, its natural resources and the charms of the Savinja river, it will undoubtedly succeed.

2.53

ACI Airport

SAVINJA VALLEY, SLOVENIA

4.07 4.23 4.05 4.59 4.28 1.02 3.46 4.53

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

4.70

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

3.74

2.53

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

3,224

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 250

PODČETRTEK, SLOVENIA

THE SUCCESS STORY • The smallest place in our analysis is big in its offer and an example to all of us involved with tourism. Once a remote and poor community, in the 60-ies of the last century focused on tourism. Its epicentre is a thermal spring, around which a success story was created. At every step the locals you meet, be it a wine-grower, a caterer or a priest, will let it be known that you are welcome. There are few places where the only driving force of the economy is tourism. Because in these places industry has never developed, today this can be considered as one of their advantages. Podčetrtek has a great potential in the field of congress tourism. It is an authentic and in many ways a sustainable congress experience.

Banquet hall maximum capacity

150

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

3.570

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

350

Destination capacity Destination population

6,856

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 820

ROGAŠKA SLATINA, SLOVENIA

OLD FOR NEW • It would be hard to find a more traditional health resort in Slovenia. Most other health resorts, including the neighbouring Podčetrtek, cannot boast such tradition that inspires confidence. In a few years the place has radically changed its appearance and has excellent congress infrastructure. However, something remains missing – more convention visitors, who were once coming en masse to these places. Rogaška needs congress tourism, as is written into its DNA. It seems that it is currently defying the modern times, mainly thanks to the proactive individual hoteliers. To regain a top spot more connectivity will be required, better joint promotion and all of this reflected through the establishment of a Convention Bureau.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: General and transport Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

180

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

350

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

389

Destination capacity Destination population

4,718

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,000 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

300

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

660

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

650

WARM YOUR HEART • The High Tatras are an extraordinary surprise and one of the undiscovered European incentive jewels. In the shadow of the much more notorious Zakopane range in neighbouring Poland, they offer at least as broad an incentive offer, which is nicely complemented by a very favourable financial package. As the main tourist resorts are close to mountain resorts, ski resorts and scenic walking trails, it is a totally perfect destination for more sports-inspired incentive groups. We recommend organising events in the spring and autumn months, when places aren’t flooded with the annual mass winter tourist flows. The prices in Slovakia are significantly lower than in central Europe and the destination is just a few hours’ drive by motorway from major Central European cities.

Destination population

52.531

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 290

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

ZELENI KRAS, SLOVENIA

JEWELS OF NATURE • Karst have due to the natural and cultural values great potential for the development of congress tourism. It should be based on the specificities and comparative advantages of individual areas associated with a rich cultural heritage, cultural landscapes and preserved natural environment. As an integrated product is not yet developed at this time, it is more like complement to the rest of the Slovenian congress destinations. For breakthrough it is necessary to raise the visibility and competitiveness among congress organizers, which today are looking for exactly such an authentic space. We believe, that it will be recognized as a product with great potential by the main carrier of tourism Postojna cave.

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

3.67 4.52 4.33 4.09 3.98 4.53 3.79 1.02 3.46 4.40 2.57

3.66 4.79 4.59 4.61 4.40 4.59 3.79 1.02 3.05 3.81

ACI Airport

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

1.94

3.63 4.72

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

180

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

350

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

350

146 34

2.57

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

12.

Destination capacity

VYSOKE TATRE, SLOVAKIA

4.26 4.20 4.11 4.56 3.85 1.02 3.46 4.40

infrastructure:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

11.

4.38

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

10.

3.68

4.43 4.09 3.89 4.46 3.54 1.02 3.46 4.15 2.52

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

13.

DOOR TO THE ADRIATIC • Among the competing congress destinations, Umag even a year ago would be easily overlooked, but today it is already hosting the most demanding events such as the most important Microsoft event Windays. This proves that the destination is profiled as a congress and especially incentive location. To the good functioning a great destination management contributes a great deal, which in a form of a clusterfrom 2010 is promoted under the brand “Colours of Istria”.

Destination capacity Destination population

UMAG, CROATIA

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,200

Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

350

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

400

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

350

14.

Destination capacity Destination population

32,763

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 500

NOVA GORICA, SLOVENIA

A TEENAGER AND A LADY OF RESPECTABLE AGE • The two locations are the heart of the sunny and verdant Goriška plane. Due to their interesting position between the Alps and the Mediterranean, and the junction between the Roman and Slavic, it forms a historically attractive space with high experiential value and preserved natural as much as cultural landscape. In the transport sense it is a very easily accessible region with a high quality of living and excellent infrastructure. Both Goricas have many good restaurants and will delight lovers of gastronomy, entertainment and gaming. The hospitality of the locals and the competitiveness of the destination is placing the region on the top of young, fresh and undiscovered convention destinations.

Banquet hall maximum capacity

180

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

300

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

280

Destination capacity Destination population

6,856

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 300

BREŽICE/ČATEŽ, SLOVENIA

TOURIST GAZELLE • Another Slovenian destination, which according to the capacity, integrity of the offer and convenience is often overlooked. Lower Sava valley is mainly thanks to the proactive Terme Čatež a very competitive meeting destination. Overall the main advantages in terms of congress tourism are a favourable geostrategic position of the border location, close to Zagreb international airport and favourable natural conditions with high tourist potential. In addition, thanks to large investments it provides a variety of accommodation facilities, a welcome boon for conference guests with different purchasing power. An arranged congress centre, multipurpose hall and the Mokrice golf course work together to offer many innovative combinations.

Banquet hall maximum capacity

300

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

720

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

750

Destination capacity Destination population

108,048

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 700 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

300

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

480

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

450

OSIJEK, CROATIA

OVERLOOKED DESTINATION • To most people, the extreme north-eastern part of Croatiais the most marginal, border, multi-faith, multicultural and the most poorly known region. Its character is carved by the Drava and Danube rivers along with its symbolic, functional and aesthetic value. Its self-image is one of isolation and the feeling of living on a desert island of convention tourism, in which only a small number of meeting planners and organisers are interested. Because of its geographic position, it is economically and politically far from the capital and as a consequence also undeveloped as a convention destination. The focus of the problem is a stereotypical feeling of neglect. Overlooking this, Osijek is one of the freshest and most sustainable Croatian meetings destinations with no real competition in the region.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

3.62 4.25 4.35 4.38 3.94 4.22 3.52 1.02 3.46 4.53 2.52

3.61 4.35 4.31 4.26 4.09 4.44 3.54 1.02 3.46 4.15 2.50

3.57 4.23

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.13 4.17 3.93 4.16 3.55 1.02 3.92 4.68

ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

147 35

2.28

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

16.

4.38 4.44 4.05 4.35 3.64 1.02 3.40 4.31

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

15.

4.35

General and transport

ICCA index:

4,718

3.62

1.94

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

17.

Destination capacity Destination population

113,169

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 800

MOSTAR, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

BRIDGING THE GAP • The city of sun, greenery and flowers with a Mediterranean climate is currently a sleeping congress destination that overwhelms visitors with its historical story. Mostar is a lot more than just the Old bridge and stereotypes – it has all the neccessary conditions to develop congress tourism, yet it has somehow been put in the background and overlooked as a tourist product. With more focused development, initiating a convention bureau and better connectivity with congress providers, Mostar could easily compete with Adriatic congress capitals like Sarajevo or in Dalmatia. .

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

200

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

500

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

350

Destination capacity Destination population

4,375

HEVIZ, HUNGARY

Overall performance

TIMELESS CHARM • Héviz is the capital of Hungarian spas and thermal baths, as in addition to the hotel complexes and thermal water-filled swimming pools it also has a thermal lake. The thermal lake in Héviz is the largest biologically active natural thermal lake in the world. Spa tourism is booming and its Hungarian engine is in Héviz. The city is suitable for organising events. If you like more traditional hotels and peaceful destinations, you will love this place. If you are looking for a combination with wellness, this is one of the best options in Hungary.

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

120

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

200

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

150

Destination capacity Destination population

15,651

SARVAR, HUNGARY

PANNONIAN MELANCHOLY • Sárvár is very nicely and attractively arranged. The great advantage is its proximity to Austria and to Vienna and Bratislava airports. To Vienna airport it is approximately 130 km, only a shot more to the airport in Bratislava and to Graz airport it is just 150 km. Sárvár is a city that at the moment only a few would place somewhere on the convention destinations map. Development has been primarily focused on health tourism. Once you get to know it, it is an elegant and fresh destination that is surprising because it is not ostentatious.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

300

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

600

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

500

Destination capacity Destination population

42,033

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,000

OHRID, MACEDONIA

BALKAN CONGRESS PEARL • One of the main Macedonian tourist centers is becoming increasingly more important as a meeting center. At first glance, it differs from competing regional destinations due to its reasonable prices. The difference is also in the structure of the offer which is primarily adapted to leisure tourism. Ohrid is, in summer, a mass tourist destination with all the challenges that that brings. Out of season it can be a very interesting meeting destination, if rapid development will be followed by the upgraded offer that congress guests expect. The first step is related to performance of providers and the establishment of a Convention Bureau.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

3.38 4.44 4.25 4.17 3.94 4.25 3.66 1.02 2.68 3.41 1.94

3.36 4.40 4.17 4.12 3.89 4.19 3.59 1.02 2.68 3.41 2.15

3.34 4.68

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

120

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

500

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

400

148 36

1.94

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 800

20.

4.04 4.43 3.76 4.37 3.59 1.02 3.62 3.30

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,200

19.

4.71

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

18.

3.48

4.16 4.41 3.73 4.20 3.54 1.02 2.34 3.36 1.94

TOP

15 DESTINATIONS IN NEW EUROPE

SIZE OF CITY

The number The number of 4* and 5* of 4* and 5* category hotel hotels rooms

Banquet hall maximum capacity

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

TOTAL MARK

PRAGUE

1,280,508

22,491

258

1,700

2,764

4,55

ATHENS

664,046

4,152

1,300

1,960

4,41

WARSAW

1,753,977

12,000

2,500

5,200

4,39

ISTANBUL

14,804,116

106,000

217

3,000

3,500

4,34

LJUBLJANA

279,756

1,610

1,200

2,200

4,33

ZAGREB

799,556

2,666

1,600

1,851

4,31

BUDAPEST

1,759,407

19,524

208

870

2,000

4,30

TALLINN

444,885

4,765

1,200

1,892

4,28

DUBROVNIK

42,615

4,165

700

1,200

4,27

KRAKOW

762,448

3,037

2,200

2,100

4,23

BRATISLAVA

432,801

5,094

600

2,500

4,20

BELGRADE

1,233,796

4,158

1,500

3,672

4,14

THESSALONIKI

325,182

3,395

1,000

2,100

4,10

MOSCOW

12,380,664

7,456

197

3,000

6,000

4,09

BUCHAREST

2,106,144

3,640

800

2,100

4,03

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

1. PRAGUE

MEETINGS STAR AWARD BEST MEETING 2017 DESTINATIONS 2016

WHAT‘S HOT 2017 1. The 56th Congress of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) - The Czech capital will welcome meetings professionals including top planners from all over the world between 12 and 15 November 2017.

SLAVIC PARIS

2. Prague Spring – The Prague Spring International Music Festival belongs to key cultural events held in Prague. This year’s, already 72nd edition will host around 45 concerts accompanied with a broad and wide range of events from 12 May to 2 June 2017. 3. SIGNAL (Prague Light Festival) – Every year for the four nights, SIGNAL Festival changes the look of Prague streets, public spaces and historical buildings into the objects d’art. The fifth edition of the festival will light up the Czech capital from 12 to 15 October 2017.

4.55 Final Score

The spirit of Central Europe is in the best way caught in this beautiful city, which is an excellent convention destination because of its cosmopolitanism, multiculturalism, liveliness and a tireless nightlife. What is the secret of the Prague congress tourism? What are they doing differently? It is a combination of circumstances and wise development policies. Elegantly and sustainably they are working to be among the top ten European congress cities. Destination mark: EXCELLENT MEETING DESTINATION Marks: 5 excellent meeting destination 4 quality meeting destination 3 recommendable meeting destination 2 average meeting destination 1 passable INDIVIDUAL GRADES: Natural and cultural factors: General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meetings infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index: ACI Airport Connectivity Index

4.86 4.66 4.89 4.83 4.83 4.90 4.88 3.20 3.91 4.54

DESTINATION MARK:

4,55

Comparisons with the region Prague has for a long time not been an Eastern European gem, but a true European tourist metropolis with a diverse and comprehensive offer, luxury hotels and sometimes too high prices. The story is reminiscent of Škoda, of which the Czechs are very proud and is one of the oldest automotive brands in Europe. Reputable, solid and reliable pre-war limousines were after the war changed by cars that were behind the times. Today, Škoda shines again and again puts the Czech manufacturer where it once was. The same can be said for the meetings industry, where Prague began to seriously falter against the locations top of the European league. If we look at the position of Prague regionally, Prague will not take primacy in the region over Vienna, but it certainly has all the conditions to remain for a long time the first congress destination among East European capitals.

4. Designblok (Prague Design and Fashion Week) – The largest design and fashion show in Central Europe, presenting contemporary furniture and interior accessories, industrial design, lights, fashion, and jewellery. Next edition of the show will start on 26 October 2017. 5. Volkswagen Prague Marathon – One of the most beautiful marathons in the world is held annually in the historical heart of Prague. Runners will enjoy the view of Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and historical streets of Prague from 6 to 7 May 2017.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA Glass Decoration - visit a famous glass gallery in Prague, where you can admire beautiful works of art and create your own piece of art using your artistic flair whilst painting a piece of glass.

DID YOU KNOW Why Prague is called “Golden Prague”? This name was given to the city during the reign of the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV, when the towers of Prague Castle were covered in gold. Another theory is that Prague was called ‘Golden’ during the reign of Rudolf II, who employed alchemists to turn ordinary metals into gold.

PRAGUE AIRPORT CONNECTIVITY (ACI Europe) Direct Total

150 38

1.291 4.651

Indirect Hub

3.359 1.458

Meetings STAR Star 2017 MEETINGS 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

1,280,508

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 31,092 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

472

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,200

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

10,237

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,764

Destination population

664,046

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 4,152

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

ATHENS, GREECE

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

Numbeo Safety Index:

1,300

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

13,000

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,960

Destination capacity Destination population

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 12,000

Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

2,500

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

10,000

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

5,200

Destination capacity Destination population

14,804,116

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 106,000

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

SIZE DOES MATTER • The Turkish congress tiger is relentlessly growling and overcoming everything set in front of it. Professionalism and entrepreneurship when they are competing for international events is not lacking and they could be setting an example to other convention bureaus. Congress Bazaar of Istanbul offers everything that a meetings organizer needs, in addition to 7 convention centers, 3 fair grounds and almost 100.000 hotel rooms, and the excellently organized Convention Bureau of Instanbul. The quality of life in Istanbul is improving as well as the general infrastructure; Turkish airlines has become the fourth largest airline in the world.

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

4.41 4.89 4.71 4.98 4.99 4.83 4.85 4.70 2.33 2.79 4.99

4,39 4.54 4.68 4.81 4.77 4.52 4.54 4.64 2.97 4.05 4.41

4.34 4.72

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

217

Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

3,000

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

8,400

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

3,500

151 39

4.54

General and transport

ICCA index:

1,753,977

4.66 4.89 4.83 4.83 4.90 4.88 3.20 3.91

General and transport

Banquet hall maximum capacity

WARSAW, POLAND

4.86

ACI Airport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

4.55

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

Destination capacity

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

4.56 4.97 4.97 4.56 4.85 4.52 2.48 2.75 5.00

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

279,756

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 1,610 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,200

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

2,456

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,200

Destination population

799,556

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 2,666 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,600

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

2,360

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,851

Destination population

1,759,407

ZAGREB, CROATIA

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Banquet hall maximum capacity

870

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

19,250

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,000

Destination capacity Destination population

444,885

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 4,765 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,200

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

3,000

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,892

Overall performance

152 40

4.31 4.76 4.81 4.78 4.74 4.75 4.38 4.00 3.25 3.96 3.64

4.30 4.86

General and transport

208

3.16

ACI Airport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

TALLINN, ESTONIA

4.68 4.62 4.85 4.68 4.52 4.42 3.32 4.13

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 19,524

4.89

ACI Airport

Connectivity Index:

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

4.33

General and transport

Overall performance

Destination capacity

Overall performance

Connectivity Index:

Destination capacity

LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

Natural and cultural factors:

4.65 4.90 4.71 4.69 3.87 4.83 2.56 3.36 4.21

4.28 4.58

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

4.65 4.68 4.75 4.84 4.80 3.62 3.28 4.30

ACI Airport Connectivity Index:

3.34

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

Destination capacity Destination population

42,615

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 4,165 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

700

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

900

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

1,200

Destination capacity Destination population

762,448

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 3,037 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

2,200

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

4,500

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,100

Destination population

432,801

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 5,094

Overall performance

Natural and cultural factors:

10.

Overall performance

KRAKOW, POLAND

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index: Connectivity Index:

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

2,500

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,500

Destination population

1,233,796

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 4,158

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

4.73 4.63 4.81 4.65 4.68 4.60 4.20 2.69 3.91 3.37

4.20 4.38 4.84 4.79 4.67 4.71 4.73 3.52 3.08 3.80 3.51

4.14 4.37

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,500

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

15,030

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

3,672

153 41

4.23

General and transport

600

Destination capacity

2.81

ACI Airport

Banquet hall maximum capacity

4.56 4.90 4.80 4.77 4.39 3.35 3.44 4.79

General and transport

BELGRADE, SERBIA

4.94

ACI Airport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

12.

4.27

General and transport

Connectivity Index:

11.

Destination capacity

DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

4.47 4.79 4.63 4.77 4.43 4.37 2.48 3.47 3.61

Meetings Star MEETINGS STAR2017 2017

13.

Destination capacity Destination population

325,182

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 3,395 The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

1,000

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

1,800

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,100

Destination population

12,380,664

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 7,456

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors: General and transport

MOSCOW, RUSSIA

Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

Natural and cultural factors: infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

197

Banquet hall maximum capacity

3,000

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

17,852

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

6,000

Destination capacity Destination population

2,106,144

The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms 3,640

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA

Overall performance Natural and cultural factors:

3.16

4.09 4.42 4.56 4.73 4.72 4.42 4.31 4.39 1.79 2.99 4.62

4.03 4.31

General and transport infrastructure: Tourist infrastructure: Meeting infrastructure: Subjective grade: Marketing Buzz: ICCA index: Numbeo quality of life Index: Numbeo Safety Index:

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

Banquet hall maximum capacity

800

ACI Airport

The largest hall in the city (in m2)

5,110

Connectivity Index:

Maximum hall capacity in theatre style

2,100

154 42

4.67 4.53 4.68 4.47 3.79 2.95 3.58

General and transport

The number of 4* and 5* category hotels

15.

4.53 4.65

ACI Airport

Overall performance

POSITIVE SPIN • The Russian capital is one of the biggest cities in the world, but what makes it really special is not its size. First mentioned in 1147, Moscow has a way of interlacing its historical roots with a very modern way of life. The city's congress industry, offering everything from the most modern congress centres to the more traditional providers, reflects that intertwinement. The list of venues goes on forever and encompasses everything from luxurious hotels of international chains to excellent congress centres. The size of the city isn't the only thing that's hefty, as Moscow has also become known as the most expensive city in the world. This somewhat dampens its competitiveness, but Moscow is nevertheless a great host for any kind of event.

4.10

infrastructure:

Connectivity Index:

14.

Destination capacity

THESSALONIKI, GREECE

4.55 4.59 4.34 4.48 3.42 4.00 2.46 3.96 4.14

BEST HOTELS AnD COnVEnTiOn CEnTRES 2017

MEETINGS STAR 2017

GOOD, BETTER, THE BEST

SO GOOD THAT WE COULDN'T IGNORE IT Based on 151 hidden guests’ ratings, which have been published in the Kongres Magazine, we have selected the winners of the MEETINGS STAR AWARDS 2017. • 5 categories, 12 hidden guests • 465 evaluation criteria • 55 City Meeting Hotels evaluated The Meetings Star Awards and the Conventa tradeshow together celebrate their 10th Anniversary. In the last decade, the Meetings Star Awards has gained a special status among the event awards, while the award ceremony during the Conventa tradeshow has become a tradition that will this year be raised to an even higher level through a production of an autonomous event. We evaluate hotels and congress centres that out readers recommend to us. We focus on facilities that are oriented to congress tourism. This year we evaluated 25 new hotels and we once more evaluated 12 hotels from previous years. So far already 151 evaluations have been made all together in a form of a hidden guest which allows for a truly quality comparison. We intentionally avoid the possibility of including the online surveys as a part of the evaluation. We believe that this kind of data would reflect only the opinion of those users who would agree to get included in the survey. For this reason, we will continuously persist on the methodology of hidden visits which, according to our opinion, provide the best quality of results, and despite the fact that this kind of evaluation is time-consuming and demanding. The starting point is more important than the competition, for through the announcement of the best we contribute to guaranteed high quality of offer and services. Meeting planners share the same expectations with us. We are glad that many of the meeting planners confirm to us how the recipients of the award are of a top-notch quality and that award actually resemble the true situation on the market. In the future, we will expand the evaluation to new destinations. The top ten in various categories will receive special diplomas. All of the best graded hotels and congress venues, and a detailed presentation of the methodology, are introduced below. So, which hotels were most highly rated by the hidden congress guests sent out to the field by Kongres magazine throughout 2017? On the following pages you can find the results of the

• 44 Resort Meeting Hotels evaluated • 17 Spa Meeting Hotels evaluated biggest regional testing of congress centres, hotels and destinations undertaken for the purpose of acknowledging and awarding the best in the business. The Meeting Star AwardS has been organised for the ten successive years and the principle remains the same - the winners are selected by hidden congress guests, who make an independent evaluation of the quality of the hotel, congress, restaurant and other services. The hidden congress guest is an experienced expert in the field of congress organisation and who has knowledge in hotel and restaurant management. To guarantee objectivity the following knowledge and competencies are required for the hidden congress guest: • at least 15 years of experience in the field of congress and event organisation • expertise in Slovenian and international meeting tourism standards with specific knowledge of standards’ control (DIN – Deutsche Industrie Norm, ICCA – International Congress and Convention Association, IAPCO – International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, APEX – Accepted Practice Exchange, AIPC – International Association of Congress Centres, MPI – Meetings Professionals International) • familiarity with meeting industry trends on the Slovene and international market • recognition of specific needs and wishes of participants • knowledge about key factors that influence the selection of a congress venue location • familiarity with all elements required for successfully holding a congress (technical requirements, catering services, extras, security, protocol etc.) All hidden congress guests have verified references that allow them to give an impartial opinion on behalf of the client and ensure maximum reliability of the method. Most importantly, they are objective, fair, precise, reliable, well-organised and pay attention to detail. Nothing escapes the eye of the hidden congress guest. 44

• 16 Boutique Hotels evaluated • 19 Congress and Convention Centres evaluated

The evaluation process is the following. The evaluator visits a randomly selected hotel or participates in one of the hotel's or congress centre's events, where they evaluate the performance of the hotel’s services using an evaluation sheet. At certain points of the evaluation sheet personal comments and pictures or video evidence can be added to the rating. The evaluation sheet includes over 465 measurable evaluation criteria, which are divided into the following categories: A. First contact with the customer B. General impression upon arrival at the hotel C. Entry hall – lobby D. Employees’ attitude E. Reception F. Hotel room G. Hotel bed H. Bathroom and restroom I. Hotel breakfast J. Hotel bar and restaurant K. Congress halls L. Extras M. Sales procedures and communication Each category is evaluated based on how well it meets prerequisites and an average score – this way individual criteria can be improved. Additionally, to the framework of the evaluation sheet a subjective assessment is provided, which can be used to improve performance in the following areas: • Architecture and aesthetics • Reputation and credibility • Communication • Price • Extras • Location • FLOP - negative surprises • TOP - surpluses

The winners in the individual categories for the year 2017 are: CiTY MEETinG HOTEL LUXURY

riTZ CarlTon

Budapest

Hungary

4.95

PREMIUM

Crowne PlaZa Belgrade

Belgrade

Serbia

4.50

RESORT MEETinG HOTEL LUXURY

hoTel regenT PorTo MonTenegro

Tivat

Montenegro

4.96

PREMIUM

hoTel SPlendid

Budva

Montenegro

4.50

PREMIUM

ValaMar laCroMa

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.50

Å amorin

Slovakia

4.82

Sveti Stefan

Montenegro

4.92

Vienna

Austria

4.91

SPA & WELLnESS MEETinG HOTEL BOUTIQUE

X BioniC hoTel

BOuTiQuE MEETinG HOTEL BOUTIQUE

aMan SVeTi STefan

COnVEnTiOn & COnGRESS CEnTRE CONVENTION

auSTria CenTer Vienna

Absolute winners: HOTELS WiTH HiGHEST SCORE 2017 1.

hoTel regenT PorTo MonTenegro

Tivat

Montenegro

4.96

riTZ CarlTon

Budapest

Hungary

4.95

CorinThia hoTel BudaPeST

Budapest

Hungary

4.94

aMan SVeTi STefan

Sveti Stefan

Montenegro

4.92

COnVEnTiOn CEnTRES WiTH HiGHEST SCORE 2017 1.

auSTria CenTer Vienna

Vienna

Austria

4.91

iCe KraKow CongreSS CenTre

Krakow

Poland

4.90

iCC KaTowiCe

Katowice

Poland

4.88

V Ĺ˝ARIĹ Ä&#x152;U KONGRESNA ZVEZDA

"Meetings Star Awards are tailor-made for meeting planners" The best meeting hotels and convention centres We evaluate hotels and convention centre which are recommended to us by our readers and which are focused on congress tourism. For the 2017 award we evaluated 25 new hotels and re-evaluated 12 hotels from last year. In total 151 evalutions by hidden guests were carried out, which enables a true high-quality comparison. We deliberately avoid the possibility that part of the evaluation is made-up of online surveys. We believe that, by using such a method, the information obtained would only reflect the opinion of those users who choose to participate. Therefore, we will continue to use the hidden guest methodology, which, in our opinion, ensures the best quality results, despite the fact that this method is time-consuming and demanding.

MEETINGS STAR 2017

The absolute winners for 2017 are:

4.96 Best Meeting Hotel:

Regent Porto Montenegro In the middle of one of the most picturesque Adriatic bays, a prestigious marina has been developed, in which the new Regent Porto Montenegro hotel stands out. Thanks to this hotel, tourism in Montenegro has been elevated to the highest standard. The hotel is setting new regional hotel standards and places Montenegro among the luxury tourist destinations. The assessments of individual criteria speak for themselves. The hotel offers comfort, a range of high-quality materials, luxury elegance, and a quality spa centre. The generic record of events include lifestyle events, luxury weddings, and unforgettable incentive events. The world's jet-set has quickly discovered the charm of the Montenegrin coast, and the Regent Porto Montenegro hotel also offers their own range of events.

4.91 Best Conventon Centre:

Austria Center Vienna The Austria Center Vienna is by far the biggest Austrian congress centre. In recent years it has been through a process of intensive renovation that has ensured its competitiveness. The centre is the strategic heart of the city's congress facilities and enables the execution of the biggest and most demanding scientific congresses. In 2016 it hosted over 90,000 congress participants, andin 2017 its results will be even better. A special place is deserved for its efforts for permanent innovation and considering the needs of today's congress guests. The Austria Center Vienna is the winner of the competition due to its exceptional management, which is constantly in step with the times. Thanks to the Austria Center Vienna, the city has maintained its leading position in the international congress industry and is a driver for the Vienna congress industry. 47

Winners in individual categories of evaluati on for 2017:

LuXuRY CiTY MEETinG HOTELS

riTZ CarlTon

Budapest

Hungary

4.95

hoTel CorinThia

Budapest

Hungary

4.94

hoTel grande BreTagne

Athens

Greece

4.85

hilTon iMPerial

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.84

radiSSon Blu old Mill hoTel

Belgrade

Serbia

4.83

eSPlanade

Zagreb

Croatia

4.81

grand hoTel union

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.80

hilTon

Podgorica

Montenegro

4.79

hoTel ParK

Split

Croatia

4.79

inTerConTinenTal

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.78

w iSTanBul

Istanbul

Turkey

4.77

MEETINGS STAR 2017

2017

RiTZ CARLTOn

Budapest, Hungary

4.95

THE LEGENDARY LUXURY Ritz-Carlton is a synonym for quality and for supreme hotel services. This reputation has been completely justified also by the Hungarian first category hotel. Hotel Ritz is located in the heart od Budapest. We were not extremely impressed only by its location, but also by the staff's professionality, hotel's arrangement, and top-notch culinary. The complete experience of the hotel is thoughtfully designed, with a well-being of every guest in the foreground. Congress centre also follows this philosophy so that the four congress halls are customized to the most demanding clients. In this hotel both the form and the content are convincing, while the hotel itself sets high standards of quality. HOTEL CORinTHiA

Budapest, Hungary

4.94

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL The Hotel Corinthia has a character that has no match anywhere in the city. An elegant hotel building, top-notch service and excellent congress facilities place it at the very top of the regional congress hotel offers. It has the biggest selection of congress halls in Budapest, all of them 5 star,and includes 31 meeting rooms, the baroque-style Grand Ballroom and the special Executive Lounge is suitable for private congress organiser meetings. Luxury comfort, modern elegance and technology tie the offer together. HOTEL GRAnDE BRETAGnE

Athens, Greece

4.85

HISTORY, ART AND ARCHITECTURE Hotel Grand Bretagne is in a world of its own and definitely falls into the top league of regional hotels. It is a hotel institution, which will never disappoint. The highest standards in comfort, cuisine and overall pleasure wrapped inside a package that still defines the standards of what quality should feel like in Athens. A big plus is the option of combining conference halls and hotel capacities with its subsidiary hotel, King George, and thus opening up possibilities for larger groups.

HiLTOn iMPERiAL

Dubrovnik, Croatia

4.84

DALMATIAN HOTEL ICON Last year the hotel won the award for the leading hotel in each brand of the Hilton Worldwide chain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Connie Award â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and it convinced us too with its luxury and superior level of customer service. A hotel with such a soul that speaks for itself is also an excellent choice for congresses, budget permitting of course. The hotel has witnessed many historic congress events and banquets, which continue not to disappoint right up to today. This is a serious hotel institution with a deep soul.

RADiSSOn BLu OLD MiLL HOTEL

Belgrade, Serbia

4.83

OMG EXPERIENCE Radisson Old Mill took a risk and in doing so it has come out very well - they have captured just the right aesthetic balance, where the top quality hotel ingredients have never been wrapped up in ballast and the new space has been balanced with the story of the former mill. The result is an elegant concept of an authentic hotel, a cult restaurant and a dynamic lounge bar, all of which gives a new dimension to Belgrade tourism and at the same time has set new standards.

MEETINGS STAR 2017

ESPLANADE

Zagreb, Croatia

4.81

AN ICON BUILT TO LAST The elegant and recognisable hotel building is one of Zagreb’s secession icons. Since its opening the hotel has been a centre of social life and the most luxurious hotel in the regionThe hotel is an excellent choice for business and congress guests and is probably the regional flagship in terms of service quality, customer care, prestige and image. Staying at the hotel is a special experience, with a package that gives you a feeling of luxury.

GRAND HOTEL UNION

Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.80

AN ART NOUVEAU JEWEL The taste of meeting organisers can be unpredictable and difficult to follow, but the choice of Grand Hotel Union is always definitely the right one, due to its excellent convention halls and, of course, the flexible and friendly staff. In the Ljubljana conference offer the Grand Hotel Union reigns supreme. An excellent hotel for convention gourmets and since 1905 a true flag-bearer of Ljubljana’s hotel conference offer.

HILTON

Podgorica, Montenegro

4.79

A NEW GATEWAY TO PODGORICA With Hilton, Podgorica has acquired one of the best congress hotels in the region. In terms of both size and offer the congress centre is the biggest in Podgorica and is the heart of the new congress offer of the city. Hilton is of course synonymous with comfort, modernity and practicality, which is always delivered to a high level. This is supported by staff who represent the hotel’s strongest aspects. A few steps still divide the hotel from perfection, but overall the investor and the team deserve serious plaudits. HOTEL PARK

Split, Croatia

4.79

A TOUCH OF HARMONY AND PEACE One of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in Split, Hotel Park has an elite location next to Split’s most famous beach, Bačvice. This year the five-star hotel expanded its capacity, so it now offers 73 rooms, including six luxury apartments. The interior is dominated by its art deco style with a timeless elegance and a sense of the hotel’s soul can be felt on the large, luxurious terrace with sea views and a prestigious conference centre.

INTERCONTINENTAL

Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.78

VIEW FROM ABOVE The new Ljubljana's asset is momentarily the only Ljubljana's hotel boasting five-stars. Slovenia's capital is richer for a supreme hotel and also for an excellent congress centre complemented by an innovative culinary. To be specific, Michelin Star chef Alfredo Russo prepared the menu. The most impressive is the B-restaurant in the 20th floor with spectacular views. Such space or rather such special venue Ljubljana badly needed. The hardly expected hotel is a great enrichment of Ljubljana's hotel offer and a proof that Intercontinental understands the market's needs well. W ISTANBUL

Istanbul, Turkey

4.77

BEAUTY AND THE EAST The W Istanbul is a hotel that convinces guests who care for design and mainly trust the known brands. It makes you forget the idea of a cold and dull hotel lobby and rooms, and you will be surprised at every little detail you encounter with at every step. You will either be impressed or disappointed by the hotel. Our final impression was firmly crystallized – an excellent design hotel, which clearly differs from the more stereotypical chain hotel offer.

Winners in individual categories of evaluati on for 2017:

PREMiuM CiTY MEETinG HOTELS

Croatia Crowne PlaZa

Belgrade

Serbia

4.50

hoTel Cornaro

Split

Croatia

4.49

radiSSon Blu PlaZa

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.48

radiSSon Blu CarlTon

Bratislava

Slovakia

4.47

falKenSTeiner hoTel

Belgrade

Serbia

4.47

BeST weSTern PreMier hoTel loVeC Bled

Slovenia

4.45

hYaTT regenCY

Belgrade

Serbia

4.44

hoTel YaSMin

KoÅ¡ice

Slovakia

4.44

hoTel leV

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.43

hoTel SheraTon

Zagreb

Croatia

4.41

BeST weSTern PreMier hoTel Slon Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.39

hoTel galleria

Serbia

4.38

Subotica

MEETINGS STAR 2017

CROWNE PLAZA

Belgrade, Serbia

4.50

REFRESHING BELGRADE The hotel is a true convention hotel that at the moment outperforms the rest of the Belgrade convention hotels. It stands out both in terms of size and functionality of meetings area, and it has extremely quickly become synonymous with being the congress hotel of Belgrade, a hotel that sets new standards and especially for the congress scene of the city.

HOTEL CORNARO

Split, Croatia

4.49

WITH A VIEW ON HISTORY The hotel, with its personnel striving to exceed guest expectations, is renowned for its superior and personal care of its guests. For all their efforts guests have rated them on TripAdvisor among the ten nicest hotels in Croatia. The hotel has quickly become one of Split’s trademarks, mainly because of the different approach and integration with the tourist offer of the city. When arranging the interior they were definitely monitoring every single detail, because they wanted their guests to feel the heart and soul of Split. RADISSON BLU PLAZA

Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.48

STAY IN BLUE STYLE The hotel has brought a breath of fresh air to the Ljubljana offer and suits the business guest right down to the ground. As a congress guest the hotel won’t disappoint you, as it is an excellent compromise between an accessible location and a high quality hotel service, which is based on comfort and modern equipment. More than the exterior makes an impression, the interior surprises in ways that we have to emphasize, such as the staff’s hospitality and pleasant little treats along the way. As a whole, the Radisson Blu Plaza Ljubljana is an excellent venue for the organisation of events and can be placed amongst the top competitors in the city. Helping it is also the reasonable ratio between price and the quality of services. RADISSON BLU CARLTON

Bratislava, Slovakia

4.47

PERFECT LOCATION, LEGENDARY NAME The hotel impresses with its functionality and elegance, and with its own story and sophisticated details it is definitely a venue that combines the classic and timeless with contemporary functionality for a variety of purposes. Its congress centre is among the best in the city and even though it is very gradually starting to show signs of the need for some small updates, particularly the hotel rooms, the overall package is managing to keep up with contemporary requirements. The hotel is ideal for those who opt for a legendary hotel story, as here they can have on that testifies to the hotel building itself and the rich history of Bratislava. FALKENSTEINER HOTEL

Belgrade, Serbia

4.47

FUNKY BUSINESS The striking interior is finished to the very last detail in the public areas and in the hotel rooms. We first of all assess a hotel with the eyes, then later comes the assessment from a range of other senses. Here the enthusiasm is high, thanks to the architect, Boris Podrecca, who has succeeded in redefining the urban business hotel. The main feature of the hotel is its dynamic and attractive appearance and top quality of services tailored to business customers, which places the hotel among the top among the current hotel offer of Belgrade. BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL LOVEC

Bled, Slovenia

4.45

CONGRESS ROOM WITH A VIEW Hospitality is taken very seriously and interestingly at this hotel, so much so that we could say that the soul of the hotel is in the hotel staff, which is always ready to help. Hotel gives very positive feelings. The hotel fits nicely into Bled and more similar hotels operating in a very intimate and boutique way would be very welcome. So, the hotel stands out from Bled’s hotel “brothers” and the owners have really hit the right note with this one. The blend of small and boutique hotel is something that has been well grasped by meetings organisers.

MEETINGS STAR 2017

HYATT REGENCY

Belgrade, Serbia

4.44

BELGRADE OLD SPICE Hyatt Regency is a legend on the Belgrade hotel scene. It represents an excellent choice in Belgrade’s current premium class. For many years it has been the most reliable and convincing Belgrade hotel. Soon it will face fierce competition with an excess of hotels, which will necessarily demand a renovation of the existing hotel. Already the rooms are calling for renovation. The hotel has a soul, which has been successfully shared with its guests for a number of years and, like the city itself, it does not leave you feeling indifferent. HOTEL YASMIN

Košice, Slovakia

4.44

COMPLETE MAKEOVER The designers of Hotel Yasmin’s renovation have done a good job that is best appreciated in the in¬terior: all the fittings look prestigious, pleasant, fresh and modern. Whist perhaps not to absolutely everyone’s taste the overall impression is certainly a positive one.There is very good balance between what you pay for and what you get here – this is in fact also a feature of Kosice’s broader offer. For rea¬sonable amounts of money you will get a very good congress package that to be perfect needs just a few improvements on its culinary aspect. Undoubtedly this is the hotel that forms the heart of the meetings offer in Kosice. HOTEL LEV

Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.43

MODERN, FUNKY AND FRESH Are you in search of a hotel that will take care of all your requirements, somewhere to hold high-level meetings, and which offers a modern and innovative approach? If that hotel also combines classical elegance with modern comforts, then look no further than Hotel Lev. Lev is love at second sight, which never disappoints. After all, not all guests are the same and to some more important than the appearance of the hotel are the well-being, comfort and friendliness of the staff that makes all the difference. After all, this hotel is “good value for money”, which today is also very important to business guests. HOTEL SHERATON

Zagreb, Croatia

4.41

OLD FAVOURITE A traditionalist on the Zagreb hotel scene that defies time and wins congress buyers and business guests with its variety and versatility of halls. The Sheraton is showing the results of years of hard work in the services field. The staff is among the friendliest in the city. Any criticism is for the hotel rooms that are in urgent need of a renovation. Totting up the pluses and minuses, the Sheraton remains one of the best hotels in Zagreb.

BEST WESTERN PREMIER HOTEL SLON

Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.39

HOSPITALITY TO THE CORE Congress guests are rather spoilt here; the hotel itself is not even that important, more important are the services and the attitude towards the guests. This is something they are well aware of at the ‘Elephant’ Hotel. The long history of the hotel has its own advantages, the service has been tested and is reliable and the guest gets a lot for his/her money. An additional safeguard is membership of the first league of the Best Western hotel chain. Time and again I note that this is a nice hotel that is sometimes overlooked on the Ljubljana hotel scene. In general, the hotel is easily comparable to all the top competitors of its class. HOTEL GALLERIA

Subotica, Serbia

4.38

OPEN SECRET The hotel is an intersesting crossover of content, which sets the pace for the congress industry of Subotica. It is an investment that has shown how to smartly enliven the city centre. It’s main assets show in the multifunctional offer, which looks very convincing as a package. It seems as a hotel, where you get a lot of space, quality services and priceless panonian hospitality for the paid expense. This hasn’t gone unnoticed as the famous New York Times has proclaimed the hotel the best 4**** hotel in Serbia in 2014.

Winners in individual categories of evaluati on for 2017:

LuXuRY RESORT MEETinG HOTELS

regenT PorTo MonTenegro

Tivat

Montenegro

4.96

grand hoTel KeMPinSKi

Strbske Pleso

Slovakia

4.90

KeMPinSKi PalaCe

Portorož

Slovenia

4.89

falKenSTeiner SChloSS hoTel Velden Velden

Austria

4.88

hoTel lone

Rovinj

Croatia

4.86

falKenSTeiner hoTel & SPa iadera Zadar

Croatia

4.84

hoTel BelleVue

Mali Lošinj

Croatia

4.83

d-reSorT

Šibenik

Croatia

4.82

falKenSTeiner hoTel & SPa CarinZia Nasseld

Austria

4.79

hoTel MonTe Mulini

Rovinj

Croatia

4.76

Mind hoTel

Portorož

Slovenia

4.76

MEETINGS STAR 2017

2017

REGEnT PORTO MOnTEnEGRO

Tivat, Montenegro

4.96

LUXURY AND STYLE UNLIMITED The hotel sets new regional hoteliers’ standards and also sets Montenegro among the most luxurious tourist destinations, so it isn’t surprising that it was nominated for the World Luxury Awards 2015. The ratings of its individual criteria speak for themselves; the hotel offers comfort, a range of top quality materials, luxurious elegance and a high quality offer of its spa centre, for which a visit is a very special experience and why many famous and rich people have already visited Regent Porto Montenegro. You too can reserve your space among the VIPs in one of its 51 rooms. GRAnD HOTEL KEMPinSKi

Strbske Pleso, Slovakia

4.90

MEETINGS WITH A MAGICAL VIEW The hotel is an attractive Slovak tourist icon, in a picturesque location, which makes everything look like a fairytale. It is a simple hotel which awakens the imagination, raises the heartbeat and is perfect for congress events of the highest order. It is an institution where guests can relax in the wellness center, indulge in culinary treats from the chefs, taste some excellent wine or fully focus on meetings and events with a view. Lovers of culture will certainly appreciate the artwork throughout the hotel. The Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras has won multiple awards which are justified by the experience it offers. KEMPinSKi PALACE

Portorož, Slovenia

4.89

ARISTOCRATIC STYLE MEETINGS The Kempinski Palace is simply an excellent congress hotel. With their experience in incentive travel, conferences and complicated corporate events, they have set new standards and assured the number one spot in the region. Since the last evaluation, the Palace hotel has had major improvements in terms of service quality, staff and cuisine. In addition to the standard, top-notch Kempinski service you would expect, the hotel has its unique style, which accentuates the legendary character and Habsburg elegance. All of this shows why the Kempinski Palace is at the top of the luxury offer in Slovenia. FALKEnSTEinER SCHLOSS HOTEL VELDEn

Velden, Austria

4.88

PERSONAL LUXURY MEETINGS Upon entering the hotel you instantly feel positiv¬ity and calm. The natural colours and wood blend nicely with the green surroundings, which can best be observed from the outdoor pool. Privacy is guar¬anteed by the many hidden corners simply intended for events. This was also one of the reasons why the hotel has acquired numerous titles as best hotel and has become a trademark of Carinthian tourism. At the time of our last assessment there has been a change in hotel management, which is today clearly at the peak of the regional hotel offer. Steered by German precision and Austrian charm it is the concept of excellence in every field. HOTEL LOnE

Rovinj, Croatia

4.86

REGIONAL RULE-BREAKER We understand design hotels as an experience that includes reflection and very personal contact with culture, nature and the culinary art of the destination. The creators of Hotel Lone, the first Croatian design hotel, were probably thinking along the same lines, and we like it. Lovers of hotel glamour and kitsch may not like it, however, but we think that the luxury is in the small details, like the enormous room service menu and the hotel guide in broadsheet newspaper format, or in the selected fabric for curtains or the numerous other small details. The hotel is ideal for “DINKS” and young professionals, and is a monument of Croatian creativity and the zeitgeist of the new generation. 58

MEETINGS STAR 2017

FALKENSTEINER HOTEL & SPA IADERA

Zadar, Croatia

4.84

BEYOND MEETINGS The overall result of the resort is extremely good. The congress centre is functional and cleverly designed with warm colours and daylight, offering all you need for a great incentive programme. The hotel follows the known standards of the Falkensteiner group and is an excellent choice for incentive and product launches and smaller conferences. It is important to avoid the high tourist season and go for less frequent dates, carefully planning the arrivals logistics. From what we saw and experienced we can only give a firm nod of approval. HOTEL BELLEVUE

Mali Lošinj, Croatia

4.83

EVERY DAY ZEN Following renovation an elegant and extremely elaborate - in fact almost timeless - hotel has been created, something that is also reflected in its exceptional and truly top-class logo. With its richness and content diversity it functions almost as a mini-city into which the convention centre is also nicely positioned. A team of Croatian architects, led by the renowned Andrija Ruslan, has done excellent work and created a space that today a youthful team is filling with kindness, positive energy and a superior level of service. D-RESORT

Šibenik, Croatia

4.82

SEDUCER OF BOTH HEART AND MIND Until recently Šibenik would have been considered something a bit off the beaten MICE track, but in recent years it has been rapidly moving in the right direction. Where a former navy military barracks once stood, today a luxury resort owned by the Turkish Dogus Group company stands as part of the new Marina Mandalina. Architecturally the hotel is highly impressive, yet at the same time remains completely personalised. The decision to reveal the natural concrete skeleton of the building is exceptional and throws up new architectural surprises. The youthful and inspired personnel and this amazing city with its urban culture and very special joyfulness really stand out. FALKENSTEINER HOTEL & SPA CARINZIA

Nasseld, Austria

4.79

SUNLIT MEETINGS The Falkensteiner Hotel and Spa Carinzia offer excellent service to their congress guests, which is quite simply stating a fact. Its modern conference rooms can be used for different types of meetings and the wellness centre is one of the best in the region. Its location gives meeting planners a range of possibilities for organising team building and other events in almost every season of the year. The natural conditions and the hotel’s great service are a winning combination that has positioned Falkensteiner Carinzia among the very best incentive hotels in the region. HOTEL MONTE MULINI

Rovinj, Croatia

4.76

UNRIVALED LEVEL OF PERSONAL SERVICE This is a hotel to enjoy and for which the entire business philosophy has been covered; it looks good, is superbly equipped and offers a healthy number of extras. There are only a handful of hotels that can delight and thrill as fully as Monte Mulini does and the longer we spent in the hotel, the better was the feeling that it is an extraordinary gastronomic oasis too. A real 5 star hotel in an excellent location and suitable for the most demanding and exclusive conference events.

MIND HOTEL

Portorož, Slovenia

4.76

SCENT OF THE SEA IN SLOVENIA After thorough renovation, the completely redesigned Hotel Slovenija has become a pure blooded 5 star hotel. It is situated right by the Portorož promenade overlooking the sea, which gives it special charm. They've positioned it as a winter thermal resort, which is quite convenient for congress organizers. The hotel houses a modern congress centre and two excelent mediteranean restaurants. The cherry on top is definitely the concept of "Brain Food" creative cooking that congress guests always appreciate. Hotel Slovenija has brought a fresh breeze to the congress-hotel offer in Portorož and stands as an excelent diversification of the area. 59

Winners in individual categories of evaluati on for 2017:

PREMiuM RESORT MEETinG HOTELS

hoTel SPlendid

Budva

Montenegro

4.50

ValaMar laCroMa

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.50

hoTel ParK PlaZa hiSTria

Pula

Croatia

4.49

hoTel iVan

Šibenik

Croatia

4.49

KeMPinSKi hoTel adriaTiC

Savudrija

Croatia

4.48

radiSSon Blu reSorT

Split

Croatia

4.47

hoTel Brdo

Brdo pri Kranju Slovenia

4.47

grand hoTel Bernardin

Portorož

Slovenia

4.47

hoTel golf

Bled

Slovenia

4.46

grand hoTel ToPliCe

Bled

Slovenia

4.43

reMiSenS PreMiuM hoTel aMBaSador Opatija

Croatia

4.43

reMiSenS PreMiuM hoTel MeTroPol Portorož

Slovenia

4.43

hoTel duBroVniK PalaCe

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.41

grand hoTel 4 oPaTiJSKa CViJeTa

Opatija

Croatia

4.38

aVala reSorT & VillaS

Budva

Montenegro

4.34

BohinJ eKo ParK

Bohinj

Slovenia

4.33

MEETINGS STAR 2017

2017

HOTEL SPLEnDiD

Budva, Montenegro

4.50

MONTENEGRO HIGH END FASHION For some years the hotel has been a jewel in the hotel offer of Montenegro. Tough competition awaits it this year, but given everything that it has demonstrated it defies time well. One could also say that the experience is considered. How high can we therefore place the hotel Splendid. High, the hotel may no longer be the most advanced one on the Montenegrin coast, but it is still in top form, which delights guests among which Russians and many celebrities dominate. With materials, equipment, and the overall feeling they are still at the top of the Montenegrin hospitality. VALAMAR LACROMA

Dubrovnik, Croatia

4.50

FUSION OF NATURE AND MODERN ARCHITECTURE The hotel does not disappoint and in terms of hotel functionality it is difficult to criticize anything. The thoughtful, functional and smartly designed convention centre is a rarity and the organisation of events in it is a joy. With the latest renovation of Dubrovnik President Hotel the resort offers a wide variety of capacities appealing to different sizes of participant pockets. The entire hotel-convention package could be placed a class higher, particularly due to the high practicality in the field of congress tourism. The overall impression is tarnished only by the slightly higher price, which then falls within the scope of decision making for organising an event in Dubrovnik. HOTEL PARK PLAZA HiSTRiA

Pula, Croatia

4.49

A MORE BEAUTIFUL AND MODERNIZED CONGRESS ARENA If hoteliers too often use the word “new” about their renovations, in this instance Park Plaza Histria really does deserve to use it. It has been proven in this case that good hotel design does not change without a need for it to do so, therefore the Hotel was given an entirely new interior dedicated to the comfort of guests. This new form is highly enjoyable and we were also pleasantly surprised with the service. Hotel Park Plaza’s new, comprehensive offer truly makes an impression. Its mission is to satisfy congress participants with spaciousness, comfort and a Mediterranean spirit. It’s more than difficult to satisfy every delegate’s tastes, but at Histria it feels like they may be very close to this. Moreover, despite the size of the hotel, the care for guests feels almost like in a boutique hotel. HOTEL iVAn

Šibenik, Croatia

4.49

INSPIRED BY NATURE It is a premium congress and wellness hotel situated in the central part of the Amadria Park, close to numerous Solaris facilities and with all its advantages it is a perfect place for organizing congresses, different events and teambuildings. With the full renovation of the hotel they achieved higher standards in energetic and a modern ambience combined with the recognizable feel of Dalmatia. Every element is in Dalmatian spirit: colours, materials and horticultural arrangement. Dalmatian Ethno village, Wine bar, Champagne bar are just a part of special offer which makes a part of this unique hotel. KEMPinSKi HOTEL ADRiATiC

Savudrija, Croatia

4.48

CLASSY DESIGN FOR TOP MEETINGS The first five star luxury seaside Golf & Spa resort in Croatia was opened in 2009, located in the heart-shaped Istrian region, known for its rich cultural, historical and gastronomy tradition. The hotel is a perfect combination of modern, sophisticated architecture with the breathtaking Istrian landscape, pervading the hotel through the many glassy surfaces, gives to this unique property a dimension of a relaxed haute living. It combines meeting and banquet facilities in the hotel, a seperate multi functional Conference Center located directly on the Adriatia Coast overlooking the sea, 3000 sqm Carolea SPA spread on two floors, the first 18 hole Championship Golf Course in Istria, Croatia culinary highlights. 62

MEETINGS STAR 2017

2017

RADiSSOn BLu RESORT

Split, Croatia

4.47

COMFORTLINE IN GLOBALLY INSPIRED DESIGN Radisson Blu is an established trademark, which promises an inexpensive and reliable MICE offer. In Split it is something of an ‘amphibian’, one that offers a pleasant stay for leisure as well as MICE guests. Soon after its opening it became a work-horse for Split’s tourism. In the realm of other hotels that are genetically similar to Radisson you won’t be disappointed, because the hotel is packed with the latest hotel solutions and innovation. They have managed to create a hotel that is simply a great choice for congress guests. With various options available in space, anyone looking for a spacious hotel that is part of an international hotel chain will be happy. HOTEL BRDO

Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia

4.47

THE HOTEL WITH A PROTOCOL SPIRIT The friendliness and professionalism of the staff will ensure your well-being with a friendly smile. Hotel Brdo, located in one of the most prestigious locations in Slovenia, is a pleasant surprise, primarily because of its great value for money, excellent restaurant and the varied offer at the estate. High scores on reservation systems bear this out, as on Booking.com they have recently received an evaluation score of a very high 9.1.

GRAnD HOTEL BERnARDin

Portorož, Slovenia

4.47

AT THE TOP OF THE ADRIATIC Congress organisers are looking for surplus, quality and an attractive location. All this Hotel Bernardin had, but the old glory accumulated much dust. The Hotel was the first real Convention Centre and following the development, a number of the same Convention Halls at first view ware created. But cards have shuffled. Competition is active. In Portorož, Kempinski now sets the standards and the distinguishing advantage remains the size of the main Convention Hall. In the Hotel part, Bermardin is now lagging behind the competition, but remains to have an advantage because of its Congress capacities. The Hotel chic requires a lot of time and money and also for this hotel it is true that it is sometimes better to have a star less and more satisfied guests. HOTEL GOLF

Bled, Slovenia

4.46

THE TOASTY AND HOMEY AMBIANCE Hotel Golf is a place where guests feel cosy and maintain a healthy lifestyle, regardless of whether they are on holiday or away on business. Friendly and dedicated staff who take care of their customers’ well being. The project “Green for tomorrow” is gradually being introduced, one that encourages guests to be responsible during their hotel stay. When organising events they strive to produce as little greenhouse gas emissions as possible.The hotel is the best choice for mid-sized events in Bled. What makes it stand out are the additional offers and a really well developed congress centre with one of the best views in Slovenia. GRAnD HOTEL TOPLiCE

Bled, Slovenia

4.43

A SCENIC AND ICONIC MEETINGS In Slovenia there are only a few hotels with such a long tradition and regular guests who like to return to Bled. The Hotel Toplice (Spa) remains one of these, regardless of the change of ownership and renovation of a hotel CLASSIC that gets under your skin. Changes since the last renewal have been welcome, but they did not deprive the hotel of its soul. This is the right hotel for sworn lovers of historical locations and a place where time slows down and almost stops. It is reminiscent of the period that many people long for.

MEETINGS STAR 2017

REMISENS PREMIUM HOTEL AMBASADOR

Opatija, Croatia

4.43

ELEGANT FUSION OF OLD MEETS NEW If you are considering the Adriatic region for your next event, definitely don’t overlook Opatija. Its charming hospitality tradition stretching back to 1844 will easily convince you to go there. People have hospitality in their DNA and you can feel it with every step you take in Opatija. Organising a conference with the Ambasador team is what professional congress organisers are looking for, as flexibility and willingness to help the client in case of any unpredictable situations is one of the prides of the Ambasador team. REMISENS PREMIUM HOTEL METROPOL

Portorož, Slovenia

4.43

OPEN SPACES AND DYNAMIC ENERGY In our opinion, the Metropol Hotel is certainly worthy of consideration, but everything would depend on organiser wishes and expectations. The hotel’s history is illustrious enough that it is a pity only to be used for the classic casino guests. After a rather long-awaited renovation in 2010, the hotel is now slowly gaining a reputation as one of the best in Portorož, around which future tourism in the city will revolve. With the arrival of new owners and the re-naming, the hotel can expect a tourist season in high demand. It fulfils all of the necessary requirements for its placement among the best Slovenian hotels with conference facilities. HOTEL DUBROVNIK PALACE

Dubrovnik, Croatia

4.41

CONTEMPORARY ELEGANCE At the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace I wonder how little is needed to move from being a solid hotel to something special and collecting numerous awards. Firstly, it is about the quality of services, as well as about marketing that was excellently prepared around the hotel and is reflected in its increased profile. According to the World Travel Awards jury, something of a tourism Oscar, the hotel earned the 2011 award for being the leading Croatian hotel and spa resort. At the same time, we wonder whether they are eligible for other prizes. After visiting the hotel, it is clear that the Hotel Dubrovnik Palace deserved the award; to the highest category it does not lack much, and depending on the assessment we ranked it among the top premium congress hotels in the region, where the emphasis is not only on the environment but on quality. In almost all respects a modern hotel and definitely a good choice among the many options in Dubrovnik. GRAND HOTEL 4 OPATIJSKA CVIJETA

Opatija, Croatia

4.38

A TRUE BREATH OF FRESH AIR Renovation has changed this building into a substantial congress hotel, and although it was renovated ten years ago it still is in an enviable condition. However, if you are looking for a more prestigious destination, the staff of the Milenij hotels will be happy to assist you in finding a better solution within their group. Due to the spacious ambience, the pools and the nicely manicured gardens you will not run out of ideas for finding a perfect outdoor location for your event. A standard hotel of middle congress class, which attracts guests due to its price and how gracefully it defies age. AVALA RESORT & VILLAS

Budva, Montenegro

4.34

STRIKING ARCHITECTURE A hotel with great potential, which stands out with its appearance. It is flirting with luxury clients and tries to understand their most demanding requirements. A hotel that wants to be the best on the Montenegrin scene, but will have to continue to work hard on its ‘software’. However, it surprises in many ways and convinces mostly with its lifestyle story. With its dandy design its shortcomings are easily forgiven. It is therefore not surprising that in this month the spectacular Cavalli fashion show is being held here as well as many other events of this rank. BOHINJ EKO PARK

Bohinj, Slovenia

4.33

OUT THERE IN DIALOGUE WITH NATURE Pioneering is not easy, especially in the field of tourism. The hotel is a real hidden treasure and is actually very well managed, but we wonder why they did not prefer to go for 4-star superior category, into which they could easily fit¸ as for the 5 stars they sometimes fall short in the field of standard service and cuisine. They lack the hotel glamour of the more famous alpine tourist destinations. It is true that they are the first in the field of sustainable tourism, but is it worth the higher classification and the price? For some, certainly; for others, the equation does not work out and they will instead explore alternative solutions, but the hotel is nevertheless an excellent choice. It is important that congress organisers also have available a hotel that is friendly to the environment. In short, if you are willing to accept some disadvantages, the Bohinj Eco Park will sit at the top of its class. 64

Winners in individual categories of evaluati on for 2017:

SPA MEETinG HOTELS

X BioniC hoTel

Šamorin

Slovakia

4.82

loiSiuM wine&SPa reSorT

Langenlois

Austria

4.75

wellneSS hoTel SoTelia

Podčetrtek

Slovenia

4.73

falKenSTeiner hoTel & SPa

Jesolo

Italy

4.72

SPiriT hoTel

Sarvar

Hungary

4.52

duBroVniK Sun gardenS

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.49

hoTel Balnea SuPerior

Dolenjske toplice Slovenia

4.48

riMSKe TerMe

Rimske terme

Slovenia

4.48

TherMana CongreSS CenTre

Laško

Slovenia

4.33

wellneSS hoTel liVada PreSTige

Moravci

Slovenia

4.31

ViTaliTY hoTel PunTa

Veli Lošinj

Croatia

4.29

grand hoTel PriMuS

Ptuj

Slovenia

4.29

MEETINGS STAR 2017

X BIONIC HOTEL

Šamorin, Slovakia

4.82

INCOMPARABLE SPORTS-SPA-CONGRES HYBRID This is unquestionably an impressive facility. The Congress Centre currently includes 12 congress halls, the largest of which can accommodate up to 600 participants and has the added benefit of a high ceiling. Event organisers will also love many of the external surfaces: zen-style atriums and delicately hidden corners to which in good weather you can migrate elements of an event. The centre has very quickly gained in popularity, a huge advantage being the proximity of Bratislava and vast free parking available. There are also numerous options for entertainment and recreation, a bowling centre, four different types of restaurants and two hotel bars being quite noteworthy. LOISIUM WINE&SPA RESORT

Langenlois, Austria

4.75

WRAPPED IN GREENERY Austrian Styria is a model example of a country which lives and breathes with wine tourism. The abundance of wineries, restaurants and vineyards looks like from a postcard. In this idyllic environment, a new hotel emerged, combining excellent hotel, centre of well-being, congress centre and wine-culture. Special experiences are wine tastings and seminars, which nicely round off your congress event. Smaller congress centre in the hotel for max. 120 people is superbly equipped and complemented by special venue in the wine cellar Loisium World of Wine, designed by Steven Holl. A magical place and excellent hotel spa will leave your guests speechless. WELLNESS HOTEL SOTELIA

Podčetrtek, Slovenia

4.73

ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE Hotel Sotelia was never shy about its ambitions to bring a genuine wellness experience to the meetings industry, something that other competitors did not yet know about. Its distinctive architectural design has many admirers and its many small details always draw the eye to them. In every respect this is a very good hotel with conference facilities for smaller events. Together with the rich tourist and sports offer Podčetrtek is ideal for carrying out various incentives and other incentive programmes. Today the hotel is no longer the newest on the market, but it is still fresh enough and different from the mainstream offer of Slovenia. FALKENSTEINER HOTEL & SPA

Jesolo, Italy

4.72

MEET WITH MIAMI FEELING A trendy hotel that perfectly complements the existing Falkensteiner offer and has a perfect location right beside the Venetian laguna in the middle of a very opulent region. It is distinguished by its first class interior and exterior design and characterized by a high level hotel service. For the green purists it has loads of modern continual solutions and sits among the new generations of hotels (zero CO2 Energy Management).

SPIRIT HOTEL

Sarvar, Hungary

4.52

ROYAL SPA MEETINGS The Spirit Hotel, which is currently the city's “flagship”, certainly represents a new chapter in the rich history and culture of Sárvár's spa tourism. It is elegant and spacious, which together makes for an impressive hotel. However, this does not mean that it is perfect, as anyone wishing to take advantage of everything the hotel has to offer will have to deal with a relatively high price for this region of Europe.

DUBROVNIK SUN GARDENS

Dubrovnik, Croatia

4.49

CASUAL ELEGANCE This is a hotel without any notable flaws and it assures with the comfort and quality of a small town. In automotive jargon it would be a 'premium' hotel, and what would give it its premium tag would be its rich and luxurious equipment, lush Mediterranean greenery, and many small details. The quiet location with beautiful views of the Elaphite Islands is very suitable for closed company congresses and incentive programmes, especially since the Hotel is open throughout the year.

MEETINGS STAR 2017

HOTEL BALNEA SUPERIOR

Dolenjske toplice, Slovenia

4.48

A GENUINE GREEN EMBRACE A full-blooded wellness experience awaits that will not disappoint your congress guests. The architecture of the hotel and the interior spaces are very sound and the quality craftsmanship and materials used catch the eye, with the only drawback being that the hotel is generally very busy and so your conference guests will have to mix with the standard health guests. This aside, the spa is where you can be a little removed from the everyday pressures of the world and enjoy the peace and intimacy of your event. A very authentic and very genuine boutique congress experience. RIMSKE TERME

Rimske terme, Slovenia

4.48

A SECRET ROMAN GARDEN Following a period of turbulence, the Spa management is now working to restore its previous lustre and it can be confidently claimed that so far they are making good progress. The hotel is undergoing its 'spring' and is reaching out especially to those souls who want a different experience and a disconnection from the everyday world. With their offer they are trying to move towards a high quality facility, whilst at the same time taking into account the local traditions. The main disadvantage lies in the offer of the town, which is still not alert to what kind of a pearl its Roman Spa is. With a special offer, exquisite cuisine and its pleasing architecture, the Roman Spa is a competitor to Slovenia’s more experienced thermal providers and is worthy of serious consideration. THERMANA CONGRESS CENTRE

Laško, Slovenia

4.33

CHIC, MODERN AND FULL OF HEART It’s a little more than two years since the opening of the congress centre and hotel, for which we can safely say that it is already one of the region's more pleasing options. Thermana offers a lot for a moderate amount, which is very important in today’s economic climate. It is also striking how much Laško can offer to congress guests beyond its traditional beer specialty: everything from one of the best Slovenian cuisine restaurants to exceptional cultural and historical heritage, along with the option of organising green meetings. Given all of the above, Thermana’s congress offer became an instant hit and caused a mini earthquake on the Slovenian market. Event organisation with the added extra wellness pampering is very appealing, and for the time being any reference we can make to the new congress offer can only be with our full respect. WELLNESS HOTEL LIVADA PRESTIGE

Moravci, Slovenia

4.31

ETERNAL CLASSICS The complex is very fresh and modern, and also very much in tune with what a positive congress tourism product should be. It is complemented by a rich experiential offer around its thermal pools and pampering options. Congress guests will receive individual treatments and culinary experiences, leaving the only real topic of discussion about its placement in the five-star category, as some details ordinarily expected at this level are for the moment not in place.

VITALITY HOTEL PUNTA

Veli Lošinj, Croatia

4.29

PERFECT ISLAND PARADISE A natural environment that has the calming effect of the sea on one side and pine trees on the other, not to mention the professional service, friendly staff, solid cuisine, reasonable prices and interesting additional offer. Due to its positioning as a ‘Vitality hotel’ Punta doesn't instantly attract the attention of congress guests, but it is without doubt a very suitable choice for organising business and motivational events for groups of up to 60 guests.

GRAND HOTEL PRIMUS

Ptuj, Slovenia

4.29

HOLISTIC STRESS-FREE MEETINGS Grand Hotel Primus has a prime position on a spacious green area surrounded on one side by the swimming pool complex and on the other by a park and a golf course, ensuring that all of its rooms have a great view. Often for an event more than just a well-equipped hall is needed, as what happens during breaks, at lunch, and at the evening event is also important, and in the Grand Hotel Primus the offer is so rich that you can easily fill a day, two or even more for your participants with a top quality programme. The Grand Hotel Primus is a reassuringly solid hotel in every way, especially with its authentic story. 69

Winners in individual categories of evaluati on for 2017:

BOuTiQuE MEETinG HOTELS

aMan SVeTi STefan

Sveti Stefan

Montenegro

4.92

faliSia

Portopiccolo

Italy

4.88

hoTel adriaTiC

Rovinj

Croatia

4.87

hoTel PleSniK

Logarska Valley Slovenia

4.86

Vila MenegheTTi

Bale

Croatia

4.85

hoTel CuBo

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.82

hoTel TownhouSe 27

Belgrade

Serbia

4.81

SQuare nine hoTel

Belgrade

Serbia

4.79

HOTEL PUČIĆ PALACE

Dubrovnik

Croatia

4.79

hoTel BeVanda

Opatija

Croatia

4.77

hoTel Vander

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.76

MEETINGS STAR 2017

2017

AMAn SVETi STEFAn

Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

4.92

FAMOUS AND TIMELESS GLAMOUR One of the most beautiful and most photogenic resorts on Adriatic re-shone in 2013. The idea of an island village itself is already quite remarkable, while on top the hotel group Aman added elegance and minimalistic glamour typical for all of their hotels. An exceptional hotel, assembled by various villas and unique rooms arranged around the island, was born. The biggest advantage of the hotel certainly is its location and the feeling of privacy, which presents the perfect conditions for organisation of the most exclusive events. We were additionally impressed by the sense for preserving authenticity and incredible level of service. FALiSiA

Portopiccolo, Italy

4.88

MODERN CLASSIC Luxury village of Portopiccolo boasts also Falisia Resort & Spa, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region’s first five-star hotel. The hotel is a part of the prestigious American hotel chain Starwood and belongs to the Luxury Collection brand. Falisia is a boutique hotel with 65 rooms, each of them being unique. The hotel offers also two restaurants, a wellness health centre and three congress halls. The interior’s architecture leans on the town’s shipbuilding tradition and resembles the interior of a cruise ship. All together looks elegant, attractive and wears a touch of a timeless exclusivity. HOTEL ADRiATiC

Rovinj, Croatia

4.87

BLACK AND WHITE ART RHAPSODY Hotel Adriatic is a synonym for a contemporary boutique designe hotel with state-of-the-art restaurant and fully stocked bar. It is suitable mainly for smaller and more demanding groups. The hotel can be a great starting point for many different programmes in Istria. We easily imagine a smaller but more demanding incentive group that will combine the services of Maistra. Superb, if not superior boutique hotel that will impress you as well as you congress guests.

HOTEL PLESniK

Logarska Valley, Slovenia

4.86

EXCELLENCE IN AN EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION The hotel industry here has already almost a century old family tradition through the Plesnik family. It’s hard to find a place in Slovenia that is so closely linked with the families who live there. The individual attention to guests is embedded in the Plesnik family’s genetic code. Due to the tailor-made offer, high-quality service and most importantly because of the feeling that everything is possible, congress life in the valley is wishing to return. State Protocol finally entrusts them with the most demanding events. ViLA MEnEGHETTi

Bale, Croatia

4.85

HISTORIC MEETS MODERN A truly magical place in the estate is the table set under the 100–year-old oaks with views over the surrounding vineyards. As an ensemble the estate feels like an island that has been dropped onto the mainland, a place where time has stopped and you are instantly relaxed. Everything here is to an extremely high standard, but at the same time oozing genuine warmth.

MEETINGS STAR 2017

HOTEL CUBO

Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.82

PURITY AND REFINEMENT The hotel is perfectly located and feels brand new. This ‘Boutique Hotel’ not only builds its profile and reputation among modern nomads through design trends and comfort, but it also focuses on an excellence of service and the attention given to each guest. Everything about the rooms and the hotel communal spaces is very modern and beautifully designed. The standard of food and service is top notch too. The hotel is elegant and über-modern, almost a design hotel.

HOTEL TOWNHOUSE 27

Belgrade, Serbia

4.81

COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE A modern hotel in a picturesque historic building dating back to 1929, it is beautifully furnished and has excellent room facilities. Everything is stylish about this hotel and the support and excellent service from all of the staff makes it very special. The essence of the hotel is its exceptional friendliness. Rooms are perfectly maintained and clean as a whistle.

SQUARE NINE HOTEL

Belgrade, Serbia

4.79

MINIMALISM AND HARMONY An elegant, modern and sophisticated hotel in the heart of the Old City of Belgrade with an extremely good restaurant attached. Finest food, elegant service and special attention to every detail. And the swimming pool is one of the coolest designed that we know of.

HOTEL PUČIĆ PALACE

Dubrovnik, Croatia

4.79

DALMATIAN BOUTIQUE PEARL The opposite of what can often be experienced in corporate hotels, at the Pučić Palace you will be treated with special attention and a very personalised service. It is suitable for small groups of demanding guests who will get to know Dubrovnik through a great hotel experience. If you have deep pockets this hotel definitely won't let you down.

HOTEL BEVANDA

Opatija, Croatia

4.77

THE ULTRAMODERN AND WELCOMING It started out as a superb restaurant, to which a hotel offer was added over the last year. The prime location and superior design overlooking the Kvarner Bay can also be a venue for very special events.

HOTEL VANDER

Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.76

PASSIONATE URBANITY An urban oasis that offers tranquility right in the heart of Ljubljana’s Old Town. Unprecedented in Ljubljana the hotel is a modern reflection of the city and a completely new hotel experience. This is most clearly attested to by its recognition and classification on the prestigious list of the 154 best hotels in the world by the Condé Nast Traveller magazine. Big Plus: The charming terrace with a swimming pool in the middle of the roof and a stunning view of Ljubljana Castle and the old town rooftops.

Winners in individual categories of evaluati on for 2017:

COnVEnTiOn CEnTRES

auSTria CenTer

Vienna

Austria

4.91

iCe KraKow CongreSS CenTre

Krakow

Poland

4.90

iCC KaTowiCe

Katowice

Poland

4.88

SalZBurg CongreSS

Salzburg

Austria

4.87

CanKarJeV doM - Cd CongreSS CenTre lJuBlJana

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.85

Brdo CongreSS CenTre

Brdo pri Kranju Slovenia

4.84

ŠiBeniK ConVenTion CenTre

Šibenik

Croatia

4.84

haliC CongreSS CenTre

Istanbul

Turkey

4.83

Megaron inTernaTional ConferenCe CenTre

Athens

Greece

4.83

gr - lJuBlJana eXhiBiTion and ConVenTion CenTre

Ljubljana

Slovenia

4.81

CongreSS SChladMing

Schladming

Austria

4.69

CongreSS CenTer VillaCh

Villach

Austria

4.69

MeSSe CongreSS graZ

Graz

Austria

4.60

MEETINGS STAR 2017

2017

AuSTRiA CEnTER

Vienna, Austria

4.91

POINT OF REFERENCE Austria Center Vienna is by far the largest Austrian congress center. In the past few years, the center underwent a series of intensive renovations that have been assuring the center’s competitiveness. The Center is a strategic heart of the town’s congress offer and it allows for the organisation of the biggest and most demanding science congresses. In 2016, for example, the center hosted 90,000 congress delegates, and the forthcoming season is even more promising. We need to particularly emphasize the center’s efforts for constant innovations and its focus on modern congress guests’ needs. With this in line goes also the center’s last renovation which will be finished in February 2018 and will create a special venue for face-to-face meetings. Austria Center Vienna is the winner of the competition on the grounds of its amazing management of the institution that constantly keeps pace with the times. The city of Vienna has been keeping the leading position in the international meetings industry also thanks to the Austria Center Vienna which presents somewhat of an engine of the Vienna’s congress tourism. iCE KRAKOW COnGRESS CEnTRE

Krakow, Poland

4.90

ARCHITECTURAL TIMELINES In year 2016 ICE Krakow has even further strengthened its position as the premier convention and cultural center in the region. The reason for this is a rich program structure that enables it to be the center and a place for permanent congresses, concerts and other events. To achieve such results in such a short time is a remarkable achievement, which is thanks to the excellent management of the center. The results speak for themselves. Over 180 events in 2016 attracted 250,000 visitors. The Centre, which has harmoniously blended with the city, however, continues to astound with numerous innovations in all sectors and remains at the top of our rankings. iCC KATOWiCE

Katowice, Poland

4.88

NEW CULTURE AXIS OF THE CITY One of the most modern congress centers in Europe was built in 2015 in the, it is an example of the city revitalization with the help of the meetings industry. The centers best rating is due to exceptional aesthetics and functional architecture and the multifunctional role, which is the foundation of future business success. Also enthusiastic is a diverse calendar of events, which is the result of successful marketing project in the start-up phase.

SALZBuRG COnGRESS

Salzburg, Austria

4.87

EXCELLENCE IN THE DETAILS Salzburg Congress, located in the city centre, is a harmonious synthesis of appealing architecture, state-of-the-art congress technology and historic surroundings. Over 1,200 beds in 4- and 5-star hotels within easy walking distance and the close proximity to the attractions in the historic city centre make the location of Salzburg Congress so uniquely attractive.

CAnKARJEV DOM - CD COnGRESS CEnTRE LJuBLJAnA Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.85

SLOVENIAN CONGRESS ICON Slovenia’s leading convention centre and also a professional congress organiser is located in the centre of Ljubljana and in close proximity to all of the major institutions of the Slovenian state. It is the cultural and convention focal point of Slovenia and a place where Slovenian history continues to be made, so much so that today one couldn’t imagine Ljubljana without it, given that it and the Slovenian meetings industry were created together. Cankarjev dom is a well-oiled congress machine that has aged gracefully and after recent renovations is now in an excellent condition.

MEETINGS STAR 2017 BRDO CONGRESS CENTRE

Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia

4.84

MODERNITY IN CONNECTION WITH NATURE Brdo Congress Centre is part of Brdo Estate and it is necessary to appreciate what lies hidden behind its minimalist exterior. This centre is something different; it is Zen-like and exudes an elegant luxury. Today it is an important player in the field and we rate it as an all-round excellent convention centre, without any serious flaws, which at the moment represents the pinnacle in its field.

ŠIBENIK CONVENTION CENTRE

Šibenik, Croatia

4.84

UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES The Convention Centre in Šibenik surprises with its aesthetics and functionality just as much as with its incredible architecture and size. It is the first such convention centre in Croatia, and I believe that the neighboring Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar must be quite envious of it. The hotel is complemented with excellent offer of the Amadria Park’s 5 hotels, 20 restaurants and giant parking lot for 1,400 vehicles. The interior’s modern design boosts creativity, while the technical equipment, the possibility of accompanying program, and the kind staff furtherly inspire and impress. The stunning aesthetics and supreme technology completely stun! HALIC CONGRESS CENTRE

Istanbul, Turkey

4.83

SPACE EXPLORER The Haliç Congress Centre, located along the historical Haliç coast, offers its guests a peaceful environment away from the bustling megacity. The Centre has hosted many major congresses and special events and provides its guests with an incomparable experience due to an uncompromising quality of service. The Centre spans 102,000 m2 and includes an open space of 16,000 m2. It comprises of four buildings that are interconnected with broad galleries and lounges filled with sunshine, with a total indoor exhibition area of 9,000 m2. MEGARON INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE

Athens, Greece

4.83

EVERY DAY - ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES Megaron is known as one of the best and technically most progressive congress centres in Europe. As the heart of the city’s congress offer with 31 halls presents the main venue of international congresses of associations. We were the most imporessed by the central concert hall with its incredible acoustic and a remarkably smart functionality of the centre’s plan. For the purpose of events, you can also use the park where it is possible to organize receptions and enjoy in the beauty of the Mediterranen vegetation. Cherry on top is its large garage that offers 750 parking spots. Megaron, however, is not just a congress centre, but also a cultural institution and this fact present a huge added value when creating events’ programmes. GR - LJUBLJANA EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE Ljubljana, Slovenia

4.81

THE LJUBLJANA GROWTH ENGINE GR - Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre is positioned as a mid-sized regional facility. As a result of a number of past investments and reforms and now with a new administration in place they have really lifted the level of infrastructure and meet the highest international standards. Following renovation, the centre now functions in a very fresh and tidy way and gives the impression of a well maintained centre that is the equal of other such similar centres in Europe.

CONGRESS SCHLADMING

Schladming, Austria

4.69

MODERN SPIN ON THE ALPS Congress Schladming is synonymous with modern architecture, environmentally friendly building technology, multi-functional use, gastronomic perfection and state-of-the-art technology, all in the heart of Austria. The combination of “days in the mountains” and a diverse recreational offer in a pristine natural landscape provides the ideal balance for both mind and soul.

MEETINGS STAR 2017 COnGRESS CEnTER ViLLACH

Villach, Austria

4.69

THE ONLY COMBINED HOTEL AND CONGRESS CENTRE Carinthia's largest congress center is considered as one of the most innovative congress centers in Austria suitable for organizing medium-sized congresses. The central hall -Auditorium is excellently technical equipped for the most demanding production and can accommodate up to 1,060 guests. We were most delighted by the multifunctionality combined with hotel Holiday Inn, which boasts a further 11 conference rooms. The hotel has an excellent restaurant Lagana and catering which they are recognized for. The whole offer of hotel just works perfectly in sync and extremely effective. MESSE COnGRESS GRAZ

Graz, Austria

4.60

THE PAST TAILORED TO THE PRESENT All congress facilities in Graz were some time ago connected in a joint company MCG. The central part is the Messecongress Graz, which shares its space with trade fair and event hall Stadthalle. A decade ago, the whole offer was very innovative and is still today a role model for multifunctional congress offer. It enables the combination of different sized events and is the heart of the Austrian Styria congress offer. A big plus is the possibility of organizing events in conjunction with the more historic part of Congres Graz offer in the city center. In Graz, you have the whole solution in one place.

Among Slovenian hotels, the following hotels placed highest on the rankings ladder LARGER SLOVEniAn MEETinG HOTELS 1.

KeMPinSKi PalaCe

Portorož

4.89

grand hoTel union

Ljubljana

4.80

inTerConTinenTal

Ljubljana

4.78

Mind hoTel SloVenia

Portorož

4.76

wellneSS hoTel SoTelia

Podčetrtek

4.73

radiSSon Blu PlaZa hoTel

Ljubljana

4.48

hoTel Balnea SuPerior

Dolenjske Toplice

4.48

grand hoTel Bernardin

Portorož

4.47

hoTel Brdo

Brdo pri Kranju

4.47

BeST weSTern PreMier hoTel loVeC

Bled

4.45

hoTel golf

Bled

4.46

10.

grand hoTel ToPliCe

Bled

4.43

10.

hoTel leV

Ljubljana

4.43

BOuTiQuE SLOVEniAn MEETinG HOTELS WiTH HiGHEST SCORE 2017 1.

hoTel PleSniK

Logar Valley

4.86

hoTel CuBo

Ljubljana

4.82

hoTel Vander

Ljubljana

4.76

hoTel TriglaV

Bled

4.69

KendoV dVoreC

Idrija

4.69

hoTel San MarTin

Goriška Brda

4.28

COnVEnTiOn CEnTRES 1.

CANKARJEV DOM - CD CONGRESS CenTre lJuBlJana

Ljubljana

4.85

Brdo CongreSS CenTre

Brdo pri Kranju

4.84

GR - LJUBLJANA EXHIBITION AND ConVenTion CenTre

Ljubljana

4.81

Bled feSTiVal hall

Bled

4.19

COnVEnTA BEST EVEnT AWARD At a time when we have already seen and experienced almost everything imaginable, the organisation of unforgettable events is all but simple. In order to ensure that the best events in 'New' Europe, as well as their organisers, do not go unnoticed, Kongres magazine, in co-operation with Conventa, presents an award which, as part of the Meetings Star awards, will immortalise the best events in the meetings industry. Recipients of the award will be announced at Conventa 2018. Details can be followed on our website www.kongres-magazine.eu.

EuROCiTiES Annual Conference 2017 on Circular Citi es organized by CITY OF LJUBLJANA CONVENTA BEST EVENT AWARD 2017 Technical: Meetings Star Sculpture WINNER 79

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MEETINGS STAR CEREMONY 2017

MEETINGS STAR 2017