#IndiaOutbound
HANDBOOK 2016/2017 Featuring: 50 Hottest Destinations for MICE & Weddings
AN INITIATIVE OF
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#IndiaOutbound seems to be at an all time high. Newer brands, corporations, associations and institutions are now taking to the route of MICE programmes. As a result, more intermediaries are successfully joining the fray of planners to such programmes. Little needs to be said about the Destination Wedding industry of India, whose ripples have reached the shores of International Convention and Visitor Bureaus, now looking to have dedicated divisions to service this business. At tmf dialogue marketing India, we thrive off insights and trends our industry studies reveal. Our year-long efforts of profiling and documenting patterns of outbound group travel, have lead us to the ‘Top 50 Outbound Destinations for MICE and Destination Weddings’. We present this list as a ready-reckoner for planners, in this second edition of the Experiential Planner Handbook. As always, we believe in your feedback and suggestion to keep the evolutions on-going. Reach us at: office@tmf-dialogue.in
Johanna Fischer
Karishma Hundalani
Managing Director tmf dialogue marketing Germany and India
Director and Head - Content tmf dialogue marketing India
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AFRICA
KENYA Kenya Tourism Board
MAURITIUS Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority
info@ktb.go.ke www.ktb.go.ke
www.tourism-mauritius.mu
ASIA
SEYCHELLES
SOUTH AFRICA
Seychelles Tourism Board
South Africa National Convention Bureau
info@seychellestravel.in www.seychelles.travel
vishala@southafrica.net www.businessevents.southafrica.net
ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau
DUBAI Dubai Business Events
+971 600 55 5559 askdbe@dubaitourism.ae www.visitdubai.com
abudhabi-cb@tcaabudhabi.ae www.abudhabi-cb.ae/en
EGYPT Egyptian Tourism Office
full profile on pg. 16
HONG KONG Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong Akshata Nair
Manager MICE - India +91 9820229474 akshata@mileage.in www.mehongkong.com Represented in India by Mileage Communications
info.in@egypt.travel www.egypt.travel
INDONESIA
ISRAEL
Indonesia Travel
Go Israel / Israel Ministry of Tourism
info@indonesia.travel www.indonesia.travel
infoindia@goisrael.org.il www.goisrael.in
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full profile on pg. 20
JAPAN Japan National Tourism Organization
JORDAN Jordan Tourism Board
dheera@mileage.in www.jnto.go.jp Represented in India by Mileage Communications
info@visitjordan.com www.visitjordan.com
KOREA
MALAYSIA
Korea Tourism Organization
Kim’s Travel Services (Korea DMC)
Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau
sandeep@knto.or.kr www.knto.or.kr
kims06@kimstravel.com www.kimstravel.com
www.myceb.com.my
MALDIVES Visit Maldives
OMAN Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman Lubaina Sheerazi
India Representative Ministry of Tourism, Oman + 91 22 29256965 lubaina.sheerazi@tourismoman.co.in www.omantourism.gov.om
info@visitmaldives.com www.visitmaldives.com/en
SINGAPORE
full profile on pg. 18
SRI LANKA
Singapore Tourism Board
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau
pradeep_israni@stb.gov.sg www.yoursingapore.com
slcb@sltnet.lk www.visitsrilanka.net
TAIWAN
THAILAND
Meet Taiwan
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau
mpo@meettaiwan.com www.meettaiwan.com
mic@tceb.or.th www.tceb.or.th
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AUSTRALIA / OCEANIA EUROPE
MELBOURNE
NEW ZEALAND
Melbourne Convention Bureau
Tourism New Zealand
info@melbournecb.com.au www.melbournecb.com.au
neha.bhola@tnz.govt.nz www.newzealand.com/in
SYDNEY
AMSTERDAM
Business Events Sydney
I amsterdam.
www.businesseventssydney.com.au
meetings@iamsterdam.com www.iamsterdam.com/en
ATHENS City of Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau
BARCELONA Barcelona Turisme Convention Bureau Elena Altemir
International Promotion Manager India, Scandinavia & Southern Europe 34 933 689 700 ealtemir@barcelonaturisme.com www.barcelonaconventionbureau.com
info@athenscvb.gr www.athensconventionbureau.gr/en
BERLIN
BILBAO
visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office
Bilbao Turismo & Convention Bureau
Katharina Waschke
Zigor Bereziartua Oarbeaskoa
+49 30 264748-495 katharina.waschke@visitBerlin.de www.convention@visitBerlin.de
+34944795770 bicb@bilbaturismo.bilbao.net www.bilbaoturismo.net
Marketing Manager Conventions India
Marketing
full profile on pg. 32
CROATIA | DUBROVNIK Dubrovnik Tourist Board CVB
full profile on pg. 30
full profile on pg. 34
CROATIA | ZAGREB Zagreb Convention Bureau Zlatan Muftic
Convention Bureau Director romana.vlasic@tzdubrovnik.hr www.tzdubrovnik.hr
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+385 1 48 98 555 zmuftic@meetinzagreb.hr www.meetinzagreb.hr
full profile on pg. 52
FLANDERS Visit Flanders
FLANDERS | BRUGES Convention Bureau of Bruges
dheera@mileage.in www.visitflanders.in Represented in India by Mileage Communications
meeting@brugge.be www.meetinginbrugge.be/en
FLANDERS| BRUSSELS Brussels Convention Bureau
FLANDERS | GHENT MeetinGent
meetings@visitbrussels.be www.visitbrussels.be
www.meetingov.be/en
FLORENCE Firenze Convention & Visitors Bureau
HUNGARY Hungarian Convention Bureau
Chiara Gheri
Manager, Tuscany for Weddings Division +39 0552988134 weddings@conventionbureau.it www.conventionbureau.it www.tuscanyforweddings.com
full profile on pg. 36
www.conference.gotohungary.com
HUNGARY | KRISHNA VALLEY Krishna Valley
ICELAND Visit Iceland
Zoltan Hosszu
Founder, Leadership Mentor +36306302578 zoltan.hosszu@commonsharedvalues.com www.commonsharedvalues.com
full profile on pg. 38
www.visiticeland.com
MALTA
MILAN
Malta Tourism Authority & BlueMarble Destination Services (DMC)
Eventing Milan
Jaideep Venugopal
Diana Cora Tenderini
+91 98102 69603 (India) jaideep@bluemarbleds.com www.bluemarbleds.com
+39 333 29 06 808 dianacora@gmail.com www.eventingmilan.it
International Business Development
full profile on pages 12 & 44
full profile on pg. 46
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MONACO Monaco Convention Bureau
PARIS Paris Convention Bureau
rn@tracrep.com www.monacoconventionbureau.com Represented in India by Trac Representations
en.convention.parisinfo.com
POLAND Poland Convention Bureau
PORTUGAL VEGA DMC
Cristina van Zeller Managing Director
+ 351 213 976 053 cristina.vanzeller@vega.pt www.vega.pt
www.poland-convention.pl/en
ROME Roma Convention Bureau
full profile on pg. 10
RUSSIAN FEDERATION | MOSCOW Moscow Convention and Exhibition Bureau
info@romeconventionbureau.com www.romeconventionbureau.com
en.moscowcvb.ru
RUSSIAN FEDERATION | ST. PETERSBURG
SALZBURG
Saint Petersburg Convention Bureau
Salzburg Convention Bureau
info@spbcb.ru www.saintpetersburgcb.com
schwaiger@salzburgcongress.at www.salzburgcb.com/en
SCANDINAVIA Scandinavian Tourist Board
SLOVENIA Slovenian Convention Bureau Miha KOVACIC Director
mohit@stb-asia.org www.facebook.com/explore-scandinavia-1202024183147808
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+386 1 569 12 60 info@slovenia-convention.com www.slovenia-convention.com
full profile on pg. 48
SWITZERLAND
TURKEY | ANTALYA
Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau
Antalya Convention Bureau
aishvarya.guhagarkar@switzerland.com scib.in@switzerland.com www.myswitzerland.com/en-in
www.antalyaconvention.org
TURKEY | ISTANBUL Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau
Vienna Convention Bureau Verena Jandak-Hollenthoner
Özgül Özkan Yavuz
NORTH AMERICA
VIENNA
General Manager
Marketing Manager USA, Canada, Australia, India
+902125225555 ozgul.yavuz@icvb.org www.icvb.org
+43 1 211 14-522 verena.jandak@vienna.info www.vienna.convention.at
full profile on pg. 40
full profile on pg. 50
CALIFORNIA
LAS VEGAS
Visit California
Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
ccolney@visitcalifornia.in www.visitcalifornia.com Represented in India by Sartha Global Marketing
dchatterjee@sarthaglobal.com www.lvcva.com Represented in India by Sartha Global Marketing
NEW YORK NYC & Co.
conventionsales@nycgo.com www.nycandcompany.org
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PORTUGAL Lisbon
B
orn by the dream of travel professionals, evolved into reality by inspiration, proven successful through commitment and dedication... such is the story of VEGA, a company that maintains a unique status in Portugal. VEGA – Agência de Viagens de Turismo Internacional, Lda. was founded in 1988. VEGA’s affiliates are: IATA, GO4TRAVEL, APAVT, Lisbon, Porto and Estoril Convention Bureau, World of DMC’s and Site. In July 2008, Vega was certified with the Quality Management System (ISSO 9001). It is both our clients and our suppliers that benefit from this, feeling the Quality in our trips and on all our services.
I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for all your work and help last week!! I know the whole team really appreciated it. Please pass on our thanks to all the hostesses and the transfer drivers as well. It was a pleasure working with you all and I hope we will see each other again soon! — Stephanie Hambling, Ashfield Meetings & Events
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CONTACT INFORMATION Cristina van Zeller Managing Director
Rosário Morais Executive Director T + 351 213 976 053 F + 351 213 976058 E cristina.vanzeller@vega.pt rosario.morais@vega.pt VEGA DMC Rua Alexandre Herculano, 9-4º 1150-005 LISBON PORTUGAL Facebook: /Vega-DMC-111240458912196 LinkedIn: /company/vega-dmc
All worked very well and the Services were impeccable! Catarina, the Guide, very professional, fun and knowledgeable!. Thank you very much. We will definitely be back in Portugal. Thank you very well for your commitment and Kind regards from Switzerland again. — Charles Imbacher, balanced performance agency
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
The incoming department deals with any type of programs in Portugal. As a DMC (Destination Management Company), Vega operates mainly Incentive groups, Product Launches, Conferences and Meetings, and promotes its services in several markets: UK, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Scandinavia, Ireland, USA, South Africa, India etc.
• Dinner at Stock Exchange Palace, Palácio da Bolsa, popular for State’s official receptions.
Besides meetings, conferences and incentives organization, a DMC elaborates as well the social program, the partner program and pre and post tours. Catering, dinners, entertainment, transportation, official guide assistance, hostesses are other services that a DMC can provide.
• Gala Dinner at Jerónimos Monastery, the site of the chapel where Vasco da Gama prayed before discovering maritime way to India in 1498.
• Cooking lessons for Team Building while learning about the local culture, architecture and history of Lisbon. • Sailing Regatta: The competition requires a lot of collaboration and interaction between the teams.
• Deserta Island, Algarve, ideal for a private party on the beach, teambuilding programs or a relaxing day. • Cruise along the Douro Valley on typical rabelo boat and visit vineyards that produce Port Wine.
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S
urrounded by the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean and enjoying idyllic weather and breathtaking scenery, the Maltese islands are, quite simply, the perfect location for any type of event. Malta has become a prime location for conference and incentive travel. The Maltese Islands make a fascinating place to hold corporate events, from small-scale team breaks to major international conferences. BlueMarble Destination Services, a DMC from Malta, along with Malta Tourism Authority is promoting MALTA as a premium MICE & Wedding destination to Indian clients. It assists you in planning your next MICE in Malta & other parts of Europe.Â
A four-day pre-wedding event from India is not an easy activity to handle and very often presents ground handlers with unusual last minute requests and challenges. The services provided by BlueMarble Destination Services and their team of professionals were excellent and truly helped in the delivery of a memorable visit. — Vyomesh Shah, Managing Director, Hubtown Limited
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CONTACT INFORMATION Clive Perry Director T +356 2141 3863 M +356 7965 4000 E cperry@bluemarbleds.com
Jaideep Venugopal M +91 98102 69603 (India) +356 9953 7872 (Malta) E jaideep@bluemarbleds.com BlueMarble Destination Services Ltd. Arcadia, No 35, St Publius Street Naxxar NXR1422, Malta. www.bluemarbleds.com info@bluemarbleds.com
Malta is a superb destination, being the largest island of Maltese archipelago. It has history, culture, architectural and historical monuments, warm climate and plenty of recreational areas. It has great infrastructure, hotels and venues for events. English is widely spoken and they drive on the same side as us. Apart from Maltese cuisine, Indian cuisine is easily available. Last but not the least there is nothing to beat the Maltese hospitality. Blue Marble Destination Services are doing a great deal to promote Malta. — Cdr C P Sharma, Managing Director, Neptune Travco Pvt Ltd
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• An English-speaking environment and being endowed with hospitable people, makes Malta a safe and perfect destination for your next MICE activity
• Visa Assistance to Malta
• Numerous luxurious 5 and 4 star hotels to accommodate delegates. These range from large-scale modern buildings (including a number of international chains) to boutique establishments • A diverse range of wedding formats, from intimate sit down dinners and beachside ceremonies to traditional receptions, Malta has a vast range of products and services available that make planning ceremonies relatively stress free and great value for money • The grandiose will love one of the grand baroque palaces and those preferring something more rustic can choose a beautiful farmhouse set in the quaint countryside of Gozo. For nature lovers, Malta’s many beautiful sandy beaches, backdrops and countryside provide a location like no other
• Venue Scouting and Recee (Malta & Europe) • Accommodation & Hospitality Arrangements • Ground Transportation & Transfers • Customised itineraries • Branding & Printing (All formats) • Audio Visual Support, Staging & Fabrication • Cruises and exclusive private yacht charters • Indian cuisine menu planning • Entertainment and Content • Trousseau, Traditional Indian Rituals, Banquets and Wedding Menu Planning • Wedding Photography & Videography
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EUROPE
Polo Marco Experience (PME), headquartered in London, is the first and only European travel organization specifically conceived to help Indian Corporates and Indian Event Planners/Agencies to stage their incentive travel or special events, including weddings, in a European destination. In fact, PME created and introduced the “MADE FOR INDIA” concept in the MICE sector and is proud to be able to put at your disposal: • A solid team of passionate European native professionals to guarantee extensive expertise and deliver the best local advice; • A selected network of trusted suppliers who have already demonstrated to be able to welcome adequately Indian guests; • A single point-of-contact in Europe, also when your itineraries and events cover multiple cities, regions and even countries; • High value-for-money, thanks to our lean and flexible organization you will save time, money & maximize ROI for your clients.
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CONTACT INFORMATION Claudia Cocolin Co-founder and COO M +39 33 9327 2082 E claudia@polomarcoexperience.com Sales Office T +44 20 7871 9974 E sales@polomarcoexperience.com POLO MARCO EXPERIENCE Ltd Kemp House, 152 City Road LONDON EC1V 2NX United Kingdom www.polomarcoexperience.com Facebook: /polomarcoexperience Twitter: @PM_Experience Youtube: /polomarcoexperience
... we were treated as though we were family guests. Each and every requirement was looked into during the entire trip: from limousine pick-ups to Indian restaurants, we got it all. Now I’ve decided to send also my parents to Europe with PME and I’m ready to spend 50% more on such a trip with them... — Karan Mittal - Managing director, Mittal Corp.
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
Nowadays luxury is no longer related to extravagant expenditure, but all about the true fulfilment of personal needs and expectations, thus Polo Marco Experience guarantees that the travel or event you are planning in Europe will surprise your guests and will remain impressed in their memories, because following our guidance, they will always have the best choices to:
• Find the most suitable destinations in Europe as perfect backdrop to your event (according to your preferences, budget, time of the year)
• Stay & celebrate in prestigious hotels, palaces, castles and villas, on riverboats and private islands, in “five-star” caves, igloos, greenhouses, mountain huts…
• Propose unparalleled and breath-taking experiences: restricted access visits, adrenaline adventures, local entertainment…
• Move on private jets, yachts, helicopters and hot-air balloons, in top cars, luxury trains, snowmobiles, submarines... • Live an amazing authentic European experience in a perfect blend of local culture and tradition, food and wine, art and design, sport and adventure, glamour and relaxation…
• Design tailor-made original itineraries for your guests and book the best accommodations for them… nothing like a tourist • Define the most effective logistics and assure that a professional assistance is constantly and discreetly present on site
• Organise gala dinners full of atmosphere: Indian food catering service or Michelin chef’s classy menu; Flamenco beach party or river boat DJ set… • Plan astounding themed activities for your incentives or fun & safe interactive tasks for your team building competitions • Negotiate contracts (décor, staging, lighting, tenting, security…) or supervise the local suppliers on your behalf
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Dubai
U A E
D
ubai is a cosmopolitan city of diversity and contrasts at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. In the blink of an eye, the city has transformed itself into a buzzing international metropolis. Easy accessibility, state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern venues and hotels as well as unique partnerships between the Government and the meetings industry has placed Dubai as the leading business events destination in the Middle East.
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CONTACT INFORMATION T +971 600 55 5559 F +971 4 282 1131 E askdbe@dubaitourism.ae Dubai Business Events P.O.BOX 594, Dubai, UAE. www.dubaibusinessevents.ae
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• Dubai is the premier MICE destination in the Middle East. Dubai International Airport is ranked number one hub for international passengers with annual traffic of over 78 million passengers in 2015
A member of BestCities Global Alliance, Dubai Business Events is the official convention bureau of Dubai and a division of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Our objective is to develop and increase Dubai’s share of the international business events market in order to grow economic development, jobs and knowledge creation in the Emirate. Our services include:
• Dubai offers more than 670 hotels with more than 98,000 rooms. Current estimates show that in the range of 15,000-20,000 more rooms are expected by the end of 2016 • Plethora of flexible business event facilities, from a meeting room for 10 people to a convention for thousands. Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) has 100,000+ sqm of exhibition and meeting space. In addition, an array of hotels in Dubai offer high quality and sizeable meeting space
• Assist you in providing proposals from hotels and venues
• Dubai is a member of the world’s first convention bureau partnership - BestCities Global Alliance
• Help you select locations, products, and services
• Connect you to the right government contacts • Direct you to right PCO and DMC • Host you for a site inspection
• Adrenaline-pumping desert safaris, dhow cruises, high-octane skydives, are some of the unique experiences in Dubai
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S U LTA N AT E O F O M A N
O
man offers an authentic Arabian experience and hospitality and boasts of scenic beauty, ancient culture, historic monuments and a beautiful coastline. It has a state of the art infrastructure and a beautiful communion of old world charm and modernism. To complement MICE facilities, Oman is also known for its array of tourist activities on offer such as water sports, dune bashing, dolphin and turtle watching and shopping in the souks. The country also features historic forts, castles, museums and an opera house which are among the many cultural landmarks that give the country its unique character.
CONTACT INFORMATION Lubaina Sheerazi India Representative Ministry of Tourism, Oman T + 91 22 29256965 E lubaina.sheerazi@tourismoman.co.in info@tourismoman.co.in Oman Tourist Office, India c/o Blue Square Consultants First Floor, Vaman Techno Center Marol Makwana Road, Andheri East Mumbai 400059 www.omantourism.gov.om Facebook: /OmanTourismIndia Twitter: @OmanTourismIn
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MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• Short haul destination connected directly with 11 Indian cities. Many carriers including Oman Air, Jet Airways, Air India Express, SpiceJet, Indigo and Air India fly non-stop to Oman. Muscat is under three hours from most Indian cities
• Blue Square Consultants has been representing the Ministry of Tourism Oman in India for the last 5 years and functions as the Oman Tourist Office, India
• Oman has several luxurious 5 and 4 star hotels that has excellent ballroom and banquet facilities. Overall, Oman boasts of an inventory of approximate 12,000 rooms of which Muscat the capital itself has approximately 7000 rooms • Several world class brands in hospitality can be found in Oman like Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Al Bustan Palace - A Ritz Carlton Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Alila Jabal Akhdar, Salalah Rotana and many of these hotels can provide Indian food
• It performs the role of an information center for all travel trade, corporates and wedding planners in India providing information regarding DMC’s in Oman, visa requirements, destination images and presentation and providing collaterals like brochures, giveaways, standees etc • The marketing of Oman as a MICE and Wedding destination is an initiative of the Oman Tourist Office, India and has the full support of the Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman • Oman Tourist Office, India acts as a bridge between the Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman and the Indian MICE agent/wedding planner and can assist in obtaining incentives/ subsidies for a MICE event or Wedding on case to case basis
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H
ong Kong is located conveniently in the heart of Asia, making it the region’s most connected destination for anything. Half the world’s population is located within five hours of flying time, and it offers visa-free travel for visitors from over 170 countries. It is a city that wows you by its fascinating contrasts: the super-modern skyscrapers that sits alongside ancient temples, the juxtaposition of east and west architecture, culture and gastronomy – the strikingly different worlds that coexist and create a spectrum of experiences unlike any other city.
CONTACT INFORMATION Akshata Nair Manager MICE - India T +91 9820229474 E Akshata@mileage.in Mileage Communications (India) Pvt Ltd Representative of Hong Kong Tourism Board in India 119, Sishan House (Second Floor) Shahpur Jat, New Delhi 110 049 www.mehongkong.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/ company/meetings-&-exhibitionshong-kong
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MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• Hong Kong’s prime spot in the heart of enterprising Asia makes it the region’s most convenient and connected destination for international meetings and incentive trips. Indian nationals can stay up to 14 days in Hong Kong with no visa requirement
Hospitable and hard-working, Hong Kong’s experienced professionals will ensure every meeting and incentive trip runs like clockwork, offering efficient expertise and supportive solutions at every stage. Our services include:
• Hong Kong’s proximity to China also makes it an ideal meeting place for professionals from both locations
• Providing initial planning support, including coordinating site inspection visits, assisting with written proposals, and providing audiovisual materials about Hong Kong
• World-class facilities and transport make Hong Kong the number one city in Asia for convenience and choice • An excellent array of special privileges called “Hong Kong Rewards” are extended from the time your MICE group arrives by the airport & till the time they depart
• Helping with sourcing appropriate venues, hotels, suppliers and contractors • Recommending motivating building activities
and
team-
• Providing pre-event promotion • Compiling hospitality and trade rewards
• Few cities can rival Hong Kong’s enormous variety of sightseeing, shopping, dining, arts, and cultural attractions, which provide endless options for unique motivating and teambuilding activities that send their participants home in high spirits
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...the only venue finder specialized in exclusive rentals of hotels & resorts
W
hen there are corporate events like incentives, seminars, product launches or social events like weddings, renting a number of rooms in a hotel resort can be quite a challenge as the event’s arrangement can face numerous complications due to interaction with other guests and the reduced attention and support of the hotel staff. The infrastructure and services of hotel resorts can be the perfect spot for your event as everything is already on site. Event planners don’t like to compromise on their imagination and creative ideas, so an exclusive rental seems indispensable for a successful event. This is where RENT-A-RESORT steps in. Founded in 2015, RENT-A-RESORT is based in Germany and covers various major European markets. It is a free service for event planners, identifying the most competitive offer for exclusive rentals of hotels & resorts.
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CONTACT INFORMATION Daniel Rudolf Head of Sales & Marketing T +49 (0)9338-3590003 E d.rudolf@rent-a-resort.com RENT-A-RESORT An der Leite 1 97285 Roettingen Germany www.rent-a-resort.com LinkedIn: /company/rent-a-resort
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• In the Mediterranean alone, there are several thousands of hotels & resorts. Hence, finding the right resort for the right date is an extremely time-consuming task which you can outsource to RENT-A-RESORT
RENT-A-RESORT is a free service for event planners, identifiying the most competitive offer for exclusive rentals of hotel resorts. The main services we offer are:
• Planners can find a selection of current deals from member resorts on RENT-A-RESORT DEALS
• Act as your venue finder specialized in exclusive rentals
• Deliver your request for proposal directly to RENT-A-RESORT, who will then identify the best possible offer according to your needs with the help of pre-identified opportunities from their partners
• Find the perfect venue for your event that could be an entire resort for your event • Pre-identification of best price opportunities • Save your time and budget
• Tie-ups with stunning wedding resorts across the Mediterranean, the Alps, the Caribbean and Asia that will make sure you live your dream wedding • Plan corporate incentives at RENT-A-RESORT’s partner resorts like Le Meridien Lav in Croatia & Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, in St. Moritz – Switzerland, both offering state-ofthe-art facilities for MICE
Image Source: www.rent-a-resort.com
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...your venue finder specialized in cruise charters
A
fully chartered cruise ship can be the perfect location for your next event. Enjoy your group’s privacy and freedom as you will even decide where to navigate! RENT-A-CRUISE will help you find the right cruise ship for your event at the most favourable conditions.
CONTACT INFORMATION Daniel Rudolf Head of Sales & Marketing T +49 (0)9338-3590003 E d.rudolf@rent-a-resort.com RENT-A-RESORT An der Leite 1 97285 Roettingen Germany www.rent-a-resort.com LinkedIn: /company/rent-a-resort
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MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• Rent from a selection of luxurious cruise ships for exclusive charter. Popular cruise ships routing Mediterranean / Caribbean include the Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Sea Dream I, Sea Dream II, Silver Cloud - offering a unique atmosphere for your next team incentive
RENT-A-CRUISE offers the following services for event planners, MICE-and wedding agencies
• Other popular cruise ships include Seabourn Soujourn (Mediterranean / Asia), the Regent Explorer (Mediterranean + Baltic / Caribbean) & the Oceania Regatta (Canada / South America - Caribbean)
• Act as your venue finder specialized in cruise charters • Find the perfect venue for your event that could be an entire cruise • Pre-identification of best price opportunities • Save your time and budget
• Host your incentive aboard Silversea and indulge your guests with an array of sublime luxuries: spacious ocean-view suites, gourmet dining & feature intriguing itineraries with over 800 enticing destinations on all 7 continents • Luxury cruise ship Sea Dream offers special incentives like the Champagne & Caviar Splash - Enjoy caviar with a special beach party, StarLit Movies - Cinema under the stars, Balinese Dream Beds - Enjoy unobstructed ocean views & fresh sea breezes from elevated beds
Image Source: www.rent-a-resort.com
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EUROPEAN CITIES MARKETING MEET EUROPEAN CITIES
MEET. SHARE. GROW.
ECM’s Credo for the Meetings Industry
E
uropean Cities Marketing is the only membership association dedicated to strengthening city marketing in Europe. With more than 100 members, ECM provides the platform for convention, leisure and city marketing professionals to exchange knowledge and best practice.
• Knowledge and best practice exchange
WHAT WE DO
• 24h/day intranet: library, contacts…
• Exchange information in valuable platforms and forums
MISSION
• Benchmark amongst members • Provide essential research • Anticipate future needs • Determine barriers of future growth • Develop new ideas and products • Tailor members needs • Provide business opportunities • Network with other industry associations to be part of the latest developments and trends
HOW WE DO IT • Education • Business workshops
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• Thematic meetings and best practice sessions • Research insight and tools to benchmark city performance; improve operational efficiency and make better business decisions • Teaching future leaders
“To be Europe’s leading city marketing association by improving members’ competitiveness and helping in turn to create attractive and world class city destinations.”
MEMBERS PROFILE Convention Bureaux, Tourist and city marketing organisations represented by their: CEOs / city managers / marketing managers / conventions managers / research managers / visitors servicing / leisure marketing / communications. ECM is committed to give equal benefit and profile to members from capital, leading and smaller European cities.
Through the multi-city roadshow in India for the fourth consecutive year and the launch of a training course providing solid education to emerging destinations, European Cities Marketing (ECM) has a strong experience to promote European destinations and spread its renowned experience to India. A yearly roadshow to three Indian cities Riding on the success of last year with more than 250 clients during the whole week, ECM was happy to provide its members cities with Experiential Planner Business Luncheons 2016 last April, a yearly roadshow with 5 luncheons and social events to brand ECM as a roof organisation for more than 100 European cities and particularly those who attended the event. The ECM Benchmarking report 2015 - 2016 indicates that European cities achieved an average relative increase of 4.2% in total bednights and 4.4% in international bednights. “BRIC markets and in particular India, are important source markets for European cities. The Indian economy is strong and never really felt the impact of the global economic crisis as we did in Europe. There is a huge middle class segment emerging together with a significant high net worth as well as a luxury segment. There is also a lot of interest in travel to Europe. Our belief and experience indicates that Europe is more attractive as an “idea” than a set of individual countries and that cities are far more interesting than the countries they belong to,” said Ignasi de Delàs, ECM President.
“European Cities Marketing is the only network to connect Tourism Industry, Convention Bureaux and City Marketing organisations on a European level. We exchange our knowledge and work together to strengthen our daily business. In addition, as CVBs, we have the chance to offer our services to international associations and corporate clients via special ECM platforms like Meet Europe or the India Meetings Industry Workshop.” BETTINA BUNGE, ECM VICE-PRESIDENT CEO AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, DRESDEN MARKETING BOARD
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EUROPEAN CITIES MARKETING MEET EUROPEAN CITIES
BACK TO SCHOOL! In line with the amazing success of its Summer School programme since 1987, ECM has launched its own Academy to provide solid education to emerging destinations and encourage the growth of meetings industry worldwide in non-European continents/regions like Asia, Africa, South America or the Gulf. The ECM Academy is developing future leaders for emerging destinations, being the bridge to a successful career in the Meetings Industry. This tailor-made course is suited for partner organisations outside Europe such as convention bureaux, hotels, PCOs, DMCs, airlines, conference venues, congress centres, convention centres, exhibition centres, and governmental bodies looking towards to a global promotion of the meetings industry. The ECM Academy provides participants the opportunity to meet professional leaders of the meetings industry from Europe as well as developing knowledge and skills for a successful career in the industry, while they could recruit and develop a network with new colleagues and future leaders, and more. In line with the ECM Summer School, the programme aims at leading the attendees towards practical and hands-on education with relevant real case studies and practical situations. It has proved a highly successful concept; the
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young participants got to familiarise themselves with the fundamentals of our industry with a practical training approach that aims at developing concentration, team-building, interaction in a full immersion course. The major asset of the School is the Faculty. Part of it comes from the ECM Summer School, and additional contributions have been set in place. The Faculty is not made up of academics but seasoned practitioners with a “tell it as it is” angle based on many years hands-on experience that give added value to the course. The first edition of the ECM Academy took place in Johannesburg, 19-21 February 2016, with 74 participants coming from African convention bureaux, convention centres, tourism boards, hotels, travel agencies and event agencies. “We live in a constant changing world, and the meetings industry is no exception. Ongoing education is a success factor for future business. It’s a crucial task for top management in each organisation, whether it is a CVB, tourist office, congress centre, airline, hotel, DMC, PCO or meeting planner, to train every employee continuously. We are very proud that this philosophy attracted all these students here in Johannesburg” declared Bettina Bunge, ECM Vice-President for the Meetings Industry.
Pier Paolo Mariotti, course leader of the ECM Summer School and initiator of the project, said: “To provide a full picture, the last day of the course consists of one open workshop to draw guidelines for growth of the meetings industry in the destination, open to all local politicians, professionals and meeting suppliers. The ECM Academy will truly boost the destination as well as developing future leaders in emerging destinations.” The ECM Academy and the ECM Summer School have qualified for CMP certification and every student who received a diploma earns a total of 17.75 clock hours for their overall CMP certification. “We do our utmost to ensure the success of the ECM Academy by maintaining the highest standard of course content, retaining, recruiting the very best of speakers, and giving up-todate examples showcasing latest trends in the Meetings Industry. There is no such training in the meetings industry! Try it out!” concludes Pier Paolo Mariotti.
ABOUT ECM European Cities Marketing is a non-profit organisation improving the competitiveness and performance of leading cities of Europe by providing a platform for convention, leisure and city marketing professionals to exchange knowledge, best practice and widen their network to build new business. European Cities Marketing is promoting and linking the interests of members from more than 100 major cities in 36 countries. For more information, please contact:
Flavie Baudot E T
flavie@europeancitiesmarketing.com +33 380 56 02 00
www.europeancitiesmarketing.com
To host an ECM Academy in your city, please contact Flavie Baudot at: flavie@europeancitiesmarketing.com
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Barcelona
S PA I N
B
arcelona is always on the forefront of what’s next and what’s new!
The Mediterranean city is fully equipped to host all types of meetings. Barcelona provides the perfect backdrop for all occasions with a talented travel and tourism community ready to create the most appropriate atmosphere to match your company’s identity, ideas, interests and audience. Barcelona Inspires. The committed efforts of travel partners like Barcelona Convention Bureau have helped build Barcelona as a destination suited to the needs of international business and leisure travellers alike. FCM Travel Solutions has always aimed at driving its outbound businesses in a market that is growing at a fast pace. Our aligned visions have helped us deliver the ‘more in travel’ to our clients. We see Barcelona as a leading tourism destination today. — Gaurav Luthra , VP - Products and Industry Relations, FCM Travel Solutions
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CONTACT INFORMATION Elena Altemir International Promotion Manager India, Scandinavia & Southern Europe T 34 933 689 700 34 933 689 747 F 34 933 689 701 M 34 699 046 671 E ealtemir@barcelonaturisme.com Barcelona Convention Bureau Passatge de la Concepció, 7-9 08008 Barcelona (Spain) www.barcelonaconventionbureau.com Twitter: @barcelonaturism
One of the most memorable events we did here included a welcome dinner at Casa Lotja de Mar, a gala night with a private tour of the home stadium of FC Barcelona & a farewell dinner at the beautiful Masia Egara, with the entire village welcoming our delegates with a carnival spirit & ending the evening with fireworks & a brilliant performance of Catalonian drumming. Without any doubt, Barcelona is one city I would love to keep going back to with high end MICE Groups or for a holiday! The wide choice of superb hotels, the brilliant historic stand-alone venues for gala events, and a range of unique activities, make it an ideal destination! — Sushil Shamlal Wadhwa, Founder & CMD, Platinum World Group
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• During the last 11 years, Barcelona has ranked in the top 5 positions according to ICCA (number of meetings and number of delegates) and has secured the 3rd rank as per the 2015 ICCA rankings
• Information and support in the selection of venues, accommodations and suppliers for your congress, meeting or incentive trip
• Top Cruise Port in Europe and World’s 4th Cruise ship destination
• Co-ordination of site inspections Educational Trips for professionals
• 9 Sites declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and some of them are available for events
• Supply of maps and tourist brochures of the city for the participants
• Wide range of historical and private venues for functions providing Indian catering • Total hotel bedrooms in Barcelona city: 34,787 in 370 hotels. 65% rooms in 4* and 5* hotels
• Your link to the city organizations and institutions and
• We updated you on what is new in Barcelona, therefore adding value to your programs • In short, we are by your side in order to ensure the success of your events as well as providing a unique experience for your clients
• Mild climate allowing for year round outdoor activities and events
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Berlin
GERMANY
B
erlin is a pulsating creative metropolis in which exciting ideas are developed and new trends are set. In 2015, Berlin secured the 1st place in the ICCA rankings as the top choice of destination for international conventions. It offers visitors not only Europe’s most modern hotel landscape but also numerous event venues for every occasion.
CONTACT INFORMATION
As an incentive destination, Berlin has a wide range of extraordinary incentives that are suitable for both small team events and large enterprises.
Berlin Tourismus & Kongress Gmbh visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office 10785 Berlin Germany
We operated the Asian Paints group to Berlin. It was a group of 1000 passengers in batches of 200 each. Our clients really enjoyed their stay in Berlin along with the attractions like the Berlin TV Tower, Babelsberg Film Park, the Tank experience etc. The main gala event for all the groups was also conducted in Berlin. Overall it was a wonderful experience & we will surely recommend Berlin as a destination for many more groups in the future. — Kushal Dave, Manager – MICE, Thomas Cook India Limited
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Katharina Waschke Marketing Manager Conventions India T +49 30 264748-495 F +49 30 264748-965 E Katharina.Waschke@visitBerlin.de
convention.visitBerlin.com convention@visitBerlin.de Service +49 30 263 91 83 Twitter: @berlinmeetings
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
Berlin is the ideal location for successful incentives and events! With an exceptional range of exclusive event venues and more than 137,000 hotel beds, the city offers something for every one. International hotel brands as well as privately owned luxury hotels combined with numerous event locations give you a great variety of options to find the perfect venue for your event.
The visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office is dedicated to make your event and incentive a success in Berlin! A selection of our services include:
Meeting at a former swimming bath or train station, a gala dinner at a museum after closing hours, lunch high in the sky with a 360° view over the city, modern, historical, industrial or high class venues - there is nothing that you cannot find in Berlin!
• Organization and support for site inspections in Berlin
The international trend-setting atmosphere marked by change and innovation, sets a great frame for a variety of different incentives in Berlin. We make it easy to find the perfect partners in the city with our Meeting Guide online. Many incentives, venues and hotels are just a click away! meetingguide.berlin/en
• Expert partner contacts for incentives in Berlin • Expert partner contacts for hotels, event locations and local service providers • Hotel room block & event location reservation
• Official Convention Bids for Berlin • To find the right hotel, venue, and service partners – such as agencies, catering and technology companies, suppliers or mobility partners – for your event in the German capital, refer to BCO’s updated Meeting Guide Berlin at meetingguide.berlin/en
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Bilbao
S PA I N
B
ilbao is a cosmopolitan, open, welcoming, lively, elegant and modern city which brings together features of a unique cultural heritage, with a new aesthetic in which the avant-garde shares the streets with art to crĂŠate a new balanced and remarkable urban landscape.
CONTACT INFORMATION Zigor Bereziartua Oarbeaskoa Marketing T +34944795770 E bicb@bilbaturismo.bilbao.net BILBAO TURISMO & CONVENTION BUREAU Plaza Circular, 1st Floor 48001 Bilbao (Spain)
www.bilbaoturismo.net Facebook: /BilbaoTurismo Twitter: @bilbaoturismo
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MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• Bilbao is the key hub for air, sea and land transport links in the north of Spain and the Atlantic Arc
• Technical support for presenting the options of venues for meetings and incentives in the city
• Bilbao is a city where all types of conferences, conventions, and meetings can be held, thanks to its current characteristics, its new layout and its tradition as a centre of economic, scientific & technological activity
• Locating meeting facilities
• Bilbao and its metropolitan area have a wide and diverse range of hotels available, with more than 4000 rooms • It boasts of an avant-garde “open air museum” where some of the most important architects and designers from all over the world have left their signature in the buildings of the area
• Providing institutional contacts • Providing list of professional firms from the sector • Proposals on cultural and leisure activities in Bilbao – Bizkaia • Providing list of cultural and leisure activities in Bilbao – Bizkaia • Tourist information for people attending meetings in the city
• The surrounding areas of Bilbao offer different options for active leisure : Golf courses, hiking, canoeing, surfing, cycling and other activities, making them perfect areas for incentives
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Firenze
I TA LY
T
he splendour of Florence is no more evident than in its amazing array of churches. Its stunning palaces and elegant sprawling squares simply dripping with antiquities will amaze you. The Arno River glides majestically through its center while romantic bridges and narrow streets invite you to explore its many secret nooks and crannies. To actually be able to celebrate your wedding in Florence’s grandest palace on the most important square of the city is a once in a lifetime dream that can come true.
Florence is a dream destination for the Great Indian Wedding; in fact, the most sought-out and sorted in Italy. A hand-picked series of larger-than-life Indian weddings over the past few years have engineered a tight-as-nails fit with this glorious city. — Aditya Motwane, Director, Motwane Entertainment & Weddings
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CONTACT INFORMATION Chiara Gheri
Manager, Tuscany for Weddings Division T +39 0552988134 E weddings@conventionbureau.it Firenze Convention & Visitors Bureau Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini 8, 50123 Florence – Italia www.conventionbureau.it www.tuscanyforweddings.com Facebook: /firenzeconventionbureau & / tuscanyforweddings Twitter: @firenze_cb Instagram: tuscanyfor_weddings
We’re honored to hold our most theatrical and engaging event, A View from the Edge, once again in Florence, the birthplace of so many creative talents who continue to influence the world today. We look forward to working with the event staff at the Nelson Mandela Forum to create an ideal environment to enhance the personal and professional development of our global community. — Wayne Nugent, Co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer, Worldventure
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• The FCVB network is composed of almost 200 local professionals (venues, wedding services, catering, transportation)
Firenze Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official partner of Florence Municipality operating since 1995 as a destination promoter of the city. It is a professional network of almost 200 members that works with the aim to increase quantity, quality and scientific importance of events and conferences held in the city. FCVB main services include:
• FCVB can offer the best existing rates for all venues and for any kind of service. Tuscany for Weddings is the FCVB division dedicated to the international wedding market • All services are completely free of charge • Florence provides unbeatable value being located in the heart of Italy, and is well connected by planes and by trains • Civil weddings in Florence can take place in the Sala Rossa of the Palazzo Vecchio: a magnificent setting. Medieval fortress towns such as Siena, Certaldo, Lucca, Pisa, San Gimignano, Montalcino, Cortona and Tuscany’s incredibly stunning coastline are unforgettable settings for a wedding. The tiny islands of Elba and Giglio are a delight to discover, perfect for a honeymoon stopover
• Providing tourist information • Wedding paperwork assistance • Highly-skilled event and wedding planning assistance • Hospitality for site inspection • Contracting facilitations
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EUROPE Hungary
K
rishna Valley, is a peace-loving island located only 30 kms away from Lake Balaton, towards Kaposvár, in Southwestern Hungary (200 kms or 2.5 hours from Budapest airport). It’s 260 acres of land - which is also home to a cultural center and biofarm - offers several attractions for your group. It is the largest eco-village in the middle of Europe, featuring multi-dimensional aspects of sustainability in regards to environmental, economic and social areas.
I was clearly inspired by the leadership Mr. Zoltan has provided in developing a sustainable community. Almost immediately, I decided to travel to visit the community and what I saw was truly amazing- high standards of ‘Simple Living and High Thinking’. People all over the world must take advantage of the huge potential he carries and consult him on the development of similar sustainable communities, the best way to conquer shortages in the world — T.V.Krishnan, Director, Green Valley Automobiles LLC
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CONTACT INFORMATION Zoltan Hosszu
Founder, Leadership Mentor M +36306302578 E zoltan.hosszu@ commonsharedvalues.com Common Shared Values Leadership Mentoring 23 Csepregi utca, Somogyvamos, Hungary, H-8699 www.commonsharedvalues.com Facebook: /ZoltanHosszuPage LinkedIn: /in/zoltanhosszucsv Skype: zoltanhosszucsv
As a leadership Trainer , Mr Zoltan Hozzsu will forever have a positive impact on my approach to leadership. I found his perspectives thoughtful and insightful, and his communication style was balanced with candor and professionalism. Our time together in Hungary and India has influenced my professional development, thus constructively impacting my direct organization and ultimately, our team. — Rishi Wahi, Executive Trustee, Thakur Nawal Kishoreji Maharaj Trust
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
The valley’s 260 hectares comprise a Botanical garden, themed paths, pilgrim’s path, 14 very well orchestrated special gardens, temple and cultural centre, the one-and-only European cow protection centre, forests, certified organic vegetable gardens & fruit orchards
• Hosting a 6000 people cultural show every year, Krishna Valley’s staff has the experience in organising events from simple tours to elaborate festivals
The program includes a presentation on Indian culture, traditions and the 5000-year-old Vedic literature, a special musical performance and a guided tour of Krishna-Valley. There are 16 rooms with 2 beds each in 4 star apartments on site and plenty of places in a 4 star hotel, only 30 minutes driving from Krishna Valley. The Radhé Resort & Syám Meditation and Wellness Center is located in the heart of the Somogy-Hills. Major attractions nearby include Somogy Country`s Treasure-Pusztatorony, Ruins of the Benedictine Abbey and Széchenyi-Castle Park in Somogyvár, Csiszta Thermal Bath and the famous Rippl-Rónai Museum.
• In cooperation with Common Shared Values, a corporate training, personal growth and leadership development firm, Krishna Valley offers a unique training experience for corporates, organisations and leaders from around the world to develop values based thinking in every individual. Zoltan Hosszu, Leadership Mentor, Founder & Istvan Gori, IT and Marketing Director, of Common Shared Values Leadership Mentoring conduct/help conduct these activities for groups. Groups of up to 60 people can be catered to at a time for the visit and activity • There are designated areas in Krishna Valley for conducting festivals and vedic weddings. Up to 200-350 people can be hosted at a time for a meal
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Istanbul
TURKEY
I
stanbul is one of the most visited places in the World, a central hub of East and West, blending the past and the future, bringing together cultures and people from all over the world. A metropolis with its rich history of 8,500 years. The natural beauty of the city, its exciting scene blending a metropolitan way of life and its modern infrastructure makes it a unique meeting place for businesses. Istanbul is a leading congress destination offering unique and exciting venues. The city has the capacity and charm to host every type of event, from bespoke incentives to meetings for up to 30,000 delegates. Combined with Istanbul’s historic venues, palaces, museums, cisterns, high-tech modern venues and more, it offers meeting planners a variety of remarkable options to create truly outstanding events. Istanbul, A Tale of Two Cities!
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CONTACT INFORMATION Özgül Özkan Yavuz General Manager T +902125225555 F +902125220101 E ozgul.yavuz@icvb.org Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau Istanbul Ticaret Odasi Ek Hizmet Binası Resadiye Cad. No:7 34112 Eminonu Istanbul www.icvb.org Facebook: /IstanbulCVB Twitter: @istanbul_cvb LinkedIn: Istanbul CVB
Istanbul is an engaging cosmopolitan city with a unique mix of old and new. It offers everything you need for memorable incentives and meetings. — Rajeev Kohli, (CIS) President, SITE Global
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• The World’s Top 10 Congress Destination since 2010 (ICCA)
Founded in 1997, Turkey’s first destination marketing bureau, the Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB) offers a wide range of services designed to:
• 7 Convention and 3 Exhibition centers • Almost 100,000 bed capacity • 194 5&4 star hotels and 103 more to be open • A wide range of unusual venues
• Help promote Istanbul as a congress, meeting & incentive destination
• Turkish Airlines connects Istanbul directly to more than 290 destinations
• Assist organizers in creating fabulous events in the city
• 53 universities & 5 techno-parks
• Arrange site inspections for association representatives & meeting planners
• Huge Investments including 3rd International Airport • 24,000 international companies operate in the city
• Support the congress candidature process of Istanbul by preparing the official bids • Provide promotional materials • Coordinate the support of local and national authorities • ICVB Presents Istanbul’s First Official Online Guide – Howtoistanbul.com
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I TA LY
I
taly is one of the greatest countries in the world. Convention Bureau Italia represents the entire Italian offer for the Meeting Industry. It is the benchmark for everyone wanting to organize a tour or an event in Italy providing impartial advice with a constant attention to the event logistical needs and to its objectives. With its typical Mediterranean climate and thanks to all the facilities for business tourism, Italy is the ideal destination for your event during the whole year. A holiday “Made in Italy” is tailormade for you!
I had the chance to experience the valuable work of Convention Burea Italia when I asked for support in the organization of a site inspection in Italy. The dynamic and friendly staff of the National Convention Bureau defined a tailor made program that perfectly meets all my requirements. I really appreciated their efforts and willingness. Following this experience, Italy is more than ever on our radar for our future events. — Daniele Dragoni, Senior Project Manager, Zibrant
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CONTACT INFORMATION Tobia Salvadori Sales & Marketing Manager T +39 055 4973408 M +39 346 0951608 E tobia@conventionbureauitalia.com Convention Bureau Italia Piazza Adua 1 50123 Florence (Italy) www.conventionbureauitalia.com Facebook: /conventionbureauitalia Twitter: @CB_Italia_
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• Italy is the only country in the world that boasts of 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• CBI provides a full range support for travelling and organizing events in Italy. It gives information granting a complete support for those who wish to travel to Italy: attractions, accommodations, activities, VISA issues, etc.
• It is one of the leading countries in fashion and design, which have always been an important part of the country’s cultural life and society. Milan, Florence, and Rome, are renowned everywhere for their shopping streets, vie della moda • With two big hubs in Rome and Milan and with many international airports all over the country, it is really easy to reach Italy and to travel around, thanks to the high-speed railway network that connects all the main cities from North to South • An excellent choice for weddings & MICE, the Italian territory boasts of a huge number of locations suitable for all kinds of events: from ancient villas, historical castles, beautiful terraces and institutional palaces to modern and high-quality hotels and congress centres
• The national bureau supports in planning events in Italy acting as impartial advisor: assisting international clients in finding the most suitable locations and venues for events and supporting them in connecting with local event partners (Local CBs, Venues, PCOs, DMCs, and Service Providers) • It proposes incentive activities in Italy and it coordinates and organizes site inspections and familiarization trips • The Convention Bureau Italia attends the most important international Meeting Industry trade shows • All the services are free of charge
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M A LTA
T
he Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino.
CONTACT INFORMATION
With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.
T +356 2141 3863 M +356 7965 4000 E cperry@bluemarbleds.com
Malta has an abundance to offer, whether you are looking for a perfect place to hold a flawless business meeting or conference, or an ideal destination to host your staff’s well deserved incentive reward!
Jaideep Venugopal
An English-speaking environment facilitating good communications, endowed with hospitable people, makes Malta a safe and perfect destination for your conference, sales meeting and incentive trip.
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Clive Perry Director
M +91 98102 69603 (India) +356 9953 7872 (Malta) E jaideep@bluemarbleds.com BlueMarble Destination Services Ltd. Arcadia, No 35, St Publius Street Naxxar NXR1422, Malta. www.bluemarbleds.com info@bluemarbleds.com
Malta had it all! A stunning archipelago that offers a lot for the 300 sq miles it stands on. For any MICE planner, this Island nation could be a very powerful contender for a destination that can offer historic venues, breathtaking views, statement evening entertainment and service that is top class. The range of hotels seems to be suitable for all requirements. I was pleasantly surprised how much Malta packs in. Its top of my consideration list! — Ruchi Aggarwal, Director – Partner Strategy and Marketing, Microsoft
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• Connected by flights directly from Dubai or Istanbul and to all major European Hubs.
• With over 20 years experience in MICE in India as well as 20years experience in MICE in Malta, BlueMarble Destination Services bridges the gap between the Indian MICE planner/Client and the final event at the destination in Malta or Europe.
• Four Convention centre halls which can accommodate from 1500 up to 8000 delegates. • Malta has numerous luxurious 5 and 4 star hotels in which to accommodate delegates. These range from large-scale modern buildings (including a number of international chains) to boutique establishments. • We have a total of 14 Five-star hotels, which can together accommodate more than 5,500 delegates and all of which are well aware of the discerning needs of conference and incentive travellers. These establishments all have in-house meeting facilities and many of them are clustered within walking distance of each other, enabling event organisers to split up large groups into different properties.
• Our senior partners have implemented large scale events, exhibitions & MICE and completely understand what requirements and systems Indian Clients follow. • The marketing of Malta as a MICE destination is an initiative of the Malta Tourism Authority along with Blue Marble Destinations Services Ltd. specifically targeting the Indian MICE and Wedding organizers and therefore have full support and advantages extended by government. • Our services can also be leveraged for MICE in the Central and Southern Mediterranean European countries as a flight to anywhere in Europe is less than 3 hours away.
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Milan
I TA LY
E
venting Milan is a laboratory aiming to promote Milan as a coordinated and accessible conference destination. It’s the first port of call for event organizers, offering cost-effective and operational advantages. By forwarding a single request, your queries with respect to conference rooms, hotel accommodation, locations for gala evenings and city tours will be answered.
CONTACT INFORMATION Diana Cora Tenderini International Business Development T +39 333 29 06 808 F +39 02 4801.0265 E dianacora@gmail.com Eventing Milan P.le Carlo Magno 1 - 20149 Milano - Italy www.eventingmilan.it info@eventingmilan.it Service +39 02 4997.6290 Blog: www.conventionbureaumilano.com
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MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• Milan is a compact city, located in the very heart of Europe and since its ancient foundation, combines tradition with modernity
• A single point of contact for all needs
• Milan has always had a strong commitment to business as it’s the headquarters of the Italian Stock Exchange
• Offers the best local partners to organize your event
• Milan hosted the World Expo 2015, a sixmonth universal exhibition that welcomed visitors from all over the world • The fashion and design world capital will be hosting the International Design Semester 2016, located at La Triennale Museum starting from April 2016
• Selects the best facilities matching your event requirements
• Introduces you to an established network of qualified professional suppliers • Facilitates convenient solutions for local transport
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SLOVENIA
S
lovenia, a green and remarkably diverse Central European country is located between the Alps, the Mediterranean Sea, the unique Karst landscape and the Pannonian Plain. It offers an infinite variety of original ideas for organising business events including meetings, incentive travel experiences, conferences, events and exhibitions in a pristine natural environment. Slovenia is also well known for its exquisite gastronomy, natural charm, 24h smile, team flexibility and personal touch.
CONTACT INFORMATION Miha KOVACIC Director T +386 1 569 12 60 E info@slovenia-convention.com Slovenian Convention Bureau Vosnjakova ulica 1 SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, Europe www.slovenia-convention.com www.conventa.info Facebook: /SloveniaMeetings Twitter: @SloMeetings
Slovenia is above all four things: fresh (clean environment and also for most people a new alternative), compact (you can really get a picture of the whole country and experience its highlights during a long weekend), and easy-to-reach (good flight and other connections). For corporate clients, we especially appreciate the personal safety. — Oskar Vahervuori, Finnish Incentives Consultant
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Slovenia is a beautiful destination, the country is very diverse, and the infrastructure to accommodate the MICE clientele is up to date. My experience in Slovenia is that the people in the hospitality business are very professional: they listen to you and are very keen to answer your needs and meet your requirements. — Sylvie Marques, Regional Vice President Southern Europe HelmsBriscoe
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
Find out about four faces of Slovenia – you can host your next meeting with us:
• The Slovenian Convention Bureau (SCB) is a member-based organisation that focuses on the marketing and promotion of Slovenia as a destination for business events including meetings, incentive travel experiences, conferences, events and exhibitions
• in the cities • in the Alps • along the Adriatic coast and Karst • in the Thermal SPA & Wellness region Capital city Ljubljana features largest capacities for events up to 2.200 participants. In the Alpine region the largest capacities are for 500 persons, whereas in the Mediterranean and Karst region the largest capacities are for up to 1.100 persons. Largest SPA resort features meeting facilities for 900 delegates.
• The SCB is an official representative of the Slovenia Meetings and features more than 60 members, including convention centres, hotels, PCO’s and DMC’s, the Ljubljana Convention Bureau, incentive and other hospitality service providers • The SCB acts as a professional intermediary between meeting planners and suppliers, assisting event organisers to select the most appropriate solution for their event • The SCB is a non-profit organisation, all professional advices and services are complimentary. The Slovenian Tourist Board is SCB’s strategic partner • The SCB can provide promotional materials for event planners
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Vienna
AUSTRIA
V
ienna may be one of Europe’s most elegant capitals of culture and music, but it also has plenty of edge - groovy designers, wine produced within the city limits, stylish hotels, and tasty (also Indian) restaurants. Nowhere is “The Art of Enjoyment and Experience” mastered so well as it is in Vienna. It provides the perfect setting for your next successful meeting and incentive, and will satisfy the experiences of your participants.
CONTACT INFORMATION Verena Jandak-Hollenthoner, CMP Marketing Manager USA, Canada, Australia, India T +43 1 211 14-522 M +43 676 88 929 522 F +43 1 211 14 - 599 E verena.jandak@vienna.info Vienna Convention Bureau Invalidenstrasse 6 1030 Vienna Austria www.vienna.convention.at LinkedIn: /company/vienna-conventionbureau
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MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
Vienna is your best choice!
• Neutral, non-profit, no members
• Compact, walkable, green & safe! • Breathtakingly imperial & refreshingly young • Centrally located in Europe, direct flight from Delhi in 7 hours • Over 430 hotels in all categories • More than 150 impressive venues (historical, contemporary, unusual) for gala dinners, award ceremonies
• Free services: »» Hotel and location advice for events »» Optioning of hotel room allotments »» Interface to service providers in the city »» Organizing site inspections »» Brochures, promotional films, photos and maps »» Publication of the event in the online meeting calendar
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Zagreb
C R OAT I A
Z
agreb is locally tagged ‘City of a million hearts’ after its famous souvenir Gingerbread Heart, and the fact that is has about one million inhabitants. It is also called the ‘Biggest European cafe in the open’ with its numerous downtown cafes and bars that are always crowded, rain or shine. The historic city features 50 museums and galleries, 20 theatres and music venues, elegant parklands, an historic Upper Town, Gothic churches, Baroque palaces, Art Deco buildings, most of them all within walking distance from each other. Zagreb boasts of fascinating surroundings with medieval castles, wine roads and trails, romantic legends of knights and wonderfully preserved nature. Thank you for a wonderful trip which was very well arranged. We were able to get good amount of product knowledge. This trip has built confidence in us which would help generate good numbers in the future. — Bhaskar Wagware, Sr.Vice President – MICE, Trail Blazer Tours Pvt Ltd.
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CONTACT INFORMATION Zlatan Muftic Convention Bureau Director T +385 1 48 98 555 F +385 1 48 14 340 E zmuftic@meetinzagreb.hr Zagreb Convention Bureau Kaptol 5 10000 Zagreb Croatia www.meetinzagreb.hr Facebook: /visitzagreb Twitter: @zagreb_tourist
One always had a highly positive image of Croatia and Zagreb but the personal experience surpassed all expectations. All the attractions and experiences were unmatched. Needless to mention, Zagreb and the rest of Croatia will be in focus for our future outbound programs with more confidence and enthusiasm. — Ashok Singhal, CEO, Maestro Travels
MICE CAPABILITIES
SERVICES
• Zagreb offers excellent connections with major European destinations as it is easily reachable and the international Zagreb airport is conveniently located in close proximity to the city centre (16 km)
Zagreb Convention Bureau is a non profit organization and it promotes Zagreb as an ideal destination for international meetings, conferences, incentives and events. Our services are free and they include:
• Zagreb offers a compact city centre with all the relevant hotels, venues and city highlights within walking distance
• Venue finding service
• Some of the must see attractions include the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the iconic St. Mark’s Church and the famous Museum of Broken Relationships
• Hosting of familiarization trips and site inspections
• Various incentive and social programmes showcase the romantic sides of Zagreb; how to speak Croatian; the city’s unknown history, Bike and Segway explorations; the capital’s green features and fine gastronomy and many more
• Assistance with preparation of bid documents
• Suggestions for choice of PCO or DMC • Suggestions for social and partners programmes, pre and post tours • Provision of Zagreb promotional materials
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CONTENTS
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3
Publisher’s Page
4
India Outbound Top 50
10
VEGA (Portugal DMC)
12
BlueMarble Destination Services (Malta DMC)
14
Polo Marco Experience (Europe DMC)
16
Dubai Business Events
18
Ministry of Tourism, Sultanate of Oman
20
Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK)
22
RENT-A-RESORT
24
RENT-A-CRUISE
26
European Cities Marketing (ECM)
30
Barcelona Turisme Convention Bureau
32
visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office (BCO)
34
Bilbao Turismo & Convention Bureau
36
Firenze Convention & Visitors Bureau
38
Krishna Valley, Hungary
40
Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau
42
Convention Bureau Italia
44
Malta Tourism Authority
46
Eventing Milan
48
Slovenian Convention Bureau
50
Vienna Convention Bureau
52
Zagreb Convention Bureau
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