MICE Winter Edition

BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR MEETINGS INCENTIVES CONGRESSES EVENTS, WINTER EDITION 2023

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Top 12 trends for ‘24 The future of our trade Interview CEO Eurostar Yum, a culinary trip

VIVE LA FRANCE!

THE PLACE TO BE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT…

Whether you’re looking to host your next meeting, or a memorable incentive trip to a Mediterranean location, the Maltese Islands are your next destination!

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Vive la France!

Top 12 trends for ‘24

We are proud to bring a special prestation by our partners in one of the most beloved countries in the world...and so very very close to our homes and hearts. There is always something to do in La Douce France and we are happy to share their latest information.

AI for MICE explained Again, we tackle the world of artificial intelligence. We asked an expert to fill us in on the latest what it has to offer the world of MICE. A more than interesting read!

As the year ends, the trends for the new one pop up. That is just the way it goes, does it not? We partake happily in looking into the future and we share what we think may be the hot trends for the coming year. Which will be awesome, just know that!

COLOPHON Editor-in-chief

Press relases and info:

Sales & Marketing:

MICE BENELUX is a

Tijn Kramer

info@micebenelux.com

Sales and information about

TRAVelMEDIA publication.

tijn.kramer@travmedia.nl

TRAVelMEDIA

advertising, etc.

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MICE Benelux. Arendstraat 33A,

tina@travmedia.nl

29 euro per year

Editors Belgium & The Netherlands:

1223 RE, Hilversum.

(0031-35-6728855),

Arjen Lutgendorff, Sharon Evers, Dylan

www.micebenelux.com

dennis.ebbers@travmedia.nl

Cinjee, Bart Matthijs, Jan Peeters, Theo de Reus, Rahanna van Stapele, Mariska Kesteloo (columnist).

Design: Iris Beenen

(0031-35-6728852),

Publishers: Tom van Apeldoorn T.J. van Apeldoorn

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Year 18, issue 4

Unlock a new style of business INNSiDE Amsterdam Lifestyle Hotel · Centric location, close to the RAI congress center · 328 renewed rooms, equipped with complimentary daily-refilled minibars · Wellness spaces with amenities such as a 24-hour virtual fitness coach, in room yoga mats and retro bikes · Atrium Meeting Centre that accommodates groups of up to 200 individuals for dining, meetings and overnight stays · New Skybar “Hasta La Vista, Baby"

Eduard van Beinumstraat 40, 1077 XZ Amsterdam | Tel +31 (0) 20 7020710 @innsideamsterdam ·

Innside Amsterdam

innsidebymelia.com

THE EDITOR

Tijn Kramer, Editor-in-Chief MICE Benelux

Give energy, get energy It is almost time to take a breather. The Christmas tree may be out already, you are doing some online shopping for the loved ones, and perhaps you enjoy a hot drink next to the fireplace (or the Netflix version of it) to contemplate what we do in daily life. I think we work in a wonderful field. In the bustling world of business, where competition is fierce and targets are demanding, it’s crucial to recognize and reward those who consistently go above and beyond. Incentive travel emerges as a powerful tool to motivate, inspire, and retain the people who make not only your business run, but also you. Give energy, get energy.

Our kind of travel offers an enduring experience, etching memories that become part of an individual’s identity. A trip to a wonderful destination to grow together in not everyday circumstances, or an adventurous team expedition, a meeting with people you mail to every week but have never met.

Well, these fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging, reinforcing the bond between employee and employer. There are as always many challenges on the road ahead, we do have to better ourselves every day, but never forget: bringing people together is like Christmas every day. Happy new year my MICE-friends.

Tijn Kramer

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THE BAR ABOVE AMSTERDAM

SEE YOU IN THE CLOUDS FOR THE BEST COCKTAILS IN TOWN! LuminAir is a high vibe elevated rooftop bar curated to enlighten its audience, a place to see and be seen and escape the hustle of the world below after a long day of meetings or travel. Designed to mirror the mood of the sky above, LuminAir’s modern interior is a spectacular, everchanging canvas of art and light, thanks to cloud-shaped installations and luminous projections.

Designed with exclusivity in mind, LuminAir’s event space ‘Eclipse’ is a private cocktail bar (for up to 100 guests) with an exquisite view of the city - the perfect perspective for high society events, luxury brand launches and creative pop-up experiences.

Let us organize your out-of-this-world decadent private parties!

www.LuminAirAmsterdam.com | Instagram.com/LuminAir.Amsterdam

TRENDS & TRIPS

Night train to Prague from Brussels and Amsterdam

Travelling by rail is gaining momentum, also for groups. If you have plans to visit the Czech Republic next year, we have good news. From March 25, 2024, European Sleeper night trains will also

run on the route from Belgium and the Netherlands to the Czech Republic. The night train of the Dutch-Belgian railway company European Sleeper will run three times a week - on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The travellers board the train in Brussels at 7:22 PM, in Amsterdam at 10:34 PM and wake up at 9:18 AM in the first Czech station Děčín. The train then stops in the town of Ústí nad Labem and at 10:56 AM the train arrives at Prague Central Station. The entire journey takes 15.5 hours. In addition to these three capitals, the train stops at 17 stations.

BUSINESS SUCCESS IN AMSTERDAM Explore our hotels for MICE events!

MORE INFO?

RESULTS YOU WILL REMEMBER! 3 hotels at a central and strategic location, just 5 minutes away from the public transport and 15 minutes from Schiphol Airport. Close to the vibrant city center of Amsterdam. Meeting & events possibilities for up to 720 persons. Each hotel with a different vibe and packages!

ALL HOTELS INCLUDE: Free Wi-Fi access Local breakfast Wellness & fitness INTERCITYHOTEL AMSTERDAM AIRPORT

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Restaurant & bar Meeting rooms & event spaces Laundry service STEIGENBERGER AIRPORT HOTEL AMSTERDAM

JAZ IN THE CITY AMSTERDAM

COLUMN

Mariska Kesteloo, columnist

Proud Bangkok here I come!

Huh? With your camper and cat? It would have been a fantastic adventure but no, by plane.

My project for the Cote d’Azur is nominated for the ‘Best Marketing Award’ of ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association. And every year during their yearly congress they select the best project, and I am one of them.

I feel such an honor and privilege as this is a huge achievement. Because my personal story is used as the red line through the entire campaign. Yes, the Cote d’Azur project where I stayed with my camper and cat this spring.

Being nominated means that I will fly to Bangkok to present the project on stage. Wow! This was my cherry on the cake, something I always dreamed of!

That moment has come…

Bangkok, Asia is a part of the world with a profound meaning, layers of emotions come up as I’m writing this.

Christophe and I wanted to live and work in Asia, that was our dream. After spending a year in Houston our final destination was actually Asia, but we never got there. You can imagine now flying alone for the first time to a long haul destination and then Asia, after three years, pfff. And moreover for a project done in a time where I struggled a lot with myself, my ups and downs, my intense emotions, well in summary said where the grieving process touched me the most.

I’m afraid if I will be on stage, all emotions will come out.

And what if… it makes it authentic right?

Now I am so determined to get the award, the recognition for my hard work together with a fantastic team of course. Team work makes the dream work.

As I heard the news I was so thrilled, going through the roof of positive emotions. In the evening came the sadness. If Christophe would be here, he would be so extremely proud! And he would give a big strong hug, and what I do miss are his arms around me.

He would pack his suitcase straight away and join me during my presentation. I know he is in my heart, for always.

Keep your fingers crossed. Bangkok, here I come!

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TRENDS & TRIPS

Minor Hotels debuts in Finland

Novelties at IBTM World IBTM World has revealed the first details of its 2023 conference programme, showcasing an array of forward-thinking, imaginative and inspiring speakers whose sessions will empower event professionals to drive the future of business by embracing and celebrating diversity.

On the Main Stage The first keynote speaker, Maria Teixidor, will lead the way on the Main Stage with an enlightening fireside address on the first day of the show.

The exclusive interview, titled ‘Beyond the Pitch: Maria Teixidor Unveils the Playbook for Leadership, Culture, and Equality at Barcelona FC’, will see Maria share her personal experience as a woman within one of the world’s most renowned football clubs. As a previous member of the Board of Directors of Barcelona FC, and the first woman to hold the position of Board of Directors’ Secretary, she will share thoughtprovoking insights into the multifaceted world of football leadership, delving into the strategies and values that underpin the creation of a thriving team culture and a devoted fan base.

An icon in women’s football, having also been held responsibility for the growth of the female team, Maria will reveal how

she successfully navigated the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, and share actionable steps for achieving gender equality.

This first keynote address perfectly embodies the essence of IBTM World’s 2023 conference programme, giving a platform to voices from as many different backgrounds, perspectives, and identities as possible, all of whom will challenge, inspire and energize delegates to steer the events industry into an inclusive and prosperous future.

This includes Ellie Middleton, an autistic and ADHD speaker, writer and creator.

After a lifetime of feeling misunderstood, Ellie was diagnosed with both autism and ADHD at the age of 24. Since then, she has gone on to build an audience of almost 400,000 people online, write her first book with Penguin Life, and work with global brands like Disney, Google, Samsung and LinkedIn to change the narrative on neurodivergence.

Her stimulating session, titled ‘The future of events: neuro inclusion as a channel to cultivating belonging’, will see her join a lively discussion, with representatives from Google and FIRST, about embracing neurodiversity when designing experiences to show how events can truly resonate with all brain types.

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Minor Hotels - an international hotel owner, operator and investor with more than 530 hotels in 56 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South America and North Americas – announces the upcoming opening of its first property in Finland – the five-star NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa – as part of its expansion plans in the region.

The new NH Collection is located in Helsinki’s main street, Mannerheimintie, opposite the central station. With a less than a 30-minute journey by train or car from the airport, the hotel is the perfect location for business and leisure travellers looking to stay in the heart of the city.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International: ‘We are pleased to announce our first hotel in Finland, expanding our presence in Scandinavia. We believe this is a market with significant growth potential for Minor Hotels and that is why we invest in iconic properties such as the upcoming NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa and the NH Collection Copenhagen.’

ADVERTORIAL

Choose France for your next MICE event!

Looking for the perfect MICE opportunity not far from The Netherlands or Belgium and Luxembourg? Why not choose France: with an enormous variety of landscapes and a wide range of accommodations, venues, and activities, you can find the right destination for any client.

Historically, France has always been a frontrunner when it comes to innovation.

Major investments are being made in sustainability and in the infrastructure, which has become well organised. The different regions are easily accessible by high-speed train, by airplane and by road.

All of which are considered key in MICE tourism.

Why not go to the Northern part of France, where you step into a completely different world and where you can enjoy nature, cultural or sportive activities, the famous French cuisine and of course great, world famous wines and champagne? Furthermore, you can meet interesting craftspeople, who will impress you with their skills, while enjoying a stay in a relaxing spa hotel or comfortable cottage. There is a rich variety of very special accommodations in the different regions for groups of all sizes. Each destination breathes the identity and assets of the various regions.

Additionally, you can rent either a historical venue or a modern one with an interesting architecture.

Or maybe you would like to organise a guided visit by bike in Paris or other cities, exclusively for your group? Finally, the Mediterranean coast is within a few hours travelling by high-speed train or plane… enjoy the real “joie the vivre” at the Côte d’Azur.

Get inspired by our French partners on the next pages. Each of them would be more than delighted to help you organise your MICE stay and make it a success.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Atout France, the France Tourism Development Agency:

THE NETHERLANDS OFFICE: Jojanneke Kramer, jojanneke.kramer@atout-france.fr

BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG OFFICE: Gisèle Jamin, gisele.jamin@atout-france.fr

More MICE inspiration is available on the website of the France Convention Bureau: https://meeting.france.fr/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www. linkedin.com/showcase/france-cvb

In partnership with: 1.

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Holland Bikes (France) Maison du Tourisme Les Portes de la Champagne (Aisne, Hauts-de-France) Center Parcs Le Lac d’Ailette (Aisne, Hauts-de-France) La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa (Marne, Grand-Est) Loisium en Champagne – Wine & Spa Hotel (Marne, Grand-Est) Destination Nancy (Meurthe-et-Mosselle, Grand-Est) Meet in Alsace (Alsace, Grand-Est) Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Royal Casino (Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) Monaco Convention Bureau (Monaco, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur)

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Holland Bikes Holland Bikes is the number one provider of bike tours and rentals in France, with operations in Paris (center and near Disney), Nice, Île de Ré, Brittany and soon in Lyon. For over twenty years our

goal has been to share the Dutch cycling tradition as a great way to discover the French cities, and we are very proud to have been named ‘Best Franco-Dutch Company’.

Cycle tourism in France is booming and with the 2024 Olympics approaching,

Holland Bikes@Mathieu Nicou-Holland Bikes

Paris is actively promoting the bicycle as the primary means of transportation.

Within this context, our customers can rent a wide range of quality bikes and e-bikes, produced by leading Dutch brands and maintained by our local staff of highly trained professionals.

In addition to high-end bike rental, we offer guided tours in five different languages to individuals, families (even with small children), school groups and companies. We can host groups of up to 300 people at our central location next to the Opéra in Paris.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Mathieu Nicou, Sales & Marketing manager Tel: +33 (0)6 73 18 55 72 +33 (0)1 44 08 05 28 mathieu.nicou@hollandbikes.com https://locations.hollandbikes.com/en/

Maison du Tourisme Les Portes de la Champagne Located on the A4 highway, on the borders of the Hauts-de-France and Champagne regions and less than a one hour drive from Paris, three and a half hours from Brussels and Luxembourg

and five hours from The Hague, Les Portes de la Champagne combines art of living, charm, and authenticity…

By following the Champagne tourist route, you will discover the birthplace of

Les Portes de la Champagne©Caves Pannier

the famous fabulist Jean de La Fontaine, breathtaking panoramas, but also numerous vineyards ready to welcome you. An exceptional working environment with high quality accommodations as well as seminar rooms adapted to your needs will await you in this world famous area of France.

Discover wine and vineyards, visit the wine cellars and participate in masterclasses. Test the unity of your teams and strengthen the bond between your colleagues by enjoying a wide range of leisure activities and cultural visits.

The Portes de la Champagne are waiting for you in 2024!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Manon Guszkiewicz, Chargée de commercialisation Tel: +33 (0)3 55 33 30 84 manon@lesportesdelachampagne.com www.lesportesdelachampagne.com/

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ADVERTORIAL Meetings & Events

Center Parcs Le Lac d’Ailette & Les Trois Forêts

Second stop at Center Parcs Domaine Le Lac d’Ailette is an 85-hectare estate to experience an event by a lake. Our customers love its (re)creative team, its collection of experiences and its privileged location in Picardy a few steps from the Champagne Houses of Reims, an hour and a half from Paris and two and a half hours from Brussels.

We can tell you all about its convention centre, its 22 perfectly equipped meeting rooms, its 800 cottages that can be converted into sub-committees, its private beach or even its 2600 square metres covered hall ideal for your meetings, showroom, trade shows et cetera. But what really drives us at Center Parcs is imagining tailor-made events for you that develop the feeling of belonging and the motivation of your teams.

Tell us your vision, we will make it happen!

Center Parcs TROIS FORÊTS ©Ton HURKS ‘You too can discover completely new territories of expression.’

At Center Parcs, we have imagined a collection of destinations where you can bring together your teams, your suppliers, your customers, whether you are with 20, 500 or 2000 people. We believe in a more responsible world, a world that sings, dances, works, laughs.

A world that likes to come together and live together. We thought of these areas as new countries, territories of multi-local experiences, with their own codes.

events in the heart of a 45-hectare forest.

Our favourite? Enjoy a gourmet meal thanks, among other things, to the menu of the Forest Lodge restaurant signed by starred chef Bruno Poiré. In a few words?

Enjoy a 450-hectare estate that can accommodate up to 2000 people, one hour from Nancy and Strasbourg and less than two hours from Luxembourg.

WANT TO DISCOVER ALL THE DESTINATIONS OF THE PIERRE & VACANCES - CENTER PARCS GROUP? Email us at: seminaires@groupepvcp.com

Center Parcs Lac d’AILETTE ©Thomas Defontaine

To achieve this, we provide for everyone a collection of new workspaces in the heart of French nature.

Come with us, we will take you to visit two of them.

First stop, Center Parcs Domaine Les Trois Forêts, classified as a ‘World Biosphere Reserve’ by UNESCO. A grandiose spa, elegant and luxurious Exclusive Cottages of 200 square metres, and a majestic forest at the foot of the Vosges in Moselle-Lorrain. Ideal to get some fresh air and organise unifying

Center Parcs Lac d’AILETTE ©Sander BAKS

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La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa In the heart of the city of Reims opposite the Cathedral, La Caserne Chanzy, Autograph Collection by Marriott International, welcomes you for the

organisation of your professional events.

This former fire station has a large 70m2 room, convertible into two 35m2 spaces and modular in different shapes,

fully equipped. Ideal for banquets and cocktails, the lounge ‘Winter Garden‘ opens onto the inner courtyard, benefiting from natural light.

The five-star hotel La Caserne Chanzy has 89 rooms, half of which propose a breathtaking view of the Cathedral. Its restaurant ‘La Grande Georgette’ offers a gastronomic cuisine created with local and seasonal products in a warm, lively, and relaxed atmosphere. A true haven of wellness, its Deep Nature Spa of more than 450 m2 includes a hydromassage jet pool, a sauna, a hammam, a fitness room and five treatment cabins. Between luxury and refinement, time stands still at La Caserne Chanzy…

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Maxie Develle, Director of Sales Tel: +33 (0)3 26 83 18 18 maxie.develle@lacasernechanzy.com www.lacasernechanzy.com/en/

La Caserne Chanzy @ Naiim de la Lisière

LOISIUM Wine & Spa Hôtel Champagne Bordering on a forest and the endless sea of vines, LOISIUM Hotel Champagne sits on a scenic hill. Witness naturality reinvented and celebrate the French ‘savoir vivre’.

Enjoy 101 rooms & suites, a spa club with outdoor pool, meeting rooms, the French ‘brasserie’ plus a Champagne bar and immerse yourself in the pleasure of the French lifestyle. Meetings with a forest

and vineyard backdrop — our design hotel in the Champagne region is the perfect place for fruitful work. Conference rooms, which can be flexibly combined, are available for your event with up to 140 participants, while our terrace and courtyard offer an ideal setting for your breaks. Focus on your goals and we’ll take care of the organisation and service!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Karine Anciaux, Sales Manager Tel: +33 (0)7 64 71 29 20 karine.anciaux@loisium.com www.loisium.com/en/champagne

LOISIUM WINE & SPA HOTELS ©Alexandre couvreux

LOISIUM WINE & SPA HOTELS ©Alexandre couvreux

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ADVERTORIAL

Destination Nancy in brief Nancy-défilé Saint Nicolas ©PIERRE-DEFONTAINE-ARTGE

DESTINATION NANCY serves as the exclusive gateway to our region, offering a diverse range of services. We specialize in hosting and orchestrating events at the esteemed Prouvé Congress Center and the Parc des Expositions de Nancy. Our expert teams at the Convention Bureau are dedicated to facilitating professional events across the expansive Greater Nancy Metropolitan area. Additionally, we actively promote tourism in collaboration with the Metropolitan Tourist Office.

DISCOVER NANCY: THE HEART OF FRENCH ART NOUVEAU Nestled just 1.5 hours away from Paris via TGV, Nancy is also relatively close to Luxemburg, Belgium, and The Netherlands. It is a charming, pedestrianfriendly city celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.

It is renowned for the captivating beauty of Place Stanislas, often hailed as one of the world’s most enchanting squares. This picturesque city boasts four splendid gardens, an array of over 3,300 hotel rooms, a centrally located 20,000-square-meter Congress Center, a wealth of museums, bars, restaurants, a brand-new thermal complex Nancy Thermal dedicated to well-being and a cornucopia of exceptional local delicacies.

Nancy’s vivacity can be savored yearround, with winter bringing the Saint Nicolas festivities, autumn featuring

the Jardin Éphémère, summer offering guinguettes and city-wide terraces, and spring beckoning visitors to explore its numerous museums and follow in the footsteps of artistic luminaries such as DAUM, MAJORELLE, GALLE, or PROUVE.

OUR CSR COMMITMENT AT DESTINATION NANCY: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER Understanding the paramount significance of sustainable development, we embarked on our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) journey in 2014.

Achieving ISO 20121 certification in 2018, we have furthered our commitment by

Nancy ©Vincent Damarin

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attaining the prestigious ‘Sustainable Innovative Destination’ label in 2022. Our dedication translates into concrete actions for responsible events: • Ethical catering • Resource conservation: rainwater harvesting for restroom facilities and photovoltaic panels atop the Prouvé Center • Carbon footprint measurement • Vigilant measures against food waste • Rigorous waste sorting • Thoughtful selection of local and sustainable corporate gifts • Providing guidance and expert advice to event organisers striving for responsible practices • Ensuring accessibility of the Congress Center for individuals with reduced mobility, equipped with induction loop systems in auditoriums for the hearing impaired, and comprehensive signage for the visually impaired • Rooftop beehives • Immersive destination experiences through nature and wellness tours Stay connected: as we approach 2024, we eagerly anticipate celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Prouvé Congress Center, promising exciting surprises for all.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Eric van Gelderen, MICE Director convention-bureau@destination-nancy.com www.destination-nancy.com/en/

Meet in Alsace Meet in Alsace brings together the convention offices of Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse under the same banner, and makes sure that MICE events in Alsace are a success. The complementarity of the ecosystem of the three largest cities in Alsace allows the local public to best respond to the needs of organisers looking for tailor-made events, in a business tourism market evolving towards more responsible and virtuous practices. Beyond its remarkable accessibility (five TGV stations, two international airports), the quality of its infrastructure and its recognized sense of hospitality, Alsace offers a complete MICE range in a totally unique change of scenery through the singularity of its culture and the concentration of activities.

NIGHT-TIME TORCHLIGHT TOUR OF THE MUSÉE UNTERLINDEN After a day dedicated to professional activities, what better way to discover the famous Unterlinden Museum than... after nightfall! Immerse yourself in the darkness and silence of the cloister, accompanied by an interpreter. Follow the torchlight and enjoy an extraordinary experience in an exceptional setting.

Between reality and a dream, discover the masterpieces of the collections as you’ve never seen them before. (https://www. musee-unterlinden.com/professionnels/ votre-evenement-au-musee/)

A SEMINAR TO SUIT YOU Colmar is the ideal setting for business meetings or seminars that reflect your

National Automobile Museum ©Meet In Alsace

vision and bring you together. With its smaller scale, boutique style hotels and with accommodations to suit all tastes, ranging from the more affordable Greet Hôtel and Hôtel Europe to the more upmarket Esquisse and the Grand Hôtel Bristol. Hotels that know how to combine professionalism, hospitality and conviviality. Let your business event soak up the Alsatian ‘dolce vita’ that Colmar has to offer.

THE MULHOUSE INDUSTRIAL COMPANY Founded in 1826 by major Mulhouse industrialists, the SIM was born from the desire to stimulate and develop the entrepreneurial spirit. It is equipped with six meeting spaces including a hemicycle with 168 seats, a reception area of 380m2, two seminar rooms of 145m2 each and a modular room. Located in the heart of the business district, the Société Industrielle de Mulhouse is a five minute walk from the TGV station and seven minutes from the historic centre.

THE NATIONAL AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM – SCHLUMPF COLLECTION Mulhouse has an exceptional museum centre and is the European capital of technical museums. Among them is the National Automobile Museum, with 400 exceptional cars retracing automotive history and the largest Bugatti collection in the world. It is therefore possible to organise all types of professional events among emblematic cars in its reception area as well as its autodrome.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Colmar Colmar Convention Bureau Place Unterlinden - 68000 Colmar Tel.: +33 (0)3 89 20 69 11 E-Mail: cthomann@tourisme-colmar.com www.colmar-congres.com Your contact: Céline THOMANN Mulhouse Attractiveness Agency Mulhouse South Alsace

1 avenue Robert Schuman 68100 MULHOUSE Tel: + 33 (0)3 89 35 47 49 E-Mail: congres@tourisme-mulhouse.com

www.congres-mulhouse.com Your contact: Mégane SILBERHORN Strasbourg Strasbourg Convention Bureau 34 rue du Tivoli - 67000 STRASBOURG Tel.: + 33 (0)3 88 13 41 32 E-Mail: contact@mystrasbourg.com www.mystrasbourg.com Your contact: Nicolas BAPST

Colmar © Colmar Tourisme

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ADVERTORIAL

Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Royal Casino meeting&events ©Pullman Cannes Mandelieu

turned a new page in its history with the creation of its Royal Signatures brand.

THE EVENTS Royal Signatures is a collection of exclusive rooftop terrasses nestled in the heart of the hotel, overlooking the sea, in a setting of luminous colours inspired by the red rocks of the Estérel and the deep blues of the Mediterranean.

Royal Signatures is an invitation to live the moment to the full, with your eyes riveted on the magnificent bay and islands of Lérins.

Royal Signatures spaces can be privatised for tailored events, galas, dinners, cocktails, family celebrations, weddings and birthdays of up to 600 people.

An unforgettable event is guaranteed!

ROYAL THE INSTITUTE

Pullman Cannes Mandelieu is a 4-star resort hotel located in a unique location on the edge of the Mediterranean sea with direct access to a sandy beach and a beautiful view over the bay of Cannes and the Lerins Islands.

Situated at only 25 minutes from Nice International Airport, the hotel is easily accessible and offers a complete range of services and activities designed for our guests who travel for leisure, business, incentives and meetings.

With a minimum of 32 square metre size, our comfortable 212 non-smoking rooms and suites are spacious and benefit from a private terrace.

launches, corporate events, but also for weddings or event parties.

LES ILES ROOMS: THE LITTLE SISTER ADJACENT TO THE RIVIERA With 300sqm, les Iles can welcome events up to 225 people, pillar free, with a ceiling height of 2.80m.

Ideal for small meetings, break out rooms, but also private dinners.

NEW SINCE SUMMER 2023! THE ROYAL SIGNATURES VENUES, A NEW CONCEPT FOR A UNIQUE LOCATION The Hotel and Resort Royal Pullman has

Sea Vue ©Pullman Cannes Mandelieu

In addition to our 19 meeting rooms totalling 1500 square metres, our vibrant venue offers more than 2500 square metres of terraces overlooking the sea for your events, and a large hall for exhibitions.

RIVIERA ROOMS: A large, high ceiling pillar free room with a wow effect guaranteed!

Don’t miss this unique place in the region, perfect for convention, meetings, product

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Dedicated to beauty and well-being, Royal The Institute has taken up residence adjacent to the hotel lobby, inviting guests to let go and pamper themselves.

Royal The Institute chose Thalgo, a local brand with an international reputation, and its range of marine active ingredients, for its perfect fit with its own values and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) approach.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Carole Rouvier, Director of Sales & Marketing Tel: +33 (0)4 92 97 70 11 – +33 (0) 06 13 33 49 52 carole.rouvier@accor.com www.pullman-mandelieu.com/

Monaco, a destination “Like Nowhere Else” The Principality of Monaco stands out for its strategic location in the heart of Europe, its accessibility, its expertise in business tourism, the quality of its infrastructure and the range of services it offers over only 2 square kilometres.

TOWARDS MORE RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Thanks to its numerous commitments in terms of sustainable development and the mobilisation of everyone, Monaco is thinking and envisioning a more responsible and carbon-free future.

Apart from launching the Responsible Tourism White Paper and signing the Glasgow Declaration on climate action, The Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority is committed to several environmentally sustainable initiatives, relying on its newly created CSR department.

Some actions include the launch of a carbon calculator for event organisers to estimate their carbon footprint in the Principality and a guide providing solutions for more responsible events.

Here, the notion of walking distance and soft mobility take on their full meaning since everything can be done on foot, thus making it possible to limit transfers.

Visitors can also discover Monaco while reducing their footprint by renting electric bikes, travelling by hybrid bus, or even crossing the Port Hercule aboard a solarpowered electric water bus. The Grimaldi Forum Monaco, ISO 14001 eco-certified since 2008, is this year on the path to the ISO 20121 certification. The convention centre is implementing a strong policy in favour of sustainable development, aiming to significantly reduce the impact of the carbon footprint of its event activity through major areas such as water protection and energy saving.

A COMMITTED HOTEL INDUSTRY

UNIQUE MEETING SPACES

Choosing Monaco means gathering participants in an exceptional and responsible setting and offering them memorable experiences of a lifetime, like nowhere else.

The destination offers nearly 150 locations to host meetings and receptions, which makes for more than 65,000m² dedicated to events. The Grimaldi Forum Monaco currently has a total surface area of 75,000m². By 2025, an extension of 6,000m² will further strengthen this offer. With One Monte Carlo, on Place du Casino, the Sea Club, connected to the Méridien Beach Plaza in the Larvotto, as well as the numerous event spaces located in hotels. The Principality offers a large range of solutions for unforgettable events.

Monaco ©BVergely

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Sustainability also extends to Monaco’s hotels. The Principality has over 2000 certified bedrooms which is over 80 % of its total hotel capacity. Some major actions include the ban of single-use plastic, the optimization of energy consumption and waste reduction and the creation of vegetable gardens to provide customers with locally fresh products. Every hotel offers a different atmosphere to allow attendees to live a unique experience each time they come to Monaco.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Sarah Rico, Deputy Manager Monaco Convention Bureau Tel: +377 92 16 60 81 Mail: conventionbureau@gouv.mc https://cvb.visitmonaco.com/en

Make ideas grow Lyon is one of France’s fastest changing cities: green, bold, humanistic… Lyon is the place where new ideas grow fast. We have some of the best chefs, hotels, artists, talents and know-how in the world. We are all ready to host your future events.

Make your event an exception Choose the home of excellence Choose Lyon events.lyon-france.com

INFOTORIAL

Lyon: green, bold, humanistic Capital of the Rhone Alps Region and 2nd business tourism offer in France, its Roman architecture (including UNESCO-listed heritage) going back 2,000 years, rubs shoulders with bold contemporary creations.

Lyon’s layout, featuring two rivers and two hills, makes this an unusual city, where it’s amazing to go by boat to the new Confluence district from the heart of the city (500 hectares listed as Unesco World heritage). Its gastronomic reputation goes hand in hand with the art of hospitality so greatly appreciated by visitors and event organizers. The wide range of cuisines, from Lyon’s traditional bouchons to the gourmet delights of award-winning restaurants, meets the challenges of durability.

Green, bold, humanistic, it is the place for new ideas to grow fast. Lyon gathers among the best chefs, hotels, talents, and savoir-faire to organize an amazing event.

The city has the second French hotel capacity with 18 500 hotel rooms; more than 250 meeting spaces, including 4 major dedicated sites along with the Convention Centre – Centre de congrès de

Vue Grand Dôme Rhône Part Dieu © Vincent Ramet

Lyon - hosting 350 events a year, with a majority of international events.

Located on the edge of the Tete d’Or park (290 acres), at the heart of the Cite Internationale designed by Renzo Piano, its audacious architecture is in line with a sustainable development policy focused on waste management, energy consumption monitoring and sustainable F&B (including food waste control). The venue has an amphitheater featuring a 180° hemicycle inspired by the Gallo Roman theaters still in use downtown and 36 meeting rooms (auditoriums sizes : 300, 900 and 3,000 seats).

Centre De Congrès de Lyon © Ingrid Moya

The Convention center is a dynamic venue with its surrounding hotels (500 rooms on site 3 and 4 stars + 500 additional rooms at walking distance), restaurants, shops and leisure facilities (Modern Art Museum,

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UGC Ciné Cité cinema complex, casino, etc.). Linked to the railway station with frequent buses, the Convention center has a covered, protected and secured bicycle parking as well as 3 300 car parking spaces.

The Lyon Convention Center and the Lyon Convention Bureau have obtained the ISO 20121 standard, to promote a responsible offer of events, culture and heritage and support clients to organize more sustainable events.

Lyon is among the top world twenty cities in the GDS index (Global destination Sustainibility Index) thanks to the involvement of its service providers and the commitment of the destination as a whole.

A.I.

HOW INTELLIGENT IS AI? AN EXPLAINER FOR THE MICE MARKET The recent rise of AI is evident, with tech giants like ChatGPT, BARD, and ANTROP/C making headlines and expanding globally. We’ll delve into ChatGPT & AI to help Destination Management Organizations and Event Planners prepare for future changes in the travel industry.

By: Paul Ensley

What exactly are AI & ChatGPT? Artificial intelligence involves using computers or machines to perform tasks that traditionally require human intelligence. Although the concept has been around for decades, it is only recently that computers and devices have become advanced and dependable enough to execute complex tasks independently.

It is widely acknowledged that businesses nowadays gather and retain vast amounts of data. Machines can utilise this data to facilitate AI in accomplishing various tasks, such as data analysis, solving problems, translating speech, sending direct messages, and enhancing personalisation throughout the customer experience. Even though there is no actual intelligence, a proficient textprediction algorithm can create the impression that an ‘intelligent’ being is responsible for the text it generates.

GPT, or Generative Pre-trained Transformer, is an AI model for natural language processing tasks such as translation, completion, and text generation. It creates text that resembles human writing using the input it has received.

AI & MICE: applicable areas The ability of artificial intelligence to handle tasks that typically rely on human cognitive function has become highly beneficial for those in the travel industry.

AI implementation can save businesses

A.I.

How much of our privacy do we want to sacrifice for convenience?

This is a philosophical and ethical question about the compromised state of personal privacy due to ongoing developments.

Assisted aeroplane maintenance scheduling Travel disruption communication & flight forecasting

Here are some more examples of efficiency versus privacy:

Venues: Detecting and preventing payment fraud Pricing and demand predictions Employee management scheduling AI-powered revenue management Flexible pricing

Airports: AI Face recognition Smart baggage handling

time and money while reducing the risk of human error. Additionally, AI can accomplish tasks quickly and at any time of day. Our research found 20 business areas where AI can significantly influence

effective customer interaction.

Here’s our top-5: 1 – Individualize the experience AI can analyse attendee data, including preferences, past behaviours, and social media activity, to create personalised event experiences. AI-powered chatbots can provide real-time assistance and recommendations, helping attendees navigate the event, find relevant sessions, and connect with like-minded peers.

2 – Predict by analysing AI-driven predictive analytics can assist event planners in making data-driven decisions. AI can help optimise event schedules, pricing, and resource allocation by analysing historical data, market trends, and attendee feedback. This ensures that events are better tailored to attendees’ needs and maximise ROI.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Paul Ensley works for Ensley van den Berg, a company that specializes in providing creative business guidance and hands-on marketing advice. It is named after the author and Kisa van den Berg. They focus on serving the travel industry. Inspiration can be found at ensleyvandenberg.com.

3 – Experience in the mix With the rise of virtual and hybrid events, AI can enhance the online experience.

AI-driven matchmaking algorithms can pair attendees with relevant sessions or virtual booths, while AI-powered chatbots can answer questions and provide networking opportunities within virtual event platforms.

4 – Take down the barriers AI-driven language translation services can break language barriers for

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international conferences and events.

Attendees can use AI-powered translation apps or devices to communicate seamlessly with others who speak different languages, fostering global collaboration.

5 – Manage securely AI can optimise facility management during significant events. AI-driven systems can monitor crowd movement, detect security threats, and manage resources efficiently. For instance, AIpowered cameras can identify potential security issues and alert event organisers in real time.

Some words of advice While embracing AI, it’s essential not to let it replace the invaluable direct interaction between people, customers, employers, etc. As technology improves, it’s crucial to remember that it will always outweigh

the importance of heartfelt personal relationships.

It’s important to acknowledge the significance of human interaction. In particular, the travel and MICE industry relies heavily on personal connections and exceptional customer service, which machines cannot duplicate, no matter how fast they learn.

There are constantly new companies arising offering exciting services. For instance, Chat GPT can already create tailor-made travel itineraries.

Service providers can help you find the best hotels, experiences, and flights at affordable prices. These tools are quickly becoming commonplace, and one can now have a Personal Travel Assistant on a phone or laptop.

Make smart choices – An example Generative AI imaging algorithms could re-create the former landscape or a future one based on detailed architectural or environmental prompts. Conference attendees and tourists can now view real-time representations of a city’s rich history and possible future alongside its present state. AI systems gather historical text, image, and video data to create new and extrapolated content, allowing for immersive experiences that showcase the city’s fascinating past and potential future.

One significant contrast between AI or chatbot-generated services and human assistance is their level of

We suggest exploring the AI tools available to you.

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flexibility. Unlike a live tour guide, automated systems cannot offer impromptu anecdotes or personalised recommendations based on live experience.

As a result, service providers must strive to enhance the level of human interaction they offer visitors, whether through the presence of a live bike tour guide instead of a generative AI application or the availability of designated individuals who speak the same language to assist with navigating events.

IMEX

Another successful show in Las Vegas Biggest IMEX America Ever…

The 12th edition of IMEX America has closed on a note of welcome reassurance for the global business events industry today marking its biggest show ever.

With almost 15,000 confirmed participants on the show floor at Mandalay Bay, of which over 5,000 were buyers (including 4,000+ hosted buyers),

the success of this year’s IMEX America confirmed the sector has made a fast, robust comeback with growth in all areas, and both short and long-lead business

being booked. Exhibitors also reported the welcome return of incentive trips and citywide, multi-venue events.

Buyers, of which one fifth represented the corporate sector, took part in over 80,000 pre-scheduled meetings in three days, of which 73,000 were 1-2-1s with exhibitors.

Beth Olson, director of sales at Visit Santa Barbara, said: ‘The walk-up meetings have been as beneficial as our scheduled meetings – that was a hidden surprise for us! Our booth partners already have several RFPs in hand and in four days here I’ve covered more business than in four months!’

‘We invested in our own booth for the first time as we wanted a stronger presence at the show,” explained Daniel

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Palamo, Director of Global Sales for Houston First Corporation. ‘We’ve had more meetings than ever before and a great quality of buyers. They’re coming to us ready to close business.’

Personalization Many exhibitors attracted strong interest from buyers with their personalized merchandise and unusual activations.

The Visit Phoenix booth was constantly busy as buyers lined up to have their photos printed onto an edible cookie.

Visit Baltimore’s temporary tattoos also created a buzz, while Brand Makers saw crowds of buyers lining up to design and brand their own baseball cap.

Elsewhere the show’s biggest ever Inspiration Hub, sponsored by WebEx, saw over 2000 people attend education sessions in a variety of formats across six tracks. Topics ranged from the personal – how to manage individual and team members’ mental health – to future trends and forecasts for different territories, sectors and worldwide. As an example, Data Driven Event Marketing Insights with Brittney Hegarty and Nicola Kastner, was set for 30 people but 85 showed up. The high level of interest spoke volumes about how event planners now using data to design events that achieve greater marketing leverage.

AI and event technology were both big talking points among exhibitors and buyers. Interest in AI is clearly strong, although anecdotal reports suggest that so far only a few companies are using it at an enterprise level.

Convenience on the go Reaction to the ease and simplicity of the new IMEX app powered by Expoplatform was positive, with buyers appreciating the ability to schedule meetings ‘in the moment’ when they spotted business contacts live online. Several exhibitors with a few meeting spaces to fill successfully tapped into the app’s ‘promoted posts’ feature to fill up their schedules within the day. Now that lead-scanning is free and built into the app, the data showed that 124,000 contacts were scanned during the week. The majority were supplier to buyer, but a proportion is also buyers connecting

with buyers and exhibitors with exhibitors, confirming the collaborative nature of the industry and the multiple ways in which value and human connections are created face to face at IMEX. In addition, 3000 meetings were booked via the app during the show – a new feature that served its purpose of ‘convenience on the go’.

IMEX Group, CEO, Carina Bauer, remarked, ‘I’m delighted the industry turned up in

Carina Bauer

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such strong numbers from across the globe this week and that IMEX America once again provided a carefully-designed platform for everyone to come together for business, building better human connections around the world, growing and learning from each other. This was our biggest show ever, which was clear from the fact you can’t see the edges anymore!’

CULINARY TRAVEL

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Eat, meet, sleep, repeat Taste, relax, and ease your mind. Sometimes, small groups have large tasty appetites. The joy of culinary travel goes around the world, and one of the culinary hotspots can be found in Taiwan. Join us on a more than interesting journey!

By: Tijn Kramer Well, the ones in the know, know. Taiwan offers one of the greatest cuisines in the world, with many regional influences and its very own twist to it all. Whether it’s street food or high-end cooking, you will be pleased. Other than the vast choices in Taipei itself, we would like to highlight two relaxing properties near the capital city. You can do it in one day, but, really, try to stay the night if you can.

Both Villa 32 in the hot spring town Beitou and Volando Urai in the lush nature of Wulai are members of Relais & Chateaux, an exclusive collection of 580 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in over 64 countries. Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character. Not only that, Villa

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32 and Volando Urai are the only two properties of the prestigious collection on the island.

Let’s find out why Villa 32 is located in Beitou, a popular day trip from the center of Taipei, known for its relaxing hot springs. You can (and should) see these, but know that Villa 32 is a spa resort with not only a spa in the hotel but also a thermal hot spring in your room! Yes, indeed... Villa 32 abides by the ‘Second To None’ principle, which strives to provide the utmost quality to our customers along with a “premium and dignified” enjoyment, as the hotel states. It is very much in sync with nature. The founder, Mr. MingHoung Chiu, composed the resort of four elements: ‘spring, wood, tree, and stone.’

These elements showcase an intricate design combination. From the moment you

CULINARY TRAVEL Beluga Caviar, and Smoked Eel as possible starters. For mains, the menu read equally beautifully: Australian Wagyu Beef Cheek in Pickled Cabbage Sauce, Roasted Blue Lobster, Japanese Kagoshima Wagyu A5 Tenderloin, Roasted Japanese Tuna Belly, Mediterranean Seafood Soup, or Parmesan Cheese Risotto with Duck Liver and Octopus Powder. The wine pairings by the sommelier were amazing, but so is the award-winning wine list (31 pages!) with all the famous labels in the world, from Petrus to La Tache and Opus One. But also more affordable gems, such as Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru “Les Suchots,” Pierre Girardin 2018 or a Château Mouton Rothschild 1995...by the glass! Once-in-a-lifetime goals.

Of course, there is also room for meetings.

Whether a board meeting, product launch presentation, press conference, or an internal meeting, Villa 32 can provide customized service, offering the best consultancy on the budget, program, and meals that suit your budget requirements.

Villa 32 can even be rented out completely to your company for outdoor events, VIP Gala Dinners, and so on.

leave your car with the valet, you enter a serene oasis with natural green scenery and flowing water. The staff is friendly and very professional, and before you know it, you are in one of the five suites (indeed, only five, book ahead!). There are either European signature or Asian style suites. We had the first, with Bang & Olufsen audio and bath products from the Florentine brand of Salvatore Ferragamo.

The very good stuff, so to say.

Of course, the spa was another wonder, as was taking a relaxing soak in the privacy of our own luxury suite, but the food was, well, also on another level. Simply called ‘The Restaurant’ the staff was awaiting us in a serene space with wooden and stone touches, but nothing to divert your focus away from the main stars: your plate and your glass. What to say: Saffron Risotto with Roasted Ibérico Pork, Corn Gazpacho with Grilled Matsutake,

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Volando Urai On the other side of the amazing city that is Taipei, we find the other gem in the Relais & Châteaux Collection: Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort, which has a simply mindblowing location in Wulai, a mountainous district in southern New Taipei City. It is known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and indigenous Atayal people. It is an amazing area for hiking, as there are a number of hiking trails in the mountains above Wulai, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. And here, on the river, is the serene beauty called Volando Urai Spring Spa & Resort. It is more than a resort, as it offers a much larger experience than just a spa treatment. What we loved were the daily ‘Life rituals’ guests can watch/attend.

At 8:45 am, there is Silent Chess: ‘With the green belt around the mountain serving as the backdrop, the blue dinghy and blue lake serving as the stage, a raft floating with two people sitting on it, with the quiet sound in your heart playing chess without pieces, with the sound of dialogue leading you into the tranquility of the moment...’ Or at 9:30, there’s ‘Reawaken,’ artfully carved

from exposed wood, the frame features a whirl of gongs in the shape of the sun and moon. In addition to reawakening the earth’s spirit, the gongs serve as a reminder to those who have traveled to Volando to relax, forget their cares, and revel in the rare peace that can only be found here.

Of course, the rooms are beautiful, with again a private thermal tub. One can tell upon walking in: the resort oozes artistic touches, luxury, being one with nature and oneself. A pot of green tea and what else is there in life? Well, great food again. There are two restaurants, Siliq and Soyan, the latter meaning ‘joy’ in the Atayal language. Soyan uses Taiwanese seasonal ingredients to interpret the food art aesthetics of French cuisine with a Taiwanese soul, giving visitors a chance to learn about the taste, experiment with the taste, and enjoy the taste. It was yet another field trip for our taste buds. From pineapple with shrimp balls and curry to scallop, lotus, and vegetable broth, and beef cheek with Chu Hou sauce and vegetables.

There is also enough room for meetings, with two rooms (VIP 1 and VIP 2) for up to 70 and 25 people. Although it is hard to imagine doing business here, one has to

think. But there are more options for being more enticed to get the best out of yourself with Volando’s Body, Mind, and Spirit Add-On Programs. For example, ‘Purifying Breath’ is just one of many classes that will help you, and/or your team, gain an appreciation for the intricate interplay between your body and mind, integrating

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the concept of ‘slow awakening.’

Both properties are worth the journey from the bustling vibe of Taipei to nature’s calm at these two gems. Eat, meet, sleep, repeat.

Absolute classics. We will be back.

INFOTORIAL

AirPlus Virtual Card Procurement: your ticket to overcoming the hurdles of the modern procurement landscape In the realm of modern procurement, efficiency and security are paramount. As businesses continually seek ways to streamline their financial processes, payment expert Tom Meyer delves into the AirPlus Virtual Card Procurement, an innovative solution that has been making waves. In this article, we will explore how the AirPlus Virtual Card Procurement serves the MICE market and can act as digital driver, designed to optimize procurement payments.

Meeting the Needs of the MICE Market What services do you offer the MICE market?

For the dynamic MICE market, AirPlus offers a best-in-class credit card solution including a comprehensive suite of services designed to simplify payment processes.

AirPlus’ streamlined payment solutions for corporate expenses that seamlessly integrate with event management software, ensuring that financial planning and reporting are a breeze, catering to the unique requirements of the MICE industry.

Unveiling the AirPlus Virtual Card Procurement You have the so-called Virtual Card. What exactly does this mean?

AirPlus Virtual Cards Procurement is the optimal payment solution for B2B purchases that cannot be processed through typical procurement systems.

These virtual cards are incredibly versatile,

facilitating secure payments for various procurement needs, including ad hoc purchases, event tickets, and office supplies or recurring online purchases like software subscriptions, phone bills, and digital advertising.

‘These virtual cards are incredibly versatile’ Customer Feedback: A Testament to Success What is the customer feedback on the Virtual Card?

Businesses across various industries are overwhelmingly positive about the AirPlus

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Virtual Card, lauding its convenience and the level of control it offers. The ability to create temporary virtual cards for specific transactions or periods significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized expenses.

This flexibility and security have made the Virtual Card Procurement a top choice also for MICE organizations, attesting to its success in modern procurement.

Streamlined Ease of Use and Benefits What is the ease of use of the Virtual Card?

What benefits does it offer?

The AirPlus Virtual Card Procurement is designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind. Employees can easily generate virtual cards through the AirPlus online portal or mobile app, making it userfriendly and accessible. The benefits are multifaceted: enhanced financial visibility, reduced administrative work, robust fraud prevention, and real-time transaction tracking. It’s a tool that

empowers organizations to streamline their procurement processes, leading to greater efficiency and cost savings.

Fortifying Online Security What about the online security of the Virtual Card?

AirPlus prioritizes the security of transactions made using the Virtual Card.

It employs industry-standard encryption protocols to safeguard sensitive data during all payment processes. Furthermore, businesses can establish spending limits and expiration dates for virtual cards, allowing them to maintain a strong grip on their financial security. The robust security measures in place make the Virtual Card a trusted choice for organizations concerned about online safety.

A Global Reach Is the card accepted worldwide?

As the AirPlus Virtual Card is based on the Mastercard platform, its global acceptance is guaranteed. It can be used for payments worldwide, making it a versatile tool for businesses with international procurement needs. This global reach ensures that businesses can operate efficiently across borders, maintaining a seamless payment experience wherever they go.

A Promising Future Do you see growth in these types of products?

Actually, Virtual Cards have been around for a long time, but we still see significant growth potential, not least also in the MICE market. As the landscape of procurement continues to evolve, the demand for secure, flexible, and convenient payment solutions is on the rise. AirPlus is well-positioned to meet this demand and expand its offerings in the years ahead, making us a key player in shaping the future of procurement.

In conclusion, the AirPlus Virtual Card offers a robust and secure platform to streamline payment processes. As the demands of modern businesses continue to evolve, the AirPlus Virtual Card represents a beacon of innovation and efficiency, poised to transform the way organizations manage their finances and conduct procurement operations.

Tom Meyer

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INTERVIEW

More inclusive and sustainable

The Lufthansa Group needs no further introduction. Yet there is plenty of news to report about the future plans of the famous airline group. An interview with Victoria Bubmann, General Manager Sales Netherlands.

By Tijn Kramer

How future-proof is Lufthansa (group)?

‘Let’s start answering this question by looking at Lufthansa Group as an employer.

The Lufthansa Group employs more than 109,000 people from 177 countries.

Diversity or ‘Vielfalt’ of our staff is very important and corresponds to the diversity of our customers. People of different genders, with and without disabilities,

from different cultures, religions and age groups. Promoting diversity is a key goal of the Lufthansa Group’s people strategy.

Lufthansa Group actively promotes diversity, equality and inclusion to cultivate a workplace culture where every employee, regardless of his or her identity, can excel. The ‘Action Speak Louder’ campaign is more than just a slogan; it represents our commitment to creating an

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inclusive future where we value and uphold the dignity of our employees, customers and business partners. Special attention is also paid to increasing the share of women in management positions. The Lufthansa Group aims to achieve 25 percent women in management positions by 2025.’

More sustainable Another important aspect is more

sustainable flying. Lufthansa continuously invests in the most efficient aircraft and a modern fleet. For the future of CO2-neutral flying. We work on effective new measures every day, because we firmly believe that technology and fresh ideas are the most important and effective ways to achieve our ambitious goal. (Goal: achieving a neutral CO2 balance by 2050).

Where will Lufthansa be in ten years?

‘I think this long-term future is difficult to predict. We are used to responding quickly to new travel trends or travel embargoes around the world. Our mission to connect people, cultures and economies in the most sustainable way

Which development currently has the greatest impact on your business operations?

‘We call it Lufthansa Allegris, our promise to focus even more on our guests. That’s why we’re taking travel in all classes to a new level. We have radically redesigned the seats, cabins and services. This new travel experience will strengthen our fleet from next year. This new long-haul experience will make flying more personal than ever before with more and more latest generation aircraft. But we will also improve short- and medium-haul flights.

From 2025, we will take short- and medium-distance services to a new level of comfort. New cabins will be gradually installed in short-haul aircraft, providing our passengers with a range of additional amenities.’

‘Lufthansa continuously invests in the most efficient aircraft’ What other development will play a major role in tourism in the coming years?

‘Tourism remains an important driver for our company. The demand for travel exists and represents a basic need for many people. Dutch leisure travelers have always been among those who travel a lot and never lost the taste for discovering the world.’

Victoria Bubmann

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possible will remain valid in the coming years. The Lufthansa Group and its companies do everything they can to reduce the environmental impact of flying as quickly as possible and always use the required resources as efficiently as possible.’

EUROSTAR

‘We go further...’

Interview CEO and CCO Eurostar Thalys is no more, long live Eurostar. And Eurostar is still just Eurostar? Yes and no, not quite. The train is the future, but it has its challenges. There is more than enough reason to catch up with CEO Gwendoline Cazenave and COO François le Doze at the launch of the new campaign in London.

By: Tijn Kramer This concerns railway networks, but also air networks. And with KLM we already have a partnership between Brussels and Schiphol. We have KLM customers who travel from Brussels to Schiphol with our trains and then have their long-haul flight with KLM. So it’s about developing this partnership further, perhaps in the long term with more seats on our trains, because that’s what we’re going to work on. So it’s about collaboration. How do we feed the airport? And also, if customers come to Europe by plane, how do we ensure that when they are in Europe, they travel by train and not by plane? And with us. That is also our responsibility, to have a partnership with airlines and say: okay, if they get to Schiphol, with KLM, how do we sell tickets for them to travel across Europe by train? We will work together more and will definitely have more contact than before.’

More than a year ago, Cazenave was appointed CEO of Eurostar. A job she could sink her teeth into immediately because there is a lot going on on the track. As is known, there is the headache of Amsterdam CS, which may not be available for a departing Eurostar to London for seven to eleven months during the renovation in 2024. Yet there is hope.

Any day now, the parties involved will meet to discuss an independent Swiss research that believes that Eurostar can still depart from Amsterdam CS or at least with a shorter absence. However, the ball is in the court of the Dutch from NS, ProRail and the Ministry of Infrastructure

and Water Management. What is just as important now is the further (sustainable) future of the train and the name change from Thalys to Eurostar.

And the collaborations with other mobility partners…

You recently met KLM CEO Marjan Rintel. What came out of that meeting?

Cazenave : ‘If we want to develop sustainable travel, we want to increase frequencies on our network, but we will also become more than an operator.

We become a connecting link. So it’s about how we connect in the big cities, i.e. London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris.

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The demand for rail travel is enormous, both for leisure and business. But even without the renovation story, there are still challenges before all that demand can be met (affordably).

Cazenave : ‘Our main challenge is capacity.

It’s the capacity to grow our offering, it’s the capacity for stations, and it’s the capacity to connect, to connect better, and to have bigger terminals.’

What is the long-term plan?

Cazenave : ‘Our ambition is to increase the frequencies between our major cities. To increase the frequencies between London

The London Eurostar, as is known, drives under the canal in a gray-yellow outfit.

Is this name change sufficiently known in the Netherlands?

Le Doze: ‘We told our customers. We conducted research in each of the markets to measure awareness. We have reached a very high level of awareness in Belgium, which is crucial. But we are also working on it in the Netherlands. Ironically, there is the problem with the station that offers opportunities to also talk a lot about the fact that Thalys and Eurostar are now one.

But we still have to work on it further.’

Gwendoline Cazenave and Amsterdam, between Amsterdam and Paris. It’s really here because the market is here, the demand is here. And it’s exactly what I was talking about. This connection argument is not short-term work. It’s going to take some time to get connected to the relevant airlines. To perhaps cancel flights on short distances in the long term.

This is really what our role is. That’s what we were made for at Eurostar. So if you think about 10 or 15 years from now, our role is really to develop sustainable travel between the big cities and to connect with other networks. And to enable customers

François le Doze to travel differently. To travel with connections.

COO: ‘All in one place’ CCO Le Doze is also present in London.

The new campaign will be presented and all countries served by Eurostar will know about it. It is also an important message.

Because the established Thalys in the Netherlands no longer exists, in name that is. The purple-red trains continue to run as usual, the seats and booking classes on the route to Paris are known, but bookings are now made under the name Eurostar.

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What else is new in the inclusion of Thalys in Eurostar?

Le Doze: ‘We have updated the frequent customer program and the logo on the trains to Paris. Of course we’ve launched a new website, and a single app, so everything is now in one place. And for the future? What we plan to do is develop more connections with other carriers quite quickly. The first thing they wonder is: is it safe? Am I going to miss my train? What happens if something goes wrong? That’s always the question, so we want to play a big role in how we connect with other operators. That is why we created the slogan ‘we go further’.

INTERVIEW

Luminair: let’s meet above the clouds What a view. DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Central Station - to use its official name - is a well-known sight on the Amsterdam skyline. Or better…with a view of that skyline, also from the allnew LuminAir bar and event space. We speak with Floris Licht, General Manager of the hotel.

By Tijn Kramer

How are things going?

‘Like all other hotels, we of course had two difficult years, but business returned at breakneck speed in the spring of last year.

Initially we had a ‘staffing crisis’ because we simply did not have enough people for the work at hand. However, once we had solved that, we encountered an ‘experience crisis’, because many people no longer really knew how to do this work properly. And what doesn’t help is that at the same time, especially here in the Amsterdam region, there was another ‘housing crisis’. Where there is simply a chronic shortage of affordable housing.’

These are known problems. How did you solve it?

‘In my view we have been quite creative in the way we have dealt with it. We have had many employees sleep in our hotel.

At the same time we started looking for

homes that we could rent. So we now have a number of rental properties in Amstelveen that we rent to our employees.

And we, like many other Hiltons worldwide, welcomed many Ukrainian refugees at the time of the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

But the special thing is that a very large number of them also ended up working for us. And they still work with us now!

We were able to add somewhere between fifteen and twenty people to our team.

We also started working with recruitment agencies. In this way we actually overcame all those problems quite quickly.

In my opinion, what played an important role in this is that we really focused fully on the staff.’

In what way?

‘We asked ourselves the question: what do we do for the staff? How do

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we position ourselves? We call that the ‘employee proposition’. What do we offer them and how do we communicate that to the market? So we started focusing on better training, better pay or involving people more in business operations. But also just very small things: we offer chair massages, people can lease an e-bike for one euro. We also focus very much on mental well-being. Our employees have access to a platform where they can find all kinds of tools and workshops. They can also receive coaching sessions to help them with challenges in their lives, from stress to financial issues, to career, mindfulness and breathing techniques.

And there are also really fun staff parties.

All because we have started to position DoubleTree as an attractive employer in the city again. What also helped, of course, was that we started working on our product. The renovation of the

the same, and we haven’t changed the shape of the room either. But everything else is different. So the bar is in a different place, the decor is different, the music is different. Of course we are again top of the line when it comes to food and drinks. So yes, it really has been a gigantic renovation.

SkyLounge is a well-known name, was the renaming necessary?

‘At first I wondered that too. Everyone knows Skylounge Amsterdam, with more name recognition than the hotel itself. But if you invest so much money in such a project then people expect something. And rightly so. So we have actually created a completely new concept, which is now called LuminAir. And the private event space that comes with it is called Eclipse.’

Skylounge was actually a very important first step.’

‘Enjoy the most beautiful view in Amsterdam with up to 350 people’ Your famous rooftop bar with worldclass views, long known as SkyLounge.

What’s different?

‘We actually have kept almost nothing the same as before. Well, the view is still

What is the idea behind the new concept?

‘LuminAir is about the ever-changing skies and clouds above Amsterdam. So we also call it ‘The bar above Amsterdam’. We want to give people who visit LuminAir the feeling that they are transcending the crowds and chaos, although that is of course also the charm of Amsterdam. But they imagine themselves above or in the clouds, as it were. And you can see this, among other things, in the cloud-shaped structures on the ceiling on which an ever-changing cloudy sky is projected by means of projectors. But also, for example, the signature cocktail menu. And so we try to reflect that theme everywhere.

When people visit us, they are welcomed downstairs in the lobby at a host desk.

They then enter an experience elevator, a special experience that takes guests to the eleventh floor. And then the doors actually open. Eclipse is about the lunar eclipse, the lunar eclipse.’

Ideal for private events?

‘Exactly. It is now a completely new private event space with its own bar and its own DJ. It is already widely used for product launches, corporate events, magazine presentations, walking dinners and other networking events. You can receive approximately between 25 and 150 people. And if customers have a larger group, there is also the option for a complete buyout. Then you can enjoy the

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most beautiful view in Amsterdam with up to 350 people. That’s happening more and more often.’

Do you also have more traditional meeting rooms?

‘Yes, we still have fourteen meeting rooms on the first floor, most of which have a very nice view over the water and the Amsterdam skyline. It all reinforces each other. We now very often have meetings and events on that first floor, with visitors going to LuminAir at the end of the day.

We offer everything under one roof. Also a nice lobby bar and the Eastwood Bar & Grill, which is in the top 1% of restaurants on TripAdvisor! And that is of course very impressive for a restaurant that is used as a breakfast restaurant in the morning. So that is also actually working very well.’

Floris Licht

HOTEL REVIEW

Location, fun and stylish In 5 minutes from your train seat in your hotel room…

By: Tijn Kramer

The first Dutch or Belgian steps made in Paris are often on the Gare du Nord.

Nothing new. But what is relatively new is the 25Hours Hotel Terminus Nord, directly across the street of Gare du Nord. You get up from your seat and a few minutes later you have checked into a very nice, fresh, hip and good hotel.

The Gare du Nord is a well-known place for us. It is the start and end point of many trips to Paris, both private and business.

Logically, the Eurostar comes rolling in here, formerly the Thalys, and long before that the Etoile de Nord. To be fair, for a long time you often quickly took a taxi or the metro to other parts in the city. But times change.

The 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord is located directly on the other side, above a small overview of bar-cafes where hungry travellers quickly finish a final onion soup before going home. The entrance of the hotel may not be huge, but the idea is immediately noticeable. Versatile, multicultural, trendy, special. Such as the district where the hotel is located. Some of the vicinity has become trendy and others have a clear African, Arab or Indian influence. As a cosmopolitan city does.

What really has changed over the years is the amount of nice cafes and good restaurants in the area! And with the Gare du Nord on your doorstep (you don’t hear any trains), the rest of Paris is easy to reach by metro, bus or RER.

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The 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord belongs to an originally German chain that is making a worldwide name for itself. The French superpower Accor saw the opportunity and is now ultimately responsible. The style of the hotels are different in every city, because it must clearly reflect the DNA of the city and neighborhood. So in the case of Paris you get a hotel that is both stylish and unconventional, with the vibrant and multicultural spirit of the neighborhood evident in many details. An almost African bazar, a bit of Asian luxury, Arabian warmth, a dash of Parisian Boho and some trendy bicycles that you can rent. On the first floor you will find a work corner where you can even play on your laptop or smartphone with a fresh cup of coffee until

just before the departure of your train. The trendy SAPE bar is also here, where fresh cocktails are prepared in the evenings and on some evenings a DJ sets the rhythm.

Everywhere we see vintage furniture, a high degree of retro details, and fun and diverse world art.

We see this in the rooms, which go from Small to Medium, Large and Extra Large, with a ‘Plus’ if they have a balcony. Tip: some rooms on the upper floors have an unparalleled view of the Sacre Coeur!

Rooms are also very eclectic, with some ironic humor, a free minibar, an excellent rain shower and a nice bed. The rooms are spacious by Parisian standards and have a huge TV and good WiFi. We love the old style light switches!

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And then there is NENI, the restaurant that offers ‘Tel Aviv street food’. Think of excellent fallafel popcorn, fresh hummus, Babaganoush, Sabich and other classics from this beloved cuisine. One of the wines on the menu is an excellent Lebanese Chateau Kefraya. It is all very tasty, and reason enough to drop by for a bite if you are not staying. The hotel is also suitable for smaller meetings. There are two meeting rooms for 8 to 10 people each and these can be joined together. Otherwise there are not enough spaces in the area.

But the best thing is the location. After a wonderful stay, we walk to the train about fifteen minutes before departure, instead of the conventional hour. Get up, have breakfast and go out. Such a luxury. Ideal hotel really.

INTERVIEW INTERVIEW TRENDS

12 top trends for 2024

By Tijn Kramer

As always, we would like to play like Nostradamus and predict the future.

Guestimations: what will be hot and happening in the new year! Here they are in random order and, of course, totally up for debate…

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1) Faraway travel. Yes, we are ready again. In the first post-COVID years, the mice market took its time to recover, but all signs are green that there is a huge demand for long-haul travel again.

2) Green and lean. But, of course, sustainability is key. The groups may be a bit smaller, as money is needed to ensure any mice-trip is environmentally friendly.

Not necessarily ‘in-your-face look at us,’ but with the key green elements in place.

3) Healthy job, happy life. No more cramped travel itineraries that exhaust you when you come back. No more needless peer-pressured boozing until deep in the night, but rather a happy buzz and a fit day. We need to take care of ourselves more!

4) Digital integration. Really, everything will be on your phone soon. Expect digital programs for your fun incentives with videos, GPS applications, and personalization. This will increase year by year!

5) Fresh and tasty food. Yes, there will be a vegan choice, but it won’t be the only one. Food needs to be diverse, fresh, and, at times, healthy. But there is room for an old-fashioned BBQ and a cold beer. Do not annoy your ‘old-school’ clientele.

6) Safety first. It is everything these days, unfortunately. Personal safety, health issues, geopolitical concerns, and Mother Nature. You should be fine, but please do not go solo and just book your travels with the experts. Just in case…

7) The train slowly starts going. Yes, great, we fully support the train as an alternative for short-haul flying, where possible, of course. The network is not there yet, but with increasing night trains and other initiatives, why not?!

8) What happens in Vegas stays in… well, not actually; nothing stays anywhere.

Companies need to be sensitive about what is posted during business trips, incentives, and so on…

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9) Retention trips. What used to be a motivational trip now is also a retention trip. Just a fun weekend away to show how much you appreciate your team, not necessarily to make them work harder or better. A good employee is the new gold.

10) Pay it forward. No, you do not have to paint an elementary school in Africa as such. But find ways to use local companies, make sure you respect their culture, and tip well. Especially when you are not watched to do so, such as for the hard-working cleaning staff in the hotels.

11) Be proud. Sometimes the wonderful mice-trips are hidden a bit from the general eye. Nonsense. Be the company that you would want to work for yourself if you already didn’t. Travel crosses borders and brings people together!

12) Nature ahoy! COVID reminded us of the calm and how nice it can be. One of the few advantages of these horrible years.

Groups love nature, peace and quiet, walking, heading into the wind on a ship, biking, and facing the elements…

FUTURE

‘A seamless symbiosis of technology and personal experience in travel planning’

The Future of MICE…

It is twenty to six on a drizzly Tuesday afternoon. Hans is standing on the platform waiting for his daily train. ‘Delay,’ says a notification on his smartphone, which syncs seamlessly with real-time rail information.

Almost immediately a push message appears: “Difficult day, Hans? How about a weekend away?”

By: Jan Peeters and Pieter Weymans

Surprised, he opens the notification and sees a tailor-made travel offer to Barcelona — a place he and his girlfriend Sandra had talked about last weekend.

‘We thought you’d like this,’ the message reads, with options for flights, hotels and even suggested activities, all based on his previous search behavior and interests. He forwards the information to Sandra via a built-in share function.

That evening they discuss it with friends Joris and David via a joint VR chat, where a virtual travel advisor guides them through some of the Barcelona attractions. They’re sold.

The next day Sandra visits a physical travel office. The advisor there already has access to their online discussions and preferences. ‘We have a few additional ideas,’ he says, presenting an AR rendering of a day out in Barcelona, complete with personalized tours and meal options.

On Friday evenings they meet in a smart pub, where their table is automatically reserved via their joint online profiles.

They agree with the travel advisor’s recommendations and decide to book.

Joris takes the lead and opens an app that compares all options: flights, hotels, and transfers. The app also suggests a restaurant on the Ramblas based on their previous dining experiences and current moods, measured via biometric data collected from their wearables. ‘Everything is settled,’ he texts via an encrypted, blockchain-verified messaging service.

‘Barcelona, here we come!’ The message appears simultaneously on their AR glasses and smartphones. No one questions how the technology works or how the booking was made; they just know it works. And everyone is satisfied.

Is selling travel an art, a technique or a science? In this “real-life” example we see that it is more of an amalgamation of all three, enhanced by deep personalization and real-time technological capabilities.

The journey between the initial micromoment (‘I want to get away from it all,

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and this offer appeals to me’) and the final booking is complex but incredibly integrated and responsive. The impetus was a hyper-targeted, dynamic offering (technology) based on a combination of behavioral analysis, historical data, and real-time context. The travel advisor not only had insight into the customer’s wishes and needs, but could also make real-time adjustments thanks to advanced analytics and augmented reality (technology and experience).

This updated scenario shows that the idea of getting and keeping a consumer within one channel is outdated in the post-omni-channel era. Instead, we see a fluid movement between diverse but deeply integrated points of contact. The booking of the Barcelona trip is the result of a symbiosis of different elements: the marketing efforts of an OTA, the expertise of the travel advisor, the wealth of content available through varied channels (such as VR chat, AR displays, biometric data), and the user-friendliness of intelligent booking platforms. This story illustrates how the integration of technology and personal services are transforming the business and leisure travel experience. A successful MICE experience today depends not only on the location and facilities, but also on the technological support that guides the entire process from planning to execution.

Analyzing this example, we can only conclude: the world of travel sales has not become easier over the years. Was it better before? Of course not. But the channels were much clearer. A quick overview of the evolution.

The mono-channel era (1960 – 1990) The situation was very clear and orderly: trips were purchased and produced by tour operators, and then sold through brochures by travel agents. There were initiatives left and right to sell directly to the customer via call centers, but that volume remained fairly limited.

Please note: this does not mean that all holidays were booked via the travel agent channel during that period. Many travelers found their way directly to hotels in France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. The health insurance companies,

FUTURE the trade unions, the Association for Large and Young Families: they all had a well-developed travel organization, which purchased at competitive prices and worked with unbeatable benefits for their members and/or employees. During this period the organized travel industry had a market share of only 20%.

The multi-channel era (1990 – 2010) Parallel to the rise of the internet, existing and - especially - new players developed other channels to reach consumers.

Online travel agents (OTAs) sprang up like mushrooms and are growing rapidly. Their prices were competitive, and consumers discovered how easy it is to quickly make a booking at home or at the office. Tour operators, airlines and hoteliers saw opportunities to avoid having to pay commissions for intermediaries: “cut out the middle man” was a slogan that worked well during conferences and in management books.

The big winners in this period are the IT developers, website builders and e-commerce consultancy firms. Many companies initially fear that they have missed the boat and overinvest in systems that soon turn out to be outdated. The consumer looks at everything with a smile and jumps from one channel to another without hesitation.

During this period, many believe that the travel advisor profession is on the verge of disappearing.

The omni-channel era (2010 – 2022) Ultimately it turned out that there was only one player who decided how the game should be played: that was the consumer himself. Most companies understood that they had to use all sales channels to ultimately let the consumer choose what he or she thought was best at that moment for that particular purchase. The buzzword was Big Data: collecting all possible data about the consumer, and then approaching that same consumer in the smartest way possible.

A second important concept was “omnichannel consistency”: it was very important to present the same product at the same price and with the same argumentation through all channels used.

In fact, in the omnichannel era, consumers had to be able to combine all channels in a seamless manner. In practice, this meant that a customer could obtain information online, then obtain further information from the travel agency, and then ultimately make a booking via the combination of an OTA, an airline website and some specialized apps. The example at the beginning of this article showed how unpredictable the customer journey could be.

The Hyper-Personalization Era (2023 – Future) While the omni-channel model focused on streamlining and unifying different channels into one seamless customer journey, the future will revolve around the “Hyper-Personalized Travel Experience”.

In this era it is no longer just about offering the same information through different channels. It involves using machine learning, AI, and other advanced technologies to analyze customer behavior and create a unique travel experience for each individual. Big Data is evolving into ‘Smart Data’. It’s not just about collecting data but about collecting the right kind of data that can be directly applied to hyperpersonalization. However, this also raises ethical issues about privacy and data security. Transparency about the use of customer data will become a competitive advantage.

In this era, we can expect dynamic pricing that goes far beyond what we see now.

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Prices for airline tickets, hotels and even tourist activities can vary depending on the travelers’ unique profiles, based on their past behavior, current context and

even mood, detected through biometric sensors.

Customer service becomes proactive instead of reactive. Using AI, companies can predict what problems a traveler is likely to encounter and anticipate them before the traveler is even aware of them.

These changes pose both challenges and opportunities. They force companies to not only be technologically advanced, but also ethical and customer-oriented. The post-omnichannel era is an evolution not only in technology but also in business ethics and customer service.

In this new era it is more important than ever to know, understand and surprise the customer. It is no longer enough to simply be present on all channels; companies must now actively respond

to the individual needs and expectations of each customer. This requires a deep understanding of advanced technologies,

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but also a human touch that cannot be replaced by algorithms.

COLUMN Jan Peeters, columnist

Travel, MICE, Politics and HIPPO I often catch myself in a perhaps understandable but strange reflex. If conflict breaks out somewhere in the world, I immediately start looking for potentially impacted travel destinations. It may be a professional deformity, but I am not particularly proud of it.

Anyway, recently I reflected on the relationship between travel and geopolitics. The occasion was not directly travel-related: it was about the quasi certainty that the 2034 World Cup will be hosted in Saudi Arabia.

FIFA boss Infantino said in a social media statement, ‘Football unites the world. The World Cup is the perfect stage for a message of unity and inclusion. It is also able to show how different cultures can better understand each other.’

The FIFA boss is a man with a certain reputation, but you can apply his statement about football almost one to one on travel. In its best form, travel is about uniting, getting to know and being able to understand.

As for World Cup ‘34, there will be many opinion pieces on this again, and eventually it will come down to “when the ball rolls, it’s about who wins the game.”

Back to the reason for this article: travel’s relationship with geopolitics. The key question is: should the global travel industry take into account local political conditions, as well as questions such as how to deal with women’s rights, the LBGTQ+ community, what about democracy or human rights in general?

The answer, in my opinion, is: no, the travel industry should not actively get involved in this.

I do follow actively what is happening in the world, and I look with horror in my eyes at the situation in a lot of countries. But if the travel industry were to attach certain conditions to the inclusion of certain countries and regions in the destination offer, we would be doing more harm than good.

It is always and everywhere better to have tourism & travel than not. After all: travellers come back with impressions, with contacts, with opinions - and those impressions are real, those contacts are usually honest, and those opinions they formed themselves on the spot.

That’s always better than someone who has formed his/her opinion based on whatever news channel.

Because objective news does not exist: it is always the reflection of the medium, of the creator of the news.

Now what is the link to MICE? The key point is: decisions about MICE destinations are very often influenced by the HIPPO (Highest Paid Person in the Place’s Opinion). That is when safety of the destination (understandably) and political risk become important. The HIPPO tends to be cautious, and risk-averse.

That is probably why MICE events are the first to be cancelled and rebooked when there is trouble. The most striking thing I heard in the past days, was the cancelation of a big American event in Portugal, because of … the wars in Ukraine and Israël. This was probably the result of a HIPPO decision, based on a lack of geographical knowledge and an overdose of fear. Also in the MICE world, life should be able to go on – also in troubling times.

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