Conference & Incentive Travel articles from April 2002

Conference & Incentive Travel archives from April 2002

FIRST OFF: Where are figures to show real C&I value?
April 30, 2002... In these uncertain economic times, the concept of value for money seems more important than ever, whether it's shoppers comparing prices at the local supermarket, or a corporate client setting up a big budget incentive travel programme. I...

ITMA presses industry to keep up with trends.
April 30, 2002... The ITMA is calling on the industry to keep up with market sector trends as changes develop in the use of corporate events and incentive travel. The association's recently released briefing document says the automotive and IT industries...

Hilton divides sales operations into four.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Hilton UK and Ireland has restructured its sales team to offer a more streamlined approach. The sales team has been split into four areas - business sales, leisure sales, business development services and business development systems and...

Ambassadors boost Glasgow meeting sector.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Conference sales at Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley Tourist Board have jumped 25% following support from local ambassadors. Between April 2001 and January 2002 the ambassadors helped generate pounds 25m worth of business for the city. Set up...

UK PRICE CHECK.(lodgings)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Brief: Costs are based on 20 people attending an overnight and day meeting in a five-star deluxe hotel in a capital city. Costs include all meals, B&B and hire of meeting room. Prices include taxes. Dorchester Hotel, London Meeting room...

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Survey results.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... In the agency survey (CIT February), Maritz Travel submitted the correct figure of pounds 9.2m for incentive travel turnover, while some agencies combined other travel-related products in their figures. The annual survey will be reviewed next...

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: DTI appoints KnowledgePool.(Department of Trade and Industry )(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Department of Trade and Industry has appointed KnowledgePool to manage its conference facilities, including the conference centre at One Victoria Street. Tel: 01753 604180.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at Absolute Corporate Events.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Absolute Corporate Events has appointed Brendan Caffrey, formerly director of C&I sales at Radisson SAS, as its director of sales. Tel: 01225 744 666.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: National Venue Show sells 75% of space.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The National Venue Show has now sold 75% of stand space. Organiser Waypoint Exhibition Group has also launched the Event Service Show to run alongside the September event. Tel: 01455 202088.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.(Steve Mylles)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre has appointed Steve Mylles as general manager. Tel: 01224 330427.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Warwick Conferences completes rebranding project.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Warwick Conferences has just completed the pounds 200,000 rebranding project it began last year. Tel: 024 7652 3725.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Thistle Hotels to rename two hotels.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Thistle Hotels is to rename two of its London hotels. The Heathrow Park Hotel will become the Thistle London Heathrow and the Thistle Kings Cross will be called the Thistle Islington. Tel: 020 7895 2236.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at Conference Centres of Excellence.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Conference Centres of Excellence has appointed Malcolm Youngson, group manager of sales and operations at the East Midlands Conference Centre, as vice-chairman. Tel: 01306 886900.

TCCG expands event arm with four new chiefs.
April 30, 2002... The Completely Creative Group (TCCG) has relaunched its event management arm with four new directors. Minds' Eye EMS (Event Management Services) will focus on live events, team building, conferences and incentive travel. It is based in...

Maritz Spanish buy beefs up Euro offer.(Maritz Travel)
April 30, 2002... Maritz Travel has boosted its European network by acquiring Spanish incentive agency Incentive House. Commenting on the acquisition of the Madrid outfit, Maritz Travel Ltd commercial director Shaun Casey said: 'This new office will greatly...

Virgin rethinks sales team to focus on value.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Virgin Atlantic has restructured its sales team in a bid to strengthen its focus on delivering value to its key travel markets. The change comes as load factors continue to increase following 11 September. Andrew Dale has been appointed...

BACD salutes international BTA brochure.(British Association of Conference Destinations)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The British Association of Conference Destinations (BACD) has welcomed the publication of a British Tourist Authority (BTA) brochure of UK destinations targeted at international conference organisers. 'Any scheme that brings in more...

PEOPLE AND PLACES: Land Rover's team effort.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Having worked with Land Rover for eight years, The Event Business knew exactly the type of venue the company was looking for when it briefed the agency to organise a team-building exercise last October. Over three days, the Hop Farm Country...

Low-cost carriers grab market share.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... American Express' latest Corporate Travel Barometer has reported that more than half (60%) of business travellers have used low-cost carriers for business travel over the past 12 months. 'While economic conditions remain tight, corporations...

Wren's restructures to build its offering.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Wren's Hotel Group has rebranded its UK division as Wren's Hotels. The change follows a company restructure to create Adriatic Luxury Hotels, the Croatian division of the group, and to allow for further expansion both in the UK and...

HBAA reports hotel industry set for revival.(Hotel Booking Agents Association)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) is confident the drop in business travel since 11 September is picking up. HBAA members have reported booking levels for major business destinations in January were only marginally down on last...

Exhibitions must add more value to stay competitive.(Brief Article)(Column)
April 30, 2002... The exhibition season is in full swing, but are we getting what we should out of these events? It occurs to me - as I delete the sixth copy of an e-mail received from someone I don't know, inviting me to meet them at an exhibition I am not...

Scotland bids for funding to increase trade.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Scottish Tourism Minister Mike Watson has launched an action plan that looks set to benefit the country's conference sector. The Scottish Convention Bureau has put in a bid for increased funding as a result of the new proposals. 'This...

Keele's pounds 16m refurbishment.(University of Keele)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Keele University is spending pounds 16m over the next six years to refurbish more than 3,000 rooms that are used by Keele Conference Park during the student holidays. 'The refurbishment scheme is an integral element of our long-term...

Associations urge action on training.(Association of British Professional Conference Organisers, Travel, Tourism and Events National Training Organisation)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Two industry associations are to lobby the Government to establish training and qualifications for the conference and events industry. The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) and the Travel, Tourism and Events...

WEBWATCH: Angus and Dundee hits the Net.(Angus and Dundee Convention Bureau)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Angus and Dundee Convention Bureau is keen to be recognised as the fourth major conference destination in Scotland and at this year's Confex launched its website, www.angusanddundee.co.uk/convention. The 120-page site is a valuable resource...

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at TBA.
April 30, 2002... TBA, the live events and communications agency, has appointed Carole Ward as director of operations. Tel: 020 7380 0953.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Steigenberger Hotels to open UK office.
April 30, 2002... Steigenberger Hotels will open a UK sales office later this year, headed by Roger Niemeyer. Tel: +49 69 665 64 400.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at Marriott UK.
April 30, 2002... Marriott UK has appointed Katie Niland as agency sales manger for its Sales Force Transformation Team. Tel: 01582 499 285.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Game On to provide new entertainment facilities.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Barbican Gallery's exhibition on computer games, Game On, will provide new corporate entertainment facilities from May to September. Tel: 020 7382 7089.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: De Vere Hotels offers opportunities to organisers.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... De Vere Hotels is offering meeting organisers the opportunity to explore Leeds and stay at two local properties, Oulton Hall and the Village Hotel and Leisure Club. Tel: 0113 282 1000.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: M61 Meetings Group offers free accommodation.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The M61 Meetings Group of hotels is offering free accommodation for families of delegates staying over the Easter and summer holidays. Tel: 01904 607530.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at The Russell Organisation.(Simon Wood appointed marketing executive)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Russell Organisation has appointed Simon Wood as marketing executive, while Keith O'Loughlin is deputy managing director. Tel: 01603 785765.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Promotion at RS Live.(Andy Ogden promoted to associate director)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... RS Live has promoted Andy Ogden to the role of associate director. Tel: 0121 702 2229.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Appointment at Stirling Events.(names Ros Bates operations manager)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Stirling Events has made Ros Bates event operations manager. Tel: 0151 709 8979.

UK NEWS IN BRIEF: Wildside Corporate launches range of events.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Wildside Corporate has launched Ultimate Adventures, a range of corporate hospitality and incentive events. Tel: 020 8366 1766.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Copenhagen tipped to bring in bumper profit.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Copenhagen is predicting that 2002 will be its most profitable year to date for C&I business, with a turnover of DKK10bn (pounds 832m), according to the Danish Tourist Board. 'This year alone will see two major IT firms - Oracle and Cisco...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: JNTO eyes UK incentive sector.(Japan National Tourist Organisation)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) is planning to target the UK incentive market more fully in 2002, having previously concentrated on the association sector. 'We will be running our fam trip to a number of Japan's 49...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: World Price Check.(costs of five-star hotels in Rome, Paris, Prague)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)(Illustration)
April 30, 2002... Overnight hotel package Brief: Costs are based on 20 people attending an overnight and day meeting in a five-star deluxe hotel in a capital city. Costs include all meals, B&B and hire of meeting room. Prices include taxes. The Ritz,...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Gibraltar looks to promote its British heritage.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Gibraltar Tourist Board is running a year-long promotion to push the destination to the UK market. The Home from Home campaign aims to flag up Gibraltar's links with Britain. Marketing will include radio activity and posters. The board...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas briefs - Appointment at Thanos Hotels.(Uwe Opocensky appointed chief executive of Anassa hotel)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Thanos Hotels has appointed Uwe Opocensky as chief executive of the group's five-star hotel, Anassa, in Cyprus. Tel: +357 6 888 000.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas briefs - Rosesaliba Partnership offers reduced rates.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Rosesaliba Partnership, the hotel sales and marketing company, is offering reduced delegate rates at two of the Corinthia hotels in Prague and the Swissotel, Istanbul. Tel: 020 7224 1960.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas briefs - Hotel Yak & Yeti to celebrate ascent of Everest.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Hotel Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu has put together a special group programme to celebrate the anniversary of the ascent of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary. Tel: 020 7372 4844.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas briefs - Club Med introduces spas.(Club Mediterranee S.A.)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Club Med is introducing spa facilities at a number of its properties. Tel: 0700 2582 633.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas briefs - Eurostar expands network.(Eurostar (U.K.) Ltd.)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Eurostar is expanding its network and from the summer will run direct services between London and Avignon. Tel: 020 7922 4494.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas briefs - Regal Hotels extends MICE campaign.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Regal Hotels International has extended its 2002 MICE campaign to the end of the year, offering meeting bookers and delegates privileges at any of the eight Regal Hotels in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Toronto. Tel: +852 2895 1010.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas briefs - Radisson Seven Seas Cruises publishes second edition.(The Luxury Collection features cruises, price reductions)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Radisson Seven Seas Cruises has published its second edition of The Luxury Collection, introducing themed cruises and price reductions. Tel: 023 8068 2285.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas briefs - Silver Wind available for charter.(Silversea Cruises Ltd. offers charter service)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Silversea Cruises has made Silver Wind available for charter throughout the Mediterranean while the vessel is out of service for the regular cruise programmes. Tel: 020 7920 7053.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: ICCA set to debate on industry threats.
April 30, 2002... The International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) is urging the industry to pull together to market the UK, following the effects of the 11 September terrorist attacks. The association's UK & Ireland Chapter will theme its summer...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: BTA announces 30 partners for EIBTM.
April 30, 2002... The British Tourist Authority (BTA) has pulled in around 30 partners for the British Pavilion at Geneva-based EIBTM this year. The Pavilion will focus on the investment the UK's conference and business tourism facilities is undergoing. ...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: WTTC predicts business travel upturn in 2003.(World Travel & Tourism Council)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The impact of 11 September left worldwide business travel down by 3.49% in 2001, but growth is expected after the end of this year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Research released last month predicts that business...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Rise of low-cost airlines will force change in attitude.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... A primary requirement of any incentive travel programme has always been that it must be aspirational and provide a quality solution. It has often been hard to extend these characteristics to the flights, but careful project management and...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: IHF demands grant to secure recovery.(Irish Hotels Federation)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has called for a EUR20m (pounds 12.3m) tourism recovery fund to be granted by the government. The industry's recovery has been slow in Ireland following the effects of 11 September and foot and mouth, and...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Phuket seeks site for centre.(Tourism Authority of Thailand)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed that plans are going ahead to build an international convention centre in Phuket. A study is being conducted to identify a suitable location for the centre, according to TAT's director...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Madrid hosts raft of foreign conventions.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Madrid won 59 conventions last year, which will be held in the Spanish capital from now until 2006. Most of the events are from overseas, such as the International Mathematics Convention, which will attract around 5,000 delegates. The...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: People and Places - Boston charm wins P&MM.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... P&MM took a group of five buyers to Boston last month, in association with Delta Air Lines, Fairmont Hotels and local DMC Wedgewood USA. Guests experienced Delta's dedicated meetings service for the business class flight from Gatwick. A...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - Harmony Cruises launches luxury fleet.
April 30, 2002... Harmony Cruises in Athens has launched a fleet of six luxury yacht-style cruise ships for charter. Tel: 01732 229900.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - SITE board appoints Smith, Bucklin and Associates.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The SITE board of directors has appointed Smith, Bucklin and Associates, the association management company, to oversee the management of the 2,000-member international society. Tel: + 1 212 575 0910.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - Kempinski Hotels & Resorts to manage cruise ship.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Kempinski Hotels and Resorts is to manage its first cruise ship. The Kempinski Ganna will make its maiden voyage on the Nile in August and will cruise between Luxor and Aswan. Tel: 020 8307 7653.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - Appointment at Lucien Barriere.(Mehdi Hemici)
April 30, 2002... Lucien Barriere, the French hotel group, has appointed Mehdi Hemici as its new director of sales worldwide. Tel: +33 1 4286 1220.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - Appointment at The Societe des Bains.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Societe des Bains has taken on Bernard Lambert as chief executive. Tel: +33 7 9216 6213.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - The Vision Hotel Group adds to its portfolio.
April 30, 2002... The Vision Hotel Group has added Le Meridien Piccadilly and Le Meridien Shelbourne in Dublin to its portfolio of C&I hotels. Tel: +33 1 4270 7445.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: ATC aims to boost UK corporate trade.(Australian Tourist Commission)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) is to target corporate clients directly in a bid to educate them on the country's C&I offer, according to ATC manager, business tourism, Europe, Sheila Ainscough. 'We've already started awareness...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Pushing Frontiers - Kentucky bids for business.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The US has a multitude of destinations ideal for corporate groups and Kentucky, located in south central US along the west side of the Appalachian Mountains, is hoping to become just as well-known. The state has three main regions geared...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Judges decide EIBTM winners.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... A panel of 14 judges from across Europe, headed by Maritz Travel chairman Graham Frazer, voted last month on the 65 entries submitted for this year's EIBTM Awards. Four new categories have been added, including Best Conference and Best...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: AIME success shows upturn in C&I market.
April 30, 2002... AIME, Asia Pacific's largest incentive travel trade show, which ran on 19-20 February, has reported its largest show to date. UK buyers totalled 31, less than the predicted 41, although exhibitor numbers reached 598, with 297 hosted buyers...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - Appointment at Radisson Edwardian Hotels.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Radisson Edwardian Hotels has appointed Kicki Westre as sales manager for the Nordic countries. Tel: 020 8757 7857.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - Appointment at SITE.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... SITE has taken on Brenda Anderson as executive director. Tel: + 1 212 575 0910.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - Kowloon Shangri-La introduces package.(hotel, Hong Kong)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Kowloon Shangri-La has introduced a live-in meetings package, offering discounts off published accommodation rates until the end of the year. Tel: +852 2721 2111.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - The Regal Shanghai East Asia Hotel launches package.(China)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The Regal Shanghai East Asia Hotel, an integrated part of the Shanghai Stadium, is launching an executive package. Tel: +852 2895 1010.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - Tourism Vancouver offers themed packages.(Canada)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Tourism Vancouver will be offering a number of seasonally themed packages throughout the year. Tel: +1 604 631 2873.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre offers discounts.(advertisement)
April 30, 2002... The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is offering discounts of up to 35% off hire prices until August for conferences, meetings and corporate events. Tel: +852 2582 7837.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - Indochina Services partners with Bangkok Airways.(travel packages, Mekong River Region)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Indochina Services, in partnership with Bangkok Airways, has launched a package that allows groups to explore four World Heritage sites at countries along the Mekong River Region. The company has also introduced tours to Cambodia. Tel: +66...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Overseas Briefs - American Airlines services to return to original level.(flights from the UK to the U.S.)(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... American Airlines services from the UK to the US are to return to the same level as they were prior to 11 September. Flights will resume from five UK airports to nine North American destinations this summer. Tel: 020 8577 4712.

OPINION: Sounding Off - Disregard disabled clients at your cost.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
April 30, 2002... When will venues see that meeting the needs of disabled people is not just red tape, but a real commercial issue? In January, I set out to visit two possible venues for our annual conference, worth up to pounds 20,000. Both claimed to be able...

CASE STUDY: Seville entertains KFC's team.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... Pleasant weather, incentive potential and sight-seeing appeal were all factors in KFC's decision to host its annual conference in Seville. As Stephanie Roberts discovers, the laughter generated from Frank Skinner's comedy act was just a bonus....

CASE STUDY: Wembley hosts One2One event.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... When One2One decided to hold its yearly meeting for 2,300 employees the challenge of finding a suitable venue was easily rectified through the use of Wembley Conference Centre. Stephanie Roberts reports. In bringing its entire workforce in...

BIRMINGHAM: Growth in the Midlands.
April 30, 2002... Birmingham has earned its stripes as a world-class meetings destination and investment to date has created a leading conference city. Its irrepressible drive for improvement is fuelling further development. Dave Saunders reports. ...

GLASGOW: The glow of Glasgow.
April 30, 2002... With the accolades of capital of culture and city of design and architecture under its belt, Glasgow continues to build on its reputation as a thriving cosmopolitan centre. Colette Doyle went to find out why growing numbers of conferences are...

M25 VENUES: Orbital meetings.
April 30, 2002... The M25 is the lifeblood of its surrounding hotels and venues, offering a unique blend of accessibility and tranquility that is close to London. Julia Gosling reveals how the area is enjoying a recent upturn in corporate business. Hotels...

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS: Stimulating settings.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... The prospect of JCB racing or an event at a museum presents a solution to organisers faced with the difficulty of clients who have seen it all before. As Abigail Wills discovers, not only are these interesting options, but highly professional...

FRANCE: PARIS - City of contrasts.
April 30, 2002... Parisian suppliers are asking UK buyers to look at the city with fresh eyes to discover its enviable offer of both modern and historic venues. Plus, as Stephanie Roberts reports, the city offers the opportunity for events at all budget levels....

SHOW GUIDE: VENUEMASTERS - Academic selection.
April 30, 2002... Academic venues are an increasingly feasible choice for meetings organisers and next month's Venuemasters show at the Business Design Centre reveals the best of what UK universities and colleges can offer the corporate market. Jennifer Creevy...

FRANCE: COTE D'AZUR - The Riviera's rich offer.(Brief Article)
April 30, 2002... In addition to superb venues and a broad hotel stock in Nice and Cannes, towns such as St Tropez, Juan-les-Pins and Eze also offer a variety of meetings space in a glamorous setting, as Jennifer Creevy finds out. 'The Cote d'Azur has the...