Conference & Incentive Travel articles from December 2004

Conference & Incentive Travel archives from December 2004

First Off: I'll pay more only if services warrant it.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... How many of us book our holidays through a high-street travel agent? And how many still go through a broker to book our annual car insurance? Chances are it's a fraction of the number compared to, say, ten years ago. The reason for...

Can London reign supreme against rival British cities?(economic infrastructure analysis)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... London's hold on the UK's C&I business is under threat as competing British cities build on their infrastructure. This was the overriding message of the debate between industry experts at Confer, the annual event for the British Association...

UK Price Check.(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 20, 2004... Top client event in a luxury castle: 18 delegates for two nights and three days in February 2005. Amberley Castle, Amberley 24 hour rate pounds 11,250 Day delegate rate pounds 1,350 F&B ...

Confex responds to delegate feedback.(www.international-confex.com)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Confex has announced a number of new features for the 2005 show. Of particular significance for buyers is the New Products Live showcase, which gives suppliers of new products, whether it be venues or technology, the opportunity to...

MIA to outsource management to The Secretariat.(Meetings Industry Association)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has appointed association management company, The Secretariat, to manage member communications and administration. The move is intended to free up more than pounds 40,000 a year currently spent on...

News brief: Appointment at British Hospitality Association.(London Mayoral Commission)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... The London Mayoral Commission, the body examining the potential for a London convention centre, has appointed to its board British Hospitality Association chief executive Bob Cotton and Maritz Travel Europe vice president Graham Frazer. Tel:...

News brief: Appointment at British Association of Conference Destinations.(Appointment)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Torquay has rejoined the British Association of Conference Destinations (BACD) to strengthen its market position. Meanwhile, the association has appointed Kate Ansell as sales and marketing co-ordinator. Tel: 0121 212 1400.

News brief: Biglove.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Biglove, a marketing company offering incentive and communication programmes, has been launched by Steev Glover, former account director at Archer Young. Launch clients include Epson and Staples. Tel: 01462 446 056.

News brief: Appointment at Warwick Conferences.(Appointment)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Warwick Conferences has appointed Helen Green as senior sales manager. Green joins from Hayley Conference Centres. Tel: 024 7652 3222.

News brief: Scotland Means Business workshop.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... VisitScotland Business Tourism will be holding its twice-yearly Scotland Means Business workshop at the Westin Turnberry Resort on November 17-18. Tel: 0131 343 1608.

News brief: Appointment at Gray Dawes.(Appointment)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Gray Dawes, the business travel management company, has apppointed Julia Smith as its conference and incentive manager. Smith joins the company from American Express. Tel: 01206 716160.

News brief: Appointment at Moat House Hotels.(Appointment)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Moat House Hotels has promoted Ian Thomas to head of sales and has appointed Scott Ford as senior national accounts manager. Tel: 01708 730522.

Sprout wins two gold medals at Event Awards.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Production agency Sprout has won two gold medals at the recent Event Awards. The London-based firm was awarded Best Launch Event and Most Effective Live Event for its Renault F1 launch. Managing director Joe Macgregor said: 'We are...

Royal Academy tops most profitable list.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... The Royal Academy of Arts is the most profitable corporate hospitality company in Great Britain, according to a new report. The self-funding institution tops research by data managment company Prospect Swetenhams, which ranks companies by...

Excel sets sights on number one position.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Confirmed conference bookings at London's Excel are up 150% year-on-year for 2005. Although Excel refused to reveal financial figures, it confirmed that 300 conferences had taken place there this year and that conference sales revenue had...

People and Places: The Centaur, Cheltenham.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... More than 100 guests from the events industry descended on Cheltenham in late October for a champagne lunch and race afternoon at The Centaur. The aim of the day was to raise awareness among meeting planners of the new venue's facilities. ...

Choice Hotels to upgrade with its Meetings Focus.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Choice Hotels Europe is rolling out its new group initiative, called Meeting Focus, within ten Quality hotels in the UK before March 2005. Marketing director Vicky La Trobe said the launch reinforces the group's commitment to the...

Sheffield agency smashes record.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Marketing agency Diva has announced a record two months. The Sheffield-based firm dealt with almost 1,000 delegates over September and October, its highest number to date and the culmination of a 1,900% increase in business since 1998. ...

Don't miss out on a treat by ignoring the power of spas.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Every business manager today would agree that workplace stress is a key concern and that keeping employees fit, healthy and happy has a positive impact on productivity. Yet how much consideration is given to these factors when planning a...

Cumbria to reap pounds 20m from group campaign.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Cumbria is investing pounds 100,000 on its first ever campaign devised to boost C&I business. Tourism to the county is currently worth pounds 1bn, with business tourism accounting for pounds 100m. 'We want to ensure our potential is...

Guernsey initiative.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Conference Guernsey has unveiled its marketing initiatives for attracting more business to the island. It is now promoting flight-inclusive conference tariffs - meaning organisers can choose from a range of off-the-shelf packages - and is...

Norwich bureau to open in 2005.(Norwich Area Tourism Agency)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... The Norwich Area Tourism Agency is to launch a destination conference bureau in the New Year. Until now Norwich and Norfolk have not had their own dedicated conference departments. A business plan has been put together with a view to...

Webwatch: Unusual hotels of the world.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Web - www.uhotw.com So what's the story? UHOTW came about 'over a pub lunch, after a few beers'. The online guide showcases some of the world's quirkiest hotels - from budget huts to luxury penthouses - and was officially launched on 1...

International brief: Promotion at Dolce International.(Appointment)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Dolce International, the global conference centre company, has promoted Philippe Attia to vice president, operations Europe, while Steve Giblin takes on the role of company president. Tel: +33 141 39 0744.

International brief: Appointment at Starwood Hotels & Resorts.(Appointment)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Starwood Hotels & Resorts has named Steven J Heyer as its chief executive officer. Heyer was most recently president and chief operating officer of Coca-Cola. Tel: +65 6335 4837.

International brief: Promotion at Raffles International.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Raffles International has promoted Leong Wai Leng to chief executive officer. Leong was formerly the group executive director. Tel: 020 7300 1838.

International brief: Alitalia launches new service.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Alitalia has launched a service from Birmingham to Milan's Malpensa Airport. Return fares start at u106 inclusive of tax. Tel: 0870 544 8259.

International brief: Appointment at Hong Kong International Airport.(Appointment)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Asia World Expo, the new exhibition and event venue at Hong Kong International Airport, has appointed Peter Sutton as chief operating officer. Tel: +852 2838 8808.

International brief: Accor acquires a 28.9% stake in Club Med.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Accor, Europe's largest hotels and services group, has formally acquired a 28.9% stake in Club Med. It aims to develop mutually beneficial initiatives. Tel: +331 69 36 80 80.

International brief: Appointment at Best Western International.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Best Western International has appointed David Kong as its new president and chief executive officer. Tel::0800 393 130.

International brief: Fairmont Chicago offers free iPod mini or mini DVD player.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Fairmont Chicago is offering a free iPod mini or mini DVD player to any meeting planner who books a meeting at the hotel worth $25,000 or more between 1 January and 1 March 2005. Tel: 020 7025 1600.

ILTM visitor figures reflect strength of luxury market.
December 20, 2004... Visitor figures for this year's International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) are up 70% on 2003, with 850 buyers expected in Cannes for the three-day show. 'The figures clearly demonstrate the explosive nature of the luxury market,' said ILTM...

WTM report shows boost for tourism.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Global tourism numbers have bounced back in 2004, according to World Travel Market's Global Travel Report. International arrivals were up 12% to 526 million in the first eight months of 2004. The report predicted growth for the...

Kennedy to head up EIBTM as new show director.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Paul Kennedy has been appointed as group exhibition director of EIBTM. Kennedy took up the post on 1 November, which adds to his duties as the chairman of the Meetings Industry Association. His remit is to oversee the show, along with...

ITMA joins new, FCO travel advice group.(Incentive Travel & Meetings Association)(Foreign and Commonwealth Office)(Charles Robinson )(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... The ITMA has become a member of the Travel Advice Review Group (TARG), the body set up by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Along with other representatives of the travel and insurance industries, the ITMA will help the FCO make...

Centre confirmed in Melbourne.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... The Australian state of Victoria plans to build a u150m convention centre in Melbourne. Built next to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, the facility will have capacity for 5,000 delegates. On completion in 2008 it will be the largest...

It is time to put Asia back on the map as a viable destination.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... The fact that one of this month's destination reports focuses on South East Asia (seepage 65) is entirely appropriate because the region has so much to offer the incentive travel industry. Unfortunately, few corporate buyers reading this issue...

Pushing Frontiers: Bhutan.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Hidden in the eastern Himalayas, east of Nepal, Bhutan has intrigued intrepid travellers eager to venture Into the Buddhist kingdom since it reopened its doors in 1974. Paro, in the west of Bhutan, is home to the international airport. It...

Beckham mania sees Madrid top Cititravel charts.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... The Beckham family's move to the Spanish capital has made it the most popular destination in Europe for C&I groups this year, according to DMC Cititravel. 'In spite of the bombing, Madrid is our most popular destination with UK groups...

New Orleans DMC targets untapped UK C&I potential.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... New Orleans has earmarked the UK MICE sector for further growth. Signature Events, a New Orleans-based DMC represented by the Ram Organisation, visited the UK this month to promote the destination to C&I agencies and planners. Ram...

UK a top priority for Malta tourism boss.(Malta Tourist Office )(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... The Malta Tourist Office has appointed Michael Piscopo as its new director for UK and Ireland with a remit to increase the island's C&I business. Piscopo joins from Malta's tourist board in New York and has previously handled promotion in...

Emirates capital backs tourism with NTO launch.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Abu Dhabi has launched its first tourism authority in an effort to promote the capital of the United Arab Emirates to overseas visitors. The launch coincides with the opening in December of the 'sevenstar' Emirates Palace, which will have...

Korea pushes for bigger slice of C&I pie.(Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events Business)(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... The Korean government, in association with the Korean National Tourist Office (KNTO), has unveiled an aggressive plan to win international MICE business. KNTO London office assistant marketing manager Ramy Salameh said: 'The aim is that...

People and Places: Austria.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... Austria has been looming large in industry consciousness for some time and its varied MICE offerings were given a dedicated showcase last month at a forum and trade show in Vienna. Access 2004 took place over two days in early October In the...

Opinion: Sounding Off - Losing a client due to a bad joke is no laughing matter.(Brief Article)
December 20, 2004... We work in a social industry in which most of us enjoy a good laugh. At the various award ceremonies,and gala dinners we attend, the after-dinner speaker is one of the most anticipated parts of the whole affair. A good laugh can do wonders for...

In Person: Laurence Croneen - Managing director; Jack Morton.
December 20, 2004... As 2004 draws to a close, the tables have turned on Laurence Croneen. Rather than directing an event, he's taking part in one. Having barely recovered from overseeing the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Athens, the...

Case Study: BSkyB winners talk Italian.
December 20, 2004... Using the launch of The Italian Job on Sky as its theme, the company held its annual Satellite Retailer of the Year contest. Kerry Baggott reports. The plan was flawless... the job was executed perfectly... the escape was clean. It was...

Case Study: Renault blast.
December 20, 2004... Concorde fitted the bill perfectly for the launch of Renault's Modus model to almost 100 journalists, reports Ben Lerwill. It was once the supersonic domain of the social and business elite; champagne fizzed through the lower stratosphere...

Analysis: Future focus.
December 20, 2004... MPI UK members met to discuss the impact of procurement and how it is shaping the future of the industry. It may have been a cold Monday night in October - when most people prefer to be tucked up at home - but the opportunity to debate the...

Showcase: CIT forum.
December 20, 2004... In a combination of business and pleasure, some 40 corporate buyers met with 25 suppliers at Turnberry for CIT's second successful Forum. DISCOVERING TURNBERRY As host to the second annual CIT Forum, Starwood Hotels and Resorts'...

Special Report: Coping with a crisis.
December 20, 2004... Would you know exactly what to do if you had a group staying in a hotel when it became the target of a terrorist attack? Yasmin Razak tells you why you should and what measures should be in place. Picture this - it's 2am in the morning and...

Jersey: Home and away.
December 20, 2004... For groups wanting to stay at home yet experience an overseas culture, Jersey is an ideal and easily accessible choice offering a host of C&I options in just 45sq miles, reports Kim Rutter. For an island with an area of only 45sq miles,...

10 of the Best: Unusual venues.
December 20, 2004... Choosing a venue that breaks the mould is a sure-fire way of impressing delegates. Ginny McGrath reports on what ten such venues around the UK have to offer. ACKERGILL TOWER, SCOTLAND Contact: Ian Richards, 01955 603556 Website:...

Belfast: A new era.
December 20, 2004... Investment in infrastructure and marketing has allowed Belfast to successfully forge its own, strong identity. Ben Lerwill reports. Belfast is changing. Long considered as a snotty little brother to the likes of Dublin and London, today's...

Bournemouth: The party choice.
December 20, 2004... With its conference bureau approaching its first birthday and plans to extend the conference centre, Bournemouth is now more than a political party favourite, reports Matthew Batham. As this year's host destination for both the Conservative...

Dubai: In a world of its own.
December 20, 2004... Claiming a number of 'firsts', Dubai is staying one step ahead of its rivals with a string of innovative projects. But is it actually going too far, asks Robin McKelvie, as he tours some of the Emirate's impressive venues. The rise of...

Dubai: Keeping up with the times.
December 20, 2004... LATEST DEVELOPMENTS MADINAT JUMEIRAH Contact: Julie Blackwell, 020 7235 1234 Website: www.madinatjumeirah.com Number of meeting spaces: 10 Largest space holds 1,832 theatre-style The Six Senses spa is run by the award-winning...

South East Asia: Eastern flavours.
December 20, 2004... Now that South East Asia is back on the agenda, C&I groups are lapping up its cultural mix by combining two exotic destinations in one, often as part of a stopover. Yasmin Razak reports. 'Don't mention the S-word' is a statement often used...

South East Asia: Singapore - Spicing up its image.
December 20, 2004... While renowned for being Asia's top convention city, Singapore is now drawing attention to its range of incentive opportunities and its lively nightlife. Yasmin Razak reports. Jay-walkers, chewing gum addicts and fans of the pungent durian...

South East Asia: Malaysia - Reach for the sky.
December 20, 2004... While its neighbours have dominated the conference scene in the past, the opening of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre could mean it's now Malaysia's turn, writes Yasmin Razak. The opening of a new convention centre is certain to highlight...

South East Asia: Thailand - Thailand tour.
December 20, 2004... New venues ensure that Thailand's appeal to the C&I sector continues. Yasmin Razak looks at the latest developments. BANGKOK An ambitious expansion project, dubbed The Challenger, is underway at Bangkok's IMPACT exhibition and...

South Africa: Decade of democracy.
December 20, 2004... South Africa has won the hearts of leisure tourists and is now turning its attention to business travellers, writes Sarah Wild. Ten years after South Africa's first democratic elections, its tourism industry has changed beyond recognition....

South Africa: 20 Things to do in South Africa.
December 21, 2004... 1 South Africa is home to two of the world's most renowned wildlife reserves, the Kruger and Kalahari Gemsbok national parks, plus more than a dozen smaller parks and reserves. Organisers can combine traditional 'big five' game drives with...

Paris: Capital of chic.
December 21, 2004... With so many new venues and novel incentives now available, Jane Dunford suggests you take a fresh look at this old favourite. Close, convenient and tried-and-tested, Paris has long been a reliable conference and incentive destination for...

Paris: Seeing is believing..
December 21, 2004... Knowing that actions speak louder than words, 50 event organisers saw and experienced for themselves all that is new in the French capital. Jane Dunford reports back from Paris. 'Breathe a new Paris'. That was the challenge Maison de la...

Paris: Showcase - places to party.
December 21, 2004... Style, sophistication and glamour - these party venues have all in three by the champagne bucketload. LE PRE CATELAN - www.lenotre.fr Built during the belle epoque era, in the heart of the Bois de Bologne, this beautiful mansion has 14...

Paris: Showcase - places to meet.(Convention centers)
December 21, 2004... Whether it's location, style or facilities that determine your choice, here are some venues that may fit the bill. LE PALAIS DES CONGRES DE PARIS - www.palaisdescongres-paris.com The purpose-built Palais des Congres is one of Paris's...

Paris Case Study: The Power of One.(PepsiCo - commercial conference)
December 21, 2004... A fun event with a commercial edge in Disneyland Paris suited PepsiCo, reports Jane Dunford. When PepsiCo UK wanted to celebrate Walkers Snack Foods, Tropicana and Quaker Foods being brought together under one management, there were...

Costa Del Sol: Province of progress.
December 21, 2004... The Costa del Sol's infrastructure, accessibility and incentive opportunities make it an established destination for C&I groups looking for sun, sea and sand, reports Clive Walker. The Costa del Sol has worked hard to shed its...

Show Preview: Welcome to EIBTM 2004 in Barcelona.(Exhibition For The Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Industry )
December 21, 2004... This year's EIBTM show is more eagerly awaited than normal having missed a year in 2003 and now relocated to its new, exciting home, Barcelona. The Catalan capital will play host to 2,000 exhibitors and 5,000 visitors from more than 100...

Show Preview: Seminar programme.
December 21, 2004... CORPORATE PROGRAMME TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 08.30-09.30 - How to do business in Spain - The dos and don'ts when organising a meeting in Spain. Learn to work with the convention bureaus and local suppliers. 13.00-14.00 - How to...

Show Preview: 24 hours in Barcelona.
December 21, 2004... If you find yourself with time to spare before, after and (dare we even suggest it) during this year's show, then don your tourist head and go exploring. Ben Lerwill sets you on your way. Barcelona's heady mix of culture and history,...

Venue Focus.
December 21, 2004... THE HOLIDAY INN DOCKLANDS, which opened on the Excel campus in May, will be upgraded to a Crowne Plaza property this month, following an external and internal refurbishment of public areas, guest rooms and conference facilities. The change has...

Venue Focus: Courthouse opens its cell doors for business.(Courthouse Hotel Kempinski)(Brief Article)
December 21, 2004... Courthouse Hotel Kempinski opens this month in central London. Located in the former Great Marlborough Street Magistrates Court, the 116-room hotel retains many quirky features that have been incorporated into the building's decor. The...

Venue Focus: Country house unveils pounds 4m redevelopment.(Matfen Hall Hotel)(Brief Article)
December 21, 2004... Matfen Hall Hotel is now better able to accommodate corporate groups thanks to a pounds 4m development project. The 53-room property, located 25 minutes from the centre of Newcastle, is now the largest independent country house in the North...

Venue Focus: Full Moon in Maldives completes renovation.(Full Moon resort )(Brief Article)
December 21, 2004... Universal Resorts has completed the renovation at the Full Moon resort on the North Male atoll in the Maldives. The 55 beachfront bungalows, deluxe rooms and water pavilions will open at the end of the year. To add to the sense of tranquillity,...

Venue Focus: Chic option now on offer in northern Mallorca.(Aimia Hotel & Spa)(Brief Article)
December 21, 2004... Aimia Hotel & Spa, a contemporary four-star hotel on the north west coast of Mallorca, is open for business. Its 43 rooms all open on to private terraces overlooking the sea and mountains. Created using natural materials, the property has...

Diary: Let's go to... Giethoorn.
December 21, 2004... Off again, are we? Where to this time? Pack your rubber dinghy. We're off to Giethoorn Steenwijkerland. Dauntingly spelt-tastic! Tell me more... Excitingly, the Dutch town has rivers instead of roads and was founded by marauding...

Diary: Revel at your peril is a Christmas message.
December 21, 2004... Office Christmas parties are immensely enjoyable, even if they do generate mountainous amounts of woe and regret afterwards. The Crown Hotel in Bawtry, ever mindful of its clients' welfare, has forewarned revellers by way of a stringent list of...

Diary: Stay and pay in the UK.
December 21, 2004... Us Brits are a budget-conscious lot - hardly surprising when you see the price of a butler these days - so Diary was shocked to learn we allegedly waste pounds 300m a year on airport parking. 'Britain has the most expensive airport parking in...

Diary: Confessions of an Event Planner.
December 21, 2004... It was the first event I had organised in Asia. Kuala Lumpur turned out to be a brilliant venue, and is still the best value for money I've ever seen. We had 200 delegates at a three-day event, with two gala dinners. One fantastic event was...

Diary: Competition.
December 21, 2004... Each month, CIT will test your observational skills and give away a fantastic prize. This month, readers can win a gourmet Christmas gift hamper, designed by Albert Roux, courtesy of Optima. The hamper is full of delicacies from hand-made...

Diary: Pooling resources.
December 21, 2004... The Bournemouth International Centre may be one of the venues the spin-happy fraternity of UK politics head to of an autumn, but it's a safe bet that Teflon Tony et al have never hammered out agendas from the bottom of its pool. Not so the...