Conference & Incentive Travel articles from November 1 2001

Conference & Incentive Travel archives from November 1 2001

A good example can inspire the industry. (First Off).(Brief Article)(Editorial)
November 1, 2001... We were all set to bring you an exceptionally good case study this month. Right-up-to-the-minute, skilfully planned, and expertly executed, it featured a household-name corporate. The client had made creative use of a cruise ship to hold a...

Venuemasters.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... VenueMasters' inaugural exhibition, replacing the BUAC and Connect Venues show, will take place in May 2002 at the Business Design Centre in London.

British European.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... British European is to increase its London City-Belfast City route this winter to six per weekday.

Marriott Hotels UK.(launched two conference and meetings brochures)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Marriott Hotels UK has launched two conference and meetings brochures for its 65 UK properties.

St Albans Travel.(unveiled 2002 scheduled services for the Flying Scotsman)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... St Albans Travel and the Flying Scotsman have unveiled 2002 scheduled services. The train can be hired for exclusive use through the agency.

The Vineyard.(awarded the Best Business Hotel Award)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Vineyard at Stock-cross has been awarded the Best Business Hotel Award in the 2002 Which? Hotel Guide.

Le Meridien.(introduced free video-conferencing)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Le Meridien has introduced free video-conferencing facilities at five venues in London for meetings of up to 30 people taking place before the end of March 2002.

Best Western Hotels.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Best Western Hotels has added the recently refurbished Best Western George Hotel, in the Peak District, to its portfolio.

Novotel.(to open three hotels)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Novotel is to open three hotels, in Manchester, Leeds and Milton Keynes, over the next year.

Four Seasons Hotels.(has two London properties Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf and Four Seasons Hotel London)(Brief Article)(Correction Notice)
November 1, 2001... Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts has two London properties: The Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf and the Four Seasons Hotel London, and not Hamilton Place as stated in CIT October.

Industry confidence up as US effect levels out.(British Tourist Authority report on US tourism to Britain)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Following earlier forecasts that the UK business tourism sector is likely to face lost revenue of up to [pounds sterling]800 million as a result of cancelled or postponed inbound bookings, the British Tourist Authority (BTA) has reported "some...

UK Price Check.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2001... UK Price Check Brief: A company planning a two-day conference for 50 delegates atan airport hotel including accommodation, room hire, two break-out rooms and buffet lunch. Prices are inclusive of all taxes. Hilton Edinburgh Airport...

BTA to spend [pound sterling]5m on marketing push.(British Tourist Authority)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The British Tourist Authority (BTA) is investing [pound sterling]5 million in a New Year marketing campaign to boost the UK's inbound tourism industry. The move is a direct response to losses of [pound sterling]2.5 billion expected to...

C&I divisions count the cost of airline cuts.(British Airlines PLC and Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. cut conference and incentive travel service)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Falling load factors have forced British Airways to restructure its UK sales and marketing division. As a result, the airline's specialist sales division, which is responsible for group arrangements, has been merged into the leisure sales...

London hotels witness slump in occupancy.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... London hotels have suffered a plunge in occupancy levels with a 17.2% drop compared to this time last year, says research consultancy PKF. Figures also show a 6.6% drop in room rates, year on year, for September, But regional hotels have...

Cruise lines forced to downsize operations.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Cruise lines are scaling down their operations as a result of a slump in business in the aftermath of the US terrorist attacks. Royal Caribbean International has made Fiona Crowther, its head of European C&I sales redundant, leaving the...

Honda's outdoor initiative. (People and Places).(land and marine vehicles exhibited)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Honda showcased its extensive product range to its staff and customers recently via two outdoor events. Two regional venues were chosen - Friday Island in the Cotswolds and Oulton Park in Cheshire - and the aim was to give guests an idea of the...

Sector bodies lobby for more UK recognition.(government and private organization market business travel)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Business Tourism Partnership (BTP), which brings together trade bodies, NTOs and government ministries, has launched a seven-point manifesto to lobby for greater recognition of the UK's business tourism industry. The document calls for...

Maritz alliance boosts local market service.(marketing materials)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Maritz will be able to offer corporate event delegates multi-lingual marketing material from now on, following the agency's alliance with customised marketing specialist Elateral. ActiBrand, Elateral's proprietary software, allows a...

Surveys signal trend for shorter meetings.(shorter business conferences and meeting)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Two new studies into the conference market have highlighted the trend towards shorter meetings with more focused agendas and tighter schedules. Hanbury Manor, a Marriott property in Hertfordshire, analysed 1,500 conferences held at the...

Freelancers provide a flexible approach.(hiring employees for special events)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Freelance consultants offer a flexible staffing solution when planning and staging a conference, according to research published by recruitment specialists Xchangeteam. In a survey conducted in October, 78% of corporate clients rated a...

Trade partners to investigate London impact.(London Tourist Board and Convention Bureau forms London Tourism Recovery Group to invest World Trade Center and Pentagon Attack impact on tourism)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The London Tourist Board and Convention Bureau (LTB) has launched a partnership body to research the impact of the US terrorist attacks on the city's inbound business. The London Tourism Recovery Group will conduct a survey in three...

Fairer procedures must be arranged to share event risk.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... It is always easy to make the right decision in hindsight, but there must be quite a few buyers who are now kicking themselves for not putting the right insurance cover in place for their future events. Similarly, many buyers have also been...

LMU to build on industry links via meetings.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Leeds Metropolitan University (LMU) is aiming to host an annual symposium to build relations between the events industry and higher education, following the success of its first meeting. The first symposium was held in association with The...

EICC to review its sales focus.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has refocused its sales and marketing strategy in a bid to stay ahead of the changing industry. Key changes include increased liaison with existing and potential clients and a focus on...

BTA guide calculates impact of conferences.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The British Tourist Authority (BTA) has published a free leaflet to help venues, convention bureaux, conference destinations and local authorities estimate the economic impact of staging corporate and association events. Estimating the...

The two laces of Sussex. (Webwatch).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The West Sussex Economic Forum has spearheaded the launch of a website to encompass the two counties of East and West Sussex. The site -- www.sussexlive. com -- offers information on what both counties have available, including conference...

Harrods.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Harrods has launched a banqueting and events service offering The Georgian Restaurant, the Food Halls and various departments within the store for private events.

Alexandra Palace.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Alexandra Palace has opened its Panorama Room, which can host 1,000 theatre-style. It can also be used in conjunction with the other halls.

The London Convention.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The London Convention Bureau has launched an updated version of its Incentive London guide. Itineraries can also be accessed at www.london touristboard.com.

Pinewood Television.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Pinewood Television is working with The Ultimate Event Company to promote its digital television facilities to the corporate events market.

Edinburgh First.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Edinburgh First, the commercial operation of the University of Edinburgh's accommodation services, has been awarded Hospitality Assured Meetings accreditation by the MIA.

IBR.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... IBR is offering an online booking service on its website -- www.ibr.co.uk.

The Great Yorkshire.(Great Yorkshire Showground becomes Yorkshire Event Centre)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Great Yorkshire Showground has been renamed the Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC).

Park Plaza Hotels.(on rates on its London, England hotels)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Park Plaza Hotels is offering a reduced rate at three of its London hotels for business travellers until the end of the year.

The Forest Lodge Hotel.(Hampshire, UK, builds conference rooms)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Forest Lodge Hotel, Hampshire, has completed the construction of a further two conference rooms.

PATA.
November 1, 2001... PATA will hold the seventh Mekong Tourism Forum in Yangon, Myanmar at the beginning of April, just prior to the PATA Travel Mart in Singapore.

Switzerland.(Switzerland Convention and Incentive Bureau offers information on conference facilities on web site)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Switzerland Convention and Incentive Bureau's website www.My Switzerland.com now offers a search facility for conference and seminar venues.

The Australian Tourist.(Australian Tourist Commission launches web site)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Australian Tourist Commission has launched a website, www. atc.australia.com to showcase its inbound tourism industry.

Eventclicks.com.(launches EventMart for event planning in Asia Pacific region)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Eventclicks.com has launched EventMart to enable planners to source suppliers for event-related services throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Daphne's of Chelsea.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Daphne's of Chelsea is to open a restaurant at the Tamarind Cove Resort, part of the Elegant Hotels group, in Barbados.

ATG Oxford.(offers Tuscan property for conferences)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... ATG Oxford is offering its Tuscan property, Pieve a Castello, for use for small conference groups.

Air France Concorde.(information on service)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Air France Concorde recommenced flights at the beginning of November.

The Merrion Hotel.(Dublin, Ireland - information on services)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Merrion Hotel, Dublin, is offering a Georgian Dublin package for groups wishing to experience some of the city's traditions.

Marriott.(to open hotel at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2002)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Marriott is to open a Courtyard Hotel at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport in April 2002.

New York in campaign to win back business.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... New York City (NYC) & Company is spearheading a stream of marketing initiatives to pull back its lost C&I business. The bureau will host a fam trip to New York in December and has also signed a three-year partnership deal with Delta Air...

Report warns of biased advice.(Pacific Asia Travel Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Government travel advisories on overseas destinations can be inaccurate and may be clouded by political bias, says a recently published report by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). Government information-gathering is "an inexact...

World Price Check.(conference prices, including travel and accommodations)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2001... World Price Check Two-day conference Brief: A company planning a two-day conference for 50 people at an airport hotel, including accommodation, room hire, two break-out rooms, buffet lunch and beverages. Prices inclusive of taxes....

Europe's cities vie to be new host of EIBTM.
November 1, 2001... A total of 22 European cities have entered the bidding to be the new host destination for industry show EIBTM from 2004. "We have been extremely encouraged by the level of interest," said Reed Travel Exhibitions managing director Tom Nutley....

AIPC aims to rebuild market confidence.(Association Internationale des Palais des Congres)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Action plans aimed at restoring confidence in the C&I industry after the US terrorist attacks were put in place at the recent AIPC (Association Internationale des Palais des Congres) board meeting. The AIPC set out the priorities and...

ATC presence sends positive message.(Australian Tourist Commission)(reversed its decision to pull out of World Travel Market )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) has reversed its decision to pull out of World Travel Market in the wake of events in the US on 11 September. The ATC said earlier this year it would not be attending due to budget constraints, but...

South African hotel group splits portfolio.(Sun International)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Sun International hotel portfolio has been split in two after a decision by its South African parent company to concentrate on its African properties. Sun International South Africa (SISA) will retain control of hotels including Sun...

The industry will have to face up to a defining change.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The events in the US affected us all, both personally and professionally. Having travelled to the US seven days after the terrorist attacks, I was heartened by the American determination to get back to 'business as usual'. But writing this...

Bermuda Tourism.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Bermuda Tourism is aiming to attract more C&I business this winter with the introduction of reward and value-added offers at four of the island's hotels.

Maersk Air.(half-price fares)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Maersk Air has announced a half-price fares offer for business passengers on its scheduled flights between London Gatwick and Denmark.

Le Meridien Barcelona.(hotel, Spain - information on rates)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Le Meridien Barcelona is offering special group rates between December and February.

The Corinthia San Gorg.(Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, Malta - information on services)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Corinthia San Gorg Hotel and the Corinthia Marina Hotel, Malta, are offering special group deals during November and December.

Shangri-La Hotels.(information on rates)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has launched "Rate Break", offering up to 40% off rates in all of its properties in Asia.

The Hong Kong Tourism.(launches incentive guide)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Hong Kong Tourism Board has launched a new incentive guide for organisers.

McGettigan Partners.(contract with b-there. com)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... McGettigan Partners, the US meetings and events production company, has announced a partnership with b-there. com to offer integrated delegate management. Tel: +12154221000

Sutton Place Hotel.(Vancouver, Canada; makes donation to American National Red Cross)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver, is donating 10% of all room and catering revenue from meetings business to the American National Red Cross disaster relief fund.

A DMC.(destination management company formed in Monaco)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... A DMC association has been established in Monaco to serve the growing demands of the principality's group travel market.

Industry downturn seen as short term.(meetings business)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
November 1, 2001... The majority of meetings business lost as a result of the terrorist attacks in the US is due to postponements rather than cancellations, with most organisers rebooking their events. The finding comes from a survey conducted by MPI among 243 of...

Delivering Parisian Iuxury. (People and Places).(France)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Maison de Ia France, the Paris Convention Bureau, and local DMC General Travel, recently teamed up to host a three-day buyer's fam trip to the French capital. The group travelled "Gold Service" on Euro-star, which included exclusive use of...

Airlines in talks for EIBTM deal.(Crossair, Swissair)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has denied that Crossair will become the official carrier for EIBTM, despite the airline's plans to take over two-thirds of the routes previously flown by Swissair, which filed for bankruptcy in October. ...

Australian PM to strengthen flight security.(Prime Minister John Howard)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Australian airlines could be carrying armed security guards by next year, following plans being considered by the country's Prime Minister John Howard. The guards would be drawn from domestic police forces and placed on random national and...

Thai bureau launch awaits govt approval.(Tourism Authority of Thailand plans convention bureau)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) launch of a dedicated convention bureau has been delayed while it awaits official government approval. The bureau was set to open in October but now has to wait until the proposal is discussed at a...

Industry out in force for AIME.(Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Reed Travel Exhibitions has reported strong support for next year's Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) despite the current industry challenges, with more than 600 companies from 60 destinations expected to attend. The show...

Australian bureaux suffer funding blow.(Association of Australian Convention Bureaux)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Australian events industry is accusing the country's Government of restricting efforts to attract major international events by denying access to funding under a scheme known as the Export Marketing Development Grant (EMDG). According...

Montserrat develops its offer. (Pushing Frontiers).
November 1, 2001... The tiny island of Montserrat is just 17 kilometres long and 11 kilometres wide with a population of only 4,000. A British dependant territory, it sits in the Caribbean Sea and is known as the Emerald Isle of the West Indies. Access to...

RF Hotels.(becomes Rocco Forte Hotels)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... RF Hotels, the luxury hotel company, has changed its name to Rocco Forte Hotels.

SAS International Hotels.(becomes Rezidor SAS Hospitality)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... SAS International Hotels, parent company of Radisson SAS Hotels and Resorts, is to change its name to Rezidor SAS Hospitality.

Millennium & Copthorne.(Millennium & Copthorne Hotels International appoints Michelle Lee sales director, Asia)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Millennium & Copthorne Hotels International has appointed Michelle Lee as group director of sales in Asia.

Brisbane Marketing.(Brisbane Marketing and Brisbane Convention and Visitors Bureau appoints Ross Elliott CEO)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Brisbane Marketing and Brisbane Convention & Visitors Bureau has appointed Ross Elliott as its new CEO.

Park Plaza Hotels Europe.(appointed Olive Roberts as director of travel management)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Park Plaza Hotels Europe has appointed Olive Roberts as director of travel management. She will be responsible for developing relationships with major consortia and hotel booking agents.

Andbook online.(forms partnerships with hotel groups)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Andbook online, the joint internet venture between Accor, Le Meridien and Hilton International, has formed more partnership agreements with leading hotel groups, bringing the number of properties in its portfolio to 5,500.

Movenpick Hotels.(Movenpick Hotels and Resorts to manage conference center and hotel in Bahrain in 2002)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Movenpick Hotels and Resorts is to manage a new hotel and conference centre in Bahrain, due to open in 2002.

Sandals and Beaches.(Sandals and Beaches Resorts)(launched a conference and incentive guide )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Sandals and Beaches Resorts, the Caribbean specialist, has launched a conference and incentive guide for its 16 hotels.

The Fairmont San Francisco.(offering a 15% commission to all meeting buyers )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... The Fairmont San Francisco is offering a 15% commission to all meeting buyers between now and March 2002.

Traditional meetings format will win out. (Sounding Off).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... Well, to listen to the gossip in the live event industry at the moment, one would think that the world is coming to an end. Agencies and freelancers alike talk about nothing else other than the lack of work, cancellation of projects and the...

Letters.
November 1, 2001... ITMA institute spearheads training I refer to the article entitled "Learning to connect" (CIT October). I was disappointed, however, to note that it had not picked up positively on the most exciting training initiative to come to our...

Portugal provides the perfect environmental. (Case Study).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... When Microsoft MSN marketing managers embarked on their annual meeting, they had no idea they would end up becoming stars for a night. Colette Doyle gets the inside Story. Location and environment were the two principal factors that...

Ultimate incentive. (Special Report).(Brief Article)
November 1, 2001... From trekking with sherpas to cooking in a Finnish igloo, the incentive industry strives to find the most adventurous, exotic, socially aware or even luxurious programme to suit a company's brief. Mike Levy uncovers the best of what the world...

Event fare. (Catering).
November 1, 2001... When it comes to organising an event, culinary choices are paramount. Such decisions could mean the difference between a good event and a truly memorable one, as Catherine Chetwynd discovers. Food at a conference or incentive event is only...