SERBIA DESTINATION AT IMEX FAIR 2012

SERBIA DESTINATION AT IMEX FAIR 2012
Visiting the IMEX fair in Frankfurt, from 22 – 24 May, 2012? Do not miss to stop by Serbia Destination Stand E010 to catch up with the latest trends in MICE industry in Serbia. Join group presentations or discuss one -2-one various options for planning the events in the European fastest growing meeting destination.
Book your appointment now!
http://bit.ly/ywp4Qz

NEW SKI RESORT IN SERBIA
If you need to take a break from the busy lifestyle, think about finding a temporary refuge in Eastern Serbia. The Old Mountain (Stara planina) resort reveals pristine nature, fabulous landscapes and challenging ski slopes at 1,723 m above sea level. The recently opened 4-star hotel features prime accommodation and spa facilities, meeting rooms for as many as 100 delegates and all facilities for premier skiing experience, including the artificial snow system, state-of-the-art ski gondola, ski schools and rental store:
http://bit.ly/xzf9EW

GO 2 SERBIA – NEW WAYS TO DISCOVER SERBIA
With Go 2 Serbia brand you will discover many secrets of Serbia. If you happen to choose the Belgrade underground tour, it will take you to mysterious corridors and catacombs revealing the stories about 7.000 years of the city rich history.
Sign up for the clubbing tour or a bohemian tour and you will understand why Belgrade is the Capital of Cool:
http://bit.ly/A5uZ2i

MEETING STAR AWARD
Milos Milovanovic, Serbia Convention Bureau CEO was presented the Meeting Star award- Kongres Marketing Personality for 2011, at the recently held Conventa Fair in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Implementing wise marketing strategy and targeting the associations market, Serbia has made the significant jump becoming the European’s fastest growing meeting destination:
http://bit.ly/x7jevj

Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa

Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa

• Perfect Easter Recipes at Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa

  Give your Easter celebration a gorgeous gourmet twist at our two distinctive perfect restaurants.

  Trader Vic’s – EGGstraordinary Buffet Brunch. 
  The price is Baht 2,199 including free flow soft drinks, martini with premium vodka, cocktails and beers or at Baht 2,599 including free flow wines. 

  The Market – Easter Seafood Mania Buffet Brunch
  The price is Baht 1,399 including free flow soft drinks, Bloody Mary, cocktails and beers or at Baht 1,799 including free flow wines. 

  Children aged 4 – 12 years old are entitled to a 50% discount. Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge and applicable government tax. 

  For more information or reservations, please call (66) 2 476 0022 Ext. 1416, email restaurantrsvncenter@minornet.com or visit www.marriottdining.com

NEW! Balkan Kaleidoscope

NEW! Balkan Kaleidoscope on the 30th of September –
6 countries in 12 days (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro)

Tour highlights:
♦ Stari Ras – the old capital of the medieval Serbian state of Raska, that existed between the IX and XIII century. The fortress and the nearby monasteries of “Studenica” and “Sopocani” established in the XIII century, are under the auspices of UNESCO
♦ Belgrade – the capital of Serbia
♦ Mehmed Pasha Bridge near Visegrad, built in XVI century is under UNESCO auspices
♦ Sarajevo – the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina
♦ The town of Jajce – the capital of the Bosnian Kingdom in XIV and XV century
♦ Mostar whose old part is under the auspices of UNESCO
♦ Blagaj with the springs of Buna River and the Muslim sanctuary from XVI century.
♦ Dubrovnik – the masterpiece of the Adriatic, the sea and commercial rival of Venice, under the auspices of UNESCO
♦ The picturesque Kotor Bay and the town of Kotor, forming a beautiful ensemble of natural, historic and cultural heritage, under the auspices of UNESCO
♦ Budva and the Budva Riviera – a Montenegrin tourist center
♦ Durmitor National Park with the canyon of Tara river – the second largest canyon in the world, under the auspices of UNESCO
♦ Visoki Decani Monastery with the largest medieval church in the Balkans, under the auspices of UNESCO Matka canyon near Skopje
♦ Ohrid – a medieval literary center and the last capital of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. Together with the Ohrid lake the town is under the auspices of UNESCO

890 EUR per person
www.Incentives-Worldwide.com

Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip

Guaranteed departure – 16th of April!
Best of Bulgaria Roundtrip
(also guaranteed 19th of May, 18th of May, 9th of July, 20th of August, 17th of September, 13th of October)

Tour Highlights:
♦Plovdiv – the second Bulgarian city in population and size after the capital, Plovdiv is famous for the Old Town with charming houses decorated with colourful ornaments.
♦Veliko Turnovo – situated along the historical hills of Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora on the two banks of Yantra River. The houses of the old town are like withe birds on the cliff side above Jantra river and create a magnificent view.
♦Arbanasi – Austere houses that resemble minor fortresses on the outside, with high, solid walls and heavy gates, richly decorated and traditionally furnished on the inside.
♦Rila Monastery – the most popular tourist site among all monasteries in Bulgaria. The legendary monastery lies in fantastic surroundings.
♦Melnik (380 m a.s.l.) – the smallest and one of the most fascinating towns-museums in Bulgaria, known for wine and sandpyramids.

Price includes: ► all transport according itinerary ►group transfers from/to Sofia airport (09.00 – 19.00) ► English speaking guide and guide assistance throughout ► overnights in hotels and guesthouses – all overnights are based on double (single) rooms with private WC/shower ► breakfast (7 days) ► all entrance fees

790 EUR per person
www.Incentives-Worldwide.com

Frégate Island Private

Frégate Island Private

Frégate Island Private is pleased to take part in another translocation of an endangered species on Seychelles. This time it was the Seychelles Black Mud terrapin (Pelusios subniger parietalis), with a transfer by helicopter of 12 individuals being reintroduced to Aride Island Nature Reserve on the 24 February 2012. The aim of the translocation is to re-establish a population of the species on Aride and at the same time improve its conservation status.

Two modified Myna traps baited with fish were used to catch these shy animals in the ponds of Frégate. The terrapins were kept in captivity in two unused Jacuzzis from the hotel for a period of 2-3 weeks to prevent undigested seeds of potentially invasive alien species retained in their digestive tracts being transported to Aride. Prior to the transfer, all the individuals were measured, weighed, marked and photographed for individual identification and monitoring purposes. Frégate is home to one of the largest and healthiest populations of the critically endangered Black Mud terrapin in Seychelles.

The population of our mascot, the Seychelles Magpie Robin, is reproducing really well on Frégate Island. Since the start of the year ten new chicks have been recorded. We managed to ring seven of those chicks in the nest boxes before they fledged, one was caught by hand by one of the ecology staff and there is still one more waiting to be ringed.

As part of the natural cycle of life, we also recorded one individual dead. A female was found with an injured foot, hopping around the staff canteen area and after two weeks, she was found dead. Despite this loss, the population continues to steadily increase. As an indication of the robins learning ability, they have already started mimicking the calls of the recently introduced Seychelles warblers.

Frégate Island Private is back on track with the Adopt-a-tortoise programme in order to safeguard juvenile Aldabra Giant tortoises. Guest are encouraged to participate in the programme with a contribution of 100€ which will go towards biodiversity management and conservation of not only our giant tortoises but also of a number of endangered species on Frégate Island, including our mascot, the Seychelles Magpie Robin. A guest donation is also encouraged to support the fund. All guests that participate in this programme receive a certificate in recognition of their contribution.

The tortoise pen is increasingly forming part of the attraction of the island, and has become an integral part of the Nature Experience for the guests. To date there are over 100 tortoises in the pen. These are ranging from hatchling size to 10 kg in weight. When they reach the required size, they are released to join the wild herd on the island during a special ceremony conducted over the festive season.

Frégate Island Private
Starkenburgring 12 | 63069 Offenbach | Germany
fon +49 69 86 00 429 80 | fax +49 69 86 00 429 81
reservations@fregate.com | www.fregate.com

On the road to success

On the road to success
Sales and operating results for 2011 up, VAT reduction allows numerous investments, expansion abroad continues.

Bad Salzuflen, Germany, March 2012 – Although the economy has not yet reached its pre-crisis levels, Maritim Hotels once again showed improved results last year. At 446.1 million euros, total turnover for 2011 0.8 million euros was about 0.2 per cent up on last year’s result. Clear growth was recorded, especially in the business and individual travel segment. Since the beginning of 2010, the reduction in VAT on accommodation to seven per cent has also contributed to good business results; this reduction remains of vital importance to the German hotel sector, especially when it comes to maintaining its competitiveness with foreign companies. Maritim currently has 51 hotels, of which 14 are located abroad; the average occupancy rate is 58.0 per cent. The average room rate increased from 86.80 euros the previous year to 88.09 euros.

Looking back on 2011
The German economy continued to recover, allowing Maritim to continue its growth in the important business and individual travel segment. This positive business trend was enhanced by the reduction in VAT, allowing us to make some major investments in our hotels, not only securing existing jobs but also creating new jobs and making an important economic contribution to various regions. “The good annual results prove that our increased sales and marketing strategy in recent years has been the perfect recipe. In addition, the VAT reduction has allowed us to invest for the benefit of our guests,” said a pleased Gerd Prochaska, Executive Director of Maritim Hotels.

Numerous investments
Investment in Maritim Hotels was just short of 10 million euros in 2011 – with investments being made in Munich, Cologne, Bremen, Frankfurt and Travemuende, for example. At the Maritim Strandhotel Travemünde, an entirely new spa and beauty care centre was created in an area measuring 1,100 square metres, which can now be termed one of the most attractive spas on the Baltic coast. In the other hotels, bathrooms, rooms and parts of the conference areas have been repainted, thus enhancing their elegance and comfort.

Expansion in China
The first Maritim hotel on Chinese soil having opened in 2010, it was time for a second hotel to be opened in China in June 2011: apart from the Maritim Hotel in Wuhu (located a four-hour drive from Shanghai), there is now another 5-star hotel in Shenyang. The Maritim Hotel Shenyang is located in the megacity of the same name in the booming Yuhong economic zone and is regarded as the cultural and economic centre of north-eastern China. This spacious 5-star hotel has 631 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, each one equipped with LCD television, high-speed Internet access and a minibar. Some rooms have balconies. The numerous seminar and congress facilities may be of interest to business travellers: with a size of 1,450 square metres, the largest hall is suitable for events with up to 1,400 guests. In addition, there are 15 other conference rooms ranging in size from 80 to 430 square metres, all equipped with the latest audio and video technology.

Looking forward to 2012
Based on an increasingly stable economic trend, Maritim can now look forward to 2012 with confidence and expects to achieve a slight increase in turnover.

One of the focal points of corporate strategy will continue to be the company’s expansion abroad, mainly in China, where five further hotels are to be opened in the next few years.

Press enquiries: Britt Winter, Director Public Relations
Maritim Hotelgesellschaft mbH, Herforder Str. 2, 32105 Bad Salzuflen, Germany
Telephone +49-(0)5222-953-280, telefax +49-(0)5222-953-128,
E-mail: bwinter.hv@maritim.de.

Hotel Highlight – Intercontinental Malta’s newly revamped Spa and outstanding conference facilities

Hotel Highlight – Intercontinental Malta’s newly revamped Spa and outstanding conference facilities

InterContinental Malta’s newly refurbished Carisma Spa & Wellness is available for hotel guests to be pampered by professionally trained therapists in a sophisticated and personal environment.

Massage treatments include the Carisma’s Special, a synchronised 4 hand massage with warm oils; Thai, Balinese, and Chinese massages and the famous Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage amongst several others.

A Hamam is also available where guests can indulge in the sophisticated and individual atmosphere of the traditional Turkish Baths.

Relaxation apart, Intercontinental Malta has 23 separate meeting rooms, providing a variety of capacities in various seating arrangements. The InterContinental Malta offers a dynamic flexible meeting solution.

Conference space totals 5,000 square meters, including a main ballroom with inbuilt translation booths seating 770 in theatre style. The Bay Arena offers 1,660 square meters of uninterrupted space with an additional 1,100 square meters of exhibition space. And finally, the latest addition, a 296 seat auditorium with a 7×17 meter screen and digital projector.
http://www.mpe-dmc.com/

Upcoming local events – Easter celebrations in Malta

Upcoming local events – Easter celebrations in Malta
Easter in Malta is a highly religious affair filled with sombre processions on Good Friday and huge celebrations on Easter Sunday.
In Malta, the devotion towards Lent and Easter is very strong, and evidence to this are the numerous exhibitions, events and pageants held around the various towns and villages. The most significant of all are undoubtedly the Good Friday processions.

On Easter Sunday, the atmosphere is completely different all across the island, since it is a day of joy and celebrations. Towns and villages celebrate the resurrection of Christ with lively band marches and a short procession with the statue of the Risen Christ.
Traditional Maltese sweets during Lent and Easter

As in every other major feast in Malta, Lent and Easter have their own traditional food and sweet that are savoured exclusively during this time of the year.

For the 40 days prior to Easter Sunday, kwarezimal – almond and honey cakes, are highly prized and enjoyed together with “karamelli tal-harrub” – made from carob syrup – which are normally sold on Good Friday during the afternoon processions.

On Easter Sunday, children are rewarded for their abstinence from sweets by means of the “figolla” – a marzipan cake covered in sweet coloured icing and formed in festive shapes.
http://www.mpe-dmc.com

Mdina – a definite must see during your stay in Malta

Mdina – a definite must see during your stay in Malta
A visit to Malta is not complete without stopping in Mdina, the island’s old capital, also known as ‘the Silent City’. Built during medieval times, much of its original architecture has been preserved and its narrow alleys tell tales of centuries of history and the various rulers that governed Malta.

Standing proudly on one of Malta’s highest promontories, the old capital looks like a medieval walled city straight out of a fairy tale. The fortress city, which acted as Malta’s capital city before Valletta was built, once extended to the neighbouring town of Rabat.

Mdina can be seen during the day where one can wander around the quaint narrow streets and appreciate the unique architecture the city offers or a special group dinner can be organised in one of various restaurants to be found in the heart of the city.

Pre-dinner drinks can be organised on the city’s bastions allowing delegates to absorb the spectacular views which spread out over the whole island.
http://www.mpe-dmc.com/

La Playa Camp Ground & Picnic Grounds | Travel Warning

TRAVEL WARNING | TRIP ADVISOR – Philippines (Caramoan)

La Playa Camp Ground & Picnic Grounds – looks like a nice place, but the management is serious cheating on guests and clients. – We had just lately about 29 complains from a bigger group… – Suddenly they did charge for guests which are already gone and have paid already – same with people who share a room, La Playa tries to get the whole amount for the room from all parties sharing.
Beside this dont do their tours – their boats are not really safe and the always get more people on the boat as allowed!!! – You risk your life! In our case they put at least 30 people in a boat for 14-16 people!!! Good Luck with that – La Playa, sorry – never ever again!

Never try La Playa:
http://www.facebook.com/LaPLaYaVDM