Istanbul CVB commits to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

Istanbul CVB commits to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism

Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB), has pledged to observe the principles of the
UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism in Antalya, Turkey on 29 September 2015.

Istanbul CVB joins the growing number of tourism companies and associations to sign a Private Sector Commitment to the UN World Tourism Organization Code of Ethics, pledging to promote and implement the values of responsible and sustainable tourism development as championed by the Code. Mr. Taleb D. Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General and Mr. Bahadır Yaşık, Vice President of Istanbul CVB signed together during the meeting in Antalya on 29 October.
“We, as ICVB, are proud that we have signed the code of ethics. We strongly believe that the tourism and meeting industries plays a very significant role in improving a sustainable future and the signature of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism represents a strong and necessary commitment. We also believe that the Code is the basis for sustainability in tourism and meeting industries and on behalf of ICVB, I would like to thank the UNWTO for giving this opportunity”, said Mr. Bahadır Yaşık, Vice President of ICVB.
The Code is UNWTO’s core policy document and represents a guide for the development of sustainable tourism. Adopted in 1999 by the UNWTO General Assembly and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2001, it is designed to guide the development of tourism in a way that maximizes the socio-economic benefits of the sector, while minimizing any negative impacts.
—
#IstanbulCVB #ICVB #UNWTO #GlobalCodeofEthicsforTourism #IstanbulConventionVisitorsBureau

Sixth and Final ICOMEX Event Has Successfully Concluded to Give Way to the First Annual ibtm latin america by Reed Exhibitions

Sixth and Final ICOMEX Event Has Successfully Concluded to Give Way to the First Annual ibtm latin america by Reed Exhibitions

ICOMEX (now ibtm latin america, www.ibtmlatinamerica.com, part of ibtm events, reaffirmed its position as Leading Trade Show for Incentives, Congress and Conventions in Latin America, following the success of the two-day event which took place in Mexico City last month.

The show delivered over 5,600 business meetings and welcomed more than 6,000 attendees, including 168 international and 177 domestic Hosted Buyers and more than 380 exhibitors, over 5,000 m2 of show floor.

More than 30 conferences and educational events, organized by industry bodies, took place, including: Meeting of directors of IAEE; Exchange leads, conducted by CVBs Latin Caribbean; MPI meal; AFIDA meeting; the signing of COMIR consolidation; HelmsBriscoe meeting; EMC certification; Congress Mexico City; CBVS meeting, to name a few.

The Healthcare Day Forum, organized by CETIFARMA and Reed Exhibitions Mexico, brought experts together to discuss the best practices to organize, certify, and regulate medical conferences and events.
Other popular events which were held at the show include; the Human Resources Leaders Meeting which highlighted the importance of incentive travel; The American Express Meeting; the MCI Americas Meeting; the Corporate Planners’ Meeting – PCMA; GBTA Mexico Education Day as well as the Wedding and Romance Congress, where attendees could learn how to manage and empower the romance segment’s vision and innovation in Mexico and Latin America. This congress gathered major industry gurus such as Camelú Millan, CEO of the Asociación de Consultores de Bodas y Eventos Capítulo México y Latinoamérica (ABC); Emilio Serrano, Creative Director of La Canapería; Melanie Ramone, Wedding Designer and CEO of ABC Puebla; and Elizabeth Uribe, CEO of Specialty Cleaners.

Finally from the close of this year’s show, ICOMEX is to be rebranded as ibtm latin america, which will join its sister events; ibtm world, ibtm arabia, ibtm africa, ibtm america, ibtm china and ibtm india under the ibtm events umbrella along with AIME in Melbourne.

David Hidalgo, Show Director of ibtm latin america, who announced the new name during the opening ceremony, said: “Being part of the ibtm portfolio will provide the event with a major boost and an international presence in the MICE industry, offering new opportunities for the international database of meeting planners seeking new business, which will allow the 2016 ibtm latin america Hosted Buyers to qualify for the international market.”

Ricardo Baquerizo, CEO of the AFIDA, commented: “Mexico has become a country of reference for convention tourism. However, to continue growing, it is essential to continue to professionalize this sector.”

Alejandro Ramírez Tabche, Representative of COMIR, added further: “The main objective of this type of event is to strengthen and represent the commercial tourism sector. According to a study undertaken in 2011, conference tourism represented 1.43% of the GDP, and by 2014, the GDP of tourism in general represented 8.4%, 17% of which pertained to meetings tourism. We need to achieve growth in these figures year after year, and the only way to do this is to support events of this magnitude.”

Miguel Torruco Marques, Secretary of Tourism of the Mexican Federal District, concluded: “In the first half of this year, hotel occupancy in four-star and five-star establishments was between 67 and 73 percent, which is 2% more than in the previous year. Economic benefits were 0.6% greater than they were at the same point in 2014.”

Our department will continue its efforts to make Mexico City the place for more international conferences that will position the city as a more attractive and reliable destination for the meetings industry.”

Valérie Exposito-Coitte, Conference & Incentive Manager for Europe, Russia, Brazil & Mexico for the Paris Convention Bureau who exhibited at the show commented: “The show has been very busy, efficient and dynamic. The quality of the buyers has been excellent; they have been well matched, professional and we have made great contacts. The rebrand of ICOMEX to ibtm latin america has made the event an international one, not just a local show, and will make it an easy sell to our partners.”

Jim McMichael, Specialty Markets Manager for Las Vegas commented: “It’s been an amazing experience for us. The venue has been a tremendous asset for us; the welcoming that you get as soon as you arrive means this is a show we’re going to do business at. The set up has been great and the facilities well managed. This year’s hosted buyers have been the best ever. We’ve had positive leads from the buyers we’ve met with, people that have been telling us they have business ready to come to Vegas, they’re looking for quotes, they’re looking for us to respond with immediate action. Groups that are looking to come to Vegas within the next year.”

The ibtm events portfolio is part of Reed Travel Exhibitions, the world’s leading provider of events and exhibitions for the travel and tourism industry.

ITB Berlin und IPK International

ITB Berlin und IPK International: Trend zu Städtereisen ungebremst

Städte-Urlaube in Europa sind doppelt so schnell gewachsen wie der Gesamtmarkt für Auslands-Urlaube – Die Top-Ziele sind Paris, London und Berlin – ITB Berlin und IPK International analysieren, warum es immer mehr Touristen in Europas Metropolen zieht

Paris, London, Berlin: Städtereisen sind eines der Boom-Segmente des letzten Jahrzehnts. Weltweit gesehen ist in den vergangenen Jahren keine andere Auslands-Urlaubsart so schnell gewachsen. Was für den Trend am globalen Reisemarkt gilt, trifft auch auf die Auslands-Städte-Urlaube der Europäer zu. Zu diesem Ergebnis kommt eine Sonderauswertung des World Travel Monitors® von IPK International, die im Auftrag der ITB Berlin durchgeführt wurde.

Die Zahlen sind eindeutig: 2014 haben die Europäer fast 70 Millionen Städte-Urlaube im Ausland verbracht und rund 400 Millionen Übernachtungen gebucht. Im Vergleich zu 2007 nahmen die Auslands-Städtereisen der Europäer um 60 Prozent insgesamt, beziehungsweise um sieben Prozent pro Jahr zu. Damit ist der Markt in diesem Segment in Europa doppelt so schnell gewachsen wie der Gesamtmarkt für Auslands-Urlaube. Deutlich überwiegen klassische Städtereisen mit einem Anteil von knapp drei Viertel, während ein Viertel davon mit Verwandtenbesuchen kombiniert werden und nur ein Prozent geschäftliche Incentive-Urlaube sind.

Beliebtestes Reiseland für Auslands-Städtereisen der Europäer ist Deutschland. Mit fast 10 Millionen Gästen im Jahr 2014 hat Deutschland mit einem rasanten Wachstum von 94 Prozent insgesamt und zehn Prozent pro Jahr die vormals führenden Destinationen Frankreich und Großbritannien überholt. Ein wichtiger Impulsgeber für die Steigerung könnten zum Beispiel die attraktiven Fernsehberichte von der Fußball Weltmeisterschaft 2006 in Deutschland gewesen sein. Des Weiteren stehen auf der Beliebtheitsskala für Auslands-Städtereisen Italien und Spanien ganz oben. Positiv ist die Entwicklung des Reiseziels Österreich (Rang sechs) mit einer Verdoppelung der Besucherzahl seit 2007.

Paris und London spielen in der Champions-League des Städtetourismus. Sie sind mit großem Abstand die beliebtesten Urlaubsziele der Europäer. Ebenso hat Berlin (Rang drei) mit anhaltendem und überdurchschnittlich starkem Wachstum viele europäische Top-Ziele hinter sich gelassen. Auf Rang vier bis zehn rangieren Barcelona, Prag, Amsterdam, Wien, Rom, München und New York.

Städtereisen haben ganzjährig Hochsaison. Im Vergleich zum Jahr 2007, in dem zwei Drittel aller Städtereisen in den Sommermonaten unternommen wurden, finden mittlerweile 52 Prozent im Sommer- und 48 Prozent im Winterhalbjahr statt. Beliebteste Reisemonate sind in absteigender Reihenfolge August knapp vor Mai, April und Dezember.

Städte-Urlauber reisen noch kürzer und sind zahlungskräftig
Kurzreisen sind im Trend. Ein Großteil der Kurzurlaube führt in die Städte. Seit 2007 nimmt die mittlere Dauer eines Auslands-Städtereise konstant ab. Der Anteil der Kurzurlaube von ein bis drei Nächten beträgt gut 40 Prozent und nimmt kontinuierlich zu. Die Steigerung ist fast doppelt so hoch wie jene für längere Städtereisen.

Private Unterkünfte sind populäre Alternativen zum Hotel. Trotz steigender Buchungszahlen geht der Marktanteil der Hotels in Summe aller Unterkünfte seit Jahren zurück. Zwar buchen zwei Drittel der Städte-Urlauber Hotelunterkünfte. Aber Onlineportale mit lokalen Gastgebern, wie Airbnb oder Wimdu erleben einen wahren Boom und sind die neuen Wachstumstreiber. Innerhalb des Segments Hotellerie gilt: Je höher die Kategorie, desto höher ist das Wachstum. Dagegen nimmt das Budgetsegment leicht ab.

Immer noch sind Städtereisen hauptsächlich eine Sache der wohlhabenden Europäer. So gehören laut Befragung vier Fünftel der Urlauber der gehobenen Einkommens- und Bildungsschicht an. Pro Städtetrip ins Ausland lagen 2014 die Ausgaben im Durchschnitt pro Person bei etwas mehr als 700 Euro und bei rund 130 Euro pro Nacht. In diesen Ausgaben sind sämtliche Kosten inklusive Transport etc. enthalten.

Dr. Martin Buck, Geschäftsbereichsleiter der Messe Berlin, kommentiert: „Sowohl deutsche als auch ausländische Metropolen haben in den vergangenen Jahren enorm an Attraktivität gewonnen. Aufpolierte Innenstädte, neue Einkaufszentren und vor allem ein vielfältiges Veranstaltungsprogramm locken Besucher aus allen Ländern. Den meisten Gästen geht es darum, für ein paar Tage raus aus dem Alltag zu kommen. Das belegt auch der Trend zu Kurzurlauben. Eine Stadt ist dafür eine optimale Destination. Man hat alles, was man braucht wie Museen, Ausstellungen, Konzerte, Musicals, Restaurants und Shopping-Möglichkeiten.“

Die Ergebnisse beziehen sich auf die Auslands-Städtereisen der Europäer sofern die europäischen Urlauber auf diesen Reisen mindestens eine Urlaubsnacht in einer ausländischen Stadt verbracht haben und diese Reise in der Befragung selbst als Städte-Urlaub eingestuft haben – also keine Geschäftsreisen, reiner Familienbesuch ohne Urlaub oder Städtereisen aus gesundheitlichen Gründen etc. Alle Trenddaten zeigen die Entwicklung in den acht Reisejahren 2007 bis 2014 auf.

Neben Sonderauswertungen des World Travel Monitors® von IPK International veröffentlicht die ITB Berlin Anfang Dezember die Kerndaten des World Travel Monitor® inklusive der Einschätzungen von 50 Tourismusexperten aus mehr als 20 Ländern im ITB World Travel Trends Report 2015/16. Die Jahresendergebnisse des World Travel Monitor® von IPK International inklusive aktueller Ausblicke für das Jahr 2016 werden auf dem ITB Future Day des ITB Berlin Kongresses von Rolf Freitag, Präsident IPK International, vorgestellt. Der World Travel Monitor® basiert auf bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Interviews von jährlich über 500.000 Menschen in mehr als 60 Reisemärkten weltweit und wird seit über 20 Jahren regelmäßig durchgeführt. Er gilt als größte kontinuierliche Studie zum globalen Reiseverhalten.

IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2015 Opens With New Highs

IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2015 Opens With New Highs

Bangkok, 29 September 2015 – The Leading International MICE Event Centered in Asia-Pacific kicked off today at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok, Thailand, presenting the largest line-up of over 20 MICE, events intelligence, corporate travel and association management knowledge sessions helmed by over 30 expert speakers. Headlining the education front is the first-ever ASEAN MICE Forum, endorsed by the ASEAN Marketing and Communications Working Group. This initiative enables IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific to facilitate closer collaboration between ASEAN’s MICE industry leaders.

“The AMF @ IT&CMA is the first major step we are taking to raise awareness of the ASEAN region, made up of the 10 member countries, as a collective MICE destination. The AEC collaboration and close ties between the ASEAN national literally expands the possibility of any MICE programme to the region, as it can take on a multi-nation approach which will offer diversity and unique cultural experiences for participants. We are excited to initiate conversations with global MICE leaders during the forum,” said Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Brunei Darussalam, and concurrently the Chairman of ASEAN Tourism Marketing and Communication Working Group, ASEAN Secretariat.

The 2015 edition sees a growth of 14% in exhibitors’ participation, with sponsorship engagements increasing by more than 40% over 2014. All these have been made possible by TTG Events’ unwavering commitment to deliver quality content and buyers to the events. Featuring one of the largest CVB collections in the region, IT&CMA has once again delivered a truly global showcase of Convention Visitor Bureaus. The international presence is witnessed by the entrance of new European, Middle Eastern and North Asian bureaus like Berlin, Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, Dubai and Jeju, while returning destinations Switzerland, Philippines, Macau and India are making a statement with an event bigger showing this year.

They are joined by all the leading Asian MICE destinations including Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Sabah and Thailand. This consolidates IT&CMA position as the must-attend MICE-focus event in Asia.

Ralf Ostendorf, Director Market Management of Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH explained the motivation behind exhibiting at IT&CMA 2015 for the first time, “Our first experience with IT&CM Events was at IT&CM China earlier in Shanghai this year, and it proved to be a successful show for us. We are looking forward to the same success at IT&CMA 2015, as we see a lot of potential for Berlin as a MICE destination in Asia.”

Having reaped results from past sponsored networking functions at IT&CMA, Seoul Metropolitan Government, is delighted to return as a luncheon host for buyer and media delegates. Maureen O’Crowley, Executive Director, MICE Division, Seoul Tourism Organisation expressed her confidence backed by success at previous years’ events, “We had been the proud sponsor of Seoul Gala Dinner for several years. This year, we are excited to engage with buyers and media at a Seoul Hosted Luncheon that will take place tomorrow (30 September). At this luncheon, we will be highlighting new incentives from Seoul, especially our special support programs. Through this intimate session, we want to create an event stronger working relationship with our target audience.”

The first day of the 2015 edition will round up with the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Reception hosted by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau. Held at Live House@Central World, TCEB will be playing host to all event delegates at the evening’s function themed ‘Heaven Unveiled. A Night in Paradise’.

For more information, log on to www.itcma.com | www.corporatetravelworld.com/apac

#itcma2015 #ctwapac2015

Let’s get creative

Let’s get creative – interactive sessions and new Play Room at IMEX America

Creativity and engagement are set to top the agenda at IMEX America this year. A new Play Room and dedicated education sessions from both meeting and entertainment professionals are set to provide a fresh look at meeting planning.

The new Play Room, powered by Play With A Purpose, will be held throughout IMEX America, 13 – 15 October in Las Vegas, offering attendees a creative, interactive, hands on “play space”.

With ‘quirkshops’ during Smart Monday on 12 October and on the Inspiration Hub throughout the show, the Play Room will showcase a variety of tools and techniques, providing planners with immediately useable ideas to implement in meetings. Quirkshops will cover room design, technology, networking tools and teambuilding ideas, enabling planners to create more engaging, creative meetings. Planners can work with others to get to grips with human whiteboarding, gamification, humour power and zen tangles among others.

The Inspiration Hub, home to all show floor education during IMEX, has a dedicated creative learning track with impactful sessions designed to boost engagement and create a memorable delegate experience.

Human connection – a lost art in a noisy world will be delivered by award winning magician and MPI Keynote Tim David on 13 October. Through his work, Tim has learnt what makes people tick and will share many tips in this motivational presentation uncovering the key to effective and persuasive communication and fostering connections.

Award winning film director Josh Tickell makes movies geared toward the 80 million people between the ages of 18-35. According to Inc. Magazine, he is “America’s #1 Strategist” for connecting with the Millennial Generation (also known as Generation Y). His MPI Keynote Managing and marketing to the future of Generation Y on 14 October is set to explore this further, explaining how to tailor sustainability policies, communication, HR and customer service to meet the needs of the attendees of the future.

Patrick Henry, former Nashville songwriter, performer and MPI keynote says: “If you can’t create an emotional connection with your customers…you’re going to lose them”. His keynote address on 15 October, Becoming ‘Remember-able’, shares real life stories to show how to build an extraordinary customer experience, achieve personal and professional excellence and build loyalty among their team.

Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, comments: “In a rapidly evolving marketplace, it’s essential to stay up to date with the latest trends and develop a fresh approach to planning and hosting meetings. Our new Play Room is an exciting new addition to IMEX America. When combined with our creative education sessions and the outstanding line up of MPI Keynotes, we hope to provide delegates with the latest business practices which they can take back and apply to their meetings.”

Alongside the Creative Learning focused education sessions are nine other speciality tracks including Business Skills, Marketing & Communications, Risk Management & Compliance, Technology & Social Media, Trends & Research, Health & Wellbeing, Diversity, Sustainability and General Education.

The Inspiration Hub, home to all show floor education at IMEX America, is split into six areas with more than 180 education sessions – each catering to different learning styles. There are seminar rooms, a campfire area and a Hot Topic area providing the opportunity to debate the latest industry issues with peers. The Meet the Experts Clinic offers individual appointments with an industry expert and presentations at the Research Pod area showcase the latest industry research.

New Outrigger Resort in the Maldives Announces Wedding, Honeymoon and Romance Packages

New Outrigger Resort in the Maldives Announces Wedding, Honeymoon and Romance Packages

KONOTTA ISLAND, MALDIVES — The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort, which opened 1 August, has announced wedding, honeymoon, and romance packages to match the splendour of the resort’s romantic setting in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the south of the Maldives.

For couples about to be married, a Deluxe Wedding Package at US$3200 (net), includes a six-course dinner with champagne, in-villa breakfast the morning after the wedding, a Navasana Spa treatment for couples and romantic turndown service. A US$2500 package is also available.

All weddings on the romantic coral-fringed island include a dedicated wedding coordinator, MC or priest, exclusive wedding venue, a ring and vow exchange ceremony, and a guarantee that no other wedding will be taking place on the island that day.

In addition, all wedding couples will receive guaranteed early check-in, late check-out, a wedding cake, a palm arch or white-draped pavilion, a bottle of champagne, local Maldivian musician performance, and a symbolic wedding certificate*.

Honeymoon and anniversary couples have a choice of two value-added packages.

The Romancing Package (US$1430 net per couple) includes a bottle of sparkling wine, one in-villa breakfast, a candle-lit dinner on the beach, an in-villa Navasana Sweet Dream (30-minute bath and 60-minute body massage), a 60-minute body scrub or body wrap, a 60-minute facial treatment or 60-minute after-sun soother, plus 15% off a la carte spa treatments.

A Pampering Package (US$940 per couple) includes a bottle of sparking wine, an in-villa dinner, a bath ritual decoration with candles and rose petals, romantic bed decoration, a 60-minute aromatic massage and a 120-minute romantic spa ritual comprising 90 minutes of aromatic massage and 30 minutes floral milky bath

“The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort is made for romance,” says the resort’s General Manager, Mr Pascal Billon. “Whether on the beach or over the water, all of our magnificently spacious villas have private pools. Couples can also take a speedboat to a choice of remote private islands for the ultimate romantic experience.”

Further information: reservation.konotta@outrigger.mv. Tel: +960 684 7771.

IMEX America participants to Lace Up their Sneakers for First IMEXrun Las Vegas

IMEX America participants to Lace Up their Sneakers for First IMEXrun Las Vegas

IMEX America participants will have the opportunity to exercise their bodies as well as their minds at the show by joining in the first-ever IMEXrun Las Vegas. The run, organized by sports by tlc and sponsored by Embratur and RioTur, takes place on Wednesday October 14th at 06:30 am.

Designed to combine fun, fitness and Vegas panache, the 5km route will begin and end at the scenic Venetian® outdoor bridge & gondolas and pass partly along the Strip. A water and fresh fruit “reception” will also be provided at the finish line to refresh and refuel the runners before their day at the show.

The IMEXrun Las Vegas – Inspired by Rio de Janeiro – is open to all and builds on the successful riverside IMEXrun Frankfurt in the spring of this year that attracted nearly 250 runners.

The new event was developed and will be organized by sports by tlc which strongly believes in the unique ability of sport to enhance corporate responsibility, personal development and the practice of a healthier life.

The IMEXrun Las Vegas is an element of the new “Be Well at IMEX” program at IMEX America 2015. This includes a variety of wellness education sessions at the Inspiration Hub on the show floor, a new meditation room and an online wellness guide.

“As meetings professionals we are often on the road so wellness is an important topic,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX. “We think the IMEXrun Las Vegas captures the dynamic, caring, strong, and community-driven spirit of our industry, and will provide a fun and energizing way for people to kick off their second morning at the show.”

For further details and to register to take part please visit www.imexamerica.com/imexrun

Growth in European cities’ hotel industry well established for the first semester 2015

Growth in European cities’ hotel industry well established for the first semester 2015
The results for first semester of 2015 from the ECM-MKG European Destinations Observatory report* confirm the long-term growth for Europe’s hotel industry.

With an occupancy rate of 67.5% throughout the European Union in the first semester, hotel chains gained 1.8 points over 2014 at the same period. The performances on the continent show an increase compared to last year with the Average Daily Rates (ADR**) (+3%) and the Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR***) (+5.8%). Some destinations produced better results depending on their geographic location. The variety of events held in some cities played a major role in the success of their performances.

Good RevPAR results for most Western Europe cities.
With solid business tourism, Germany experienced a strong increase in its ADR: Stuttgart (MedTec Europe 2015), Hanover (Hannover Messe 2015) and Cologne (FESPA 2015) know a RevPAR increase by more 13%. Other German cities such as Leipzig, Berlin and Hamburg are following this trend too. Currently, Düsseldorf after a year 2014 with international events meets some difficulties, 2015 seems to be less attractive for the business meetings.
Many cities in France (like Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse or Nice) presented good results thanks to the organisation of many international business events (VINEXPO in Bordeaux, SIRHA in Lyon, MIDEM or MIPTV in Cannes) or medical congress in Nice. Paris is the exception with a negative change in its RevPAR (-0.7%).
Benelux keeps on the right track from the beginning of the year; the number of political events and meetings explains its good performance. Brussels and Amsterdam recorded respectively an 4.9% and 3.4% increase in its RevPAR, Luxembourg have the highest RevPAR progression in this area (+12.5%).

Northern and Eastern Europe cities perform well thanks to international events. But Scandinavia is on a downtrend.
In terms of occupancy rate, the United Kingdom is keeping the lead with London, the biggest business place in Europe and Edinburgh in second position.
In terms of RevPAR, Copenhagen and Budapest got the highest results thanks to business and sport events (EuroBasket Women in Hungary). Prague, with the Ice Hockey World Championship 2015, records a positive RevPAR progression, when the city had a strong decrease on this indicator 3 months ago. Vienna (with EASL’s International Congress 2015) and Warsaw (with 2015 UEFA Europa League Final and World food Warsaw 2015), improved their RevPAR respectively by 3.2% and 8.4% since the beginning of the year.
Only Oslo stands out from its Scandinavian counterparts’ thanks to its ADR rise. Helsinki and Stockholm record a combined decrease in both occupancy rate and ADR.

All ECM members have exclusive access to the complete ECM-MKG European Destinations Observatory report with all the graphs and analysis.

Mehr Aufmerksamkeit für kleines Budget

Mehr Aufmerksamkeit für kleines Budget

ITB Berlin zieht verstärkt Kommunikationsagenturen aufs Messegelände – Weiteres Raumangebot für Pressekonferenzen – Attraktive Konditionen und Standbesetzungspflicht nur bis zum ITB-Freitag

Die weltweit führende Messe der internationalen Reiseindustrie baut ihr Engagement in Sachen Kommunikation weiter aus. Zur 50sten Auflage der ITB Berlin im März 2016 möchte die Messe Berlin verstärkt PR-Agenturen und Pressestellen als Aussteller gewinnen. Einige Neuerungen sollen ihnen den Messeauftritt in der Halle 5.3 erleichtern. Seit 2007 nutzen PR-Agenturen mit Kunden aus der Reise- und Hospitality-Industrie sowie aus dem Bereich Transport die auf die Bedürfnisse von Medien ausgerichteten Messehalle, um gezielt Journalisten anzusprechen. Künftig wird es hier einen zusätzlichen Raum für Pressegespräche in kleinerer Runde geben. Die ITB Berlin geht zudem mit preislich attraktiven Angeboten und neuen Standbaupaketen auf die unterschiedlichen Bedürfnisse von großen und kleinen Agenturen ein.

Die Standflächen in Halle 5.3 werden weiterhin für ein Drittel des regulären Standpreises ab 55 Euro pro Quadratmeter angeboten. Ab sofort können Agenturen aber auch kleinere Flächen von 12 bis 15 Quadratmetern mieten. Die ITB Berlin stellt dafür zwei Standbaupakete zur Verfügung, die für die Aussteller mit geringeren Kosten und weniger Organisationsaufwand verbunden sind. Außerdem profitieren PR-Agenturen von einer preislich reduzierten Werbebox. Damit erhalten sie ein Paket an ausgewählten Marketing-Mitteln, mit denen sie ihren Messeauftritt optimieren und ihre Präsenz auf der Messe stärken können. Die ITB Berlin bietet für die Halle 5.3 eine verkürzte Standbesetzungspflicht an. Die Stände müssen nur bis einschließlich Freitag besetzt sein. Grundsätzlich können bis zu zehn Mitaussteller von anderen PR-Agenturen oder Pressestellen am jeweiligen Hauptstand vertreten sein. So wird das Budget zusätzlich geschont

Aussteller der Halle 5.3 erhalten darüber hinaus die erste Option auf die Buchung der Pressekonferenzräume der Halle. Neu im kommenden Jahr: Auf Wunsch der Aussteller richtet die ITB Berlin einen zweiten, kleineren Raum für Pressekonferenzen ein, der bis rund 25 Personen fasst. Darüber hinaus steht ein größerer Raum für bis zu 60 Personen zur Verfügung.

„Um die Anforderungen unserer Aussteller an die Halle 5.3 noch besser kennen zu lernen, haben wir in den vergangenen Monaten eine Umfrage durchgeführt“, erklärt David Ruetz, Leiter ITB Berlin. „Die darin geäußerten Wünsche der Aussteller haben wir nun in konkrete Angebote umgesetzt. Wir sind überzeugt, damit die Attraktivität der Halle als Treffpunkt für Journalisten, Tourismusverantwortliche und PR-Agenturen nachhaltig steigern zu können. Durch die zentrale Lage auf dem Messegelände und als Teil des Medienzentrums in Kombination mit Halle 6.3 ist die Halle 5.3 ein wichtiger Teil unserer Messe.“

Bei der Auswertung der Ergebnisse zeigte sich auch der Wunsch nach digitalen Pressemappen. Aus diesem Grund wird es zur ITB Berlin 2016 die Möglichkeit eines Upgrades innerhalb des Onlinekatalogs „ITB Berlin Virtual Market Place“ geben. Dort können Pressemeldungen hochgeladen und von allen Interessierten gelesen werden. Abgerundet wird das neue Angebot der Halle 5.3 voraussichtlich auch durch ein Café. Damit reduziert sich der Aufwand für Aussteller, da in Zukunft kein Stauraum mehr für die Verpflegung vorgehalten werden muss.

Meetings Industry Veteran Grant Snider Launches New Company

“Meetings Industry Veteran Grant Snider Launches New Company”

Meetings Industry veteran Grant Snider has launched a new company, Meeting Escrow Inc., to protect client deposits and ensure timely payment to supplier-partners. Using the company’s segregated account system, planners and their clients are guaranteed their advance deposit payments are 100% secure prior to program operation while supplier-partners are relieved of the burden of constantly chasing payments.

“Unfortunately, our industry is not regulated so there is no global standard for the protection of deposits. Standard practice is to mix client deposits with general operating accounts which means these monies are potentially at risk. Recent high profile failures have highlighted these risks and left planners reluctant to part with their money causing huge challenges for the entire supply chain,” said President and CEO, Grant Snider.

Snider continued: “Meeting Escrow was founded to bridge this ‘trust gap’ in the market. Planners and supplier-partners sign an escrow contract with Meeting Escrow for the total amount to be protected. Funds are wire transferred by the client directly to Meeting Escrow and safeguarded in a segregated bank account to the benefit of the supplier-partner. There is no commingling of Meeting Escrow’s own operational funds with client funds; nor is there any commingling of any client’s funds with any other client’s. The individual deposit payments are then wire transferred to the supplier-partner per the deposit payment schedule in the escrow contract. Client funds are secure and fully protected and supplier-partners are paid on time. Meeting Escrow offers security and efficiency, a win-win for everyone”.

Sandy Monkemeyer, Senior Vice President & Corporate Travel Director for Captive Resources, LLC, welcomed Snider’s new initiative. “Meeting Escrow is an important addition to our industry as it provides Meeting Planners with the guarantee that any funds paid by way of advance deposits are 100% secure and only released to supplier-partners when they fall due. This provides great comfort for companies where internal regulations and due diligence are increasingly important.”

Katherine Wright, CMP, CMM, President of Toronto-based meeting planning company The Wright Solution, added that “Meeting Escrow finally provides the solution planners have been looking for: how to give our suppliers commitment without jeopardizing the often large deposits we pay months in advance to book future programs. I can’t think of a better person in this industry to be spearheading such a venture – Grant Snider embodies trust, confidence and fairness in all of his business dealings and will help streamline the whole process so we can focus on what we do best: planning and executing meetings and events.”

Grant Snider brings lifelong Meetings Industry experience and an indisputable reputation as a person of integrity and trust to Meeting Escrow. Following an early career in the hotel industry, Snider moved to the destination services sector eventually becoming co-owner of JPdL, Canada’s largest DMC. He sold his stake in the company in 2014. Over the years he has served in a variety of leadership positions in meetings industry associations such as ADMEI, SITE and FICP.