Mindfulness, interaction & common goals for TIC leaders – innovative ways to develop destination experience

Mindfulness, interaction & common goals for TIC leaders – innovative ways to develop destination experience

83 TIC managers and staff representing 49 leading European cities recently met in Dublin for the third edition of the TIC Expert Meeting to exchange knowledge and best practices on Tourist Information Centres (TIC).

The ECM TIC Expert Meeting is targeted to TIC managers and staff, whether they are ECM members or not. This initiative from European Cities Marketing (the only membership association strengthening city marketing in Europe with 100 cities onboard) is providing participants with an opportunity to improve their knowledge and also to share information on Tourist Information Centres with other destinations. For the third year in a row, the event was fully-booked showing once again the interest of TIC managers and staff in exchanging to improve their TICs.

Gabriela Schweinberger, International Business Coach and Consultant, hosted a workshop where attendees were divided into groups and given different problematic regarding TICs. This workshop was a platform for learning: attendees outlined common problems, goals and clients/visitors with nearly identical requirements. Together they searched for solutions and exchanged their experiences.

A panel discussion on mobile TICs (or itinerant TICs – Ed.) was also organised with Johanna Laxén, Tourist Information Advisor at Visit Helsinki and Federica Borini, TIC Coordinator at Turismo Torino e Provincia. Johanna described the mobile TIC system used during high season in Helsinki with staff walking around specific touristic areas providing maps and brochures to the tourists in need. While Federica explained that in Turin the mobile TIC system is used during events and volunteers help the tourists.

Last but not least, attendees were given the opportunity to work on personal development thanks to Buddhist monk Gelong Thubten who provided a masterclass on mindfulness. Did you know that you only need 10 minutes of meditation per day to feed your brain and it helps people overcome stress, develop greater mental focus and better interaction… which are important when you work in a TIC.

Richard Windischbacher, TIC Knowledge Group chairperson and TIC Manager at Graz Tourismus explained: “Tourist Information Centres are a source of inspiration for visitors in a city. The aim of our yearly event is to offer a mix of incentive and exchange opportunities for all the TIC experts’ attendees from large and small cities, from public and private organisations. The exchange of best practices, experience and know-how is the key to improve cities competitiveness. The TIC Expert Meeting allows attendees to benchmark themselves by learning about other TIC.”

The fourth edition of the TIC Expert Meeting will be held on October 26-27, 2017 in Budapest. Details will follow on European Cities Marketing website: www.europeancitiesmarketing.com

ITB Berlin Kongress: Wissen, was morgen zählt

ITB Berlin • 8. bis 12. März 2017

31.10.2016
ITB Berlin Kongress: Wissen, was morgen zählt

Think Tank der internationalen Reiseindustrie diskutiert zentrale Themen der Zeit und gibt Ausblick auf künftige Trends – Experten informieren über künstliche Intelligenz, Unterstützung in Krisenfällen durch Social Media oder Hotelinvestitionen aus China – Eintritt für Fachbesucher der ITB Berlin kostenlos

Wissenstransfer leicht gemacht: Der ITB Berlin Kongress widmet sich vom 8. bis 11. März 2017 den wichtigsten Themen der Reiseindustrie, Politik und Wirtschaft. Bei Vorträgen, Diskussionen und interaktiven Debatten klärt der größte Think Tank der internationalen Reiseindustrie fachkundig und unterhaltsam über den Einsatz von künstlicher Intelligenz oder von Social Media in Krisenzeiten auf. Experten und bekannte Publikumslieblinge bringen drängende Fragen auf den Punkt und regen mit pointierten Aussagen zum Nachdenken an.

Der diesjährige Convention & Culture Partner Slowenien eröffnet am Mittwoch, 8. März 2017, den ITB Future Day und informiert in mehreren Sessions während der Kongresstage unter anderem über die Themenschwerpunkte Nachhaltigkeit und Klimawandel. Mit einer exklusiv für den ITB Berlin Kongress durchgeführten aktuellen, globalen Marktstudie gibt das Reiseunternehmen Travelzoo wertvolle Hinweise zu den Auswirkungen von Krisen und Katastrophen auf Touristen. Richard Singer, Managing Director Europe Travelzoo, gibt Aufschluss zu geeigneten Maßnahmen, um das Sicherheitsgefühl von Reisenden zu verbessern. Wie Social Media im Umgang mit Krisen erfolgreich eingesetzt werden kann erklärt Percy von Lipinski, höchst bewerteter und ausgezeichneter Reiseguru des Fernsehsenders CNN, im Rahmen des ITB Destination Days 2 am Donnerstag, 9. März 2017, in seinem Vortrag zu „Social Media und mobile Technologien: Krisenverstärker oder Aufklärungshilfe?“ Da Kommunikation heute in starkem Maße in sozialen Kanälen stattfindet, liefert er konkrete Tipps, wie Social Media Ängste abbauen und Urlauber aufklären kann.

Zwei Publikumslieblinge steigen am ITB Future Day wieder gegeneinander in den Ring. Der Reisejournalist und Autor Doug Lansky und Ted Sullivan, Vice President of Tourism and Resort Analytics ADARA, liefern sich in einer interaktiven Debatte einen geistreichen und humorvollen Schlagabtausch zu Themen, die den Tourismus in Zukunft prägen werden. Das Publikum stimmt nach jeder Runde ab, wer die schlagkräftigsten Argumente geliefert hat. Ab in die Zukunft geht es bei einem Vortrag zu „The Next Big Thing: Artificial Intelligence – Disruption von Reiseentscheidungen und –buchung!?“ während des ITB Marketing and Distribution Days am Freitag, 10. März 2017. Technologie-Giganten investieren massiv in die Erforschung und Anwendung von künstlicher Intelligenz. Norm Rose, Präsident Travel Tech Consulting, Inc. and Senior Technology Analyst Phocuswright, Inc., erklärt, welche Anwendungen bereits in der Reiseindustrie existieren und wie Chatbots, Virtual Assistants und Big Data-Analysen am sinnvollsten eingesetzt werden können.

Ein Blick auf die Pläne chinesischer Hotelinvestoren wird am ersten ITB Destination Day am Mittwoch, 8. März 2017, geworfen. China rüstet sich derzeit mit Hotels in begehrten Destinationen für das weitere Wachstum im Outgoing-Tourismus. Zuhörer erfahren von Vertretern führender chinesischer Hotelketten mehr zu den derzeitigen Entwicklungen und welche Destinationen durch die Investitionen besonders gestärkt werden. Botswana ist das offizielle Partnerland der ITB Berlin 2017. Während der ITB Destination Days steht Botswana besonders im Fokus und wird neben dem Grußwort im Rahmen der Eröffnung auch Teil des beliebten Afrika-Forums am zweiten Tag des ITB Berlin Kongresses sein.

Fachkräfte, Meinungsführer und Experten, die selbst ein Teil des ITB Berlin Kongresses werden möchten, können sich noch bis zum Montag, 31. Oktober 2016, als Referent der eTravel World bewerben und ihre Themenvorschläge einreichen an etravel@itb-berlin.de

Gesucht werden unter anderem Beiträge, Case Studies und Best Practice-Beispiele zu Digitaler Transformation, Chatbots oder Influencer Marketing. Alle Informationen zum Call for Papers der eTravel World und die Bewerbung für einen Platz als Referent sind online zu finden unter: http://www.itb-berlin.de/etravel

Über die ITB Berlin und den ITB Berlin Kongress
Die ITB Berlin 2017 findet von Mittwoch bis Sonntag, 8. bis 12. März, statt. Von Mittwoch bis Freitag ist die ITB Berlin für Fachbesucher geöffnet. Parallel zur Messe läuft der ITB Berlin Kongress von Mittwoch bis Samstag, 8. bis 11. März 2017. Er ist weltweit der größte Fachkongress der Branche. Mehr Informationen sind zu finden unter www.itb-kongress.de. Slowenien ist der Convention & Culture Partner der ITB Berlin 2017. Die ITB Berlin ist die führende Messe der weltweiten Reiseindustrie. 2016 stellten mehr als 10.000 Aussteller aus 187 Ländern ihre Produkte und Dienstleistungen rund 180.000 Besuchern, darunter 120.000 Fachbesuchern vor.

Treten Sie dem ITB Pressenetz auf http://www.xing.to/itb-pressenetz bei.
Werden Sie Fan der ITB Berlin auf http://www.facebook.de/ITBBerlin.
Folgen Sie der ITB Berlin auf https://twitter.com/ITB_Berlin.
Sie finden aktuelle Informationen im Social Media Newsroom auf http://newsroom.itb-berlin.de

Experience the Unbelievable at Big Boys Toys

Experience the Unbelievable at Big Boys Toys
The Luxury, Innovations and Technology Expo

The 7th edition of The Middle East’s premier Luxury Lifestyle supershow is back with the world’s newest, rarest and most unique innovations and state of the art products from a across 11 categories.

BBT2016 brings you, for the first time ever, the Global Launch of a Transformer!, An unbelievable experience with features such as Neck and Head Movement, Robot Transformation, Remote Control Software and more.

In addition to this exclusive launch, the show is also a gateway into the most unique and innovative products, displaying the best of the best the world has to offer such as The World’s Fastest Street Legal Bike, The Global Launch of the World’s Fastest Supercar, The Launch of the Khalifa Boat with Supercar Features, 3D Printed Instruments and more!, Biju Jayaraaj, the CEO of Artaaj (Organizers of the supershow) stated: “Our visitors will be a part of an exclusive journey in experiencing the world’s most unbelievable inventions. The event offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to view an amazing lineup of products under one roof., We are very fortunate to host the world’s most unique creations and urge you to buy your tickets now as only a limited number will be available.”, Bigger and better than ever before, the event is expected to attract over 200 exhibitors from over 36 countries. The seventh edition of the Big Boys Toys Exhibition will take place in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 23- 26 November, 2016.

Socialmedia Channels:
https://www.facebook.com/BigBoysToysOfficialPage
https://twitter.com/bigboystoys_uae
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwsvOaLzPp-iRrAJxHT0lBQ/feed
https://instagram.com/bigboystoys.official/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-boys-toys-official

Hashtag #BBT2016

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Outrigger Resort in Maldives Announces Wondrous Beach Activities for Christmas and New Year

Outrigger Resort in Maldives Announces Wondrous Beach Activities for Christmas and New Year
Under the warm Maldivian sun, there’s plenty out of the ordinary for families and couples this festive season

KONOTTA, MALDIVES – The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has announced an inspirational festive programme of beach activities for Christmas and New Year. The idyllic beach resort in the south of the Maldives has created wonderful activities from 19 December to 2 January, most of which are free. The activities fall under three festive themes:

For Little VIPs – Kids can enjoy activities such as sand sculptures on the beach, island treasure hunt, aqua gym, open air movies, banana boat rides, secret garden picnics, making super hero capes, dance lessons, meeting Santa in his grotto, and more.

For Adults – While the kids are playing (supervised), adults can enjoy complimentary yoga, guided snorkelling trips, morning meditation, fishing trips, beach barbecues, water polo, sushi making, a Southeast Asia culinary night, romantic sunset dinners, chilling by the pool (with in-house DJ), discovering nearby castaway islands, a Moroccan evening, Japanese night, Tai Chi on the beach, kayak racing, dolphin trips, snorkelling with a marine biologist, open air movies, and more.

Out of the Ordinary Stuff – Guests can celebrate Christmas and New Year in style by renewing their vows on the beach, crossing the equator to the ‘other side of the world’, surfing (yes, surfing – there are six reef breaks nearby), being castaway on your own island for the day (with nice food and drinks), visiting local islands, dining on the beach at a sunken table, and learning to cook Maldivian, Indian, Sri Lankan or Japanese cuisine.

This Christmas and New Year, prices start from US$760/£621/€698 (plus 22% GST & service charge) per night for a luxurious 211 square metre Beach Villa with private pool, accommodation for two adults and two children, daily gourmet breakfast, and daily three-course dinner.

For full information on the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort festive programme, click here. For the festive accommodation offer click here (1st anniversary offer). Or call +9607902786. E: reservation.konotta@outrigger.mv.

Outrigger.com Wins Best Hotel/Resort Website Award

Outrigger.com Wins Best Hotel/Resort Website Award

PHUKET, THAILAND – Outrigger.com has won the Best Hotel/Resort Website Award at the Travelmole Asia Pacific Web Awards 2016.

The newly designed Outrigger.com wowed travel industry voters with its visually strong, highly customer-focused interface. Outrigger.com provides travelers with continually refreshed information, opportunities to interact one-on-one with Outrigger, and encourages sharing of experiences on social media.

Mark Simmons the Outrigger VP Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific received the award at the Travelmole Asia Pacific Web Awards ceremony 20 October 2016 during the ITB Asia travel show in Singapore.

Since launching in May 2016 mobile page views on Outrigger.com have increased by more than 30%. “This suggest that people are finding the new responsive site more user-friendly. They are definitely spending more time researching on it, which has led to a significant increase in mobile bookings,” said Outrigger Enterprises Group, Senior VP for Global Distribution, Dan Wacksman, who led the team that conceived and implemented the new Outrigger.com.

Wacksman described the new Outrigger.com as “visually evocative and very practical, allowing guests to be digitally immersed in our hotels and resorts, while at the same time ensuring an easy and seamless booking process”.

Beautiful photography and real-time data such as date/time, weather updates and a social media feed, all help to ensure guests get a real feel for Outrigger hotels and resorts, he said.

The Travelmole Asia Pacific Awards 2016, recognize excellence of travel industry vendors, destinations, resellers, technology and payment solution providers, whose websites, ecommerce, social media, mobile and IT deployment represent the ‘best of the best’ in the region, said the organiser.

Travelmole’s 75,000 Asia Pacific travel industry members and subscribers all had the chance to vote for companies of their choice in any of the 14 award categories. An expert panel of judges then selected the shortlist, from which Travelmole members and subscribers voted online to determine the winners.

Scott Eames appointed Director Global Sales North America for Pacific World

Scott Eames appointed Director Global Sales North America for Pacific World

Pacific World, (www.pacificworld.com), the leading global DMC and Event Management announces today the addition of Scott Eames to their Global Sales organization. Scott will be based in New York and confirms their increased investment in relationships with clients in the North America market.

“In response to an increase in demand for Pacific World expertise for global outbound events Scott is an important addition to the international sales team in delivering events in over 35 destinations.” Says Selina Chavry.

Scott Eames is a veteran hospitality professional with over 21 years of experience in the meetings and events arena.  Early on in his career, Scott’s focus was in the tradeshow and association event markets, eventually working his way into the Strategic Meetings Management space where he excelled at designing and supporting Fortune 500 client programs in streamlining and consolidating meeting and events operations.

Prior to joining PW, Scott served in a number of senior sales positions, including Global Sales Director in Allied PRA and Director of Business Development – Strategic Sales in Carlson Wagonlit Travel Meetings & Events, focusing on large global and multinational Fortune 200 firms.  In these positions, Scott consulted with numerous leading pharmaceutical, financial and technology organizations, which required an understanding of each client’s culture, needs and goals.

Scott is a member of the FICP, SITE including board membership of the Northeast Chapter of SITE, Meeting Professionals International, the Global Business Travel Association, Professional Convention Management Association, and In addition, Eames earned his NBTA – Accomplished Certification in Strategic Meetings Management (SMMC).

Scott will work alongside Ruby Serra to expand our reach to the important North America market.

THE WORLD COMES TOGETHER TO HAVE FUN FUN FUN IN BARCELONA

THE WORLD COMES TOGETHER TO HAVE FUN FUN FUN IN BARCELONA

One of the key highlights of the week in Barcelona at ibtm world (www.ibtmworld.com) is the number of social events that bring a sense of party to the event and connects the international meetings industry community.

It all starts with the Welcome Reception held in partnership with Barcelona Convention Bureau onsite at the venue on the first night of ibtm world.  This year’s theme will be called “Deliciously Barcelona” celebrating the fact that Catalonia has been awarded European Gastronomy Region for 2016, food, music, culture, wine, and the opportunity to party with friends and make new ones.

Exhibitors get to display their culture and brand by creating their own events and parties for Networking Hour on Wednesday 30 November.  This time from 18.00 – 19.00 hrs, the show floor comes alive with music, entertainment, food and drinks from hosted receptions from an array of exhibitors that gives attendees the chance to stayon a while before heading into Barcelona for their own events and a brand new event replacing what has historically been known as club night.  More information about the exhibitor events can be found on the website:
http://www.ibtmworld.com/Programme1/events-features/Networking-events/

This year club night becomes Rendezvous at ibtm world. Holland and the MPI Foundation will turn Opium Mar orange for the night. All proceeds from the event will be invested into the MPI Foundation on scholarships, grants and pan-industry research, all of which will help to secure the future success of the meetings and events industry, so get your ticket now online or at the show from the MPI stand.
http://www.mpiweb.org/foundation/rendezvous-ibtmworld

“In addition to the networking events that we organise, there are hundreds of exhibitors holding receptions, parties and dinners in Barcelona each evening, providing a multitude of opportunities to have fun and network in this great city, it is fantastic to see ibtm world create a vibrant atmosphere in and around Barcelona” commented Graeme Barnett, Senior Exhibition Director ibtm world.

DMC NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW BRAND IDENTITY AND WEBSITE

DMC NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW BRAND IDENTITY AND WEBSITE
IMEX AMERICA, LAS VEGAS, TUESDAY 18 OCTOBER

Today at IMEX America, following a year long consultation with its partners and clients, the DMC Network launched its new brand identity and website. Anchored on a simple but powerful strapline, “We’re there for you”, the new identity highlights the uniqueness of the DMC Network as a partnership of fully accredited, owner-managed, legacy destination management consultants.

“The foundations for the project were laid during a board retreat almost a year ago during which we clarified, tweaked and re-stated our vision to be the industry’s  most reliable, trustworthy and consistent global community of destination management companies. Our clients hire us for our local knowledge and expertise, to be there for them and deal with all the unexpected things that happen during live program operation” said Shannon Gardner, Chairwoman of the DMC Network and President of Accent Indy.

“At Maritz Global Events we depend massively on our DMC partners to deliver a seamless destination experience to our clients. We greatly appreciate the benefit of a single access point to valuable local relationships, knowledge and expertise across so many locations and this is reflected beautifully and cleverly in the new brand identity” said David Peckinpaugh, President of Maritz Global Events.

“Every partner DMC of the Network is an expert destination consultant contributing to and aligned around a shared vision. This is expressed in our new corporate logo that takes the colored locator pin of each destination partner and gathers them all into a single, beautiful mosaic that represents our collective strength. It’s a perfect expression of who we are: local, individual, independently owned companies united and working together to be there for you, whenever and wherever you need us” said Dan Tavrytzky, Managing Director, DMC Network.

IMEXrun the initiative that has attracted more than 2,500 participants

PRESS RELEASE

IMEXrun the initiative that has attracted more than 2,500 participants, for a “sweat-working” moment!

The event concept was developed by events by tlc and organized by Case Imagine, driven by its strong belief in the unique ability that sports have to enhance corporate responsibility, personal development and the practice of a healthier lifestyle. The run will be sponsored by Brazil and supported by AWG, Experient, GES and Holland.

We now present the 4th edition of the IMEXrun, which will take place in IMEX America in Las Vegas on the iconic Strip on October 19 at 6:00 am. Designed to combine fun, fitness and the Vegas panache, the 5km route will start and begin and end at the scenic Venetian® outdoor bridge & gondolas, passing on the Strip.

In only 4 hours, online registrations sold out. This reflects not only the success that is has built up from the previous editions, that in total have attracted more than 2500 participants since the first edition in Frankfurt last year. It also reflects the industry’s need to be connected through sports initiatives that compliment the great social and networking events around IMEX America.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains: “With over 500 registrations in four hours, it’s clear the IMEXrun forms a special part of people’s experience at IMEX America. As well as a great way to meet fellow attendees and enjoy the Vegas sights, it’s also a small step to help balance an intense week of business with healthy sports activity. We’ll see you at the start line!”

When IMEX America attendees hit the Strip for the popular meetings industry trade show this week, they’ll be doing much more than just networking and flexing their muscles – they’ll also have the opportunity to become part of a very unique and healthy experience that IMEXrun provides.

“This is about the universal language that connects people from all over the world with different backgrounds and cultures, sports! By using sportive occasions we engage people and create a powerful experience, which will naturally provoke a change of behavior for an active and healthier lifestyle and business environment” says Diogo Assis, events by tlc CEO.

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Wins ‘Best Resort’ Award

Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort Wins ‘Best Resort’ Award

KONOTTA, THE MALDIVES – The Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort has won “Best Resort” in the Travel Weekly Asia 2016 Readers Choice Awards.

The stunning 53 all-pool villa resort in the south of the Maldives has wowed visitors since it opened in August 2015.

The award “honours the ‘best of the best’ in the travel industry,” said Travel Weekly Asia Group Publisher, Irene Chua.

Outrigger Resort Vice President Sales & Marketing, Mark Simmons, received the award on behalf of the property at the Readers Choice Awards ceremony in Singapore, 17 October.

The General Manager of the resort, Mr John Allanson, said: “Outrigger is very proud of the latest accolade for the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort. We dedicate it to our hard working hosts who treat all guests as part of the Outrigger family.”

Comprising 29 Beach Pool Villas, 21 Ocean Pool Villas, two Lagoon Pool Villas and the masterful three-bedroom Grand Konotta Villa, the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury. The Outrigger has the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives.

Each winner in the awards was voted for by Travel Weekly Asia readers, a group comprising professionals from different specialities and expertise within the travel industry.

In December 2015, the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort also won the “Luxury Contemporary Resort of the Year,” in the Luxury Travel Guide Global Awards.

Outrigger was also hailed for the way it went about acquiring the resort. In October 2015 the property won first place for Single Asset Transaction of the Year in the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific Deal of the Year Awards.

The private island of Konotta is located 211 miles (340 kilometers) to the south of Malé and is accessible via a 55-minute flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo Airport followed by a scenic 30-minute journey on a luxurious private speedboat.