Discovering Guam

Discovering Guam
Until very recently not many people could have told you where Guam was located, or even what was there.

Recent political events have certainly changed that.
With intense, global media attention in recent months, however, many outlets like CNN, the BBC and others took the time to really look behind the breaking news. What they found and repeatedly reported on was the amazing people, the beauty of the island, the wonderful attractions and the importance of tourism to its economy.

The stories revealed the special spirit of the nearly 170,000 residents who are predominantly American citizens but who also strongly honor the ancient and vibrant Chamorro culture.

They also unveiled stunning images of the unspoiled, stunning, natural beauty of Guam.

From an economic standpoint, they talked about the growing leisure travel, conference & meeting, and incentive travel market in Guam – propelled not only by its authentic style and unique experience opportunities, but also its modern hotels and convention center and strong technology infrastructure.

Guam will once again have a booth at IMEX America #3041 and is anticipating great interest from event planners and buyers from the US, Asia, Australia and many other regions.

Who’s Been Coming and Why?
In just one example of who’s coming to Guam, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) & PATA (Pacific Asian Travel Association) held their 2016 Annual Conference in Guam which brought many influential industry leaders to the island, and delighted them with all that Guam has to offer,

Japanese, South Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese and American tourists and incentive groups have also been enjoying their experiences of Guam.

While Guam has more than 8,860 modern hotel rooms and hotels run by leading brands such as Hyatt, Sheraton, Hilton and Westin – as well as the new Guam Convention Center at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort – Guam also has its own distinctive local style which creates memorable events and experiences.

Business and pleasure visitors alike can take in outdoor fiestas featuring traditional, Chamorro food and festivities like fresh caught seafood & edible seaweed, traditional dancing, music and coconut cracking.

Hiking and walking up into the hills of Guam – or “Boonie Stomping” as it’s known locally – uncovers gorgeous flora, fauna and jungle waterfalls. Golf, dolphin watching and water sports like snorkeling and diving are also among the many activities offering a wide range of incentive options.

Guam has also built a strong technology infrastructure with superfast Wifi – bringing together the best of unplugged and fully connected options and activities.

The world is discovering Guam – and that it has plenty to offer.
https://www.guamvisitorsbureau.com/

Guam Visitors Bureau
www.guamvisitorsbureau.com

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#Guam #UNWTO #WTO #PATA #IMEXAmerica #MICEnews #MICEmedia #TourismNews

IMEX Politicians Forum brings government and leaders together

IMEX Politicians Forum brings government and leaders together

The increasingly valuable contribution that meetings can make towards national and regional economic development, employment and education and how this will progress over the next 15 years will be the central subject of discussions at the 14th annual IMEX Politicians Forum when it takes place at Hotel Villa Kennedy Frankfurt on Tuesday 19 April.
This unique high-level event will once again bring together up to 40 politicians, including national and regional government ministers, and political influencers with around 80 industry leaders. They will exchange knowledge and best practice on how governments, regions and cities can make the most of the wide-ranging benefits that investment in conferences and meetings can bring, from income and employment to inward investment, education and scientific advancement.
This year the keynote speaker will be Hon Minister Stuart Ayres, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events for New South Wales, Australia. In a speech entitled: ‘How Meetings and Events Can Fulfil Political Optimism’, he will focus on several key areas including the importance of matching business events with trade, investment and export policies.

Minister Ayres said: “I’m excited to address the Politician’s Forum at IMEX in Frankfurt on the major issues affecting our industry. Business events are key drivers for our State – stimulating the knowledge economy; supporting trade and investment; talent acquisition and retention; and fostering sustainable future growth.”
The event is a full day programme with an exclusive VIP guided tour of the IMEX trade show and visits to delegates’ own national or regional stands before and after attending the Opening Ceremony.

The afternoon Forum will open with a Global Exchange of Best Practice at national and regional levels. The Hon Minister Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Iceland will chair the national level meeting while John Greenway, former Member of Parliament in the UK will lead the regional discussions.
All the delegates will then join together for the main Forum, a Global Exchange of Future Practice, moderated by Michael Hirst OBE, in which all the politicians, government officials and industry leaders will discuss how destinations are preparing for the challenges over the next 15 years and sharing new ideas and thinking.
The IMEX Politicians Forum has over the years proved to be a major catalyst in advancing the understanding of the critical role that the meetings industry plays in many aspects of national and regional development.

As Hon Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir, Minister of Industry and Commerce for Iceland commented after taking part in the IMEX Politicians Forum 2015. “There is tremendous economic value and intellectual capital gain associated with a strong meetings and conference industry. Therefore it is crucial for governments to respond with a focused strategy to make the most of these business opportunities to benefit their destination. The IMEX Politicians Forum provides a unique platform for governments wishing to improve their competitiveness.”
Carina Bauer, CEO of The IMEX Group said: “The many senior politicians and government officials from across the globe attending the Politicians Forum this year are testament to the increasing recognition of the important role that the meetings and incentive travel industry plays in driving economic development particularly in knowledge economies. We are pleased with the strong programme that is set to develop further understanding and relationships between the industry and governments around the world.”

http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/
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#IMEX #IMEXFrankfurt #IMEX16 #IMEX2016

Aquila Yachts on Display at Singapore Yacht Show

Aquila Yachts on Display at Singapore Yacht Show

Clearwater, FL (April 17, 2015) – Sino Eagle Yacht Company is proud to announce their participation in the 2015 Singapore Yacht Show. This is the second year that the yacht builder will be attending the show, displaying one of their newest luxury power catamarans, the Aquila 48.

Aquila Yachts represents the newest and most exciting yacht evolution on the market today offering practicality and luxury with trend setting innovation, quality and custom designs for international markets. With strong international sales in Singapore, Australia, China, New Caledonia, Cyprus, British Virgin Islands, Canada and the United States, Aquila is quickly becoming a premier choice for luxury yacht buyers around the world.

Aquila’s global growth and success can be attributed to their exceptional foresight in predicting market specific needs with customization options for worldwide consumers. Specifically, this month they are introducing the Aquila 48 Lan Kwai Fong Special Edition to the Asian market.

This yacht has been designed to appeal to the Asian buyer and answers cultural desires for their yachting lifestyle. Aptly named Lan Kwai Fong, this special edition of the Aquila 48 delivers the energetic nightlife the name depicts. The main entertaining deck includes numerous seating areas, a karaoke machine, sound system and multiple flat screen televisions. A catering galley is located in the port hull, an intimate salon in the starboard hull and two resting cabins occupy the forward areas in the lower deck. The oversized flybridge with evening lighting features, seating and a superb sound system allows the party to continue outside under the stars.

“We are very excited to return to this distinguished Yacht Show again this year. The Singapore Yacht Show has a distinct focus on the prominent, high profile superyachts that are the most glamorous motor yachts in the world. Our luxury customization designs create an unparalleled luxury power catamaran for international consumers, making our yachts a natural fit for the show attendee’s discerning tastes” said Frank Xiong, CEO of Sino Eagle Group.

Construction of Aquila power catamarans began in 2012 through a partnership between Sino Eagle Group and MarineMax, the world’s largest power boat retailer. Then through collaboration with development, design and manufacturing firms including J&J Design Group and Seaway, the team set out to develop a new, purebred power cat unlike anything in the marketplace today.

This evolution in power catamarans, a fusion of European, American and Asian innovation includes 38’, 44’ and 48’ models bringing an entirely new perspective to the private ownership and charter markets, and is quickly becoming the choice of the world’s leading Marine charter and boating lifestyle companies.

Aquila Yachts will be on display throughout the show at berth B07.

GOOD NEWS FOR IBTM INDIA

GOOD NEWS FOR IBTM INDIA
Visitors from 43 countries can now get their visa for India online

Both international exhibitors and Hosted Buyers attending ibtm india 2015 will benefit from the recent news that tourists travelling to India from 43 countries including the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Germany and Japan will no longer have to queue at their local consulates to obtain visas. Following the announcement, individuals may now apply online for their tourist visa-on-arrival, entitling them to a 30-day stay in the India.

The new visa-on-arrival rules will benefit 43 countries including Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kingdom of Tongo, Laos, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Papua & New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea (i.e. South Korea), Republic of Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Palau, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam and Vanuatu.

“This is very good news for our international exhibitors and Hosted Buyers attending ibtm india 2015 which will take place in Jaipur, from 1-3 September. These new visa rules will also help to unleash the huge potential of the country’s growing MICE industry,” said Shinu Pillai, Exhibition Manager ibtm india and ibtm africa, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Hosted Buyers registration for ibtm india 2015 will go live in May.

For further information on ibtm india 2015, please visit www.ibtmindia.com

 

IAPCO MINI CONFERENCE AT ICCA

IAPCO MINI CONFERENCE AT ICCA
Monday 3 November 14.00-17.30, Antalya, Turkey

PCO Focus: Association Meetings = Risky Business for PCO’s?

Session leaders:
Roslyn McLeod, arinex, Australia
Michel Neijmann, K2 Conference & Event Management Co., Turkey [IAPCO President]
André Vietor, Barceló Congresos, Spain [Chair IAPCO Training Academy]

Audience:
Specifically designed for meetings management sector delegates; also of interest to other delegates wishing to gain deep understanding of PCO issues.
ICCA and IAPCO have collaborated to organise this extended, in-depth session on some of the most critical issues facing the meetings management professional today, especially in relation to the international association market. Using IAPCO’s extensive educational and research resources, you will learn new ways to structure your business, to negotiate with clients, to draw up effective strategies, and to reduce risk.

Key topics:
Topic 1:
“Have associations become too vulnerable or risky for PCOs to handle?”
Session leader: André Vietor
Are associations too reliant on single events and push their partners, in particular PCO’s, to carry more and more risk on their shoulders? Is it the responsibility of the PCO to take on risk for association meetings? Will it be profitable in future to provide certain services to associations? Is the full service PCO model dead in the association sector? And, most importantly, how are we able to increase our profit margin by providing added value services to our clients? These are only a few of the critical questions PCO’s will have to ask themselves in order to adapt to a business model that works for each individual company. The objective of this session is to debate and to identify how we as a professional community (not individual corporations) effectively communicate our value to clients and to analyse to what extent taking on risks by PCO’s really pays back.

Topic 2:
“How do you report your performance to your clients?”
Session leader: Roslyn McLeod
How does a client distinguish between tenders to decide the best value PCO appointment for their needs? What are the deciding factors and how does the PCO guide this process to win the business? Does transparency correlate with quality – how is this detected at selection stage? Does the client need a bad experience to recognise a good opportunity or is the ‘good opportunity’ a bad experience? How does a PCO report performance to their clients when tendering and when the job is complete?

Topic 3:
“The times are changing – and so must we. Changes in the meetings industry and their impact on conferences, planners and suppliers”
Session leader: Michel Neijmann
This is a follow up to the debate and outcomes from an IAPCO session run during IMEX America. The original debate was focusing on the changing needs and demands of conference delegates as well as those of sponsors and speakers. Today they all have different and most probably higher expectations than just a few years ago whilst industry regulations are shaping a new conference management environment. These changes will have a major impact on the business model not only of PCO’s and planners but other partners within the meetings supply chain. We will share with you the results and focus on some of the findings in more depth, whilst providing an opportunity for delegates to raise other critical issues that were left out in the previous discussion.

For further information, please contact
rebecca@icca.nl

Sydney’s creativity shines for almost 50,000 delegates

Sydney’s creativity shines for almost 50,000 delegates

Sydney is gearing up to host 51 association conferences and incentives secured by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) in the next seven months, which are expected to attract more than 47,000 of the world’s brightest minds to Australia’s leading business events destination.

Headlining this list of prestigious business events is the 105th Rotary International Convention that will take place at the iconic Sydney Olympic Park from 1–4 June. With less than a month to go, almost 18,000 delegates have registered for the event and an influx of local Rotarians are expected to sign up in the final weeks.

Other events to take place in Sydney in 2014 include the Pro-Health China Annual Conference for 4,500 delegates with an economic impact (EI) of $22.5 million and the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) World Parks Congress for 3,000 delegates, with an EI of $24 million.

The Rotary Convention will inject an estimated $60.5 million into the local economy during the four official days, making it one of the largest and most significant business events ever organised in Australia. Some 148 countries will be represented at the event with large contingencies from Taiwan, the US, Japan, Korea and Australia.

The four-day Convention includes an exclusive sold-out performance at the Sydney Opera House and an Australia Football League match between the Sydney Swans and Geelong (tickets are still available!), which will be played during the Indigenous round of the AFL draw. Rotarians will also attempt a double world record to display the most flags on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and have the most people on the BridgeClimb experience at the same time.

Key to the Convention’s event program is Vivid Sydney, named Australia’s Best Tourism Event and the Australian Event of the Year in 2013, which makes a spectacular return to Sydney from 23 May to 9 June 2014. The Southern Hemisphere’s largest festival of light, music and ideas is expected to attract record audiences exceeding 800,000 people.

During the Rotary Convention, the Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney will play host to a ‘Vivid Visions’ cruise on Sydney Harbour that will be illuminated for the festival. Rotarian delegates will set sail on authentic 1920s twin sister Tall Ships for a spectacular evening of light and sound.

“Last year, six international events secured by BESydney were held alongside Vivid Sydney. We encourage conference and incentive planners to align their programs with Sydney’s stunning array of annual festivals and high-profile sporting events,” said BESydney’s CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith.

“Sydney’s major event calendar is full of brilliant opportunities to suit all tastes and event themes. Some shining examples of these are the Sculpture by the Sea at Bondi Beach; Good Food Month; and the largest lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia.”

The largest ever Vivid Ideas line-up of creative leaders and emerging talent, across a program of more than 200 events spanning 14 creative industries, has been launched for the 2014 Vivid Sydney. Vivid Ideas keynote speakers include renowned scholar, historian and founder of the Big History David Christian; CEO and co-founder of EpiBone, the world’s first company growing living human bones for skeletal reconstruction, Nina Tandon; digital effects genius Hao Li; and guest speakers from Tomorrow’s Toys and Future Shock.

Also tied into Vivid Sydney are business events including SPARC Design, the Good Design Australia Awards and Mumbrella360.

Later in September, the Pro-Health China Annual Conference will see approximately 4,500 high achievers visit Sydney. This is the first time that Pro-Health has taken its prestigious event outside of Asia and Australia’s harbour city is honoured to have this opportunity. Sydney’s ability to motivate, rewards and inspire delegates translates into tangible outcomes for Asian companies.

“Last year one of our clients shared with us that after announcing Sydney as their event destination they saw a 20 per cent increase in sales and a similar increase in qualifying team members for the incentive. Our once-in-a lifetime experiences continue to drive and inspire teams to succeed,” said Lyn Lewis-Smith.

For further information, images or to request an interview with CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith:

2014 AIME Welcome Reception location revealed

2014 AIME Welcome Reception location revealed

The wait is over – Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has revealed that Birrarung Marr will be the location for the 2014 Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) Welcome Reception.

The AIME Welcome Reception will take place on Monday, 17 February, the night before the two-day tradeshow begins, with Birrarung Marr set to be transformed into a medley of all things quintessentially Melbourne.

“We are excited to announce that Birrarung Marr, located on the banks of the Yarra River and with sweeping views of the city skyline, will be where the AIME Welcome Reception pops up to welcome more than 2000 AIME delegates to Melbourne,” Ms Bolinger said.

“Named by Australia’s indigenous Wurundjeri people, Birrarung translates to “river of mists” while Marr refers to the side of the river.

“Positioned between Melbourne’s sporting precinct and the city centre, the inner-city park is only a five minute walk from Flinders Street Station and features captivating urban art, including Melbourne local Deborah Halpern’s two-headed Angel sculpture and the Federation Bells, which ring three times daily with different compositions.”

The site has previously hosted Ellen DeGeneres and her 5000 fans during their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Australia, and Melbourne’s ArtPlay, an event attended by Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark.

“AIME delegates will be immersed in all the vibrancy and quirkiness that makes Melbourne, Melbourne,” Ms Bolinger continued.

“They will get a taste of local life through dining from mobile food trucks, which have popped-up all over the city recently, and watching performances by some of our much-loved street entertainers.

“Many local businesses, which are MCB members, have joined forces to bring the AIME Welcome Reception to life including Peter Jones Special Events; Harry the Hirer; Epicure; Creative Entertainment Concepts and more.

“The AIME Welcome Reception is another example of how Melbourne can turn non-traditional event spaces into unique venues.

“I have no doubt that this event will further cement the great reputation of Melbourne’s premium business events services and suppliers.”
The dress code for the event is smart casual and flat shoes are recommended.

AIME is the largest business exhibition of its kind in Australia, which will take place on 18 and 19 February at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. AIME is set to attract over 3000 delegates responsible for organising, meetings, incentives and business travel and over 700 Exhibitors from 50 countries.

TERI ORTON NAMED GENERAL MANAGER OF HAWAI‘I CONVENTION CENTER

TERI ORTON NAMED GENERAL MANAGER OF HAWAI‘I CONVENTION CENTER

HONOLULU, December 12, 2013 – AEG Facilities, which will assume management of the Hawai‘i Convention Center January 1, 2014, has named Teri Orton as General Manager of the 1.1 million square-foot facility located at the entrance to Waikïkï, O‘ahu. She will join AEG on December 18.

Prior to accepting the position, Orton was Vice President of Condominium Resort Marketing for Outrigger Enterprises Group, which consists of 16 properties across the Hawaiian Islands.

“Teri’s dynamic leadership skills, ability to motivate teams and proficiency in the hospitality arena combined with her experience and deep understanding of the destination make her the ideal person to oversee this great facility,” said Brad Gessner, Vice President of Convention Centers, AEG Facilities. “The addition of Teri along with the existing knowledgeable and professional staff to our experienced AEG Facilities team are uniquely qualified and poised to take the Center to new standards of success in service, bookings and guest satisfaction.”

In her new role, Orton will oversee all overall management of the Hawai‘i Convention Center, including sales and marketing, operations, finance, food and beverage and customer service, while implementing the strategic positioning and marketing plans for the facility in conjunction with the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), and the Meet Hawai‘i team.

“I am excited and privileged to have the opportunity to join the well-respected AEG Facilities management group in operating the world class Hawai‘i Convention Center,” said Orton. “Together with the veteran existing staff members, I am looking forward to working in conjunction with all of the community and hospitality stakeholders along with the HTA and Meet Hawai‘i sales team in marketing the Center and the Hawaiian Islands as an unmatched business meetings destination.”

“We are very fortunate to have found in Teri an individual born and raised in the Islands with outstanding travel industry credentials and a passionate belief in the strength and marketability of Hawai‘i as a meetings destination,” said Mike McCartney, HTA’s president and CEO. “Her proven track record of success and leadership will contribute greatly to elevating the Center’s global presence and optimizing its usage.”

Orton’s 17 years of hospitality experience includes posts as hotel general manager, director of sales and marketing and other management roles with Outrigger Enterprises Group, Embassy Suites, The Ilikai, W Diamond Head, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and the Huntington Beach Hilton Resort.

Orton majored in communications at the University of Hawai‘i – Windward Campus and advanced her training in hospitality management through various certifications with Starwood and Hilton Hotels. She has also been a member of the Waikiki Roundtable Committee for two years and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) membership committee chair for two years.

AEG Facilities has more than 20 years of experience in the management of convention centers, as well as arenas, stadiums and other facilities. The company offers a network of elite
worldwide convention centers, all of which have a similar look and feel to Hawai‘i’s convention center. With a presence in more than 100 venues on five continents, the Los Angeles-based organization expects to immediately position the HCC in some of the HTA’s key Meetings, Conventions and Incentive (MCI) markets, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

AEG takes over the management of the Honolulu center from SMG, which has run the venue since it opened in 1998.

About Meet Hawai‘i
Meet Hawai‘i is a collaboration of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and Hawai‘i Convention Center (HCC) to reinforce the brand of the Hawaiian Islands as a world-class destination for business meetings, conventions, and incentive programs. The marketing efforts of the Meet Hawai‘i team are overseen by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state of Hawai‘i’s tourism agency. HTA was established in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry well into the future. Its mission is to strategically manage Hawai‘i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with the state of Hawai‘i’s economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs. For information about Meet Hawai‘i and the hosting of meetings, conventions and incentives, please visit MeetHawaii.com.

About AEG Facilities
AEG, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Anschutz Company, is the leading sports, entertainment and venue operator in the world. AEG Facilities, a stand-alone affiliate of AEG, owns, operates or consults with more than 100 of the industry’s preeminent venues worldwide, across five continents, providing complete venue management, as well as specialized programs in operations, guest services, ticketing, booking, sales and marketing. AEG Facilities also provides resources and access to other AEG-affiliated entities, including live event producer, AEG Live, AEG Global Partnerships, AEG Development, AEG 1Earth, AEG Encore and AEG Creative to support the success of AEG venues across the globe. The Los Angeles-based organization owns, operates or provides services to the world’s most elite venues, including STAPLES Center (Los Angeles, Calif.), StubHub Center (Carson, Calif.), Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE (Los Angeles, Calif.), Sprint Center (Kansas City, Mo.), KFC Yum! Center (Louisville, Ky.),
AmericanAirlines Arena(Miami, Fla.), Prudential Center (Newark, N.J.), Target Center (Minneapolis, Minn.) and BBVA Compass Stadium (Houston, Texas). Among the roster of world class convention centers and other facilities managed by the division are the Los Angeles Convention Center, Hawai’i Convention Center (Honolulu, HI), Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (Brisbane, Australia), Oman Convention and Exhibition Center (Muscat, Oman), Sydney International Convention, Exhibition, and Entertainment District, Cairns Convention Center and Darwin Conventions Centre. Other venues include Oracle Arena and O.co Coliseum (Oakland, Calif.), CONSOL Energy Center (Pittsburgh, Penn.), Rabobank Arena (Bakersfield, Calif.), Mercedes-Benz Arena (Shanghai, China), MasterCard Center (Beijing, China), The O2 Arena (London, England), O2 World (Berlin, Germany), O2 World Hamburg (Hamburg, Germany), Ahoy Arena (Rotterdam, Netherlands), Itaipava Arena Pernambuco (Recife, Brazil), Allianz Parque (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Allphones Arena (Sydney, Australia), Ülker Sports Arena (Istanbul, Turkey), Ericsson Globe Arena (Stockholm, Sweden) and the. For more information, please visit aegworldwide.com.

Best of the Best at ITB 2013

Best of the Best at ITB 2013

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Germany belongs to a group of 10 countries boasting an exceptional image. That is the result of a survey among trade visitors at ITB Berlin, carried out by the Denmark-based Reputation Institute, which polled 1,145 trade visitors at the world’s largest travel trade show. Half of the respondents came from Germany. The other half came from 84 different countries. Opinions were asked regarding the image of 20 countries.

The countries boasting the best reputations were: Australia, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Indonesia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Austria, Japan, and France. Of these, Germany was ranked fourth among the 5 countries most worth visiting. It was led by Spain, Switzerland, and the UK and trailed by France.

Among the top 5 countries for investing in, Germany climbed to second place behind the UAE, ahead of Switzerland, the UK, and Austria. The top 5 countries for living in were Australia, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and the UAE. Among the top countries for studying in, Germany was ranked second, behind the UK in first spot. The remaining places were taken by Switzerland, the USA, and Australia.

Germany came first in two categories. It was voted the best country to work in, beating the UK, Switzerland, Australia, and the UAE. Trade visitors at ITB Berlin also considered Germany the best country for introducing new products to the market, ahead of the UK, Switzerland, France, and Japan.

The award ceremony of the Best Exhibitor Awards (BEA) which was organized by students of the Cologne Business School (CBS) during ITB in Berlin was once again one of the fair highlights. Four days long, the future Tourism Managers of the CBS evaluated the approximately 10,000 exhibitors at the CBS according to numerous criteria like information content, interactivity, interesting effects, and service quality.

Saturday night, March 9, the award ceremony took place in the Palais at the Funkturm on the Berlin fair trade premises. The CBS students Jessica Wack and Marie-Caroline Utsch hosted this year’s award ceremony. The 10 best placed exhibitors of each category were awarded in front of over 600 invited guests, and the best 3 of each category on stage. The patron of the project is Klaus Laepple, honorary President of the DRV and former President of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry (BTW). The General Secretary of the BTW, Michael Rabe, held a welcoming address, thanked the students for their outstanding commitment, and recommended them as future tourism managers.

For days on end, the future tourism managers, most of whom opted for the core subject of tourism, have visited some 12,000 booths at the ITB and assessed them according to numerous criteria such as booth construction, information contents, service quality, friendliness, and special effects.

As in every year, extraordinary performances of the prizewinners took place at the award ceremony. Besides many others, the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka danced, and Sharjah and Burundi drummed their way onto the stage with traditional sounds.

This year’s Best of Best Award was given to Abu Dhabi.

Speaking for Emirates, the prizewinner in the category Carrier, Volker Greiner, Emirates Vice President North & Central Europe, said: “We are proud to receive the prestigious Best Exhibitor Award for our trade fair appearance this year. Over many years, ITB Berlin has become our largest trade fair presence outside our home market in Dubai. (…)”

Martina Leicher from the Cologne Consultancy COMPASS GmbH, which has mentored the project since its initiation, drew attention to the ever-increasing popularity of the BEA as well, stating: “Over the years, the BEA became a Benchmark-Tool for the exhibitors at ITB, and for many of them it is very important to score high in the ranking. That’s mainly because of the fact that the BEA is the only evaluation of its kind. The criteria catalogue is online available, and many exhibitors are making use out of that in the preparation for the ITB.

Following 4 intense trade fair days, Prof. Dr. Guido Sommer, Dean of the Tourism Department at the CBS, draws a positive conclusion, saying: “This year we have even put a higher focus on the overall concept, authenticity, and B2B-Area. The whole team did a fantastic job, and I am proud of the students for their professional work and their self-initiative. For the Cologne Business School, it is very important to cooperate closely with the tourism industry, not only during the lectures, but also by working together on projects such as the Best Exhibitor Award.

The CBS and COMPASS will also continue the project in 2014 and evaluate the trade fair booths as a partner to Messe Berlin in order to honor the most impressive of them with the Best Exhibitor Award.

The Cologne Business School (CBS) is an internationally-orientated, state-recognized university of applied sciences and counts as one of Germany’s top business schools. The Cologne Business School also ensures highest quality education – in addition to official state recognition, all study courses are regularly examined by the tri-national accreditation agency FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation).

MEDIA CONTACTS: Messe Berlin – Michael T. Hofer, Group Press and Public Relations Director; ITB Berlin / ITB Asia – Astrid Zand, Press Officer, Messedamm 22, 14055 Berlin, Tel.:+ 4930 3038-2275, Fax: + 4930 3038-2141, Email: zand@messe-berlin.de , Web: http://www.messe-berlin.com

IMEX Group issues findings from tenth Politicians Forum debate – Destinations urged to use report content to increase local political support

IMEX Group issues findings from tenth Politicians Forum debate – Destinations urged to use report content to increase local political support
The IMEX Group has today issued a public report on the findings of the IMEX Politicians Forum discussion held during IMEX in Frankfurt in May this year.

With meetings and business events integral to the development of knowledge-based economies and increasingly central to the prosperity and future growth of nations and cities around the world, the annual IMEX Politicians Forum in Frankfurt provides both a private and a public platform to review industry progress.

The latest report provides an overview of the days’ content, including the case studies and papers presented by Business Events Sydney, Bordeaux, the European Society of Cardiology, Excel – London, Germany, Mexico and San Diego.

Close to 130 participated in the Forum, including politicial representatives and industry leaders. This year’s special guest speaker was Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman of The Rocco Forte Hotels Group. The Forum’s keynote speaker was Nick de Bois, MP, Chair of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events. 36 politicians and government officials from 16 countries also participated – the largest number to date. They represented: Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden and the UK.

One high point was the participation of Gloria Guevara Manzo, State Secretary of Tourism, Mexico, and member of President Calderon’s cabinet. She spoke about her country’s continued growth and ambition. Now one of the world’s top 15 economies, 190 million tourists visited Mexico in 2011, almost 23 million of which were international travellers. Manzo explained that Mexico’s goal is to become one of the world’s top five destinations by 2018 and recognises that meetings, incentive travel and events have a part to play in reaching that target.

Together with its three partner associations (AIPC, JMIC and European Cities Marketing), the IMEX Group hopes that destinations and convention and visitor bureaus in particular will use the report to encourage further political engagement in – and understanding of – the industry among their local political representatives. Its findings also demonstrate how far the industry has developed over the past 10 years and how much more assertive, cohesive and informed it has become.

The IMEX Group furthered its commitment to industry development through political influence at IMEX America this year when it held the first ever Political Advocacy Forum in conjunction with partners, the US Travel Association. This Forum was attended by special guest, Mayor of Las Vegas, Carolyn Goodman, together with CEO of US Travel, Roger Dow and close to 100 participants and media took part. IMEX will further advance its advocacy efforts in 2013 through PCMA’s new Industry Business Forum for local leaders.

IMEX has also made a 3-minute informational video available for free industry download. The video explains the importance of lobbying at a local level and is designed to be viewed by destinations and local government representatives alike.

A full copy of the IMEX in Frankfurt Politicians Forum Report plus a shorter summary is available online.

The IMEX Politicians Forum in Frankfurt is co-organised by ECM (European Cities Marketing) and AIPC (International Association of Congress Centres) and held under the auspices of JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council). It is supported by the German Convention Bureau (GCB), the Frankfurt Convention Bureau, Messe Frankfurt, International Meetings Review, Brähler and Sixt.