Dubai Business Events Gathers Momentum After Strong H1

• Business events secured in the first half of 2017 set to attract over 51,000 delegates from around the world with an expected economic impact of AED 375 million

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 15 August 2017: Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau, has reported strong results for the first half of 2017, with 97 bids submitted to host business events being successfully awarded to the city. The events secured since January, including conferences, exhibitions, meetings and incentive trips, are poised to attract over 51,636 delegates from around the world, resulting in an expected economic impact of approximately AED 375 million.

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “Dubai has grown tremendously to become a leading destination for international business events. We recognise the significance of the business events industry, and acknowledge the various growth facets each event brings to the city. Not only do they accelerate our journey towards becoming a knowledge-sharing economy, but business events are also major contributors towards our goal of welcoming 20 million visitors each year by 2020.”

In the first six months, Dubai Business Events won a total of 97 pitches to host business events in the city, and is currently awaiting verdict on 97 more that have been submitted. Key wins include: Baby Care Annual Incentive (2018), World Conference on Desalination and Water Re-Use (2019), and Congress of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (2022).

Dubai Business Events has also ramped up efforts to highlight the city’s business events offering to international audiences. DBE representatives have attended over 50 trade events in the first half of the year, interacting with over 4,500 business events buyers and planners. The bureau has also facilitated a total of 16 site inspections with 38 clients, and hosted 144 buyers from around the world as part of four in-depth Dubai study missions.

Steen Jakobsen, Director of Dubai Business Events, said: “We’ve had a stellar start to the year, and are well on our way to achieving our targets set for 2017. As we continue to work towards further strengthening Dubai’s reputation of being a premier host destination for business events, we have a steady pipeline of initiatives planned for the year ahead. We are also focusing on expanding our network and reach globally, enabling businesses, event buyers and planners to benefit from our expertise.”

Dubai Business Event’s Al Safeer Ambassador Programme has also contributed significantly to the city’s success in bidding for international events. The programme features a network of 300 prominent experts from diverse sectors, including academia, finance, and healthcare, who are based in Dubai. Since January, the programme contributed to securing a total of 11 business events for the city.

Further study missions in 2017 will come from India, China, the Americas and Southeast Asia, while DBE will also build on its participation in major trade shows with a significant presence at IMEX America in Las Vegas and IBTM World in Barcelona towards the end of the year.

Recently, Dubai was named as one of the top 10 destinations for international meetings by Union of International Associations (UIA) in its latest edition of the International Meetings Statistics Report published last month. The city previously ranked 14^th in the 2015 edition, and moved up the list with a total of 180 meetings taking place in 2016.
—
#Dubai #VisitDubai #DubaiTourism #MICEnews #TourismNews #MICEbusiness #DubaiEvents

BESTCITIES UNVEIL AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR 2017 TOKYO GLOBAL FORUM

BESTCITIES UNVEIL AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR 2017 TOKYO GLOBAL FORUM

BestCities Global Alliance is set to champion inclusivity and multi-culturalism within the business tourism industry in 2017 and beyond, following the announcement Building Global Connections Across Cultures will be the core theme underlying this year’s BestCities Global Forum, taking place in Tokyo 4-7 December 2017.

Building on the 100% delegate success ratings in Dubai 2016, the second BestCities Global Forum will be hosted in partnership with the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau (TCVB). The impressive programme of education, insight and networking, is already shaping up to be this year’s must-attend event for senior international association meeting planners, looking to increase the positive impact of their meetings.

The Global Forum offers an intimate, yet stimulating learning environment for international association event organisers, to gain a deeper understanding, not only of ways to collaborate more effectively, but how to build professional relationships across cultures and develop effective leadership skills in a global context.

With over 25 years of experience, Sean Blair, owner of ProMeet will facilitate the diverse Forum programme, which includes thought-provoking education sessions, engaging practical workshops, relevant case studies and interactive breakouts challenges, designed to unlock the collective knowledge within the room. Influential speakers will include “accidental executive” and former CEO of Tourism Vancouver Rick Antonson and global leadership and cultural intelligence expert, Miriam van der Horst, owner of Learning 360.

While the majority of the sessions take place in the luxurious Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, nestled within a vast 19th Century Japanese Garden, host TCVB is also planning a rich and diverse programme to immerse participants in Japan’s heritage and culture, while revealing powerful insights into the city and its institutions. With preparations quickly progressing towards 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Prof. Hiroo Ichikawa Executive Director of The Mori Memorial Foundation, will also be discussing the strengths and opportunities of Tokyo in the next decade.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to establish relationships with peers and grow global networks, with events such as the Ambassador Dinner, bringing delegates together with influential local ambassadors and key contacts.

A perfect example of collaboration across cultures, the Global Forum also allows delegates to gain an in-depth knowledge of 12 top class meeting destinations under one roof, with City Café meetings and social networking with all 12 of BestCities’ partners: Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Madrid, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver.

BestCities Board Chair, Jonas Wilstrup from Wonderful Copenhagen said:
“Building global connections across cultures is at the very heart of BestCities ethos and long-term success. We are 12 partners that recognise the collective strength of working together, adding value not only for our individual cities, but our clients too. This year’s Global Forum will be addressing both the challenges and opportunities when dealing with international stakeholders, providing informed practical advice and peer-to-peer learning in a way, that will genuinely help and support senior association executives to take their future meetings to the next level.”

Kazuko Toda, Director from Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau said:
“Tokyo is delighted to host the BestCities Global Forum in Tokyo this December. Through hosting the Forum, we would like our clients to find out what Tokyo has to offer as a meetings destination, and not only a tourism destination. Also, through the learnings of the Forum, we hope to motivate and give confidence to clients who have not had the opportunity to hold their event in Tokyo or any of the new BestCities destinations to consider us for their next meeting. “

The inaugural BestCities Global Forum in Dubai, December 2016, was celebrated as an overwhelming success, with 100% of delegates surveyed reporting the Forum fulfilled their main objectives for attending and would recommend it to their international association meeting planners.

Speaking about the outcomes of the 2016 Global Forum in Dubai, Andry Vleeming, Chairman of World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain said:

“I came with an open mind and was rewarded with four days of networking with talented colleagues sharing interests and expertise.  It has helped change the way I think about our future conferences – the need to move into the future more quickly, which is more critical today than it was in the past.”

Registration for the BestCities Global Forum Tokyo is now open. Free to attend, with round-trip flights, accommodation and meals for all attending qualified international association executives covered by BestCities.

For more information on BestCities and its upcoming events including the BestCities Global Forum in Tokyo (4-7 December 2017) visit http://www.bestcities.net  @BestCitiesGA

 

—
#BestCities #Tokyo #MICEnews #MICEIndustry #BestCitiesGlobalForum

MADRID ACCEPTED AS THE NEXT OFFICIAL PARTNER OF LEADING GLOBAL ALLIANCE

MADRID ACCEPTED AS THE NEXT OFFICIAL PARTNER OF LEADING GLOBAL ALLIANCE
BestCities welcomes the leading convention bureau on board

Madrid Convention Bureau (MCB) was today (16 MAY) officially confirmed as the twelfth partner of BestCities Global Alliance. The new signing will bring a truly dynamic international congress city and convention bureau to the alliance that now holds 12 members.

With more than three decades of experience, Madrid has played host in the last years to some of the world’s leading events including the World Petroleum Congress, the World Air Traffic Management Congress and The Congress of the International Dental Federation. With more than 14,000 meetings and events per year serving to more than 1 million delegates, MCB is already paving the way for global standards in the sector.

Adding value to MCB’s offering and shaping its future growth, BestCities will work with MCB to support future innovations and refine its legacy development, such as creating impactful city events for its future association meetings.

As the first BestCities destination within the Mediterranean, MCB will help the alliance establish stronger ties and a more pronounced presence within the area.  Very much in line with BestCities practice, MCB is committed to constantly evolving and reviewing its standards and undergoes an annual audit associated with ‘Q de Calidad Turistica’ – a quality certification for tourism services in Spain. Since 2012 MCB has passed the audit with flying colours, cementing its dedication to continually improving standards in its workings.

Madrid has been committed to improving its sustainability with various programmes aimed to target this issue including City Hospitality Desks which help to control the wastage of unused city brochures through a dedicated delegates desk at conventions. This has grown massively with 11 meetings serving over 18,000 delegates supported this way in 2016. Ambassador programmes are also a key investment for the MCB with its own platform that identifies individuals within areas including non-for profit, NGO’s and universities that have helped secure meetings in Madrid.

The BestCities partnership will support the MCB in acquiring knowledge in legacy development and position Madrid as innovative leaders in this field, alongside the other BestCities’ partners: Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver.

The MCB is the first destination to go through BestCities’ revised quality management system (QMS). With admission into the Alliance a guarantee to clients that the vital commitments to excellence such as venue capacity, international accessibility and infrastructure framework are a given, the new QMS further extends BestCities offering beyond the key convention elements a city must possess to host world class events. With a focus on advancing the purpose of meetings through vital areas including sustainability, accessibility and legacy development, it adds a further dimension and unique strength to its partner cities’ offering.

BestCities Board Chair, Jonas Wilstrup from Wonderful Copenhagen commented on the new signing:

“Madrid is a world class destination for conferences and events and we’re ecstatic to be welcoming them onto the BestCities Global Alliance. Madrid’s successful submission truly cements BestCities dedication to setting industry standards which we hope to help build with them over the next few years.

“Our dedication is to providing customers with seamless, worry-free services across a global network of cities. As our twelfth member, Madrid will enable us to continue to build the long-term loyalty by adding value through contributing to the cause of meetings. We’re excited to be able to offer our expertise particularly within this area.”

David Noack, Director of Madrid Convention Bureau said:

“MCB trust that becoming a member of BestCities will enrich our knowledge as a convention bureau by embracing their ethos for commitment to excellence. In short, our aim is to guarantee that each congress held in Madrid will be a unique and successful experience made possible through the close working of our organisations.”

For more information on BestCities and its upcoming events including the BestCities Global Forum in Tokyo (4-7 December 2017) visit www.bestcities.net  @BestCitiesGA

—
#BestCities #GlobalForum #MCB #MICEnews #MICEmedia

BESTCITIES GETS READY TO WELCOME MADRID TO GLOBAL ALLIANCE

BESTCITIES GETS READY TO WELCOME MADRID TO GLOBAL ALLIANCE

BestCities Global Alliance is cementing its reputation as the world’s leading convention tourism destination partnership, with the announcement that Madrid is set to become its twelfth member in 2017.

Revealed today (10 January) at PCMA’s Convening Leaders conference in Austin, Texas, the Spanish capital’s Madrid Convention Bureau (MCB) has been accepted as the newest member of the alliance, which also includes Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver.

MCB is expected to become a full partner in spring 2017, following a comprehensive internal review to ensure the city surpasses the highest quality commitments required of all BestCities partners.

BestCities Board Chair, Jonas Wilstrup, Convention Director of Wonderful Copenhagen Convention Bureau said: “Madrid is one of most established and vibrant international conference destinations in the world and we are proud to welcome them into our alliance. The combination of the exceptional work by MCB, supported by the city’s premiere meeting venues, modern infrastructure and rich cultural offering, make it the ideal candidate to join the BestCities family.

“Achieving and maintaining a standard of excellence that surpasses our clients’ expectations is at the heart of BestCities offering. Madrid’s preliminary membership not only further strengthens the alliance and its profile in Europe, but will help BestCities build on its ambitions and commitment to help clients create lasting legacies for their organisations and events.”

With Madrid ranked fifth in the world by the ICCA International Congress rankings and voted “2016 Best MICE Destination” at the 2016 IBTA Business Travel Awards, MCB is one of the world’s most experienced and successful convention bureaus.  During the last year, the city hosted 14,283 meetings, welcoming over 1 million delegates.

A popular destination for international association meetings, high profile events coming to Madrid in 2017 include the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology ESMO 2017, the European Congress of Medical Oncology EULAR 2017 and the 54th. European Renal Association and European Dialysis and Transplant Association congress.

David Noack Pérez, Director of Madrid Convention Bureau said: “Madrid is a lively and friendly city where everyone feels at home; at the same time, it offers a safe and comfortable setting where taking time out and doing business are equally enjoyable. Its rich artistic and natural heritage, cutting-edge transport network, quality accommodation, fine cuisine and the passion locals show when enjoying our city’s day and night life make Madrid one of the most attractive cities.

“MCB is confident on the fact that becoming a member of BestCities will not only enrich our knowledge as a CB but also that Madrid can for sure enrich the excellent offer for holding events that BestCities represents. Our aim, in short, is to guarantee that in Madrid, each congress held will be a unique and successful experience and this association will contribute on it.”

MCBs’ preliminary BestCities membership follows in the footsteps of Greater Bogotá Convention Bureau, who became a full BestCities partner in April last year, the first Latin American bureau to join the high profile alliance.

For more information on BestCities and its upcoming events visit www.bestcities.net  @BestCitiesGA

Follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MICEmedia.online/

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

PREVIEW: GIBTM GEARS UP FOR SERIOUS BUSINESS IN ABU DHABI

GIBTM GEARS UP FOR SERIOUS BUSINESS IN ABU DHABI

New exhibitors, novel showcase features, major regional buyers, enhanced education programme, networking events and post-event fam’ trips – set the stage for GIBTM (www.gibtm.com) as the leading MICE exhibition in the Middle East.

The 2014 edition of The Gulf Incentives, Business, Travel and Meetings is shaping up to be the most successful yet, with robust exhibitor and buyer interest in the event giving rise to new exhibition features, innovative concept areas, up to 300 hosted buyers, over 2,000 trade visitors and an expanded educational programme.

Kicking off at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 24-26 March 2014, GIBTM has piqued the interest of a truly international audience, with a number of first-time exhibitors attending from Spain, the United States, Thailand, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Czech Republic, UAE, Korea, United Kingdom, Uganda, South Africa and Morocco.

Last year GIBTM tripled corporate meetings buyer attendance accounting for 35% of all hosted buyers attending the show, compared to 11% from the corporate sector in 2012.

The international pavilions have a new addition in the shape of the Africa Pavilion, which is being added in response to a surge in demand from exhibitors looking at targeting outbound business from the Middle East into the continent, with newcomers including Tips Tours and Rovos Rail Tours.

It joins the Asia Pavilion, with Korea and Thailand confirmed newcomers, as well as the European Pavilion, which this year will occupy a much larger area due to the addition of debutants such as L’way Express from the Czech Republic, Spain’s Iberostar Management, Serbia Convention Bureau, EPI Georgia, Arsenal Football Club and AYGUN TURIZM of Turkey.

GIBTM’s ‘Knowledge Programme’ has also been ramped up for 2014, with educational sessions conducted by some of the world’s leading meetings industry associations including MPI, ICCA and SITE, covering topics spanning industry trends, sustainability, issues impacting the corporate travel industry, and the challenges of staging international association meetings.

The seminar programme, sponsored by Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), has interesting sessions this year including the MICE Buyers report, in this session, Rob Davidson of the University of Greenwich in London will present the results of the Middle Eastern Meeting Planners’ Site Selection Survey – brand new research which demonstrates the factors that are most important to Middle Eastern meeting planners when they are deciding where to locate their events.

Another research study being presented by Sunil Malhotra, Director, Aviation Sector – Middle East & North Africa, Ernst and Young, is ‘The Habits of Middle East Business Travellers’. To view the full programme visit http://www.gibtm.com/knowledge

The GIBTM 20×20 Challenge, powered by PechaKucha is back for a second year running due to popular demand.

“The upswing in interest from a much wider audience of exhibitors than ever before has led the GIBTM team to introduce a number of exciting new initiatives at the 2014 show, enabling the event to reflect the demands and trends shaping the local and global meetings markets,” said Lois Hall, Exhibition Director, GIBTM.

“These new features include sourceme Pavilion in partnership with Nicholas Publishing International (NPI), which will showcase the leading event service suppliers from the Gulf region’s only annual events directory; the Technology & Services Zone, dedicated to the industry’s most technologically-advanced products and event planning services; plus Business Travel @GIBTM, featuring exhibitors in the Business Travel Zone. A dedicated Business Travel Knowledge programme and dedicated networking sessions.

“GIBTM will welcome up to 300 highly influential regional and international Hosted Buyers to attend this year’s show, all of whom have proven budget and sizeable business to place.” continued Hall.

Representatives from major industry players such as Kuoni Events, TE Connectivity, UHY International, Medicongress, Mary Kay, HelmsBriscoe, FEI Company, China International Medicine Exchange Association International Service Center, Contendam and Portigon Financial Services have all been accepted as Hosted Buyers.

“More than 8,500 pre-scheduled appointments are expected to take place between buyers and exhibitors at this year’s GIBTM,” said hall.

Additional value will be offered to Hosted Buyers through the launch of a series of post-event familiarisation tours to Qatar, Bahrain, Dubai, Jordan and Oman, giving these prime MICE destinations the opportunity to showcase their business and meeting facilities, hospitality portfolio and leisure attractions to global decision-makers.

To find out more about GIBTM please visit http://www.gibtm.com

Join GIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Now Open

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Now Open

The Hawaii-based company’s portfolio of beachfront leisure resorts increases its presence across the Pacific, Asia and now the Indian Ocean

The beachfront Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is now open. The Deluxe 181-room, all sea-view resort opened 30 January and is the first in the Indian Ocean belonging to Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, the 66-year old Hawaii-based hospitality company which now has 45 properties open or under development in eight countries.

“The expansion of the Outrigger brand into the Indian Ocean is the latest development showing the strategic commitment of Outrigger to open stunning resorts in desirable and iconic warm water beachfront locations around the world,” said Darren Edmonstone, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Outrigger Hotels and Resorts.

“Ownership of the property in Mauritius gives Outrigger the unique opportunity to share the locally-rich sense of place and discovery that guests look for when they go on holiday,” he said. “The wonderful warmth, colour and exotic mixes that characterise Mauritius can now be experienced at the new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa,” he added.

The Republic of Mauritius is located 2,000 kms off the southeast coast of Africa and 1,100 kms from the east coast of Madagascar. In Mauritius the absolute beachfront property has an idyllic location on the southern tip of the island in the Bel Ombre nature reserve, adjacent to the Heritage Golf Club. The new Outrigger resort is surrounded on the landward side by expansive sugar cane plantations.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts purchased the property in May 2013 and have completed an extensive refurbishment program.

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa General Manager, Frederic Chretien, said: “The Outrigger dream for Mauritius has come true. From today we are delivering our acclaimed Outrigger hospitality that blends the needs of the most discerning traveller with the charm and tradition of an early 17th century Mauritian sugar cane plantation on the island’s southern coast.”

Getting to Mauritius from Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa is easy. Direct flights connect Mauritius with Perth, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Paris, London, Dubai, Johannesburg and numerous other cities in Africa.

The new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is a 45-minute drive from the international airport (MRU) and a 90-minute drive from the capital, Port Louis.

Outrigger will host an official grand opening ceremony and celebration at the resort on 18 April this year.

For bookings visit http://www.outriggermauritius.com or email resa.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com

For further information contact Mr. Frederick de Marcy Chelin, the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Director of Sales and Marketing. Email: dosm.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com. Tel: +230 6235000; Mobile: +230 4994275; Skype: frederick.de.marcy.chelin
—
About Outrigger Enterprises Group
Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the largest and fastest growing privately-held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality companies in the Asia Pacific and Oceania regions and continues to expand its presence throughout the area. A family-owned company with 66 years of hospitality experience, Outrigger runs a highly-successful, multi-branded portfolio of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger® Hotels & Resorts, OHANA® Hotels & Resorts, Embassy Suites®, Holiday Inn® Best Western®, Wyndham Vacation Ownership® and Hilton Grand Vacations. Currently, Outrigger operates and/or has under development 45 properties with approximately 11,000 rooms located in Hawaii; Australia; Guam; Fiji; Bali; Thailand; Mauritius; Vietnam; and Hainan Island, China. Outrigger Enterprises Group also operates and develops hotel properties and hospitality-related retail and real estate opportunities for partners in Hawaii, the Pacific, and Asia. For on-line information, log on at http://www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and http://www.outrigger.com.

ITB Berlin 2014: Rekord-Nachfrage der Aussteller

PRESSE-INFORMATION

ITB Berlin 2014: Rekord-Nachfrage der Aussteller spiegelt Branchenoptimismus wider – die meisten Hallen bereits ausgebucht

Weltweit führende Reisemesse bestätigt Rolle als Impulsgeber und Spiegelbild der globalen Touristikindustrie – Große Zuwächse aus Asien, Indien und den arabischen Ländern – Segment Travel Technology bereits komplett ausgebucht

Berlin, 15. Januar 2014 – Die ITB Berlin startet mit hervorragenden Aussichten in die heiße Vorbereitungsphase ihrer 48. Auflage vom 5. bis 9. März. Insgesamt erwartet die Messeleitung erneut um die 10.000 ausstellenden Unternehmen und Organisationen aus über 180 Ländern in den 26 Hallen unter dem Berliner Funkturm. Im Fokus steht das Partnerland Mexiko, das die Eröffnungsfeier präsentieren wird. Zudem werden in der Halle 1.1 alle Regionen Mexikos den Fachbesuchern und dem privaten Publikum ihre vielfältigen Angebote vorstellen. Auch in der Halle 3.1 wird sich das ITB Partnerland im Segment Gay&Lesbian Travel präsentieren. „Der Anmeldestand zur ITB Berlin 2014 ist im Vergleich zum Vorjahr auf hohem Niveau konstant. Die meisten Hallen sind sogar schon komplett ausgebucht und es gibt Wartelisten. Ebenso ist ein Trend zu größeren Standflächen zu beobachten. Damit wird die weltweit größte Reisemesse als zuverlässiges Konjunkturbarometer und Spiegelbild für die Reiseindustrie auch in diesem Jahr wieder weltweites Angebot mit weltweiter Nachfrage zusammenführen und wichtige Signale setzen. So stehen auf der Agenda des ITB Berlin Kongress „hochaktuelle und zukunftsweisende Themen, zu denen international renommierte Experten Rede und Antwort stehen werden“, kommentiert Dr. Martin Buck, Vice President Travel & Logistics Messe Berlin.

Eine besonders große Nachfrage verzeichnet die weltweit führende Messe der Reiseindustrie aus den arabischen und asiatischen Ländern. Die deutschen Bundesländer sind wie schon in den vergangenen Jahren vollständig vertreten. Stark vergrößert präsentiert sich das Segment Travel Technology. Aufgrund der hohen Nachfrage – rund 30 neue Aussteller werden auf der ITB Berlin 2014 vertreten sein – wurde das anhaltend wachsende Trend-Segment auf die Halle 5.1 erweitert.

Flächenwachstum und Wiederkehrer untermauern die Dynamik der Reiseindustrie
Als boomende Regionen auf der touristischen Landkarte sind Indien, Asien und die arabischen Länder auf der ITB Berlin stark vertreten. Die arabische Welt ist in Halle 22 im gleichen Umfang präsent wie in 2013. Neu hinzugekommen ist Muriya Tourism Development/Oman und Dubai hat seine Ausstellungsfläche um 56 Quadratmeter vergrößert. Für die voll belegte Südasien&Pazifik-Halle 5.2a besteht eine Warteliste, Nepal und Bhutan haben Wachstumsbedarf. Ebenfalls vollständig belegt ist die Indien-Halle 5.2b. Erstmals sind die drei indischen Staaten Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra und West Bengal mit eigenem Stand vertreten. Insgesamt zeigt sich in den Asien-Hallen ein differenzierteres Bild als in den vergangenen Jahren, da viele Hotels und Ferienresorts nicht mehr unter dem Dach der Regionen repräsentiert sind, sondern mit eigenen Auftritten werben.

In der Halle 26 (Fernost und Südostasien) werden mehr als ein Dutzend neue Aussteller ihre Angebote präsentieren, darunter aus Vietnam die G Charlton Hotels and Resorts sowie eine ganze Reihe von Veranstaltern wie Asia Aventura, Luxury Travel, Travel Indochina, Trails of Indochina, Wide Eyed Tours und Terraverde. Außerdem wird erstmals die Region Prachuap Khirikan aus Thailand sowie eine der größten Hotelketten in Asien, die YTL Hotels aus Malaysia vertreten sein. Auch Meritus Hotels and Resorts aus Singapur und Best Western aus Thailand sind erstmals dabei. Für die Hallen 26a und 26b gibt es Wartelisten und die Halle 26c ist fast ausgebucht. Hongkong und Macao sind in Halle 26a umgezogen. Die vietnamesischen Individualaussteller sind vollständig in Halle 26c umgesiedelt und haben mit 100 Quadratmetern um rund 50 Prozent zugelegt. Ebenso haben die Philippinen in Halle 26a ihren Stand mit 100 Quadratmetern um die Hälfte vergrößert. Einen neuen Service bietet die ITB Berlin mit dem „Business Point“, einer Lounge mit kostenfreiem WLAN-Zugang in Halle 26c. Hier können sich Einkäufer, Fachbesucher und Aussteller von Mittwoch bis Freitag abseits des Messetrubels treffen.

Die Europa-Hallen 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 und 4.2 verzeichnen eine stabile Buchungslage. Neben einer ganzen Reihe neuer Aussteller wie die Stadt Bilbao mit einem 248 Quadratmeter großen Stand oder Alltours, ist die spanische Eisenbahngesellschaft RENFE und nach 22 Jahren Gibraltar zurückgekehrt. Mit der Halle 7.2b entstand eine komplett neue, kleine europäische Halle, in der Slowakei, Czech-Tourism und Rumänien vertreten sind. Neue Aussteller, wie Latin America Travel, und Wiederkehrer, wie Haiti, verbucht die Amerika/Karibik-Halle 3.1. Dort ist 2014 auch das Gay&Lesbian Travel Segment vertreten und damit nicht mehr in der Halle 2.1 zu finden.

Segmente und Events als Trendbarometer
Das Segment „Training & Employment in Tourism“, das im Zuge der Umstrukturierung in die Halle 11.1 umgezogen ist, ist komplett ausgebucht. Überdies gibt es neue Aussteller beziehungsweise Rückkehrer, dazu gehören F+U Unternehmensgruppe, University of Bologna – Rimini Campus, ÖHV-Trainee Tourismuskolleg Semmering und die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Tourismuswissenschaft (DGT).

Youth Travel, Adventure Travel sowie Responsible Tourism stehen im Mittelpunkt der Halle 4.1. Erstmals stellen rund 25 Nationen aus und es sind eine ganze Reihe neuer touristischer Unternehmen präsent, wie zum Beispiel Agency of Protected Areas of Georgia, Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia, Explo Russia und Xtremedesert.com Dubai. Sozial verantwortlicher Tourismus ist auch auf der ITB Berlin 2014 wieder ein Schwerpunktthema, nicht nur auf dem ITB Kongress.

Viele spannende Erlebnisse verspricht der neue „Abenteuertag für Camper, Wanderer und Weltenbummler“ am Samstag, 8. März. Die Messebesucher können unter anderem einen Hochseilgarten in luftiger Höhe erklimmen, Höhlen erforschen, eine Zeltausstellung mit Relikten aus der Vergangenheit besichtigen oder in der Geolino Experimentierwerkstatt basteln.

Die Veranstaltung „Danube@ITB“ geht ins dritte Jahr. Auf dem Programm stehen das Danube Forum am Freitag, 7. März, im Rahmen des ITB Berlin Kongresses, Guided Tours an den Fachtagen und ein Donau-Gewinnspiel am Publikums-Wochenende.

Gemeinsam mit der UNWTO wird erneut ein Fokus auf die Länder der Seidenstraße gesetzt. So findet das Silk Road Ministers‘ Meeting wieder am Mittwoch, 5. März 2014 statt.

Alle Aussteller der ITB Berlin, ihre Kontaktdaten und Angebote sind unter www.virtualmarket.itb-berlin.de im Virtual Market Place® zu finden. Der Virtual Market Place ® dient auch als Online-Katalog. Die Daten werden permanent aktualisiert und ergänzt.

Über die ITB Berlin und den ITB Berlin Kongress
Die ITB Berlin 2014 findet von Mittwoch bis Sonntag, 5. bis 9. 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, 5. bis 8. März 2014. Er ist weltweit der größte Fachkongress der Branche. Mehr Informationen sind zu finden unter www.itb-kongress.de. Die ITB Berlin ist die führende Messe der weltweiten Reiseindustrie. 2013 stellten 10.086 Aussteller aus 188 Ländern ihre Produkte und Dienstleistungen rund 170.000 Besuchern, darunter 110.000 Fachbesuchern vor.

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

Pressemeldungen im Internet finden Sie unter www.itb-berlin.de im Bereich „Presse-Service“/Pressemitteilungen. Nutzen Sie auch unseren Service und abonnieren Sie dort die RSS-Feeds.

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Set for Soft Opening

Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa Set for Soft Opening on 15 January, 2014
Bookings now open with special opening rates 15 January to 15 February, 2014

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa will soft open on 15 January 2014, with the deluxe beachfront hotel now open for booking via its new website www.outriggermauritius.com.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts purchased the 181-key beachfront resort in May 2013 and an extensive refurbishment is nearing completion.

All 181 suites and rooms have a sea view, with a number having direct access to the white sand beach and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Entry-level rooms are a generous 63 square metres.

“I believe the new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa at Bel Ombre will quickly establish itself as an iconic and very innovative resort in Mauritius,” said General Manager, Frederic Chretien.

As of 15 January, a variety of services and features will open, including the majority of guest rooms, the relaxed beachfront Edgewater restaurant, the trendy Bar Bleu, and most other public spaces.

“Our suites, rooms and food and beverage options are unique for Mauritius,” said Chretien. “I believe the opening of the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa will herald an exciting new era of hospitality in the Mauritius tourism scene.”

The Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa sits on the southern tip of the Republic of Mauritius located 2,000 kms off the southeast coast of Africa and 1,100 kms from the east coast of Madagascar.

Getting there is easy. Direct flights connect the island of Mauritius with Perth, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Paris, London, Dubai, Johannesburg and numerous cities in Africa.

The new Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is a 45-minute drive from the international airport (MRU) and a similar distance from the capital of Port Louis. The resort is surrounded on three sides by the nature reserve of Bel Ombre.

To celebrate the soft opening, the Outrigger Mauritius Resort and Spa is offering special opening rates in various room categories such as the Deluxe and Family Rooms (pictured). The special rates start from EUR149 (US$202) for a Deluxe Sea View inclusive of breakfast for two. The rates are available for stays between 15 January and 15 February 2014. (The website contains special rates for other room types and value-added promotions for the soft opening period.)

For bookings visit www.outriggermauritius.com or email resa.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com.