Amazing Spa, even for groups!

It has been a very hectic autumn and I was thinking for a while to go to a Spa in Europe and get my batteries recharged again.

So I have decided to visit the Rogner Bad Blumau Hotel and Spa (near Graz, Austria, just about 1 and half hour away from Vienna), an extraordinary Design Hotel with a VERY large Spa . The philosophy of the Hotel is: "At Rogner Bad Blumau, as a hotel with soul, well being of every individual has top priority. Below its green covered and colourful roofs, its varied shapes and flowing lines activity is combined with a relaxed and laid-back feeling."

Designed by the famous Friendesreich Hundertwasser ("Life in harmony and in harmony with nature", his vision), this hotel is more then just a Design Hotel.

And for the MICE industry, this 4* Hotel offers 5 meeting rooms with up to 200 participants. So why not combining your next conference or workshop with a fantastic Spa visit?

Visit MICEpoint at EIBTM 2007 in Barcelona, Spain

Stop by at our booth O522 during EIBTM in Barcelona, Spain (27-29 November 2007) and participate in our great lucky draw where you can win beautiful prizes!

The prizes are:

• Magic weekend in St.Petersburg, Russia
• Discover Essen, Germany
• A weekend at the Casino, Pfaeffikon (near Zurich), Switzerland
• Meet with our history in Athen, Greece
• Feel the heart of Europes Financial City, Frankfurt, Germany

How to participate: visit micepoint.com for more information...

Ready for Halloween - The world's most creepiest place

Ever heard about the Mütter Museum, Philadelphia, USA? No?

So let me introduce you the world's most perfect venue for a Halloween MICE Party.

From the sliced human head floating in a glass case, à la Damien Hirst, to the gruesome collection of preserved presidential tumors and a plaster cast of Siamese twins Chang and Eng (as well as their actual conjoined livers), Philadelphia's Mütter museum is a must-see, especially for those who found the movie Dead Ringers oddly compelling. Part of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the oldest medical school complex in North America, it combines exhibits of pathological objects, surgical tools, and anatomical curiosities. Other wonders on display include the tallest skeleton in North America and a collection of 2,000 objects removed from people's throats, each with its own case history. There is an almost gleeful disconnection between the museum's mission—"to advance the cause of health, and uphold the ideals and heritage of medicine"—and the often shocking displays. High on the ugh-list are the painted papier-mâché models of the effects of gangrene and the wax faces with various eye injuries; the air outside is bound to seem fresh afterward, no matter what the weather.

2008 U.S. Business Travel Overview & Cost Forecast Report

Interesting report from the National Business Travel Association of the US. The report is based primarily on data from a survey of 215 NBTA member travel buyers.

Key findings of the report are as follows:

• Business travel will continue growing in 2008, though the rate of growth will level off somewhat.
• Published airfares will increase 6-10 percent over 2007.
• Published hotel rates will increase 5-7 percent.
• Published car rental spend will increase 5-7 percent.
• Overall travel costs will increase 6-8 percent.
• Fewer travel managers than one year ago are projecting an increase of more than 10 percent in travel spend.
• More travel managers are projecting travel spend to remain flat.
• 73 percent of respondents expect travel spend to increase 5-10 percent.
• The percentage of travel buyers reducing non-essential travel in 2008 will remain level (just under 8 percent), while the percentage restricting business class air bookings will increase from 7 percent to 16 percent.
• The top three international destinations with highest potential for growth in corporate travel spend in 2008 are China, the United Kingdom and India.

Find more details soon on NBTA.

Kaizen

I would like to share something I believe in with you:

Kaizen

Kaizen is a daily activity whose purpose goes beyond simple productivity improvement. It is also a process that, when done correctly, humanizes the workplace, eliminates overly hard work (both mental and physical) "muri", and teaches people how to perform experiments on their work using the scientific method and how to learn to spot and eliminate waste in business processes.

To be most effective Kaizen must operate with three principles in place:

• consider the process and the results (not results-only);
  

• systemic thinking of the whole process and not just that immediately in view (i.e. big picture, not solely the narrow view);


• and a learning, non-judgmental, non-blaming (because blaming is wasteful) approach and intent.

People at all levels of an organization participate in kaizen, from the CEO down, as well as external stakeholders when applicable. The format for kaizen can be individual, suggestion system, small group, or large group.

Try it out (if you don't do it already), you and your company will benefit!

Conde Nast Traveler Announces Results of the 20th Annual Readers' Choice Awards

The November 2007 issue of Conde Nast Traveler celebrates the 20th annual Readers' Choice Awards. The results are derived from the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences, the Readers' Choice Survey, second in size only to the U.S. Census. A record number of travelers, over 28,000, voted this year.

There is some big news this year: for only the second time in Reader's Choice history, there's a perfect 100 score. The honor goes to the La Scalinatella Hotel on Capri. The hotel isn't new and has been recognized by readers in the past, but with a 33% increase in votes cast from last year, the 28-room hotel was propelled into the number one spot with an impressive perfect score!

Below are results for the top three winners in each category. The complete results of the awards can be found in the November issue, on newsstands October 25th. The Readers Choice Awards gala took place on Wednesday, October 10th in New York City at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum.

Top Cities - United States:
1. San Francisco
2. New York
3. Charleston, SC

Top Cities - Europe:
1. Florence, Italy
2. Rome, Italy
3. Venice, Italy

Top Cities - Australia/Pacific:
1. Sydney, Australia
2. Melbourne, Australia
3. Queenstown, New Zealand

Top Cities - Asia:
1. Bangkok, Thailand
2. Hong Kong
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Top Cities - Africa/Middle East:
1. Cape Town, South Africa
2. Damascus, Syria
3. Jerusalem, Israel

Top Cities - The Americas:
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
3. Victoria, British Columbia

Top Islands - Europe:
1. Mykonos & the Cyclades, Greece
2. Capri, Italy
3. Sardinia, Italy

Top Islands - Caribbean / Atlantic:
1. Bermuda
2. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
3. St. Barthelemy, French West Indies

Top Islands - Asia / Indian Ocean:
1. Maldives
2. Bali
3. Phuket

Top International Route Airlines:
1. Singapore Airlines
2. Emirates
3. Virgin Atlantic

Top Car Rental Agencies:
1. Hertz
2. Enterprise
3. Avis

Top Small Ship Cruise Lines:
1. Regent Seven Seas
2. Grand Circle Cruise Line
3. Seabourn

Top Hotels - Australia / Pacific:
1. Crown Towers, Melbourne
2. Park Hyatt Sydney
3. Treetops Lodge, Rotorua

Top Hotels - South America:
1. Hotel Monasterio, Cuzco
2. Four Seasons, Buenos Aires
3. Ritz Carlton, Santiago

Top Hotels - Canada:
1. Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City
2. Fairmont Vancouver Airport
3. The Magnolia Hotel & Spa, Victoria

Top Hotels - Central America/Mexico:
1. Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Osa Peninsula
2. Hotel Twin Dolphin, Cabo San Lucas
3. Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua

Top Hotels - British Isles:
1. Milestone Hotel, London
2. Chewton Glen, Hampshire
3. The Merrion, Dublin

Top Resorts - Africa/Middle East:
1. Burj Al Arab, Dubai
2. Mombo and Little Mombo Camps, Moremi
3. Khwai River Lodge, Moremi Reserve

Top Resorts - Atlantic Ocean:
1. One & Only Ocean Club, Bahamas
2. Point Grace, Turks & Caicos
3. Pink Sands, Bahamas

Top Islands - Pacific:
1. Maui, Hawaii
2. Kuai, Hawaii
3. Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia

Top Islands, North America:
1. Vancouver Island, Canada
2. Kiawah, S.C.
3. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Top Domestic Route Airlines:
1. JetBlue
2. Midwest
3. Hawaiian

Top Foreign Route Airlines: (no U.S. route)
1. SilkAir
2. Virgin Express
3. Virgin Blue

Top Large Ship Cruise Lines:
1. Crystal Cruises
2. Regent Seven Seas
3. Disney

Top Hotels - Africa:
1. Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town
2. Cape Grace, Cape Town
3. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

Top Hotels - Europe:
1. Hotel La Scalinatella, Capri
2. Four Seasons George V, Paris
3. Four Seasons Gresham Place

Top Hotels - Caribbean / Atlantic:
1. Eden Rock Hotel
2. Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France
3. The Caves, Negril

Top Hotels - Mainland U.S.:
1. Ritz - Carlton Chicago
2. The Peninsula, Chicago
3. Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach

Top Hotels - Asia:
1. Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan
2. The Peninsula, Hong Kong
3. Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Top Hotels - Middle East:
1. Four Seasons, Amman
2. David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem
3. Grand Hyatt Dubai

Top Resorts - Canada:
1. Pan Pacific Whistler, Village Centre
2. Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, Vancouver
3. Four Seasons Resort, Whistler

Top Resorts - Central / South America:
1. Lodge at Chaa Creek, Macal River
2. Four Seasons Resort, Carmelo
3. Explora Patagonia, Torres del Paine Nat'l Park

Top Resorts - Mexico:
1. One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
2. Secrets Capri Riviera, Cancun
3. JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Cancun

Top Resorts - Hawaii:
1. Four Seasons Maui at Wailea
2. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island
3. Four Seasons Lana'I at Koele Lanai

Top Resorts - Europe:
1. Hotel du Palais, Biarritz
2. Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder
3. Sheen Falls Lodge, Co. Kerry

Top Resorts - Mainland U.S.:
1. Lodge on Little St. Simons Island
2. Sundance Resort, Sundance
3. Inn at Thorn Hill, Jackson

Top Resorts - Australia/Pacific Rim:
1. Huka Lodge, Taupo
2. Hotel Bora Bora, Polynesian islands
3. Voyages Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Top Resorts - Caribbean:
1. Curtain Bluff Hotel, Antigua
2. Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda
3. Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis

Top Resorts - Asia:
1. Oberoi Vanyavilas, Rajasthan
2. Banyan Tree, Phuket
3. Four Seasons Resort at Sayan, Bali

Austria's most beautiful castle - Schloss Schönbrunn

I was invited to attend an Austrian MICE trade show called access 2007 in Vienna last week. I must admit that the austrian hospitality is not far away from what we European percieve as "the perfect hospitality service". The warmth of the local people combined with the professionalism of the MICE trade show organizers made my trip to Vienna special!

I managed to get away for a short moment from access 2007 (the trade show) and grapped a taxi who brought me to Schloss Schönbrunn.

Wow!

The charme and majestics of this place is enormous, I have been carried away with my thoughts to long time ago milestones in our European history, to our writers and composers, painters and sculptours.

Well, if you are planning a congress or event, go to Vienna and become a part of world history.
The photo is take from a fine website called www.foto-julius.at. Thank you

Travel History, part I

The Silk Road

In 629 – 645 the Chinese traveler and Buddhist monk Xuangzang crossed Central Asia on his way to India. Those were the times when diplomatic, trade and cultural relations between China and Central Asian countries were at their zenith. The Chinese pilgrim gave account of his trip in his book ‘Da Tian Si Yun Tsi ’ (Notes on Travels about Western Territories during Rule of Great Tang Dynasty in China). It was the first known “guidebook” to the cities of our forefathers. In his book Xuangzang narrated about the prosperous country Sogd and its capital Samarkand, about Chach (Tashkent), Ferghana Valley, Ustrushan, Kesh and Tokharistan (Bactria), which all were then situated within the territory of today’s Central Asia.

In Europe the earliest ever known “guidebook” to the Great Silk Road was the manuscript written 700 years ago on the basis of Venetian trader and explorer Marco Polo’s account of his travels, in later period known as “Book by Marco Polo”. If you are interested about Marco Polo's book then you can order it here.

More about the Silk Road is available on Wikipedia.

The world's most sexiest MICE venues, part IV

Considering that all (or at least most) of us have seen many different conference facilities all over the world, from exorbitant convention centres to simple MICE venues in a small city, I thought I need a real special treat for some of my guests.

So I thought about the craziest place to held a conference. And here it is:

The Icehotel

One night a group of foreign guests, equipped with reindeer hides and sleeping bags, decided it would be a good idea to use the cylindrical shaped igloo as accommodation. The following morning the brave group raved about the unique sensation of sleeping in an igloo. Hence, the concept of ICEHOTEL was born.

A lot has happened since. Today ICEHOTEL is world famous for its unique concept, its fantastic works of art and its extraordinary experiences. The fairy tale nature of ICEHOTEL brings out the child in guests of all ages.

But what has the Icehotel to do with the MICE industry? More then you think. They have a nice conference facilities for up to 100 guests and with surrounding facilities even for up to 1000 guests! Check it out on their Conference web site .

Usefull gifts for your conference participants

I am travelling quite often and so do you (if I am not mistaken). And I am almost certain that you had your nervs stressed because you were late on check in and then you had to spend even more time at the security check. How many times I thought to organize my hand luggage better in a way so it will take me less time to get through the check point.

And now I found the perfect help:



ProTravelGear.com offers almost everything a traveller can think about, even some strange things I would have never thought about. Check out the Orikaso Folding Bowl or the Eagle Creek Pack-It Large Compression Sack Travel Packing Aid (wow, what a name for such a small thing...)

Besides that, they really have some great stuff available (and some of them are excellent give-aways for your conference delegates).

Treat your CEO with the world's most expensive suite

Ever wanted to surprise your boss with a special treat? Is your petit-cash box full and you don't know what to do with the money?

Forbes has the solution for you: They run an interesting feature on the world’s most expensive hotel suites, featuring geographically widespread hotels and resorts, from Mexico to the Maldives. To make their top 10, you’ve got to be charging at least $10,000 a night. Here is an abbreviated summary of the incredible suites that they list:

* Two Story Sky Villa, The Palms Fantasy Suites, Las Vegas, USA
Cost per night: $25,000
* Bridge Suite at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Cost per night: $25,000
* Royal Penthouse, President Wilson Hotel, Geneva, Switzerland
Cost per night: $23,000
* Hans Badrutt Suite, Badrutt’s Palace, St. Moritz, Switzerland
Cost per night: $16,700
* Presidential Suite, Mandarin Oriental, New York City, USA
Cost per night: $15,000
* Grand Suite, Grand Wailea Resort, Hawaii, USA
Cost per night: $15,000
* Coral Suite, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico
Cost per night: $15,000
* Royal Suite at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE
Cost per night: From $13,600
* The Imperial Suite, Ritz Paris, Paris, France
Cost per night: $13,500
* Private Reserve, Soneva Gili Resort & Spa, Maldives
Cost per night: $10,000

The only thing missing in this list is the Emirates Palace in Abud Dhabi, UAE. A Suite costs there up to $30,000 per night!

Interlaken in China

I am "used" to exhorbitant buildings in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Las Vegas and Macau but now mainland China is picking up in this category too.

"The Interlaken" in Shenzhen, China, is the latest member of mega hotel projects. Opened on August 01 (Soft opening), it boosts over a dozen meeting rooms, 299 guest rooms and much more.

Here is the official text from the website:

"The Interlaken OCT Hotel provides an unparalleled European–style 5 star experience within Interlaken Village at East OCT in the eastern part of Shenzhen. Situated in a perfect panoramic position between lovely lakes and forest, the area enjoys a mild and stable climate throughout the year."

I wonder if these guys are going to be at EIBTM later this year. Would love to meet with them and see how they are doing.

Electric Blue art footer by NH Hotels, part II

Regarding the funny and special email footer, Corinne Weber came back to me with an official explanation from the NH Hoteles Head Office in Spain. I quote:

"The drawing is just an adaptation to electronic communications of our new corporate image. The entire new NH Hoteles graphic image is based on this kind of graphical solutions and a new corporate color.

In the email signature application it represents somehow a signature…a drawing hand made, human. It is electronic communication but still personal."

Great, isn't it? In the time of stereotype communication they go their own unique way. If they have properties like this then this soon will be one of my favorite hotel chain.

Valencia (Spain) - the green city with the thousand meeting places

I have been travelling to many countries and even more cities and now and then I encounter some truly unique places, such as in Valencia, Spain.

Invited by a friend (he works for Alinghi), I went to Valencia. I have read a couple of books but I never passed by at the Valencia booth neither at EIBTM nor at IMEX.

Arriving there a real positive surprise: a great highway system within Spain (with the most expensive highway fees I have ever seen!) made me welcome. My first sight of the city was La Ciutat, City of Arts and Sciences. Wow, what a design!!!

I can't desribe the four buildings, they are just out of anything I would have expected here. I don't mean to speak negative about any place, but this has been of real suprise to me. Check out Juergen Stumpe's photos of the the city, you will love them!

And most important, all these buildings can be used for events. If you need a contact within Valencia Tourism & Convention Bureau then contact Désirée Stenderup promocion-ds@turisvalencia.es for more information. She will surely assist you with everything the city has to offer.

Electric Blue art footer by NH Hotels

Recently I have received an email from Corinne Weber, Sales Manager MICE and corporate accounts NH Hotels for Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and Romania.

Reading the nice email message (she would like to invite me as a hosted buyer to EIBTM but I will be there with MICEpoint - MICEpoint), I am surprised by the email footer.

A blue "art" graphic-signature-children like drawing (see above), cute and special, extraordinary and striking. What is this??? It's not a joke, of that I am sure...

Please NH Hotel Marketing people, let us know what it is! I am getting nervous and mixed up, first I didn't like it but now I start to wonder the meaning of it. I can't get it out of my head!!! NH Hotel staff, write me and explain me what it is.

And if my readers would like to get this special email signature then write to anybody at NH Hotels and you should get it.

Mandarin Oriental - Hôtel du Rhône, Geneva, Switzerland

The world famous Hôtel du Rhône in Geneva, Switzerland, belongs to the Mandarin Oriental Group, one of my favorite hotel chains.

I had the pleasure of staying in this beautiful hotel and was somewhat surprised by its great conference facility. On the ground floor, they have two conference rooms The Rhône Room and the Saint Gervais Room which can accommodate up to 190 guests (lunch or dinner) or 190 attendees (theatre style). Each has abundant natural light and the most modern communication facilities available. The Rhône room can also be split into three separate rooms, and offers an ideal space for meetings, lunch presentations or gala dinners.

Next to the fully equipped Business Centre with state-of-the-art equipment on the first floor, that’s also where you’ll find six soundproof conference and meeting rooms, holding up to 40 people. These have a separate lobby and entrance away from the main hotel vestibule. Each also has its own distinctive look, enhanced by natural light - and five overlook the Rhône. What a view!

Besides the meeting facilities, the Mandarin Oriental features a great Bar called "Le Bar", a coffee shop restaurant and a fitness center including Yoga courses.

This hotel is deffinetly the place to stay in Geneva, try it out next time you are residing in the UN and ICRC capital.

Special features

Want to be featured?

Do you run a convention centre, hotel, restaurant or resort that you would like to see featured on Meetings Industry Blog? Or do you have a product that caters for the MICE industry that you would like to be reviewed?

Meetings Industry Blog has a special features section which gives in-depth reviews on a variety of aspects of MICE Industry travel. This will be a very popular section of the site.

If you manage a business that is able to accommodate me for free in return for a free, in-depth review, please get in touch. I shall of course cover my own travel expenses and I can be flexible in terms of both when and where I travel (for example, I can plan my visits out of season to ensure you don’t miss out on paying guests). If you would like to discuss the detail of such an arrangement, please contact me at welcome@micepoint.com .

Alternatively, if you have a product that you think is of interest to MICE industry buyers and organizers that you would like to be reviewed in detail, then please contact me and I shall get back to you to discuss the details.

The perfect hide-out for your corporate meeting

Ever thought about a special treat for the Executve Board meeting? Here it is:

Zephyr Palace
Central Pacific
Costa Rica

Zephyr Palace is located within the grounds of Hotel Villas Caleta on the central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This spectacular mountaintop location affords truly panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the dramatic mountains and coastline, and each evenings tropical sunset.

After arriving on the hotel grounds, the dramatic approach to the villa is through a series of stone arches lined with urns to arrive in a paved courtyard set with a fountain. From the courtyard guests may enter a reception area with access to the formal foyer, concierge reception area with elevator to bedroom suites, and the living and dining areas.

It features 7 Suites, 9 Bathrooms, discoteque, spa, pool, an art gallery and much more... Check it out.

Oh, the price? Well does it really matter? In case you wonder, it is approx. USD 6550 per night, excl. 17% VAT of course...

In 80 days around the world

In March 2007, Condé Nast Traveler sent writer Mark Schatzker around the world. The conditions of the trip were as follows: He could not take a plane or helicopter, he could not travel more than 100 miles per hour, and he had to complete the journey in precisely 80 days. The intention was to rediscover "slow travel," the way humans moved across vast distances back when Jules Verne wrote his famous book about Phileas Fogg. Instead of taking off at Point A and then landing at Point B, he saw, smelled, felt, and tasted the multitude of points in between. He cruised across the Pacific Ocean, rode horseback across Mongolia, and sea kayaked Italy's Amalfi Coast. In short, he experienced geography.

Read his blog here: Mark Schatzker's Blog

MPI Belgium Rocks

Just getting back to Switzerland from the MPI BE Educational day where I have been invited as a speaker to present the hot topic "Second Life, MICE blogs and social online networking for the meetings industr" I must say I was extreamly impressed by the entire MPI BE team and their hospitality!

Upon arriving, MPI Belgium President Yvo Van Der Tol (from Marriott) drove me himself to the conference venue. And when I've arrived there, I have been welcomed by Evelien Aernaudts (from Abbitt Meeting Support - they cary this name absolutely deserved!). Evelien, you did an outstanding job.

Everything was ready and deliberate. Peter, a technician of Abbitt Meeting Support, took excellent care of my little tech problems I had my laptop crashed(!) but thanks to a presentation back up on my USB stick the presentation was safe.

The venue, yes the venue... Dolce La Hulpe Brussels! I knew it was the former IBM center just outside Brussels but I was astonished to see how beautiful day have redesigned the house.

Great conference facility in a absolutely quite and green surroundings. It was very nice.

Once more a big thank you to all the Belgium MPI members and conference participants whom I met!

I will be speaking at MPI Belgium Chapter

Dear Meetings Industry blog readers

I would like to announce a special treat to you:

The MPI Belgium chapter is organizing on May 10, 2007, a one day conference called "Belgium education day for meeting professionals". The most important thing: I will be talking about online communities for the meeting industry and how you can profit out of it e.g. making money! ;)

Details about the education day and how you can attend you will find here: MPI Belgium Chapter

Sign up for this intersting learning day and start to profit from the various workshops and talks.

Cruise Holidays combined with MICE meetings

Why not combining a corporate meeting with an outstanding beautiful and relaxing cruise at the same time?

If you have ever asekd yourself about trends in cruise holidays, then I found some answers, published by Peter D. Thomson, Vice President and COO of Cruise Holidays:

Emerging Destinations
1. South America
2. (tie) Europe - Baltic
2. (tie) Australia/New Zealand
4. (tie) Croatia
4. (tie) Greek Isles

Which of the following do you hear most often from your customers regarding their reasons for taking a particular cruise vacation?

2007
1. Particular itinerary 92.4%
2. Particular cruise line 77.2%
3. Price 67.2%
4. Particular embarkation point 40.5%
5. Particular cruise ship 24.2%
5. Accommodations - i.e. type of stateroom 24.2%
7. Group space 19.0%
8. Amenities - i.e. spa, gym or fitness classes,
dining, onboard activities 13.9%
9. Excursions 7.6%
10. Other - "time of year" 1.4%


Regarding 2007 bookings to date, what trends have you noticed?

1. Europe bookings are up over last year 64.6%
2. Clients are feeling more confident about
traveling farther from home 59.5%
3. Mexico bookings are even with last year 51.9%
4. A majority of my bookings include airfare 50.6%
5. Clients are spending more per vacation 49.4%
6. A majority of my bookings include arranged transfers 48.1%
7. Caribbean bookings are even with last year 43.0%
8. (tie) Alaska bookings are up over last year 34.2%
8. (tie) Alaska bookings are even with last year 34.2%
8. (tie) Caribbean bookings are up over last year 34.2%

A meeting space in the sky

I am sure you all know the Taj Hotel Group. With 12 Taj properties belonging to the Leading Hotels of the world (LHW) and Leading Small Hotels of the World (LSHW), this company has surely a high level of standards.

But do you also know that they own their own little Executive Airline called TajAir which is for charter?

Instead of a boring Executive Board room in a boring location, take your Executives for a meeting with dinner amongst the stars. And in case your Executives would require special meal, here is what TajAir is offering in terms of catering:

Special meals
Bland Meal
Diabetic Meal
Fat Free Meal
Fruit Platter Meal
Gluten Free Meal
High Fibre Meal
Low Sodium, No Salt Added Meal
Low Calorie Meal
Low Fat/Cholesterol Meal
Low Fibre/Residue Meal
Low Purine Meal
Low Protein Meal
Non Carbohydrate Meal
Non Lactose Meal
Soft Fluid Meal
Semi Fluid Meal
Ulcer Diet Meal

Vegetarian meals
Raw Vegetarian Meal
Asian Vegetarian Oriental
Asian Vegetarian Indian
Indian Vegetarian
Western Vegetarian (dairy)
Western Vegetarian (non-dairy)

Religious meals
Jain meal
Muslim meal
Hindu meal

Child and Infant meals
Baby Meal
Post weaning Meal
Child Meal

The world's most sexiest MICE venues, part III

my next suggestion goes to one of the most beautiful spots on earth, to the

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

Yes, I know, it is not one of the typical MICE resorts, but the luxurious Hotel lies where earth, sea, and sky meet, poised above Atlantic rollers and flanked by the majestic Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles mountain range in glorious Cape Town, South Africa.

It features 5 different (small) meeting rooms, but the real highlight is the terrace. Why not holding a workshop where heaven touches earth?

Enjoy the photos of the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa.

The MICE industry in Second Life?

I recently signed up for my Second Life! Well, after all this talking and reading, I thought I want to be modern and join the latest venture the internet has to offer.

After some time (or minutes) I turned into a quite nice looking guy with a phaenomenal look, I thought. I started to go through the tutorial (which I didn't finish because I thought it was too boring and difficult) I flew into the real Second Life world.

Then I had to do some work again and after a couple of days I've forgotten my username so now I am here and no more second life (at the moment).

Is the MICE industry present in Second Life? I read about some event companies doing events there. Do they don't have enough work in the First Life or is the money they earn better in Second Life?

Anybody know something about MICE in Second Life? Please post your feedback here.
Thanks, Chris

The world's most sexiest MICE venues, part II

my second choice (not as a ranking, only in terms of mentioning it) is the

Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan

420 guest rooms and Suites, located majestically above Taipei's business and entertainment district, this hotel has 11 meeting and conference rooms. The size is not that much though, only 456 banquet style in the Far Eastern Grand Ballroom but it is located just 10 minutes away from the Taipei World Convention and Exhibition Center. The center has 7 floors, with a total 159,329 square meters of floor space and 4 large conference rooms.

Amazing conference centre in Lucerne, Switzerland

I have been invited to a Marketing special two days ago in Lucerne, Switzerland. With over 600 participants it was a nice sized conference day which started in the morning with some interesting talks, all related to marketing.

Topics included "Brain script - why consumers buy", "Gender marketing" and many others.

But really outstanding was the venue itself, the KKL, which stands for Culture and Congress Center. Wow, what a scenery with the snowcovered mountains in the back and the blue shining lake of Lucerne just infront of the KKL! The Event Company Standing Ovation did a well-organized job with nice technical tools and gadgets. A company to be recommended!

Last but not least the food and beverage; delicious appetizers and a superb Asian food buffet with nice wine and plenty of juice made this day a memorable one.

The world's most sexiest MICE venues

In this series, I am introducing to you the worlds most sexiest MICE venues, well at least from my point of few.

Today, I am starting with:

The Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE

300 guest rooms, 70 Suites with up to almost 800 sqm size (!), two large fresh water swimming pools, 1,5 km of absolute private beach, 2 gyms and

48 Meeting rooms!

Visit the Meetings page for more information. Look at the stunning Auditorium, the majestic ballroom and the inhouse technical facilities available.

And not to forget are the amazing restaurants, the suites and of course the well trained, very friendly and competent staff!

Meeting Planners Turning to Non-Traditional Venues in 2007

In terms of 'what's new' regarding business meetings in 2007, look to non-traditional venues that make the most of participants' down time.

More and more business meeting organizers are researching special interest or non-traditional venues such as resorts, campgrounds, ranches, inns, country clubs, estate mansions, museums, stadiums or even cinemas as alternatives to booking traditional full-service conference centers to host their business meetings.

Jazoon for example, an IT conference to be held in Zurich, Switzerland, in summer 2007, has choosen a brand new cinema called Arena CineCenter as its venue. Interestingly, their need for 9 conference rooms and exhibition space is both fullfilled within the cinema.

New conference after IMEX

I have receieved an interesting email from the Meeting Support Institute (MSI) about a conference they are organizing the day after IMEX.

The Meeting Content Conference will be focusing on the content side of conferences and meetings: the learning, the networking and the motivation of participants. The targeted participants for the Meeting Content Conference are senior meeting planners, meeting owners (such as product managers, HR managers, marketing professionals), press and faculty in meeting management.

Sounds interesting? Then read this: Hosted buyers from IMEX can extend their stay and join the conference, invited by IMEX and MSI!

Contact Ilse Mathé for more information: ilse.matthe@abbit.be

Gong Xi Fa Chi

Happy Chinese New Year to all readers from the Far East! It's the year 4705 (or for us Westerners 2007) and the year of the pig.

Here some more information:

Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. The Chinese year 4705 begins on Feb. 18, 2007.

Chinese months are reckoned by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth, when the moon is brightest. In China, people may take weeks of holiday from work to prepare for and celebrate the New Year.
A Piggy Year

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in pig years tend to have excellent manners, make and keep friends, work very hard, and appreciate luxury. They are very loving and make loyal partners. Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, Mahalia Jackson, David Letterman, and Arnold Schwarzenegger were all born in the year of the pig.

Accor Sells Stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel for $ 465 million

As part of the strategic review of its business portfolio, Accor Group has signed an agreement to sell for $ 465 million its entire 50% interest in Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) to Carlson Companies and One Equity Partners LLC (OEP), a private equity affiliate of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Accor Group and Carlson Companies had each owned a 50% interest in CWT since 1997. As part of the transaction, Accor and CWT have signed a three-year, renewable strategic partnership designed to secure preferred distribution of Accor hotels by CWT. At the same time, Accor has confirmed CWT as the Group's preferred travel agency.

Following the disposal, Carlson Companies will own 55% of CWT and OEP 45%. Among other things, the transaction is subject to regulatory approval by European and US competition authorities, expected in the next few weeks.

'This divestment,' said Gilles Pélisson, 'is the first step to the refocusing on our two core businesses: hotels and services. It is perfectly aligned with the new strategic direction announced by the Group'.

DUBAI EXHIBITION WORLD UNVEILED TO AN INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE

I knew that some of my readers will comment my article about the Abu Dhabi developlment about being not fair to Dubai. So here it is:

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), one of the Middle East's leading exhibition and conference venue operators, has unveiled its plans for Dubai Exhibition World, a Dh8 billion (US$2.17 billion) dedicated facility capable of hosting the world's largest and most prestigious exhibitions and events.

The new development represents the next stage in Dubai's ambitious plan to become one of the global centres for exhibitions and global gatherings. In the space of a few decades, the UAE's exhibitions and conference sector has expanded from a handful of dedicated events to a Dh12 billion (US$3.27 billion) a year industry, with the annual rate of event expansion increasing by 15 percent a year in terms of visitors, with some exhibitions experiencing a 30 percent year-on-year rise.

Abu Dhabi on the verge of a new era of exhibitions

Days away from the most modern exhibition centre in the world opening in Abu Dhabi

The countdown is on to the opening of Abu Dhabi's superb new Exhibition Centre - now just days away from opening in the UAE Capital City. The latest landmark event is the successful completion of Environment 2007, the last ever event staged at the old venue which has been the city's major site for exhibitions since 1986.

Phase 1 of the new Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will open in February to host IDEX 2007, one of the world's largest defence exhibitions. When complete, the state-of-the-art multi purpose exhibition complex will offer 55,000 square meters of interconnecting hall space, including a 3,168 square meter atrium, 18,000 square meters of U-shaped concourse, 2,000 square meters of food courts and a sizeable multi-storey car-park.

ADNEC is also working with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) to establish Abu Dhabi as a leading business tourism destination and attract the world's premier events to the emirate. Four of the world's leading exhibition organising companies have recently confirmed their status as 'Foundation Partners' for the new venue, jointly bringing more than 30 additional shows to the new Exhibition Centre.

NBTA Announces Speakers for Inaugural Business Travel Financial Forum

CNBC's Larry Kudlow, Sabre's Sam Gilliland and Carlson Wagonlit Travel's Hubert Joly to be Featured.

The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) is pleased to announce speakers for the inaugural NBTA Business Travel Financial Forum: A Wall Street Look at the Business of Business Travel, hosted March 26 in New York City. The event will bring together executives for in-depth discussions on the business travel industry, including the economic outlook for the air and hotel sectors, and the future of travel services.

Larry Kudlow, host of CNBC's Kudlow & Company and CEO of Kudlow & Co., LLC, an economic and investment firm, will serve as the keynote speaker for the event.

NBTA is also pleased to welcome Sabre Holdings CEO Sam Gilliland and Carlson Wagonlit Travel CEO Hubert Joly as presenters on a panel titled 'The View from the Executive Suite - The Future of Global Travel Services.'

For additional information and event registration please visit www.nbta.org/financialforum. Early-bird rates for the event expire February 2.

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MPI's FutureWatch Shows Continued Meetings Growth in 2007

Both corporate and association planners anticipate holding more meetings with more attendees and having bigger budgets in 2007, according to the 5th annual FutureWatch survey conducted by Meeting Professionals International in partnership with American Express. FutureWatch assesses key trends impacting meeting planning by surveying both meeting planners and meeting suppliers.

Over half of corporate planners, 55 percent report that total meeting spend is calculated at their organizations. According to the survey, more planners anticipate doing so - with half of those not currently calculating total spend reporting that their organization is expected to move in this direction.

Another major trend identified in the report is increased globalization. "Globalization is on the rise in all areas of the meetings industry," the report states. "Client-side planners, meeting management and services companies and especially hotel and resort companies expect to increase their global presence in 2007."

With more than 60 percent of planners reporting that procurement departments are playing at least some part in their purchasing decisions, the survey asked meeting planners about the impact of this involvement. This involvement has increasingly led to increased use of preferred vendor programs and 60% of corporate planners believe that these programs have been successful or beneficial.

Download the full FutureWatch 2007 report.

The future of cruising

Are you looking for the special venue for the special client?

Totaly hip in 2007 are cruises on extraordinary boats. And here is my suggestion:

What: Windjammer Barefoot Cruises

Where: Caribbean

Perfect for: Young social types who aren't into bus tours.

Youth Factor: The sailboat-styled ships are geared toward extroverts, with boisterous mealtimes (everyone eats at communal tables), casual dress codes (shoes and shirts not required), and a playful atmosphere. Flash back to freshman year by donning an eye patch and hat on the "Pirates, Pimps, and Prostitutes" costume night.

Cruise Mates: Young couples and singles looking to make new friends (there are also singles-only trips).

High Seas: Larger ships may love their rules, but Windjammer is relaxed. Visit the captain in the control room (usually a no-no), sleep under the stars, dive off the deck. And since the ships are smaller than most, they can access islands that the megaships can't.

Rough Sailing: Cabins are "simple"—code word for not-so-luxurious. Chances are you'll be peering out of a porthole from your bunk bed. Plus no spa or gym.

The Deal: Six-night cruises start at $1,000 per person.

Group Travel Market To Hit $175 Billion By 08

According to a recent PhoCusWright study, 2007 will be the first time transactions on the Internet will account for more than half (54 percent) of all U.S. travel bookings.

According to a separate PhoCusWright study, one of the key competitive areas for the online travel industry is in the groups and meetings market, which they say will represent $175 billion by 2008.

When using the Internet to plan a group trip or gathering, respondents to the PhoCusWright survey said the most important things they look for in a Website are quick response times to requests, ability to speak to a live person, ability to receive group discounts and planning tools such as calendars, maps and directions and trip idea recommendations.

Sir Richard Branson Announces the Opening of First Virgin Limited Edition Office in United States

Sir Richard Branson is today heralding the United States as a key expansion market for his award winning collection of unique retreats, Virgin Limited Edition.

Virgin Limited Edition's current portfolio of properties includes Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, Ulusaba in South Africa, Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco and, coming soon, The Lodge in Verbier and Natirar in New Jersey. Since its inception in 2000, the group has achieved phenomenal success globally, leading to unprecedented demand for future expansion worldwide.

Virgin Limited Edition are proud to announce that they will be opening their first dedicated Sales and Marketing office in the United States in 2007. An opening that will no doubt be seen as a statement of just how seriously Sir Richard Branson is viewing the US market.

This establishment will open imminently and be housed within the Virgin Management offices in Manhattan, NY.

Condé Nast Traveller Gold List 2007

The Condé Nast Traveller Gold List 2007 is out and top of the pile is the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. It scores a perfect 100 in 5 of the 6 categories (rooms, service, food, location and design), “failing” only on ‘activities’ where it scored 97.3, to give an overall score of 99.6 out of 100. Not bad at all!!

Trial Visa Service Launched For Chinese Travel Groups To U.S.

Travel agencies in Beijing say that the visa application for tourist groups to the United Stated has been launched on a trial basis and seven travel agencies have been approved to offer this service.

The seven travel agencies are China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, China Youth Travel Service, China Comfort Travel Service, Citic Travel Service and China Ocean International Travel Service in Beijing, and Classical Holidays International Travel Service in Tianjin.

A representative from the U.S. Embassy in China disclosed that if the visa for travel groups is formally launched, it will consider expanding this service to their consulates in other cities in China. Right now the service is only available to travel groups consisting of six people or more and it requires that these tourists must have a visa record to Europe, Australia or Japan in the last year.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Debut New Attractions and Entertainment in 2007

After a momentous 2006, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is poised to unveil a full slate of exciting new attractions and entertainment in the coming year, highlighted by the continued rollout around the world of its groundbreaking Where Dreams Come True initiative.

Following is a list of the exciting new attractions, entertainment and experiences being offered by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in 2007, during the Where Dreams Come True and Year of a Million Dreams initiatives:

• Cinderella Castle Suite (Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort) - On most days, a randomly chosen guest will be invited to spend the night, with his or her family, in the new royal bedroom suite inside Cinderella Castle. (Opens January 2007)

• The Seas with Nemo & Friends (Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort) - Guests will join Nemo's friends to search for the playful clownfish in one of the world's largest saltwater aquariums. (January 2007)

• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort) - Inspired by the Disney•Pixar film, this all-new attraction will take guests on a real (and unbelievable) underwater excursion. (June 2007)

• Mickey's WaterWorks (Hong Kong Disneyland) - In this day parade designed uniquely for Hong Kong Disneyland, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy show how they keep the landscape looking so lush. (Summer 2007)

• Cars Quatre Roues Rallye (Walt Disney Studios Park, Disneyland Resort Paris) - Guests take a spin through the desert landscape on a wild, figure-8 racecourse inspired by the Disney•Pixar film 'Cars.' (Summer 2007)

• Crush's Coaster (Walt Disney Studios, Disneyland Resort Paris) - Guests surf the East Australian Current onboard a spinning turtle shell in this new attraction inspired by the film 'Finding Nemo.' (Summer 2007)

• Disney Cruise Line - For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line will set sail for Europe with itineraries from the port of Barcelona, Spain, to eight Mediterranean ports of call, including stops near Rome, Florence, Pisa, Marseilles and Cannes. (Summer 2007)

Climate change pushes green issues up MICE agenda

I found this interesting feedback on a poll conducted by IMEX (IMEX Frankfurt) with regards to the impact on climate changes for the MICE industry.

Survey participants were asked to rank in order those green practices that they have applied to their events, and replied as follows:

1st Recycled conference material
2nd Selected an hotel known for its environmental programme
3rd Viewed wilderness or animal conservation areas
4th Encouraged delegates to travel by public transport at the host destination
5th Involved an inspirational speaker on the environment
6th Undertaken fund-raising or other support for green causes
7th Chosen an airline/cruise company/car rental firm for its green credentials
8th Paid for carbon emission offsets to neutralise the greenhouse gaseffect of delegate travel

What have you done or planning to do? Write a comment please.

Cheers,
Christian W. Frei