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%