www.xeniosworld.

com

E-magazine & Guide

for the MICE &
Tourism Professionals

DESTINATIONS MEETINGS & INCENTIVES EXHIBITIONS SPA RESORTS Vol. 13 No 5

Meeting Planner:
One of the 50
best careers of 2010

10 Hot Holiday Trends

for 2010

Top Ten Adventures for 2010

 Travel Trends
Traditional NEUROPATHIC PAIN CONGRESS, ATHENS, 2010
Travel Agents
Back in The 3rd International Congress
Neuropathic Pain welcomes basic scientists,
on fessionals from diverse fields of pain manage-
ment enjoyed a stimulating scientific and
Business clinical scientists and practicing clinicians with
an interest in discovering exciting new devel-
social programme. We expect a similar num-
ber of participants at the Athens Congress and
LONDON, /PRNewswire/ — Since
the dawn of the web-based trav- opments in the understanding and care of an equally inspiring programme.
el industry and low cost, no frills
airlines in the 1990s, pundits
have been predicting the demise
of the traditional travel agency.
However, rumours of its death
appear to have been, to para-
phrase Mark Twain, greatly exag-
gerated. After going through a
difficult period in the early to mid
2000s, travel agencies in the UK
are now very much in the ascen-
dant.
A spokesperson for DialAFlight
said ‘A few years ago, everyone
was predicting that the days of
the traditional travel agent were
numbered. More and more peo-
ple seemed to be booking their
own holidays over the Internet,
in order to cut out the middleman
and save some money.’
‘However, it seems that a lot of
people are starting to appreciate
the value of using a middleman
when booking a holiday. Booking
your own holiday over the inter-
net might save you a little bit of
money, but it is a lot more hassle
than just calling up a travel agent
and having them sort it all out for
you.’
‘The internet is great for booking
simple point to point journeys by
air, such as London to Madrid,
and the success of no-frills air-
lines such as Easyjet and Ryanair
is proof of this. However, the best
prices for long haul flights are
rarely to be found on the
Internet.’
‘Also, the public seems to be
becoming increasingly aware
that low frills does not always
equal low cost. When the budget
airlines started off, they caught
the traditional scheduled airlines
on the back foot with seemingly
incredible deals, such as 99p air patients with neuropathic pain. Venue
fares.’ The Special Interest Group on Neuropathic Megaron Athens International Conference
‘In recent years, though, the Pain (NeuPSIG) of the International Center – M.A.I.C.C.
scheduled airlines have caught Association for the Study of Pain (IASP®) Vass. Sofi as Avenue & Kokkali Street
up, to the extent that they are promises an advanced scientific program, pre- 115-21 Athens
often cheaper than the budget sented by global experts, featuring plenary http://neupsig.org/
airlines once you add on all the sessions, topical workshops and poster pre- The 3rd International Congress on
extras, such as tax and booking sentations. The congress is designed to fur- Neuropathic Pain (NeuPSIG) will take place in
fees.’ ther the Group’s goal to promote the under- Athens, Greece, May 27-30, 2010
‘Another reason why an increas-
standing of mechanisms, assessment, preven-
ing number of people are turning
tion and treatment of neuropathic pain.
their backs on budget airlines is
that, on the whole, the level of The first two NeuPSIG meetings were held in
customer service is extremely Madrid, Spain, in 2004 and in Berlin, Germany
poor, particularly when some- in 2007. Since then, there have been many
thing goes wrong, and it seems exciting new developments in science and in
that more and more people are patient care. Updates on present evidence-
willing to pay a little extra for a based research and medicine will be covered
higher level of customer service.’ by world-renowned experts. There will be
ample time for discussion during the work-
shops.
At the 2007 Berlin Congress, over 1,600 pro-

4 Xenios
 Top Ten Adventures for 2010
“Staring down into the smoul- ‘dry’ component would normally
dering eyes of a tiger from the make it unwalkable, until the
back of an elephant in India’s establishment of regular water
Kanha National Park“: that has tanks made it one of Australia’s
been selected as the world’s best hikes.” – Tony Wheeler
greatest travel adventure by a 7 Trans-Siberian Railway,
jury of the UK’s top explorers, Russia.
adventurers and award-winning “The greatest rail adventure of
writers. them all. I’d suggest the weekly
The list was drawn up on behalf Moscow-Mongolia-Beijing train.
of Adventure Travel Live, which It’s six nights and over 5,000
takes place in London from 29 to miles across Siberia, the Gobi
31 January. Desert and
For the past two months, travel through the
luminaries including Lonely Great Wall
Planet founder Tony Wheeler, for as little
explorer Benedict Allen and as GBP410.
broadcaster Simon Calder have You can even
been assessing the most intense start your
adventures on the planet. And trip at St
the chance of getting close to a tiger in the wild – Pancras.” –
while such a possibility exists – was judged to be Mark Smith
even more thrilling than skiing down a live volcano
on the Japanese island of Hokkaido or diving with
hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos.
Another wildlife experience – an encounter with
mountain gorillas in Rwanda – took fourth place,
just ahead of two great hikes that shared fifth
spot: the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, and
the Larrapinta Trail in Australia’s Northern Territory.
“The ultimate railway adventure,” Russia’s Trans-Siberian, took
seventh place, just ahead of hot-air ballooning over Tanzania’s
Serengeti. A hike through the Indian Ocean island of
Madagascar took ninth position, while South America’s third
appearance completed the top 10: exploring the wildlife of
Brazil’s Pantanal.
Simon Calder said: “Whatever tribulations the economy may
deliver, the British spirit of adventure is alive and well.
Travellers are turning their backs on the beach and going to
extremes to satisfy a craving for adrenalin-fuelled experi-
ences.”

Top 10 adventures
1 Tiger tracking on elephants, Kanha National Park,
India
“You’ll never get so close to a tiger in the wild.” – Bryn
Thomas
2 Skiing on Asahidake, Hokkaido, Japan
“Asahidake is the island’s highest mountain and sends out a
stream of smoke from its vents. Hokkaido enjoys eight metres
of snow a year, and the powder is some of the most consis-
tently excellent in the world.” – Perry Wilson
3 Diving with hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos
“With basic scuba skills you can safely dive with these fabu-
lous, iconic sharks – in the company of so many of them that
you lose count.” – Paul Rose
4 Encounter with mountain gorillas in Rwanda
“Nothing rivals a close-up with our closest relatives. It is at
altitude, in a rainforest, with no paths. The trek can take five
hours. Worth it – massively, emotionally – and it helps this
poor, war-ravaged country.” – Paul Goldstein
5 = Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru
“Popular though this three-day trek is, nothing can prepare
you for the awesome first sight of the ‘lost’ city of the Incas as
you round the trail on the last day, seeing it perched high
above the Urumaba with the mist swirling around it.” – Bryn
Thomas.
5 = Larapinta Trail in Australia’s Northern Territory.
“Classic Outback country: dry, dramatic, lots of wildlife … the
8 Hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti of Tanzania.
“Even if there are no migrating herds, just to pass over the
African savannah in silence is something you will never forget.”
– Benedict Allen
9 Hiking the Grand Tsingy Circuit, Madagascar
“Tsingy are grotesque pinnacles and spikes of limestone creat-
ing the world’s most exotic rock garden. Rare succulents shel-
ter in the gullies that visitors cross using boardwalks, ladders
and bridges. An extraordinary experience on an extraordinary
island.” – Hilary Bradt
10 The wildlife of the Pantanal, Brazil
“Check out giant otters, caimans, jaguars, green iguanas and
more.” – Tim Fryer
So if you want to do something more adventurous than sun-
bathing on the beach this year, blaze a trail to Adventure
Travel Live to learn about some of the most inspiring adven-
tures on the planet.
Adventure Travel Live takes place at the Royal Horticultural
Halls, London SW1 on 29, 30 and 31 January 2010.

Xenios 5

9th European
Conference on
Information
Warfare and
Security
Hosted by strategyinternation-
al.org and the Department of
Applied Informatics, University of
Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece.
1-2 July 2010
Main campus – University of
Macedonia
Conference Co-Chairs:
Ioannis Mavridis, University of
Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece
Vasilios Katos, Democritus
University of Thrace, Greece
Programme Co-Chairs:
Josef Demergis, University of
Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece
Marios Efthymiopoulos, Strategy
International, Thessaloniki,
Greece
The 9th European Conference on
Information Warfare and Security
is hosted by strategyinternation-
al.org with the support of various
IT departments from Greek
Universities. The conference is
being held at the University of
Macedonia in Thessaloniki.
As in previous years, ECIW will
address elements of both theory
and practice of all aspects of
Information Warfare and
Security, and offers an opportu-
nity for academics, practitioners
and consultants involved in these
areas to come together and
exchange ideas. The programme
for the event promises an exten-
sive range of peer-reviewed
papers, networking opportunities
and presentations from leaders 2010 Board of Directors, during its Annual
in the field.
Early bird registration closes on The 2010 Board consists of:
22 April 2010
Special reduced rates for group Giannis Balakakis (Gnomon Events) V.P-
bookings.
6 Xenios
Travel Trends
Meeting Planner:
As one of the 50 best careers of 2010,
this should have strong growth over the
next decade
By U.S.
News Staff
Upward mobility:
There are a few ways to advance as a meeting
The run- planner. You might move from a small organi-
down: zation to a larger one. You might gain addi-
T h e tional certifications or credentials through
increasing- continuing education that may help with find-
ly global ing higher-paying work. Over time and with
nature of experience, you could open your own meeting
commerce planning firm or become an independent con-
kept meet- sultant.
ing plan- Activity level:
ners on Can be high. When you’re running the meet-
their toes ing or convention, you’re on your feet and the
during the work is fast-paced. The rest of the time, you
b o o m may be in your office quite a bit, working at a
y e a r s : computer or on the phone.
There were Stress level:
plenty of off-site corporate events, trade Also can be high. You’re required to be a very
shows, and association meetings to put good juggler and also be highly flexible when
together. But the recession killed corporate clients or employers make last-minute
budgets, and off-site meetings in Vegas changes or when problems arise with vendors.
became unfortunately associated with corpo- Even weather can derail your plans and cause
rate excess. Today’s meeting planners have to abundant stress. The hours can be highly var-
be tougher and willing to negotiate for lower ied and are likely to sometimes include
costs and better perks. They also have to be evening and weekend work.
willing to face tough questions on budgets and Education and preparation:
return on investment. But most organizations A bachelor’s degree is generally the preferred
recognize the value of the face-to-face meet- academic education. Some schools offer
ing—as not just a perk but an imperative for meetings management degrees, but real-
companies that have greater global reaches. world experience may be the most important
The outlook: factor in getting a job. The best opportunities
Employment of meeting and convention plan- may come with a bachelor’s plus some meet-
ners is expected to grow faster than the aver- ing planning experience.
age for all professions over the next decade or Money:
so. The number of jobs planners hold is fore- Median pay for meeting and convention plan-
cast to jump 16 percent, thanks to the grow- ners was $44,260 last year, and earnings
ing importance of meetings to increasingly ranged from about $25,000 to $75,000.
global companies. Source: www.usnews.com
SITE Greece announces PR & Sponsoring
Supporting Committees
2010 Board of Directors The support Committees will be headed by:
The Greek Maria Papadaki (Event Makers),
Chapter of Membership Chair
t h e Photis Photopoulos (Metropolitan Travel)
Society for Education Chair
Incentive The General Assembly was followed by an
& Travel educational seminar presented by the presi-
Executives dent of Alpine College Sybil Hofmann,
(SITE), (Education & Experience: The pillars for quali-
has elect- ty and success”) and a very pleasant cocktail
ed its reception at the Galaxy bar of Hilton hotel,
where the members celebrate the X’mas
General Assembly (GA) on 21 December, at Holiday period and networked with, guests,
Hilton Athens. and site friends.
At a special drawing the Christmas Gift was
Tasso Pappas CITE (TP Consulting), President won by the Dean of the Alpine College Mr
George Papageorgiou. The gift was a long
President Elect weekend for two persons, graciously offered
Lisa Lehmann (Festivities) Secretary General by Elounda Hotels & Resorts
Michael Argiri (Conceptours DMC) Treasurer Our special thanks to our sponsors for this
George Barboutis (Rodos Palace) Director, evening, Hilton Athens, Elounda Hotels &
Education Resorts, Chocolate Graphics.
Constantinos Doucas (Doucas Travel) Director,
Membership
Vicky Evangeliou (Marketing Lead) Director,
 STUDY SUGGESTS TRAVEL MANAGERS
ANTICIPATE INCREASED USE
OF TRAVEL ALTERNATIVES IN 2010
Alexandria, Va - While many signs suggest the
economy is stabilizing and the global recession
is ending, the majority of business travel man-
agers will continue to seek out alternatives to
travel provided by technology in 2010. A new
survey conducted by Kotler Marketing Group,
in conjunction with the Association of
Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), entitled
“2010 Corporate-Travel Spend Plans &
Tactics,” released today provides a detailed
analysis of enterprise travel spend plans,
including breakdowns by region, industry sec-
tor, and company size.
The study includes an in-depth analysis of the
growing use of electronic alternatives (e.g.
web- and video-conferencing) to offset travel.
Findings include:
More than half (55%) of respondents say they
will rely on electronic alternatives more in the
future than they have previously, in order to
meet their travel spend reduction goals.
Those companies who had widely deployed
conferencing technologies saw, on average,
greater travel spend reduction in 2009, with
conferencing having the biggest impact on
internal travel.
Following best practices for conferencing
deployment and demand management corre-
lated with even greater travel reductions.
Most respondents expect continued increases
in the use of electronic alternatives for pur-
poses ranging from team meetings to large
events, to meetings with suppliers and part-
ners. More than 40% even see their organiza-
tions replacing more sales-related travel with
conferencing over the next few years.
Despite these plans to rely more on confer-
encing technologies, doubts and confusion
persist about the effectiveness of these tech-
nologies as travel replacements. For example,
respondents were asked about the effective-
ness of conferencing in lieu of travel for five
common meeting purposes:
There was only one meeting type where a
majority of respondents said web-conferenc-
ing was “usually” an effective replacement.
Video-conferencing was not rated as “usually
effective” by a majority of respondents for any
of the five purposes.
The full report provides a detailed breakdown
of the findings by industry, geography, compa-
ny size, and offers key insights into planned
travel replacement and travel spend tactics for
2010 and beyond.
“Travel managers expect to continue to bal-
ance the conflicting pressures of maintaining Early Fee registration deadline:
savings with the need to travel as they start 16 July 2010
the New Year,” said ACTE Interim Executive
Director Megan Costello. Pre-Registration deadline:
13 September 2010
Acute Cardiac
Care 2010 – 16
Oct 2010 – 19
Oct 2010 ,
Copenhagen
Copenhagen will host the third
Acute Cardiac Care Congress
organised by the ESC Working
Group on Acute Cardiac Care
The Acute Cardiac Care con-
gresses are specifically designed
to be forums where physicians,
nurses, and all health care pro-
fessionals involved in acute car-
diac care can meet, share their
experience, and exchange ideas.
They also represent unique
opportunities to discuss the
results of clinical trials and recent
scientific data in the various
fields of acute cardiac care, such
as acute coronary syndromes,
acute heart failure and life-
threatening arrhythmias.
Important dates
January 2010: online services
open for abstract submission,
registration and hotels
Abstract Submission deadline:
26 March 2010
Abstract selection results online:
May 2010
Acute Cardiac Care 2010
16 – 19 October 2010
VENUE
Bella Center Copenhagen
Center Boulevard 5
DK-2300 Copenhagen S
Denmark
Tel: +45 3252 8811
Xenios 7
 Travel Trends
ITB Berlin – a barometer for travel technology
and mobile travel service trends
International exhibitors will present their latest
travel technology and innovations at ITB Berlin
– after a four-year absence Sabre Travel
Network, the world’s largest global distribution
system (GDS), is back at the world’s leading
travel trade show with its own stand
Berlin, December 2009. “The market offering
mobile communications and technological solu-
tions for the global travel industry is expanding
rapidly“, said David Ruetz, Senior Manager ITB
Berlin, underlining the positive reactions from
international technology companies to the
Mobile Travel Services and Travel Technology sections at ITB.
Sabre Travel Network’s return to the Berlin Exhibition Grounds
after a four-year absence in particular emphasises ITB Berlin’s
role as a barometer for new technology and software trends in
the tourism industry. A world leader in the global distribution
system (GDS) field, the company will be exhibiting at its own
stand in Hall 8.1. David Ruetz: “The fact that the Travel
Technology section in Halls 8.1 and 6.1 has attracted so many
new exhibitors sends an important message to the industry.
Only companies making the right decisions now will be able to
reap long-term benefits from new technology.“ Other companies
represented at ITB Berlin for the first time include XClirion, Lute
Tec, Hotel Net Solutions, Vertical Booking and
Hotelreservierung.de. A number of technology companies will
be showing new products exclusively at the world’s leading trav-
el trade show.
With the introduction in Hall 7.1c of its Mobile Travel Services
section ITB Berlin is hosting its own representative platform for
the first time, along with a stage for presentations and accom-
panying exhibition area. International companies will be repre-
sented, among them Netbiscuits GmbH, leading global innova-
tors and mobile internet page operators, the network operators
Ecocarrier, the Canadian mobile communications operator QiiQ,
the audio guide portal for art and cultural tourism Pausanio
GmbH & Co. KG, and Tourias, travel guide suppliers for mobile
phones. Europe’s leading hotel portal HRS and the car hire com-
pany Sixt, who operate throughout Europe, will also be pre-
senting their new mobile travel services products to visitors on
a stand at ITB Berlin.
In order to make the many aspects of mobile travel services
more comprehensible to visitors experts will be on hand to
answer questions. Topics such as “Mobile services and applica-
tions for the travel industry“, “Working with mobile networks“
and “Working on the move? Yes, of course!“ will be aimed at
providing transparency for visitors. The ITB Berlin 2010
Convention, which boasts a number of high-ranking partici-
pants, will also focus on the topic of mobile travel services. At
the ITB Hospitality Day on 11 March experts will highlight how
smartphones, BlackBerry devices and iPhones are influencing
hotel booking patterns, and at the ITB Business Travel Days on
12 March the keynote speaker Gerry Samuels, founder and
executive director of Mobile Travel Technologies Ltd., will talk
about how mobile travel services are changing the world of busi-
ness travel.

2010: 30,000 Expanding the Network

delegates expected
A highly intensive year is in store for Fiera
Milano Congressi , the business convention
company of the Fiera group. In fact, to
date, approximately 30,000 are expected
to attend the conferences hosted in its
facilities.
The programme is extremely rich and
involves, besides the many meetings taking
place throughout the year, a series of par-
ticularly important events for the medical-
scientific sector.
Ecopram, the convention devoted to pre-
ventive and regenerative medicine, kicks
off the spring calendar in March, while the
21st Smart convention for the world of
intensive care is to take place in May.
June sees the National Transfusion Medicine
Convention, now in its 35th year, with
1,500 delegates set to attend the 44th edi-
tion of the Cardiology Convention sched-
uled for the autumn, and the 35th Esmo
Congress (dedicated to medical oncology)
which will draw 15,000 professionals.
Still in the health sector, the 16th IFHRO
Congress for health records is due to take
place in November.
2010 will also be an important year for the
conference facilities of Fiera Milano
Congressi. By the end of the year, Mic Plus
will be completed, the largest convention
centre in Europe, involving the expansion
and conversion of part of the no longer
used exhibition space of Fiera Milano in the
city (pavilions 5 and 6), for conference pur-
poses and its integration with the adjoining
MIC, which already stands as the leading
conference centre in Italy.
8 Xenios
The Board approved,
unanimously, a new term
in office for the current
Bureau – to co-ordinate
the Federation’s activities
for another two years until
May 2012.
The EFAPCO Bureau com-
prises: President, Nicolas
Le Brun (Belgium); Vice-
Presidents, Irena Sokolowska (Poland)
EFAPCO now has its 11th full member.
and Helena Weinstein (Portugal);
The Federation’s Board welcomed The
Secretary General, Sissy Lignou (Greece)
Association of Irish Professional
and Treasurer, Katalin Matray (Hungary).
Conference Organisers into its network at
its pre-Congress meeting in Brussels.
And Susan Spibey, EFAPCO’s Adviser on
Professional Development, has been
According to President Nicolas Le Brun:
appointed Chair of a new Special
“This means the Federation now
Committee on Standards with a brief
embraces all national associations of
including pan-European development of
PCOs operating in Europe. Future recruit-
the initiative taken by the UK through the
ment will focus on other EU countries
introduction of BS8901 on sustainable
where - with some help from EFAPCO -
events management.
local PCOs form their own associations,
and join in with the Federation’s activi-
The 2010 Congress, which followed the
ties.
Assembly, was organised jointly by EFAP-
CO and BAPCO – the Belgian Association
“Every new member association
of PCOs. BAPCO President and genial co-
strengthens our profile within the
host, Sam van de Kerckhof said: “I was
European meetings and events sector –
absolutely delighted that we welcomed
and enhances our drive to secure proper
over 180 participants from 17 countries.
economic and cultural recognition for our
This record-breaking attendance was
industry from the EU, and in promoting
generated thanks to tremendous help
Europe as the world’s leading conference
from fellow BAPCO members, plus sup-
destination.”
port from a strong array of sponsors.”
 Travel Trends & Analysis 2010: Skyscanner
Reveals Top 50 Destinations for UK Travellers
26. Prague (Czech Republic) [-2]
27. Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) [+11]
28. Auckland (New Zealand) [+11]
29. Venice (Italy) [+4]
30. Luqa (Malta) [+5]
31. Krakow (Poland) [-5]
32. Las Vegas (USA) [+13]
33. Cape Town (South Africa) [New Entry]
34. Melbourne (Australia) [New Entry]
35. Fuerteventura (Spain) [-10]
Crete 36. Berlin (Germany) [+1]
37. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) [New Entry]
38. Marrakech (Morocco) [-9]
EDINBURGH, Scotland, /PRNewswire/ — Travel search site 39. Milan (Italy) [-7]
Skyscanner (http://www.skyscanner.net) reveals the top 40. Dubai (UAE) [New Entry]
50 most searched for destinations from UK airports for travel in 41. Madrid (Spain) [-5]
2010. 42. Hong Kong (Hong Kong) [New Entry]
In the top spot is Malaga, moving up one place from last year. 43. Perth (Australia) [New Entry]
Tenerife and Alicante are second and third, meaning Spain takes 44. Edinburgh (UK) [-16]
the top three positions. 45. Munich (Germany) [New Entry]
Orlando is a new entry into the top ten, rising 12 places since 46. Salzburg (Austria) [-15]
last year. Dalaman holds its position as the 5th most searched 47. Crete (Greece) [-6]
for destination for a second year in a row, whist New York also 48. Brisbane (Australia) [New Entry]
brakes into the top ten, up five positions from last year. 49. Sofia (Bulgaria) [-2]
Palma comes in 8th, losing one spot since last year; Lanzarote 50. Nice (France) [-2]
is 9th, rising four places, and Geneva is 10th, dropping two New Entries
places. 1. Johannesburg (South Africa)
Overall Spain is yet again the most popular country for Brits to 2. Cape Town (South Africa)
visit, with 11 Spanish destinations within the Top 50, five of 3. Melbourne (Australia)
which are in the top ten. 4. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
“These early indications show that Spain is still by far the most 5. Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
popular destination for British travellers. Medium and long haul 6. Perth (Australia)
locations also seem to be on the rise compared to last year, sug- 7. Munich (Germany)
gesting that holiday budgets may be growing after a tough 8. Brisbane (Australia)
financial year” said Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and Going Up: Highest Climbers
business director. 1. Las Vegas (USA) [+13]
Brand new entries to the top ten are Johannesburg and Cape 2. Orlando (USA) [+12]
Town, which will be welcoming the World Cup in 2010. 3. Bangkok (Thailand) [+11]
Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong also entered the top 4. Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) [+11]
50. 5. Auckland (New Zealand) [+11]
Destinations dropping most in search volume are Edinburgh, Going Down: Lowest Fallers
Salzburg, Murcia, London and Fuerteventura. 1. Edinburgh (UK) [-16]
Top 50 Most Searched for destinations for 2010, from UK 2. Salzburg (Austria) [-15]
airports 3. Murcia (Spain) [-13]
1. Malaga, (Spain) [+1] 4. London (UK) [-13]
2. Tenerife (Spain) [+2] 5. Fuerteventura (Spain) [-10]
3. Alicante (Spain)[0] Key Findings
4. Orlando (USA) [+12] 1. Spain remains by far the most popular country for the UK
5. Dalaman (Turkey) [0] market, with 11 Spanish destinations within the Top 50, 5 of
6. Faro (Portugal) [0] which are in the Top 10.
7. New York (USA) [+5] 2. All the new entries to the Top 50 are long haul, apart from
8. Palma (Spain) [-1] Munich.
9. Lanzarote (Spain) [+4] 3. South Africa has seen the biggest new entry rises, likely
10. Geneva (Switzerland) [-2] due to World Cup 2010 traffic.
11. Bangkok (Thailand) [+11] 4. Highest climbers are all long haul or medium haul destina-
12. Paphos (Cyprus) [-3] tions.
13. Barcelona (Spain) [+1] 5. Biggest fallers are all for short haul destinations, and
14. London (UK) [-13] include two UK and two Spanish destinations.
15. Bodrum (Turkey) [-4] Data is based on searches from UK airports for travel in 2010,
16. Paris (France) [+1] using search data collected in Q4 of 2009.
17. Rome (Italy) [-2] About Skyscanner
18. Gran Canaria (Spain) [+1] Skyscanner provides instant online comparison on flight prices
19. Larnaca (Cyprus) [+1] for over 670,000 routes on over 600 airlines.
20. Sydney (Australia) [+7] http://www.skyscanner.net
21. Johannesburg (South Africa) [New Entry]
22. Amsterdam (Netherlands) [-4]
23. Murcia (Spain) [-13]
24. Dublin (Ireland) [-1]
25. Ibiza (Spain) [+5]

Xenios 9
 European Travel Industry Likely to
Stay Flat in 2010
ITB World Travel Trends Report says small
gains from Asia won’t be enough to offset
low demand from economically uncertain
American and European travellers
Berlin, 29 December 2009 – Decline in
demand for European destinations in 2009
will ease, with some instances of growth in
2010. But any upturns in demand from
emerging markets in Asia won’t be enough to
offset continued flat or negative demand
from American and European markets.
These are just some of the key issues high-
lighted in the latest ITB World Travel Trends
Report, commissioned by Messe Berlin, the
organisers of ITB Berlin, and compiled by IPK
International.
The report quotes IMF predictions that devel-
oped economies are shaping up for an aver-
age 3% decline in GDP for 2009, compared
to 2% growth in emerging economies, led by
top performers China and India
However, salvation from Asia is far from cer-
tain, says the report. Factors such as oil price
volatility, H1N1 fears, the Chinese govern-
ment directive that government employees
shouldn’t travel abroad, and a general trend
to domestic, cheaper short haul travel in Asia
– and worldwide – all indicate that European
destinations are likely to have a lean 2010.
The ITB World Travel Trends Report notes
that the impact of the global recession on
travel and tourism demand has been severe.
In the first eight months of 2009, interna-
tional tourist arrivals fell by 7%, according to
the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO),
which is now forecasting a decline of 4% to
6% for full year 2009.
The long-term trend in European travel has
been for a steady increase in the use of air
travel. Car travel has been weak for several
years. However, Europeans, with a keen eye
Vienna lands
2013 World
Congress of
on costs,
Neurology
economised in
the first eight
months 2009
by hitting the
road to travel.
There was a
2% increase in
car travel, while
air travel
declined 8%.
With the World Congress of
The report also
Neurology, the largest scientific
noted that rail
convention for neurologists
travel had been
in the world, Vienna has landed
enjoying a
yet another major congress.
recovery in
Some 10,000 delegates are
tourism
expected to attend the event
demand, from
from Se xpected September 22
lower levels,
ptember 22-27, 2013, at Messe
associated with
Wien Exhibition &
the introduction
Congress Center Center. Vienna
of new high-
was selected in d . direct compe-
speed services.
tition with Helsinki and Valencia.
However, demand for rail travel in Europe
rect “Vienna’s successful bid for
declined 3% in the first eight months of
this congress further reinforces
2009.
our city’s reputation as a city of
science. In economic terms, the
Cruising had been a booming market. Ferry
city will benefit from around
travel had been doing well. However, trips by
50,000 additional overnights and
ship declined by 10% in the first eight
a contribution to GDP of around
months of 2009. Coach travel, among
25 million euros,” enthused
European travellers also continued to slide,
Christian Mutschlechner, Director
suffering a drop of 20% for the first eight
of the Vienna Tourist Board's
months of 2009. However, IPK cautions that
Vienna Convention Bureau.
such trends in the first two-thirds of 2009
The decisive factors behind
may only be indicative. Full-year results may
Vienna’s success were the out-
reveal new or modified trends.
standing collaboration between
Sun and beach holidays, which form by far
the Austrian Society of
the most important category of outbound
Neurology, the Austrian delegate
holidays among Europeans, have performed
to the World Federation of
relatively well in both 2008 and 2009, follow-
Neurology,
ing three years of only modest growth.
Professor Wolfgang Grisold, and
However, holidaymaker’s preferences for tra-
Ulrike von Arnold, who has been
ditional destinations such as Spain, France
handling the competition for
and Greece have changed. Market shares
the Vienna Convention Bureau
were lost to newer holiday destinations in
from the word go. Another bene-
North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and
fit of Vienna's successful bid is
further a field.
that the European Federation of
Neurological Societies (EFNS)
Making forecasts is difficult. Dr Martin Buck,
has decided to combine its
Director of the CompetenceCenter, Travel &
annual congress in 2013 with the
Logistics at Messe Berlin said that there were
World Congress of Neurology in
currently too many uncertainties to make
Vienna.
accurate forecasts for 2010. “Depending on
“The decision for Vienna is a
developments over the next few months, the
feather in the cap of Austrian
best ‘guesstimates’ suggest that neither
neurology, which has some out-
Europe nor North America will do better than
standing accomplishments to its
achieve a flat 2010 in terms of growth,
name in many areas, even by
unless the economic recovery is much
international standards.
stronger in the USA than currently expected.”
Furthermore, Vienna is one of
the most important congress
However, on a cautiously optimistic note he
cities in the world and has often
added: “Asia Pacific should see at least a
been the choice venue for inter-
modest increase in outbound trip volume,
national neurology congresses,”
mainly for intra-regional destinations, a trend
commented Michael Ackerl,
also forecast for South America and the
President of the Austrian Society
Middle East.”
of Neurology.
Xenios 11
 IMEX 2010 – on target for bigger business
Four months out from the opening of the eighth IMEX in
Frankfurt organisers, the IMEX Group, have announced that
they are on course to deliver more business opportunities than
ever when the doors open on 25 May.
The trade show’s performance to date confirms the results of
the latest IMEX Global Insights Report (last quarter 2009). The
Report asked a standing panel of 45 senior international meet-
ings industry and corporate professionals for their views about
the coming year. 57% expected the number of meetings,
events and incentives they organised to remain the same. A fur-
ther 33% confidently expected the number of events they held
to be even higher in 2010.
Says Ray Bloom, Chairman of the IMEX Group, “Our experience
of both exhibitor and hosted buyer numbers upholds these find-
ings. It suggests that the underlining fundamentals in our indus-
try are robust, despite a changing global economic outlook.
This bears out the fact that virtually every sector of our indus-
try is consistently prepared to commit to IMEX knowing they
have the opportunity of meeting the right people, doing good
business and being assured of getting all the support they
need.”
Strong hotel representation
Hotel groups will continue to be represented strongly at IMEX
with many of the larger global groups bringing in additional
hosted buyers for 2010.
Ritz Carlton, Moevenpick Hotels, Fairmont/Swissotel Raffles and
Starwood Hotels & Resorts have all increased their stand space.
Scandic Hotels and Albert Management of Latvia will exhibit for
the first time and Warwick International makes a welcome
return.
Other new exhibitors so far confirmed for 2010 include
Columbia, Meeting Point International and Showcare. The IMEX
Wild Card Winners for 2010 are also all first-time exhibitors in
the international meetings and events industry. The Wild Card
Pavilion will host one of the fastest emerging destinations in
Africa – Uganda – together with the mountain town of Morzine
in France and the new Hof Conference and Cultural Center,
Iceland.
Demand for exhibition space has been particularly strong from
Asian meetings and events industry suppliers with Macau, Sri
Lanka and Indian Holiday all expanding their presence.
US exhibitors have also confirmed their enthusiasm and com-
mitment with Anchorage, Arizona, Chicago, Texas and New York
City already contracted and all those who attended in 2009
expected to exhibit on the IMEX US Pavilion again in 2010.
The Spanish Tourist Office is now firmly established as the sec-
ond largest exhibitor at IMEX with just over 800 square metres
of floor space. Both Madrid and Valencia will be taking their own
exhibition stands.
Other exhibitors who have also increased their exhibition sizes
at the Frankfurt show so far include the Czech Tourism
Authority; Luxembourg; Carat Tours; Liberty International and
Discovery Jordan.
Visitor and hosted buyer registration is now open. For more
information visit www.imex-frankfurt.com.
Xenios 13
 The Grand Hotel Europe
is the leading luxury hotel in the world
St Petersburg, November 2009 – The
Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg’s old-
est luxury hotel, has been named the
Leading Luxury Hotel in the world by
World Travel Awards – travel industry’s
equivalent to the Oscar’s (quote by Wall
Street Journal).
The Grand Hotel Europe
has added yet another
prestigious award to its
collection of accolades.
World Travel Awards, an
international organisa-
tion that stimulates
innovation and creativity
and encourages hotels
to strive to provide trav-
ellers with the best
price-quality ratio, thus
facilitating competition
in the sphere of tourism
all over the world, has
declared the Grand
Hotel Europe the winner
in its key category,
“Leading Luxury Hotel in
the World.” The awards
ceremony took place on
8 November, 2009 in
London, on the eve of
the World Travel Market.
On 17 October, the Grand Hotel Europe
was named “Leading Luxury Hotel in
Europe” by the same organisation, as a
result of which the hotel was nominated
for the world’s top tourism award.
Vise President of Russian Union of Travel
Industry (RUTI) and Director of the
North-West regional branch of RUTI has
congratulated the Grand Hotel Europe
and said: ‘I am delighted that St
Petersburg hotel is acknowledged as the
leading luxury hotel in the world. The
agencies and transport companies from
160 countries.
The Grand Hotel Europe is the first
Russian hotel to receive an award in the
top category.
Voters are obliged to take into considera-
tion not only their personal experience in
working with a specific company, but also
factors such as consistently good results,
whether the company effectively antici-
pates the needs of travelers, and a high
level of feedback from satisfied cus-
tomers. World Travel Awards are con-
stantly increasing standards inside the
industry, which helps the tourism busi-
ness to develop and exceed tourists’
expectations. As a result, when planning
their trip, many travellers make an effort
to choose a company that has been
awarded a prize by the organisation.
Grand Hotel Europe deserves this award
the most. I highly respect the active posi-
“Our hotel is a truly historic and cultural
tion of hotel management who is always
landmark of St. Petersburg and Russia,
on the move to improve and advance
and we work hard to ensure that our
hotel services at the same time preserv-
guests enjoy a level of comfort and serv-
ing the best. This historic hotel is already
ice appropriate to a hotel with such a his-
a symbol of the city which constantly
tory,” said Thomas Noll, the
Managing Director of the Grand
Hotel Europe. “I am happy to see
that our clients and partners
appreciate our efforts and work
aimed at improving the hotel’s
infrastructure and perfecting our
service standards.
The Grand Hotel Europe has had
many awards conferred on it,
including such prestigious prizes
as the annual Travel + Leisure
magazine’s list of the 500 best
hotels and resorts in the world,
on which the hotel has been fea-
tured for five consecutive years;
Wine Spectator Award of
Excellence 2008 & 2009 from
Wine Spectator magazine, the
most respected American publi-
cation devoted to wine; Grand
Prix of the Best Hotel in Europe
2008 by Prix Villegiature; an
honorary place in Forbes Traveler
400, a list of the best hotels in
the world 2008/2009; Best Hotel in
supports various city projects on tourism
Russia 2008 by Afisha World magazine;
development. We are partnering with the
and in October 2009 the hotel was named
hotel since a long time and hope for the
the Leading Luxury hotel in Europe by
further continuous cooperation.
World Travel Awards. This award is partic-
Congratulations on this world acknowl-
ularly important for us. The Grand Hotel
edgement!’
Europe has been named the leading lux-
ury hotel in the world. For us, luxury
The World Travel Awards were founded in
means attention to every detail, it means
1993 and are now considered the top
fulfilling all our promises to our guests,
accolade with which a tourism business
and anticipating their every desire. It is
can be rewarded. The association’s jury is
above all a general impression, the ambi-
made up of professionals from the travel
ence of the hotel, and we are proud that
and tourism industry, including from
our efforts have been recognized with
183,000 tourism organizations, excursion
such an award.
Xenios 15

10 Hot Holiday Trends for 2010
LONDON, December 23 /PRNewswire/ — From
“pound-stretcher” holidays to girly getaways
for “football widows”, 2010 is set to be a year
dominated by recession-busting travel deals,
big sporting events and “micro” bursts of luxu-
ry as Brits seek a quick antidote to frugal liv-
ing.
There’ll be no getting away from the continu-
ing economic downturn, but key travel trends
are emerging for the year ahead, according to
a new report from Teletext Holidays.
“Pound-stretcher” holidays for budget con-
scious travellers will be big to places such as
Tunisia which is being put on the map in 2010
as travel firms increase the range of holidays
outside the Euro zone.
The 10 hot holiday trends for 2010
according to Teletext Holidays are:
1. Pound-stretcher holidays: Holiday resorts
are being more creative with their pricing so
keep an eye out for deals with “resort credits”
and “sun dollars.
2. All-inclusive: All-inclusive searches were
up 40 per cent this year according to Teletext
Holidays and their popularity is set to grow in
2010.
3. Cruising: In 2010 Cruising will be huge –
literally – with new superliners such as the
Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas (which
can host around 5,500 passengers each).
4. Connected holidays: Viewing photos in
real time rather than sending postcards and
tweeting pictures of your hotel live to office
colleagues.
5. Sporting widow: The period during a
World Cup is a great time to take a break as
there are plenty of bargains around because
most of the world stays home to watch the
action from their living room.
The XII ISSIS
meeting will be
held in Chania –
Crete, on April
06-09th, 2010,
the annual event
of the
International
Symposium on
Scale Insect
Studies – ISSIS
The meeting is locally organ-
6. Micro-luxury: 2010 will see an increase in
ized by the Institute of
“micro luxury” – little treats for one or two Veterinary Research of
nights as an antidote to frugal living. Athens (NAGREF) in collabo-
7. Sun and tum: Both women and men want ration with Benaki
to come home from holiday with a tan, but in Phytopathological Institute,
2010 people will want that healthy glow to be and will take place at
accompanied by a fitter physique too. Mediterranean Agronomic
8. Child-free holidays: With budgets tighter
Institute in Chania.
than ever right now, 2010 will see an increase
in parents heading off to enjoy child-free short
It will cover all aspects of
breaks. scale insect studies, including
9. Status breaks: It’s all about the Facebook systematics and morphology,
status update! Yes people are happy to lie on a genetics and evolution, zoo-
sunlounger but they also want to be able to geography and faunistics,
brag about their holiday. biology and population
10. More last minute: In 2010 people will dynamics, natural enemies,
remember that life isn’t a standing order that
monitoring and pest manage-
has to be the same month in month out.
More details about the 2010 holiday trends are
ment.
online at It is also intended to be an
http://www.teletextholidays.co.uk/offer opportunity to bring together
s/holidays/trend/2010_trends/ people dealing with coccids
and to discuss the most
Mark Bloxham, head of marketing, Teletext recent research achieve-
Holidays, said: “The travel industry has had to ments in scale insect studies.
adapt quickly to the changing economic cli-
www.xii-issis.gr ,
mate. But far from taking fewer holidays in
2010, it’s clear that travel is high priority for
www.maich.gr
singles, couples and families.”
Xenios 17
 Travel Trends
Bruised Asian Travel Industry Recovering Slowly
ITB World Travel Trends Report says Asian travel
demand will perk up in 2010, but spending is likely
to lag
Berlin, 21 December 2009. – Asian travel demand will close 5%
down for 2009 in part due to sharp declines in travellers from
South Korea. Longhaul destinations such as Europe are being hit
hardest as Japanese, Chinese, Indians and Thais also choose to
stay home or travel within Asia.
Travel demand for 2010 is likely to pick up, but spending is like-
ly to lag at around 2005-2006 levels. Prospects for 2010 will be
greatly determined by any return of consumer confidence in
Japan and China.
These are just some of the key trends highlighted in the latest
ITB World Travel Trends Report, commissioned by Messe Berlin,
the organisers of ITB Berlin, and compiled by IPK International.
The full report is now available free online at www.itb-
berlin.com/media centre/publications.
The ITB World Travel Trends Report findings show that Asian
travel demand averaged a more than a 10% decline January-
June. However, some market recovery has been recorded since
July 2009, indicating that the Asian travel industry is over the
worst. IPK forecasts of a total-year decline of 5%.
While intra-Asian trip volume fell by only 5% from January
through August 2009, travel to Europe (14% of total trips) was
down 10%. Asian travel to the Americas (9% of all Asian trips)
slumped by a more hurtful 15%.
The report notes that Chinese travellers may be more recession-
proof than the Japanese, but they don’t spend as much. In
Europe, for example, the total spend by Chinese tourists on
transport, accommodation, food and beverages and incidentals
(i.e. excluding shopping) was €240 per night, as against €320
for Japanese, €185 for Koreans and €180 for Taiwanese.
In 2009, destinations dependent on Chinese travellers were also
disappointed for different reasons. The Chinese government
issued an edict earlier in the year stating that no Chinese gov-
ernment employee could travel abroad in 2009.
The biggest decline so far in 2009, in terms of outbound travel,
has come from South Korea, down more than 10% over the
same period in 2008 – a decline due in large part to exchange
rates. In the six months from September 2008, the won went
through a period of great volatility, involving massive deprecia-
tions. The report notes that South Korea was already weak as an
18 Xenios
outbound travel market in 2008 following several years of con-
sistently strong growth.
Even within Asia, the once high-flying low cost airline sector suf-
fered in 2009. Despite rock-bottom airfares, the sector has
experienced capacity cuts, which resulted in lower seat avail-
ability and, inevitably, rising airfares.
According to Dr Martin Buck, Vice President CompetenceCenter
Travel & Logistics, at Messe Berlin, the big question now is, how
sustainable are the first signs of recovery in Asia? “Analysts are
divided,” he said. “Some see a 2nd dip into recession. Others
think government stimulus packages have got us through the
worst of it. The price of oil and the threat of H1N1 are unknown
factors.”
He added: “The report predicts a modest increase in outbound
trip volume for Asia, but expenditure and yield levels will still be
at pre-2008 levels. Within Asia we can still expect to see short-
er, cheaper trips, closer to home and at off-peak times.”
The report also predicts that, globally, business travel will stay
flat, with many companies saying they had introduced stricter
travel policies. One consequence is likely to be a rise in the price
of economy tickets as airlines losing money at the front end of
the plane raise economy class tickets to compensate.
The findings in the ITB World Travel Trends Report were based
on the assessments of 60 tourism experts from 30 countries, on
a special IPK International trend analysis undertaken in leading
source markets, and on core data supplied by the World Travel
Monitor®, recognised as the largest ongoing survey of global
travel trends in some 60 source countries.
The report concludes: “There are currently too many uncertain-
ties to be able to predict with any real confidence the likely
trends in terms of travel and tourism demand from the world’s
leading source regions. For the time being, pending develop-
ments over the next few months, the best ‘guesstimates’ sug-
gest that neither Europe nor North America will do better than
achieve a flat year in terms of growth, unless the economic
recovery is much stronger in the USA than currently expected.
But Asia Pacific should see at least a modest increase in out-
bound trip volume – mainly for intra-regional destinations – a
trend also forecast for South America and the Middle East.”
International Tourism Trade Fairs
Association

For information into the world’s top

travel trade shows…
SUPPORTED BY ITTFA
www.ittfa.org Affiliate Member of
World Travel Organization
 Travel Trends
Deloitte Holiday and Winter Travel Survey
Suggests Cautious Optimism
Tourism, Hospitality and Additionally, the survey showed:
Leisure Sector May 18 percent will travel overnight and stay at a
lodging facility during the Thanksgiving week
Stabilize as Signs of an and weekend
22 percent will travel overnight and stay at a
Economic Recovery lodging facility during December through New
Year’s Day
32 percent will travel overnight and stay at a
Take Hold lodging facility after New Year’s Day through
March
NEW YORK, /PRNewswire/
When asked to compare their overnight travel
— While the tourism, hos- plans for the same time period a year ago, 45
percent of respondents said they will take the
pitality and leisure (THL) same amount of trips this year involving an
overnight stay at a lodging facility, while 25
sector continues to be percent said they will take more and 28 per-
cent said they will take fewer trips.
challenged by current “Conditions appear to be stabilizing in the
travel industry as signs of an economic recov-
economic conditions, a ery take hold. Room rates are still low, which
is impacting revenue, but consumers are find-
new survey from Deloitte ing special offers and incentives on hotel
accommodations which is helping to increase
suggests reason for cau- occupancy,” said Adam Weissenberg, U.S.
Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure leader,
tious optimism heading Deloitte LLP.
Weissenberg added, “Hotel companies should
into the holiday and win- continue focusing on driving demand and
building long-term customer relationships with
ter travel season. their guests through innovative marketing and
loyalty programs. When business travel gets
back on track, the industry will see further
Deloitte’s survey of 2,000 improvement leading to a more complete
recovery.”
consumers in the United Survey results also suggest that some respon-
dents may still have concerns about economic
States revealed that conditions, with 64 percent saying they are
more cost-conscious when traveling. With the
almost half (45 percent) economy only in the early stages of a turn-
around, respondents appear to remain cau-
will take a vacation or tious and are fairly evenly divided on spending
plans. Almost a third (35 percent) report they
leisure trip that involves will spend less this year; 37 percent expect to
spend the same amount; and 27 percent plan
staying overnight in a to spend more money while traveling. As
might be expected, those planning on spend-
lodging facility, such as a ing less were younger, with lower incomes,
and more likely to have children in the house-
hotel, motel or a time- hold.
“This season, spending likely won’t return to
share, from the beginning levels that the industry enjoyed prior to the
recession, but some segments of the popula-
of Thanksgiving week tion are showing more confidence in the econ-
omy,” said Weissenberg. “This could lead to
through March of next some improvement over the near-term for
hospitality companies and restaurants and
should translate to improved long-term condi-
year. tions as the economy strengthens further.”
Reflecting on activities planned during the hol-
iday/winter travel season, the majority of
respondents will travel domestically and visit
family and friends.
20 Xenios
Additional survey results include:
70 percent of travelers will visit a U.S. state
and/or city
74 percent will visit relatives or friends
16 percent will visit a foreign country
38 percent will spend at least one vacation
doing warm-weather activities (swimming or
golf)
18 percent will take a ski vacation or do other
cold-weather activities
34 percent will visit a historic site or a nation-
al park
22 percent will visit an entertainment park or
facility
8 percent plan to do philanthropic or environ-
mental work while traveling
Additional Key Findings
The Digital Traveler
Fifty-seven percent of respondents say they
often read consumer-written reviews or com-
ments online related to travel. Interest was
high across all age groups except retirees, 65
years-old and older. Further, 41 percent have
used mobile devices for travel-related assis-
tance, such as reservations or obtaining infor-
mation. More than a quarter, 26 percent, have
visited a travel-related company’s social
media fan page. Upper income households
were the most active group among all three
activities.
Customer Loyalty Programs
Forty percent of travelers say they currently
belong to at least one rewards or customer
loyalty program from a hotel or other lodging
facility. Travelers with the highest income lev-
els were most likely to belong to a program.
“With 60 percent of travelers not belonging to
any loyalty program there is an opportunity
for hotel companies to build new relationships
with these travelers through programs that
create long-term brand loyalty and drive
repeat business,” said Weissenberg.
Sustainability Remains Important
Being green may still be an important factor to
respondents who are traveling, with 59 per-
cent saying they try to be environmentally
conscious when traveling. Almost half, 45 per-
cent, said they generally think that lodging
facilities are acting responsibly with regard to
green issues.
“Hotel companies are continuing to pursue
sustainability initiatives that are reducing
operational costs through increased energy
and water efficiency,” said Rod Millott, sustain-
ability leader for Deloitte’s Tourism, Hospitality
and Leisure sector. “There are also significant
tax credits and incentives available that are
making these initiatives more financially
attractive. Many of these initiatives are back-
end and not visible to guests, so there is a real
opportunity for hotel brands to communicate
their sustainability success and build loyalty
with their guests as environmental steward-
ship continues to be important.”

Tourism Ministers
give insight into 2010
UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at WTM and indi-
vidual minister interviews available at
www.wtmlondon.com
World Travel Market 2009 hosted the largest-
ever UNWTO Ministers’ Summit which
involved 147 tourism ministers and their
aides.
The ground breaking summit – Roadmap for
Recovery: Sustainable Tourism in Challenging
Times - is available to watch at the World
Travel Market website
(www.wtmlondon.com), which includes pres-
entation from a number of senior private sec-
tor leaders including Thomas Cook Chief
Executive Manny Fontentla-Novoa.
Also available on the website are a number
of individual minister interviews carried out
with the support of Sky News and National
Geographic.
Listen to;
- Jamaican Minister of Tourism Mr Edward
Bartlett fear some Caribbean destinations
may lose out by up to £100 million following
the UK Government’s recent increase in Air
Passenger Duty
- Kenyan Minister of Tourism Najib Balala
reveal how the country is targeting two mil-
lion tourists by 2012. This follows an 87%
increase in arrivals in 2009, taking the num-
ber of arrivals to just under one million
- Caribbean Tourism Organisation Secretary
General Mr Hugh Riley discuss the
Caribbean’s focus on sustainable tourism,
and
- South African Deputy Minister of Tourism
Ms Tokozile Xasa reveal how the country is
using tourism and the hosting of the 2010
football World Cup as a catalyst for its econo-
my, while also focusing on eco-tourism.
World Travel Market Chairman Fiona Jeffery
said: “The third UNWTO Ministers’ Summit at
WTM was a great success with largest ever
turn out of ministers and aides.
“The summit has helped to shape the future
roadmap for the travel and tourism industry
and will be critical in its recovery and com-
mitment to sustainable tourism.
“The summit itself and the individual minister
interviews make fascinating viewing and I am
delighted World Travel Market, the premier
global event for the travel industry, is able to
offer the industry the opportunity to watch
this footage.”
UNWTO Secretary-General ad interim Taleb
Rifai stressed: “Travel and tourism stakehold-
ers must work together in same way as
world leaders, we have to move forward on
the spirit of global cooperation.
“Tourism needs to win positions on national
and global agendas. Our industry can build
effective and longstanding bridges between
the public and private sector, be a reliable
job creator and as a global industry con-
tribute to both climate change response and
poverty alleviation.”
Leading global
communications
company to
meet at ACC
Liverpool
MCI, the foremost global associ-
ation, communication and event
management company, have
chosen to bring their prestigious
management board meeting to
Liverpool in 2010.
The award winning ACC
Liverpool, comprising BT
Convention Centre and Echo
Arena, will be the backdrop for
the noteworthy event in April
2010. The two day event will
draw together leading conference
and event figureheads and deci-
sion-makers from MCI’s global
offices.
Following in the footsteps of
other previous host locations
(Monaco, Montreal, Paris and
Amsterdam) ACC Liverpool will
be given a platform to present
the city of Liverpool as a key
business travel destination for
meeting and event planners.
Already voted 3rd as the ‘city
Conde Nast Traveller’s readers
would like to visit for a short
break’, ACC Liverpool also sits in
86th position of worldwide top
conference destinations accord-
ing to ICCA (International
Congress and Convention
Association) rankings.
ACC Liverpool was chosen not
only for its world class event
facilities, but also for its location
and accessibility from major
European airports.
Xenios 21
 Travel Trends
HotelsCombined.com Commemorates National Hobby
Month, Naming the Top 10 Places in the United
States to Pursue Hobbies
- HotelsCombined.com Offers Unbeatable Hotel Deals in
Huntington Beach
these Top Destinations
WILMINGTON, Delaware, January 6 /PRNewswire/ — In recog-
nition of January as National Hobby Month,
HotelsCombined.com names the Top 10 Places in the United
States to Pursue Hobbies, including suggested hotels in those
destinations.
Whether spending the day golfing at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte
Vedra Beach, Florida, skiing at Amangani Resort in Jackson
Hole, Wyoming, or collecting shark’s teeth off the coast of the
Inn at the Beach Resort in Venice, Florida, travelers can rest
assured they found the best hotel deals at
HotelsCombined.com – the world’s largest hotel search engine
ture, vibrant nightlife and beautiful natural scenery.
and price comparison site.
5. Skiing – Jackson Hole, Wyoming. – Amangani Resort.
HotelsCombined.com Top 10 Places in the United States
Nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, the Amangani Resort show-
to Pursue Hobbies
cases panoramic views of snow-capped peaks around the
Grand Teton National Park and direct access to some of North
Sawgrass Marriott Resort &
America’s most thrilling skiing terrain.
Spa
6. Fishing – The Emerald Coast, Florida. – Pelican Beach
Resort. Nicknamed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” the
city of Destin is a fisherman’s paradise. The resort offers
access to private and group fishing charters that include a
variety of half-day and full-day deep sea, inshore and bottom
fishing options.
7. Antique Shopping – Hudson, New York. – Union Street
Guest House. Antique collectors searching for period American
furniture and fine art will revel in the Union Street Guest
House central location next to 65 antique shops and five his-
toric walking blocks.
8. Surfing – Huntington Beach, California. – Hyatt Regency
Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. Wave hunters staying at the
1. Golfing - Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. – Sawgrass Marriott
Hyatt Regency wake up to the invigorating scent of the Pacific
Resort & Spa. TPC Sawgrass–home of the PGA TOUR
Ocean breeze and enjoy some of the world’s best swells in this
Headquarters–is the ultimate golf destination. The Sawgrass
dynamic coastal town known as “Surf City USA.”
Marriott offers golfers exclusive access to the PGA TOUR’s
9. Beer Tasting – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. - Penn’s View
most respected tournament course – THE PLAYERS Stadium
Hotel. Philadelphia’s storied brewing history and its emerging
Course.
microbrewery scene is ideal for tasting countless unique ales.
2. Cooking - New Orleans, Louisiana. – Edgar Degas Historic
Situated next door to several famous brewers, this historic
Home, Courtyard & Inn. The renowned culinary school, The
hotel is an easy walk home after a carefree night of sampling
New Orleans Cooking Experience, is located just minutes from
the local beer.
Amangani Resort 10. Collecting Shark Teeth - Venice, Florida. – Inn at the
Beach Resort. Known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the
World,” Venice, Florida and the Inn at the Beach resort allow
beachcombers, snorkelers and scuba divers the opportunity to
discover rare shark teeth fossil buried in and around the resort
grounds.

HotelsCombined.com is the world’s leading hotel meta-search

engine and world’s largest online hotel rate aggregator, with
the largest database of 200,000 hotels in 20,000 destinations,
across 195 countries. HotelsCombined.com laser targets its
resources to deliver more than 900,000 real-time hotel deals
which can be compared and booked directly through leading
supplier partners such as Expedia.com, Booking.com,
Travelocity.com and Hotels.com as well as via corporate hotel
this luxurious Inn and grants budding chefs personalized cook-
partnerships with InterContinental, Hilton and many others.
ing classes and vacation programs that teach authentic Creole
cuisines.
More than 4.5 million HotelsCombined.com monthly worldwide
3. Motorcycle Riding – Las Cruces, New Mexico. – Hotel
visitors utilize 4.5 million hotel images, 2.5 million hotel
Encanto. Motorcyclists tour Southern New Mexico on the back
descriptions and maps and 1.5 million customer reviews to
of a Harley and take in six different climate zones in less than
help choose the best hotel and best available deal. For more
an hour. After a long day of exploring New Mexico’s snowy
information or to find unbeatable hotel deals, visit
mountains and white sand dunes, riders unwind at the Hotel
www.HotelsCombined.com.
Encanto.
4. Photography – Denver, Colorado. – Hotel Teatro. The tra-
ditional and contemporary feel of Denver is perfectly emulated
by the Hotel Teatro, which provides photographers a great
starting point to capture this city’s diverse historical architec-

22 Xenios
 TripAdvisor Travellers Reveal 2010 Trends
- Virgin Atlantic and Ryanair (4th Year Running): Best &
Worst Airlines
- Nearly Three-Quarters of Brits will Spend GBP1,700 or
More on Leisure Travel
– ‘Add Ons’ Add Uncertainty: 73 Percent of Travellers
Surprised by Final Flight Price
LONDON, /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor(R), the world’s largest
and most popular travel community, today announced the
results of its annual travel trends survey of more than 700
Britons, revealing that travellers are unable to predict the final
cost of their flight, with nearly one-third paying unexpected
additional costs at check-in.
Flight Costs
Travellers have become more surprised by the final price of their
air ticket in the past three months. As a result of ‘add-ons,’ 73
percent have been surprised by the final cost of flight, up five
percent from a survey conducted in September.*
Additionally, 32 percent, up 18 percent from three months ago,
have checked in at an airport and paid additional costs they
were not expecting.
Top Airlines
The favourite airline for British travellers is Virgin Atlantic, for
the second year running, followed by British Airways and
Singapore Airlines. For the fourth year in a row,Ryanair is trav-
ellers’ least favourite airline by an overwhelming 41 percent, up
from 30 percent last year. Eighty-two percent of travellers said
that the brand of airline is at least somewhat important when
making a booking decision, with 41 percent identifying it as very
or extremely important.
When choosing an airline, the most important factor is price fol-
lowed by preferred route. Twenty-three percent are willing to fly
the same airline, if it’s the cheapest option, after a really bad
experience on a flight.
Leisure Spending
Nearly three-quarters (71 percent) of travellers will spend more
than GBP1,700 on leisure travel next year, with more than one-
quarter (28 percent) spending more than GBP5,300.
Mobiles and Wifi
British travellers are in favour of staying connected while flying,
as 62 percent think Internet access should be allowed on flights,
up 16 percent from last year. Nine percent are even willing to
pay extra for it. In regards to mobiles, 13 percent think they
should be allowed on flights, compared to 10 percent last year.
Germs While Travelling
H1N1 virus threats will cause British travellers to be more con-
cerned about germs when travelling this year, with 26 percent
packing hand sanitizer and 28 percent washing their hands more
frequently. Seven percent of travellers’ holiday plans are likely
to be affected by concerns about illness or the flu in the upcom-
ing year. Additionally, 10 percent of travellers find the biggest
traveller faux pas is sneezing or coughing without covering up.
Environmentally Conscious
Fourteen percent of British travellers will be more environmen-
tally conscious in their travel decisions in 2010 than they were
last year, far less than the French (20 percent), Italians (30 per-
cent) and Spaniards (23 percent) revealed in a survey of 2,800
European travellers. According to Brits, the most suitable coun-
try to plan an eco-friendly holiday is Sweden, followed by
Norway and Switzerland. One-fifth (21 percent) of travellers
said there aren’t enough resources to easily plan an eco-friend-
ly holiday.
Holiday Activities
Over three quarters of British travellers will visit a historic site
in the next year, 68 percent are likely to visit a national park and
over half (52 percent) will go to the theatre or opera. Nearly
one-quarter (22 percent) are likely to attend a festival and 27
percent will go hiking.
Additional British Traveller Tidbits:
- Fifteen percent have taken slippers from a hotel room, while
10 percent have taken a washcloth and 9 percent towels.
- Thirty-three percent would do a holiday “house swap” if given
the right opportunity.
- Perhaps because of its implementation at some U.K. airports
in the past year, only 67 percent are comfortable with the new
body scanners, compared to 80 percent last year.
- Sixteen percent of travellers will book their holiday earlier this
year than last year.
- Rude seat recliners (33 percent) and children kicking the back
of seats (32 percent) top the traveller faux pas onboard a flight.
Troncones, Mexico is TravelCast’s Emerging Hotspot for 2010
The TripAdvisor TravelCast identifies up-and-coming travel des-
tinations based on site data**, including increases in search
activity and postings for the past year on TripAdvisor.
TripAdvisor TravelCast Top Five World Destinations for
2010
1. Troncones, Mexico
2. Nairn, Scotland
3. El Chalten, Patagonia
4. Patara, Turkey
5. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
*600 Britons took part in the TripAdvisor survey (September
2009)
**Site data on TripAdvisor.com
Xenios 25
 Travel Trends
EIBTM’s annual
EIBTM
Meetings and Incentive
Industry Awards were
MEETING AND INCENTIVES
presented . The AWARDS RECOGNISE CREATIVITY
Awards, an integral ele- AND EXCELLENCE
ment of EIBTM and
now in their 9th year,
encourage creativity
and reward excellence
in the meetings and
incentive industry. They
offer recognition for the
many talented event
creators and marketers
for their highly imagi-
native skills and profes-
sional execution, ideas
and services.
The judging panel,
chaired by Jeremy
Garbett, formerly MD of
JMW and now founder
of a new agency Winners and runners up
2nd Category: Best Conference with more
Deeper Blue, were 1st Category: Best Special Event than 250 attendees

looking for truly out- Winner: Hagen Invent GmbH & Co. KG for
Life is running! – HDI-Gerling Leben
standing events and
This special event was part of a change man-
campaigns that were agement project for HDI-Gerling, a German
insurance company following the merger with
highly imaginative in HDI Lebensversicherung to form one of the
concept and execution. largest insurance companies. The analogy of a
marathon race was transposed into a strategic
Creativity, innovation, motivational project: to train the employees
and get them fit to run – in the figurative
impact, production, sense to reach corporate goals – as well as to
take part the Cologne Marathon which the
expertise, interactivity, company sponsored.
sustainability and eval- ‘Life is Running’ established itself as the main
internal employee programme. 263 employees
uation were all key fac- participated in the marathon; 600 runners and
non runners involved themselves in leisure
tors in the judges’ final activities and a total of 2,800 employees
watched the marathon from the fan grand-
decisions. stand in the Centre of Cologne.
The company also donated €100,000 to broad-
caster’s RTL Donation Marathon.
Highly commended: Insglück Gesellschaft Für
Markeninszenierung mbH for International
Opening Ceremony CeBIT 2009
Winner: Face to Face GmbH with Cast Off!
Takeda Pharma
The key objective of this conference was to
help communicate changes in the
Pharmaceutical company Takeda by creating a
collective experience for 500 delegates.
Key highlights of the day included welcoming
delegates into a harbour; nautical charts were
used to manoeuvre delegates into the future
and implement strategies; logbooks and mod-
ern sailing equipment were used to highlight
key performance indicators and explain future
targets; teams assembled boats which were
then donated to kindergartens; new company
guidelines were presented through role play
and Tim Kroger, German America’s Cup sailor
provided delegates with a motivational
keynote presentation.
The result was an original, well executed com-
pany event that successfully communicated
core values and messages to the company.
Highly commended: Torino Convention Bureau
for MPI’s European Meetings and Events
Conference, Torino 2009

26 Xenios
3rd Category: Best Conference with less than 250 atten-
dees
Winner: Face to Face GmbH for We Write History (Bayer
Health Care)
In October 2008 Bayer Health Care launched Xarelto, a new
blood coagulation inhibitor on the European market and one of
the company’s most important recent launches. The task was to
train and build a new team over one year into a tight and moti-
vated business unit.
The company organised five conferences around the theme of
‘We Write History’ with a kick off conference in Zugspitze, team-
building at the Spitzingsee, a competence workshop in
Königswinter, training in Warnemünde before the final launch, a
five day conference in Valencia.
In Valencia delegates were personally collected by ‘Fink’ the
reporter and then whisked to a tapas bar to interview manage-
ment. Other highlights included a visit to a monastery, a white
party in the Americas Cup harbour and a press ball all culmi-
nating in the publication of Xarelton News’ – the work of all
those involved who had taken on the role of journalists to ‘Write
History’.
Highly commended: The Companies GmbH for Funds Go 3D –
Real I.S Annual Customer Meeting
4th Category: Best Incentive Programme
Winner: Grupo Pacifico for a cinematic event for Chiesi
España
Making a movie for an incentive trip for pharmaceutical compa-
ny Chieisi España was the task set for Grupo Pacifico.
All those involved in the incentive, together with actors, were
sent a script outlining their role in the movie during their time
in Jordan. Nobody knew the movie plot. The scheduled cultural
and tourist activities laid on were interspersed with the shoot-
ing of the film which involved a plane highjacking, Roman spies,
thieves, hired assassins and heroes in the spirit of James Bond
and Indiana Jones.
The incentive was completed when the group flew back on a pri-
vate charter flight to Madrid and the film was premiered in one
of the city’s leading cinemas.
Highly commended: EVT Marketing Group for ‘Hot Sales, Cools
Rewards’
5th Category: Best Destination Marketing Campaign
Winner: Sarawak Convention Bureau for ‘Awaken the
Warrior Within’
The campaign’s objective was deceptively straightforward – to
generate new international bid opportunities for Sarawak in
Borneo. The components of the campaign included a series of
three full page advertisements placed in international trade
publications and a five minute sequel to the Award winning
‘Recharge in a New World – Sarawak, Borneo’ destination video
used in destination and sales presentations.
The campaign generated during the period July 2008 to end
August 2009 148 new bid opportunities from international
organisations. Of these 93 were successfully converted and 24
are still under development.
The Bureau has achieved an overall bid success rate of 68.5%
with an overwhelming majority of wins being regional or inter-
national conventions
Highly commended: Tourism Australia
6th Category: Sustainable Initiative of the Year
Winner: World Events for World Events Company
Conference 2009
World Events is a full service event management company with
120 staff in its global offices. This winning entry’s objective was
to source an environmentally, eco-friendly and socially respon-
sible venue to accommodate 120 people for a company confer-
ence and evening social with the aim to make it the company’s
green ever.
Based on the theme ‘Our Business Rocks’ the event featured
Papakata tents used to create a sustainable village; the publi-
cation of a ‘Green guide for events’ to generate ideas on min-
imising the impact the event would have on the environment;
locally sourced food served in recyclable boxes with vegetarian
options encouraged; clothing, food and book donations to local
charities and the creation of the World Events logo using the
charity donations.
The event was delivered to the same budget as previous years
despite a 15% increase in head count demonstrating the com-
pany’s sensitivity to the current economic climate.
Highly commended: Adelaide Convention Centre
7th Category: Best Product Launch
Winner: Vok Dams Gruppe for Skoda World Dealer
Conference
Vok Dams challenge was to launch the new Skoda Yeti – the
company’s first compact SUV – to 4,000 dealers attending their
conference in the mountains of Austria.
Not all events have the wow factor. This one did! Using the
theme of the Yeti, dealers were welcomed at base camp, with
views of the mountains and slopes where by magic Yeti foot-
prints appeared in the snow. After ten steps the Yeti disap-
peared behind an obstacle and miraculously reappeared as the
Skoda which approached the base camp tent at speed, disap-
pearing again before reappearing in the tent in front of the
guests for the first time.
Other highlights of the launch included a huge Yeti ice sculpture
and the opportunity to drive the car both on and off the road.
The Yeti Expedition 2009 perfectly reflected the brand slogan
‘Simply Clever’. Rarely is it possible to run a central theme
through all campaign activity – from product to event motto and
the actual event – so cohesively as the launch of the Skoda Yeti
Highly commended: Global Events for Lipton Tea
Commenting on the Awards, chair of judges Jeremy Garbett
said: “We have been delighted this year by the highly innova-
tive concepts of the events submitted. We have been particu-
larly impressed with the quality of entries received in our new
Award for Sustainable Initiative of the Year. It is clear that the
industry, particularly from the entries received from Australia, is
taking sustainable issues to heart and putting words into
actions.”
Xenios 27

Russian Tourism Industry Shows Growth of 10-
12% in 2010
The crisis in the Russian tourism indus-
try is ending, and in 2010 the industry
will show growth of 10-12%,
announced Transaero President
Aleksandr Pleshakov at the Tourism
Business conference.
“My forecast is generally positive. At the
moment we can see a clear end to the
decline in the volume of tourism servic-
es. And the fall in the cost of air travel
that happened this year, of about 25-
40%, will provide additional opportuni-
ties for growth in the tourism market in
the near future,” said Mr Pleshakov.
According to him, market growth will be
about 10-12% in 2010. At the same
time, the price increases for tourism
services predicted by the expert will,
undoubtedly, affect operators’ rev-
enues, which will require more effective
sales management. Next year, travel
agents will start to advertise more
actively, which they all but stopped in
order to save money.
Mr Pleshakov highlighted a number of
problems in the tourism market:
“Firstly, the fall in prices, which played
a positive role in increasing customers,
but decreased revenue for the whole
tourism industry. Secondly, the reduced
access for a number of tourism compa-
nies to significant and cheap financial
resources, which limited their ambitions
28 Xenios
Travel Trends
and reduced their profitability, and even od and shown their viability.
led to bankruptcy for some. And thirdly,
the intensification of the struggle of The strong growth demonstrated by
tour operators in major regional mar- Intourist and Pegas Touristik, and the
kets, which led to greater losses,” says systemic development of Natali Tours
Mr Pleshakov. and Coral Travel has forced Tez Tour
and Capital Tour to regroup their
From all this it can be concluded that resources before the next stage of their
the main problem of the tourism indus- activities.
try remains the complicated economics
of tourism and excessive price competi- We are seeing a positive new stage in
tion, which has spread from the Moscow the activities of the travel company
market to the regions. The Transaero Neva. And ‘second tier’ tour operators,
president identified the situation in the which include Yuzhny Krest, Transaero
Egyptian market as another challenge Tour Centre and Biblio-Globus, have
for the Russian travel market. “Tourist shown strong growth and are trying to
travel to Egypt is entirely subsidised by move closer to the market leaders,”
all the market participants, both tour said Aleksandr Pleshakov.
operators and air carriers, but not by
the Egyptians themselves.
And as the Egyptian market has
become a year-round tourist destina-
tion for Russia, this has further
increased our net losses and exacerbat-
ed the situation in the industry. This
loss-making destination draws in a
large number of tourists from other
areas,” said Mr Pleshakov.
At the same time, not counting the loss
of GTI-travel, tour operators have, in
general, survived the crisis, says the
head of Transaero. “In our view, all the
major and medium-sized market partic-
ipants have overcome this difficult peri-
 1st Moscow Medical & Health Tourism Congress
18 March 2010
Within the MITT exhibition
The 1st Moscow Medical & Health Tourism
Congress is the biggest event in this sec-
tor in the CIS, and an ideal platform for
meeting major suppliers of medical serv-
ices and representatives of the tourism
business from around the world. The
congress will be held within the MITT
2010 exhibition in Russia, where the
potential of the medical tourism market is
huge, and the final formation of the sec-
tor far from finished. This is a unique
chance to develop your business and
increase profitability.
Dedicated section at Mitt 2010
Exhibition:
To supplement the Congress, exhibition
space is available at the special Medical
Tourism section within Mitt 2010. This is
a perfect opportunity to hold talks at your
own stand during the whole Mitt 2010
show, March 17-20.
Congress participants:
Medical providers
Tour operators and travel agents
Clinic representatives and practising doc-
tors
National tourism offices from around the
world
Russian regional tourism administrations
Health resorts and spas
Insurance companies, hoteliers and air-
lines
Consulting companies and marketing
offices
Plenary sessions, seminars, roundta-
bles and working meetings:
to reserve the speaking slot, please
choose one of the following topics
Medical and health tourism as a prof-
itable business:
The rules of the business and market par-
ticipants.
The pace of development of medical
tourism worldwide; economic indicators.
Key trends and increasing sales.
The effect of the economic crisis on
medical and health tourism:
Successful strategies and anti-crisis
measures for companies in this sector.
The effect of the new conditions on the
structure of effective demand.
Increasing the profitability of
tourism companies through medical
and health tourism
Expanding company activities with mini-
mal expenditure.
Developing products and an optimal sales
scheme (agents and direct sales).
A financial mini-plan.
Foreign medical tours:
The main factors of demand for medical
services abroad.
Looking for quality medical assistance for
patients from the CIS.
Key criteria for choosing a foreign clinic,
doctor or health resort.
Medical tourism in Russia:
Increasing sales by using the benefits of
health tourism programmes and treat-
ment in Russia.
The best examples of the quality/price
ratio.
Special considerations for providing serv-
ices to foreign patients.
The role of the travel agent in med-
ical tourism:
The specific features of selling health and
medical tours.
Relations in the supplier-operator-travel
agent chain.
The legal framework and an optimal
scheme of work.
Increasing the competitiveness of
companies. New ways of attracting
clients:
Internally auditing company activity.
Simple technologies.
Internet marketing, email marketing,
blogs and social networks.
Company websites as a tool for sales.
Insurance and supplementary servic-
es:
Insurance for medical and health
tourists.Medical flights and emergency
transportation of passengers with limited
movement by regular flights.
For more information about how you
could take part in this important industry
forum, please contact:
Nikolai Asatiani
ITE Moscow
asatiani@ite-expo.ru
Tel.: +7 (495) 935–7350 (ext. 4202):
http://mitt.ru/en/congress/
Xenios 29
 Adding Value Makes the Difference
Industry Comment from ITTFA
Time and
research have
shown that exhi-
bitions are
undoubtedly an
important part of
the sales and
marketing mix,
however they do
involve a consid-
erable invest-
ment and it is therefore imperative for exhibitors to make the
right choices. This decision has never been more important as
we struggle through a period of recession and money has to be
spent wisely. With so many exhibitions to choose from, event
organisers have to work hard to ensure that they are among the
chosen ones.
Selling the space should only be the beginning of the story and
not the end. So how do organisers retain those important
exhibitors, attract new ones and add value to the cost of exhibit-
ing?
Exhibitors need to know that the visitor quality and mix is
appropriate for their product or service. Visitor numbers are not
necessarily an indication of success, far better to have one vis-
itor who is the decision maker and key to your business rather
than 3 who are not. So drawing in the top buyers and decision
makers is a must for successful trade events.
A good organiser will find out all about his exhibitors business,
how they function, understand their product and customer base,
what their future goals are. They will build a relationship with
each client and prove that they are targeting visitors on their
behalf.
ITTFA member, TTG ITALIA which runs two major travel shows
in Italy, TTG Incontri and BTC, achieves this in several ways
including running educational and training programmes and via
targeted and crossed communication on selected groups of
potential visitors and exhibitors. Antonio Dell’Aquilano,
Exhibition & Event Manager TTG Italia explains further.
“In 2009 we organized over 100 one hour training courses dur-
ing the three days of the fair, dedicated to all segments of trav-
el professionals. We want to repeat the same successful experi-
ence in 2010. We believe that if companies have to invest their
money and personnel time in participating at exhibitions, as well
as the business opportunities made by the meetings at the fair,
they have to come out with added professional value for their
personnel too. For the same reasons, we invest money in bring-
ing very high caliber Italian and foreign speakers for seminars.
We also select segments of exhibiting companies and communi-
cate their presence to a particular segment of potential visitors
– for example we have hundreds of tour operators dealing with,
among other products, golfing holidays; we target golf clubs,
which are not normally associated with travel exhibitions, but
they contribute by creating travel demand organizing golf holi-
days for their associates. We do the same with many different
segments. On the other hand, we attract more exhibitors, telling
them what we are doing, in terms of targeted communication,
to bring specific visitors to the fair.”
TUR, leading Scandinavian travel trade fair held in Gothenburg
each year also looks to going that extra mile and getting closer
to its exhibitors. Johan F Lundberg, Exhibition Manager of TUR
gives us an insight into why TUR is so successful.
“We have an on-going project at the Swedish Fair in Gothenburg
where we analyze the future for fairs in general and then try to
break down the conclusions as to how this will affect our fair.
There is no doubt that every participant (exhibitor and visitor)
are looking a lot more at what they get for their money. We have
to give them a tool so they can measure their ROI. We have to
have an even more direct and open discussion with the business
itself so we are aware of what is real for them.
Therefore we have tried to be more involved in the on going dis-
cussion of businesses and also provide different platforms where
they can meet. In our business plan for TUR we have highlight-
ed that it is vital for us to get even more involved with all the
players in the business. The main thing is to be a platform for
the business to meet, to be the natural meeting place and out-
side the fair, provide conditions where the business can meet in
real life and in the digital world. We want to be on show all year
in a variety of places.
In order to achieve this we have tried to build up our webpage
(tur.se) to provide news and topics for the business rather than
only provide information about the event thus extending the life
of the fair. For 2010 we will look at articles on our webpage and
give our whole customer base an opportunity to comment on
certain topics on our new Facebook group. We have also start-
ed “BookTUR”, a webpage where all the exhibitors can promote
their best offers during the fair. You can´t buy anything
on”BookTUR” you have to come to the fair to buy it. We use the
BookTUR in all our public advertising which means that the
exhibitors get free marketing for their products through our
market. They sell more products and the public loves the good
prices. It is a clear win-win!
We work harder to collaborate with all the different organiza-
tions in the business and together we carry out seminars, galas,
dinners etc. Thus providing more opportunities to market the
show and build our network.
All this will hopefully lead to the conclusion that TUR is the nat-
ural meeting forum for the business – not for our sake – but for
themselves. To participate in a fair is a cost-efficient way to keep
up the most important thing in all business, the personal meet-
ing itself. There is no substitute for that. From such meetings
you can build faith with your partners for successful long term
relationships.
TUR and TTG Italia are setting high standards and like other
ITTFA members go the extra mile to prove their commitment.
This is what helps exhibitors choose one show over another and
in these challenging times it is important to build a close rela-
tionship for both parties to maximise results.
ITTFA is dedicated to the continual development of the travel
trade show industry, increasing participation and setting high
standards worldwide.
For details on all members visit us at www.ittfa.org
For further information please contact: Wendy Walker / Sara
Armitage Evans, International Tourism Trade Fairs Association
(ITTFA), Email. info@ittfa.org
Xenios 31
International Tourism Trade Fairs
Association

For information into the world’s top

travel trade shows…
SUPPORTED BY ITTFA
www.ittfa.org Affiliate Member of
World Travel Organization
Travel Trade & MICE Exhibitions

IFT-BELGRADE International Fair of

Date 24 - 28 February 2010 Tourism (IFT) takes
Venue Belgrade, Serbia & place together with Firmly established as the leading travel trade event for Russia
Montenegro the Sailing Fair in and the CIS, MITT annually welcomes some 3000 companies
Edition 32nd three Belgrade Fair from over 100 countries and regions world-wide. MITT is also
Telephone 00 381 11 2655 377 exhibiting halls, hav- a member of the WTO and has an UFI accreditation. For fur-
Fax 00 381 11 2655 722 ing the total area of ther information, please contact the organisers.
E-mail nikola.andric@sajam.rs 10,000 sq. m. The
www.ift-belgrade.com fair event is 60% ori- Participants
ented toward travel
abroad, 20% local offer oriented toward sales at foreign mar- Apartments, Camping, Hotels, Resorts, Villas, Activity &
kets and 20% local offer toward local buyers. The number of MITT-MOSCOW Adventure Travel,
countries having their program presentation at the event is Airline, Airport,
50. Date 17 - 20 March 2010 Business & Incentive
Venue Moscow, Russia Travel, Car Rental,
Special topics for IFT are: Edition 17th Children’s Travel,
1.IT technology in tourism, software applications, booking sys- Telephone +44 (0) 207 596 Coach Travel,
tems 5043/5083 Conventions &
2.Short Stay Holiday presentation – programs European cities Fax +44 (0) 207 596 5102 Visitors Bureau,
E-mail travel@ite-exhbitions.com Cruise Lines &
There is also a special chapter intended for the promotion of www.mitt.ru Ferries, Eco-Tourism,
hotel chains, since only Hyatt Regency, Intercontinental and Educational Travel,
Best Western, among international hotel chains, are present in Conference/Meeting Venue & Organiser, Fishing & Hunting,
Serbia and Montenegro. Golfing Holidays, Health Resorts & Spas, Luxury Service,

Participants

National Tourist Boards, Regional Tourist Boards, Tour

Operators, Tourist Agencies, Spas & Health care tourism,
Hotels, Transit Tourism, Railway, Air Transport, Latest
Technology in Tourism, Media

Parallel Activites

Workshops, press conferences, presentations, video/cd show-

rooms, seminars, awards ceremony, dedicated technology &
telecomms area

Opening Hours

24 February 11.00-19.00 trade

25 February 10.00 -19.00 trade
26 February 10.00-19.99 trade and public
27 February 10.00-16.00 trade and public
28 February 10.00-16.00 trade and public

Price Per Square Metre

(space only) EUR 90 / sqm + VAT per sqm

(space + shell scheme) EUR 120 / sqm + VAT per sqm
General & Travel Trade Publications, Medical Tourism,
2008 Figures National/Regional Tourist Board, Pilgrimage, Safari, Senior
Citizen Travel, Shopping Tour, Skiing Holidays, Special Needs
Total space exhibition area 33,000 sqm Holidays, Technology, Ticketing Service, Tour Operator, Tourist
Total net space 15,000 sqm Attraction, Trains, Travel Trade Association, Travel Agency,
Exhibitors 650 Main standholders Yachting.
219 Sharing companies
Trade visitors 8901 Parallel Activites
Mass media 981
Represented countries 40 Seminars, presentations, workshops, press conferences
Russian Travel Awards ceremony (in association with TTG
Entrance Fee: Pre registration - free entry Russia)

Management: Mr Nikola Andric Project Manager Opening Hours

Member Of: Price Per Square Metre

ITTFA - International Tourism Trade Fairs Association
YUTA - Yugoslav Travel Agencies Association € 399 per sqm space only
€ 499 per sqm equipped space
Organised By: Belgrade Fair

34 Xenios
2009 Figures SEK 1,640 for areas of 12-100 sqm, SEK 1,500 over and
above 101sqm, for entire area.
Total space exhibition area 55,000 sqm SEK 2,995 for space and rent + shell stand All in one “Basic”.
Total net space 40,000 sqm Application fee SEK 5,000.
Exhibitors 3000
Trade Visitors 88,741 2009 Figures
Mass Media 410
Represented countries 157 Total Space Exhibition Area: 37000 sqm. Total Net Space:
Public 30,000 15,000sqm

Entrance Fee Exhibitors: 952 exhibitors repr. 1 900 companies

USD $5 for general public Trade Visitors: 23 000 incl entrance with exhibitor badges

Management Mass Media: 510. Public: 30,800

Ms Zeljka Tomljenovic, Senior Event & Sales Manager, ITE
Group Plc- UK
Ms Maria Badakh, Event & Sales Director, ITE Group Plc – UK
Mr Sergei Gorski, Event Director, ITE LLC Moscow
Member Of
ITTFA – International Tourism Trade Fairs Association,
WTO - World Tourism Organization,
PATA - Pacific Asia Travel Association,
CECTA – Central European Countries Travel Association,
ICCA – International Congress & Convention Association,
UFI – Union de Foires Internationales
Represented Countries: 102
Entrance Fee
Thur – Fri SEK 400 / Sat – Sun SEK 120 incl. VAT
Management
Mr. Johan F Lundberg - Exhibition Manager, Mr Per Magnusson
- Deputy Exhibition Manager, Mrs Jane Ringenson - Sales
Manager, Mrs Lise Backby-Moberg - Marketing Manager, Mrs
Eva Bursell - Sales, Ms Jessica Santesson - Administration

Organised By

ITE Travel Exhibitions ITE Group PLC 105 Salusbury Road

London NW6 6RG UK

TUR in Gothenburg is Scandinavia's largest and leading trade

exhibition gathering some 2000 exhibitors from some 100
countries- the place where the world meets the Scandinavian
tour operators to do business.

Participants
TUR-GOTEBORG National and
International Tourist Member Of
Date 25 - 28 March 2010 organizations, Tour ITTFA – International Tourism Trade Fairs Association
Venue Goteborg, Sweden Operators/travel PATA – Pacific Asia Travel Association
Edition 27th agencies, Carriers, RTS – Swedish Travel & Tourist Industry Federation
Telephone (46) 31 708 80 00 hotels/conference BTC – Baltic Sea Tourism Commission
Fax (46) 31 160 330 venues, SPA, rental
E-mail tur@svenskamassan.se companies, data com- Organised By
www.tur.se munications, reserva- THE SWEDISH EXHIBITION CENTRE backed by:
tions systems, litera-
ture (guides, maps) RTS (Swedish Travel & Tourist Industry Federation); ANTOR
camping (Association of National Tourist Offices Representatives in
Sweden); The association for Swedish Tourism; PATA (Pacific
Parallel Activites Asia Travel Association); VisitSweden

Seminars and conferences, appointments forum Represented Countries: 102

Opening Hours

March 25 09.00 – 18.00 trade only

March 26 09.00 – 18.00 trade only

March 27 09.00 – 18.00 trade visitors and general public

March 28 10.00 – 17.00 trade visitors and general public
Price Per Square Metre

Xenios 35
Travel Trade & MICE Exhibitions

UITT-KIEV Ukraine's largest TOURSIB-2009 international specialized exhibition for tourism.

ITE Group Plc
105 Salusbury Rd, London NW6 6RG, UK
Ph.: +44 (0) 207 596 5043 / 5083
Fax: +44 (0) 207 596 5102
web-site:
http://www.travel-exhibitions.com/
and most well- TourSib is the main exhibition for the tourism industry in
known travel and Siberia. It offers forward-looking companies the opportunity to
tourism event! 761 make their mark on the region’s tourism industry and ensure
exhibitors from 71 their destination attracts the attention of Siberia’s traveling
destinations, population. Exhibitors from other countries and regions will
attracting 15,000 find this event to be a perfect doorway to the burgeoning
visitors. tourism market of Siberian region!

The Ukraine International Travel & Tourism exhibition (UITT) is OFFICIAL SUPPORT:
the largest and most important travel industry event in Russian Federal Agency for Tourism
Ukraine. It attracts key international travel industry players Russian Union of Travel Industry
looking to promote their services and increase their presence Administration of Novosibirsk region
in the Ukrainian market. Committee on International Cooperation and Foreign economic
relations, Novosibirsk Major’s Office
Outbound tourism in Ukraine has been boosted by recent CO-ORGANIZERS:
growth in the economy. As a result, more and more Ukrainian Novosibirsk Association of Tourist Organizations (NATO)
travellers are discovering new destinations. In 2009, more Committee for International Relations and Tourism,
than 15 million Ukrainians travelled abroad. Click here for Administration of Novosibirsk region
news about Ukraine's tourism industry. MAJOR EXHIBITS CATEGORIES
Tourist Boards
Representatives from all over the world come to the UITT Tourist organizations and associations
travel exhibition to develop new international channels to Travel agencies
increase the volume of tourism and investment in their Tour operators
respective countries. Many established exhibitors are stepping Airlines
up their marketing activities in Ukraine. Furthermore, UITT is Health resorts
attracting increased attention from long haul destinations, Hotels, hotel chains
which reflects the growing number of Ukrainians keen to Insurance companies
explore exotic locations. Transportation companies
Children camps
Click here for the latest exhibitor list.The Ukraine International Ecological tourism
Travel & Tourism Show (UITT) is universally recognised as the Car rental companies
leading travel industry event in Ukraine. With over 70 destina- Travel multimedia
tions and a substantial audience, UITT is an effective way to Travel clubs
build your business in Ukraine. Professional publishers
Cargo and customs companies
Size (2009 event): 12,500 m² SPA-TOURISM
Total number of exhibitors (2009 event): 761 SPA - tourism
Number of countries & regions represented (2009 event): 71 SPA - centers
Overall number of visitors (2009 event): 15,000 (national and SPA – resorts
international) SPA hotels
UITT is supported by: Tour companies providing SPA rest
Specialized magazines of tour companies
Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine TOURSIB – 2009 FACTS & FIGURES
Kyiv City State Administration Number of Exhibitors: 240
UNWTO Represented countries: 15
UFI — the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry Number of visitors: 3700

Destinations: Russian Federation, Greece, Egypt, Vietnam,

TOURSIB-NOVOSIBIRSK
220/10, Krasny Prospekt, Novosibirsk,
630049, Russia.
telephones: +7-383-2106290, 2106298,
2255151.
fax: +7-383-2209747.
e-mail: strutz@sibfair.ru
http://www.sibfair.ru/
http://www.travel-exhibitions.com/
ITE SIBERIAN FAIR is pleased to invite you to participate in
TOURSIB’2010 Italy, Mongolia, Tunisia, Thailand, Turkey, Kazakhstan, China,
XX International Kirghizia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland.
Specialized
Exhibition for TOURISM IN NOVOSIBIRSK REGION
Tourism, Leisure Novosibirsk is the administrative centre of the Siberian region
and Sport. Airlines. and the capital of Western Siberia. The region serves as a
major transport hub and the biggest industrial, cultural and
APRIL 15-17, scientific centre in Eastern Russia.
2010 NOVOSI-
BIRSK, RUSSIAN The international airport Tolmachevo links Novosibirsk with
FEDERATION many countries of the world. Regular flights connect Siberia
with Europe (Frankfurt, Munich) and Asia (Dubai, Tel-Aviv,

There is no doubt that exhibitions are an extremely members of the travel-buying public. Relationships

powerful sales and marketing tool for the travel are built, contracts are signed and business gets

industry, whether they are exhibitions aimed at the done.

international travel trade itself or those targeted at

36 Xenios
Seoul, Beijing, Urumqi). There are charter flights to Thailand,
Hainan, Czech Republic, and up to 12 flights a day from
Novosibirsk to Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
Over the last few years, with the help of the local authorities,
the tourism industry in Siberia has developed considerably and
become an attractive prospect for investors. The region boasts
over 1,000 travel companies, with 260 based in Novosibirsk.
Most offer outbound tourism services, 20% deal with inbound
tourism and approximately 80% promote regional tourism.
Tourism business in Siberia is one of the industries, which are
prospering in Russia, and “TOURSIB – 2009” offers a great
opportunity for Siberian market development.
BTC-RIMINI In 25 years in the
Exmedia Srl business, BTC has
Foro Buonaparte, 74 helped promote
20121 Milano meetings between
Tel. service contractors
Fax: +39 02 86998479 and customers,
http://www.btc.it inviting and hosting
conference organiz-
ers and promoters from Italy, Europe and the rest of the
world.
In BTC the Meeting and Events Industry can find a qualified
and well-organized showcase where promoters and profession-
al event and conference organizers can meet new and inter-
esting suppliers.
The BTC fair is a 'must' for anyone planning their business and
keeping up to date with the latest developments in the
Meetings and Events market.
BTC is the place where you can give selected customers the
chance to live this experience.
There are many benefits for exhibitors at BTC:
• a complete and expert overview of the Meeting and Events
industry in Italy
• many meetings with experienced buyers in a short space of
time.The format of the fair, based on 2 working days, allows
you to develop your business without having to be away from
the office for too long, so optimising time and costs
• effective meetings, because the Online Agenda allows meet-
ings aimed at satisfying mutual requirements to be set up by
exhibitors and buyers, prior to the fair
• networking is the order of the day, because relationships
are the key to success: with customers, suppliers, colleagues
and competitors
• top quality training and updating, through a programme of
seminars dedicated to the various types of profession
• the experience of people who, for 26 years, have been
bringing together customers and suppliers of the Meeting and
Events Industry in Italy
• assistance: our exhibitor office is available to update and
assist customers at every stage.
BTC is organised by Exmedia, a company of TTG Italia, part of
the Rimini Fiera Group a leading group in the Italian tourist
market.
In this dynamic and ever challenging environment, exchange knowledge and aspirations that will help
travel trade fairs provide the backbone to the indus- our industry grow stronger and become even more
try and a place in which we can all meet and valuable.
Meet the experts
Continuous updating and in-depth knowledge of the market
are indispensable requisites for everyone and are a guarantee
of quality. In particular for people, such as meeting industry
professionals, who operate in a global context.
BTC's aim is to consolidate its support role to operators in the
sector by offering training opportunities designed to meet their
various needs.
The programme being prepared will include events devoted to
young professionals and to the more experienced, as well as
to buyers and sellers and will provide opportunities for net-
working.
The seminars will be devoted to in-depth analysis of basic
techniques, meetings with the best experts and information on
market trends.
The prospectus with details of the seminars and round tables
will soon be on line.
KITF-ALMATY Kazakhstan – big
ITE Group Plc tourist opportuni-
105 Salusbury Rd, London NW6 6RG, UK ties
Ph.: +44 (0) 207 596 5043 / 5083
Fax: +44 (0) 207 596 5102 STARTING FROM
web-site: 1993 KAZAKHSTAN
http://www.travel-exhibitions.com/ IS A FULL MEMBER
OF UNWTO. The
Governments of foreign states consider Kazakhstan a promis-
ing partner with a great potential for tourism, and the number
of international agreements on co-operation in the sphere of
tourism is increasing year by year! Kazakhstan’s participation
in the “Silk Road” transcontinental tourism route carried out
under the aegis of UNWTO in co-operation with UNESCO opens
great opportunities for the development of outbound and
inbound tourism in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
IN THE STRATEGY OF DEVELOPMENT OF KAZAKHSTAN - 2030
Tourism industry has been recognised as a priority sector of
the Economy. In 2008 according to the statistics the main fig-
ures of tourism industry development saw an impressive
increase compared to the previous year. The Kazakhstani
tourists continue to travel to other countries: outbound
tourism grew by 15,3 %, last year, domestic travel increased
by 8.2 % and reached 4.2 million people, the total number of
tourism organisations increased by 16%.
TODAY KAZAKHSTAN has air communication with all countries
in the World. International flights are performed by the leading
international air carriers along with local air companies. Up to
now 1000 tourism agencies are operating in Kazakhstan. The
overwhelming majority of Kazakhstan’s travel companies pro-
vide human services to welcoming foreign citizens from CIS
and non-CIS countries to Kazakhstan and outbound services
for Kazakhstan’s citizens.
ALMATY CITY is going to host the 2011 Winter Asian Games,
and the main goal is to adequately represent the Republic of
Kazakhstan to the international community.
Xenios 37
 Meetings and Incentives in Kos Island
The island of Hippocrates, the founder of medicine
Greece-Dodecanese
Origin of Hippocrates, Kos is
the 3rd largest island of the
Dodecanese and a particular-
ly popular destination of
leisure travelers in Greece.
The Hippocratic Birthplace is
naturally a most interesting
conference location for the
Medical and Pharmaceutical
sciences. Medical associations
and the pharmaceutical
industry give their conven-
tioneers and members the
opportunity to visit the place
where Hippocrates, the father
of medicine, was born and
bread (460-377 BC).
Descendant of a whole family
of renowned doctors,
Hippocrates traveled around
the world researching and
collecting medicinal informa-
tion only to return to the
island of Kos where he found-
ed and taught at his Medical
School. His scientific writings,
still studied today, are known
as the ''Hippocratic Collection.
38 Xenios
Origin of Hippocrates, Kos is the 3rd largest island
of the Dodecanese and a particularly popular des-
tination of leisure travelers in Greece. The
Hippocratic Birthplace is naturally a most interest-
ing conference location for the Medical and
Pharmaceutical sciences. Medical associations and
the pharmaceutical industry give their convention-
eers and members the opportunity to visit the
place where Hippocrates, the father of medicine,
was born and bread (460-377 BC).
Descendant of a whole family of renowned doc-
tors, Hippocrates traveled around the world
researching and collecting medicinal information
only to return to the island of Kos where he found-
ed and taught at his Medical School. His scientific
writings, still studied today, are known as the
''Hippocratic Collection. Since 1996 Kos has been
incorporated in the European Federation of
Conference Towns (EFCT).
With the privilege of having bred the father of sci-
ence, on that same year the island organized and
held the 1st International Medicinal Olympiad that
took place jointly with the 35th Conference of the
History of Medicine at the International Hippocratic
Institute of Kos.
The Institute is located near the Asclepeion and is
equipped with a conference center, the Hippocratic
Library and a Medical Museum. Kos Marina came
under the management of KOS Ependitiki SA (a
company owned by the Municipality of KOS town)
in 1999. Since then 8 million Euros was invested,
applying the ambitious program of building the
best Marina in Greece! Three years later Kos
Marina is ready to offer an extensive range of
services to yachts from 7 to 50 meters.
Kos Marina
KOS Marina is located one mile SE from Kos old
harbor (Entrance: 36o 53' N 27o 18' E) and offers
today: 250 berths with Mooring lines, water sup-
ply, Electricity supply 220 & 380 V from 16 to 125
Amps, Telephone connection, Satellite TV.
Security/Safety
Kos Marina premises are patrolled 24 hours by
guards. Cameras cover the whole area of Kos
Marina. Fire Precaution. All piers are equipped with
fire stations with fire extinguishers; alarm system;
fire hoses with both fresh and seawater circuit. All
piers are equipped with emergency stations comp-
rising lifebuoys, lifelines, emergency tele-phones and
rescue ladders.
Facilities & Services:
Pilot speedboat, WC-showers, Trolleys, Parking Lot,
Bilge pump out, Sewerage pump out, Waste oil
disposal, Refuse containers, Fuel station.
Administration Building with Reception, Authorities,
Info center, Meeting room, Clinic & Guests' Suites.
Weather report, Internet, telephone and facsimile
services are offered in the Marina's Info Center,
where meetings and events can be organized.
Bank ATM, Baggage storage and Postal services
are available. Shopping center with Cafeteria-
bistro, Mini Market, Laundry, Yachts Chandlers
Shops, Souvenirs shops, Boutique, Rent a car,
Yacht Brokers, Yachting & Travel Agencies.
Boat Yard
Dry storage area adequate for 150 yachts:
available in October 2001, 100 Tone Travelift
Technical Services
An extensive range of technical services (yacht
paint & antifouling, mechanical-Electrical-
Electronic repairs, yacht cleaning services, sail
maker, etc.) is available upon request. Only
approved technical service contractors are
allowed to operate in KOS Marina.
HOTSPOT - WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS
Fast wireless INTERNET access in Kos Marina:
your communication needs onboard and online
without cords or additional installations
KOS PORT MANDRAKI
Since June 2004 KOS EP SA operates the Kos
Mandraki Port, part of Kos historical harbour
along the castle, with 40 berths, straight in the
heart of the town.

Events in Kos

European Beach Volley under 20

Championship in Kos
For the first time in Kos Island took
place, the "European Championship
Beach Volley U20" with athletes of 24
countries under 20 years old. The games
were held in Kos Marina in a specially
designed area in accordance with the
requirements of the European Volleyball
Federation .
National Jet Ski Championship in
Contact: Kos Municipality
Kos
Akti Koundourioti 7, 85300 Kos Greece
Hosted by the Municipal Sports organiza-
Tel.: +30 22420 24460
tion of Kos Island in cooperation with
E-mail: kosinfo@kos.gr
Tritons and the Hellenic Speed Club by
www.kos.gr
the categories: Racing, Stock, Novic ,
Pro Ski and Free Style.

Xenios 39
 Kos International Convention Centre
Greece-Dodecanese

It's of Kipriotis Hotels' With 40 meeting rooms of 7,000 people
total capacity (5,500 KICC and 1,500
great pleasure to pres- Iberostar Kipriotis Panorama Hotel),
main auditorium 2,300 seats and
3,000m2 of exhibition space, Kos
ent you an impressive International Convention Centre is the
largest autonomous, purpose-built,
proposition for confer- multi-functional Convention Centre in
Greece.
ences that really want to
The globally known Kos International
make a difference! Convention Centre is an impressive 3 level
modern building, situated directly adjacent
to Kipriotis Village Resort - the biggest hotel
of the group- and only a breath away from
the remaining 4 Kipriotis Hotels. KICC is one
On the beautiful island of the most luxurious Convention Centres
offering the latest in meeting technology.
of Kos, birthplace of High standard materials, modern ideas and
excellent space design were adopted and
Hippocrates - father of applied in order to achieve maximum com-
fort, prestige and splendour that will make
Medicine - next to your meeting, conference or convention spe-
cial!
Kipriotis Hotels (5 luxu-
With excellent infrastructure, designed and
built with the conference market needs in
ry properties - 1,450 mind, Kos International Convention Centre
(KICC) offers state of the art conference
rooms total capacity) facilities and is justifiably placed on the top
of the list as one of the best Convention
and along the azure Centres in the Mediterranean.
More specifically Kos International
Convention Centre (KICC):
-Is the only Convention Centre that can host
in the same building and operate at the
same time - in parallel - 25 meeting
rooms
-Is the only Convention Centre with com-
pletely autonomous catering facilities that
can cater for more than 1,000 people
-Is the only Convention Centre supported by
accommodation facilities of 1,450 gue-
strooms next to it.
As one of the most important Convention
Centres in Greece and Abroad, with state of
the art infrastructure and a number of years
of experience in the organization and execu-
tion of multiple, highly important Meetings
and Conferences, Kos International
Convention Centre doesn’t only promise but
guarantee the success of any event that
really wants to make a difference!

Aegean coastline stands

Kos International
Convention Centre
(KICC)

40 Xenios
 18th International Conference
on Modelling, Monitoring and Management
of Air Pollution Kos, Greece

This is the 18th Annual Meeting in the
successful series of International
Conferences dealing with Modelling,
Monitoring and Management of Air
Pollution.
This successful series first started in
Mexico (1993) and continued in
Barcelona (1994); Halkidiki (1995);
Toulouse (1996); Bologna (1997);
Genova (1998); San Francisco (1999);
Cambridge (2000); Ancona (2001);
Segovia (2002); Catania (2003); Rhodes
(2004); Cordoba (2005); New Forest
(2006); Algarve (2007); Skiathos (2008)
and Tallinn (2009).
willingness of governments to regulate economic systems.
air pollution is often balanced by con-
cerns over the economic impact of such Venue : Kipriotis Panorama
regulation. 85300 Psalidi, Kos, Dodecanese
Greece
Science is the key to identifying the
nature and scale of air pollution impacts Tel: +30 22420 55564
and is essential in the formulation of Fax: + 30 22420 55570
policies for regulatory decision-making. Email: p.papachristou@kipriotis.gr
Continuous improvements in our knowl-
edge of the fundamental science of air
pollution and its application are neces-
sary if we are to predict, assess and mit-
igate the air pollution implications to
local, regional, national and international

All these meetings have attracted out-

standing contributions from leading
researchers from around the world with
all papers since 1993 permanently
stored in the WIT eLibrary at
http://library.witpress.com.

Air Pollution is one of the most challeng-

ing problems facing the international
community; it is widespread and growing
in importance and has clear and known
impacts on health and the environment.

The human need for transport, manufac-

tured goods and services brings with it
impacts on the atmospheric environment
at scales from the local to the global.
The rate of development of the global
economy brings new pressures and the

Xenios 41
 Rhodes: A Cultural & Congress Destination
Greece-Dodecanese
Rhodes is the third in The medieval city of Rhodes, a place char-
acterized by UNESCO as a monument for
the worlds cultural heritage, is the largest
medieval city in Europe inhabited today.
size island of Greece Other places to visit is the Grand Master's
Palace, the Archeological Museum, the
Decorative Museum, the National Gallery,
and one of the most the Acropolis of Rhodes. The island of
Rhodes has an ideal winter climate and
holds the European sunshine record, with
developed an average of 330 sunny days per year.
The island's International airport 'Diagoras'
is located 15 km from the city centre.
Mediterranean islands.
Meetings & Incentives in Rhodes
The same attributes that made Rhodes a
particularly popular cosmopolitan tourist
Rhodes was one of the destination for over 30 year are still today
those that make the island very attractive
to the organizers of conferences and incen-
first Greek areas which tives seeking for novice qualitative ideas. It
comes as no surprise when an organizer
returns with a group that has been on the
develop infrastructure island for an unforgettable holiday trip for a
conference or an incentive this time and
vice versa. Rhodes enchants each year
for the tourism and more and more holidaymakers from the
thousands of conventioneers it receives
each year.
meetings industry. The island provides to a meeting planner all
the necessary contemporary facilities of a
complete destination complemented with
an identity rich in heritage and culture and
an array of picturesque locations.
Rodos features include:
-Excellent conference and incentive facili-
ties, Rodos has more than 16,000 confer-
ence seats
-Many large, modem hotels of world-class
standards. Only in Ixia, within 5 minutes
distance, more than 10,000 luxury beds
can be found.
42 Xenios
-Rhodes has a developed tourism infra-
structure. Many incoming, Rodos-based
travel agents operating conference and
incentive brands.
-Easy air and sea access to the surrounding
islands, Athens, Turkey and elsewhere
-Rhodes sporting infrastructure includes a
18-hole golf court, horse riding, tennis,
mini-golf, water-parks, scubadiving and
sailing.
-The Sound and Light performance takes
place at the Palace of the Grand Masters.
-Exquisite endertainment possibilities
include the new Casino in Rhodes town and
a numerous restaurants, bars and night
clubs with local and international origin.
Conference Venues in
Rhodes
Rodos Palace
Few venues can lay claim to having forged
the image of a privileged conference and
holiday destination.
With more than 2500 conferences, incen-
tives and exhibitions held in its premises,
the Rodos Palace has braced an interna-
tional reputation as a top meeting venue,
that lends its legacy of success to grant you
the assurance that the hotel you select is
capable of handling every aspect of your
meeting with the confidence borne of 30
years of experience.
-9000 sq.m. meetings, pre-function & exhi-
bition space
-4800 delegates total seating capacity
-2500 conferences, events, incentives &
exhibitions
Lindian Village
In Lindian Village, a modern equipped
Conference Hall for special meeting or sum-
mits accommodating up to 350 persons
equipped with individually controlled air
conditioning and state-of-the-art technolog-
ical equipment.
Lindian Village is the latest arrival in the
Mediterranean hospitality business, owned
and managed by Sviriades S.A., a succesful
presence in the Greek Hoteling since the
early 60's. Located on the idyllic beach
on the South-eastern tip of the island of
Rodos, compining the Aegean island style
architecture with modern cutting edge aes-
thetics, this deluxe resort offers high level
facilities and impeccable personalized serv-
ice, satisfying the needs of today's discern-
ing traveler.
Rodos Park Suites Hotel
Looking across the soft green swathes and
the medieval city, Rodos Park Suites & Spa
is one of the most desirable places to stay.
Luxurious and stylish, yet cosy and invit-
ing, all 59 renovated rooms and suites
reflect a distinctive design with exclusive
materials. Whether for 10 or 320 people, a
dedicated team ensures that even the last
detail of your event will be just perfect,
combining perfection and imagination to
ensure that every function is well remarked
and happily remembered.
Symi island
"Symi has the most beautiful harbour
in Greece. On either side of a steep-
sided fjord rise tier upon tier of hous-
es, some white, some pastel yellow,
but virtually all with Neo-Classical ped-
iments - a reminder that 100 years
ago this was one of Greece's most
prosperous islands. There has been
virtually no modern concrete construc-
certs, dance, thetre, cinema, literature
tion here and now these fine old hous- evenings, conferences. All these mani-
es are being resurrected for visitors.
festations take place in buildings with
The spirit of the island remains intact." traditional architecture of 17th, 18th,
19th century like the famous manor
ABOUT SYMI house of Chatziagapitos, the courtyard
Symi is located in the Southern of Saint John and the monastery of
Dodecanese, north of Rhodes and close Panormitis.
to the coast of south-west Turkey.
Symi is just over 13 km north/south
Symis Festival popularity has attracted
and about 8 km east/west with an famous artists to participate like NANA
area of some 68 square km.
MOUSCHOURI, LEONIDAS KAVAKOS,
LAVREDIS MACHAIRITSAS, STAVROS
SYMI FESTIVAL XARHAKOS, THANOS MIKROUTSIKOS,
DIMITRA GALANI, MARIA FARADOURI,
Symi Festival is organised every Symi STEFANOS KORKOLIS, ORCHESTRE OF
Festival is organised every summer for
MOSCOW
the last thirteen years. The idea is
based in the disenterested participation
Symi has also put up with important
of artists and organisers. There is nei- conferences such as EMIGRANT HEL-
ther ticket in the cultural events nor LENISM, NEOCLASSICAL ARCHITEC-
payment for the artists. The Town Hall TURE, LITTERATURE OF EMIGRANT
covers the expenses of going and stay HELLENISM, HEALTH NURSING IN
of the participants. Symis Festival has SMALL ISLANDS OF SOUTH AEGEAN
to do with several cultural activities www.symi.gr
like classical and modern music con-
Xenios 43
 RODOS PALACE CELEBRATED
L’ OREAL INCENTIVE
Greece-Dodecanese
Prestigious Rodos Palace ,
Greece’s leading conven-
tion resort celebrated in
a spectacular way its 35th
year of successful opera-
tion with a series of inno-
vative and pioneering
management actions,
such as the full comple-
tion of an extensive reno-
vation & transformation
program both in the
resort and in the confer-
ence areas of the estab-
lishment, as well as, the
lavish investment to the
addition of outstanding
amenities & services
offering superb value-for-
money to its distinguished
leisure guests and
conference delegates.
44 Xenios
Closing Ceremony- Grand Masters’ Palace
Especially, in the MICE sector, the year 2009 proved to be another extraordinary year
for the company. A prominent number of international conferences, meetings, events
and incentives were organized, from a wide collection of fields such as politics, science,
medical, art, culture & tourism , which coupled with prestigious corporate meetings
and incentives from Greek and multinational companies that have taken place, reaf-
firmed Rodos Palace’s eminent position as an internationally acclaimed meeting venue
with the confidence born of its 35 years of experience.
Indicatively are mentioned:
11th European Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery(ESPRAS
Congress)
41st European Brain Behavior Society Meeting (EBBS 2009)
2nd International Conference from Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials to Nanodevices and
Nanosystems (IC4N-2009)
7th International Conference of Computational Methods in Sciences and Engineering
ICCMSE 2009
2nd International Conference on Computational Methods in Structural Dynamics &
Earthquake Engineering COMPDYN 2009
36th International Colloquium on Automata, Languages and Programming (ICALP 2009)
4th International Tourism Scientific Conference
NATO Information Systems Committee Meeting (Data Link Working Group)
Independent Democracy Group in European Parliament
Women of Europe “AGORA 2009 Meeting ”
2nd Piano Forum & International Music Festival Gina Bachauer
HEWLETT PACKARD (Euro Mediterranean Meeting of Top Executives)
L’ OREAL Portugal (Incentive Program)
Reception of Candidate U.S.
President JOHN McCAIN
11th European Plastic Congress
U.S. .Senator
JOSEPH LIEBER-
MAN
 35 YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL OPERATION
Newly redesigned Indoor Pool

Bungalow suites

In addition, in the leisure sector Rodos Palace, after the successful completion ofRodos Palace! A meeting place that
its 3 year investment plan, offered high quality hospitality services even to its most dis-combines the efficiency of an interna-
cerning and demanding clientele. tionally acclaimed Convention Center
with a capacity of 4800 delegates in 20
The investment plan consisted of the radical redesign of 220 Garden & Pool distinct meeting rooms and 100
VIP Suites, including also the 20 New Bungalowsuites and the lavishly appointed adjustable break-out rooms and the
Imperial Suite. The Bungalowsuites, located on the top of the hill enjoy fascinating views pleasure inherent to a deluxe Resort
of the Aegean Sea. They consist of 3 levels in maisonette style and their d?cor blends Hotel of 785 rooms and suites together
luxury with minimal touches of natural materials and soft color schemes. They are ideal with a dedicated Executive VIP Wing and
for families who seek privacy, autonomy, elegance and relaxation. the new 200 Luxury & Garden VIP Pool
Suites to create synergies.
A significant part of the investment plan was also the restructuring of the Bracing this combination, the experience
landmark for the hotel Indoor Pool which is covered with a gigantic plexi-glass dome borne of more than 2500 conferences,
unique in Europe. Constructed in an ultra modern architecture blending interior land- incentives and exhibitions held in Rodos
scape with contemporary and natural materials, the Indoor Pool can host splendid Palace grants you the assurance that the
events, dazzling parties and outstanding functions for up to 3.000 persons . venue chosen is capable of delivering
A number of world-known personalities and celebrities have visited Rodos what it promised. After all… these have
Palace in 2009 and had the opportunity to choose for their stay the Garden VIP Suites been the main keys of success of a
and the new lavishly appointed Imperial Suite. World of Meeting Hospitality just waiting
to welcome you.
More specifically, from the world of international politics the candidate
President of U.S. John McCain, the American Senators Joseph Lieberman and Susan The International Convention
Collins, the President of the Central commission of the Republic of China He-Guonqiang, Center
and the Prime Minister of Bosnia-Herzegovina Milorad Dodik. From the world of sports
the President of FIBA George Vassilakopoulos, from the world of culture and show biz A pioneer since its inception, an ever
the famous artist Alekos Fasianos , the fashion designer Vasilios Kostetsos, the American anticipator of changing needs, the Rodos
singer Adam Cohen, the TV showman Nikos Aliagas, and Eurovision singer Sakis Rouvas Palace has followed its mission at the
just to name a few. forefront of international meeting ven-
ues and evolved into its current status
The 35th Anniversary of Rodos Palace was stamped with a three-day celebra- as Greece's Leading Convention Resort,
tion which included a fashion show from the famous Greek designer Vasilios Kostetsos , with a legacy of more than 2500 confer-
a concert from international singer Tamta, followed by a glamorous anniversary party, ences, incentives, exhibitions and
which was thrown in the newly redesigned Indoor Pool area of the hotel, where singers events held in its premises over 35
and artists gave their performance and invited celebrities who honored with their pres- years of experience.
ence the event.
The extremely flexible nature of the
Convention Center is legendary among
meeting planners, as it offers 9000 sq.
m. of meetings, pre-function and exhibi-
The new Imperial Suite tion space, within which the halls,
lounges and rooms can be used individ-
ually or combined, in terms of total
combined capacity, the Center accom-
modates 4800 delegates, but versatility
gains equal importance, since, whatever
size of event you are planning, there is
the just perfect venue for it among 20
purpose-built meeting rooms, ranging in
capacity from 20-1350 persons.
Additionally, the venue offers 100 hospi-
tality suites and adjustable break-out
rooms. Besides sophisticated AV
Equipment, the venue now offers in all
areas Wireless Internet Access with Wi-
Fi.

Xenios 45
 Crete: The Warm Welcome of Europe
Greece-Crete

Crete is Greece’s largest With its marvellous climate – the sea is “The miracle still works”. The tasty fruits of
warm enough for swimming from the mid- Cretan earth and the gourmet secrets of
island and fifth in the dle of April until November - unique natural the locals will make its visitors forget their
Mediterranean. Crete is beauty and vast conference infrastructure; homelands, just as it's happened with
Crete is an ideal destination for every kind Ulysses in the island of Calypso, Gavdos, a
the southernmost region of congress, summit, business meeting and few millenniums ago. Leaving Crete, the
in the EU and is a natural product launch. visitor will only make one wish to come
back soon so as to continue his journey in
border between the Crete is commutes directly by air with most the beautiful island, that even after a civi-
Aegean and Libyan Sea European cities from March to November and via lization of 4.000 years, still remains undis-
Athens all year. On the island there are 2 air- covered.
marking the boundary ports: one in the city of Heraclion and the other
between Europe and in the city of Chania. The traditional Cretan nutrition has been scien-
tifically proved to be the healthiest in the world.
Africa. Crete’s conference and incentive infra- Traditional restaurants serve exclusively tradi-
As legend has it, it was structure includes: tional Cretan cuisine to the visitors whilst pro-
here where Zeus (the Nine purpose built facilities in all four pre-
viding information on its secrets and attributes.
It is not without good reason that Cretans hold
Father of all Gods) was fectures with capacities ranging from 110 the record of long living.
born and Curettes danced to 2000 delegates 53 hotels ranging from
five to three star hotels all with in-house Crete Golf
their pyrrhic dance to facilities with capacities from 16 to 5,000
muffle his cries. Crete was delegates The Crete Golf Club offers the best of golf. 18
holes in a desert course design. Each hole indi-
his burial ground as well. Cretan Diet vidually sculptured, seamlessly blending into the
Crete encapsulates the During all historic times, Crete has been existing landscape. Designed by PGA Design
the sunray of the Mediterranean, the one Consulting of Great Britain, this course offers
beauty and calm of the that has always been shining connecting dramatic views and truly tests every aspect of
Aegean with the mysti- civilization and the population of three con- the golfer's repertoire. Continually breezy condi-
tinents. The outcome of this union, has tions allow play in summer, the mildest
cism of the East combined been the Minoan Civilization, that was born Mediterranean climate invites you to each sea-
with a diverse landscape. in Heraklion and the monuments that it left son. Enjoy life in the opulent clubhouse cater-
behind (Knossos, Festos, etc). Its soul ing to your every need and meet the friendly
Its scenery enraptures remains unchanged, its character has not team, all ready to serve you.
visitors due to its strong been altered and the essence of life stable.
contrasts from snow-
capped mountains to palm
fringed beaches. It is
estimated that the island
has 155 kilometres of
sandy beaches making it
an ideal destination for
water sports, leisure
activities or simply swim-
ming.

46 Xenios
The Crete Golf club lies approximately 24 km
east of the 'Nikos Kazantzakis' International
Airport of Heraklion and 7 km south of the
town of Hersonissos, favourite with tourists.
Heraklio of Crete aims to hold more meetings
and incentives all year round as well as sports-
teams' training and golf tourism .
Civilization
Crete, and Heraklion in particular, has one of
the oldest histories in the world, since this is
the place, where the first European civilization
developed, and one of the most important of
all times. The Minoan Civilization, that reached
its peak 3000 years ago in Heraklion and left
us significant archaeological sites, such these
of Knossos, Festos, Mallia, Tilisa, Archanes
and many others. The well known archaeolog-
ical sites and Heraklion's museums, attract
every year millions of tourists from all over the
world.
The Cretan land, nevertheless, is full of rem-
nants of many different civilizations that
passed from there, developed and left pre-
cious cultural traces. So, except for the
Minoan monuments, one can find Hellenistic
and Roman monuments, Byzantine churches
and monasteries, Venetian castles and forts.
Later on, Crete became famous for its Hagio-
graphic School, and its famous children, the In Crete, there are 1.700 kinds of self-growing
painter El Greco and the author Nikos plants, 200 of which can be eaten and 130 are
Kazantzakis. pharmaceutical. The opportunities for an
escape, offered by the various and wild Cretan
The Cretan culture and tradition, is strongly landscape, are unique, throughout the year and
connected to the renowned Cretan hospitality for all kinds of holiday makers, who wish to
that finds multiple ways to express itself, combine the high quality of services offered
through daily life. As far as, the Cretan civi- with the discovery of a different experience.
lization is concerned, it still lives and continu-
ous to thrive, through literature, theater, A walk through the countryside, the exciting
music dance, local festivals and other cultural sports, the sightseeing in the archaeological
activities that one can see in Crete, all year sites and the contact with the locals and their
long in all traditional areas, cities and daily life, as well as, the Cretan cuisine, are
provinces. only few of the experience that the visitors can
have. Often, the only things required are a
Nutrition basic gear and the necessary excitement.
The Cretan nutrition is strongly connected to the
Cretan tradition and cuisine, based mainly on
olive oil. Legumes, wild vegetables, honey and
wine that has a tradition of over 3.500 years.
The Cretan nutrition and oil, constantly acquire
scientific acceptance, for its characterization as
extremely healthy, since it contributes to
longevity and of course, the praises of all gour-
mets. The modern life style has not affected the
nutrition of the locals and the old recipes reach
our days. A glass of local wine or 'tsikoudia', will
be holy communion to that sacred mystery with
the secrets of local tradition.
Xenios 47
 Gran Melia Luxury Resort & Villas Daios Cove Crete
Greece-Crete

Created in 2009, the ‘Gran Melia Hotels & Resorts’ is the pre- Lounge for private check-in and check-out
mier collection of Sol Melia and repre- Media lounge with wide-screen TV and
resort brings together sents the company’s more than 50 years selection of international newspapers
of knowledge and strong values. Access to computer terminals with com-
traditional Cretan archi- Architecturally significant, this portfolio of plimentary high-speed Internet
first-class hotels and resorts are designed Daily continental breakfast, coffee and
to completely engage the multi-cultured beverages served all day, evening cock-
tectural forms and avant- expert traveler. tails with hors d’oeuvres
Preferential reservations for dining, spa
garde design, designed ACCOMODATIONS treatments, activities and more
300 Suites & Villas. Personalized pillow menu and wake-up
by the prestigious archi- 238 Junior Suites & Suites with living area calls
and private balcony. Special in-room aromatherapy menu
tecture firm, 3SK Most suites with independent heated Private parking
swimming pools
STYLIANIDIS. A unique 4 J.Suites Handicap accessible
18 One Bedroom Suites with independent RESTAURANTS AND BARS
place of rejuvenation and pool and Sundeck. Greek Tavern
11 Spa Villas with independent swimming Serving local specialties, overlooking the
relaxation, perfect for pool, sauna and fitness area sea with our genuine raw bar.
28 One-, two- and three-bedroom Luxury Also servicing the beach with refreshing
sampling the joys of Villas with independent pools and cocktails and seafood specialties
Sundecks. Ocean Club
Crete. The resort is situ- 1 Daios Mansion (720 m2), with private Fun, fresh fare served in a spectacular
indoor and outdoor heated swimming setting; full of culinary surprises
ated in the famous area pools and Sundeck. Ocean Club Wet Bar
Have your favorite cocktail while still at
of Agios Nckolaos, just RED LEVEL ACCOMMODATIONS the swimming pool
Red Level takes luxury service to an even Pangaea
ten minutes away from higher plane. Where limits drop away, International food bazaar
replaced by possibilities. Our most elevat- Cristal Box
ed service program features: Where chic travellers come for night-time
Elounda village and 50 The discreet, dedicated assistance of per- cocktails, live chill-out DJs and lots of fun.
sonal Butlers throughout your stay
minutes from Heraklion Exclusive VIP access to the Red Level
airport.
From the sanctuary of
300 Suites & Villas and
165 independent swim-
ming pools, the Gran
Melia Crete, offers the
guest a reassuring spec-
tacular views of the cove
and the turquoise sea at
sunset.
48 Xenios
LOCATION
Gran Melia Crete is an archi-
tectural masterpiece perfectly
integrated into the surround-
ing
landscape. Perched on the
north-eastern coast overlook-
ing Daios Cove, it boasts the
rare
privilege of an east-west ori-
entation for enjoying both
sunrises and sunsets, and
offers guests
a private bay and white-sand
beach. The resort is just 10
minutes from the village of
Elounda
– an area emerging as the
Aegean’s premier luxury des-
tination – and less than an
hour from
Heraklion Airport.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
within 60 minutes drive
• Knossos Palace - The
largest Bronze Age archaeo-
logical site on Crete and the
ceremonial and
Political centre of the Minoan
civilization and culture.
• Archaeological Museum –
Housed in an old Venetian
church, this fine collection of
sculpture,
Mosaics and pottery dates
back to The Neolithic
• Samaria Gorge, 2,5 hrs
drive – A national park with
the longest ravine (18 km) in
Europe, boasting
Spectacular landscapes. A
rugged walk down to Agia
Roumeli takes six or seven
hours
• Spinalonga – A short boat
trip from Elounda, this small
islet is the site of one of the
most important Venetian
fortresses on Crete built in
1579 to protect the harbour
• Lake Voulismeni – Myth
holds that the goddess
Athena used to bathe in this
small circular lake in the cen-
tre of Crete.
YHI SPA
An oasis for recharging the mind and
body. Hydrotherapy, aromatherapy,
facials,
massages, wraps, workouts and salon
treatments.
At the accompanying health club, state-
of-the-art equipment and
personal trainers will let you put fitness
first.
Five Treatment Rooms
Spa Suite, with private sauna/steam
room capacity up to 4 people.
Master Spa Suite with sauna/steam
room up to 6 people.
Indoor infinity pool
Indoor floating pool with water ritual circuit
Sauna and Steam Room.
Contrast Thermal Shower Circuit
State of the art Gym
Outdoor and indoor Studios
MEETING FACILITIES
GRAN MELIA CRETE EVOKES THE INTI-
MATE CHARM OF THE traditional village
found throughout the Greek islands,
expressed in an elegant, contemporary
aesthetic. In this dramatic setting of
incomparable beauty, Gran Melia delivers
a bold new statement on the nature of
hospitality, delivered through signature RedGlove Service.SM
From banquets to intimate meetings and outdoor facilities,
Gran Melia Crete has the space, style and service to make any
event a memorable success.
Xenios 49
 8th Annual International Conference
on Communication and Mass Media
Greece-Athens
6th Hellenic Conference
on Artificial
Intelligence (SETN
2010)
5 May - 7 May, Eugenides Foundation
The 6th Hellenic Conference on Artificial
Intelligence (SETN 2010) will be held in
Athens, Greece on May 4-7, 2010 and is
organised by the Institute of Informatics
and Telecommunications of NCSR
Demokritos, in collaboration with the
Hellenic Artificial Intelligence Society
(EETN).
The conference aims:
to bring together researchers who work
actively on the field of Artificial
Intelligence, to support the exchange of
opinions and the formation of new
research groups and collaborations,
to disseminate original and highly-qual-
itative results of the Greek AI communi-
ty and Greek research labs, fostering
international collaborations,
to inform undergraduate and postgradu-
ate students about the current state of
affairs of AI research as conducted by
scientists in Greece and worldwide,
to promote research results to compa-
nies and facilitate the development of
innovative products.
50 Xenios
17-20 MAY 2010, Athens, Greece http://www.atiner.gr/docs/MEDIA_PUBLI-
CATIONS.htm where you can download
The Mass Media & Communication tables of contents and order forms.
Research Unit of the Athens Institute for
Education and Research (AT.IN.E.R.) The Athens Institute for Education and
organizes its 8th annual international con- Research (ATINER) was established in
ference on Communication and Mass 1995 as an independent academic organi-
Media, 17-20 May 2010. The registration zation with the mission to become a
fee is €250 (euro), covering access to all forum, where academics and researchers
sessions, two lunches, coffee breaks and from all over the world could meet in
conference material. Athens and exchange ideas on their
research and discuss the future develop-
Special arrangements will be made with ments of their discipline. Since 1995,
local hotels for a limited number of rooms more than 100 international conferences
at a special conference rate. In addition, a were organized and more than 80 books
number of special events will be organ- have been published. The Institute is
ized: A Greek night of entertainment, a organized into four research divisions and
special one-day cruise in the Greek islands 19 research units. Each research unit
and a half-day archaeological tour in the organizes at least an annual conference
wider area of Attica (Athens) tour. and undertakes various small- and large-
scale research projects.
The aim of the conference is to bring
together scholars and students of
Communications, Mass Media and
other related disciplines. You may par-
ticipate as panel organizer, presenter
of a paper, chair of a session or
observer. Past conferences drew par-
ticipants from five continents and
more than 50 countries, presenting
papers on diverse topics such as polit-
ical communication, EU enlargement,
Website design, cross-media owner-
ship, war correspondence, cultural
studies, film, public relations,
telecommunication policy, advertising,
agenda setting, juvenile audience
preferences, and cross-national com-
munication, among others.
Papers (in English) from all areas of
mass media and communication are
welcome. Selected papers will be pub-
lished in a Special Volume of the
Conference Proceedings or in Edited
Books as part of ATINER's mass media
and communication book series. For
Books and Proceedings of previous
conferences you may visit
 Destination Athens... revisited
Presenting more choices for things to do or see while in Athens.
The ACB workshop took place at the
Megaron Athens International Conference
Centre as part of the International
Meetings and Incentives Conference 2010
with the participation of distinguished
speakers and a huge response from indi-
viduals in the tourism sector, representa-
tives of the foreign media and diplomatic
missions, tourism enterprise executives
and others.
During the workshop, unknown aspects of
tourist Athens were presented, along with
a variety of alternative activities that visi-
tors to the city could choose from, regard-
less of whether they are in Athens for pro-
fessional reasons - conferences, company
meetings, etc. - or taking part in an incen-
tive travel programme.
The main conclusion drawn from the work-
shop was the fact that Athens is a destina-
tion that uniquely combines the basic
characteristics of a business travel desti-
nation (access, infrastructure, quality
hotels, security, etc.) with a multitude of
options of an ideal destination for city and
pleasure tourism (culture, entertainment,
tours-excursions, outdoor activities and
water sports, etc.). As it was noted, the
ACB uses these advantages in every one
of its promotion and marketing activities
abroad, strengthening the image of Athens
in the "pre/post congress" activities sector.
City of Athens Council Member and
President of the Athens Tourism and
Economic Development Company, Dr
Katerina Katsabe, in opening the work-
shop, referred to the tourism policy frame-
work that is being implemented on the ini-
tiative of Mayor Kaklamanis and presented
ATEDCo's activities.
"The City of Athens and the Athens
Tourism and Economic Development
Company, in rising to the challenges and
overcoming difficulties they have faced as
a destination, invest in activities that rein-
force existing tourism infrastructure and
develop new ones, communicate a unified
and competitive identity for Athens and
promote the city beyond the country's
borders with professionalism, creativity
and expertise," she said.
The workshop included presentations and
interventions by Giorgos Angelis, Director
of the ACB; Artemis Skoubourdi, tour
guide and writer on Athens; Diana Kohyla,
journalist-author and expert on traditional
cuisine and nutrition; Dimitris Efremoglou,
CEO of the Foundation of the Hellenic
World; Christos Anagnostou, winemaker
and President of the Association of Wine-
producers of Ampelonas Attikis (ENOAA);
Penny Doska, Senior Project Manager for
Kipling Events; and Giorgos Pittas, hotelier
and author.
Capital Link Greek
Shipping Forum:
Accessing Capital in
Today's Markets
23 February, Athens Ledra Marriott
Hotel
The 2010 Greek Shipping Forum in
Athens, Greece debates the current
trends in the shipping, financial and
capital markets and focuses on the lat-
est capital raising methods and various
alternative funding options in a tight
credit market for public and private
ship owners. Also, how to manage risk
in today's global and highly volatile
market environment.
The Forum will also evaluate new and
emerging business models by the
Greek Shipowning community in
response to asset value reductions and
volatility in the global shipping mar-
kets.
Taking a hard look at new global
investment strategies and risk, the
Capital Link Shipping Forum is
designed as an interactive information-
al and networking forum for addressing
a range of current opportunities and
challenges specific to the shipping
community but relevant to all global
financiers and investors.
Xenios 51
 AIA recognises airlines with greatest growth in 2009
Greece-Athens

Athens International Airport recog- At the same time, in recognising the
growth recorded by airlines in 2009 -- a
nised the airlines showing the most particularly difficult year for this sector --
AIA awarded airlines which achieved the
marked growth in 2009, as it does best performance, showing increased pas-
senger numbers on regularly scheduled
every year, as part of the Airline flights to and from Athens. It should be
noted that last year, the Athens airport
was the only large airport in Europe to see
Marketing Conference it hosts
an increase in the number of flights
(+5.4%), while it came in second place in
annually.
Europe for the smallest reduction in pas-
senger numbers (-1.5%).
AIA presented awards to the following air-
Celebrating 10 years in existence, lines:
AIA's 10th anniversary Airline A. Award for the fastest growing new com-
pany at Athens International Airport
Marketing Conference was held at
The award was presented to Swiss compa-
the City of Athens' Technopolis and ny Baboo, which recorded the highest
number of passengers in 2009 among
was attended by 200 airline repre- companies which became active at AIA
during 2008.
sentatives. As always, the confer- B. Award for the fastest growing company
among 10 companies recording the high-
ence was a unique opportunity for est passenger numbers in 2009
European market.
Emirates was awarded the fastest grow-
ing company in the Middle Eastern mar-
ket.
Delta Airlines was awarded the fastest
growing company in the American market.
Aegean Airlines was recognised for show-
ing the highest percentage increase in
passenger numbers in the domestic mar-
ket.
Aegean Airlines was also recognised as
the fastest growing company in the
African market.
Aegean Airlines also earned recognition
as being the company with the highest
increase in passenger numbers at
"Eleftherios Venizelos" Airport in 2009.
Guest speakers at the 10th AIA Airline
Marketing Conference included Titos
Simitzis, CEO of Alternative Research
Solutions; Nigel Newman, Global Master
Trainer - De Bono Thinking Systems; and
Petros Petrogonas, Director of Strategic
Planning at Leo Burnett.

the airport administration to com- Emirates was the recipient of the award
for the fastest growing company among
municate with the airlines on top- 10 companies recording the highest pas-
senger numbers in 2009.
ics such as: an overview of the air- C. Award for the fastest growing company
operating schedules on thin routes
line market in 2009, the interna-
Bulgaria Air was the recipient of the
award for highest percentage increase in
tional economy and airports, the annual passenger numbers for 2009.
D. Award for the fastest growing company
impact of Athens Airport on the with seasonal routes

Greek economy, modern modes of Air Baltic was the recipient of the award
for highest percentage increase in annual
communications, airline passenger passenger numbers during the summer
season of 2009.
bonus programmes and others. E. Award for the fastest growing company
in a geographic area (highest percentage
increase in passenger numbers 2008-
2009)

Aegean Airlines was recognised in this

category as the fastest growing company
in the Western European market.
LOT Polish Airlines was awarded the
fastest growing company in the Eastern

52 Xenios
 Yperia 2010: an International Meeting
for culture and tourism
Greece-Cyclades
FIRST AMORGOS SHORT
FILM FESTIVAL
The First Short Film Festival of
Amorgos is being organized for
the period between 8th and
11th of April 2010, as part of
the 8th International
Convention for Culture and
Tourism “YPERIA 2010” which
will take place at Aegialis Hotel
& Spa in Aegiali.
Other related activities are:
International Meeting of Tour
Film Festival Organizers from
different countries.
Greek Film Academy.
The Festival aims : To promote
Short Films and to develop a
spirit of friendship and coop-
eration among producers from
around the World.
To create a New Meeting Place
for presentation and discussion
on maters of information, tech-
nology and techniques, for the
benefit of Amorgos and the
surrounding areas.
Films can participate, if the
production was concluded after
January 1, 2008, and the dura-
tion is no more than 25 min-
utes.
54 Xenios
Yperia 2010:
The main topic of this year’s Convention
an International Meeting for culture and
will be “Alternative forms of Tourism”,
tourism which has been successfully
including:
organized since 2003, by Aegialis Hotel &
Spa in cooperation with the Cultural
Association of Tholaria Women in Aegiali –
Eco tourism and environment.
Health tourism
Amorgos island.
Hiking and herbs on Amorgos
Amorgian - Mediterranean
Culture and Tourism are two meanings
Gastronomy
closely influenced by each other.
For this reason, all the years of Yperia
Religious Tourism
organization, the topics of the conventions
A new entry to YPERIA 2010 will be :
are related to the Cultural Heritage , the
Amorgos Festival of Short Tourist
Civilization and the environment of
Films
Amorgos, which are promoted through
articles and films of Greek and
Meeting of Tour Film Festival
Organizers from different countries.
International Media by the invited journal-
Greek Film Academy
ists, photographers and film makers from
different countries around the world..
Distinguished people from Greece and
“YPERIA” was one of the ancient names of
countries from around the world are
invited for the occasion, mainly journalists
Amorgos.(Other names were Pagali,
interested in Tourism and Travelling, but
Karkisia, Melania)
also local authorities, Political
The inspiration for organizing the 1st YPE-
Representatives, Scientists, people from
RIA 2003, happened when the President
Mrs. Irene Giannakopoulos and other
the Theatre and Arts. There will be the
opportunity to develop contacts to pro-
members of the board of the Tholaria
mote the development of sustainable
Women Cultural Association, realized dur-
tourism.
ing their visit to the Scandinavian Travel
Shows, that there was not enough infor-
mation for the public, related to the
Views will be exchanged and there will be
an introduction to the History and Culture
upcoming Olympic Games of 2004, in
of Amorgos. There will also be photo-
Athens.
graph & painting exhibitions, workshops in
Greek language and dancing, cooking,
The ladies, under the Presidency of Mrs.
Irene Giannakopoulos, thought that this
wine tasting and evenings of Traditional
local Food and Music.
information could be easily spread around
the world, through the Media, so journal-
Access to Amorgos island for the
ists were invited from different countries,
Event: By Blue Star Ferries at 17.30, April
and representatives from the Olympic
Committee, to give the journalists all
7th, from Piraeus Port. Arrival to Aegiali
Port – Amorgos. Departure 6:00 on April
information and details regarding Olympic
12th- Arrival to Athens at 15.00 hour.
Games 2004.
For participation and more information
visit our site www.yperia.gr or call +30
It was also decided, this International
Meeting, to be dedicated to the French
22850 73393
producer Mr. Luck Besson, as an honor
and recognition for his contribution to
the development of Amorgos island
through his successful movie “The Big
Blue”, filmed on Amorgos, which made
the island famous around the world.
At YPERIA 2009, there was representation
from 22 different countries.
 The Magic of a Greek Wedding
by Aegialis Hotel on the island of Amorgos
Declared by it's guests as the "jewel of
Amorgos", Aegialis hotel is the best that
Amorgos has to show. Between the main
sandy beach of Aegiali & the sandy beach
of Levroso, Aegialis hotel is a maximum 7-
10 minutes walk away from the crystal
clear waters of Aegiali bay.
Live island Experience
The summer is full of musical and cultural
events. Moonlit island nights featuring
diverse musical & dancing performances,
all promising a good time.
The Magic of a Greek Wedding
Does the image of an endless, sandy
beach, of sparkling aqua depths stretching
away from the shore, of the hills rolling in
flowers and greenery behind you, and of
the glorious reds and golds as the sun
sets, come to your mind when you think of
your wedding plans? Or is it a small chapel
in the midst of the wildflowers, the steady
drone of bees and the sun warming you as
you make your vows. Maybe you picture
meeting your bride on the streets of a
mountain village from the back of a don-
key! Whatever your dream, your wedding
day is something to cherish forever, and a
wedding on the Greek Island of Amorgos
is a day you will never forget.
Amorgos is the Eastern-most of the
Cycladic Islands in the Aegean Sea of
Greece. It is off the regular path of most
tourists and package tours, which has
enabled it to maintain its unspoiled, tradi-
tional atmosphere, making it a unique and
unforgettable place to visit.
In the Northern region of the island, the
town of Aegiali welcomes you from the
port. Tiers of fertile farmland and olive
groves rise up the mountain slopes behind
the perfect curve of the sandy bay.
Opposite the town, the Aegialis Hotel is
strategically located to provide peace and
serenity along with proximity to the
expansive beach and nearby villages. For
an undeniably romantic atmosphere, you
couldn't ask for a more ideal location.
Amorgos is the most easterly
of the Cycladic islands, and
largest of the Small Cyclades,
lying between Naxos and
Astypalea.
It is a mountainous island with
many rocky cliffs, but it is
worldwide famous for its
unique beaches and the
colours of the sea.
Amorgos is a perfect destina-
tion for those looking for the
unspoiled Greek hospitality
and traditions. On this island
the Cycladic way of living is
complemented by the dramatic
beauty of the landscape, which
offers to our guests a memo-
rable experience.
Give yourself the opportunity
to satisfy all of your five sens-
es. Experience the aromas,
the tastes, the sounds of
nature, the views and the feel-
ing of touching the rocks.
There are also many summer
festivals that the guests can
attend and learn more for the
island's customs.
Xenios 55

Greece-Cyclades
Naxos: “Big Sweet has this
island, virtuous are the faces
of people, piles are shaped
by melons, peaches, figs
and the sea is calm. I looked
at the people - never this
people have been frightened
by earthquakes or by Turks,
and their eyes did not burn
out.
Here freedom had extin-
guished the need for free-
dom, and life spread out as
happy sleeping water. And if
sometimes was discom-
posed, never rose tempest.
Safety was the first gift of
island that I felt as walking
around Naxos." (N.
Kazantzaki - "A Report to
El.Greko").
58 Xenios
Naxos Island
Naxos: In the heart of Cyclades, in the
heart of Aegean, Naxos has, always, fol-
lowed the destiny of adventure of resi-
dents of Aegean. This destiny is interwov-
en with travel, exchanges, new techniques
and pioneering ideas, but also with wars
and conflicts over the hegemony of sea.
Everything is big - imposing -, compared
with the rest of Cyclades islands. The
extent of the island is 435 sq. km and the
length of coasts 91 km.
The form is an ellipsoid and with a moun-
tainous volume from North to South
across the island.
In the backbone of this ridge dominate Za
Mountain (1004 m.) and Fanari (908 m.)
the highest in Cyclades.
The landscape of the island has many
rotations. Plains succeed barren areas,
marble mountains lead in deep shadowed
glens, areas with vegetation host all white
villages and sandy beaches meet the sea.
The coastline of the island is almost
straight and not forming large natural har-
bours, which affected the occupations of
residents from the ancient years. In the
island from end to end beautiful and clean
coasts are situated next to small solitary
coves. The ground of island is blessed and
provides self-sufficiency to life of this
place.
The rich aquifer of Naxos offers drinking
water to wells and streams of the island.
The fertile land produces citrus fruits,
olives, fruits, vegetables, potatoes Naxos
specials and amazing wine.
Livestock-farming and the apiculture are
particularly developed and offer exception-
al quality meats, milk, cheeses and thyme
honey.
From geological aspect the subsoil pres-
ents great interest because of the pres-
ence of emery, of marble and granite that
are exploitable products. The rocks consti-
tute solidly foundations of Naxos and
make the island stable against earth-
quake.
In this imposing and big island of
Cyclades, where mountainous volumes
dominate, with the highest altitudes in the
Aegean, - with the highest peak of
Cyclades, the top of Za (1004 m.) - imme-
diately gives a sense of security and "sta-
ble", in this turbulent marine state of
Cyclades.
Naxos itself is a whole universe.
Traditional architecture and urban
planning
Looking at the buildings of Naxos, we can
see that history has left its marks on the
architecture of the island.
Rich variety of architectural monuments,
which had been left over by different peo-
ples and cultures, make up the image over
the years.
The period, which shaped decisively
Naxos, is the Franks sovereignty with the
medieval castle of Chora and the dispersed
imposing stone Venetian towers, through-
out the island.
The villages are still traditional, because
the building was based on the climate, the
topography, the needs and all these in
charge of the local artisan and with mate-
rials from the nearby mountain and river.
The Naxos picture is not different from the
Cycladic architecture. All-white buildings,
white-washed that have at the most two
floors and no surface is perfectly flat ,the
one next to the other, with their court-
yards united with paved alleys and stair-
ways.
Sports
Naxos offers chances for activities to the
friends of sports. There are centres for
windsurfing and kitesurfing for the lovers
of water sports in Mikri Vigla, Agios
Georgios and Plaka, fully organized with
full equipment. The endless sandy beaches
in conjunction with the north winds offer…
really unique emotions, while for the visi- Taste of Naxos
tors who are not funs of extreme sports,
there are jet ski, canoe, sea bicycles… for
quiet roaming on the waves.
Also, there are courts for beach volley,
next to the sea, in Agios Georgios, Agia
Anna and almost in every beach.
In an island, with a coastline of 90km, it is
easy to practice diving…
The rocky clusters, the reefs, the under-
water caves and the small islands around
Naxos, create conditions for an enjoyable
dive in the all blue and crystal clear waters
of the Aegean. In Agio Prokopio operates
diving school which provides courses and
the necessary equipment to the nes who
want to explorer rich sea bottom of Naxos.
Naxos, also, offers chances for sport as
trekking & mountain bike in beautiful
routes. The route Chora –Agia Anna-
Orkos-Alikos and the access to Mountain
Each island has its own sense of taste
Naxos for the most demanding cyclists, is
and its own cooking.
unique options that combine exercise with
The cuisine of Naxos is famous for its
the acquaintance of the beautiful land-
simplicity, variety but above all, for a
scapes of the interior of the island.
great strong taste that is a result of the
abundance of fresh material. Herbs,
Basketball, volleyball, mini soccer and ten-
exceptional olive oil and high quality
nis courts are scattered on the island.
meat are produced on the island.
Naxos is famous for products such as
potatoes, dairy products, citrus, wine,
thyme honey and many other showing
that Naxos has a tradition of quality
Greek cuisine and pastry making.
The housewives of Naxos have learned
to keep the taste balance, to respect
the clock of nature and create with
passion and imagination dishes that
look like works of art, leaving the visi-
tors of the island astonished and put-
ting Naxos at the forefront of Cycladic
cooking. Correct Diet was and is an
important part of our lives because, as
my friend and Frenchman gastronome
B. Savarin said «Nothing is more pre-
cious in the universe than life and
everything, that live, needs of food».
Xenios 59

Greece-Cyclades
Naxian Collection (Naxos
Villas) is a brand new hotel
complex (opening in the
summer of 2009) which pro-
vides high standard accom-
modation. It consists of 8
luxury villas with a size of
85 - 100 m² and two suites
sized 30 - 45 m², each hav-
ing their own private swim-
ming pool and panoramic
view to the sea . The com-
plex is located ten minutes
away from Naxos Town and
five minutes from St.
Prokopios Beach, and it is
perfectly situated on the
wonderful area of Stelida,
from where you can enjoy
the magnificent view (from
one side of the complex you
can see from Naxos Town
until the island of Mykonos
and from the other side St.
prokopios Beach until the
island of Ios. It is built with
respect to the environment
and Cycladic architectural
standards.
60 Xenios
Naxian Collection
Naxos Villas(up to 6 people):8 Villas with
private swimming poolEach villa is two-
storied and consists of two bedrooms:
individually designed oak furniture and
iron bed on the master room. There is a
spacious living room with fireplace and a
fully equipped kitchen: inox refrigerator
and ceramic cooker, espresso coffee
machine, kettle and complimentary brand-
ed tea and coffee. Both bathrooms (one
on each floor) have a shower and on the
upper floor there is a bathtub Jacuzzi
where someone can indulge their body
and mind by relaxing. It is an ideal choice
for a honeymoon trip. Your pleasant
accommodation will make you fall in love
once again! Each villa also offers satellite
TV (flat) in each room, DVD/CD player
with a vast variety of films to choose. In
order to make the accommodation easy
and pleasant for you each villa has a hair-
dryer, air-conditioning, telephone, safe
box, free Wi-Fi and cable internet access
and laptop PC on request . The large exte-
rior verandas with the spectacular view of
the sea and the Aegean landscapes will
amaze you.
Naxos Suites (up to 4 people):2 Suites
with shared swimming poolGrant suite (2
to 4 people): The Grant Suite will offer
you the privacy and elegance that you
need. It should accommodate 2-4 people.
It consists of a double room with individu-
ally designed oak furniture and an iron
bed. There is a large living room with fire-
place and a fully equipped kitchen that will
certainly make you feel satisfied: inox
refrigerator, ceramic cooker, espresso cof-
fee machine and complimentary branded
tea and coffee. The grant Suite also con-
tains a bathroom with shower, a satellite
TV (flat) in each room, DVD/CD player
with a large variety of films to choose
when you want to enjoy the relaxing
atmosphere of your suite. The hair dryer,
the air-conditioning the direct dial tele-
phone, the safe box, the free Wi- Fi and
cable internet access and a laptop PC on
request will only make your staying more
comfortable. The share swimming pool
with another suite and the exterior veran-
das with the amazing view of the Naxos
Town and the Aegean Sea will rejuvenate
you for sure.
Junior suite (2 people): This suite will
make you relax and enjoy the romantic
atmosphere that offers. Designed for two
people to share special moments during
holidays. The "junior suite" consists of one
double bedroom, a bathroom with bathtub
Jacuzzi and a share swimming pool with
another suite. Also, the suite offers you a
satellite TV(flat), DVD/CD player with a
variety of films to choose. The air-condi-
tion, the direct dial phone, the safe box,
the hairdryer are just a few of our servic-
es. Amongst the above, this suite also
contains a mini refrigerator, an espresso
coffee machine, kettle and complimentary branded tea and Laundry & dry cleaning services
coffee, a laptop PC on request, a cable and Wi-Fi internet Laptop (on request)
access. Finally, the large exterior space of the suite with the Baby sitting (on request)
panoramic view of the sea will please and relax your senses. Hairdresser (on request)
Massage sessions (on request)
Facilities & Services Chef (on request)
Private swimming pools Doctor on call
Panoramic sea view Complimentary wine and fruit basket upon arrival
Wine bar All major credit cards are accepted
TV lounge Distance From: Beach: 500 meters
Dailymaid St. Prokopios Beach: 700 meters
Car / Bike rental service Aqua Fun Park: 200 meters
Internet facilities Airport: 1,5 km
Post service Naxos Town: 2,5km
Parking place
Safe
Free transfer to/from airport/port

Astir of Naxos son to make Cyclades – Naxos your next destination

Hotel Astir of Naxos is one of the newest and most luxurious
hotels in Cyclades at Naxos Island. Close to the beach (just 2
minutes from St. George beach), to Naxos centre (just 10 min-
utes on foot) and to the Naxos airport (5 minutes by car), Astir
of Naxos offers accommodation for single or family travellers.
Its excellent location attracts both business and vacation travel-
ers. It is one of the most modern hotels in Naxos Island build
according to the traditional Naxian architecture, combined with
modern and luxurious facilities and services.

It boasts a variety of rooms that can satisfy every need and
every budget. Your accommodation will be in a quiet surround-
ing, ideal for relaxation
This is maybe one of the most beautiful hotels in Cyclades at
such reasonable prices. Our hotel, Astir of Naxos is a good rea-
Don’t miss the opportunity to relax and enjoy your vacation in
Astir of Naxos hotel. The nicely and above standards equipped
rooms with the view to Naxos Town, the sea and the mountains
in the background make your holidays in Naxos an experience.

Xenios 61
 Halkidiki, Greece’s secret paradise!
Greece-Halkidiki

Boundless blue … endless sandy beach- Today's Halkidiki : a wide choice of hotels, with a "Blue Flag" by the EC), beautiful
es and beautiful shores in over 550 km , offering luxury and comfort , a casino and forests, prehistoric, ancient and Byzantine
awarded with 32 blue flags . Deep green blue flag awarded marinas , spas and monuments, traditional villages and mod-
… fragrant pine trees embracing the shopping centres, fully equipped confer- ern tourist resorts - this is Kassandra, the
waves , a smell of resin and salt sea air. ence halls, good food and wine, beach first "prong" of the Halkidiki peninsula and
A unique combination in the Aegean ! bars and clubs . International festivals, the closest to the city of
Halkidiki , a fertile place, rich in flora cultural events, popular celebrations, local Thessaloniki.Kassandra extends from
and animal life , colours and scents , fer-feasts and in addition to that countless northwest to southeast.
tility and harmony . Silvery olive groves opportunities for exercise and entertain-
, golden fields of grain and endless vine- ment . Modern facilities for tourists The Canal of Potidea connects it to the
yards produce rich harvests . accompanied by top quality services that mainland . It is 50 km long and 15 km
the people of Halkidiki know how to pro- wide at its widest point. The highest hill-
An unspoiled natural paradise that har- vide without sacrificing the region's special top is 353 m from the sea level. The
monizes tradition with modern character. coastline is famous for the clean beaches,
life.Aristocratic mansions , fine hand- the picturesque capes, and the green hills,
made textiles , exceptional local cuisine BLUE FLAGGS where the trees reach up to the seashore.
and wine , ancient legends and popular With 34 awarded beaches and 2 marinas The Gulf Toroneos or Kassandra washes its
songs , festivities and feasts enriched by with the BLUE FLAGG for the year 2005, east coastline and the Gulf Thermaikos the
2.500 years of history . Olynthos, Halkidiki reached the 2nd place in Greece west. At the south end of the peninsula is
Akanthos, Afytos. Potidea : powerful for its clear waters. The programm BLUE the cape Kanastreo or Paliouri , from
ancient cities whose walls were built by FLAGGS awards a certification to the where the Aegean Sea extends, and at the
the colonists from Eretria.Stagira : the beaches, according the following criterias: west end the cape Possidi or Kassandra.
birthplace of Aristotle where he lived clear water and beach, degree of the
and taught. Petralona: a cave of stun- organisation of the beach, safety of the The climate is healthy Mediterranean . The
ning natural beauty, sheltering the visitors and the active environmental pro- whole of Kassandra offers the visitor,
renowned “Archanthropos (ancient tection of the nature. More specifically for besides the endless variety of beaches,
man) of Petralona” who lived 250.000 the year 2004, the above BLUE FLAGG unequalled environmental diversity, where
years ago. The cape of Poseidi : the certification was awarded to 32 beaches the scenery changes continuously between
most ancient sanctuary of Poseidon, and 2 marinas in Halkidiki. beautiful beaches, hills and pinewoods,
with the dog face fairies. Kassandra : overwhelmed by the sweet smell of resin
the peninsula named after the Kassandra and thyme, incomparable beauties!
Macedonian King Kassandros, brother- A real heaven on earth, with incomparable The variety of its settlements is also
in-law of Alexander the Great. Sithonia : natural beauty, clean seas, perfect beach- admirable. Small churches, old monastery
the peninsula named after the son of es (most of which are awarded every year properties, traditional settlements combine
Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the
sea . Ouranoupolis, Nea Focea, Sani,
Toroni, Galatista: towers of rock and
stone, magnificent jewels of the
Byzantine era .
Nikiti: ancient Christian churches with
their characteristic architecture .
Ierissos and Nea Potidea: where mar-
tyrs suffered under the Turkish domina-
tion. Athos : monasteries which are real
fortresses built on the tempest-lashed
rocks of Mount Athos , ramparts stand-
ing firm against the impious intruder .
Shady and tranquil gardens, refuges for
contemplation and meditation, silence
that sharpens hearing, harmony. Unique
holy images and church treasures.

62 Xenios
harmonically with modern holiday houses
and big hotel complexes, with every imag-
inable facility. Kassandra is full of life. Its
44 villages and settlements house more
than 13.000 permanent residents and
hundreds thousands of visitors in the sum-
mer.
It has wonderful hotels and other tourist
centres, nightclubs and entertainment
facilities to provide the visitors with every
comfort. It is a worldwide famous modern
holiday resort. Most villages and settle-
ments are on the coastline, built on beau-
tiful beaches. Others, like Kassandria , are
in the mainland of the prong of Kassandra.
Fresh fish is one of the famous delicacies
of our region. The visitor can enjoy this
delicate gastronomic delight at picturesque
little taverns or modern restaurants.
Furthermore, the oil, the olives, and the
honey are of the finest quality and the
demand for them from all over Greece is
high. Our agricultural products, as well as
the local Kassandra wines, specially the
wine from Mendi , are famous since the
antique years.
Sithonia Athos
Sithonia is the middle peninsula - "second
It is the third and most special penin-
prong" - of Halkidiki. It extends between
sula of Halkidiki , also known as Agio
the Gulfs Toroneos and Siggitikos and
Oros ( Mount Athos ). The part of the
ends south at Cape Drepano . It is mostly
peninsula, where all visitors are
a mountainous region with beautiful
allowed, includes the Gulf Akanthios,
forests. The coastline is full of little gulfs
from the border of Mount Athos and
with picturesque bays, capes, white, sandy
upwards, as well as the northern
beaches with wonderful turquoise, blue
coast, which is washed by the Gulf
and green, shallow and warm waters, sur-
Strymonikos.Agio OrosFar away from
rounded by thick pines and shiny grey
the rest of Macedonia and the whole
rocky formations. It is less developed than
world as well, there is a natural and
Kassandra and offers the visitors quieter
spiritual paradise with a special glory
vacation close to nature on some of the
and magnificence, namely the eastern
most exotic beaches in the whole Aegean
peninsula of Halkidiki , Mount Athos
Sea area The region is famous for the
(Agion Oros), the bay of ancient
magnificent honey it produces (Nikiti is the
Greeks or as monks put it, the " land
biggest honey producing centre in
of Virgin Mary ".
Greece), but also for the oil, olives, fish,
Mount Athos consists of twenty
wine, grapes and cheese,
monasteries, several skites (her-
which are delicious and of the highest
mitages) and places of absolute tran-
quality.
quility. This is the religious community
of Mount Athos , with historical
monasteries, cells in caves or between
the rocks, towers, domes, belfries,
chants, etc. Mount Athos is a big tem-
ple under the sky; it is the main carri-
er of Orthodox Christianity.
Mount Athos covers an area of about
336 sq. kilometers, with 112 kilome-
ters of coastline and 1.550 inhabi-
tants; it is an imposing place in the
northern Aegean, surrounded by trees
and bluff cliffs. Its mountains are
2.033 meter high, extend to the sky
and approach the clouds. When the
atmosphere is clean you can see from
the little church of Metamorphosi
Sotiros (Transfiguration of Christ)
nearly half the Aegean; the bays of
Troy in the east and the mountain
Olympos in the west. Some of the
monks claim to be able to see the
dome of Agia Sofia springing like a
flower from the earth in the East.
Today in Mount Athos there are 20
monasteries and 12 skites.
Xenios 63
 Festivals & Events in Halkidiki
Greece-Halkidiki
In a place with such rich histo-
ry, the events provide a variety
of choices and create a com-
munication bridge between
inhabitants and visitors. There
are two international festivals –
one in Kassandra and one in
Sani with the international sec-
tion of Jazz- and more than 60
festivities during the summer
time that make life in Halkidiki
a continuous celebration!
CULTURAL EVENTS
During the summer, several
cultural events take place that
include concerts, dance and
music shows. For information,
you must contact the municipal
offices.
AFYTOS OF ATHYTOS
This is a series of events that
include art, street art, concerts
of folk music and dance, but
also classical and modern
music. From July to August.
Information: Community of
Athytos tel:+30 23740 91239
64 Xenios
SANI FESTIVAL
The artistic events started in 1991 with an
art exhibition and were driven by the love
for art.
In 1992, the events were enriched with the
organisation of the first “Jazz on the hill”,
three days dedicated to Jazz. Since 1993,
the events that take place in the area of the
Sani Beach Holiday Resort in Kassandra,
were named “Sani Festival”. That is how
this festival started and every year the
organisers try to include more art events of
high quality and innovation. During the last
years, many popular Greek and foreign
artists charmed an audience that some-
times numbered more than 3,500 people in
concerts and exhibitions.
Part of these events take place on the Hill
of Sani, especially the music and dance
events. Such a location, surrounded by the
sea, the sky and the greenery, creates the
conditions that can awake the senses and
gives the audience and the artists the
chance to lift up away from routine.
The program of the events is divided in
three categories:
:: Concerts of jazz under the title “Jazz on
the hill”, which is the only international jazz
festival in Greece that takes place for ten
years
:: Concerts of Greek artistic music
:: Concerts of classical music under the
title Sani Classic, which promotes young,
talented Greek artists.
Dance shows and exhibitions of painting,
sculpture and photography also take place.
Information telephone No +30 2310
317327
FESTIVAL OF THE SEA
Amphitheatre of N. Moudania, tel.: +30
2373 0 21210
Concerts with popular Greek artists, dance
and theatrical events. It lasts from July to
August and it is organised by the munici-
pality of N. Moudania.
KASSANDRA FESTIVAL
Amphitheatre of Siviri, tel: +30 2374 0
23997, 24851
During the summer season, in the
amphitheatre concerts and performances
happen.
The festival takes place every year for the
last 10 years. It lasts from the beginning of
July until the end of August and it is a sum-
mer oasis, as it combines for the thousands
of visitors the relaxing holiday with culture
and art. Apart from the events of the
amphitheatre, there are other events that
take place at the same time in other parts
of the municipality of Kassandra (happen-
ings, artistic events, cinema shows, shadow
theatre, painting exhibitions, sculpture
exhibitions, theatrical poster exhibitions,
costume exhibitions etc). The entrance is
free.
Information: Municipality of Kassandra tel:
+30 23740 22001

progressive strategic plan
Thailand
TCEB has formulated a strate-
gic plan for 2010-2012 that is
in line with various national
development plans: the
National Economic and Social
Development Plan, the
Strategic
Formulation Plan 2008-2011
and the Tourism Recovery and
Promotion Strategic Plan 2009-
2012.
TCEB’s strategic plan is aimed
at driving Thailand to be a
prime destination in Asia for
world-class MICE venues,
based on culture and potential,
through the collaborative
network of the Asean Economic
Community. The aim is for
Thailand to be internationally
recognised as a preferred desti-
nation for both the Asian and
global MICE industries
within the next seven years..
66 Xenios
TCEB draws up three-year
Akapol Sorasuchart, President of Thailand
Convention and Exhibition
Bureau, said that the growth of the MICE
industry in 2008-2009 had slowed as a
result of both internal and external fac-
tors, which includes the global economic
crisis. In 2010, the economic trend is
expected to be more positive, which
will help to drive the MICE industry to
meet a growth projection of 25 per cent.
This year, TCEB estimates more than
780,000 MICE visitors coming to Thailand,
generating about Bt56 billion in revenue.
TCEB has established the three-year
strategic plan under three key concepts:
WIN (win more international bids), PRO-
MOTE (promote Thailand as a world-class
MICE destination)
and DEVELOP (strengthen the Thai Team
collaboration and build a stronger MICE
industry through Intelligence, Training,
Education and Certification). The plan is
made up of six major strategies:
1. Accelerate and expand the MICE
market through public and private sec- sec-
tor channels to promote and win more
international events.
2. Build the MICE industry’s image and
enhance the perception of the
importance of the industry, as well as
TCEB’s own role and responsibility,
with various activities such as the
Thailand Creative Event Awards.
3. Support value-added activities,
develop MICE organizing standards,
promote new and mega events that
are held in Thailand.
4. Develop the capability of MICE
infrastructure so that it is internation-
internation-
ally
recognized. In 2010, TCEB will also
carry forward the implementation of
green meetings – environmental-
friendly meetings – as a selling point
for Thailand. Green meetings are
becoming a concept of international
interest and many Thai MICE operators
have developed infrastructure to sup- sup-
port the demand.
5. Create local and international net-net-
works through both the Thai Team,
and Team Thailand.
6. Boost the potential and role of
TCEB’s management system and
human
resources development in correlation
with the industry’s development.
TCEB received a 2010 budget of Bt934
million, of which Bt749 million is
the fiscal budget, broken down as follows:
Bt200 million for the ‘Pid Thong
Lang Pra’ project (domestic MICE cam-
paign), Bt145 million for marketing
campaigns to win more international bids
(WIN), Bt240 million for public relations
and roadshows (PROMOTE), Bt55 million
for MICE industry development (DEVELOP)
and Bt110 million for TCEB’s operations.
The remaining Bt185 million is from the
Thai Khemkhaeng (Invest for Strength)

project budget’s Creative Economy
scheme, which is aimed at generating
revenue for the country.
TCEB plans to implement five projects
using the Thai Khemkhaeng budget.
Firstly, “Better the Best” will support
international exhibitions that have the
potential to grow into “Champion” events
in the region, including the exhibitions of
major industries such as food, machin-
ery, automobiles and energy. The bureau
has allocated a budget of Bt50
million for the “Better the Best “project.
Secondly, the “Domestic MICE” project
will promote meetings, conventions and
incentives in Thailand. This project has a
budget of Bt30 million. Thirdly, the
“MICE Thai Khemkhaeng” project is
aimed at helping all parties to better
understand TCEB’s role. The project will
also increase cooperation with local
agencies in order to decentralize MICE
through MICE Cities. TCEB will spend
Bt50 million on this project, which will
substantially stimulate the regional econ-
omy. Fourthly, the “Thailand: The place
to meet” roadshow will boost interna-
tional confidence in the readiness and
potential of Thailand to
be a preferred destination for the MICE
industry, with a budget of Bt20 million.
The first activity in this campaign was
TCEB’s “Japan Roadshow 2010:
Thailand’s readiness to host MICE
events”, which
was held between January 30 and ebru-
ary 3 to further expand the Japanese
market.
Finally, there is the “Better Be in
Bangkok” project, which has a budget of
Bt35 million. This is a promotional cam-
paign to encourage MICE travelers to
stay in Thailand for longer through
incentives such as an extra night’s stay
for free.
Akapol said that TCEB is pushing to
make the MICE industry an issue on the
national agenda. The bureau will urge
the government to further drive the
MICE business. The proposal will request
that the government set a policy of ask-
ing state agencies to hold meetings in
the country, and also
support them in bidding to host interna-
tional meetings.
TCEB expects to submit the plan for the
government’s consideration at the end of
this quarter. If the government endorses
the proposal, it will lead to budgets
being allocated in line with the MICE
promotional plan of each agency as well
as TCEB. This would provide support for
personnel, as well as bidding documents
and promotional campaigns, as bidding
to host international events must be
conducted well in advance.
Meanwhile, TCEB has discussed the pos-
sibility of closer collaboration with the
private sector in organizing roadshows in
new markets. The bureau will also revise
its existing overseas representations, as
well as consider appointing representa-
tions in new markets.
Although the global economy is now
recovering, competition in the MICE
industry is intensifying. TCEB has there-
fore adopted a more aggressive and cre-
ative marketing plan by initiating the
Thailand Creative Event Awards, which
will promote creative events, as well as
result in the publication
of a MICE catalog for use in overseas
roadshows. The catalog will be a guide-
book for MICE organizers when choosing
venues for meetings, incentives, conven-
tions and exhibitions in Thailand. “In
every roadshow, and not just promotions
under the Thailand Maximize campaign,
the most important thing is to present
Thailand’s potential and readiness to
host international events, including the
infrastructure,
facilities, venues and Thai hospitality,”
said Akapol.
Xenios 67
 London benefits from £11bn investment
in lead up to 2012
UK-London
A report by Visit London has
revealed that in excess of
£11bn is being invested into
business tourism projects and
venues as a direct result of the
London 2012 Olympic Games
and Paralympic Games.
The developments cover a huge
range of facilities. These
include improved and new
transport links such as the East
London line extension, the
upgraded DLR and new cycle
tracks and walkways.
The report also includes new
hotel openings such as the
1,021-bedroom Park Plaza
Westminster Bridge and the
renovated Savoy, as well as
attractions across the capital
including Stratford, East
London, where the new urban
park is being built – one of the
biggest in Europe for more
than 150 years.
68 Xenios
As part of the report, Visit London has
also compiled a timeline indicating when
and where some of the key launches and
openings will be happening in the run up
to 2012.
Tracy Halliwell, Director of Business
Tourism at Visit London said: "With less
than 1,000 days till the 2012 Games, we
can already see how significantly the UK
capital has changed. What is so exciting
for business visitors is that they really
don't need to wait – the transformation
and benefits are happening and are on
offer right now. We have an unprecedent-
ed opportunity to show the world exactly
what London has to offer and these new
developments will benefit business and
leisure visitors alike for many years to
come."
London will also provide the setting for
major new architecture including the
London Bridge Tower otherwise known as
The Shard with a six-star Shangri-La
hotel, and the Heron Tower in the City,
which is set to have breathtaking views
across London from its rooftop.
Other key investments include:
King's Cross re-development – completion
of parts of this project from 2012 with an
investment of around £2bn
London Bridge Quarter including The
Shard and New London Bridge House –
due for completion in 2012 with an invest-
ment of around £2bn
The Heron Tower, City – due for comple-
tion in 2011 with an investment of around
£1.85bn
East London Line extension – due for com-
pletion in June 2010 with an investment of
around £1bn
Westfield Stratford – due for completion in
2011 with an investment of around
£1.45bn
There are many other smaller projects
underway which will have a major impact
on business visitors coming into the capi-
tal. These include the re-opening of the
Cutty Sark in spring 2011, the new wing
of the Tate Modern – Tate Modern 2 – in
time for the Games, and the launch of the
Meantime Brewery in Greenwich early next
year.
Barbara Jamison, Visit London's Sales
Manager Europe added: "The London 2012
Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
provide a unique opportunity to showcase
the capital's attractions, venues and activi-
ties available to the whole world. The
amount of investment in London reveals a
long-term confidence in the city that can
be experienced by business visitors in the
run up, during and after the Games."
 13,300 new hotel rooms will be available
throughout London by 2012
New Openings
1. November 2009 - Apex Hotel, City
http://www.apexhotels.co.uk/hotels/lon-
don-wall/
2. January 2010 - Wyndham Grand,
Chelsea Harbour
www.wyndhamgrandlondon.co.uk
3. Early 2010 - Park Plaza Westminster
Bridge, Lambeth
http://www.parkplaza.com/hotels/gbwest-
mi
4. April 2010 – Savoy Hotel, The Strand
http://www.the-savoy.com/
5. October 2010 - W Hotel, West End
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/p
roperty/overview/index.html?propertyID=3
464
6. 2010 – Renaissance Hilton, St.
Pancras chambers
7. 2010 - Hotel Verta, Battersea
http://www.hotel-verta.co.uk/
8. 2010 – Hilton Wembley, Wembley
http://www.hilton.co.uk/Wembley
9. 2010 - Four Seasons Hotel, Park Lane
http://www.fourseasons.com/london/
10. 2010 - 45 Park Lane, Mayfair
11. 2011 – Hilton Heathrow T5, Poyle
12. 2011 - Metropole, Westminster
http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/news-
content/92_the_metropole.htm
13. 2011 - City Inn, Tower of London
http://www.cityinn.com/toweroflondon/
14. Late 2011 - InterContinental Hotel
Westminster
15. 2012 - Shangri-La, London Bridge
Tower (The Shard), London Bridge
http://www.shangri-
la.com/en/property/london/shangrila
16. 2012 - The Regent Palace Hotel,
Regent’s Street
http://www.regentstreetonline.com/crowne
state/quadrant.asp
17. 2012 - Travelodge, six new hotels
across London
Many investors are targeting
their openings before the 2012
games and,
looking at the spread of new
and renovated hotels, there
are set to be five
major development ‘hot spots’
across London: Hillingdon,
Westminster,
Southwark, the City and
Lambeth.
The Borough of Hillingdon is
home to the UK’s largest air-
port Heathrow
and, as such, will be accom-
modating a number of large
scale developments
including the new 350 room
Hilton T5 hotel which is due to
open in 2011. In
the established high-end areas
of the City and Westminster
Londoners will
see luxury launches for The
Metropole and InterContinental
amongst others.
In Lambeth and Southwark,
hotel investment is likely to
make the biggest
impact in terms of regenera-
tion. The 195 room Shangri-La
at the new
London Bridge Tower and The
Park Plaza in Lambeth with
over a thousand
rooms will have a major
impact on the local area as
well as providing a topquality
tourist experience.
Xenios 69
 2012 Events Group extends reach
as World attention turns to London
UK-London

London 2012 Open The Events 2012 Development Group, the indus- Imagination. Signatories to the charter undertake

Weekend returns with
a challenge
More than a million people have taken part
in Open Weekend over the past two years
Registrations for London 2012 Open
Weekend 2010 opened . Arts, culture and
sporting organisations are invited to chal-
lenge audiences to try something new or
take an existing interest to a new level.
Supported by BP, Open Weekend will run
from 23-25 July 2010. Launched in 2008
with the start of the London 2012 Cultural
Olympiad, more than a million people from
around the UK have taken part in Open
Weekend activities in the past two years.
This year will build on that success, with
organisers creating a challenge for the public
to be involved with. It could be creating an
artwork in just 24 hours, a sporting-themed
treasure hunt or a mass aerobics session.
try body tasked with maximising the benefits of
the London Olympic Games to the UK events
industry, is extending its reach as the host city
prepares to take centre stage from Vancouver as
it in turn gets ready to host the 2010 Winter
Olympic Games.
The stakeholder group, created by Visit London
and VisitBritain with the support of LOCOG, is now
working with a wider range of Olympic related
organisations including the City Operations Group,
IOC sponsors, NOC’s and official agents. David
Sharpe, Managing Director of the London Eye, and
Head of the Events 2012 Development group
says; “This extended network is designed to
ensure the UK events industry continues to be at
the very heart of the games. In recent months,
our emphasis has moved from information gather-
ing and communication to the visitor experience
and delivery as we head towards the 900 day
milestone and as the focus moves from Vancouver
to London.”
At the same time the group is seeing renewed
support for its ground breaking Fair Pricing &
Practice Charter, the first of its kind for a host
city, which now has over 350 members including
iconic venues such as the Natural History Museum
and Twickenham Stadium and experience market-
ing agencies including George P Johnson and
that their pricing for the period around the 2012
Olympic Games be both fair and reasonable and
that they will not artificially inflate prices for
goods or services. In turn, charter members are
promoted to organisers seeking venues and sup-
pliers via Visit London’s enquiry service and
through Visit Britain’s network of overseas offices.
Visit London Director of Business Tourism, Tracy
Halliwell comments; “With Vancouver just around
the corner London is determined to highlight that
it’s a city that is ready to welcome the world both
pre and post Olympic Games. London is the first
Olympic city to create a charter like this and for
Visit London as the official Business Convention
bureau it’s all about maintaining the business
tourism we have and looking after that future
business legacy for the city and country.”
Venues and suppliers can sign up to the Charter,
by visiting
www.visitlondon.com/business/2012Charter

Online registration for events is now open

and organisers are invited to find out more
about how they can get involved.

London 2012 Organising Committee Chair

Seb Coe said: The London 2012 Open
Weekend is something we developed to help
people see, touch, hear and take part in new
things to spark interest and enthusiasm in
the run up to the Games in 2012.

‘This year we’re adding an exciting ‘chal-

lenge’ element, so I’m looking forward to
seeing what event organisers come up with
as we approach the two years to go count-
down on 27 July this year.’
70 Xenios
 The O2 finishes the decade as world’s
number one music venue
The O2 has been named as the world’s
number one music venue for a third con-
secutive year after selling 2.3 million
tickets.
According to figures from Pollstar, The O2
sold 75% more tickets than any other
venue worldwide with just two other ven-
ues selling over a million tickets. It also
smashed its previous record of 1,806,447
tickets by 30%.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said:
“Congratulations to AEG for the astonish-
ing success of The O2. The superb facili-
ties it offers have increased London’s
ability to attract the biggest music stars
in the world and an increasing number of
international sporting events. It is with-
out doubt an important addition to local
life around Greenwich and, as a world
beating attraction, an important part of
London’s economy as a whole.”
Gary Bongiovanni, Editor-In-Chief for
Pollstar commented: “For The O2 to still
be the number one arena in the world,
especially in light of the tragic death of
Michael Jackson, is incredible. Further to
this I get the sense that on a worldwide
basis the reputation of The O2 is rapidly
growing to an iconic status.”
London deserves a world-class entertain-
ment destination
David Campbell, President and Chief
Executive of AEG Europe, owners and
operators of The O2, added: “These
results really are quite amazing. I want
to thank all the artistes, agents, man-
agers, promoters, the more than 2,500
people who work at The O2, and all our
partners. Events like the ATP Tour Finals
at The O2 really did put the eyes of the
world on us. London deserves a world-
class entertainment destination and we
will keep working hard in the next
decade to ensure we remain a world
leader.”
Since opening in 2007 The O2 has taken
the music world by storm and has con-
sistently hosted the world’s best music,
sport and entertainment. 2009 highlights
included five nights of Tina Turner, seven
from Beyoncé, an eight-night residency
from Britney Spears, The Killers, Paul
Weller, AC/DC, Bob Dylan, Kings of Leon,
Cliff Richard and The Shadows, Paul
McCartney, as well as venue exclusives
Star Wars: A Musical Journey, Ben Hur
LIVE and the inaugural Barclays ATP
World Tour Finals.
This year is looking like another block-
buster for The O2 arena with more exclu-
sive and top-class content including the
world’s biggest screening of Mamma Mia!
The Movie, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton,
Lady Gaga, Dizzee Rascal and Lily Allen,
Peter Gabriel, Whitney Houston, Black
Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Michael Buble, Rod
Stewart, as well as content only available
at The O2 including the return of Julie
Andrews to the London stage after 30
years, the venue’s first full-blow opera,
Carmen, and a summer residency by Bon
Jovi.
Hotel and event space
planned for The O2
AEG Europe has applied for detailed
planning consent for a proposed four-
star hotel and large event space next to
The O2.
The proposed 450-bed hotel will also
include adjoining serviced apartments,
according to the application, submitted
to the London Borough of Greenwich
earlier this month.
The complementary event space will be
the largest bespoke space of its kind in
London and will accommodate a broad
variety of uses, including banqueting for
up to 3,000 people, state-of-the-art
facilities, and dramatic river views across
the Thames to Canary Wharf.
David Campbell, CEO of AEG Europe,
said: "The O2 has already created more
than 2,500 direct jobs in Greenwich.
However the real economic prize for
Greenwich and East London is adding
overnight visitors. The creation of this
hotel, alongside high-quality event space
to match our established world-class
entertainment space, is a not without
challenges, but it is a project we
embrace enthusiastically."
Alistair Wood, AEG Executive Director for
Real Estate and Development, comment-
ed: "There remains a significant lack of
hotel space in this area, and a high-
quality hotel built alongside the venue
will be welcomed by the more than 7.5
million annual visitors to The O2.
We also see strong demand from the
surrounding area including the soon-to-
be Royal Borough of Greenwich, Canary
Wharf, ExCeL London, London City
Airport and new regeneration in this part
of the Thames Gateway. The Lifschutz
Davidson Sandilands design, we believe,
works very well alongside existing and
proposed development on the Greenwich
Peninsula."
Xenios 71
 C O N T E N T S

Top Ten Adventures for Rhodes

5
2010

Meeting Planner:
One of the 50 best careers 6
of 2010

Top 50 Destinations for UK

9
Travellers

10 Hot Holiday Trends for

17
2010

Top 10 Places in the United

States to Pursue Hobbies 22

TripAdvisor Travellers
Reveal 2010 Trends 25

Exhibitions & Destinations

(Greece, Uk, Thailand) 31

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72 Xenios