PDF file

TTW Europe
Volume: 4, Issue: March 2015
ITB BERLIN
05. Athens
CONTENT PAGE
05. Destination diary:
Between the many mountains and fertile valleys,
Athens is holding on to its charm of being one of
the oldest cities of the world. Here is a glimpse of
what you should not miss in Athens this summer
09. Amsterdam
13. Prospects of Meeting Industry 2015
03 TTW Europe
20. Aberdeen
09. Xclusive:
Play the cards and slots to try your luck at the Holland Casino, the
largest casino in Amsterdam according to gaming machines and
table games put together
13. Cover story:
Read on to know about the industry trends, challenges and
innovative ideas of the meetings' industry for 2015.
16. Special feature:
36. Getting Candid
33. Travel News
36. Getting Candid
39. Europe Festivals
43. Show Highlight
47. Show Review
59. Calendar of Events
Being a proud media partner and exhibitor at ITB Berlin 2015, here is
what the tourism professionals can plan to do during 4-8th of March
20. Meetings point:
A comparatively less known and rarely visited place in Europe,
Aberdeen boasts of strong international event and conference
heritage. Steve Harris, Chief Executive of VisitAberdeen speaks.
25. Discussion:
Stalwarts from LGBT tourism, GETA and IGLTA open up their view on
this niche tourism sector.
From the
Editor’s desk
Editorial Team
President &
Editor-In-Chief
Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan
Hello Readers,
Are you ready for ITB Berlin? The world travel industry is all set meet,
convene, and enhance business in Berlin this March. TTW-Europe
wishes an innovative turn of events in favor of future growth and
development at ITB Berlin for the global travel industry.
In this exclusive issue of TTW-Europe, we have compiled a host of
news and information from the European travel industry. Our special
feature on ITB Berlin focuses on the new programmes and special
events to be staged during the four-day event in Berlin this March. The
outlook of the meetings industry in Europe is something that we are
really focusing this month and our cover story discusses the imperative
aspects of the evolving conference and meetings industry in Europe.
Aberdeen, the venue for Routes Europe is the Meetings Point this
month; make sure you have a glimpse of the best conference venues
available. Browse through this unique flipbook to enlighten your views
about the LGBT travel sector and the contribution of two eminent
personalities in the improving outlook of this niche travel sector.
Meet us at Berlin, we will be at Stand Number: 129 in Hall No: 3.1. Do
share your feedback with us; we value your opinion…
Thank you,
Editor-In-Chief
Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan
04 TTW Europe
Vice President
Mr. Apratim Ghoshal
Executive Editor
Mrs. Puja Keshan
Intl. Correspondent
& Marketing
Ms. Shreyoshi Dey
Content Writers
Mr. Ronee Roy
Mr. Sudipto Roy
Ms. Shreya Goswami
Ms. Urmii Kar
Design Team
Mr. Mufaddal Chithiwala
Ms. Sonali Khan
Mr. Rajat Singh ( Web)
Mr. Kaushik Das(Web)
Marketing Executive
Mr. Vijay Kumar
Asst. Communication
Executive
Mr. Rana Singh
Circulation
Mr. A K Sharma
Mr. Kajal Mandal
Follow us
DESTINATION DIARY
Athens
A
Potpourri
of Sort
A
thens is one of the oldest cities in the world. Though Greece is still recovering from the economic crisis,
locals in Athens feel like the tide is turning and that, neighbourhoods - both old and new are
experiencing a resurgence of vibrancy, excitement and optimism. Recently, Athens was named as one
of the top 50 places to travel in 2014, so if there was ever a summer vacation to start saving up for, this is the
one.
05 TTW Europe
Things You
Shouldn't
Miss to
Delve
Into!
The Ancient Agora: Of all
Athens' ruins, the famed
marketplace of Agora makes the
most fitting start to your
sightseeing — it stands testament
to Athens' status as a cradle of
Western civilization. It was, from
Socrates and Plato's day, the heart
of public life, and among the site's
extensive excavations you'll find
temples, a concert hall and long,
colonnaded arcades. Entry ($18)
covers two days' admission to
Acropolis hill sites.
The Acropolis: Literally "high city," the
Acropolis is Greece's great marvel. Ascend
through the olive groves of the lower slopes
to reach the marble crown, before passing
through the Propylaia gateway. You'll see the
Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and
the Parthenon along with numerous
fragments arranged for reassembly. The
state's grand plan is to put right centuries of
sackings, lootings and decay.
06 TTW Europe
Mount Lycabettus: Twilight is
Technopolis: Technopolis is a
Thisieon Cinema: So great is
the best time to venture up this
unique peak. At 745 ft. (277 m),
Lycabettus stands high above
Athens, commanding a clear view
across the Attica basin and the
Aegean. Facing the viewing
platform is Agios Georgios, the tiny
white-stuccoed chapel of St.
George. There is also a superb
café, although prices can be a bit
on the higher side.
popular event and art space
situated within an old natural gas
processing plant. The industrial
museum is open to the public
Tuesday through Sunday. Visitors
learn about the work conditions in
the old plant and its experiential
approach to its operations during
the 19th century. The venue plays
host to concerts, parties, DJ sets
and exhibits.
the Athenian ardour for film,
there's hardly a walled garden in
town that isn't now used as an
open-air movie house. One in
particular oozes charm: the
Thiseion on the south side of the
Acropolis. Classic Hollywood
flicks are popular here.
07 TTW Europe
Gazi: This old gasworks
precinct has supplanted Psiri
as Athens' coolest nightspot,
but don't come only for bar
life. Around the metro at
Kerameikos cluster countless
eateries, music venues and
art spaces. Dominating the
skyline is the gasworks
turned Technopolis, a vast
mixed-use cultural centre.
Athens has that unique flavour that can
mesmerize travellers of every taste and
choice. Cloaked in old world charm,
08 TTW Europe
Athens is the place to visit this
summer!
Xclusive
Winning a bet in
Amsterdam
T
here is a different feeling when you encounter a spree of odd luck while you are travelling. If you are in
Netherlands and you feel lucky, make sure you pay a visit to the Holland Casino in Amsterdam at least
once. The plush gambling tables will entice you and engage you in some memorable moments of
gambling that you will cherish for a long time. Not to forget, the food at the restaurant is an added attraction.
09 TTW Europe
Let's
reach
there
Holland Casino is located in central Amsterdam on Max
Euweplein, an area dedicated to entertainment with
terraces, galleries, a comedy club, and a branch of the Hard
Rock Cafe. Visitors can take the tram to the Leidesplein
square which is just a short walk away. There is a smart dress
code, so it's better not to turn up in jeans or wearing casual
footwear.
10 TTW Europe
Quick facts
Entry fees: It's not free, starts at 5
Euros.
Opening hours: Opens at noon and
closes at 3 in the morning.
Restaurant: Serves food from 5
p.m. till midnight.
No. of slot machines: Over 500
On-site club and pub: Available
Minimum Age of entry: 18 years
Are you a rookie?
After the long sessions of business meetings and
corporate presentations, if your heart yarns for
some incentive while you are at Amsterdam,
gambling can definitely lift your spirits. Don't worry
if you're not a gambling pro. You can still have an
exciting evening at the Holland Casino, as this
stylish venue caters for all levels. Take your place at
the roulette or poker tables for a classic gaming
experience and let the fun begin. If you want to
play it safe, try your luck on the slot machines.
Try a bet
The Holland Casino is owned by the state and has
been recognised for its social responsibility, and all
the profits go straight to the government treasury.
Previously, the casino had a token system for
participants and visitors; however, they have
started utilising tickets in recent times.
In addition to the normal slot machines that have
plenty of engaging games to try there are popular
11 TTW Europe
casino games at random tables. Ranging from
American Roulette, Bingo, Black Jack, Casino 21,
Multi Poker, Traditional Poker, Punto Blanco, and a
Mystery Jackpot the casino offers an extensive
forte of games for visitors. Even if one doesn't want
to indulge in direct gambling a keen observation of
the intense faces at the tables will seem equally
thrilling. However, a little dare and little risk is a
complementary experience.
Gourmet experience
The casino experience at the Holland
Casino is not complete without a
classic cocktail at the on-site club and
a delicious gourmet French-style
cuisine in the De Brasserie restaurant.
Well, for people who had a tough luck
at the stake tables, there are some
less expensive restaurants as well.
On the last Friday of the month, there
are music acts and live shows to
enjoy, as part of the Casino's Friday
Night Out. Tickets for these events are
extra to the regular casino admission
charge.
As expected, the Poker Cash Tournaments
are among the most popular activities at
Holland Casino Amsterdam. One could
play casually with a friend, play cash
games, or enter into tournaments. The
Holland Casino chain is actually the only
establishments in the Netherlands that
allow legal playing of poker.
So yes, you can enjoy a fantastic cultural
experience, fine food, friendly people, and
see many historical places in the
Netherlands. But in addition to that, if you
are looking to switch gears and enjoy a
gaming experience in a casual comfortable
setting, then you will want to pay a visit to
Holland Casino Amsterdam.
12 TTW Europe
Prospects of MEETING
INDUSTRY 2015
Cover Story
T
his year is
predicted to be a
mixed year for
meeting planners:
Group demand is up,
but so are room rates
and travel costs.
Increasing costs for
services across the
meeting and event
spectrum in contrast to
a minimal budgetary
growth is setting up a
more challenging year
ahead.
Industry trends on the rise
“The meeting industry overall appears to be very much 'back in
business,” says Issa Jouaneh, Vice President and General
Manager, American Express Meetings & Events, in the 2015
Global Meetings Forecast, which predicts that group hotel prices
would rise by 4.6 percent, thanks in part to increasing group
demand. A recently released PwC lodging forecast projects
occupancy in the U.S. as 64.9 percent in 2015, the highest since
1984. “Group demand improved significantly in the third quarter,
leading to stronger-than-expected occupancy levels,” says Scott
Berman, PwC principal and U.S. hospitality and leisure practice
leader. “Despite an evolving supply pipeline, industry demand
trends are expected to remain robust, giving confidence to the
operating community to drive room rates higher in 2015.”
13 TTW Europe
A
s rising costs on all sides squeeze
organizers, suppliers are being asked
to help them stretch their budgets.
Pam Madewell, CTA (MPI Dallas/Fort Worth
Chapter), has got accustomed to clients asking
her to “do more with less” at R. Fox Designs. “It
seems to be the trend, particularly in the last
five years,” says Madewell, whose firm
provides event management, décor and
custom prop production and rental to clients
such as destination management firms and
third-party event planners. “I don't want to say
that every event's budget has been reduced,
[but] it does seem like more and more have
been.” When clients face lean meeting
14 TTW Europe
budgets, Madewell often suggests creative
alternatives to pricey, out-of-season
flowers—such as attractive centerpieces
made from in-season flowers or from more
natural-looking, reusable succulents and river
rocks. “Those are very popular,” she notes,
adding that they're also appealing for clients
focused on sustainability.
Training, educational events and sales
meetings will be the most common types of
gatherings in the coming year. This could be
due to increases in hiring and investment in
employees—including incentives.
Innovative meeting ideas
Challenges for the meeting industry
M
eeting professionals are bracing up for significant
hikes in the cost of putting on a meeting, which
could force many to dig deep into their bag of
tricks to stay on budget. Air travel costs are expected to
increase 5 percent in the coming year, more than any other
item—but they are not rising in a vacuum. Other anticipated
cost increases: F&B/catering (4 percent), guest rooms (3.9
percent), audiovisual (3.1 percent) and meeting rooms (2.5
percent) as reported in MPI's fall Meetings Outlook, which also
noted, not surprisingly, that planners are challenged with
shorter lead times. To keep the meetings momentum in pace
with the rising costs, American Express predicts an uptick in
meeting budgets, made possible by a more disciplined
approach, with increased scrutiny, transparency and attention
to compliance and strategic objectives. In addition, the
Forecast notes “a continued push to stay close to home and
host meetings where the largest numbers of attendees live.”
U
nsurprisingly, strategic use of
technology continues to grow
in importance for meeting and
event professionals—a trend that is
taking many forms. The increasing use of
mobile devices such as iPads and
smartphones continues to create
challenges for meeting professionals.
“Everyone wants and needs access to
the Internet, and everyone is connecting
to Wi-Fi on multiple devices,” says
Christina Devlin, CMP, CMM, events
manager. “Hotels and other venues
need to step it up and offer better
connectivity within their meeting rooms
to allow for that.”
Use of technology in meetings
Future meetings
A
dam Said, senior executive of product development, TFI
Group, says the company has been receiving more
requests for “bespoke” technology solutions, ranging
from apps to registration software for conferences. That requires
continuous innovation. For one of its associated clients, TFI Group
has helped record event attendance using off the-shelf
technology. In some cases the firm has found the best solution is
creating a customized look and feel for existing conference apps.
“We try to build a skeleton that fits most of the events and where
we spend more time is on the graphic design,” Said says.
Meanwhile, his firm is keeping eyes on the future, looking for
ways to incorporate Google Glass into meetings and use RFD
technology to develop high-frequency apps “where you can just
walk into a room and organizers know you are there.”
15 TTW Europe
SPECIAL FEATURE
Adventure Travel and
Social Responsibility
programmes at
ITB Berlin 2015
WHAT
TO
From 4 to 8 March 2015 visitors to ITB Berlin can
obtain inspiration for planning their next holidays
in socially responsible ways. In Hall 4.1 more than
130 exhibitors from 40 countries will be
presenting their latest adventure travel products
as well as those supporting ecologically,
economically and socially responsible tourism.
On Wednesday, 4 March on the big stage, for
example, the presentation ceremony will be
taking place of the prestigious TO DO! Awards
of the Study Group for Tourism and Development
will be sponsored by ITB Berlin. The competition
for Socially Responsible Tourism will take the
interests of local inhabitants into account by
actively involving them in the planning and
implementation stages in an exemplary manner.
16 TTW Europe
A
dventure Travel and Responsible
Tourism is set to take the centre stage
at ITB Berlin this year. More than 130
exhibitors from 40 countries with information
on sustainable tourism and adventure travel will
greet and spread the good word in Hall 4.1 at
Berlin this month. Papers on adventure travel
and socially responsible tourism at the tenth
PowWow for trade visitors is going to be
another major event that will enrich knowledge
and experience for the global travel
professionals along with an Award Ceremony of
the first ITB National Geographic World Legacy
Awards at the ITB Convention.
On the big stage the focus will also be on 'Human
rights in practice – challenges confronting
tourism in areas sensitive to human rights',
accompanied by discussions on the issue of child
protection in tourism.
The photo exhibition entitled 'The Wadden Sea –
a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site' in Hall 4.1
(Stand 229) promises to be a visual highlight. At
the press conference discussing 'a bird's eye view
of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site of the
Wadden Sea' Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for
the Energy Transition, Agriculture, the
Environment and Rural Areas of SchleswigHolstein will be among the speakers present. The
photographers Martin Stock and Pieter de Vries
will also be presenting their book, 'The Wadden
Sea', to the public.
Programme of events of the PowWow for Tourism Professionals
From 4 to 6 March, on the days reserved exclusively
for trade visitors, the tenth PowWow for Tourism
Professionals will be taking place on the Adventure
Stage. 'Delve into the grasslands' amazing art of
living' is the heading of the three-day series of
events about nature and adventure travel as well as
on sustainable and socially responsible tourism. The
PowWow will open with traditional dancing and
calligraphy displays from Mongolia, this year's
Official Partner Country of ITB Berlin. Moderated by
Mary Amiri, a well-known TV presenter, the
programme of events with its panel discussions and
workshops will provide ample opportunities to
exchange views with international travel experts
and to meet people from all over the world.
High-ranking speakers have agreed to take part in
the debate on 'Tourism and climate change'. They
include Thomas Kropp, head of Corporate Policy
and International Relations, Deutsche Lufthansa;
Jane Ashton, director of Group Sustainable
Development, TUI Travel; Uwe Brendle, director of
the Department of the Environment, Transport and
Electro-mobility of the Federal Ministry of the
Environment, Nature Conservation and Reactor
Safety. They will also be presenting the myclimate
Deutschland Award. This climate protection trust is
one of the world's leading organisations dealing in
voluntary compensation for carbon emissions.
Stéphanie Balmir Villedrouin, the tourism minister
of Haiti, will be speaking about developments five
years after the catastrophic earthquake and new
17 TTW Europe
efforts in sustainable tourism. Other topics include
the crisis in African tourism and undertaking
responsible voluntary work.
Numerous presentations will provide an overview
of the wide range of sustainable tourism and
adventure travel products available. Among them
will be an event on geotourism in the western
Balkans and an expert class on big data in tourism,
both on 6 March. On 4 March the focus will be on
health and wellness tourism in ashrams and on
yoga workshops. Taking regional products in
restaurants as an example, Naturtejo Geopark in
Portugal will be showing how local inhabitants can
make a successful contribution to tourism. From 4
to 6 March, on the days reserved exclusively for
trade visitors, live cooking demonstrations will be
taking place that will whet visitors' appetites for
even more information.
Representatives of Nordurflug Helicopter Tours
from Iceland will be speaking about volcanoes and
are set to display an 'Arctic truck'. A presentation
will be taking place of a new route, 'The Great
Challenge 2015' on the Costa del Sol in Malaga,
accompanied by a speed networking event. On
Thursday, 5 March, Rob Holmes of GLP Films will be
inviting visitors to enjoy short films about
sustainable tourism with some popcorn. At 3.30
p.m. ITB's new short film entitled 'ITB Berlin –
Leaders in Responsible Tourism', will be premiering.
Last but not least, the Vision & Innovation in
Sustainable Tourism Awards (VISTAS) 2015 will be
presented to candidates from the 100 greenest
destinations who have implemented best practices.
On its stand the Welthungerhilfe famine relief
organisation will be addressing the issue of
'involuntary travel' and at a panel discussion will be
discussing the flow of refugees and its
consequences for tourism.
Responsible Tourism Clinics organised by The Blue
Yonder, ITB's Responsible Tourism Partner, will be
taking place on all three days of the PowWow. The
focus will be on community involvement, on the
economic benefits of socially responsible tourism as
well as on spiritual tourism and eco-tourism in Asia
in cooperation with TIES - The International
Ecotourism Society. On Friday at 6 p.m. the
International ITB TBY Berlin Responsible Tourism
Networking Event, which has become a firmly
established fixture, will be giving visitors an
opportunity to introduce themselves in person and
to find business partners.
place. On the Saturday of the show visitors will be
able to see stars close up. Stage Entertainment and
welcomeberlintours will be presenting songs by
Udo Lindenberg from the musical 'Hinterm
Horizont' about Germany when it was a divided
nation. On Saturday the big stage will be hosting
the awards ceremony of the bi-annual TOURA D'OR
Film Competition for Forward-Looking Tourism
which recognises films advocating social
responsibility.
Adventure and stars close up on the
open days for the public
On 7 and 8 March 2015, the open days for the
public, the big stage in Hall 4.1 will play host to
colourful and fascinating events featuring music
and folk entertainment. On the small stage there
will be lectures and readings on the topic of travel
and outdoor activities, a multimedia show about
Mongolia and yoga workshops. Celebrities will be
giving autograph sessions and numerous events
such as competitions and games will also be taking
18 TTW Europe
Those visiting the stand of the equipment suppliers
Globetrotter will be able to get a taste of
adventure. Visitors will be able to explore the
´steppes of Mongolia` and those daring enough can
scale the climbing wall and high ropes until they
reach the hall ceiling. Throughout the weekend a
competition will be taking place to see who can put
up a tent in the fastest time. The winners can take
home the tent.
Green topics and socially responsible
tourism projects at the ITB Berlin
Convention
The topic of sustainable tourism has been a firmly
established part of the programme of the ITB Berlin
Convention for many years. On Friday, 6 March at
the ITB CSR Day numerous topics will be discussed
examining socially responsible tourism, including
slum tourism, mountain tourism and sustainable
tourism in films. The programme also includes the
official signing by ITB of the Global Code of Ethics.
On Friday, 6 March in Hall 7.1b a discussion with
the winners and judges of the first ITB National
Geographic World Legacy Awards promises to be a
highlight. A big ceremony announcing the winners
will take place on 5 March at 4.45 p.m. The awards
recognise leading tourism companies, organisations
and destinations driving a global change in travel
industry attitudes, culminating in sustainable
tourism principles and practices.
Also on Friday, 6 March, at a symposium in the
CityCube Berlin experts will be discussing 'a new
beginning for tourism in Tunisia'. Together with the
German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ)
and the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation
and Development a debate will be taking place on
sustainable tourism prospects for Tunisia.
As the world's leading travel trade show ITB
Berlin is committed to the principles of
ecological and social responsibility. They are
fundamental to confronting the future and
ensuring long-term success, not only in the
market, which is why for many years ITB has
supported CSR in tourism. Visit us at Stand
Number: 129 in Hall No: 3.1! Collect
your free copies of Travel And Tour
World magazines...
19 TTW Europe
Meetings Point
the
unsung
destination
20 TTW Europe
Aberdeen
A
berdeen isn't often on the list of tourists' must-see
cities, but once you visit it, there's no reason that
you would regret it. Often termed as the Granite
City, it has seen the footfall of as many as 241,000 holidaymakers and business people during 2013 which increased by
16% in 2014. According to the VisitBritain agency, Aberdeen
has climbed to 16th place in the overall UK rankings.
21 TTW Europe
The Aberdeen Exhibition and
Conference Centre
The Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre
hosted the 2015 Tourism Conference on 28th
January. Inaugurated last year, the AECC can
accommodate up to 8,500 people and has all the
state-of-art facilities like Conference and Exhibition
Management, Audio Visual and IT, Professional
Conference Organization (PCO), Sales and
Marketing, along with electrical services and
catering.
With 2000m² of modular shell scheme in-house,
AECC is the perfect venue to arrange an
international seminar. The “One Stop Shop”
approach of AECC makes the planning of the event
easier for the teams.
22 TTW Europe
Sustainable tourism
Tourism is one of Scotland's most important sectors
and is a priority for Aberdeen City and Shire
economic future. Tourism contributes an average of
£340 million every year to Aberdeen's economy.. In
addition to this, the day trip market is estimated at
over £300 million annually. This regional strategy is
about driving growth and maximizing the
contribution which Aberdeen City can make to
deliver its new national tourism strategy.
Areas of approach:Ü knowing the market
Ü managing the customer journey
Ü building sustainable tourism
Ü leadership and collaboration
Dunnottar Castle- This evocative ruined cliff-top
castle is a spectacular experience to visit. It holds
many rich secrets of Scotland's colorful past.
Haddo House- Built with the stunning late
Victorian interiors, the Haddo House is an elegant
mansion which exhibits fine furniture and paintings.
Drum Castle, Garden & Estate- Following the
completion of major restoration work during 2013,
this early 14th century Medieval Tower houses an
elegant Victorian Library.
contains an evocative Great Hall, fine furniture and
many Fraser family portraits.
Tolquhon Castle- As you visit this, do not miss
the highly ornamented gatehouse. It is indeed one
of the most picturesque castles in the Grampian
countryside
Land
Castle Fraser-One of the most spectacular
Scottish baronial tower houses, the Castle Fraser
of castles
,
in 1136
d
e
h
s
li
tab
oard, es
B
r
u
o
b
r
usiness.
een Ha
b
d
r
t
e
s
e
b
d in
A
ld
£
's o
en foun
e
b
e
is Britain
v
a
rds h
oin hoa
c
l
Britain.
a
v
in
ie
e
d
ls
e
e
m
ere
e
£More
n anywh
a
h
t
ces of th
a
n
r
e
r
e
e
T
d
r
e
e
th
Ab
erdeen
idge and
r
b
B
A
f
o
o
lo
t
r
il
bu
£Wate
ent are
m
a
li
r
a
P
of
Houses
the
granite.
en was
e
d
r
e
b
A
ry,
e
th centu
n and th
9
io
1
t
c
e
t
u
d
la
e
ro
n.
£In th
velope p
n
e
r
Aberdee
o
f
in
e
r
d
t
e
n
p
e
elo
.
British c
was dev
e world
e
h
t
p
lo
in
e
t
v
r
po
l en
ilian heli
self-sea
iv
c
t
s
manent
r
ie
e
s
p
u
t
b
s
e
e
rg
s th
£It ha
tland's la
o
c
S
o
t
ome
£It is h
funfair.
23 TTW Europe
Image Courtesy: www.trickerpr.com
Did you know?
Steve Harris,
Chief Executive
of VisitAberdeen
says,
Aberdeen has a strong international event and
conference heritage, and was ranked in 11th
position in The British Meetings and Events Industry
Survey in 2014 for business tourism and events. The
region benefits from excellent links to major hub
airports throughout Europe, and our global experts
based here play a key role as ambassadors bringing
their association events to Aberdeen with delegates
attending from around the world.
Our venues are a major attraction for business
visitors which offer unique locations for events from
24 TTW Europe
castles and country houses, to luxury hotels and a
purpose-built conference centre. VisitAberdeen can
help plan for a conference, advise on location,
accommodation booking and travel.
We are continuing to see investment in the region
with Aberdeen International Airport undergoing a
£16m redevelopment, plans for a new conference
centre are well underway, and proposals for 15 new
hotels in the city have been submitted. Aberdeen
offers a strong and unique meeting destination and
we don't see that changing in the long term.
Carlos Kytka
Discussion
Executive Director
Gay European Tourism Association
The LGBT tourism market have been
known for some time but only a few
destinations have understood the
enormous opportunity and have put
in place strategies, plans, operations
and budgets to make it happen.
GETA and IGLTA, in conversation
with Travel and Tour World speaks
about the various aspects of LGBT
tourism.
23 TTW Europe
John Tanzella
President / CEO, The International Gay
and Lesbian Travel Association
The Trend of LGBT Tourism in the last five years
We have grown from being a one-size-fits-all niche market to a
mature market segment divided in many niche markets. In
Europe alone when it comes to tourism, we estimate
conservatively that we are worth over €50 billion annually.
Carlos Kytka
Social changes have been rapidly translated into new products to cater to
all our diverse segmentation. In the US, the adaptation from social changes
in new products and services have been, as one expects, particularly fast.
For instance, Provincetown has created a Gay Family Week, devoted to gay
families with kids. Mainstream wedding planners have wasted no time in
offering their services to marrying couples, as well as the hospitality
industry, that extends it honeymoon packages to gay couples as well.
Tour Operators have also acknowledged our diversity and created new
tours specifically to Bears, Circuit Party goers, Lesbians, etc.
From Israel to Argentina, many more national and local governments are
creating campaigns promoting their countries and cities to us, rapidly
expanding the number of destinations competing to an ever growing slice
of our market. Places and businesses that promote themselves to us no
longer fear being tagged as “gay” but understand that having a visible LGBT
clientele is cool and help updating their brand image.
The LGBT market continues to expand and diversify. We're seeing
businesses specializing in luxury, adventure, family, and off-the-beaten path
destinations for LGBT travellers rather than just “gay travel.” We also have
seen more mainstream companies reaching out to LGBT travellers.
John Tanzella
23 TTW Europe
Where do the LGBT travellers
preferably go?
As I've just mentioned, more and more destinations
understand the size and importance of our market
segment and are gearing up to compete for our attention.
We are no longer restricted to San Francisco, Key West and
Amsterdam, but even second-tier cities are eager to learn how to
promote themselves to us.
Recently Uruguay was voted one of the most gay-friendly destinations
on earth. Who would have guessed a decade ago that a tiny South
America country would even be quoted as a gay-friendly destination?
Smaller less known towns in Spain such as Granada and Seville have
been investing a lot to welcome us. Iceland is a typical example of new
exciting destinations that are thrilling, exciting and totally prepared to
give us an unforgettable experience.
It is time now to re-think our destinations palette to include many less
known places. I speak from my own experience - some of the smaller,
less know towns are so rich in culture, sites and even cuisine, making
them an excellent and memorable travel experience for us.
Carlos Kytka
There is no one-size-fits all when it comes to the LGBT travel
world, but there are certainly stalwarts such as the Greek Isles,
Sydney, San Francisco, New York, Rio de Janeiro, and Cape Town.
John Tanzella
23 TTW Europe
Socio-economic impact of LGBT tourism
on the global travel industry
GETA undertook research to estimate, for the first time, the
size and value of European gay tourists. We believe that this
now stands at over €50 billion annually. We have combined
this with other research to reach a global spend on LGBT
tourism of around $190 billion each year.
This sounds like a huge amount – which it is - but it has to put in the
context of an annual spend of $1.3 trillion according to the World Travel
and Tourism Council.
Carlos Kytka
So we need to promote the additional features that make it worthwhile
for companies and destinations to attract LGBT tourists. The most
important of these is the fact that generally LGBT tourists are not
restricted to school holiday travel so we are perfect for those difficult low
seasons. We are also relatively easy to market to with much defined
media we read and clear messages that attract us.
In the Spring of 2015 GETA will be launching a White Paper on just this
issue. On the back of this we are in discussion with the European
Commission about undertaking joint research which will demonstrate to
the holiday industry the importance of LGBT tourism.
Collecting data on the industry is key, both locally and globally.
John Tanzella
23 TTW Europe
LGBT tourism in terms of travel business
and the role of GETA and IGLTA
First of all, membership of GETA is free of charge. So,
there is no reason why those companies who wish to
understand our market segments and get more involved
in it should not join.
We provide a series of free platforms where businesses can learn from
us - through our GETA GURU - and also by contacting other GETA
members. By learning and implementing good practices businesses
will be able to improve their offers and attract more LGBT clients.
It is all about appealing and reaching LGBT clients in the right way.
Many hotels owners new to our association think that they need to
change their products dramatically. That is far from the truth. It is all
about adapting what you have to cater for our needs. We are a very
rewarding clientele. When we encounter a service provider that
shows knowledge about us and the product and services correspond
to our needs we are more than happy to return our custom.
Carlos Kytka
Also, not only travellers can profit from our consumer website.
Businesses can see what other businesses are doing to attract us and
learn from them.
John Tanzella
23 TTW Europe
We want LGBT travellers to feel like the entire world is open to them,
so it's very important to us to help businesses in emerging
destinations to join our global network. We've established the IGLTA
Foundation to assist with outreach in places that don't have
governmental support for LGBT tourism.
Impact of social media on LGBT tourism
We have our GayWelcome Facebook page and twitter
(@getaeurope) which we use to promote gay travel ideas and news
and we publicise GETA activities on masses of gay facebook pages.
But we concentrate most of our efforts on our two websites and
everything we do it reflected within them.
Carlos Kytka
We promote our member businesses each week via Facebook, Instagram
and Twitter to spotlight LGBT travel options around the world. We also give
away trips through a variety of social media contests.
John Tanzella
23 TTW Europe
Difference between LGBT tourism
and traditional tourism
In the same way an Italian restaurant is different from a
Mexican restaurant. There are some basic underlining
characteristics such as good services and products but try to
mix LGBT groups with others and it does not work. If you
have decided to go on a LGBT holiday is because you wish to be with
like-minded people. In the same way that if you have decided to eat
Italian food, you will not be very happy with Mexican food, regardless if
it is the best Mexican food in the world. It's just not what you have in
mind. Of course we all mix together and enjoy many open-for all tours,
but if you booked a LGBT experience, you do have different
expectations. That has less to do with taboos of the society than it has
to do with managing expectations.
Carlos Kytka
The LGBT segment is different in that we are welcomed in some places
and abhorred in others – to the point that there are legal penalties
against us. That's why IGLTA is still relevant after 32 years. There is still
a long way to go in the fight for global visibility and acceptance.
John Tanzella
23 TTW Europe
How is GETA/IGLTA stepping forward to
create value for LGBT travellers
We at GETA have created a dedicated consumer website full
of information, events and news that are geared to keep us
travelers well updated with trends, politics, events,
destinations, tours and almost everything important to create
an informative travel choice.
This is now the most comprehensive website for LGBT travellers to and
within Europe.
We also send a weekly newsletter to all our subscribers covering
everything to do with gay travel, particularly in Europe.
The aim of the website is to help LGBT travelers get the most from their
trip in Europe. They can look at top gay destinations, choose from over
4,000 gay and gay friendly hotels, check out events across Europe and
read about all the top European gay and travel news. We also provide
travel safety tips, having teamed-up with the British Government's
Foreign and Commonwealth Office to be partners of the FCO's "Know
Before You Go" programme, which you can see at www.geta-europe.org
John Tanzella
23 TTW Europe
Carlos Kytka
Our website is designed as an LGBT-friendly trip-planning resource. Our
members are located in 80 countries. Travelers will find everything from
welcoming hotels to travel agents that can do all of their planning for
them; we also offer discounts, events listings, and media resources.
IGLTA participates in global trade shows and is active on social media, where we
often give away travel prizes from our members as well.
Travel News
London tops Google poll of most searched for
city by US students
China to build international tourism zone with
Russia and North Korea
The in-depth analysis that places London ahead of
Paris, Barcelona, Berlin and Singapore as the
favourite place for US students to study will be
announced by the Mayor of London who is currently
leading a trade mission to the United States aimed
at strengthening economic and cultural ties between
London and the US. The research will also reveal
that universities in the 'Golden Triangle' of London,
Oxford and Cambridge dominate internet searches.
Google's Education team analysed US internet
searches during 2014 focusing on international
student destinations and found that:
London is the most searched for city by US students
looking for higher education options outside North
America. The most popular cities worldwide are
London, followed by Paris, Barcelona, Berlin,
Singapore, Amsterdam, Rome, Dublin, Hong Kong
and Oxford.
15 UK universities, five from Australia, two from
Korea and one from China are in the top 30. UK
universities make up 8 of the top 10 most searched
for universities with Oxford and Cambridge at #1 and
#2 respectively. Five London universities are in the
top 10. Only Dublin and the Australian National
University feature from outside the UK.'Universities
in London' is the most popular term amongst all
generic searches made by US students relating to
international study.
A new international tourism zone is soon to come up
in the north eastern border of China sharing area
with Russia and North Korea.
A blue print will be drawn this year for the Tumen
River Delta international where the tourism zone is
scheduled to be build. The river divides China and
North Korea.
The tourism zone would involve the three countries
of China, Russia and North Korea. This would be a
visa free zone where people could indulge in duty
free shopping as reported by a local Chinese media
Xinhua.
The Director of Jilin Provincial Tourism
Administration said that other neighbouring
countries, South Korea, Japan and Mongolia will also
be a part of the free tourism zone in the future. They
will join the area through highways, rail and air
routes.
The proposal was put forward by the Hunchun city
government in Jilin in 2013. North Korea is hoping to
attract more tourists with this plan and they are
looking forward to economic gains once this tourism
hub is established.
Some Chinese tourists still visit the North Korea to
recall how their own country was before it opened
to the outside world in the 980s. However most
Chinese tourist are still more attracted to visiting
western cities of Paris, London or New York. China
remains to the most important ally of North Korea,
though several disturbances in the border area have
frequently tested China's kinship with North Korea.
33 TTW Europe
'Dynamism' of U.S. Travel Sector Outlined in
State of the Industry Address
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger
Dow recently delivered the State of the Travel
Industry address via a video message to the
industry, in what is intended to become an annual
series.
Dow extolled the industry's above-average growth
rate, emphasized the need to enact travel-friendly
policies to keep travel thriving and underscored U.S.
Travel's ongoing commitment to monitor conditions
and trends. Excerpts from Dow's remarks are
included below.
On the industry:
“Travel continues to be an economic powerhouse.
The dynamism of our industry was on full display
last year, setting records across the board—2.1
billion domestic trips; 74 million in international
visitors; $927 billion in travel expenditures; and 8
million workers directly employed in travel jobs.”
On policy issues:
“Top agenda items include protecting and
advancing the Visa Waiver Program; improving
travel facilitation, such as the entry process; and
modernizing America's travel infrastructure and
airports.
“The U.S. Visa Waiver Program strengthens our
homeland security, as affirmed by leading security
experts through high levels of intelligence sharing
among participating nations…
“Modernizing America's travel infrastructure,
including airports and the air travel system, is
central to our nation's long-term success…This
34 TTW Europe
starts with Congress reauthorizing the Federal
Aviation Administration and the Federal Surface
Transportation programs this year.”
On economic conditions and trends:
“[T]he travel industry does not operate in a
vacuum, and we are paying close attention to
developments that could impact travel…
“Gasoline prices…have fallen to the lowest level
since May 2009. Persistent low prices are good for
travel, as people are more likely to hit the road for
trips and will have greater purchasing power for
other goods and services.
“Since mid-last year, the strength of the dollar has
increased by about 7 percent. This is good news for
Americans, but what does it mean for inbound
international travel? It would take some time for a
sustained change to the dollar to have an affect
here…[T]he cost of consumer goods here in the U.S.
remains lower compared to many other major
economies around the world.”
Source: U.S. Travel Association
Long-Haul Travel Sentiment Stays Strong And
Bodes Well For European Tourism
Despite political tensions, struggling economies and
fierce competition, travel sentiment towards
destinations in Europe remains positive for 2015.
The first results of the Long-Haul Travel Sentiment
Survey, a new joint initiative of the European Travel
Commission (ETC), the European Tourism
Association (ETOA) and the Eurail Group, show
strong potential for growth in key long-haul
markets. The survey is designed to provide the
European tourism sector with early indications on
travel demand developments from key nonEuropean markets.
Key findings for 2015:
Long-haul travel sentiment is strongest in emerging
markets: Two in three respondents from Brazil and
China are positive that they will take at least one
trip outside Latin America and Eastern Asia,
respectively, in 2015.
Boosted by a strong economy and improved
consumer spending, travel sentiment is strong in
the US. In this market, one in two respondents
plans to travel outside North America this year.
Hard economic times continue to affect Japan: The
picture looks gloomier for the Japanese market,
where only three respondents out of ten plan to
35 TTW Europe
travel outside Eastern Asia.
Europe has a strong positioning in respondents'
minds: Of all the Brazilians, Chinese, Japanese and
Americans, who plan to travel to a long-haul
destination in 2015, four in five plan to visit a
destination in Europe. France, Germany and Italy
are confirmed as top of mind destinations across all
markets. Portugal stands out as a must-see
destination for Brazilians, while the United Kingdom
is favoured by Americans.
Europe remains high on Russians' travel wish list
despite economic turbulence: Respondents from
the Russian Federation, surveyed on their intention
to travel abroad2, remain optimistic that they may
afford travel later in the year, despite a deepening
economic crisis and weakening currency. 60% of the
respondents plan to travel internationally in 2015,
of which four in five plan a trip to Europe.
Getting Candid
I
n a candid conversation with Travel And Tour World, Mr. Nick
Pilbeam, the newly appointed Travel Divisional Director of Reed
Travel Exhibitions shares some of his valuable experiences while
working in the global travel events industry for a considerable period. He
reveals some of the most imperative aspects of his career curve and how
he climbed the corporate ladder for our readers who aspire to make a
career in the global travel events industry.
Mr. Nick Pilbeam,
Travel Divisional Director
Reed Travel Exhibitions
TTW Europe: You were a part of the travel industry
for a long time; describe your experiences with British
Airways and how the experience in the aviation
industry will help you in your current position?
Mr Nick: I worked at British Airways and International
Airlines Group for 14 years in various roles, initially in
technology then moving into change management
focussing in the customer arena and subsequently
into the loyalty space. I was fortunate to work on
some ground breaking initiatives, such as the global
launch of the Avios loyalty currency, across hundreds
of countries and two major airlines frequent flyer
programmes (British Airways and Iberia). This
experience of the travel industry, change
management, having a commercial outlook with
customer orientation will be helpful in my new role
looking at how we evolve our global travel event
offering to meet the evolving needs of our customers
in dynamic and changing global context.
TTW Europe: Reed Travel Exhibitions organizes some
of the most prominent travel trade shows in the
world. How do you plan to go about your new
position?
Mr Nick: My initial priority is to engage with some of
36 TTW Europe
our top customers around the world to hear their
views on where we deliver excellent value and where
we can improve our service. I also plan to attend
many of our shows and meet our show teams around
the world. This will help inform the medium and
longer term plans with where we take our travel
offering building on the recent significant
international growth of Reed Travel Exhibitions as well
as harness and build on our learnings and positive
customer reaction to recent innovations such as the
successful launch of our new show format at IBTM
Arabia in February this year.
TTW Europe: A career curve witnesses a number of
ups and downs. Would you like to share the most
challenging project in your career?
Mr Nick: I was part of the launch readiness team for
the opening of London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5
which was very challenging, technically complex and
fascinating in terms of how airports, airlines, people,
facilities and technology all come together. The first
few days of the terminal opening were very
challenging however since then it's been good to see
the world-class performance standards delivered and
awards won by Terminal 5.
TTW Europe: You replaced Mr. Richard Mortimore
who is promoted to the position of Chief Executive.
Would you like to comment on the team work
behind the scene at Reed Travel Exhibitions?
Mr Nick: Our team at Reed Travel Exhibitions is
passionate, professional, highly experienced and
dedicated to meeting and exceeding our customer's
expectation and making our shows successful in
order to create value in bringing together the travel
industry. Our people workcollaboratively across
markets and teams to continue to deliver our shows
and develop our offering year on year.
TTW Europe:What are the most imperative qualities
an individual must have to be a successful travel
event industry professional?
Mr Nick: Fundamentally we create value by bringing
the buyers and sellers of the travel industry
togetherin a global context – it is a people and
relationship business so customer-orientation,
excellence in delivery, attention to detail and a
passion for the travel industry are some of the key
ingredients to success.
TTW Europe: The travel event industry is going
through a rapid change. What are the most crucial
trends in the travel events industry that you have
adapted and wish to adapt in the near future? Is
there any particular change that you personally
wanted to bring in the travel events industry?
Mr Nick: The travel events industry is certainly
changing as is the travel industry itselfagainst the
backdrop of ever increasing traveller numbers. There
are significant geographical changes in tourism flows
around the world and the digital world continues to
37 TTW Europe
have a significant impact on the travel experience. As
the global leader in exhibitions, we need to adapt
and change to continue to ensure we offer the right
format in the right place at the right time with the
right attendees to ensure our customers continue to
enjoy the value creating by our events. Recent
developments that we have delivered include rolling
out our flagship shows (WTM, IBTM World and ILTM)
to focussed regional events (e.g. WTM LATAM) to
satisfy and support regional demand. We have also
implemented a portfolio approach, to help our
customers understand and maximise the value they
get from our collection of shows in a specific sector
such as the MICE sector with our IBTM Portfolio. In
addition, and in response to evolving customer
needs, we are innovating in the format of some of
our shows, most recently launching a new 'pod'
format at IBTM Arabia in Abu Dhabi in February this
year which will also be rolled out to IBTM Americas
in a few months' time. It's too early to share what's
next in our innovation pipeline - watch this space!
TTW Europe: The renowned industry events that fall
under Reed Travel Exhibitions include the
International Luxury Travel Market portfolio, IBTM
Events, and recently announced, WTM portfolio. Are
you excited to be a part of the show floor?
Mr Nick: Yes, excited and delighted – the buzz on the
show floor of deals being done, new relationships
being formed, old relationships renewed, new
opportunities being identified and generally the
travel industry doing business at our shows is a
privilege to experience and be a part of.
Left To Right: Sultan Hamad Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri – Acting Executive Director, Tourism, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority,
Ali Abu Monassar – Owner and Chairman, The Vision Destination Management, Abu Dhabi, Shane Hannam – Sales Director – Reed
Travel Exhbitions (RTE), Nick Pilbeam – Divisional Director – RTE, Sallie Coventry – IBTM Portfolio Director – RTE, Lois Wilcox –
Exhibition Manager IBTM Arabia - RTE, Shinu Pillai – Exhibition Manager IBTM India/IBTM Africa - RTE, Anoud Khalifa – International
Promotions Executive, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority at IBTM Arabia 2015
38 TTW Europe
pe
o
r
u
E
ls
a
Festiv
There is a sense of belongingness to your land by abiding traditional
rituals. This concept is widely believed by those still preserving the
customs and culture of their land. In this segment we have featured
some of such festivals where locales dedicatedly abide by all they
have learned from their ancestors. While you read this article
explore the ancient culture of various European destinations.
Barcelona Beer Festival
When: 13-15 March
Where: Barcelona, Spain
The Beer Festival takes place in the Royal
Shipyards building in Barcelona that is dedicated
to the maritime history. Admist rich historical
surrounding you have ample options to rejoice.
There is an entrance fee for the festival so be sure
you have your tickets ready for the gala event.
Choose between more than 300 varieties of beers
that suites you the best in terms of price and taste.
The festival features some of the best national and
international beers and is the best chance to
39 TTW Europe
discover this quality produce. 2014 event have
introduced a new activity of the festival called
“Meet the Brewer”, so this year, be prepared to
meet the brewers and know how craft beer has
evolved in countries with the oldest tradition. The
BBF aims to showcase beer culture and introduce
the qualities of artisan craft beer to the guests.
Aside from tastings, the festival features other
events for entertainment.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
When: March 14 - 17
Where: Dublin, Ireland
St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual
renewal and offering prayers for missionaries
worldwide. The biggest observance of all is, of
course, in Ireland. Ireland on St Patrick's Day is
unlike anywhere else in the world. Since the
1980's, the City of Dublin's St. Patrick's Day
Parade has become a tradition for thousands in
Central Ohio. This year the St Patricks Day Festival
theme will explore the 'Present'. The parade
exhibits some of Europe's best street performers
and there's a four-day gala of world-class
entertainment. Celebration begins with the Lion's
Club Pancake Breakfast, gains momentum with
the Inflation Celebration, features the Greenest,
Grandest Parade and continues with the Dublin
AM Rotary Blarney Bash. You'll find everything
40 TTW Europe
from traditional Irish folk music to Celtic Rock and
bagpipes to Celtic harp performing during the
celebration. The city's festival incorporates a food
and crafts market, as well as music, street
performers and children's workshops.
LAS FALLAS
When: March 15- 19
Where: Valencia, Spain
Bidding adieu to winter and welcoming the
blossoms of spring, Spain celebrates one of
its popular festivals Las Fallas, attracting
visitors from all over the globe to the scenic
European city of Valencia. From 1 to 19
March, every day at 2 pm in the Plaza del
Ayuntamiento, the city vibrates to the sound
of the traditional mascletà, a display of
gunpowder explosions that beats out a unique
sound. Every night from 15 to 18 March, the sky
of Valencia is filled with the light and colour of
impressive firework displays. You can experience
the most impressive fireworks spectacle during
the “Nit del foc” at the 18th of March 2015. This
spectacle takes place in and around the Turia
Park. The effigies disguise as fallas represent
41 TTW Europe
satirical scenes and current events. Valencia's
very central bullfight is takes place throughout
the main Fallas week and attracts bullfighting
aficionados from all over the country. Tickets sell
out in advance, so communicate with your hotel
about how to get one as soon as you arrive in the
city. The Fallas are a fire festival par excellence
and it's worth visiting Valencia just to soak up the
atmosphere at Fallas time.
ROUKETOPOLEMOS
When: March 18 - April 30
Where: Vrontados, Greece
On the eastern end of Chios, situated on the blue
sea, is the small town of Vrontados that hosts the
spectacular Rouketopolemos festival. Easter in
this corner of Greece is all about fireworks.Over
60,000 rockets are fired in one night by rival
churches- Agios Markos and Panagia Erithiani.
The winning village is the one which scores the
most direct hits on their rival's church, though it is
often difficult to produce an accurate tally. While
you visit Chios, explore Classical and Byzantine
42 TTW Europe
Greece with visits to Chios Archaeological
Museum and Byzantine Museum. The fastest way
in is via a short hop flight from Athens or
Thessaloniki, but you could also take regular
ferries from Samos and Piraeus. In addition,
different European carriers offer flights to Chios
during the high summer season. This festival
attracts huge number of tourists thus supporting
economic growth in the region.
SHOW HIGHLIGHT
ROUTES EUROPE
Routes Europe, the region's largest annual route
development forum, has seen year on year growth
and in 2015 will see up to 1300 delegates,
including representation from 125 airlines, from
across Europe and beyond descend on Aberdeen
to meet and shape Europe's future networks.
Now in its 10th year, Routes Europe is the only
network planning forum for the entire region
bringing together senior delegates from airports,
airlines, tourism authorities and other industry
stakeholders to discuss air service development to,
from and within Europe. The 2015 event will take
place 12-14 April hosted by Aberdeen City and
Shire marking the first time the event will be held
in the UK.
Currently 75 airlines have already registered to
attend including every major European Low Cost
Carrier. The region's flag carriers will also be well
represented with the likes of Swiss International
Air Lines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Air France
having confirmed their attendance. In addition out
of region carriers who have registered to attend
this year's event include WestJet Airlines, Saudia
Cargo and Etihad.
43 TTW Europe
When: 12 - 14 April
Where: Aberdeen, Scotland
Along with the Face-to-Face meetings, which
are at the heart of the event, there will be a
strong exhibition element and the event will
open with the Routes Europe Strategy Summit
which will bring together thought leaders and
decision makers from across the aviation sector
to discuss some of the hottest topics affecting
aviation across the region. The Summit, which
is open to all Routes Europe delegates, will
cover topics such as Investments, Partnerships
and Acquisitions...The Changing Skies of Europe
and LCCs – the game changers in Europe. This 2
part session will explore how LCCs are Europe's
Growth Engine followed by a look at how legacy
carriers are competing with LCC growth.
Confirmed speakers so far include Michael
Haendel, Director, Network Planning for the
Lufthansa Hub MUC; Jens Boyd, Group Director
Long Haul Network and Revenue Management
for Thomas Cook Group Airlines; Simon
McNamara, Director General of European
Regions Airline Association (ERAA) and
Fernando Estrada, Strategy & Alliances Director
for Vueling.
WTM AFRICA
WTM Africa 2015 is just around the corner and
with a remarkable events programme in store,
Africa's leading business-to-business inbound and
outbound travel exhibition is a must-attend event
for all travel industry professionals. Taking place in
the beautiful city of Cape Town between 15 and 17
April 2015 at the CTICC, WTM Africa 2015
promises to deliver unlimited networking
opportunities, strengthen existing industry
relationships and help close business deals.
Based on the magnitude of the 2015 show, the
extended 3 day event programme will allow
visitors and international buyers more time and a
substantially bigger pool of exhibitors to form
integral relationships with. The strategic platforms
available such as the tactical networking sessions
specifically designed to cater for travel
professionals, the WTM Buyers Club, the Hosted
Buyers Programme as well as the world-renowned
WTM Africa exhibition ensures key quality
relationship building. This expansion will allow for
further economic growth in both local and
international markets and is pivotal in taking the
travel industry to the next level.
Adding to WTM Africa's already impressive 2015
44 TTW Europe
When: 15-17 April
Where: Cape Town, South Africa
line-up is the prestigious Hosted Buyer
Programme. This programme offers carefully
selected travel industry buyers the opportunity
to directly engage with WTM Africa exhibitors.
Travel professionals can expect to choose from
over 400 exhibiting companies with whom to do
business, interact with likeminded individuals
from over 60+ countries around the globe
including other parts of Africa, attend debates
and seminars and listen to topical and beneficial
talks from a vast array of speakers covering tothe-point topics that have a direct impact on
the business of travel.
Exhibitors can expect to meet with hosted
buyers on pre-set compulsory appointments
and have access to Buyers Club members and
other visiting travel professionals. Exhibitors will
be rubbing shoulders with the crème de la
crème of the industry, have the opportunity to
attend the speed networking sessions, attend
social engagements and events and participate
in the conference and seminar sessions.
WTM Latin America
When: 22-24 April
Where: Sao Paulo, Brazil
New exhibitors from Portugal, Italy, Lithuania,
Turkey and Switzerland have already secured their
participation in the third edition of WTM Latin
America, which last year generated $341 million in
business deals during the event and in the months
that followed.
including well known car rental provider Europcar
International, France's Tourism development
agency ATOUT France, Slovenia's National Tourist
Board SPIRIT Slovenia and regional tourism
organizations of Dubrovnik and Zagreb, from
Croatia.
Top Atlântico SA, the well-known Portuguese tour
operator will be present at WTM Latin America
2015.
Lawrence Reinisch, Director of WTM Latin
America, said: “I'm delighted to see so many new
exhibitors from Europe sign-up for WTM Latin
America 2015 and also so many exhibitors
returning.
Italy will be represented by Italian Tour Operator
Gartour (HTS grp) and RusconiViaggi, an inbound
tourism specialist and Delta Tours, a wellestablished tour operator from Lithuania will also be
exhibiting for the first time.
The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce joins as a new
exhibitor for 2015 to promote the historic and
cultural Turkish city as well as leading travel service
provider Heysem Tourism & Travel.
The leading network of Inbound and Outbound
Travel Agencies based in Switzerland, the World
Association of Travel Agencies, will also be
exhibiting for the first time.
These new exhibitors join other European exhibitors
who are returning after a successful event in 2014,
45 TTW Europe
"This year's event will be bigger and better,
facilitated by the new, more convenient, location
and the number of new exhibitors that have
signed up. WTM Latin America 2015 will no
doubt lead to more business being concluded as
a result over the three days. “
SHOW REVIEW
PATA Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart
Venue: Royal Banquet Hall, Thimphu, Bhutan
Dates: February 4 to 6
The PATA Adventure Travel and Responsible
Tourism Conference and Mart 2015 (AT&RTCM
2015) in Thimphu, Bhutan successfully ended on
Friday, February 6, 2015, with the Honourable
Prime Minister of Bhutan, His Excellency
Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, announcing that
Bhutan will become a member of the Pacific Asia
Travel Association (PATA).
47 TTW Europe
Organised by PATA and generously hosted by the
Tourism Council of Bhutan, the three-day niche
event, under the theme “Explore Beyond Tourism
– Celebrate Happiness”, follows up on the success
of AT&RTCM 2012 held in Paro, Bhutan, which was
the first international travel trade event to be held
in the country.
conference brought together
19 speakers from 10
countries, including 12
CEOs/Founders and 3 startsups.
The highlight of the event was
the keynote speech from
Dasho Karma Ura, President
of the Centre for Bhutan
From the left Mario Hardy, Andrew Jones, Paul Pruangkarn Studies, who leads all studies
related to the philosophy of
Gross National Happiness and
PATA CEO Mario Hardy noted in his welcome speech
developing the indicators for its measurement.
that, “The aim of these events is to bring together
tourism professionals involved in adventure travel and In his address, he shared his views on the
responsible tourism to discuss creating new
country's idea of Gross National Happiness (GNH),
opportunities for promoting environmental protection particularly its nine domains (Health, Living
and social sustainability within the industry.”
Standard, Education, Ecological Diversity &
“As we see the potential for significant growth in
adventure travel and responsible tourism in the
coming years, new destinations have the opportunity
to market themselves to these travellers as truly
unique experiences,” added Mr. Hardy.
Resilience, Good Governance, and Time – Use,
Cultural Diversity & Resilience, Community
Vitality, and Psychological well-being) and the 33
GNH indicators. Through these ideas, he
explained how the country linked national
philosophy to tourism.
AT&RTCM 2015 began with a one-day conference
where over 200 delegates from 30 countries were
given the opportunity to hear from a diverse line-up
of international speakers on creating new
opportunities for promoting environmental protection
and social sustainability within the industry. The
At the conference, topics ranged from the
Traditionalists vs the Disruptors, Engaging with
Today's Millennial Traveller, Future Trends of
Adventure Travel, and Successes and
Challenges in Community Based
48 TTW Europe
Tourism, and heard from established and
experienced travel professionals such as Mandip
Singh Soin Founder & Managing Director, Ibex
Expeditions Pvt Ltd, India; Willem Niemeijer,
Founder & CEO, Khiri Travel Group; Stewart
Moore, Chief Executive Officer, EC3/EarthCheck;
and Ford Cochran, Director of Programming,
National Geographic Expeditions; as well as those
who are advancing the notion of a sustainable
tourism future, such as Ian Ord, Founder and
Creative Director, Where Sidewalks End Travel Inc;
Mike Beunder, CEO, WithLocals, Netherlands;
Kelly Tompkins, Founder & CEO, Adventure Link;
and Michael Kwee, Coordinating Director, Banyan
Tree Global Foundation.
Companies both large and small were also well
represented including
TripAdvisor, Lonely
Planet, World
Nomads, Triip.me,
and the Banyan Tree
Global Foundation.
By bringing together
such a dynamic and
diverse group of
speakers, the
Association hopes to
highlight the need to
discuss, analyse and
49 TTW Europe
share various ideas
with both the public and private sector in
planning, building and promoting a sustainable
tourism product.
To highlight PATA's commitment in promoting
local culture and heritage, as part of the
conference programme the Association included a
cultural workshop coordinated by the Tourism
Council of Bhutan. Conference delegates were
able to take part in Khuru, the traditional dart
game played by the Bhutanese.
On the last day of the event, PATA was especially
honoured to have the Prime Minister of Bhutan,
the Honourable Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay,
deliver a welcome speech to the Mart delegates.
He noted that this year has been declared “Visit
Bhutan 2015” to commemorate the 60th
anniversary of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck
the 4th King. He stated that, “Visit Bhutan is about
celebrating a great man, the architect of unique
tourism in the world.”
“Tourism in Bhutan isn't about money or numbers
or about us, it's about the journey through Bhutan
and one-self, a journey that guests can cherish
throughout their lives,” added His Excellency
Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay.
During the Mart portion of the event, PATA
welcomed 62 sellers from 36 organisations and
eight destinations including Bhutan, Bangladesh,
India, Mongolia, Nepal, Singapore, Solomon Islands
and Thailand, as well 37 buyers from 37
organisations and 14 source markets, including the
United States, Canada, France, Finland, Russia,
China, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New
Zealand. The delegates enjoyed a full day of high
quality buyer-seller interactions with over 700 prematched appointments. Furthermore, some 13
international media delegates are in attendance.
An opening ceremony in front of the Royal Banquet
Hall officially opened the Mart portion of the event,
and was presided over by the Prime Minister of
Bhutan, the Honourable Lyonchhen Tshering
Tobgay, and Mr Hardy.
50 TTW Europe
SATTE
When: 29-31 January
Where: Delhi, India
On 3rd February, 2015: SATTE's 2015 edition
successfully concluded in Delhi with over 650
participants from over 35 countries and 26 Indian
States and more than 12 thousand visitors (42%
increase over last year) over the three day show.
The show was validated as an industry platform
with the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Girish
Shankar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism,
Government of India amongst eminent ministers
from across the globe, ambassadors and high
commissioners of participating countries.
Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Incredible
India and the United Nations World Tourism
51 TTW Europe
Organization (UNWTO), SATTE 2015 was well
represented by Indian states and key travel
associations from both, the domestic and global
industry.
Shri Girish Shankar, Additional Secretary - Ministry
of Tourism, Government of India, highlighted that
the government would soon be adding newer
countries to the TVoA scheme. He also spoke at
large about the joint efforts by the government
working closely with the Ministry of Civil Aviation
for the utilisation of idle airstrips while road, rail
and international connectivity would be
smoothened. Apart from maintenance and
beautification of pilgrim centres, the MoT has also
been stressing on managing security as well. The
Government has launched a 24*7 Infoline-1363
(helpline number) which is currently available in
two languages, soon to be accessible in 10
languages for wider reach. Furthermore the
government will also be upgrading the India
Tourism website in the next six months with a new
look and making it more user friendly. This not
only strengthens the government's support to
Key sessions that took place at
promoting and growing tourism but also reinforces
SATTE 2015 included topics like:
the confidence of the government in its true
ŸUNWTO: Indian Tourism growth and Opportunities;
potential.
ŸIntegrated approach and unified strategy must to give
a major push to tourism;
ŸTourism- A Tool for Peace;
ŸGolf Tourism in India: Challenges and Opportunities;
ŸPromotional and Marketing strategy- Approach to
adapt to changes in the Marketplace; and
Technology, Digital and Social Media and One Common
Marketplace- The changing face of travel in India.
Facts & Figures:
Ÿ650 participants, over 35 countries and 26 Indian
states
ŸFootfalls increased by 42% over last year, 12000+
visitors
ŸBuyers from over 50 countries and 75+ Indian cities
52 TTW Europe
EMITT
When: 22-25 January
Where: Istanbul, Turkey
Breaking a new exhibitor and visitor record, 19th
EMITT Exhibition, with the participations of71
countries and 4.550 Exhibitor Company and
regions, had a wonderful exhibition. With 64.350
professionals worldwide, and with 77.750
travellers, EMITT has been visited by a total
of142.100 people.
19th Edition of EMITT took place between 22-25
January 2015, and has brought MICE,Winter and
Outdoor Sports Tourism to the spotlight and set
new records regarding both professional and
traveller visitors.
53 TTW Europe
Growing each year, EMITT once again became a
meeting point for countries worldwide. More than
71 countries including Italy, Bahrain, UK, Bulgaria,
Russia, Croatia, Brazil, Slovenia, Mongolia, Belarus,
Uzbekistan, Latvia, Montenegro, Germany,
Macedonia, Mauritius, Azerbaijan, Egypt, France,
Tunisia, Greece, Vietnam, Maldives, India, Korea,
Lebanon, South Africa, Thailand, Seychelles, Malta,
Yemen, Georgia, Argentina, Cuba, Kuwait and Iran
took place in this massive event.
Worldwide Tourism Professionals met with EMITT
EMITT Exhibitions Professional Exhibitor Profile is
as follows: 11% agencies and tour operators, 17%
hotels and holiday villages, 12% foreign exhibitors,
24% regions, %3 Rent a Cars, airlines, ground
services, 2% national and international press, 3%
education and cultural professionals, 7% eco,
health and golf tourism, 5% business world and
MICE professionals, 5% schools, restaurants and
equipment professionals, 2% technology,
reservation and banking professionals and 9%
professionals from various sectors.
MICE Tourism became a brand with EMITT for the first time
At 19th EMITT Edition, a special hall was assigned
to congress tourism with the MICE HALL name, and
Turkeys great opportunity and potential for the
congress tourism was presented to the exclusive
exhibitor profile with a creative concept.
Outdoor Sports enthusiasts discovered Turkey
At EMITT 2015, in the giant hall assigned to the
winter tourism, outdoor and nature sports took a
great place. EMITT has brought the best
destinations, facilities and equipment
manufacturers for rollerblade, mountain bike, delta
wing, camping, canoeing, skiing, mountain
trekking, model planes, bungee jumping, rafting,
paragliding, scuba diving, skateboarding, skydiving,
54 TTW Europe
snowboarding, trekking, water skiing, windsurfing,
orienteering and caravan with the domestic and
foreign corporations and visitors.
EMITT has played a great role in the tourism
promotion of Turkey for long years and it currently
holds the title of 5th biggest tourism exhibition in
the world. EMITT will continue to maintain its
role with new concepts and innovations.
CONVENTA
When: 20-21 January
Where: Ljubljana, Slovenia
With new dimensions, new opportunities and a new
personal best, the seventh edition brings to
Ljubljana the highest number of international
meetings planners and meeting providers in the
history of the show. Miha Kovačič, Director of
Slovenian Convention Bureau and Organizer of
Conventa: “The 7th edition calls itself New Europe
and it comes big. We broke all the records again this
year. More than 130 exhibitors from 15 countries
are presenting their offer to more than 160 carefully
selected hosted buyers from 31 countries. Although
we exceeded all expectations, Conventa is all about
quality, not quantity.”
55 TTW Europe
Petra Stušek, Acting Managing Director at Ljubljana
Tourism, added: “As the host destination and a
partner of the main organiser since its inception,
we do not perceive the Conventa Show just as an
important regional meetings industry business
event that has established itself on the European
market. Over these years we have strived to
support Conventa's development and growth and
recognised it as one of our most important
marketing projects at the destination level, through
which Ljubljana is strengthening its brand and
position on the international meetings industry
market and wider.”
Organizers are proud to be able to say the seventh
Conventa tops all previous shows. Miha Kovačič
emphasized: “We have invested all of our
knowledge, positive energy and passion
into making this year's Conventa another
success. The aim of Conventa is to offer the best
possible Return on Investment for all participants.
Every activity is aimed for that goal. We are proud
to present several novelties at this year's show.”
And the biggest novelty is definitely the fact that
the show has opened up to the meetings offer of
New Europe. Together 15 countries has exhibited at
the show. The exhibition floor at GR - Ljubljana
Exhibition and Convention Centre has been
occupied by 135 meeting providers, most of them
coming from Slovenia, Austria and Croatia. For the
first time ever organizers have welcomed also
countries like Greece, Azerbaijan and Russia.
56 TTW Europe
ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) and TRAVEX 2015
When: January 22 - 29
Where: Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
‘Mingalaba’ is how you greet someone in
Myanmar, and so did the entire nation to all the
foreign delegates, exhibitors, buyers, and
members from the media. ASEAN Tourism Forum
(ATF) held in Nay Pyi Taw in January 2015 hailed a
promising platform for travel trade professionals
57 TTW Europe
and the member nations ushering new tides of
hope and peace through mutual tourism policies.
More than 1,500 travel & tourism executives and
government officials from within the ASEAN
region and around the world assembled in Nay
Pyi Taw making it a landmark event in many ways.
The highlights of the show were:
ŸMyanmar, the host nation
of ATF 2015 completes
Ÿthe entire circle of 10
member countries which
have hosted the ATF since it
was first held in Malaysia in
1981. The conclave also
marked the presence of Nay
Pyi Taw as a convention
venue in the ASEAN tourism
industry.
ŸThe theme of the event
was peace, prosperity and
partnership among the member
nations and the week-long conclave conducted
imperative meetings and plans among ministers
and tourism officials of the member nations to
promote the premise of the 3 P's.
ŸThis year marked the completion of the 2011-15
ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan and the launch of
the new plan for the term of 2016-2025 will be
announced at the 18-25 January 2016 ATF in
Manila.
ŸATF celebrated the 40th anniversary of the end of
Vietnam War which allowed peace to prevail in
Southeast Asia and consequently the rise of the
ASEAN.
ŸATF Travex proved quite enterprising for the
Myanmar tourism industry. The delegation of 143
exhibitors from Myanmar which is nearly 305 of
58 TTW Europe
the total 415 was perhaps the largest ever till date
for Myanmar.
ŸFinally, ATF 2015 witnessed the launch of the
integrated ASEAN Community, designed to be a
borderless, seamless economic powerhouse that
will capitalize on the combined strength of 650
million people to promote its overarching concept
of creating “One Vision, One Identity and One
Sharing and Caring Community.”
The ATF 2015 offered supreme opportunity for the
visitors to track past progress and plan what-next
within the rapidly-evolving context of the new
local, regional, and global realities.
Calendar Of Events
4-8
March
ITB BERLIN
Berlin, Germany
http://www.itb-berlin.de/en/
Cruise Shipping Miami
Miami,U.S.A
www.cruiseshippingevents.com/miami
14-17
March
Intourmarket
Moscow, Russia
http://www.itmexpo.ru/en/
ROUTES ASIA
Kunming, China
http://www.routesonline.com/events/
173/routes-asia-2015/
13-16
March
59 TTW Europe
16-19
March
Hospitality 360
Singapore
http://www.hospitality360.com.sg/
15-17
March
16
March
Moscow International Mice Forum
Moscow, Russia
http://www.miceforum.ru/
MITT
Moscow, Russia
http://www.mitt.ru/ru-RU
19-20
March
MICE CCMIT
Hangzhou, China
http://www.merisisasia.com/ccmit2015/index.html
UITT
Kyiv, Ukraine
http://www.uitt-kiev.com/
March
nd
30-2
April
60 TTW Europe
18-21
March
Hotelex Shanghai
China
http://www.hotelex.cn/en-us/
25-27
March
2-4
April
AITF
Baku, Azerbaijan
http://www.aitf.az/2015/
ROUTES EUROPE
Aberdeen, Scotland
http://www.routesonline.com
/events/174/routes-europe-2015-/
13-15
April
IBTM AFRICA
Cape Town, South Africa
http://www.ibtmafrica.com/
COTTM
Beijing, China
http://www.cottm.com/
15- 17
April
61 TTW Europe
12-14
April
WTM Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
http://www.wtmafrica.com/
14-16
April
16- 18
April
SITT
Novosibirsk, Russia
http://www.sitt-expo.ru/ruRU/home.aspx
KITF
Almaty, Kazakhstan
http://www.kitf.kz/en/
22-24
April
WTM Latin America
Sao Paulo, Latin America
http://www.wtmlatinamerica.com/
3rd Russia Hotel Expansion Summit
Moscow, Russia
http://russia.hotelandresortsummit.com/
23-24
April
62 TTW Europe
22-24
April
23
April
6th China Hotel Strategic Innovation
And Expansion Summit
Shanghai, China
http://www.noppen.com.cn/upcoming/L1521/index.asp