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Welcome to the Sixth Issue
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Dear Reader,
Things are certainly hotting-up for summer and we're busy here at Travel Contacts. As always, we have been liaising consistently with our Members to ensure that we can work towards the latest and current needs of the MICE industry wherever in the world you want to take your next conference or incentive.
Following a successful stint at IMEX in April, we were pleased with the results cited by IMEX: "The total buyer increase was 5.3 per cent against the previous year with hosted buyer and trade visitor numbers up to 8,751 (2007: 8,310). Much of this increase was attributed to a higher number of hosted buyers attending from markets outside of Western Europe; plus a 10.5 per cent increase in the number of German trade visitors attending."
Travel Contacts shared the stand with a record number of its members and enjoyed two International Tasting Events on the booth over the course of the show.
In other news this issue, we are pleased to welcome our new member DMC for Japan - TopTour Corporation presents this thrilling destination. Also in this newsletter you will find updates from many of our member companies, all of whom can be contacted directly or through our website.
As always, please take the time to visit www.travelcontacts.com for regularly-updated information on each of our exclusive members or email me directly on jo@travelcontacts.com.
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TOPTOUR CORPORATION joins Travel Contacts to exclusively represent Japan
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Established in 1956, TopTour Corporation has a well-established network of connections in Japan that allows us to deal with customer requests quickly and efficiently making sure our clients get the right balance of value and quality.
"We have experience handling incentive tours, meetings, conferences and events for some of the largest technology and manufacturing companies around the world," said Richard Sunley. "Due to our partnership with TopTour Corporation in Japan and our dedication to providing our customers with exactly what they desire, we also have the flexibility to deal with a range of requests from the most detailed to the most general for groups both small and large. We are currently organizing a conference in Japan for medical professionals and we have recently completed several incentive tours to Japan for major international manufacturing companies.
"As a destination for M.I.C.E. activities Japan is second to none. Japan can provide conference venues to cater for groups of all sizes, unparalleled service towards all visitors, smooth and efficient systems of transportation/communication and prices lower than many countries in Western Europe. Major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Kyoto, Kobe and Sapporo are particularly well equipped for handling M.I.C.E activities."
For further information please visit www.tteuk.com .
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CUSTOMS CONVENTIONS, New Orleans, invites you in a Culinary and Cultural Adventure!
Experience New Orleans; discover everything from its robust colonial history to Creole culture, from piracy to architectural masterpieces, its food, music, antiques, and literary history while enjoying its gumbo of legend and truth. In Louisiana the colonial empires of France, Spain, and, to a lesser extent, Britain all intersected with the emerging American nation. The city of New Orleans was a mature, distinctly European colony for almost a hundred years before the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
The city's intertwined European, Latin American, and African-American cultures have created a melting pot of culture, architecture, food, and music. Famous for its food, dishes have derived from centuries of amalgamation of local Creole, haute Creole, Cajun and New Orleans French cuisines. Local ingredients, African, Cuban, French, Spanish, Italian, and Cajun influences and traditions have combined to produce a truly unique and easily recognizable New Orleans flavour.
Some of the finest restaurants in the United States are in New Orleans, many featuring Creole cuisine. But good eating is not limited to fine dining; there is a wide range of food choices available in many different types of venues. The creativity that sprung from the amalgamation of cuisines resulted in the creation of dishes unique to New Orleans, revered and still popular today, among them; the Muffuletta, the Po-Boy, Beignets, Crawfish Boil, Debris, and King Cake. Even the lowly hot dog gets a New Orleans treatment by the ubiquitous Lucky Dog carts found in the French Quarter.
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The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Tour itinerary provides an intimate look at New Orleans, beyond the usual sightseeing experience. The tour highlights the history of the city and the cultural and creative elements that shaped it, with an emphasis on city's alluring, complex flavours and aromas.
Enjoy a view of New Orleans history, culture and creativity through its legendary and unique restaurants and bars. Learn how the diversity of cultures shaped the city's cuisine, along with the creation of famous cocktails.
For more information or a sample programme visit www.customconventions.com.
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Discover the origin of 'Grüner Veltliner' - WELCOME TOURISTIC presents First Class Wine and Gourmet Tours within Austria.
Welcome Touristic opens the door to top Austrian winemakers. Private tours guided by wine experts, overnights in first class hotels and famous Austrian cuisine served in fine restaurants make these arrangements an unforgettable experience.
Wine has been growing in Austria for more than 2 Million years, nowadays Austrians vineyards are mainly located in UNESCO World Cultural Heritages! Around Vienna, between Wachau and Burgenland, you will find excellent wine estates in beautiful and diversified landscapes.
Austria is famous for its romantic castles and ruins along the countryside but not to forget the architecture at vineries. From historical cellars existing since centuries to modern style wine estates, you will find everything in a narrow area around Vienna.
Did you ever wonder what the term "peppery fruit" meant when describing a typical Grüner Veltliner? Discover the origin of our favourite drink while having a conversation with the wine-maker.
Our tours can be arranged for every group size, starting with 2 persons and are an ideal incentive for top customers or executive meetings!
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ESCAPADE TRAVEL EVENTS & INCENTIVES Egypt acquires a second Nile Cruise Vessel.
Escapade Travel/Escapade Nile cruises have now acquired a second five stars Nile cruise ship. The ship has been operating since several years, but we are totally renovating all furniture, carpets, glass and china ware, etc…, as well the ship's exterior.
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The ship has 56 cabins incl. 8 suites and it will be operating as of next October between Luxor and Aswan doing 7 nights cruise programs on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. This is in addition to our 5 stars superior ship "the M/S Queen of Hansa" also operating between Luxor and Aswan. For further information visit www.escapadetravel.com.eg .
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Specialised Irish DMC, ADVANTAGE ICO, highlights three of the top things to do while visiting the Emerald Isle.
1) Stay at an Irish Castle/Estate Property:
Irish Castle Hotels and estate properties offer guests the chance to take a step back in time and enjoy the unique luxury and history of a castle stay. Browse our hand-picked selection of magnificent Irish Castle Hotels and estate properties, each offering its own unique style and grace.
Irish Castles are renowned the world over for their warm Irish welcome and idyllic Irish surroundings, which when combined with stately luxury and superb cuisine, will make the guest's stay in Ireland an unforgettable experience. To add to the 'Irish Experience', why not include a Huntsman Welcome upon arrival. In most of these properties, activities such as golf, spa treatments, fishing and horse-riding are available.
2) Visit the Gap of Dunloe
Guests will be picked up at the hotel for a full day tour of the Famous Gap of Dunloe and the Lakes of Killarney. They will be transported to Kate Kearney's Cottage, where four to a car they will take a pony and trap through the famous gap to Lord Brandon's Cottage where they might encounter some local "characters" en-route.
Guests will enjoy a barbeque lunch at Lord Brandon's Cottage followed by Irish coffees. This is the site of Lord Brandons shooting lodge and the stone tower, where he used to watch for poachers. The old house, once stables and grooms accommodation on the ground floor, still stands. After lunch guests will then be taken through the spectacular Killarney lakes and back to Ross Castle in traditional style boats.
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3) Enjoy hospitality at a Major Irish Sporting Event
The thrill of sports you can experience in Ireland is more than expressible. Throughout the country a wide variety of sports are played, the most popular being Gaelic games such as Gaelic football and hurling; as well as association football and rugby union. There is also the 'Sport of Kings' - racing, which too, is very popular. By incorporating attendance with a hospitality package at one of Ireland's world class sporting events, you will truly add to any incentive programme.
For more information visit www.advantageico.com .
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DS EVENTS in Spain presents a movie rally: 'MADRID, ON THE STEPS OF PEDRO ALMODOVAR'.
Ds Events goes further with its new and exclusive programmes in all the Iberian Peninsula& Islands. In Madrid, DS Events proposes now and for the first time in Spain, a fantastic 3 days / 2 nights incentive around a complete movie rally following in the steps of Pedro Almodovar.
The rally consists of different activities which highlight the filming of a spot and which will be projected during the gala diner. Through this you will discover not only the city itself but also it's delightfully Spanish atmosphere and what people there call 'movida' - the most genuine ambiance of Spain by day and by night!
For further information about this and other exciting Spanish experiences visit www.dsevents.es.
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You are invited on a magical tour with WEDGEWOOD BRITAIN
Come and enjoy a special event in London as Madonna plays at Wembley Stadium on the 11th & 13th September!
Don't miss a rare opportunity to see Madonna and impress clients as she embarks on her 'CANDYTOUR'. Wedgewood can provide a full programme including all support services required. Tickets for this event are in hot demand, so get them while you can!
Contact Jerry Allanson on +44 20 7265 7000 or sales@wedgewood.co.uk or via www.wedgewood.co.uk .
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KONTIKI INCENTIVES Srl, our exclusive representatives in Tuscany and Northern Italy, invites you to F1 racetrack!
Are you looking for something very exciting, appealing and popular to offer to your Clients as reward in September 2008? Here you can find the answer to your needs!
We are offering you a unique weekend in Milan during the F1 Race, 12nd - 14th September 2008: two nights and three days in town with accommodation in one of the most elegant four-star hotel of the city, and the great participation in the F1 Monza Grand Prix!
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This package for minimum 16 guests includes: Hotel 4* Category, Transfer Airport/Hotel/Airport, Transfer full day Autodromo Monza, Transfer Hotel/Restaurant/Hotel, packed lunch for GP, 1 Dinner, Monza Gadget Caps, Monza Entrance Tickets, English speaking Tour Leader for 3 days, City tour + shopping. This is a great possibility to better know the town of Milan through its history and main attractions as Museums, Art, the most important Fashion Districts and enjoy a big event!
For more information please do not hesitate to contact us on +39 0289059159 or incentives&events@k-incentives.it .
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CUSTOMS CONVENTIONS, Las Vegas, host a very special event.
Custom Conventions - Las Vegas recently provided PMSA (Pharmaceutical Management Science Association) with a successful and memorable special event at Cili in Las Vegas. Cili is an exotic, South Pacific themed restaurant located on the Bali Hai Golf Club, easily accessible to the hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. The guests arrived under a spectacular porte-cochere, and entered through ornate double doors, then transported to a Balinese style paradise.
After a short transfer from Caesars Palace, guests were greeted inside the entrance by waiters with a selection of wine, beer and water. As the guests mingled, waiters passed hors d'oeuvres until the themed buffets opened. It was a beautiful evening and the spacious outdoor patios overlooking the golf course were the seating choice for the majority of guests. Guitar music filled the air, providing a pleasant background for conversation and networking. Cili provides an outstanding impression, it's one of the most outstanding locations for private gatherings in all of Las Vegas.
The décor is a visual appetizer before guests experience a menu of contemporary American Cuisine with Asian Influences, exquisitely prepared with only the freshest ingredients The richly appointed South Pacific décor features exotic relics, high arched ceilings, and a trendy "Tommy Bahamas Style" flare. The stunning design is host to several uniquely shaped dining areas, each with wrap-around patios. The full-length windows offer panoramic views of the lushly landscaped golf course completed with rolling hills, swaying palms, gentle waterfalls, and a background of mountains glowing in the sunset during evening events.
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Custom Conventions can assist with special event arrangements at Cili and other unique special event venues in Las Vegas. Visit www.customconventionslv.com for further information.
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Our exclusive Chinese members, DESTINATION CHINA, present the Chinese beach paradise of Sanya.
So when was the last time you went to Hawaii… in China? Yes believe it or not, China has its own version of Hawaii. Pristine beaches, beautiful resorts, great golf course and one of the most important things, easy access.
Why is that? Because coming from international destinations (Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul or by charter) into Sanya as a group is Visa free if your guests are one a now list of 27 selected countries. These include the USA, Singapore, Russia, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Italy, Thailand, Philippine, Indonesia, Germany, Britain, France, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Spanish, Holland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Your guests can then stay in China for 12 days.
It is usually the case that dual destination incentives or corporate/incentive mixes start with the meeting element and end with the beach. Well it may be time to re-think that philosophy for China. Let's say Sanya & Beijing. In Sanya you have many international resort hotels with exceptional meeting facilities, so why not use them. A little time for the beach, maybe a round of golf, a team-building on the beach or in the Tropical Jungle and the obligatory "Pirate Theme Beach Party".
Then off to Beijing. There is so much that guests want to see in Beijing, that holding them in a meeting room is almost a crime. There are the sites; Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace - The culture; tea ceremonies, traditional homes and entertainment - The dining… where you find the best of the East and the West and the Olympic venues. With amazing venues for Gala dinners what more can you ask for?
So for the next group. Think outside the box. Think of pristine white sandy beaches, emerald green golf courses, fun in the jungle AND the Forbidden City and the Great Wall… and its easy… NO VISA REQUIRED.
For more information visit www.destinationchina.biz.
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GB INTERNACIONAL TURISMO, Brazil, presents the Grand Amazon Cruise
In total harmony with the richest tropical ecosystem in the world, this special ship, operated by Iberostar, is a true deluxe floating hotel.
Sailing out of the city of Manaus, over 1,000 miles up the Amazon River, the Iberostar Grand Amazon offers 74 spacious cabins with private balconies (actually 72 cabins + 02 Royal Suites), all with river view, private bathrooms, hair dryer, twin and king size beds, TV, telephone, safe air-conditioning, mini bar, moistness control and music. The ship facilities include elevator, laundry, valet, paramedic, fitness centre, ballroom, Jacuzzi, two swimming pools, library, fitness centre and a meeting room for 150 persons. With guaranteed departures every Thursday and Sunday, your clients have three choices of cruises - 3-nights, 4-nights and 7-nights, all offering such entertainment as daily shore excursions, dance classes, fishing, ecological lectures on the local fauna and flora, live music and theme shows at night.
Two restaurants (Grill and Kuarup) offer the best of local and international cuisine, with the support of a pool bar and a night club bar.
Cruises are all-inclusive of excursions, all meals, welcome drink, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (national and international brands), and lectures. Transfers from the airport are not included.
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The Grand Amazon is also available for charter. Since it started sailing, we have used it for many groups (small, large and chartered), and all of our clients have given it the best possible rating. A great combination is a 3-night Grand Amazon cruise followed by 3 or 4 nights in beautiful Rio de Janeiro.
For more information and personalized proposals, please contact: info@gbinternacional.com.br
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INCENTIVE TRAVEL AND MEETINGS of Atlanta, Georgia remind us why their is such a wonderful region to visit
The following is an excerpt of an article which appeared in Time Out Magazine:
'The spring sunshine is dripping lazily through the trees of the fair and pleasant neighborhood of Atlanta's tree-lined Virginia Highlands. Dotted with chic bars, smart Victorian houses, pretty boutiques, art galleries and up market diners, this is one chilled-out 'hood to hang out in, even with a hangover.
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'Set in the heart of Georgia, on the southern stretch of America's East Coast, Atlanta takes the same time to get to, from Europe, as New York (roughly eight hours) and is cleaner, friendlier and about a hundred times more relaxed than the Big Apple. Home to Coca-Cola, CNN and the 1996 Olympics, it's now also one of the USA's prime shopping destinations with more retail space per capita than almost any other US city, a thriving gay scene (the second largest gay US city after New Orleans) and vibrant music talent - all reasons why Sir Elton has a home here, no doubt.
'More quirks and characters can be discovered in the Little Five Points neighbourhood, famed for its annual spectacular Halloween parade and string of excellent thrift stores, vinyl shops and an intriguing mix of subcultures. 'People are smiling, the vibe is seriously laidback and I'm falling hook, line and sinker for this easy-going southern hospitality.' For more information about visit Atlanta contact Andjela Kessler on andjelakessler@usaitm.com or visit www.usaitm.com.
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Our exclusive member for California, CALIFORNIA TOUR CONSULTANTS, explain why San Francisco has become one of the US' favourite cities with yet another fantastic attraction to visit.
Having opened in early June 2008, after ten years of labor -intensive planning and construction, the new Contemporary Jewish Museum stands as an architectural marvel as well as a new home for cultural heritage for the large Jewish population of the Bay Area and those interested in diverse cultures. Designed by Daniel Liebeskind in 1995, the city required that the original intricate façade of the former Pacific Gas and Electric Jessie Street Substation on Mission Street in SOMA remain intact.
The 1881 building was re-designed by Willis Polk in 1907, the year after the infamous Earthquake and Fire of 1906 leveled much of the eastern side of The City. The 63,000 square foot interior was gutted and the façade propped up to act as a defining wall for the rest of the new design. With its opening in June, this was the first time in nearly 100 years that the building was actually open to the public. Behind this classic front, and to the west side, rise royal blue metallic extensions, physical interpretations of the Hebrew letters for "Life". Soaring ceilings, vast hallways, and expansive gallery space draw the visitor's eye from wall to wall and polished floor to skylights through which sunlight streams to cast a flagstone-like path from one room to the next.
The acoustics are terrific and concerts will be sure to fill their calendar in addition to the various exhibits already lined up for the next few years. The non-collecting Museum will also be used for community and educational purposes. The plaza facing Mission Street offers additional venue space. It is nestled between St. Patrick's, one of the City's oldest Catholic Churches and the Westin San Francisco Market Street hotel. From there you can see the back of the Four Seasons Hotel and the glass façade of the Marriott Downtown. The Museum Foundation Board is made up of prominent citizens who contributed both personal and corporate funds to make this a reality for the benefit of the community. This is but one of seven new museums opening in San Francisco this year!
For more information about this and the rest of California visit www.catour.com .
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Syria already boasts some of the best food in the world, but as our member, ADVANCED TRAVEL, explained, it now also hosts the world's largest restaurant.
The 6,014-seat Damascus Gate has taken the honour from a Bangkok eatery which serves 'just' 5.000.
During the busy summer months up to 1,800 staff are employed in the 54,000 sq-m dining area and 2,500 sq-m kitchen. The open air area complete with waterfalls, fountains and replicas of archaeological ruins for the summer, and there are separate themed sections for Chinese and Indian cuisine.
(With thanks to bbc.com/news)
For more information on this and other Syrian delights visit www.advancedtravel.org .
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Our exclusive Croatia DMC, DUBROVNIK TRAVEL, highlights a new teambuilding exercise!
If you are looking for a program that will build a team spirit and boost the enthusiasm of the group, making the participants partners instead of competitors, Gastro Team Building is the right choice.
Due to our cooperation with the Croatian Association of Chefs, we are able to provide our clients with the insight to the regional cuisine and introduce thematic courses, what makes our packages tailor made and flexibile.
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Accommodation can be in small family luxurious hotels or rural households to make the event even more interesting. Groups are small, 10-20 persons, in order to guarantee an individual approach to each participant. Depending on your demands, beside a 2-4 days cooking course that includes the sommelier as well, we can organize wine degustation, arrange a meal in the best restaurants, give assistance with sports activities, provide sightseeing itineraries.
Our Gastro Team Building transforms the kitchen into a place of learning communication and collaboration, while enjoying the flavours of Croatia! For more information visit www.dubrovniktravel.com .
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GLAMOUR TOURS, our excluive Jamaican member, expands into the Caribean.
Glamour Tours, Jamaica's leading destination management tour company, recently launched operation in Cayman and Turks & Caicos offering service to the wider Caribbean.
The move came after Glamour conducted a reconnaissance of the Caribbean as well as its own operations with an eye for expansion. "Our expansion into Cayman and The Turks & Caicos is part of our re-branding exercise that we are confident will position us well to grow our business and broaden the services we offer to our clients," said Rachel Anderson, Director of Business Expansion.
Noted as a pioneer in destination and transportation management service in Jamaica, the 21-year-old company has changed its moniker from Glamour Tours that previously highlighted the tour services it provided to Glamour Destination Management, making the distinction of a complete destination experience service.
Glamour Destination Management is a full destination management company providing services in Jamaica, the Cayman and Turks and Caicos Islands.
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Equipped with luxury SUVs, Sedans and Motor coaches, tour guides and concierges, the DMC handles meeting and incentive group logistics, special events and receptive services, on-island tour operator representation, destination wedding planning, VIP airport reception and transportation, VIP luggage forwarding services, and other on-island concierge services.
For further information please contact Pampata Lawrence at Tel: (876) 953-3810 or 876-953-0762 Fax: (876) 953-3740 Email: pampata@glamourdmc.com or info@glamourdmc.com
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