All Entries in the "Topics" Category
RECOVERY IN FOREIGN VISITOR NUMBERS IS ‘’ENCOURAGING’’, SAYS VISITBRITAIN CEO
New figures showing a significant recovery in travellers coming to the UK is ‘’encouraging’’ though major challenges remain, VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe said today.
She spoke after latest figures issued by the Office for National Statistics showed that in July 2010, the number of overseas residents coming to Britain was 5 per cent higher compared with July 2009. The value of what they spent was 2 per cent higher.
Holiday visits remained steady over the past the year as a whole, but data for the three months to July shows an increase of 8 per cent. Visits to friends and relatives continue to be affected significantly, down 7 per cent compared to the corresponding period of 2009.
Encouragingly, after steep declines a year earlier, business visits have increased 3 per cent so far this year, although they remain at significantly lower levels than before the economic downturn hit.
Sandie said: ‘’These new figures confirm that international tourism to Britain is continuing to recover. Although major challenges remain, and there is some way to go before we reach the record numbers of visits seen back in 2007, it is particularly encouraging to see that inbound holiday tourism began to grow again in the past three months.
‘’The highly attractive exchange rate for sterling is a key factor behind this trend because it is making the UK very affordable for European and US travellers, a fact that VisitBritain is making a great deal of in its promotions overseas.
‘’It has now become well established that the value of spending by foreign visitors is growing at a faster rate than the volume of visitors, because the good rate tourists are getting is enabling them to spend more when they get here,’’ Sandie said.
It is significant that the recovery in visitor numbers has occurred in the run up to July, which is a crucial month of the tourism calendar. Good figures then tend to suggest that the following months will follow suit, news that will come as a relief to hard pressed tourism businesses that had to cope with a decline in overall visits over the whole of 2009.
Sandie Dawe spoke as VisitBritain launched its latest annual review which concluded that the longer term prospects for attracting more foreign tourists to the UK appeared to be looking positive. This latest hard evidence from the July figures, which is compiled from the Government’s authoritative International Passenger Survey, comes as a positive sign.
In his foreward to the review VisitBritain chairman Christopher Rodrigues said independent research had indicated that over the next decade spending by incoming visitors is forecast to almost double to £31 billion.
Tourism is already the fifth largest sector of the British economy, worth £115 billion in 2009. It is our third biggest foreign exchange earner and our fourth fastest growing industry. But Mr Rodrigues warned that the competition from other countries to entice overseas travellers is getting tougher. Many more destinations are being developed. Foreign governments see the potential for tourism and are investing increasingly in their tourism industry and its promotion.
‘’In Britain we have for many years treated tourism as a golden goose that will lay eggs without being nurtured or fed. That puts the growth potential of our industry at risk,’’ Mr Rodrigues said.
‘’ We can only hope that with a new Government the tide may be turning. In a rousing keynote speech on tourism the Prime Minister outlined plans to develop ‘the strongest possible tourism strategy’, engaging with businesses and local authorities, stimulating growth in the private sector and revisiting policies like visas, airport security and infrastructure that significantly impact tourism,’’ he said.
Mr Rodrigues added: ‘ With continued investment by the industry and focused government support, the industry can be one of Britain’s best performing sectors over the next decade, growing faster than industries like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and communications, and creating an additional quarter of a million jobs by 2020.’’
Visit Britain was ‘’well placed’’ to achieve the clear priorities the new Government has set: to harness the 2012 Games to create a permanent tourism legacy and to help Britain regain its position in the top five tourism destinations in the world, he said.
The organisation was not ‘’immune’’ from economic realities and the cuts the Government was requiring across the public sector. In the past year the organisation had continued to tighten its operations, focusing on a limited number of key marketing messages that project Britain as a dynamic and contemporary destination and in particular it had harnessed potential of the digital world to get more for less.
‘I am confident that we will come through the challenges ahead an even stronger organisation to deliver growth to inbound tourism,’’ he said.
- There are no Limits to Creativity, not Even When it Comes to Hotel ‘Souvenirs’
ROME, September 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Raise your hand if you have never looked at the slippers and little bottles of bath foam just before checking out and thought ‘anyway, they’ll never be used again’. Taking objects from hotel rooms is a fairly frequent custom that everyone stoops to at least once in their lives. But there are cases that make the news, not so much for the theft of a shampoo, but for stranger and more unusual objects; Venere.com has gathered the best stories from its hotels.
Furniture and lightbulbs
Yes, that’s right. There are hotels that have seen a shoe rack disappear, or the sliding door from the wardrobe, in one case a man dressed as a workman stole a grand piano from the hall, managing to carry out the theft totally undisturbed. It is said that one couple asked for a room near the car park, only to steal the entire furnishings and fittings from the room, loading them onto a removal van. But there are also those who simply take advantage of their holidays to steal the light bulbs from the room (0,60 EUR), without forgetting to take the bulb holder, the wires and the light fittings.
Hi-Tech
Amongst the most unusual thefts comes the list of electronic goods: stealing a telephone (even though it should be obvious that it won’t work outside the hotel) might be child’s play, but getting away with an air-conditioning unit that weighs almost 130kg seems rather more problematic. However, the truly creative thieves are those who don’t only steal the plasma TV, but in order to avoid connectivity problems, also take away the electrical cables for the DVD player. Finally, there was the person who stole a colour photocopier from a meeting hall, who we imagine had to re-enact James Bond to get round the security services.
Various
This is certainly the category in which we found the strangest objects: ironing boards, room numbers, curtains, two busts that first disappeared and then returned with a taxi – unaccompanied, flowers, a mediaeval sword, door hinges, a wooden bear more than one metre high and even a marble fireplace! But certainly the best of all is the gentleman who stole a stuffed boar head: once discovered he returned it to the hotel, but received it as a wedding gift from his friends.
Carlson Marketing and IMEX America create powerful new marketing alliance
 Organizers of IMEX America announced today that they have entered into an alliance with one of the largest marketing agencies in the world, Carlson Marketing.
On October 10, 2011, a day before IMEX America begins, the relationship, brand loyalty and engagement company, Carlson Marketing, will conduct a dedicated educational event for corporate clients and its own buyers and account executives. The exclusive Las Vegas event expects to welcome up to 100 guests, each of whom will then attend IMEX America as part of the trade show’s unique hosted buyer program. |
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| Carlson Marketing corporate clients represent some of the world’s biggest Fortune 1000 companies,chiefly in the financial services, travel, telecom, retail, consumer goods and automotive sectors. Those who attend IMEX America will be high level corporate meetings and events buyers with significant US as well as international spending power. | Watch Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX on what makes IMEX America unique and the importance of the hosted buyer program |
“We know the proven success of IMEX in Frankfurt and look forward to an energizing and productive North American show in 2011. We are excited to be involved in the first IMEX America. We know that travel engages and motivates, which makes this show an excellent fit for us and our clients,” said Fay Beauchine, president, Engagement & Events, Carlson Marketing.
Ray Bloom, IMEX Group Chairman, explained: “Our agreement with Carlson Marketing sends another strong signal to the worldwide meetings, events and incentive travel industry that we are serious about making sure that IMEX America delivers high level business opportunities for all its exhibitors. Carlson Marketing’s client base of Fortune 1000 companies, plus the company’s unquestioned authority in the market is yet another stamp of approval for the show and demonstrates our ambition to make a big impact from day one.”
The involvement of Carlson Marketing complements several alliances already announced. These include many of the major hotels groups including Intercontinental, Marriott and Starwood along with travel, meeting and incentive companies such as Conference Direct, Experient, HelmsBriscoe, Global Cynergies, HPN, Maritz Travel and Northstar Meetings Group.
FOOTBALL AND FASHION LURE MORE GULF REGION TOURISTS TO THE UK – VISITBRITAIN
The number of tourists coming to the UK from the Gulf Region has jumped, according to a new report from VisitBritain.
Some 494,000 people from the Gulf Region made trips to the UK in 2009, up 9 per cent on the year before.
Tourists from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates say they are particularly attracted to the UK by the opportunity to shop for fashion and luxury goods not available at home – and the chance to watch one of Britain’s increasingly world famous Premier League football clubs.
Gulf tourism makes an important contribution to the UK economy. The average amount that visitors from the region spent in 2009 while in this country was £1,733 per person – more than three times as much as the average tourist who spent just £554.
The region was the source of 1.7 per cent of visitors to the UK in 2009 but they splashed out £856 million, 5.2 per cent of what all foreign tourists spent here.
Key reasons for the surge in Gulf Region visits to Britain include our growing reputation as a safe, well-organised country with polite, approachable people and relatively low levels of theft or fraud. Our temperate climate is seen as particularly desirable for those wishing to escape searing summer temperatures which average 45 degrees Celcius in Saudi Arabia, for example.
The new report comes as the popularity of the UK with Gulf Region investors has climbed. Qatar Holdings, the state-owned investment fund, owns the prestigious Harrods department store. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi, is currently spending money heavily to transform Manchester City FC into a team that can finally compete with its neighbour Manchester United for the Premiership crown. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company recently bought the ExCeL exhibition centre in London.
Gulf Region visitors currently have limited knowledge of Britain outside London but they find the idea of visiting other parts of the country ‘’very appealing.’’
Although Gulf Region tourists believe London is relatively expensive compared to other European destinations the cost tends to be outweighed by the cachet of being able to say they visited London and experienced Britain’s culture and heritage. Another point in Britain’s favour is that it is easy for Gulf Region tourists to communicate once they get here, since most are familiar with the English language.
When would-be Gulf Region tourists were asked where they would like to visit in the next three years, only Malaysia had a slight edge over Britain as a destination because of its rich scenic beauty. Britain’s closest rivals are, in order of precedence, France, Thailand, Singapore and the USA.
Other factors that made Gulf Region visitors choose Britain included the availability of plenty of activities for the family and the clean environment.
The increase in tourist visits to the UK comes after a sustained push by VisitBritain to sell the UK as a destination to the region. For example, in association with Tourism Ireland, it launched a major business-to-business travel trade event, Destination Britain & Ireland (Debi), in Dubai in May 2010. It was the biggest trade event of its kind in the Asia Pacific, Gulf Region, and Africa region with more than 200 key companies and travel industry specialists attending the three-day event.
Patricia Yates, Director of Strategy and Communications, VisitBritain said: ‘’The number of visitors coming to the UK from the Gulf Region has jumped significantly in the past year, partly thanks to a sustained push by VisitBritain to sell the UK as a travel destination. It is very good news that travellers from the region are increasingly attracted to our reputation as a safe, welcoming and friendly country with lots of sights, activities, adventures and entertainment to enjoy.’’
Britain’s Best ‘B&Bs’: Beer & Bed
LONDON, UK. – September 6, 2010 – Gastro pubs and 5-star hotels are all very well but what if all you really want is a good old fashioned pint of real ale in a traditional British inn? TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site*, today reveals the UK’s top 10 real ale pubs with accommodation – as ranked by real travellers through the site’s Popularity Index.
“September is one of the busiest times in the British beer festival calendar so why not really indulge your love for real ale and make a weekend break of it. These British pubs all have the winning combination for ale fans – the chance to sample the local brew with the added bonus of a nice bed for sleeping off the effects”, said Emma O’Boyle, spokesperson for TripAdvisor.
1. The Castle Inn, West Lulworth, Dorset
From Yogi Beer to Cornish Coaster, this 16th Century thatched pub has an extensive range of real ales. It’s a family-run inn that’s pet friendly and its location on the Jurassic coast next to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door make it the perfect place for a walk to work up a thirst. It was also named as East Dorset’s ‘Rural Pub of the Year’ 2010 by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “Great traditional pub, perfect for a pint with your dog.”
2. The Saint George & Dragon, Exeter, England
This traditional country pub holds a real ale festival for seven weeks until 17th September. Every year the pub searches the country to bring “7 real ales of distinction” to its doors – with one introduced every week of the festival. From new breweries like Sharp’s to the thousand year old Greene King there are ales to suit all tastes at this vintage inn festival. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “Great beer and food – try the Tribute real ale. We’ll be back very soon.”
3. The Four Mary’s, West Lothian, Scotland
The Four Mary’s Pub, famous for its cask ale, is recognised by CAMRA in the Good Beer Guide and offers 20 ales. The pub hosts the annual Cask Ale Festival which runs during the last weekend of October and will be celebrating its 24thanniversary this year. They stock the best of Scotland’s breweries, including Belhaven and Inveralmond. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “The atmosphere is lovely and there’s an excellent selection of beers.”
4. White Horse Inn, Clun, Shropshire
The landlord, Jack Limond, keeps the highest quality local ales in the cellars. The White Horse has been listed in CAMRA since 2002 and the pub holds a number of events including an annual four day ‘Booze ‘n’ Blues Festival’ and in October they are one of seven pubs that take part in the popular Clun Valley Beer Festival. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “A thriving village pub with friendly locals, excellent real ales, quality pub grub and very attentive service.”
5.The Village Pub, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
This traditional country pub just outside Cirencester is anything but a tourist destination. Recently refurbished by new owners, it’s a local pub at the heart of the village community. The food includes classic English dishes with creative and contemporary touches. There’s also a good variety of local ales. According to one TripAdvisor Traveller: “I can’t wait to go back again. The refurbished rooms are such a great improvement.”
6. The White Hart Hotel, Modbury, Devon
Serving fantastic St. Austell ales and food from locally sourced ingredients, owners Tim and Liz run a “traditional pub with traditional values”. The pub has five quirky bedrooms all named after local farms and areas and there are regular comedy and music nights.
According to one TripAdvisor traveller, “The staff are the best I’ve come across, so professional and friendly.”
7. The Fox and Anchor, Clerkenwell, London
The Fox and Anchor has been serving the traders of Smithfield Market for years. It continues to do so, but now offers clean and stylish accommodation above the traditional pub. The food is honest and well priced with hearty English dishes such as beef pie – perfect with a foaming tankard of Fox & Anchor Ale, brewed especially for the pub by the Nethergate Brewery.
As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “The best pub and hotel in London – highly recommend.”
8. Pack Horse Inn, New Mills, Derbyshire
Nestled in the hills on the edge of the Peak District, this inn offers twelve quality en-suite bedrooms. The ales change frequently and the inn has been CAMRA listed for more than a decade. There are 13 golf courses within a 6-mile radius and the inn is within easy reach of Chatsworth House and the market towns of Buxton and Bakewell. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “Beautiful surroundings, exceptional accommodation, good food and great ales.”
9. The Bull, Long Melford, Suffolk
The Bull Hotel can trace its roots back to 1450 and there is history all around, from the huge oak beams to the open fire places and large wooden carvings. There are 25 bedrooms and two suites and the pub is renowned for its exceptional service and the chef’s specialities. There is a wide variety of traditional ales and a small courtyard for outside drinking in the summer time. As one TripAdvisor traveller explains, “It’s clean, well kept and teaming with history. Also, the choice of real ales was excellent and the food was top notch.”
10. The Coach & Horses, Brixworth, Northamptonshire
The licensees, Les and Anthea, have been at the Coach & Horses for over 20 years and offer a superb selection of traditional pub dishes, priding themselves on using products sourced locally to the area. For the beer connoisseur they have a good choice of three real ales. As one recent TripAdvisor traveller sums up, “Quaint, convenient and lovable – a real gem – outstanding quality and great value”
Private Islands for Sale
The idea of owning your own island is probably a remote fantasy these days, especially after three years of economic carnage to your bank account, savings, and retirement portfolio. But who hasn’t gazed out at an island from the shore, and wondered what it would be like to own your own kingdom, tethered to civilization only by water or air? Think Robinson Crusoe. Sir Richard Branson, Johnny Depp, and Celine Dion all own their own islands.
Here are 12 islands for sale, ranging in price from just $595,000 to $3.5 million. So what would it be like?
Ram Island
Place: Machias Bay, Maine, 50 miles east of Bar Harbor
Asking Price: $595,000
Acreage: 16
Undeveloped
One tree, a few sheep, a 20 by 20 foot platform for pitching a tent, and a mooring in the cove. The rest is grass, rocks, and 360-degree views of the ocean and bay.
Treasure Island
Where: Lake Manitou in Northern Indiana
Asking Price: $775,000
Acreage: 1.25
Developed
Located halfway between Notre Dame and Purdue universities, this island on a 775-acre natural lake is a state-protected wetland. It features a one-bedroom, two-bath cottage built around 1900, but fully renovated in 1985. There’s electricity and running water, and three sides are all in windows. The property also includes a private pier area on the mainland for getting from the car to the boat.
Charlie’s Island
Where: Near Marathon, in the Florida Keys
Asking Price: $995,000
Acreage: 0.32
Undeveloped
The turquoise-colored roofs you see in the picture are open-air sitting areas with decks, chairs, and a campfire cooking area. But the island also comes with a 38-foot houseboat, not pictured here, that sleeps 4-5 people. Great reefs nearby for snorkeling. All the seafood you can eat.
Snug Harbour Island
Where: On Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
Asking Price: $1,057,000
Acreage: 3
Developed
A two-hour drive from Toronto, this island features a two-bedroom, two-bath cottage with a glassed-in porch overlooking the water, a separate guest cabin with bathroom, hot tub built into the rock outcropping, and a boathouse with deep water mooring. Running water, electric, a septic field. And it has wireless Internet access. So you could get away from it all, but still check your e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter accounts.
Krokholmen Island
Where: North Atlantic, near Bodø, Norway
Asking Price: $1,292,000 (1 million euros)
Acreage: 74 acres
Developed
Offshore retreat? Heck, this is an offshore town. The property features nine buildings including a restaurant, pub, conference center, marina, boathouses, and a hot tub. Price also includes several boats, an all-terrain vehicle for getting around the island, fishing and hunting gear, and a clay-pigeon set-up for shooting. The Gulf Stream keeps the climate here mild, despite its location in northern Norway.
Watch Island
Place: St. Lawrence Seaway, near Clayton, NY
Asking Price: $1,950,000
Acreage: 1.3
Developed
There are more than 1,400 islands in the Thousand Island region of upstate New York. But few of them come with a 6,500-square-foot mansion — ten bedrooms, four bathrooms, plus a boat house and dock. About an hour-and-a-half drive from either Syracuse or Montreal.
Little Hog Cay
Place: Near Abacos, Northern Bahamas
Asking Price: $1,950,000
Acreage: 25
Partially developed
Notice the lagoon that separates the west side of the island from the east. On the west side sits a studio home and a guest cabana with an electric generator. The east side is undeveloped. Marina and airstrip are a 15-minute boat ride away, on the main island of Abacos.
Horse Island
Place: Long Island Sound, in Guilford, Conn.
Asking Price: $2,500,000
Acreage: 0.75
Developed
Less than 2.5 hours from Manhattan, and at low tide, a short walk to the shore. The cottage has electric, city water, a septic field, and four bedrooms. The property also comes with two Boston Whalers, a Sunfish, a windsurfing vessel, and a kayak.
5 Cove Island
Place: Howe Sound, British Columbia, between Whistler and Vancouver
Asking Price: $2,950,000
Acreage: 5
Developed
A 30-minute boat ride from the city of Vancouver, this island is up for sale to developers, with an approved subdvision plan.
Summer Hill Island
Place: Lake Glenville, western North Carolina
Asking Price: $3,450,000
Acreage: 4.6
Developed
Located on a 1,500-acre lake in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, this island has a four-bedroom, four-bathroom house hidden by the forest canopy. It features a gourmet kitchen, antique pine floors, and covered decks that lead to a private dock. Asheville is an hour away. Atlanta is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away.
Hotels rethink approach to leisure business in response to corporate cost-cutting
Leisure guests will become increasingly important for hotels in the post-recession years, according to a high-level think tank in London this week.
World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, invited a dozen hotel suppliers and operators from its Meridian Club, which has 24,000 of the travel and tourism industry’s most senior buyers, to the event. The guests – all of whom were at least regional director level – represented all aspects and geographies of the hotel sector. It took place in the Directors’ Lounge at the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club.
In a wide-ranging discussion, which took place under Chatham House rules, one recurring observation was that hotels were looking more closely at leisure business in response to sea changes in the corporate travel environment.
Travel budgets for blue-chips and SMEs were slashed during the global slowdown, and the concern for hoteliers is that even if the world economy picks up, budgets will remain tight. A luxury hotelier said that many companies were now mandating that its travellers could not stay in five-star hotels, while a tour operator with a global reach said that his business was now using video conferencing as a matter of course and that this had now become “learned behaviour”.
A mid-market operator said that some of its properties in France were no longer taking bookings from the MICE sector because of the strong demand from US-based leisure travellers, while another mid-market operator said that it is benefitting from business travellers downgrading.
Responsibility for travel budget is increasingly the responsibility of the procurement department, which appears to be leading to tougher negotiations. “Corporations now want wi-fi access as part of the deal, and they are looking for free transfers, free phone calls and discounts on food and beverage which clearly affects our margins” one hotelier said. “It is possible that leisure travellers might now be more profitable than corporate guests.”
However, leisure guests are also demanding better value for money. A UK-based short break specialist said that customers were still willing to pay a good price for a break, but they wanted more for their money.
Other panellists pointed out that luxury hotels are now expected to offer all-inclusive rates to tour operators, as bigger spending leisure clients are starting to see the appeal of all-inclusive breaks.
Themes such as emerging markets, foreign exchange rates and distribution were also covered in the ninety-minute minute.
“The idea behind the think tanks is to give senior executives the chance to talk openly with one another about their sector,” said Mark Jacobsen, Marketing Manager, Meridian Club. “We will take on board what was said and use it to make sure Word Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry, is able to service the needs of all players in the challenging and dynamic hotel sector.”
American buyers see positive trends in face-to-face meetings
Meetings Industry Snapshot: Planners Express ‘Cautious Optimism’ IMEX Frankfurt exit poll reveals American buyers see positive trends in face-to-face meetings
A little over half (54%) of meetings industry specialists in the U.S. and Canada have expressed ‘cautious optimism’ about the return of meetings and incentives market, according to a recent poll taken by the IMEX Group following its Frankfurt trade show. A further nine percent said that they are ‘very optimistic.’
The poll was conducted among 200 North American buyers and suppliers in June 2010, following the conclusion of IMEX in Frankfurt, which took place May 25-27, 2010.
The poll results are good news for the U.K. based IMEX Group, which will launch its first annual IMEX America exhibition, October 11-13, 2011, in Las Vegas, at the Sands Expo at the Venetian/Palazzo Hotel.
Ray Bloom, Chairman of the IMEX Group comments, “We recently declared an increase in the hosted buyer program for IMEX America – we now expect in excess of 2000 buyers – because our partners and intermediaries have a renewed confidence in future growth. This represents an increase of more than 30 percent on our initial launch figure. Our survey findings are also in line with other recent global and US industry reports which suggests that this new found confidence is not just about mood but about real business volumes.”
The poll also revealed that Canadian planners are even more optimistic. While one in five (21%) U.S. planners doubt the meetings market is in recovery, Canadian buyers are generally convinced that already it is ‘business as usual,’ suggesting that the sector has rebounded faster because their economy and financial systems were hit less severely. As one planner explained, “Our financial system was never really in too much trouble. No banks closed, and there were few or no foreclosure increases. Business demands changed slightly but did not necessarily decline.” Another shared the opinion, “In Canada we are quickly moving out of the economic downturn…our GDP is up 6.1% already. Fortunately, perception may no longer be an issue.”
In contrast, U.S. respondents acknowledge the possibility of continuing business volatility and that recovery may only be slow. However, their confidence is underpinned by a sense that there is pent up demand for travel. Said one organizer, “We are starting to experience a resurgence in incentive programs from our customers. Qualification levels are stronger and forecasts for 2011 are stronger than 2010.” Another commented, “We are seeing an increase in the number of programs for 2010 over 2009, so that is a positive. There are encouraging small gains as well as the better reception we are receiving to our offers.”
Survey participants confirm also that their meetings and incentives tend to be short-notice, travel less far, remain value-conscious, and are simpler and more ROI-focused than those held prior to the downturn. Some argue that the formula of ‘more for less’ – frugality and less frivolity – could prove to be the new reality for many years ahead.
Site Index: Annual Survey Evaluates Extrinsic Motivators and Priorities in Motivational Program Design
The Site International Foundation is proud to present the first Site Index: Annual Survey results. At the beginning of the year I shared that this is one of the most important undertakings in the 35+ year history of Site, so I thank everyone who has participated and made the release of this study possible.
Following three topical Site Index focus studies, this annual analysis and forecast for the motivational events industry provides a broader data set of trends and reveals priorities placed on significant topics such as the strength of motivational tools (travel experiences, cash, merchandise, gift cards), ROI, buyer decisions, cruise products, green incentives and more.
The Site Index: Annual Survey reinforces the concept that motivational travel incentives as extrinsic motivators continue to be more desirable than other forms of rewards directly linked to measureable business results — and this is good news for each of you.
Read the results >> (pdf)
Euro 2012 Projects are the Main Part of Ukraine-China 4 Billion USD Investment Agreements
KYIV, Ukraine, September 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The main result of the state visit of the President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, to the People’s Republic of China is China’s commitment to invest more than 4 billion USD in the infrastructure projects in Ukraine. The projects for EURO 2012 have been the focus of the investment agreements signed during the state visit.
The major investment projects include 1 billion USD for the high-speed railway road to Kyiv-Boryspil airport, the country’s main air gateway and 700 mln USD for the construction of a steam-gas plant in Crimea. Additionally, China is going to provide Ukraine with an oil off-shore drilling station worth 200 mln USD according to a leasing agreement.
The construction of the high-speed railway connecting the main Ukrainian airport to the rail station comes in a framework of the previously signed agreement between China National Machinery Industry Complete Engineering Corporation (CMCEC) and the authorities of Kyiv-Boryspil airport. Among other Chinese investors are China Road Bridge Corporation and China Eximbank.
As the attention of many European countries towards Ukraine’s preparations for the Euro-2012 Football Championship is increasing, the Ukrainian government is making additional efforts to attract foreign investors. To improve the investment climate, the Ukrainian government has approved new legislation and launched a campaign to curb corruption. During the recent several months, a number of senior officials were arrested on corruption charges.
In July of this year, law on public-private partnership was adopted. According to the law, foreign businesses, which are involved in public-private partnerships in Ukraine, enjoy the national regime for investment and business activities and have additional guarantees protecting their investment.
After the financial crisis of 2008-2009, Ukraine’s economy has started reviving. Ukraine’s GDP has grown by 6.3% in the first half of 2010. There is also increase in industrial production, cargo turnover and construction. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development confirmed its forecast for Ukraine’s GDP growth at 4% in 2010, and improved it for 2011 from 4% to 4.1%. Inflation forecast for 2010 is 11.4% and 11% for 2011. Budget deficit will decrease to 6% of the GDP in 2010, which is an improvement in comparison to 6.4% of the GDP in 2009.
International Tourist Arrivals up 7% in the First Half of 2010: Asia Leads Growth
The first six months of 2010 saw international tourist arrivals grow by 7% according to the August Interim Update of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. This result confirms the recovery trend beginning in the last quarter of 2009 and is expected to continue in the second half of the year at a somewhat more moderate rate. The Interim Update was officially presented at the 4th UNWTO/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook (2-4 September, Guilin, China) to tourism stakeholders from the public and private sector, as well as academia.
Asia and the Middle East lead growth
International tourist arrivals are estimated to have grown by 7% in the first half of 2010. While growth was modest in April as a consequence of the closure of European airspace following the eruption of a volcano in Iceland, results were strong in May (+10%) and June (+8%). Data available for July indicates that growth is set to continue at a steady rate.
Growth was positive in all world regions, led by a robust performance of emerging economies expanding at 8% compared to 6% in advanced economies. Asia and the Pacific (+14%) and the Middle East (+20%), where results were already positive in the second half of 2009, continue to lead growth in the first half of 2010 with the majority of destinations in both regions posting double digit growth rates.
Asia in particular is experiencing a very dynamic rebound, with strong results from Sri Lanka (+49%), Japan (+36%), Vietnam (+35%), Myanmar (+35%), Hong Kong (China) (+23%), Macao (China) (+23%), Singapore (+23%), Fiji (+22%) and the Maldives (+21%). Thailand (+14%) posted encouraging results in spite of the political unrest early this year. As in previous occasions, such as the Asian financial and economic crisis (1997-1998), the SARS outbreak (2003), and the tsunami (2004), Asia has once again shown a strong capacity for recovery. International tourism has been a driving force in a region – currently the second most visited region in the world,- with 181 million international tourist arrivals (21% of world total) and international tourism receipts of US$ 204 billion (24% of world total) in 2009.
In the Americas (+7%), Central and South America show steady growth, as does North America. Growth has been slower in the Caribbean but results are still markedly improved as compared to 2008 and 2009. Europe (+2%) shows the slowest recovery but results from recent months are slightly more positive. Although recovery has not yet returned to Northern Europe, both Western and Southern Mediterranean Europe show reasonable growth. Africa (+7%), the only region to grow in 2009, maintained this momentum during the first half of 2010.
International tourism receipts are expected to lag somewhat behind arrivals in many destinations. Following major shocks, volume (arrivals) tends to recover faster than income (receipts) as travellers travel closer to home, for shorter periods of time and seek value for money, while on the supply side increased competition has been driving prices down. This was also the case following the Asian economic and financial crisis and after the 2001 September 11 terrorist attacks.
UNWTO forecasts continued growth but risks remain
Overall, international tourist arrivals totalled 421 million during the first six months of 2010, up 7% on 2009, but still 2% below that of the record year of 2008 (428 million arrivals in the same period). These results follow one of the toughest years for the tourism sector with international tourist arrivals declining by 4.2% in 2009 to 880 million and international tourism receipts reaching US$ 852 billion (€611 billion), a decrease in real terms of 5.7%. The return of growth must be thus viewed with caution given that it compares with a very weak period of 2009
Nevertheless, many destinations are setting new records, leaving behind the losses of 2009 and exceeding the 2008 levels. Compared to the first half of 2008, six sub-regions show growth: Sub-Saharan Africa (+16%), North Africa (+12%), North-East Asia (+7%), South Asia (+7%), South-East Asia (+5%) and South America (+4%).
For 2010, UNWTO maintains its initial forecast of international tourist arrivals growing by 3% to 4%. Current growth rates, coupled with an improving global economic environment suggest that end-year results are likely to be closer to 4%, and may even exceed this figure.
However, high unemployment continues to be a major cause of concern and the austerity measures as well as the rise in taxation implemented in several advanced economies to fight public deficits represent a clear challenge to many leading outbound markets.
“Although we are witnessing a clear recovery in international tourism, we must remain cautious,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai in Madrid. “In many advanced economies, namely in the USA and in some major European markets, economic recovery has still to consolidate. To this we must add the recent introduction and increase in taxation, most specifically those which directly impact the tourism sector, such as air transport taxes. While we fully understand the need to balance public accounts, one-sided decisions on taxation risk adversely impacting a sector with a proven track record for job creation and economic growth, as one of the major generators of exports earnings and income sources for developing countries, which are crucial to a stable economic recovery.”
Regional and domestic tourism key to growth
The August Interim Update was presented at the 4th UNWTO/PATA Forum on Tourism Trends and Outlook (Guilin, China), held under the theme Domestic and Regional Tourism: Issues, Opportunities and Prospects.
A large majority of international travel takes place within the traveller’s own region, with around four out of five arrivals worldwide originating from the same region. The remarkable rebound of Asia is to a large extent a reflection of the strength of the regional outbound markets. Domestic tourism is of equal importance. Worldwide the number of domestic arrivals is estimated to exceed some four times the number of international arrivals.
“With consumers tending to travel closer to home in times of downturns, domestic tourism has been experiencing significant growth,” said UNWTO Executive Director, Márcio Favilla, presenting the Update at the Forum in Guilin, China. “Coupled with regional tourism, domestic tourism can thus serve as an important driver of development and growth, in particular during times of economic uncertainty. China is an excellent example of how to foster domestic tourism,” he added.
Many countries promote actively to tap into these markets with festivals, events and special years, such as the Visit Japan Year 2010 and the Nepal Tourism Year 2011. In terms of large events, prime examples include the FIFA World Cup in South Africa last June and the Shanghai 2010 Expo, being held from May to October, and strongly boosting both domestic and inbound tourism. At the beginning of September, four months after opening, almost 50 million visitors have been counted, and close to half a million visitors are recorded each day.
Hotels.com Guest Reviews Reveal Increase in Airport Hotel Popularity
DALLAS, September 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — According to guest reviews collated by the accommodation provider, staying at an airport has gone from bleak to chic with the introduction of luxe amenities and convenient time and money saving services that rival more expensive city-centered hotels. It’s a fact that airport hotels have always given travelers the ease and convenience of being as close as possible to their gate the night before a trip, and are also known as a place to crash in between bad weather and “technical difficulties.” Hotels.com’s guest reviews show airport hotels have surprisingly exceeded expectations and have made travelers reconsider staying at airport hotels.
“Travellers today are highly influenced by the opinions of others,” commented Hotels.com Director of Public Relations, Taylor L. Cole, APR. “Many of our 1 million guest reviews are showing an increase in the approval rating for airport hotels which indicates that more often airport hotels are meeting and exceeding the needs of busy business and leisure travelers who expect savings, amenities and the convenience of an airport location.”
Staying at the airport costs on average 42 per cent* less than staying at a centrally-located downtown property. Business travelers looking to save money during these difficult economic times can trim costs by utilizing airport accommodations versus more expensive downtown hotels. Many airport hotels aim to save money for the business traveler as well as the leisure traveler by offering complimentary Wi-Fi and hot breakfast.
Additionally, many airport hotels are conveniently located within major cities, with easy access via subway, bus, shuttle or light-rail. For instance, Boston’s Logan International Airport is a short ride to the world-famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace shopping and entertainment district. Many hotels in this area average $250-$400 per night. With rates as low as $119, the AAA Four Diamond Hilton Boston Logan Airport boasts its own skywalk that links guests to the airports terminals where Boston’s public transportation can be accessed. Hilton Boston Logan Airport’s Cafe Presto prepares travel-ready meals and is conveniently located in the lobby for guests in a hurry and in need of something on the go. A Hotels.com guest reviewer said: “Great place to stay, easy access to transportation. We were able to either take the shuttle or walk across the skywalk to the airport where we could hop on the Silver Line and then connect to whatever train line we wanted.”
Hotels.com makes it easy for travellers to choose an airport hotel. Customers can visit the Hotels.com homepage and use the ‘Where are you going?’ box to search by city/destination or airport code. Users can then add travel dates, the number of rooms required, view pictures of hotels and read guest reviews from real travellers.
Face to Face Meetings empower our World
It was entirely appropriate that India’s Silicon Valley should be the location of the ICPB’s (India Convention Promotion Bureau) Conventions India Conclave – 2010. Taking place at The LaLit Ashok, Bangalore, India, from August 27-28, the Conclave attracted over 250 delegates representing both international and national buyers as well as ICPB members, and was inaugurated by Mr. G. Janardhana Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka.
This inaugural session was followed by a seminal and conceptual Keynote Presentation by Mr. Philippe Fournier, President, IAPCO, on “Conferences in the Knowledge Economy: Face to Face Meetings are changing and empowering our World”. It was a great honour for Mr. Shyam Nagpal, Hony. Secretary ICPB and India’s first Alumni of IAPCO, to introduce Philippe Fournier, informing the audience of IAPCO’s position as the most pioneering and prominent Association in the world of PCOs, with over 100 members from 37 countries.
Philippe Fournier began the presentation with the strategic statement: “We are a global world, which means global meetings! Meetings have been a solution over the centuries and today’s globalisation can only enhance the need to meet, not, as a perceived advantage of social communication, detract. When people meet, things happen, things change, things improve and economy rises. Face to face meetings power the economy. We are now in a knowledge-based economy. Without learning from experience, without face-to-face interaction, without networking in real time with our peers, individuals, institutions, disciplines, we lose the ability to increase that essential knowledge. Without knowledge, our financial economy cannot improve.
“But do not be mistaken. Social Communication is an essential asset to the new type of meetings that are developing today. On-line activities can feed the meeting before, during and after the event, fuelling the ever-increasing knowledge economy. The new meeting formats are live, they are virtual, they are hybrid! Hybrid events are a mix of devices, applications, digital media and websites. Utilising SMS, social media, pod/webcasts, micro blogs, YouTube, smart phones – and today is just the beginning. It is high-tech. And the knowledge economy uses high-tech as a weapon, a tool that helps to develop meetings by maximising face to face interactions.
“Conferences in our knowledge based economy have a key role to play.”
The Conclave was attended by high ranking dignitaries from the Government of India, State Governments and business tourism industry, represented by Mr. G. Janardhana Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Infrastructure Development, Government of Karnataka, Mr. S. V. Ranganath, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, Mr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Additional Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Chairman, ICPB, Mr. Viswanatha Reddy, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, Mr. Vipul Mittra, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Gujarat, along with the Office Bearers of ICPB, Mr. Rajeev Kohli, Vice Chairman, ICPB, Mr. Shyam Nagpal, Hony. Secretary, ICPB, and Mr. Chander Mansharamani, Hony. Treasurer, ICPB.
The Pegasus View July 2010 First Anniversary Edition:
Recovery Continues as Leisure Travel ADR Shows Positive Growth For First Time Since Start of Economic Downturn
Pent-up Demand Also Leads to Lower Look-to-Books as Consumers Return to Booking
SCOTTSDALE, DALLAS and LONDON (September 2, 2010) – Leisure travel average daily rate (ADR) has shown positive growth for the first time globally since the recession hit, increasing just over +1%, according to July’s The Pegasus View from Pegasus Solutions. The monthly report, issued on the first anniversary of the inaugural The Pegasus View, draws data from billions of transactions processed by Pegasus, the world’s largest single processor of electronic hotel transactions for nearly 100,000 hotel customers worldwide.
Citing pent-up demand, July 2010’s The Pegasus View also indicates leisure bookings – those made online/through alternative distribution systems (ADS) – entered double-digit growth territory with an increase of more than +10% over last year. Together, the increase in booking volume and ADR helped revenue realize double-digit growth of nearly +12% over 2009.
“We were pleased to see the look-to-book ratio in the ADS slow its growth during July from the +50% we saw in May and June to +35%,” said Mike Kistner, chief executive officer of Pegasus Solutions. “Have leisure travelers stopped shopping for the best value? Certainly not, but they’re definitely more willing to buy. This is evidenced not only by diminished growth of the look-to-book ratio, but also by the very encouraging ADR, revenue and length of stay growth we saw in the ADS channel. As corporate travel has led the recovery, hotels need to make sure they haven’t forgotten how to woo the consumer. As we see it, they’re back too.”
Around the world, the ADS channel returned similarly positive results, with South America showing the highest revenue increase over prior year of +62.7%, and North America the smallest of +8.2%. Europe ADS revenue grew +29.0%, while Africa/Asia/Oceania by +23.7%.
Global corporate bookings – those made through the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) – continued a double-digit growth streak with July up +24.5% over 2009. This volume is expected to continue increasing through the rest of the year at an average monthly pace of +30%, which, combined with an expected ongoing increase in ADR for the channel, will lead to estimated revenue growth of about +40% each month through the end of 2010.
July’s The Pegasus View is available in its entirety online and by free subscription at www.pegs.com. Data reported in The Pegasus View comes from Pegasus Solutions, the world’s single largest global processor of hotel transactions through the four GDS (Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre, and Worldspan) and ADS channels.
The tourist flow from Russia to Czech Republic increased by 14%
ATOR Analytical Service made a presentation based on the data of Czech Statistics Office and TOURMARKET.INFO monitoring system of the price of competitors.
As a result of the first six months of the year, Russian market took the 2nd place (6.6%) in general rating of arrivals of foreigners to Czech Republic, ceding to Germany (22%) and taking the lead over Poland (6.1%), the UK (5.9%) and Italy (5.7%). The tourist flow from Russia increased by 14% during the first six months of 2010 and amounted to 184 thousand people. The number of the nights of the Russians increased by 13.2%. As for the number of the nights during the first six months of the year, the Russian market also takes the 2nd place with the indicator of 12% after the Germans (26%).
The average duration of stay of the Russians in the hotels amounted to 5.2 nights during the first six months of the year. More than 84% of the Russians stayed in the hotels of Prague and Karlovy Vary.
The analysis of the demand for the tours to Czech Republic based on statistics of TourMarket.Info
Czech Republic took the 13th place in number of the visitors of TopHotels.ru website with the share of 1.4%. The number of the visitors interested in Czech Republic increased by 40% during the period from January to July 2010 in comparison with the same period of last year (157 thousand in 2010 and 110 thousand in 2009).
Czech Republic took the 15th place (with the share of 0.8%) in number of the requests in TourIndex system during the period from January to July 2010. The number of processing requests increased by 60% during the first seven months of 2010 in comparison with the same period of last year (40 thousand in 2010 and 25 thousand in 2009).
The most popular tour operators in TourIndex system
The first place takes LantaTour Voyage with the share of 14%. Then goes AvroraIntur (10.6%), TravelLand (9.7%), Neva (9.4%), Capital Tour (8.5%), Russian Express (8.1%), NTK Intourist (5.7%), Intravel-Stoleshniki (5.3%), BSI Group (4.4.%) and Sunrise tour (4.1%).
According to ATOR survey, Russian tour operators note, that the demand for the tours to Czech Republic has increased this year. source: www.atorus.ru
“WOMAN AS MUSE, 1900-1950″
The Herakleidon Museum from September 3rd until November 21st 2010 will present the exhibition with the title: “Woman as Muse, 1900-1950″. The exhibition will showcase about ninety (90) works on paper – watercolors, prints and drawings of the first fifty years of the 20th century, by European artists (including Greeks). The works come from the Museum’s collection, the Greek National Gallery, the Alpha Bank Collection, as well as from the private collections of Mr. George Economou and Mr. Charalambos Leontiadis.
From the Herakleidon Museum’s collection works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, Aristide Maillol, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Landacre, Dame Laura Knight, Theophile-Alexandre Steinlen and Childe Hassam.
From the Greek National Gallery collection works by Pierre Bonnard, Henri Matisse, Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso, Egon Schiele, Jules Pascin, Yiannis Moralis, George Varlamos, George Economidis, Markos Zavitzianos, Emmanuel Zeppos, Dimitrios Galanis, Alexandros Korogiannakis, Dimitris Giannoukakis, Angelos Theodoropoulos, Costas Grammatopoulos and Yannis Kefallinos.
From the Alpha Bank collection works by Spyros Vassiliou, Dimitrios Galanis, Angelos Theodoropoulos, Dimitris Giannoukakis, George Economidis, Costas Grammatopoulos and Markos Zavitzianos.
From the George Economou collection works by Franz von Stuck, Alfons Walde, Lev Tchistovsky, Anton Peschka, Otto Muller, Otto Rudolf Schatz, Arthur Brusenbauch, Max Beckmann, Jeanne Mammen, Bela Kadar, Jean Metzinger and Erich Metzoldt.
The Charalambos Leontiadis collection participates with the work “La Parisienne” by Dimitrios Galanis.
The female form has been an inspiration to artists of all ages and ethnic groups, dating back to antiquity. The exhibition “Woman as Muse, 1900-1950” will showcase works on paper by world renowned artists of modernism, depicting their varied interpretations of the female form and reflecting the prevailing artistic movements of their time. Woman is portrayed as mother, muse, lover, friend or confidante. She is alternately nurturing, beguiling, assertive or conspiratorial.
Frost & Sullivan: Smart Transit Card Users Promote Smart Card Adoption for Multiple Applications
LONDON, August 31, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — The increasing popularity of travelling has encouraged the large community of travellers to embrace technologies – such as smart card technology – that will simplify their travel needs. This end-user readiness has resolved some of the industry’s inertia in deploying new services based on smart card technology. A promising cycle has emerged that will generate wider network externalities through the application of innovative practicalities to this community of transit users.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.smartcards.frost.com), World Smart Cards in Transportation Market, anticipates that the transit application will witness 11 percent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) in smart card shipment from 2009 to 2015. This growth will be driven by current smart card-based transit projects designed to extend the percentage of the world’s population that is currently living in cities running smart card-based transit projects.
“It is no longer the domain of the traditional smart card value chain as it interacts with transport authorities,” notes Frost & Sullivan Analyst Yiru Zhong from the Information & Communication Technologies group. “Technology and social factors now make it essential that transit authorities deploy smart ticketing solutions as a result of ubiquitous connectivity and mobile devices.”
Europe and megacities are hot spots for future smart card-based transit projects. The UN report on megacities states that city development requires transportation planning involving smart card-based transit payment solutions.
“The future of convergence lies in the union of form, function and connectivity, much like Hong Kong’s experience,” states Zhong. “Europe fulfils these three critical factors.”
Furthermore, the use of smart cards has matured in Europe, setting the scene for more collaborative efforts with stakeholders in other industries. For instance, Europe is at a more advanced stage of NFC trials for m-payment purposes, including the use of NFC technology for mobile ticketing.
By recognising the gaps, which have been left by disruptive new players such as telcos or retailers, smart card vendors can better act on an end- to-end vendor solution. They can fulfill the role of a system integrator, having understood the complexity of secure transactions, while operating within the context of the transportation and mobile sector.
“They should also be able to promote greater standardisation, as already evidenced by the latest transit initiative from InsideContactless,” states Zhong. “Finally, there are numerous opportunities for smart card vendors to lead in enabling secure and robust payment systems.”
Beyond the demand for smart cards and integrated chips, there remains the untapped demand for services and solutions to bridge the fragmented eco-system. The emergence of payment for transportation has laid the groundwork for a wider adoption of smart cards with multi-applications. There have been several examples of contact and contactless transportation payment projects embarking in different parts of the world.
“Different payment platforms and methods have allowed different technology players in industries,” explains Zhong. “For instance, there are players, such as telecoms operators, and established payment infrastructure plans, as set up by banks which have their own innovative payment methods.”
Trends indicate that the number of people holding a transit smart card will rise. This, together with the increasing sophistication in uses of smart card, represents a step towards a connected or smart city. “The smart card industry should exploit opportunities to enable this vision,” advises Yiru Zhong. “Initially, there will be a need to establish credibility in managing large scale projects combining security, services and solutions.”
CIBTM RESEARCH PREDICTS SIGNIFICANT GROWTH FOR CHINA MEETINGS INDUSTRY Sector benefiting from China becoming world’s second largest economy
The China Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition’s – CIBTM – Fourth China and Asia Meetings Industry Report 2010, presented today (Tuesday 31 August) has provided valuable insights into the developing meetings industry across China and Asia. At a time when China has taken the world’s second largest economy slot, the bespoke report predicts significant growth potential, with increased numbers of events using a wider range of destinations.
Key results from the research:
Buyers research- 396 respondents, 67% based in China, 60% corporate, 7% associations/’not for profit’ and 33% third parties
- Increase in volume of events organised in China to mean of 5.6 events per buyer from 3.7 last year, events overall up to 4.8 per buyer from 4.0
- Numbers of attendees for events in China are up to 200 from 135 last year
- Mean duration for events in China up to 5.5 days, compared to 4.4 days last year
- Lead times have shortened to 5.2 months, compared to 6.8 months last year
- Growth in volume of events predicted to continue with 64.3% of buyers expecting to organise more events in China in next twelve months
- Mean annual budgets for organisers based in China is RMB 2,318,900 (up 34%); for international organisers is US$1,802,601 (down from US$2,425,000). Average 42.5% spent on events in China
- International air routes and the visa process have become more important issues for buyers while security and safety are now far less of a concern
- Satisfaction levels with most recently used destinations are high with a mean of 3.8 (out of 5), for the majority this relates to Beijing
- The economic climate and pressure to reduce costs remain a key concern for the next twelve months, despite the increase in budgets anticipated
- Buyers remain optimistic with 74% predicting an increase in the volume of events they organise and 51% predicting an increase in budgets for individual events
- 75% of buyers think World Expo will have an impact increasing business tourism in China.
Suppliers research
- 223 respondents, 78% based in China
- 87% of respondents said key clients were based in China
- For 64% over 50% of their business is taking place in China, with clients predominantly corporate (57%) and from a wide range of industry sectors, in particular pharmaceutical/medical
- Corporates remain the sector suppliers are trying to attract business from in future although there is more focus on ‘not for profit organisations’ this year
- Suppliers view capacity and quality of meeting facilities as important (more so than the buyers) and the overall appeal of destinations. Only 5% of supplier respondents were from airlines, which may explain their low ranking of international air routes as an important factor, a very different view to the buyers
- 75% of suppliers agreed with buyers that the volume of events will increase in future and 58% are increasing their promotional budgets
- 65% believe that China and Asia offer most growth opportunities for the future, with 51% focusing on the Yangtze River Delta.
Sally Greenhill, Managing Director of The Right Solution Limited, who compiled and independently analysed the report commented: “We have had a very positive response to the survey with 396 buyer respondents contributing this year, the largest number since the survey began four years ago.
“There is no doubt that this is a particularly exciting time for all those involved in the meetings industry in China.
“China, in light of their growing economy, is now becoming a compelling destination for meetings and incentives, offering a broad and wide range of experiences; not surprising bearing in mind the country has one of the oldest cultures. All indicators point to continued growth from both within China and outbound.”
Jeffrey Xu, CIBTM’s Exhibition Manger concluded: “Our bespoke research continues to play a vital role in gathering data which does not exist elsewhere, helping those within the meetings industry in China to develop and grow their businesses.”
The 4th CIBTM China and Asia Meetings Industry Research Report 2010 can be found at www.cibtm.com.
Russia became a leader in tourist market of Thailand
According to ATOR Analytical Service this season Russia has taken the 3rd place for the tourist flow to Thailand among the European countries. Such conclusion is based on the statistics of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of Thailand and also according to the data of TourIndex system, AllSpo.ru and TopHotels.ru.
20 thousand Russians visited Thailand in July 2010 and that was for 54% more than during the same period of last year. The increase of tourist flow for the first 7 months of 2010 amounted to 80%: 325 thousand people against 164 thousand during the same period of 2009. Russia is the only country, which showed such dynamics of Thailand tourism market.
It’s paradoxical, but according to the experts, the main reason of the growing popularity of Thailand in Russian market is political instability in the country, which led to the decline in prices for the holidays in and a great number of special offers appeared.
The analysis of the statistics of TopHotels.ru confirms the same tendency. The number of the visitors of the website who were interested in the hotels of Thailand during the period from January to July increased by 85% in comparison with the same period of last year.
This data also correlates with TourIndex statistics, showing the requests of travel agents. The number of requests from January to July 2010 increased by 56% in comparison with the same period of 2009.
According to the analysis of TourIndex system the most popular tour operators became TEZ TOUR – 4.5%, Capital Tour – 4.4%. CoralTravel– 4.3%. The TOP10 list of the operators also includes Biblio globus, Natalie Tours, Pegas Touristik, NTK Intourist, Yuzhny Krest, Lanta Tour Voyage, Sunmar and Paks.
Popular travel destinations are very unprofitable for the insurance companies
Egypt and Turkey became the leaders in number of insured events. Such conclusions can be made by ROSNO statistics of the first six months of 2010.
According to ROSNO Insurance Company, Egypt (5052 cases), Turkey (3378 cases) and Thailand (455 cases) became the leaders in number if insured events. In addition, Spain and India were included into the “black list” of the insurers. “Our statistics shows the leading positions of the most popular destinations: Turkey, Bulgaria and Egypt. The second place takes European countries: Croatia, Spain, Italy and France”, agreed Elena Skuratova, Renaissance Insurance Company.
At the same time, according to ROSNO press service, there is a tendency now, that the tourists buy insurance policies by themselves. “In July and at the beginning of August due to the abnormal heat and smog, the number of individuals increased”, said Svetlana Shvab, ROSNO.
It’s interesting to note, that a certain disloyalty of the most popular travel destinations due to the bad safety situation leads to the fact that some of the insurance companies try to limit their work with such countries. “We work with very selective approach. The probability of the loss is rather high, as Turkey and Egypt are not reliable in safety questions” said Boris Ivontyev, VSK Insurance. source: www.atorus.ru
FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO ENTER EIBTM’S SEARCH FOR NEW TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS
Closing date for EIBTM WorldWide Technology Watch is Friday 3 September
For any company yet to enter EIBTM’s WorldWide Technology Watch – open to any company who has developed new technology solutions for the meetings, events, incentive travel, conferences and exhibition industries – the closing date is next Friday, 3 September.
Entries will be judged on three criteria – innovation and uniqueness, potential impact on the industry, and completeness of the product or service.
Graeme Barnett, EIBTM’s Exhibition Director comments: “The importance of this Award should not be underestimated, so I urge those companies who have been considering, or yet to enter, to do so now. It is still not too late to apply.”
The winner will receive a free stand to exhibit at the Technology Village @ EIBTM 2010; present their winning product at the show and gain acknowledgement and widespread publicity in EIBTM 2010 WWTW promotional material both before and during the event.
The judges comprise a high profile panel from the industry including Chair – Corbin Ball who is supported by Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA; Bruce MacMillan, President/CEO, Meeting Professionals International; Paul Hussey, Business Development Manager, BSI Meetings and Events; Ruud Janssen, Managing Director, TNOC; Samuel J Smith, Managing Director of Interactive Meeting Technology, LLC and Lynn Wong, Co-Founder and Director of Grupo eventoplus.
For more information on how to enter and to listen to the judges podcast about the benefits of entering, please visit www.eibtm.com/wwtw.
London to Liverpool in 2 Hours (Yes, Really!)
Did you know you can travel to Liverpool from central London in a little over 2 hours?
Virgin Trains offer a direct hourly service aboard their innovative Pendolino trains, ensuring your delegates travel in comfort and arrive stress free. On board benefits include Wi-Fi, mobile signal boosters, handy power sockets and a Quiet Zone for those in need of some ‘me time’.
We all know train travel is far better for the environment, and the Virgin Pendolino trains are amongst the greenest on the tracks, with features such as ‘regenerative breaking’ which actually returns power to the National Grid!
British Airways Launches the Great Big Sale
CRAWLEY, England, August 26, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — British Airways launches its great big sale with thousands of flights in all cabins and hundreds of holidays on offer.
The twenty day sale offers discounted flights to over 100 destinations worldwide as well as 100′s of holidays for various travel departures from August 26, 2010 right through to June 30, 2011.
To launch the sale, model Nell McAndrew posed on a big deck chair (the size of a double-decker bus) outside Tower Hill in London wearing her favourite beach wear – a Melissa Odabash bikini.
Nell said: “I’m excited to be launching BA’s great big sale. Bag a bargain and jet off in style and comfort to one of many destinations.”
For a late summer getaway, hot spots include flights to Dubai (http://www.britishairways.com/travel/flights-to-dubai/public/en_gb), Antigua and Grenada. Those looking for ski breaks head to North America and experience the Rockies with deals on flights to Denver and Vancouver. For short city breaks ( http://www.britishairways.com/travel/city-breaks/public/en_gb), British Airways have a wide selection of destinations such as Zurich or Geneva.
Travellers wishing to jet-off in style and experience British Airway’s award-winning Club World beds can check out flights to Cairo, Delhi, New York, Bermuda and Calgary. BA also offers flights to Barbados and Houston that allow customers to take advantage of the luxurious first class cabin.
Destinations closer to the UK include Jersey, Dubrovnik and Salzburg as well as Gothenburg in Sweden, which a new BA route takes-off to at the end of November.
As well as special offers on flights, British Airways is offering value for money holiday packages in a variety of destinations such as a two night stay at the 3-star Merton Hotel in Jersey ( http://www.britishairways.com/travel/jersey/public/en_gb) that includes return BA flights from Gatwick and accommodation only. Package deals at Sharm El Sheikh’s 3-star Oriental Rivoli also include return BA flights from Gatwick and accommodation only.
A new BA non-stop twice weekly service to Cancun commences November 3, 2010 and customers can stay for seven nights at the 5-star Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort and Spa in Riviera Maya including return BA flights from Gatwick and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis. Those looking for complete escapism can check out holidays in the Maldives ( http://www.britishairways.com/travel/holidays-in-maldives/public/en_gb) and relax for seven nights at the 4-star Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi including return BA flights from Gatwick, in-resort transfers and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis.
British Airways offer fly-drive holidays in exciting destinations such as Orlando (http://www.britishairways.com/travel/car-rental-orlando/public/en_gb ) including return BA flights from Gatwick and inclusive Avis car rental.
Richard Tams, British Airways head of UK & Ireland Sales, said: “This sale is a great opportunity for anyone looking for last minute getaways, winter sun, ski or city breaks to take advantage of savings in all our cabins. We also have a great range of holiday packages available on ba.com where you can save even more time and effort by using our new ‘lowest price holiday finder’ with the added reassurance of ATOL protection.”
Book with British Airways for best chance of upgrade
Recent figures from British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have shown that flying Business Class is on the increase.
This could be bad news for the 36% of Skyscanner users surveyed who have been offered a free upgrade, a highly coveted perk only available when Business or First Class sections are undersold.
So with more business class passengers leading to fewer upgrade possibilities, what can passengers do to increase their chances of getting this freebie, and what lows are people prepared to get this first class high?
A survey of over 1,000 travellers by Skyscanner found that of the respondents who had been upgraded, a massive 42% of these were flying with British Airways. This was far and away the most likely airline to give upgrades amongst Skyscanner users, with a comparatively measly 17% upgraded with Virgin Atlantic, 8% with American Airlines, 6% with BMI and just 5% with Lufthansa. Iberia ranked the lowest with just 1% being upgraded on the Spanish airline.
The survey also disclosed the shocking lengths people were prepared to go to in order to obtain this coveted freebie.
Although the majority (60%) were only prepared to ask politely at check in, upgrades were such a lure that a cold-hearted 3% of respondents said they would be prepared to disown their partners if there was only one seat in Business Class available.
Yet more surprising, almost 2% of respondents would sit separately from their children. One in five of those surveyed would opt for the less outrageous tactic of dressing up to look the part by donning a suit.
Commenting on the findings, Business Director Barry Smith said:
“With the lure of extra legroom and other luxury perks, it is no wonder that free upgrades are so appealing, especially on popular routes such as flights to New York and on long haul flights to Sydney – however I am quite shocked by the lengths people would go to, to get an upgrade; it seems that the only thing they are not prepared to do is pay!”.
59% of travellers want family-only section on flights
Following the recent furore over a woman who claimed a baby’s screaming made her ears bleed on a Qantas flight, a poll carried out by Skyscanner, has revealed that 59% of travellers would like a ‘families only’ section onboard flights.
Non-parents particularly liked the idea, with 68% voting in favour, however less than a third of parents surveyed were in agreement.
Over 2,000 people voted in the Skyscanner poll; just 8% of child-free respondents thought people should be entitled to sit where they like, while almost 70% ‘wanted to sit as far away as possible from children’.
Almost a quarter of non-parents went one step further saying that they would prefer to flights that were free from children altogether.
Of those who were parents themselves, 45% said they didn’t want a families-only section because they didn’t want to sit next to ‘other people’s horrors’ while 24% disagreed with the idea because they felt that people should be able to ‘sit where they liked’. Just 31% of parents were in favour of the allocated section.
Other suggestions put forward by Skyscanner users to solve the problem of noisy children on flights included: the provision of a baby nursery, only allowing well-behaved children to travel, and in a less sympathetic vein, one user said “children should go in the hold”.
Skyscanner PR Manager Mary Porter commented:
“As a relatively new mum myself I can still remember that feeling of dread when you found yourself seated next to a baby on a long flight; however since regularly flying with my one year old, I am much more aware of what a stressful, and often embarrassing, situation it can be for parents.
“However, I’m not surprised that in a previous poll we found young children were deemed to be the “most annoying” factor on flights. When tempers are frayed, a screaming child can cause a major disturbance for fellow passengers.
“If passengers are prepared to pay extra for child-free flying, perhaps the solution is a premium adults-only section, rather than a pre-allocated families section, giving airlines yet another extra they can charge for? I am sure this service would prove really popular on routes that attract a lot of families.”
‘Game On’ for Scotland’s First Venison Festival
ABERDEEN, Scotland, August 26, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — This autumn lovers of game are in for the ultimate gastro treat at the Royal Deeside Larder Venison Festival. This new six-day celebration of venison takes place from 26th to 31st October 2010 across Royal Deeside including Balmoral Estate, Banchory, Ballater and Aboyne. A Venison Pie complete with antlers in the style of a Desperate Dan ‘cow pie’ was created for the launch.
Local producers, hotels, restaurants and country estates in Royal Deeside & The Cairngorms have created a mouth-watering programme of venison themed activities. A feast of venison inspired menus will be offered – from smoked venison sandwiches, sausages, broths and burgers to venison haggis and even venison vindaloo!
Amateur cooks will pick up some top tips on how to cook venison to perfection at a series of cookery demonstrations followed by lunch or dinner.
But the Venison Festival isn’t just about eating – there are a number of wildlife safaris being organised by the Glen Tanar, Finzean and Balmoral estates which promise visitors insight into land management. These wildlife safaris in 4 x 4s include ranger talks and trips onto the estates with hearty breakfasts and lunches to keep visitors going while on the move.
Garry Marsden, Chairman of the Royal Deeside & the Cairngorms DMO says, “We know that visitors to Royal Deeside & the Cairngorms enjoy authentic, local food when they holiday – and there can be no finer example of this than the game that roams our estates. This event offers first-timers and venison connoisseurs alike the opportunity to taste the very finest Scottish venison in some unusual settings. They’ll also get a fascinating insight into the important role that venison plays in Royal Deeside’s Larder.
“Previously, venison has been seen as a meat only for the elite, but we want to show that it can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Events include:
Venison Cookery demonstrations and lunches at Banchory Lodge Hotel; The Milton Restaurant; Glenkindie Arms; Loch Kinord Hotel
Wildlife Safaris at Balmoral, Glen Tanat and Finzean Estates
Family Ceilidh and BBQ with spit roast at Woodend Barn, Banchory
To find out what’s on during the Venison Festival log onto http://www.discoverroyaldeeside.com/Venison-Festival/
The Venison Festival is supported by the Scottish Government and the European Community Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER programme (2007-2013) with Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Enterprise.
Trip Advisor: Top 10 gorgeous hotel pools
If you can’t stand the chic, stay out of the water. Members rave about these phenomenal pools.
The pool area is really terrific… water slide next to the shark tanks. The upper balcony is designated adults only.
Thoroughly enchanted with this romantic and secluded retreat…25 metre infinity-edge swimming pool with waterfall.The pools are wonderful and plentiful, the ocean has many access points, and there is a lazy river with some rapids.The view from its infinity pool has graced the covers of many magazines, and that same view is available from the private terrace.Koh Samui, Thailand View of the sea and the red swimming pool(very sexy pool), …located right at the center of Chaweng Beach.
IMEX survey reveals buyers opinions on social media, blogs and Smartphones
For the first time this year, IMEX in Frankfurt surveyed over 1,000 hosted buyers immediately after the show for their views on social media, industry blogs and Smartphone usage.
The survey quizzed buyers on their use of social media, both as a professional meetings and event management tool and as a networking channel. 625 respondents answered the social media questions and confirmed their preference for LinkedIn as an online networking site. LinkedIn was used by 64 per cent of respondents, and Facebook by 60 per cent of buyers. Twitter is currently used by 27 per cent and YouTube by 23 per cent.
46 per cent of respondents also confirmed an increase in the use of social media for networking over the past 6 months, although 32 per cent felt it had remained about the same. At the same time, 44 per cent of respondents agreed that ‘there are too many social media and networking sites to keep up to date with.’ Surprisingly given the proliferation of blogs within the wider business world, and increasingly within the international meetings industry, 83 per cent of respondents still do not regularly follow an industry blog.
Also in line with wider business trends, Blackberry is currently the Smartphone of choice in the global meetings industry, with 57 per cent of respondents saying they use one. Of these, 47 per cent are using Blackberries as opposed to 31 per cent using Apple iPhones and 24 per cent using Nokia devices.
In November 2009 an IMEX Global Insights Poll of 45 senior international meetings industry professionals revealed a certain degree of frustration with social media. That poll showed that 22 per cent agreed with the statement: ‘my company wants to use every social media channel – but with no extra resource to support the added work.’ At that time a similar number – 22 per cent – used social media in a limited way for professional and networking purposes, preferring to use it just for personal communication.
However, the findings of the 2010 IMEX Post-Show survey suggest that the uptake of social media for professional and corporate use has now accelerated significantly. They also show that YouTube especially is making its mark as a credible and viable channel for corporate marketing and communications within the international meetings industry.
Says Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, “As a truly international show with a good cross-section of buyers from across Europe, the USA plus the ‘BRICs’ countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China, it is interesting to observe the rapid growth of marketing channels such as YouTube and realise quite how far it has come as a credible, global communications channel that’s open to all. Further into the future, once more African countries move from 2G to 3G technology, for example, and mobile penetration really accelerates, this could create yet another step change. Current trends suggest that mobile payment systems, environmental monitoring and even intelligent sensors embedded into mobiles are all just around the corner and these will have huge implications for the meetings and events industry.
“The growth of social media in different world markets creates both enormous pressures and provides international businesses such as ours with fantastic opportunities. The discipline for all of us is to pay careful attention to where the value truly lies for each of our different audiences and never to assume that a ‘one size solution fits all.”
Some of these issues have already been raised and are being explored by UK research company, Fast Future Research through its ongoing Convention 2020 research study. IMEX is one of the study’s founding sponsors and encourages all meetings industry professionals to share their views and get involved in Phase 2 workshops. For more information – http://convention2020.meetingsreview.com/
Frost & Sullivan: New Fleet That Adheres to Environmental Norms Drives Global Commercial Aircraft Programmes
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Launch of the World’s First Portal for Meeting Apps
Vancouver, Canada and London, UK (August, 2010) – Invenia (www.inveniainc.com), in collaboration with the IMEX Group, is pleased to announce the launch of the world’s first portal for Meeting Apps – www.MeetingApps.com. MeetingApps.com is a new website designed to enable planners to quickly locate iPhone and iPad apps related to the meetings and events industry. The creator of MeetingApps.com, Kirsten Strand, BSc, CITE, CMM, CEO of Invenia (www.inveniainc.com), believes that the new smart phone technology will revolutionize the meetings industry. “By utilizing specific apps, meeting planners will be able to access vital information and tools right at their fingertips. Knowledge is power, and with GPS enabled applications, anything is possible.” The MeetingApps.com technology team was led by Joseph Lo and Jane Huynh,Vancouver-based interactive experts. Together with their technical team, hundreds of event and meeting apps have been identified and categorized, making the “app search” an easy process.
Invenia has joined forces with the IMEX Group – producer of worldwide exhibitions for incentive travel, meetings and events. IMEX’s chairman, Ray Bloom said, “With the advent of smart phone technology, as well as the pace at which such technology changes, we have no doubt that the MeetingApps portal will provide a unique service for meetings industry buyers and suppliers. The IMEX Group is totally committed to driving innovation and professional development through the use of new technologies which we believe will greatly enhance events and meetings in the coming years.” IMEX will be introducing planners to ways to save time and money through the promotion of www.MeetingApps.com at their new exhibition – IMEX America, which will be held in Las Vegas in October 2011.
In addition to IMEX, MeetingApps.com has been made possible by a number of founding sponsors, including Travel Alberta, AVW Telav, Kuoni Destination Management, the Toronto Congress Centre and Encore Web Studios.
To find the ideal app for your personal travel experience or next meeting or event, visit
www.MeetingApps.com.
The “Business Travel Awards” for the best business travel companies
IFTM Top Resa, the international B2B event for the French travel market organised by Reed Expositions, Thalys International, which operates high-speed trains between European cities, including the Paris to Amsterdam line in just 3 hours 18 minutes, and DeplacementPros, the leading daily newsletter specialising in travel, have teamed up to host the very first “Business Travel Awards”.
European Workers Want to Retire Abroad… and Ideally to the Sun
ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands, August 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ –
- Spain and France the Retirement Destinations of Choice
- British and German Workers the Least Enthusiastic About Retiring at
Home
- Retirement Emigration Could Lead to Massive Shift in Healthcare Budgets
Spain, the country famed for lazy days in the sun, siesta, tapas, sangria and of course a World Cup winning football team, is the retirement destination of choice for workers in Europe, with one in four (25%) Europeans wishing to retire abroad identifying Spain as their preferred country according to a survey of over 7,500 European workers from Aon Consulting, the leading employee risk and benefits management firm.
In second place came France, the country identified by 15% of Europeans. Close behind France and Spain, the similarly warm climates of the USA, Italy and Australasia filled the next three places in the survey.
Spain and France also topped the popularity tables when it came to workers intending to retire in their home country. In this case, the Spanish (86.8%), French (81.1%) and Danes (73.6%) keenest to retire at home, in stark contrast to workers in the UK (42.7%), Germany (45.9%) and Ireland (49.0%) where the majority hope to retire abroad.
An influx of retiree immigrants to any one country could exacerbate the already ticking time bomb of an ageing population in Europe, forcing countries like Spain and France to rethink social policies and budgets to deal with extra pressures on healthcare resources.
This research is part of the Aon Consulting European Employee Benefits Benchmark, a survey of more than 7,500 workers from across Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, ten of the leading economies in Europe. The Benchmark focuses on the views of workers across Europe on topics such as retirement, employee benefits and other pension-related issues.
Top 10 Retirement Destinations for Europeans (for those who hope to retire abroad):
1) Spain
2) France
3) USA
4) Italy
5) Australasia
6) Africa
7) Switzerland
8) Latin America
9) United Kingdom
10) The Netherlands
Percentage of those wishing to retire in their home country:
Spain 86.8%
France 81.1%
Denmark 73.6%
Norway 63.4%
The Netherlands 61.4%
Switzerland 53.0%
Ireland 49.0%
Germany 45.9%
UK 42.7%
Oliver Rowlands, head of retirement, Europe, Middle East and Africa, at Aon Consulting commented: “Cheap air travel and the communication tools available over the internet means that retiring overseas doesn’t necessarily mean being completely absent from your family’s life, making the prospect of emigration to other countries on an previously unseen scale a real possibility.
“Not surprisingly, most people want to spend their retirement predominantly in countries with good weather and good social and government benefits, and ideally close enough so that they can get home quickly if they need to.
“There are financial implications that people thinking about retiring overseas need to consider. Cost of living may be higher in the country of choice, and so people planning on retiring abroad need to factor that in to their savings plan. There can also be tax implications both at home and in a new country of residence, so it is certainly worth investigating that in advance so there are no nasty surprises later on. And finally healthcare benefits can vary widely for expatriates and this will be a major concern for retirees as they grow older.”
Aon Consulting has recently published an in depth report, ‘Expectations vs. Reality: Meeting Europe’s Retirement Challenge,’ based on the data from the European Employee Benefits Benchmark. This report gives insight into some of the retirement and pension issues across an aging workforce in Europe, one of the key human capital risks for European employers today. The report can be downloaded from http://www.aon.com
New York and London expensive, Bangkok and Prague cheap, Rio prices climb in July: Measuring the point at which supply and demand meet in the hotel sector – the hotel.info hotel price barometer for August 2010
New York and London expensive, Bangkok and Prague cheap, Rio prices climb in July: Measuring the point at which supply and demand meet in the hotel sector – the hotel.info hotel price barometer for August 2010
London, 09 August 2010 – What level have hotel prices reached in summer 2010? Where are room rates particularly good value for money, and in which cities do visitors need deeper pockets? hotel.info, the free online hotel reservation service for more than 210,000 hotels around the world, has once again analysed the hotel price inquiries conducted by its online users as per the end of the second quarter of 2010.
The changes in prices in July were compared with those in June, as well as with those from the same month in previous years. These include July 2009, a period in the depths of the economic and financial crisis, and July 2008, before the crisis began. The latest results show that:
- New York and London have very high room rates
- Extraordinary change in prices in Rio de Janeiro during July
- Many cities in Eastern Europe offer cheap accommodation options
- Rising price trends evident for major global cities
- The following hotel.info hotel rate barometer ranking shows the average price per room per night in euros for all types and categories of hotel.
The following hotel.info hotel rate barometer ranking shows the average price per room per night in euros for all types and categories of hotel.
Hotel price barometer at a global level
| Rank | City | Jul 10 | Jun 10 | Jul 09 | Jul 08 | Comp. July ’10 with July ’08 in % | Comp. July ’10 with July ’09 in % | |
| 1. | New York | 194.49 | 194.10 | 169.49 | 221.63 | -12.25 | 14.75 | |
| 2. | London | 146.60 | 152.02 | 133.24 | 146.00 | 0.41 | 10.03 | |
| 3. | Stockholm | 145.30 | 132.76 | 121.29 | 117.02 | 24.17 | 19.80 | |
| 4. | Zurich | 144.00 | 153.63 | 142.15 | 145.73 | -1.19 | 1.30 | |
| 5. | Rio de Janeiro | 143.60 | 119.63 | 99.33 | 95.82 | 49.86 | 44.57 | |
| 6. | Tokyo | 143.47 | 134.11 | 136.02 | 162.32 | -11.61 | 5.48 | |
| 7. | Singapore | 139.74 | 137.69 | 126.29 | 149.05 | -6.25 | 10.65 | |
| 8. | Moscow | 134.09 | 163.68 | 154.67 | 210.49 | -36.30 | -13.31 | |
| 9. | Sydney | 130.90 | 119.51 | 124.78 | 125.64 | 4.19 | 4.90 | |
| 10. | Oslo | 129.16 | 150.63 | 141.62 | 140.22 | -7.89 | -8.80 | |
| 11. | Amsterdam | 116.60 | 113.70 | 103.14 | 124.27 | -6.17 | 13.05 | |
| 11. | Copenhagen | 113.80 | 118.30 | 124.88 | 150.25 | -24.26 | -8.87 | |
| 13. | Paris | 110.81 | 123.17 | 105.73 | 113.37 | -2.26 | 4.80 | |
| 14. | Barcelona | 107.17 | 99.94 | 89.56 | 108.79 | -1.49 | 19.66 | |
| 15. | Helsinki | 103.16 | 115.46 | 91.43 | 113.28 | -8.93 | 12.83 | |
| 16. | Shanghai | 99.84 | 98.15 | 76.77 | 98.89 | 0.96 | 30.05 | |
| 17. | Dubai | 99.22 | 89.57 | 104.02 | 148.19 | -33.05 | -4.61 | |
| 18. | Vienna | 92.67 | 91.39 | 81.79 | 92.15 | 0.56 | 13.30 | |
| 19. | Rome | 89.17 | 90.98 | 91.84 | 103.53 | -13.87 | -2.91 | |
| 20. | Istanbul | 88.02 | 104.58 | 76.66 | 94.71 | -7.06 | 14.82 | |
| 21. | Mexico City | 86.91 | 90.31 | 86.32 | 109.15 | -20.38 | 0.68 | |
| 22. | Bucharest | 81.36 | 80.27 | 78.92 | 100.97 | -19.42 | 3.09 | |
| 23. | Lisbon | 79.05 | 74.09 | 77.96 | 83.55 | -5.39 | 1.40 | |
| 24. | Berlin | 78.92 | 81.99 | 78.28 | 83.52 | -5.51 | 0.82 | |
| 25. | Warsaw | 78.44 | 90.75 | 70.90 | 98.58 | -20.43 | 10.63 | |
| 26. | Madrid | 75.02 | 82.72 | 77.46 | 89.73 | -16.39 | -3.15 | |
| 27. | Budapest | 70.71 | 72.44 | 76.83 | 83.58 | -15.40 | -7.97 | |
| 28. | Beijing | 69.24 | 82.69 | 67.65 | 137.96 | -49.81 | 2.35 | |
| 29. | Prague | 63.96 | 70.74 | 61.06 | 71.51 | -10.56 | 4.75 | |
| 30. | Bangkok | 57.94 | 52.00 | 58.34 | 90.61 | -36.06 | -0.69 | |
| Average | 107.11 | 109.37 | 100.95 | 120.35 | -11.00 | 6.11 | ||
Visitors to New York needed the deepest pockets. A night’s stay in June and July cost around €194. While the Big Apple’s room rates were therefore below the levels recorded in 2008, they have risen significantly compared with last year. London followed in second place, although its hotel operators’ income was around €50 lower than that earned by their counterparts in North America. Nevertheless, accommodation rates are also stabilising in the UK capital. The cheapest room rates were found in Bangkok, at just €58. Guests staying at hotels in cities in Eastern Europe also enjoyed relatively cheap prices.
Rio de Janeiro provided the greatest sensation in the global price analysis, and not simply because of its colourful carnival. With an average accommodation cost of €143 per night, visitors to Brazil’s second largest city did not have to pay quite as much during July as those visiting New York, London, Stockholm or Zurich. Nevertheless, a rise of 40% compared with the previous periods is impressive. Closer inspection, however, reveals that the price developments alongside the Copacabana last month were not only a result of supply and demand on the free market. The many conferences hosted by Rio de Janeiro in July will have been an opportunity for the hotel trade to force accommodation costs up – an unnatural price rise.
Overall, prices in major global cities are undergoing a phase of stabilisation. The average accommodation costs are around 6% higher than in the same month last year. Only Moscow suffered a drop of more than 10% in comparison with July 2009, and the stabilisation effect appears also not to have taken hold in Copenhagen or Budapest. Picture Credit: Diliff
How Does Social Media Influence Brand Communication? Sascha Lobo at VOK DAMS Summer Trend Tour 2010
“Social media and events are like twins – if the right people come together in the right environment, then a feeling of community and concomitant enthusiasm develops which do not exist anywhere else in the same way.” This is one of Sascha Lobo’s central theses on the topic of Events & Web X.0. Lobo will be the keynote speaker at the Summer Trend Tour 2010 of the event specialist VOK DAMS and will enter into a dialogue with invited event- and marketing decision-makers.
Sascha Lobo – author, blogger, microblogger and strategic adviser specializing in the internet and brand communication – will talk about how social media change people’s expectations and attitudes and how these changes affect brand communication.
VOK DAMS shows how the application of social media in the context of events can ensure a successful communication with the target audience – before, during and after the event. Tried and tested tools as integrated communication concepts from the real and virtual world to activate and involve target groups and to disseminate brand messages.
35% of the Russians want to devote their lives to traveling
More than one third of the Russian respondents dream of devoting their lives to traveling. And if it was not necessary to work and earn money they would travel. Such data was received after the poll of SuperJob.ru
35% of 1000 active people would like “to see the world”. 9% of the respondents would spend the time for upbringing the children and 8% of the respondents would spend the time for the patronage and volunteer work. About 7% of the Russians would be ready to spend the time for some sport activities, among them such sports as motor racing, skateboarding and fitness.
5% of the respondents would fulfill their talents, concentrating on different hobbies. Just 3% of the Russians would be occupied with self-improvement.
It’s interesting that 2% of the respondents would spend their free time for politics or public activities.
Just 6% of the Russians would prefer to do nothing at all. Nevertheless, 9% of the respondents believe that “it’s impossible to live without work”, and even if they had a possibility to do nothing, they would still be eager to work. source: www.atorus.ru
The passenger traffic of the Russian air companies increased by 36.8% during the first 6 months of 2010
The passenger traffic of the Russian air companies increased by 36.8% during the period from January till June 2010.
The percentage of the transported passengers to international destinations (outside CIS countries) increased by 30.1% in June in comparison with the same period of 2009 and amounted to 2 660 000 passengers (that’s for 23.5% more than in May, 2010). And as a result of the first six months of 2010 the number of passengers increased by 35.7%. The percentage of the transported passengers to domestic destinations increased by 23% in June in comparison with June, 2009 and amounted to 2 833 000 passengers (+21.9% in comparison with May, 2010). As a result of the first six months of the year the growth amounted to 28%.
According to the results of the first six months, the leading air companies in number of transported passengers remained the same in comparison with 2009: Aeroflot, Transaero, Sibir, UTair and GTK Rossiya.
The absolute leader Aeroflot transported more than 5 101 000 people during the first six months of 2010 (+32.4% in comparison with the same period of 2009). Transaero transported 2 779 000 passengers (+42.2%). Sibir transported 2 172 000 people during the first six months of 2010 (+15.2%). UTair transported during the same period 2 111 000 passengers (46.9%) and GTK Rossiya transported 1 367 000 people during the first five months (+9.6%). In general, the growth of the number of transported passengers of TOP 5 air carriers during the first six months of the year amounted to 30.4%. source: www.atorus.ru
