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Welcome to the Seventh Issue
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Dear Reader,
As always we hope this newsletter finds you well, despite these turbulent financial times. Here at Travel Contacts we are busy working towards one of the busiest times of our year - the preparation and release of the Travel Contacts Worldwide Directory, which will happen next in early 2009.
In this issue we are thrilled to welcome two new Members into the Travel Contacts fold: Metropolis Incentives joined earlier this year to represent France and Regina Tours signed on as our member for Israel. Interesting information about them and some of our other members is listed below for your perusal.
As always, please take the time to visit www.travelcontacts.com for regularly-updated information on each of our exclusive members or email me directly on jo@travelcontacts.com.
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METROPOLIS INCENTIVES join Travel Contacts to exclusively represent France
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Established in 1986, Metropolis' highly skilled executives bring seasoned expertise and a hands-on approach to each new project. Their knowledgeable management team will personally plan and supervise your program to ensure its total success. Metropolis is capable of handling the organisation of special events for clients for destinations worldwide. They fully understand that your clients have made a major investment in their incentive program and that you must feel confident in your choice of a Destination Management Company. Their flexibility and imagination in planning has enabled them to successfully operate numerous demanding incentive programs and a variety of special interest groups over the years.
For further information contact Sophie on paris@metropolis-dmc.com.
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Israel becomes the latest exciting destination within Travel Contacts, represented by REGINA TOURS
Regina Tours Israel, is a family owned Tour Operator, located in Jerusalem , specializing in religious pilgrimages. Regina Tours Israel was founded as an outgrowth of 30 years of experience in the travel industry, of Mr. Benjamin Shavit, owner and director of the company. Mr Shavit said: "We pride ourselves on a warm, family-type atmosphere that enables us to build close and personal relationship with our clients and group leaders.
"We, at Regina Tours Israel, view a visit to the Holy Land as the fulfilment of a dream. We aim to ensure that all pilgrims will be spiritually enriched and enjoy the unique combination of history, archaeology and religion that our country offers. We will work patiently with you to design a program tailor-made to your needs.
"We would also like to invite you to join our satisfied partners from all over the world and use our B2B on-line reservation system for hotels in Israel. Go2Israel was founded as an outgrowth of my 30 years of experience in the travel industry. During these years, I have founded Regina Tours Israel and brought many thousands of tourists and Pilgrim Groups to Israel. Based on this experience and of course our excellent reputation, we can offer you excellent rates as well as, naturally, premium service. With Go2Israel, you can book any hotel you wish and in most cases, you will complete your reservation instantly.
For further information email info@reginatours.co.il
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Specialised Irish DMC, ADVANTAGE ICO, highlights another two perfect MICE events from the Emerald Isle
1) 4x4 Treasure Hunt finishing in Ballyknocken House or Carton House.
This 4x4 treasure hunt is an amazing activity day and is suitable for groups of all sizes! Using a fleet of road-going 4x4 vehicles. Participants drive a surprise route, whilst following clues and hints. The day starts with a pick up from the client's hotel in Dublin, where all participants are given their Survival Pack. The groups follow their clues and instructions to direct them to the initial proposed route. All tasks will be achieved through cooperation, clue solving, picture taking and clear communication!
Each team is allocated points for every destination reached, challenge successfully completed and every photograph taken with the group at that destination, lowest mileage traveled (as the lower mileage traveled the less times they got lost) and questions correctly answered. Finish this event with an off road driving competition. To complete this adventurous activity, why not end with a BBQ lunch accompanied with traditional Irish music and dancing in Ballyknocken House or a 3 course meal in Carton House.
2) Gala Dinner in an Exclusive Venue.
Whether it's a corporate event, conference dinner or award ceremony, a gala dinner is a prestigious event. By hosting such an event, in venues such as The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, No. 10, Powerscourt, No.6 Kildare Street or Slane Castle, your guests expectations will be surpassed in every manner. In addition, the following entertainment suggestions would greatly add to the evening: arrival animation such as fire poi, drummers, after dinner entertainment by Anuna, who are part of the original 'Riverdance' show. They perform a beautiful set of songs and chants of Ireland that showcase the power and harmony of the voice, this works wondrously when followed by Irish dancers.
For more information visit www.advantageico.com
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KONTIKI INCENTIVES, Tuscany & Northern Italy, present a new concept for team building.
Kontiki Incentives presents S-Team: a new concept of Solidarity Team Building. Kontiki creates different projects all over Italy that directly involve the participants into team building, sending a strong signal to the company staff as well to the environment/community.
Thanks to Kontiki's professional approach and expertise, groups find enjoyable team building events that create efficient team work and make a vital contribution for the local organisation. In fact, all of Kontiki's S-Team projects are always designed together with non-profit organisations and with the relevant local authorities.
Examples of potential events include: building a maze labyrinth customized with the company's logo; developing a multimedia product in a way to valorise the nature reserve's value or building an educative itinerary within a nature reserve. This provides the opportunity to develop teamwork and motivation, make a brand the protagonist of a charity campaign, increase the company's value and share the company's ethical and environmental commitment.
For further information contact Elena Caldarelli through www.k-incentives.it.
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Pure winter pleasures at the Austrian Ski resort Zell Am See - Kaprun, by WELCOME TOURISTIC VIENNA
Glittering snow, white crystals, endless sunshine - a winter wonderland awaits you in the Europa Sportregion of Zell am See - Kaprun. Enjoy ultimate skiing pleasures at the Kitzsteinhorn (3,203m) or have action and fun at the Schmittenhöhe ski area (2,000m) with 56 ski lifts and 132km of well-groomed slopes for all levels and ambitions. A true paradise for skiers and snowboarders!
56 ski lifts and gondolas take you up to the most beautiful spots of the entire region of Zell am See and Kaprun. With one ski pass you can make free use of all lifts. A free ski bus shuttle service is available between Kaprun and Zell am See.
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Prices from Rate: € 87 - per Person, per day in a Comfort Double Room incl. Gourmet-Half Board & free use of wellness area. For information about our fantastic special offers do not hesitate to contact us for a tailor-made offer!
For further information please contact: Daniela Anhell on danhell@welcome-vienna.com, phone +43 1 53411 159 or get a first impression on our programmes at www.welcome-vienna.com.
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WEDGEWOOD BRITAIN, our representatives for England and Scotland, present Stapleford Park
Set in the heart of some of England's most picturesque countryside, Stapleford Park Country House Hotel and Sporting Estate provides standards of hospitality & elegance found in only a few hotels & resorts around the world.
Steeped in history, and set in a Capability Brown designed estate, Stapleford Park offers a stunning blend of architecture and landscape, as well as a selection of meeting and reception rooms, as well as exclusive leisure and relaxation facilities. With a total of 55 bedrooms, each created by individual designers (48 in the main house and a further 7 in 2 cottages in the grounds), Stapleford can sleep a maximum of 109 guests.
Wedgewood Britain is delighted to offer you the chance to reserve the entire property, for Sunday & Monday nights (48 hours) at an exceptional rate of £11,500* plus VAT at 17.5%, per 24 hours, to include: Exclusive & private use of the entire estate; Use of all 55 bedrooms (54 twin/double & 1 single) and Full English Stapleford breakfast.
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Ideal for corporate meetings & celebrations, fine-dining & festive parties - and once the business meeting is over, the hotel offers a number of traditional country pursuits - enjoy clay-pigeon shooting, archery, falconry… and there's a Wellness Spa located in the Old Stables… and if that's not enough, there is the hotel's own 18 hole championship golf course…
(* reduced from £22,000+ - subject to availability)
For further information contact Jerry or Aidan through tc@wedgewood.co.uk
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Iceland inexpensive! When did that happen? Our excluisve member, ATLANTIK DMC, explains
Iceland has been known in the MICE business as being a rather expensive destination," explained Kristín Sif Sigurðardóttir, Director, Incentives & Special Interest Groups. "Most of our clients have said that it is certainly worth the money, but it would only fit the high-budget groups. Now this has changed due to a drastic change in the currency exchange rate between the Euro and the Icelandic krónur. In the last nine months, the Euro has gained 35% against our currency. This means that it is now 35% less expensive to offer Iceland than 9 months ago.
Iceland still keeps its exquisit natural beauty, exclusivity and adventurous activities - but now at lower prices. Isn't it the right moment to present Iceland all over again to your clients?
Atlantik DMC is an industry leader in the MICE market in Iceland. We have been in business for over 30 years. We'll be pleased to send you a proposal for your next group, taking advantage of the great prices Iceland offers today.
Contact us at incentive@atlantik.is
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New Orleans garners another award, explains our member there CUSTOMS CONVENTIONS
New Orleans was named the Best City in the United States for Dining and Live Music by CNN Headline News and Travel + Leisure Magazine's "America's Favorite Cities" Survey 2008.
125,000 travelers selected New Orleans as the number one destination for restaurants, food/dining and live music. New Orleans has been named the best city to dine in the United States, taking top honors for the "Destination Restaurant" category and best in overall "Food/Dining" in Headline News and Travel + Leisure Magazine's annual "America's Favourite Cities" survey. New Orleans also was honoured as the best place in the country for live music, and ranked second nationally for nightlife.
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"We are proud that our city's two most dominant brands - food and music - were named as the best in America by so many discerning travellers," said J. Stephen Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. "In New Orleans you will find exquisite fine dining from some of the world's best chefs, as well as the best seven-dollar-meal you'll ever eat with delicious specialties such as oyster po-boys. Being recognized as the best in so many categories such as people-watching, antique stores and affordability, reinforces the richness of our culture and the strength of the overall experience for visitors."
These rankings are just the latest accomplishments in a string of awards bestowed on New Orleans in 2008.
For details contact Carling Dinkler on carling@customconventions.com
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Indulge in a world of winter emotions with INES TRAVEL, Bulgaria
Comfortable and luxurious hotels, modern facilities, divers ski runs for all levels of expertise, easy access, ski schools, spa centres, numerous of activities, long ski season.
You'll never be bored - winter jeep safari and BBQ, ski-doo rides, snow-cat tours, sleigh rides, horse back riding, air taxi, extreme winter sports, SPA and wellness, sightseeing, cultural events, traditional Bulgarian wine, dine, songs and dances… Everything is waiting for you to discover and explore and will make your vacation an unforgettable experience.
BANSKO - a favourite ski and snowboard destination. Provides an unique combination of the virgin natural beauty of Pirin Mountain and the cosy atmosphere of a quaint Bulgarian country village.
PAMPOROVO - this sunny place offers wonderful skiing and snowboarding opportunities, high level hotels of an original Rhodopy style, various entertainment and varied night-time life.
BOROVETS - a modern ski resort of high class with luxurious hotels, restaurants, discos, shops, good choice of runs, clean and fresh air, ancient and serene pine forests, clean blue lakes and majestic snow-capped peaks. You can enjoy the fireworks, ski ballet, illuminations, good music and a great mood through the NIGHT SKI SHOW.
Savour the magic hour when the dazzling floodlights begin to take over the dwindling daylight, and night skiing begins.
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For those who have never tried it before, skiing under the lights is a delightful experience. Flying down the hill on skis in a pool of light surrounded by darkness is a perfect way to unwind from a stress-filled day. Even the ride up the chairlift at night is magical, the lights of houses and towns twinkling in the distance.
For more information or a sample program visit www.inestravel.bg.
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Experience TEAMBUILDING RUSSIAN WAY! - as explained by our exclusive member Escape Travel Ltd.
Join the army! In the morning the group is taken to the Russian Army military base located outside of the city for a 3-hours event. Leave your comfortable coaches and board a real military truck (20 persons per truck), drive to the firing range. After changing to military uniform, the group is greeted by the commander and given complete security instructions. The group is split in several squads and the military service starts…
Group by group under the guidance of experienced officers guests learn how to shoot Makarov pistol, famous Kalashnikov machine gun and other rifles. They also learn how difficult is to board an armored troop carrier and how to drive it. The Day in the Russian Army ends with a standard soldier's lunch flavored by VODKA. No waiter service! The best shooters are awarded with large bottles of Russian Army Vodka.
All guests receive military hats and military flasks with vodka as memorable souvenirs. It is possible to combine this morning event with a visit to Imperial Gardens of Peterhof and return transfer by a helicopter!
For further information contact Andrey Gousyatsky on russia@escapetravel.spb.ru
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FIRST INCENTIVE TRAVEL put the focus on Florida
First Incentive Travel, is an incentive travel, group travel and meeting management company with the Headquarters in Orlando, Florida. First Incentive Travel was founded in 1979, President, Joost de Meijer and Vice President, Iris Langanke acquired First Incentive Travel in January of 2001. The services of the First Incentive Travel focuses on customized incentives travel and meeting and logistical management for corporate groups using travel as a way to build teamwork, increase sales, thank top achievers and reward valued clients.
"Our team brings over 35 years of meeting management experience with a focus on customer service and satisfaction," explained Mr de Meijer.
"Group incentive travel programs are our specialty. We design programs for groups of all sizes, interest, and demographics. We are experienced and designed many incentive travel programs in Orlando, Miami and beyond. We deliver personalized, hands-on service from the first step of the proposal writing to onsite management.
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We are your partner in creating tailor made programs for Florida and all other major cities throughout the USA as well as the rest of the world."
For more information email joostdm@firstincentivetravel.com
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Montenegro, explains our member TALAS-M DMC is a magical secret you just have to reveal.
An exploring spirit will lead you to the Mediterranean where the Adriatic coast awaits the pearl of the Balkans inside magical treasury of Europe. Rich history and continual encounters of civilizations, various culture's patrimony, multiethnic respect and religious tolerance have been creating through centuries this little state and shaping its specific features.
What makes Montenegro unique is its, still undiscovered and wild beauty, just two hours far away from European centres, which makes it ideal for meetings and incentives.
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Untameable rivers and docile lakes, clear sea and exciting canyons, unconquered mountain tops meddle together at only 13,800 square kilometres.
In just one day you can enjoy the cultural treasures of Kotor, the town under the protection of UNESCO, go skiing in Zabljak, watch Italy from Lovcen - the eternal resting place of the great poet Njegos, sunbathe on sandy beaches or go rafting in the untameable Tara. Montenegro has everything you have wanted to see, feel or taste for years.
For more information email snezana@talas-montenegro.com or visit www.talas-montenegro.com
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CALIFORNIA TOUR CONSULTANTS, Travel Contacts' representatives in California, unveil the re-opening on the California Academy of Sciences
Under a fading September sun, the huge glass doors to the new California Academy of Sciences swung open, a few weeks before the public opening, allowing hundreds of travel industry associates to enter into its vast foyer, giving a hint of the glorious spaces beyond. Once a classic landmark destination with its courtyards and thousands of species to learn about, the Academy was closed IN 2004 for much-needed renovations. The re-born Academy building was designed by Pritzker Prize winner, Renzo Piano, and his innovative vision manifests a combination of fantasy, reality and practicality. The STEINHART Planetarium and the African Hall are still intact but notched up with technological systems which would make many another institution green with envy. The whole building has actually been reinvented as one of the greenest facilities on the West Coast, and a model for others to follow. The MORRISON Planetarium has a constant feed to NASA to produce the most accurate and interactive digital universe created on its 90-foot dome. The Pendulum has been moved, but is still a major attraction at the Academy. Watching it swing back and forth, you could be hypnotized to the movement of the earth if it weren't for the looming dinosaurs nearby.
THE KIMBALL Natural History Museum is only one of the dimensions. The Rainforest is breathtaking. Central American flora thrives under the conditions that have been created for them and for us to escape to in an enormous 4-story glass cylinder, lit from above via circles of glass on domes which can be seen from the outside as a visiting spaceship. THIS ROOFTOP LIVING GARDEN IS PLANTED WITH VARIETIES OF NATIVE CALIFORNIA GRASSES AND GROUND COVER . The Aquarium part is mesmerizing. Peering into their habitats, we watch the four thousand fish swim carefree in their coral reef tanks, all the colours of the universe shining in the deep. The Penguins in their 25,000 gallon tank were also amusing and thought provoking. THE ONGOING DILEMMA OF Global Warming was not far from anyone's mind.
The Academy moved back in to its EXPANDED AND remodelled home with ten times as many species as when they left and it shows. The outdoor courtyard is now replaced with an interior glass one, allowing for more functions in inclement weather. The halls are spacious, the sound levels bearable everywhere and the lines for THE PUBLIC'S Opening Day ON SEPT 27TH were something to behold. The Gift Shop is filled with educational and artistic items so beautiful, interesting or cute, you can easily be tempted to take them home for yourself or share with others. Tickets are selling fast to this modern marvel and no wonder. DON'T MISS IT ON YOUR NEXT TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO! www.calacademy.org
For more information about how to incorporate this wonderful museum into your next MICE event email Caria on caria@catour.com.
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