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Europe | middle east | africa | asia-pacific caribbean | Mexico | Latin America magazine the november/december 2007 inside Page 3 Viewpoint Page 4 Association & Trade Show News Page 8 Regional Roundup Page 16 Dominican Republic: Beaches to Big City Amenities Page 18 Los Cabos: Where Desert Beauty Meets Ocean Vistas Page 22 Sensational Singapore Has It All Page 28 Czech Republic Offers the Best Of Europe Golf Incentives Reign in Spain By Nancy Mann Jackson M ore than 200 new golf courses have opened in Spain since 1990, and another 300 courses are on the drawing board for the next decade. As a result, Spain has become one of Europe's fastest growing golf destinations, according to Gordon Dalgleish, President and Co-Founder of PerryGolf (www.perrygolf.com), a full-service, international golf tour operating company. Along with its bounty of well-designed courses, Spain offers natural beauty, unique cultural attractions and plenty of top-notch accommodations, making it an ideal choice for golf-based incentive programs. "A growing number of the nation's top resorts offer a way to sample the rich culture of Spain along with the country's bountiful golf," Dalgleish says. "The culture, delectable dining, continued on page 10 Meetings and Events: How to 'Get Green' By Nancy Wilson, CMP, and Amy Spatrisano, CMP "Greening" an event encompasses all aspects of the planning process. By making choices at every planning level – from site selection to transportation to food & beverage decisions – the environmental impact of an event can be significantly reduced. Going green means taking steps to minimize waste through recycling, composting and avoiding disposable items, to decrease energy consumption and to use products with post-consumer recycled content and food that is organic, local or fair trade. Green meetings also incorporate social aspects such as charitable donations and projects that give back to the community. Why It's Important The environmental impact of a small meeting or incentive group may not seem important – after all, what difference do a few dozen cups and napkins make? But think about what happens on a large scale: During a typical five-day event, 2,500 attendees will use 62,500 plates, 87,500 continued on page 13 2 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 viewpoint A Bright Future for a Major League Industry By Frank J. Katusak A staggering $77.1 billion. That's the total market size of the incentive travel, motivational meetings and special events industry. Companies using incentive travel spent $13.4 billion last year. The market for motivational meetings was $25.9 billion, with another $37.8 billion spent on special events. When compared to the general travel and tourism industry – one of America's largest service exports, with $93 billion spent by international visitors in the United States and $89 billion spent outside the U.S. by domestic travelers – it's even more apparent that the market for incentive travel, motivational meetings and special events is huge. And widespread: 66% of companies say they used these proven and important tools last year to improve their businesses. These statistics were revealed in the 2007 Industry Profile Study: The Market for Incentive Travel, Motivational Meetings and Special Events in the United States, commissioned by The Incentive Research Foundation and conducted by GfK, an international market research company. Some other key stats: • Last year, the average corporate budget for incentive travel was $164,300; the typical budget for motivational meetings was $68,300; and for special events it was $78,000. • On average, large companies (with $100 million or more in revenues) sponsored 3.6 incentive travel trips last year, with the average number of participants being 157. "Motivate to sell more," "maintain high morale" and "motivate productivity," are the three most frequently cited objectives of incentive travel in terms of importance. • The number of motivational meetings per company in 2006 was 4.7, with an average 197 participants at each. Companies sponsored 91.3 special events last year, with business meetings being the most common type of special event. Ripe With Opportunity According to the study, 50% of end-users seek the help of a provider in planning incentive travel events, while the rest plan them on their own. This is an area ripe with opportunity for incentive travel providers. Many companies don't realize all that goes into pulling off an effective program. It must have proper design, promotion, communications, administration and superior award delivery. Often, do-it-yourselfers take the planning of such an event for granted, and after doing so they usually turn to professionals for future programs. The high proportion of do-it-yourselfers points to the need for incentive travel providers to do a better job educating the market on the value of services offered by the industry. The statistics also suggest that the industry should consider creating an education campaign that explains all that goes into putting on a successful program. Incentive travel, motivational meet- I&MI Media Incentives & Meetings International Tel: +33 4 9811 3666 Fax: +33 4 9811 3667 BP 23, 20 Rue des Arapedes 83380 Les Issambres, France ings and special events take on added importance given the current state of the U.S. economy. During tough economic times and in the face of corporate downsizing, these business tools become even more important to ensure that employees are working to their full potential. One thing's for sure: The $77 billion that was spent last year certainly has a wide-reaching ripple effect that benefits many industries. Take the typical budget for a motivational meeting, for example. It includes meals, speaker fees, site rental costs, communication costs and transportation. Some even include awards, promotional materials, entertainment and lodging in the budget. Plus, spending on these important tools isn't predicted to decline any time soon. More than half believe spending for incentive travel will increase over the next two years, and 87% believe special events budgets will remain the same or increase over the next two years. The future is certainly bright. Frank J. Katusak is President of the Incentive Research Foundation, headquartered in New York, which funds and promotes research to advance the science, enhance the awareness and appropriate application of motivation and incentives in business and industry globally. GfK is based in Germany and is the fourth largest marketing research organization in the world. I&MI Bill LaViolette Advertising Sales Anne LaViolette Managing Director Publisher [email protected] [email protected] Regional Director of Sales Greater China, Philippines, Taiwan Anne LaViolette Jamie MacDonald [email protected] +852 6083 3511 Publisher [email protected] Associate Publisher UK & Select European Markets Barbara Shapiro Richard Kern [email protected] +44 20 8870 1839 Associate Publisher Mexico, Latin America, Caribbean [email protected] Chris Michaelides [email protected] +1 703 443 0717 Dennis Coronel Associate Publisher Asia-Pacific Editorial Director Art Director CMY&K Advertising, Inc. [email protected] +66 2 261 2160 Dina Chan Visit us at www.i-mi.com Member of: SITE, MPI, ICCA november/december 2007 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL 3 association & trade show news FITUR Congresos Expands Space Educational Site Inspections Incentives & Meetings International is introducing a new service to showcase select international destinations to qualified buyers of MICE programs. I&MI Media Educational Site Inspections are designed to give buyers a first-hand experience to visit selected countries where unique and unusual opportunities for meetings and incentive groups have been discovered. In each country quality suppliers have been sought out, relationships established and their professional ability to handle meetings and incentive groups certified. These inspections are organized at a low cost so that buyers can contribute to their own education. In some cases the cost of the inspection is refunded when a program is booked. World Incentive Nexus of California (WIN) will be responsible for creating and managing the educational site inspections for I&MI readers. WIN has been designing and conducting small group inspections for almost ten years to Latin America. Inspections planned for the near future Acapulco Argentina Aruba Brazil Costa Rica Vera Cruz Dominican Republic Los Cabos Panama Go to the I&MI web site for details and to submit the registration qualification form: www.i-mi.com The 28th edition of FITUR will incorporate two new halls at Feria de Madrid, Halls 12 and 14. The exhibition will be distributed throughout all 12 halls at the center, representing a gross exhibition area measuring some 200,000 sqm/2.15 million sqft. The two new halls at Feria de Madrid boost the exhibition center's functional appeal, helping to consolidate Madrid's leading role in Europe within this field. Hall 12, which measures 14,400 sqm/ 155,000 sqft, is a space with enormous possibilities for staging all kinds of events in addition to fairs, including sports competitions. At the same time, the trade registration and access procedures will be speeded up, with the whole of Hall 2 being set aside exclusively for visitor registration, a procedure that can also be carried out in the new halls and at the North Gate. The products and services offered by tourism companies will now move to Halls 4, 12 and 14 on the ground floor. The rest of the even-numbered halls – 6, 8 and 10 – will house the international section. Asia, the Pacific, Africa, international hotel chains and global companies will reside in Hall 6; the Americas are located in Hall 8; Europe, North Africa and the Near East will be in Hall 10. As far as the national section of the fair is concerned, the Official Spanish Bodies and Organizations will be distributed throughout Halls 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. The 28th edition of FITUR will take place between 30 January and 3 February 2008, at Feria de Madrid. For more information, go to www.ifema.es/ ferias/fitur/default_i.html 4 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 New Exhibitors Broaden AIME A greater diversity of products and services for the meetings and incentive industry is expected to be on display at next year's Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), following a strong response from companies wishing to participate for the first time. "There has been an increase in demand from companies in the leisure tourism sector who have not previously exhibited at AIME but are now recognizing the value of the lucrative incentive and pre- and post-conferencing market," says AIME Sales Manager Stephen Ricardo, adding that the strong mix of new exhibitors, combined with AIME's highly regarded exhibitor base of hotels, venues, convention & tourism bureaus, airlines and service providers, will add a new dimension to the event in 2008. "Visitors and buyers to AIME 2008 will see an exciting variety of new products and serC vices on display. There will be everything M for the high-end buyer to the individual planner or person from the corporateY world simply looking for some great new CM ideas for their next event," notes Ricardo. MY Held annually at the Melbourne CY Exhibition Centre in Australia, AIME attracts a large local audience of more CMY than 2,000 trade buyers and a strong K global attendance through its hosted buyer program. A series of new initiatives will make doing business at AIME 2008 even easier for hosted buyers. Exhibitors will be asked to provide more detailed profiles in order to assist hosted buyers to better choose who they would most like to see. New, improved search facilities on the AIME website will also assist exhibitors and hosted buyers to find the information they require. Hosted buyers commit to 22 appointments with continued on page 6 4HE5LTRA#HICHOTELON(ONG+ONG´S3OUTHSIDE ¨ Perched on the stunning Telegraph Bay on Hong Kong's south side, Le Méridien Cyberport is a stylish haven with ultra-chic vibes pulsing from its fluid design and urban cool colors. Fitted with cutting-edge technology and upscale amenities, our 170 fashionable guest rooms offer the ideal sanctuary to rest and relax, whilst facing the panoramic views of the South China Sea. Dine in über-chic restaurants or chill-out at our hip bars as the sun sets over one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Within minutes of central and on the doorstep to Cyberport's revolutionary conference and entertainment venues, you can browse high-end retailers or unwind amidst the foliage of the oceanfront at your leisure. 'Best Hi-tech Hotel'- 2007 Travel Weekly Asia Industry Awards. Le Méridien Cyberport 100 Cyberport Road, Hong Kong Tel + 852 2980 7788 Fax + 852 2980 7888 Email + [email protected] www.lemeridien.com/hongkong association & trade show news continued from page 4 exhibitors. Appointment preferences are selected electronically by hosted buyers and exhibitors and then computer matched. Appointments can be viewed using AIME's Online Diary. AIME 2008 will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre February 19-20. For further information, visit the AIME website at www.aime.com.au Trends Revealed in IMEX Poll Expectations for the MICE sector remain extremely positive, according to the results of the latest Meetings Industry Outlook research by IMEX. The findings represent the views of approximately 100 buyers and agents in 12 European and Scandinavian countries, and point to considerable optimism for the next two years. Some highlights: • Asked to rank those factors that influence venue selection, participants put "good value for the money/ fitting within the agreed budget" at the top of the list, followed by a "venue with ideal facilities." A "safe and secure location" is also increasingly important. • The most frequently mentioned trends affecting planning include demand for airport venues to reduce traveling times; an increasing recognition that motivational programs are important to staff retention; the surging demand to find unspoiled and unvisited destinations; a move towards shorter, more focused, better value meetings; the use of e-meetings technology to make the educational program more inspiring, notably through video-conferencing; and more rigid government rules affecting the pharmaceutical sector and more bureaucracy generally. • There is increasing acknowledgement of the real costs of an event (i.e. allowing for travel time, salaries, planning resources); last year's figure of around 20% has nearly doubled (38%). One highlighted consideration that makes such real ROI appraisal more difficult is that different corporate budgets are involved – i.e., both local and central, and sourced from both administration 6 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 and marketing departments. • Despite widespread media coverage for the wider concerns of the environment and corporate social responsibility, fewer than half of buyers admit their full engagement with these topics. Supporters stress that they pre-check destinations and venues for their sustainability initiatives; aim to recycle; undertake carbon offsetting; try to reduce international travel; and work alongside local charities. In contrast are opinions which argue that it's more of a public issue, not that of the meetings industry, and that it's up to governments to tackle, not specific sectors or individual businesses. MPI Steering Committee in India Meeting Professionals International (MPI) announced the formation of a steering committee that will lead to the creation of a MPI India Chapter. Scheduled to officially begin its activities in 2008, the new chapter is further evidence of MPI's commitment to its new vision and global strategy. The announcement was made during a function held at Hyderabad International Convention Center (HICC) by Mr. Didier Scaillet, MPI Vice President of Global Development. "The development of this chapter fits in with India's vision to develop a vibrant ecosystem of world-class meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions and international organizations, which play an instrumental role in the professional development of the India meetings industry," said Scaillet. "A strong presence in India will provide a community platform that will support our members who have an interest or desire to expand their business into or from this region of the world." This year's winner is Shockfish SA's new SPOTME, a wireless communication system for meetings, conferences and events. The judging committee scored this product highly in all three judging criteria: innovation, completeness of concept and value to users at events. The centerpiece of the service is a purpose- built wireless handheld device that provides event information and communication tools to participants. Shockfish SA will be displaying the new SPOTME at On Wednesday, November 28, the booth 0513/0514 in the MPI Technology winner of the 2007 WorldWide Village at this year's EIBTM. Runners Technology Watch Award will be honup, who have also demonstrated very ored at EIBTM – the Global Meetings D23_035_AZ_Palais_2006_engl_187x121_RZ 06.02.2006 10:09 Uhr Seite strong technological solutions, are: 1 & Incentives Exhibition – in Barcelona. eTouches, Jambo Networks, Jot Event Technology Watch Award Winner yo u r r e c e p t i o n . yo u r c o n f e r e n c e ro o m . Messaging Systems and nTAG. ISITE Announces Scholarship Recipient The International SITE Foundation (ISITE) has named Aniko Takacs of Budapest, Hungary as the first recipient of the David Riddell Memorial Scholarship. Takacs, an incentive coordinator for Aktiv Tours Budapest, included a white paper with her scholarship submission entitled Incentive Travel as a Motivational Tool – How Businesses and Individuals Benefit. The David Riddell Memorial Scholarship honors one of SITE's most active members and past president David Riddell. The scholar receives full registration, transportation and accommodations for the SITE International Conference in Monterey, California, USA, December 6-9, 2007. The scholarship is made possible by a generous donation from Marriott Corporation, as well as gifts from the SITE membership. Additional donations are still being accepted for the David Riddell Memorial Scholarship. For more information, visit yo u r s e rv i c e . yo u r c o n f e r e n c e i n p a l a i s n i e d e rö s t e r r e i c h . P palais Niederösterreich We w i l l g l a d l y s e n d y o u o u r b r o c h u r e o r h e l p y o u p l a n y o u r c e l e b r a t i o n . P a l a i s N i e d e r ö s t e r r e i c h , H e r r e n g a s s e 1 3 , 1 0 1 0 V i e n n a , Te l : +43 / 1 /9 0 0 5 - 1 1 8 2 7, o f f i c e @ p a l a i s - n i e d e r o e s t e r r e i c h . a t , w w w. p a l a i s - n i e d e r o e s t e r r e i c h . a t november/december 2007 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL 7 regionalroundup EUROPE business center and a 1,000 sqm/10,764 sqft The new Congress Willow Stream Spa offering fitness facilities Center Hamburg and a swimming pool. (CCH) was inaugurated Anantara Resorts is set to open a in an official ceremony luxurious boutique property on a prime on October 8. CCH now features a modern beachfront location in the chic resort area conference area, a spacious exhibition hall of Seminyak, Bali. Anantara Resort and a roof garden featuring 40,000 plants Seminyak, with a total of just 59 luxurious in its 8,000 sqm/86,111 sqft space. The suites, is scheduled to open on December expansion work just completed increases 15th this year. The property features a the capacity of CCH to 16,000 seats and rooftop bar with settees and oversized 12,000 sqm/129,167 sqft of exhibition space. cushions for guests to soak in the Balinese The new Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart sunset. Other features include an infinity Airport, a 4-star superior business hotel edge pool, a first-class fitness facility and with 326 rooms and suites in the immediate Bali's first Anantara Spa. vicinity of the new exhibition center, opened LATIN AMERICA/ its doors on October 4. The new property MEXICO/CARIBBEAN includes 16 multifunctional conference and Starwood Hotels & seminar rooms with a maximum capacity of Resorts has announced 500 delegates. that it will develop Hilton Garden Inn announced it will the first St. Regis hotel and residences open the Hilton Garden Inn Rzeszów complex in South America. St. Regis in Rzeszów Poland at the end of 2008. Hotel & Residences, Buenos Aires will The newly built 102-room hotel will open in 2010, featuring 160 guest rooms form part of the Millennium Hall retail, meetings, and the grand ballroom can and suites with views of the city's bustling entertainment and business complex, handle large events of up to 700 people. waterfront on the Rio de la Plata. The comprised of 180 shops and restaurants, Regent Hotels & Resorts has announced newly constructed St. Regis property will an extensive congress/concert center, plans to expand its portfolio of luxury hotels include more than 1,486 sqm/16,000 sqft multi-screen cinema complex and leisure with the Regent Emirates Pearl in Abu of meeting space, two restaurants, a wine and fitness facilities, as well as conference Dhabi. Scheduled to open in 2010, the room, lounge, fitness center, swimming and meeting facilities supported by a hotel will offer 365 rooms and 70 furnished pool, business center and spa. 24-hour business center. apartments housed in a 47-story glass Grupo Posadas has announced the tower. The Regent Emirates Pearl will offer MIDDLE EAST opening of its newest property, the private beach access, indoor and outdoor Sun International Resorts pools, a health club and a luxury spa. The Fiesta Americana Grand Guadalajara and Hotels announces the Country Club. The elegant 208-room hotel will also feature a multi-purpose mid-November opening hotel opened on August 28 of this year, ballroom, an on-site business center, six of its new Port Ghalib offering guests a state-of-the-art meeting boardrooms and two conference rooms. Resort on Egypt's Red Sea coast. A manfacility that can accommodate events ASIA made saltwater swimming lagoon covers for up to 420 people. In addition, the Langham Hotels 13.67 sqkm/5.28 square miles and forms hotel features a spa, a fitness center, a International announces the central feature of the resort complex, boutique and a kids' club, as well as other the launch of its first around which the 5-star Palace at Port luxury services. Langham Place Eco Ghalib and the 5-star Sahara Sun Sands The Sheraton Cable Beach Resort Resort + Spa. Located on Lanta Yai and Sahara Sun Oasis hotels are located. in the Bahamas has moved up the Island in southern Thailand, the Langham The property offers extensive marine, completion date of its new meeting Place Eco Resort + Spa is a five-star resort sports and leisure facilities, a health facilities to December 2007 – two months featuring 185 rooms and villas that extend spa and a state-of-the-art International ahead of schedule. The resort's meeting directly from the beach up the hillside Convention Centre. facilities will consist of 2,322 sqm/25,000 overlooking Klong Tob Bay. The Resort Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts sqft of indoor and outdoor function space, + Spa is also designed to host meetings, recently opened the Four Seasons Hotel which can accommodate meetings or incentive trips and special events. Alexandria in the heart of the Egyptian events of up to 1,200 attendees. The Reignwood Group and Fairmont Hotels city's San Stefano district. The 118-room largest facility – a 1,161 sqm/12,500 sqft hotel stands on the historic site of the fabled & Resorts recently announced that the new ballroom – will be complemented by four Fairmont Beijing is scheduled to open in San Stefano Hotel, with each guestroom additional breakout rooms for meetings the summer of 2008. The 25-story hotel will and suite offering private balconies with and banquets, as well as pre-function feature 235 guestrooms, restaurants, bars, views of the sea and the city. The hotel areas for group registration, cocktail function space, a multi-purpose theatre, is also designed to host conferences and receptions and meeting breaks. I&MI 8 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 Golf Incentives Spain continued from cover overflowing nightlife, classical architecture and inviting climate make Spain a perfect destination." Andalusia Attractions Several of Spain's most popular golf resort towns are located along the Costa del Sol in Spain's Andalusia region. This part of the country is ideal for an incentive trip for a number of reasons. "First of all, the climate is excellent practically all year round," says Thomas MacFarlane, with Event Planner Spain (www.event plannerspain.com). "There are over 110 golf courses in Andalusia, a number that increases every year." The Costa del Sol and the Atlantic Coast have a large number of excellent four- and five-star hotels, most of which have golf desks and a complete range of complimentary services. "Andalusian cuisine is also justly famous, with a broad range of dishes, including shellfish and fish from the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, local market garden produce, game, cheeses, succulent Pata Negra ham and, of course, exquisite olive oil and literally hundreds of tapas," MacFarlane continues. "Andalusia also produces sherry and other wines, and the region has a fascinating history and all kinds of different landscapes, from the high mountains of Sierra Nevada in Granada, arable land, olive groves and pastures, to the dune-lined Atlantic coast and the Desert of Tabernas, the only one of its kind in Europe." With the wide selection of golf courses and resorts along the Costa del Sol, the most difficult decision is choosing which course is right for your group. One of the most famous is Valderrama, which was the site of the 1997 Ryder Cup. In addi- Ideas and Resources for Events and Meetings in Andalusia A shortcut to the very best in event venues & service providers www.eventplannerspain.com Paseo de la Sierra, 38-20, 29018 Malaga (Spain) +34 952 294 327/952 292 831/052 221 195 [email protected] 10 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 tion to Valderrama, PerryGolf's Dalgleish also recommends Sotogrande Old and the Old Course at San Roque. Some of the other top courses in the area for incentive groups are the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, Marbella Resort and Finca Cortesin, according to Seamus Whooley of Golf Experience (www.golfexperience. net), another golf tour operator specializing in the Costa del Sol. Along with these recommendations, MacFarlane says Event Planner Spain features numerous member golf courses that offer incentive packages. Just as important as locating the right golf course is finding the right accommodations where your guests can get pampered and rested. In the coastal resort town of Marbella, which features 25.7 km/16 miles of sun-bathed beaches, Dalgleish recommends the Marbella Club, which he says offers "a fine design accented by views of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean and the African coastline," or the Hotel Villa Padierna, "a Tuscan-themed resort run by the Ritz-Carlton," where a Romanstyle amphitheater located just outside the spa overlooks part of the golf course. Whooley and MacFarlane also recommend Puerto Banus, Sotogrande, San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona, all resorts located on the Costa del Sol. To aid planners in their search for the right property, MacFarlane's company, Event Planner Spain, offers a list of five-star hotels on the Costa del Sol on its website. When your group is finished golfing, the Andalusia region offers numerous other attractions and activities worth exploring. "There are many interesting cities and towns, the great majority of which are near enough for daytrips, with splendid monuments and museums," MacFarlane says. For those who are a little more energetic, there's skiing and winter sports in Granada; adventure and high-risk sports and hiking throughout the region; horse trekking and riding classes; bullfighting and tours of bull farms and horse studs; wine tours and tastings (especially in Jerez de la Frontera); windsurfing and kiteboarding in Tarifa and Bolonia; and all kinds of water sports and fishing on the Mediterranean and Atlantic Coast. The region of Andalusia also has three casinos and a number of cultural attractions, including flamenco shows and fes- tivals, organized boat trips on yachts or sailboats, whale and dolphin spotting and boat trips down the Guadalquivir River with dinner included. For celebrations and meetings, the region offers a number of venues, including castles, monasteries, stately homes, haciendas, mansions, country estates, botanical gardens, bullrings, palaces, charming hotels and traditional congress and convention centers. Whooley notes that the Costa del Sol offers an established tourism infrastructure with Europe's best all year round golf. "There is ease of access from all over the world, as Malaga Airport is one of Europe's biggest and best served. There's a variety of visitor-friendly courses, there's no linguistic barrier, despite the perception of one, and the climate is perfect – 300 days of sunshine per annum," he says. Catalonia Captivates The most sought-after golf destination on the Mediterranean Coast is Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city and the capital of the Catalonia region. "Barcelona is one of the world's leading venues for corporate events and exhibitions, and it looks set to grow with its continuous expansion," says Ian Denham, Director of BCN Golf (www. barcelonagolf.com), a Barcelona-based golf travel company. "Barcelona offers everything from an exciting nightlife to some of the world's finest restaurants and a cultural history second to none. It is also ideally situated for visiting the golf courses on the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada. The area is rich in culture; some of the names that attract one's attention include Gaudi and Picasso. And then there are the 1992 Olympic Games, which put Barcelona on the world map." Some of the most sought-after courses in the area are the PGA de Catalunya and the Real Club de Golf El Prat. The PGA de Catalunya, listed as one of the 10 best courses in Europe by Golf World magazine, is a stunning course with the Pyrenees as a continued on page 12 november/december 2007 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL 11 Golf Incentives Spain continued from page 11 backdrop. Designed by Neil Coles and Angel Gallardo, the PGA de Catalunya opened in 1998, hosting the Sarazen World Open in 1999 and the Spanish Open in 2000. Located near the small town of Caldes de Malavella near Girona, the course is "set on undulating land with evergreens, oak trees and heather lining its perfect fairways," says Denham. The Real Club de Golf El Prat first opened in 1954 and has now been moved to its new home in Terrassa on the outskirts of Barcelona. Designed by Greg Norman, the course includes Meeting creates Understanding. Understanding creates Networking. Networking creates Experience. Experience creates Knowledge. Knowledge creates Technology. Technology creates Convenience. Convenience creates Well-being. Well-being creates Feeling. Feeling creates Motivation. Motivation creates Participation. Participation creates Meetings! www.austrian.com www.acv.at www.messecongress.at www.vienna.convention.at 12 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 45 holes and is set in beautiful rolling countryside. "With its modern facilities and spectacular design, the Real Club de Golf El Prat, without a doubt, will be holding competitions both national and international in the very near future," predicts Denham. Near Barcelona, the Costa Brava was voted the world's best emerging golf destination by IAGT in 2000. The Costa Brava is "one of the most beautiful and picturesque parts of Spain," says Denham, adding that it offers an array of superb hotels with facilities for meetings and conventions. Along with excellent golf courses and top-notch hotels and resorts, Barcelona and the entire Catalonia region offer plenty of options for groups. "Catalonia isn't just the home of some beautiful and testing golf courses; it's also famous for its culture, food and wine, the exciting day and nightlife of Barcelona, beautiful beaches and crystal waters and most of all the warmth and friendliness of its people," Denham notes. Incentive groups visiting the area may be interested in a trip to the Penedes wine-producing region of Catalonia, which is well known around the world for both its wine and its caves. Visiting groups can sample wines and enjoy lunch at a typical Catalan Masia restaurant. Also in Catalonia, the Mountain of Montserrat is a popular attraction for groups. Its peaks rise over 4,000 feet and it is home to a Benedictine monastery founded in the 11th century. The Montserrat Abbey has become world famous for its boys' choir, Excolania, and school of music, which is considered to be the choir of oldest European tradition. "A trip to the top of the mountain offers some breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside," Denham adds. I&MI How to 'Get Green' continued from cover napkins, 75,000 cups or glasses and 90,000 cans or bottles. Plus there are all the greenhouse emissions from people traveling to and from the conference and paper and plastic waste from conference handouts. Now multiply that by the thousands of meetings produced each year worldwide, and the environmental impact is staggering. That's why it's important to make changes whenever possible, because every meeting can make a difference and reduce its environmental and social impact. Food and Beverage Decisions The choices event planners make about food and beverages are critical to the well-being of the guests, the budget and the planet. These choices have become increasingly complicated as guests have come to expect food that fits their daily way of life, whether it's low-carb, organic or one of many other options. This not only involves choices about the food and beverages served, but also about how they're served. Here are a few ideas to make those decisions easier: communities and offers fresher seasonal and regional choices without the transportation impact. It's also a great way to celebrate the local flavor of the region. Local and organic is the optimal preference, if available. Choose seafood from sustainable fisheries. Increased consumer demand for seafood is depleting fish stocks around the world and harming the health of the oceans. Today, nearly 70% of the world's fisheries are fully fished or over-fished. Simply choosing seafood from the guides below will take the guess work out of menu selection: • The Monterey Bay Aquarium publishes Seafood Watch, a guide for consumers. They provide a free pocket guide you can download and carry. • Blue Ocean Institute also publishes a Mini-Guide to Ocean Friendly Seafood in a pocket guide format. It is available for free at: www.blueocean.org/Seafood/. Choose food based on the history of attendees' preferences and attrition. Planners need to know a group's preferences – whether a hearty salad is plenty or a full warm meal is their favorite – and then order accordingly. In addition, guarantee meals based on their history. Are they early risers who all show up for breakfast, or do they arrive just before the general session, rushing in at the last minute and grabbing a cup of coffee? Do they skip the conference lunch to have smaller business meetings at local restaurants? If this history isn't available, ask attendees to sign up for meals in advance, saving both money and food. Choose not to serve individual water bottles. Serving water from large pitchers or containers saves a tremendous amount of money (an average of $5 per bottle, depending on the venue). Do the math. One client realized $25,000 in savings over the course of the conference. It also saves all those plastic bottles from getting into the planet's waste stream. Location, Location, Location Does the location of the meeting really make a difference? Absolutely! Choosing a destination that's conducive to the event's purpose and takes into account the location of attendees is the first step in producing a successful conference or meeting. It's also the first step in producing an earth-friendly event. With this in mind, take a look at the attendees' geographic locations to determine possible sites requiring minimal travel for all participants. Understand why it matters economically, environmencontinued on page 14 Choose food in season. From economic, health, and environmental standpoints, choosing food in season in the local area has great benefits. Buying locally grown products helps support local november/december 2007 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL 13 How to 'Get Green' continued from page 13 tally and for the greater satisfaction of your guests. And then, as always, begin asking questions… Is the city served by a number of airlines that allow for direct flights or a minimum of stops? No one really enjoys layovers, changing planes and extra time to get to a destination, not to mention the environmental considerations. Is the city's mass transit system adequate? Can attendees go directly from the airport to their hotels or the convention center? The ability to jump off a plane and right onto mass transit to arrive at the hotel saves time, money and the planet. Does the Convention and Visitors' Bureau have a list of venues, properties, and suppliers that have environmental practices in place? Where can attendees go for a local or organic meal? Which hotels are environ- mentally-friendly? Can they have tours or off-site events in natural attractions using alternative fuel vehicles? Has this research already been done by a CVB that's interested in minimizing the environmental "footprint" a meeting or conference will have on their area? When sending out RFPs for city-wide events, include environmental criteria. Specify the importance of environmental criteria in the site-selection process. Cities that understand the importance of ecofriendly meetings and have prepared a green list will be a more effective partner in other aspects of planning. How do these environmental considerations also increase the attendee satisfaction? Think like an attendee: Wouldn't it be a luxury to ride convenient and inexpensive transportation to the hotel and then walk to a local restaurant serving fresh, healthy food for dinner? While it's unrealistic to believe that all destination decisions will be made on environmental considerations alone, these factors can be important when choosing between comparable cities. The more cities and venues understand and embrace environmentally-responsible practices, the easier it will be. These green meeting tips are just a starting place, but the impact of even these few changes can be dramatic. It has been our experience that most hotels and meeting facilities are willing to work with planners. After all, they benefit as well. 14 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 Some Basic Tips Start your "greening" effort by proposing a few common-sense policies that won't sacrifice the attendee experience. If done right, it will probably enhance their experience. Attendees can feel good about participating and knowing what is being done on their behalf. Here are some basics: • All catering plates, cups and glasses should be china or glass (non-disposable). If using disposables, they must be biodegradable or compostable. NO Styrofoam under any circumstances. • Condiments should be served in bulk containers, not individual servings, to save packaging. This includes sugar, creamer, butter, cream cheese, etc. • All napkins should be cloth whenever possible. Use recycled cardboard coasters instead of cocktail napkins. • Have separate recycling bins for attendees to use at all catered functions, registration, and especially on the exhibit floor. • Make sure that all handouts are printed on two sides using post-consumer recycled paper. • Ask about recycled-content promotional products when deciding on pens, bags, shirts and caps. There are also beautiful awards made of recycled glass. • Ask the hotels not to change the sheets and towels daily unless requested by the guest. • Don't replace hotel amenities daily unless they're gone. Use of soap and shampoo dispensers would be optimal. • Instruct the hotels' housekeeping staff to shut blinds and turn down the heat/air conditioning in rooms during the day while attendees are gone. • Ask for information about the facilities' recycling program for all areas. • All leftover food should be donated to a local food bank. • Reduce the amount of handouts by making them available on the event web site. • Cut down the size of the registration brochure and make the rest of the information available online. Carbon Offsets – The Basics The "official" definition of a carbon offset (courtesy of Climate Trust) is, "the process of reducing a ton of carbon dioxide emissions in another location for the emissions you cause in either your home, office, commute, travel or other activities that use energy and cause emissions." Carbon offsets enable anyone to reduce their environmental footprint by supporting projects, typically energy efficiency, renewable energy, sequestration, biomass, etc. that reduce carbon dioxide emissions to offset one's own climate footprint. Many companies and organizations have become concerned with climate change issues especially related to carbon emissions. Carbon offsets are a way to mitigate the carbon emissions that occur when attendees travel to meetings, and they offer a great value-added component for your attendees and some good PR for your event. The term "carbon neutral" implies that if enough carbon offsets are collected to mitigate the meeting's carbon emissions, the event is considered to have had no negative environmental impact. However, most carbon neutral claims don't include all the aspects of carbon emissions that are necessary to produce an event or conference. For example, the emissions necessary to provide the food and beverage served at the event are usually not factored in. The emissions caused with exhibitor freight and products provided for a trade show are also usually not included. Therefore, it would be better to use the phrase "working towards a carbon neutral event" in any publicity for your meeting or event. There are a variety of carbon offset options. There are organizations that plant trees. There are others that invest in renewable energy projects. And still others that accept offsets that are "retired" or donated from corporations. To learn more about carbon offset options, go to www.climateservices.com. To calculate the amount of carbon offsets needed to offset an event, make sure the carbon offset provider you select is able to estimate the total carbon emissions expected by calculating the demographics of your attendees (in other words where attendees will be coming from, whether they're within driving distance or are flying, etc), the convention and/or hotel space you're using over a specific period of time, what forms of transportation you're using during the event and other related details. There are also calculators available for you to do your own calculations. However, if you're planning a large event and offsetting energy use as well, you should probably use a provider that can calculate them for you. As far as who pays for carbon offsets, there are generally four options: • Your organization pays for the offsets • You offer the opportunity on the registration form for attendees to pay for their own emissions (prices range from $6-$25 per attendee) • You get the offsets sponsored • You use a combination of the above. Bottom line: Carbon offsets are the newest, seemingly easiest way for organizations to mitigate some of their environmental footprint. Just remember that not all carbon offsets are alike. ©2006 by Meeting Strategies Worldwide. Used with permission. For more information, go to: www.meetingstrategies worldwide.com I&MI november/december 2007 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL 15 DESTINATION: dominican republic Views of the Caribbean Abound Dominican Republic: From Beaches to Big City Amenities I nitially you might be drawn to the Dominican Republic for its 870-mile coastline of pristine beaches and exotic flora and fauna. But there's so much more to this island country. Impressive mountain ranges, architectural gems from its Colonial past and numerous top-notch golf courses make this paradise a powerhouse meetings and incentive destination. Described as a "colorful tapestry of Spanish, French, Haitian, and African influences woven by a rich and storied history" by the Fast Facts Language: Spanish is the official language, though many people who service the tourism industry speak English. Currency: Legal tender is the Dominican Peso. Foreign currency can be converted at the BanReservas exchange booths found in airports, major hotels, commercial banks and authorized exchange houses. Transportation: Las Americas International Airport is the country's principal port of entry. It is located 20 minutes east of Santo Domingo's colonial district. Entry Requirements: U.S. and Canadian citizens are required to have a valid passport or an original birth certificate, along with a photo-bearing official document. Citizens of other countries should contact their closest Dominican consulate for travel documentation requirements. Dominican Republic Board of Tourism, this Caribbean hot spot practically throbs with excitement. Planning Parameters To really make your meeting or incentive trip sizzle, consider scheduling it during one of the country's music festivals. The week-long Santo Domingo Merengue Festival is held during the last week of July or the first week of August every year. Or there's the Puerto Plata Merengue Festival, a week-long celebration of Merengue acts during the third week in October. There are also spectacular natural wonders you can plan around. Visit during the country's annual humpback whale migration for a rare glimpse of this endangered species. Eighty-five percent of the northwest Atlantic's humpback whales are born in Dominican waters, where they return each year to breed and give birth. A Capital Idea For an excellent base from which to take excursions, book your group in the oldest city in the New World, Santo Domingo, with its quaint cobbled streets and stonework houses. This capital city features the Alcázar de Colon, the historic 22-room palace home of Don Diego 16 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 Newswire • AltaBella Hotel's Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa is the flagship hotel property to open at Cap Cana. A cliff-side view of the Caribbean perfects the luxury of this new resort, which features suites, spa, meeting rooms/business center, casino, restaurants/bars and a private beach. Columbus. Built in 1510 and restored in 1955, this is a must-include stop on tour itineraries. Ten museums, with exhibits ranging from semiprecious gems to prehistoric art from Spain and Portugal, are spread throughout the city and well worth a visit as well. This metropolis of one million people is equipped to handle all your meeting needs. Santo Domingo hotels can accommodate anything from small gatherings to large groups of up 2,000. Locations to consider include the Hilton Santo Domingo, Dominican Fiesta and Jaragua Renaissance. There are also numerous special event venues with capacities of For more information on these suppliers, visit www.i-mi.com •Dominican Republic Dept. of Tourism •Hilton Santo Domingo •Renaissance Jaragua Hotel & Casino •Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort DESTINATION: Los cabos Los Cabos: Where Desert Beauty Meets Ocean Vistas L os Cabos, at the southernmost tip of the Baja peninsula in Mexico, is often described as the place where "the desert meets the ocean." But sand- Fast Facts The Los Cabos area is served by the Los Cabos International Airport at San Jose del Cabo (SJD). The airport has direct connections to more than 20 different cities in the U.S, during peak season – November through April – and is served by American, Continental, and Delta, among other airlines. It's currently undergoing necessary renovations to add a second runway and a taxi area to relieve congestion during peak flying times. These renovations should be complete by early 2008. The airport is also in the process of adding a third terminal. Other facts about Los Cabos to keep in mind: • English is spoken widely, and virtually all hotel/resort employees will be bilingual in Spanish and English. • Meeting planners who will be shipping materials into Los Cabos for their meetings or events should remember to use a Mexican broker. • The beaches are beautiful but the waters can sometimes be hazardous for swimmers. Visitors are discouraged from swimming at unguarded beaches. • Rain is rare in Los Cabos, except in the late summer and early fall. Daytime temperatures in the peak season are in the 70's, but it can get chilly at night. • Mexican currency is based on the peso, but the U.S. dollar is also accepted at many Los Cabos locations. wiched between those two extremes in Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and the corridor between them you'll also find one of the newest and most attractive meeting and incentive destinations in the world with luxury hotels and resorts, exclusive golf courses, marinas, spas and shops. In fact, one of the key attractions of Los Cabos – comprised of a pair of fishing villages made over into a worldclass destination – is that everything is so new, according to Adam Lawhorne, President of Meeting Incentive Experts Inc. in Chicago and destination management company MEI Los Cabos. "The average age of most of the hotels is four years," says Lawhorne, "so we're talking high-tech – Wi-Fi in the rooms, in the meeting rooms, at the pool. We're also talking upscale food and beverage, worldclass fishing, the best golf in Mexico, the mountains, the desert and the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. It's something that people haven't experienced before. If people know their incentive program is going to be in Los Cabos, participants will work harder to get there just because it's so new and people know it's a very upscale destination." Staying in Style Many of the hotels in Los Cabos are built as complexes and include golf courses, swimming pools, spas, restaurants, shops Hilton Los Cabos and meeting facilities all under one (beach) umbrella. The Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos, for instance, is located in the corridor between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas and offers 250 rooms and suites, a beach club, three restaurants, five swimming pools, lighted tennis courts, spa and meeting rooms. It boasts that all of its rooms and suites have incredible views of the Sea of Cortez, and the hotel offers preferential access to the two golf courses at the Cabo del Sol Resort development, including the 18-hole Ocean Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Marquis Los Cabos, also located on the Los Cabos corridor, has 210 suites and 28 casitas with private pools. Amenities include hydromassage tubs, Bulgari toiletries, Frette bed linens, complimentary breakfasts and more. Extra touches include a 5 Diamond Award restaurant and one of the largest spas in Latin America. For the meeting-minded, the hotel also offers a conference center, including a master ballroom that easily handles up to 1,000 guests. The ballroom can be converted into four meeting rooms, and there are four additional breakout rooms. Among other top hotels/resorts are the Esperanza, Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort, Las Ventanas al Paraiso and the Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos. continued on page 20 18 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 Bring a fresh perspective to the table. Let our ideas inspire your ideas. Book your next meeting at one of The Westin Resorts and Spas in Mexico where fresh thinking transcends the everyday. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 800-westin1 westin.com/loscabos westin.com/puertovallarta westin.com/cancun This is how it should feel SM Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Cancun © 2007 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved. Westin is the registered trademark of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. or its affiliates. Los Cabos continued from page 18 Enjoying the Scenery Los Cabos' unique location makes it a perfect place for outdoor activities and events. "Los Cabos has fantastic fishing," says Lawhorne, "and we've put together team-building events and fishing tournaments for corporations that are looking to do something like that." Another special event offered by a lot of DMCs is the Desert Party. "We take everyone to a location in the desert a mile off the highway with the gorgeous rock formations of Los Cabos as a backdrop," Lawhorne says. "We can set up a band, a backlit screen, food stations and everything else necessary to create a fantastic event." To keep the ocean more prominently in the picture, consider a Pirate Party. "Pirates are a big thing nowadays, and at one time they really did use Los Cabos as a stopping-off point," Lawhorne notes. "We can bring a replica pirate ship and moor it off the beach near your hotel, do a dinner on the beach, give everyone pirate patches, bandanas, hats and swords, do a pirate show and top it off with fireworks display." Groups can also get out on the water on a 200-passenger trimaran that's new to the waters off Los Cabos. It's perfect for anything from snorkeling to sunset cruises, and watching a sunset from the ocean or through El Arco, the great natural stone arch at the tip of Los Cabos, is one thing no group should miss. Another team-building possibility is something Lawhorne's group calls the Baja Challenge. "It's an activity that puts teams together to learn a little about the history and culture of the destination," he says. "It's a bit of a scavenger hunt, jeep rally and city tour. We put people together in teams, with a team color and team song, and we have them go to different stops all over Los Cabos to get a feel for different areas, different time periods and maybe even learning a bit of the language." Other possibilities for activities include scuba diving, nature tours, whale watching and exploring the desert terrain on ATVs. The Eco-Friendly Guest If El Arco and the rest of the striking natural scenery around the capes isn't enough, just two hours north of Los Cabos is the Sierra de la Laguna dry forest. This stretch of forest, reaching from the desert floor up to 6,000-foot jagged peaks features floral and desert plants, organ and cardón cacti, and an abundance of other indigenous species that have been living in relative isolation for centuries. Despite its growing popularity as a luxury destination, Los Cabos is also working to maintain its distinction as an eco-friendly locale. According to Lawhorne, there is always extensive clean up after desert parties and other events, and there is an ongoing effort by the hotels to keep the beaches clean. At most resorts, hotel staff – from the general manager to hotel maids – will spend part of every day cleaning the beach. "Respecting and protecting the natural elements of the destination is a big part of our job here," Lawhorne explains. And there's a lot to protect and preserve – mountains, desert landscapes, beautiful beaches and striking natural rock formations. "There are more species in Baja California than in any other part of Mexico," says Lawhorne proudly, "and there is no more eco-friendly state in Mexico than Baja California Sur." I&MI aimehigher the must attend event for event organisers achieve more aime higher for networking AIME is the premier event in the Asia Pacific region for meetings, conventions, special events, incentives and business travel. • Welcome reception for 1800 people • Networking hour each day at Globe With over 850 exhibitors from 50 countries plus Australian exhibitors from all States and Territories, you'll achieve more in two days than you ever thought possible. aime higher for the best in education • New Master Classes for practical advice • Business Events Forum with world leaders in event management. 92% of visitors surveyed said that aime helped them meet their business objectives. aime higher for business • Apply now to be a VIP Hosted Buyer • Register online now and discover the AIME business advantage AIME 2008 - meet face to face and achieve more. Visit aime.com.au today. 16th asia-pacific incentives & meetings expo || 19-20 february 08 melbourne australia 20 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 PRESSAD-GEN-187x121.indd 1 19/10/07 1:45:39 PM "Meeting? Bermuda. Oh Yeah!" Sure, Bermuda has more than 110,000 square feet of meeting space with views of the ocean, not to mention comprehensive tech support and professional personnel services, all just under two hours from the East Coast. But don't forget Bermuda has more golf courses per capita than any other destination in the world. Plus, it offers countless opportunities to enjoy miles of pink sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters. Who knew you could get such a great return on your investment and have attendees saying, "Oh yeah!" For more information on planning your next event, call 1-800-BERMUDA or visit bermudatourism.com DESTINATION: singapore Bay Theatre from the Esplanade Sensational Singapore Has It All C F or a taste of the exotic, consider booking your next event or incentive group in the island-nation of Singapore, a place that's described as "brimming with unbridled energy" and embodying the finest of both East and West. Singapore is made up of 64 separate islands – a main island of 682 sqkm/263 sqmi and 63 surrounding islets. However, its compact size belies its economic clout. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry with a Fast Facts Language: Malay is considered the national language. However, official languages are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. Currency: Singapore dollars come in denominations of SGD 2, SGD 5, SGD 10, SGD 20, SGD 50, SGD 100, SGD 500, SGD 1,000 and SGD 10,000. Transportation: Singapore Changi Airport includes 80 airlines serving more than 180 cities in over 50 countries. It is a major hub in Southeast Asia. Entry Requirements: Foreigners who do not require visas for entry and are visiting Singapore as tourists may be given up to 30-day social visit passes upon their arrival in Singapore. To view a list of countries from which foreigners will be required to obtain a visa to travel into Singapore, go to http://app. ica.gov.sg/travellers/entry/visa_requirements. asp. rich cultural history. The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account which described Singapore as Pu-luo-chung ("island at the end of a peninsula"). During the 11th century, this small but strategically-placed island had earned a new name - Singa Pura ("Lion City"). By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town"). The British provided the next notable chapter in the Singapore story. During the 18th century, they saw the need for a strategic port to refit, feed and protect the fleet of their growing empire, as well as to forestall any advances by the Dutch in the region. It was against this political backdrop that Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a trading station. The policy of free trade attracted merchants from all over Asia and from as far afield as the U.S. and the Middle East. By 1824, just five years after the founding of modern Singapore, the population had grown from a mere 150 to 10,000. Today its population is nearly 4 million. Getting Your Bearings A good central location in the city of Singapore is the bustling Orchard Road, a tourism hub that brims with retail, entertainment and hotels. The five-star Newswire • Work on the $33 million Pit Building for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix officially began last summer. The development of the F1 complex complements other tourism projects underway in Singapore, namely the Singapore Flyer (a giant observation wheel resembling the London Eye) and the two mega Integrated Resorts at Marina Bay and Sentosa scheduled to open in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Measuring some 350 meters long, the Pit Building is a key piece of infrastructure for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, which will debut on 28 September 2008. • Singapore Changi Airport's Terminal 3 will open for operations in early January 2008. This addition will include more than 100 retail shops, over 30 food/beverage vendors and 20 service concessions. The 1.75 billion USD/1.23 billion Euro project boosts Changi Airport's handling capacity by 22 million passengers, bringing total annual capacity to 70 million. • A more exciting local hotel scene is unfolding with a new cast of players, additional brands and creative product concepts. International hotel management companies such as Accor, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) are growing their presence in Singapore by bringing in other brands from their portfolios. Ranging from boutique to mid-tier to luxury establishments, many of these new hotel developments are being established in nontraditional hotel locations such as Tanjong Pagar, One-North, Labrador Park and Novena. A new 320-room Crowne Plaza, a brand from the IHG family, is scheduled to open at the Singapore Changi Airport next year. continued on page 24 22 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 M Y CM MY CY CMY K the marina bay sands . With its world-class meeting and THE MARINA BAY SANDS Æ The premium convention facilities, five-star luxury MICE destination of tomorrow which is redefining hotel, Southeast Asia's MICE industry landscape today. and superior dining and entertainment options, The Marina Bay Sands™ will bring unmatched business The convention and exhibition facilities at The Marina and leisure experiences to global MICE Bay Sands™ consist of: delegates. As Southeast Asia's first • A 40,000 m2 (440,000 ft2) exhibition hall luxury integrated resort, The Marina • A 9,200 m2 (99,000 ft2) column-free grand ballroom Bay Sands™ is set to become the top • A 48,000 m2 (500,000 ft2) highly flexible meeting MICE destination in the region, offering 100,000 square metres of state-ofthe-art facilities suitable for all events. room complex • State-of-the-art facilities catering to the needs of the technology, logistics, medical and biotechnology industries After a rewarding day of meetings, • Ability to accommodate more than 2,500 booths for delegates can choose to indulge in the exhibitions and 50,000 delegates for conventions and finest meetings cuisines at award-winning star chef restaurants, watch criticallyacclaimed Broadway musicals or The Marina Bay Sands™ opens in 2009. spectacular light and water shows, shop to their hearts' content at a premium mall, be inspired at the ArtScience Museum, or invigorate their senses at an exclusive spa atop the soaring hotel towers boasting panoramic views of the Singapore cityscape. Hannibal scene from Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular. Photographer: Joan Marcus © Marina Bay Sands Pte. Ltd. 2006. All rights reserved. No part of this ad may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Marina Bay Sands. For more information, please contact: Marina Bay Sands Conventions & Exhibitions Team 9 Raffles Place #45-01 Singapore 048619 Tel: + 65 6305 6900 Email: [email protected] Website: www.lasvegassands.com Clark Quay Singapore continued from page 22 Shangri-La Hotel Singapore sits among 60,702 sqm/15 acres of luxurious tropical gardens – an oasis within the metropolis. With 750 luxury guestrooms and suites, as well as an extensive conference center, you'll find facilities to support your events from large to small. The Grand Hyatt Hotel Singapore also presents a range of meeting options. Considered a leading conference venue in Singapore, the Grand Hyatt offers 25 versatile meeting rooms located on three floors. This includes an elegant Grand Ballroom, as well as an Exhibition and Conference Centre housing 11 more function rooms that can be combined into a single large exhibition area. Another option – particularly for incentive programs – is the historic Raffles Hotel, first built in 1887 and extensively renovated in 1991. Since that time it has become the place to stay for those "in the know," winning the 2007 Daily Telegraph Ultra Travel Award for Best Hotel in Asia. Ten venues within the hotel allow you to plan gatherings from conferences to cocktail receptions for as many as 390 persons, depending on the format of your event. The opulent 103-suite hotel also offers the exclusive Amrita Spa, allowing for numerous incentive options to tempt your program participants. Out and About There's much more to this paradise than opulent hotels, however. Singapore is home to one of the world's most spectacular zoos – acclaimed for its "open" zoo concept, using natural barriers to create a habitat-appropriate experience for its 3,600 animals, including numerous endangered species. Sixteen percent of the zoo's species are threatened in the wild. Plan a corporate event within the compound by booking the zoo's modern Forest Lodge, equipped to host 220 persons for a banquet or as many as 400 for a standing-room function. There are also special cocktail venues available, such as a promenade along the Elephants of Asia exhibit or the Tiger Trek. You can also appeal to your program participants by scheduling your visit For more information on these suppliers, visit www.i-mi.com •Marina Bay Sands Singapore •Marina Mandarin Singapore •The Oriental, Singapore •Singapore Marriott Hotel during one of Singapore's major festivals. Together with Chinese New Year and Christmas celebrations during the winter months of December through January, ethnic festivities such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, Deepavali and Hari Raya Aidilfitri (held from September through November) have grown over the years to become signature events with strong appeal, expected to attract 17 million visitors and $30 billion in tourism receipts by 2015. The draw is fed by colorful art, cuisine, music, parades and ceremonies. If your trip is scheduled during the months of June and July, look for happenings surrounding the Singapore Food Festival. This annual event attracts thousands of visitors to a packed roster of free-admission events. The island-wide month-long festival highlights many favorite Singapore dishes such as Chili Crab, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Satay and Curry Fish Head. If relaxation trumps your desire for festivities, consider Sentosa, which means tranquillity in Malay. This popular island resort pampers with its long stretches of sheltered beaches along the southern coast. Fodor's travel guide calls the continued on page 26 24 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 Singapore continued from page 24 Sentosa Resort & Spa "ideal for business seminars and leisure visitors who want to escape." Perched atop a cliff, the resort offers spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding acres of landscaped gardens. Its two-story conference center provides over 1,300 sqm/13,993 sqft of dedicated meeting space to accommodate groups from 20 to 400. Such settings, not unusual to this island-nation of hospitality, provide you and your event participants with an exotic environment in which to relax, reward and rehabilitate. Info for MICE Planners Singapore is now ranked among the world's top three cities for meetings, based on the Union of International Associations' (UIA) latest rankings. In the UIA's International Meetings Statistics 2006 report, Singapore moved up one place from 2005 to third position in the Top International Meeting City category, placing it among the top three for the first time and alongside wellestablished European cities like Paris (ranked first) and Vienna (second) that attract international meetings. At the same time, Singapore topped the rankings as Asia's top country and city for meetings. Singapore surged from fourth to first position in the competition for Asia's Top Country for Meetings, while maintaining its standing as Asia's Top City for Meetings, a position it has held for the past 23 years. Singapore's sterling results over the past five years, particularly in 2006, comes at a time when the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB), a subsidiary of the Singapore Tourism Board, has ramped up its efforts to capture a bigger slice of the MICE market. As part of its efforts to spur growth in this sector, the SECB launched the "BE in Singapore" or "Business Events in Singapore" incentive program in August 2006. The initiative, developed in consultation with the industry, enables the local MICE 26 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 industry to competitively bid for and attract a critical mass of business events to sustain its business pipeline. "This robust performance and the dynamic MICE landscape in Singapore is a resounding testament to the strong cooperation and close partnership between the public and private sector, including government agencies and the MICE industry players, and I'm confident that the buoyant outlook of the industry will continue, especially with the vibrant calendar of business events in the pipeline, and many exciting tourism developments in the coming years," says Aloysius Arlando, Assistant Chief Executive (Business Travel and MICE Group), STB. I&MI DESTINATION: czecH republic Prague Castle Czech Republic Offers the Best of Europe T he Great Veltrusy Royal Fair, arguably the first trade fair in the world, was held in 1754 in what is now the Czech Republic, and the country is still a draw for meeting and incentive groups today. Its Central European location, abundant natural, historical and cultural attractions, and a great selection of hotels, conference centers and other venues that can serve corporate groups continue to make the Czech Republic a top destination. According to Eva Campbell of CzechTourism USA, "The Czech Republic combines what's best about Europe – its culture, architecture and history, which are felt at every step – with a dynamism, For more information on these suppliers, visit www.i-mi.com •Czech Tourism •Clarion Congress Hotel Prague •Corinthia Towers Hotel •Crowne Plaza Prague •Dorint Novotel Praha Don Giovanni •Hilton Prague •Hilton Prague Old Town •Holiday Inn Prague Congress Centre •Hotel Paris – Prague •Mövenpick Hotel Prague •Prague Congress Centre •Prague Marriott Hotel •Radisson SAS Alcron Hotel energy and élan that are unique to this part of the continent. It's also very safe and American-friendly, with English spoken widely, especially in Prague." The Czech Republic boasts 235 hotels equipped with facilities for large conferences, as well as more than 2,500 others that can handle smaller groups and meetings. The Prague Congress Centre is the largest of several large, multifunctional congress centers throughout the country, and there are even a number of castles and chateaux that can handle gatherings of up to 500 people. Perhaps this is one reason that the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) estimates that Prague will rank sixth in the world for meetings and conventions between 2007 and 2013. "Our DMCs are creative and responsive," adds Campbell, "and can arrange a lot of different activities, from visits to glass factories and breweries to spas and musical events to shopping, art appreciation, sports, golf and any number of themed events, but particularly historical ones." Perusing Prague Prague is a veritable textbook of architectural styles and one of Europe's most beautiful cities. It also has a very lively 28 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007 Fast Facts • While the Czech Republic is an EU member as of May 2004, it will not adopt the Euro until 2008; Czech crowns (CZK) are easily obtained from any Czech ATM machine via an ATM card, or from non-stop exchange offices at all Czech airports and most major train stations. • U.S. citizens do not need a visa to stay in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days; however, their passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. • In Prague and larger cities, it is customary to tip approx. 10% of the bill. Either round up the amount verbally or leave change with your bill, American-style. In the countryside, tips tend to be somewhat smaller (and prices lower). • For information about bringing a group to Prague or to the Czech Republic, visit the Czech Tourism website at www.CzechTourism.com or contact CzechTourism USA at 212 288 0830 or [email protected] cultural scene, especially when it comes to music, boasting three opera houses and a half-dozen orchestras. It's also becoming a notable clubbing and dining destination. For serious meeting planners, however, the Prague Congress Centre (which has hosted meetings of NATO and the IMF) is the largest congress center in the country and also one of the largest in Europe. Its ultramodern facilities include 20 halls, 50 meeting rooms and 13,000 sqm/139,940 sqft of exhibition space. It can handle up to 9,000 people for congresses, workshops, exhibitions and other types of events. Another popular meeting and congress choice is the Vystaviste ("Exhibition Grounds"), a complex of Art Nouveau trade fair buildings with a multi-functional theater, just north of the city center. Prague has also nearly doubled its number of five-star hotel properties in the last few years. These now include stalwarts like the InterContinental and major hotel names like Four Seasons (which opened its Prague property as its first in the region), Marriott and Renaissance. There are also smaller boutique hotels such as Le Palais, and high-concept properties like the brand-new, music-themed Aria. A number of ultra-sleek, modern properties have also opened in the last couple of years. These include the Andel's Hotel Prague in the up-and-coming Andel area southwest of the historical center and the Josef, a Design hotel located in the Old Town (and favored, according to Campbell, by Hollywood professionals). Other Areas of Note Prague gets the lion's share of business, but Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, has long been a major trade fair center. It houses a landmark Modernist exhibition center from the 1930s – updated with the latest technology. The Brno Exhibition Centre offers congress rooms for up to 700 attendees, a variety of smaller meeting and breakout rooms, reception areas and over 100,000 sqm/1.07 million sqft of exhibition space. The Centrum Babylon Liberec Congress Center in Liberec, in Northern Bohemia, is one of the largest congress centers outside of Prague. It offers some 5,000 sqm/53,820 sqft of meeting space, with congress halls, meeting rooms and breakout rooms that can handle up to 2,000 attendees. In addition, the Aldis Congress Centre in Eastern Bohemia offers meeting and congress facilities and more than 5,000 sqm/53,820 sqft of exhibition space. The spa towns of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) and Marianske Lazne (Marienbad) have also been developing a meeting and conference business. And the UNESCO-listed town of Cesky Krumlov is hosting more and more conferences each year. If Castles Are Your Thing The Czech Republic also has more than Newswire The award winning Hilton Prague is renovating, modernizing and expanding. Guestroom renovation, already 75% complete, is expected to be finished in March 2008. With the addition of the new meeting rooms, the hotel will have a total of 38 event rooms, including the Congress Hall and the Hilton Grand Ballroom. A 1,500 sqm/16,146 sqft conference center, with ballroom and adjacent breakout rooms accommodating conferences of up to 4,400 delegates, is also in the plans, with a scheduled opening in 2009….. The Mandarin Oriental – Prague, just beneath Prague Castle, is a recently restored monastery with roots dating back to the 14th Century. This luxury hotel offers 99 guest rooms and suites. Facilities include a holistic spa housed in a former Renaissance chapel, an intimate restaurant with vaulted ceilings and the Monastery Lounge, a stunning backdrop for afternoon tea. Finally, the hotel's Baroque Grand Ballroom is a splendid venue for special occasions and meetings. 2,000 preserved castles and chateaux – more per square mile than any other country in the world. Most are open to the public, and many are available for meetings and as venues for other group events continued on page 30 Both our Prague hotels have inspirational settings with incomparable views of the city. For up to 1800 people, with a total area of over 2600 m2, our flexible facilities will match your every need. State-of-the-art equipment and technology are complemented by the highest quality dining and leisure amenities. Upgrade your meetings to the height of success. You will love our views. Stress free - success full IM View 187x121 10-07.indd 1 Regional Sales Office . Tel (+420) 261 191 303-259 . e-mail [email protected] . www.corinthia.cz 11.10.2007 10:52:25 november/december 2007 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL 29 Czech Republic continued from page 29 including meetings, musical performances and private receptions. In fact, says Campbell, "the number of historical landmarks in central Prague that can be used by MICE companies is unequaled by any city in Europe. Even the Prague Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world, the seat of Czech kings and now the residence of the Czech Republic's President, is among the venues, with its splendid historical salons, halls and galleries." Many medieval castles still stand in the territories of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia, and the "Castle Road" from Mannheim in Germany to Prague is a romantic cavalcade of castles offering a cross section of more than 1,000 years of architecture. Many of these also house valuable art collections, lavish interiors and splendid glass, china and armor collections. Major cultural institutions include the National Gallery in Prague (it has several different venues featuring art from different periods), the Jewish Museum (which houses one of the best collections of Jewish art and artifacts in the world), the National Theater, the Prague State Opera, the Czech Philharmonic and the Museum of Applied Arts (with its wonderful design collections), among many others. A Golfer's Paradise Golf has been a part of the Czech sports scene since the first course opened in 1904, but it's only with the political changes in 1989 and the subsequent influx of foreign investment that it has taken off and become a leisure and tourism attraction. In 2007, the Czech Republic was named winner of the "Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year" Award by the International Association of Golf Tour Operaters (IAGTO). Currently, the country has 73 top quality courses that offer a unique combination of natural beauty and the occasional castle view. Some are also designed by top course architects, including Gary Player (the Cihelny course near Karlovy Vary), Miguel A. Jimenez (the eladná course), Les Furber and Jim Eremko (the Karlštejn course), John Burns (the Konopišt course) and Keith Preston (the Zbraslav and the 30 INCENTIVES & MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL november/december 2007
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After an accident, seconds can determine the fate of the people involved. According to the European Union, eCall could reduce the number of road fatalities by 10%. Initiated by the EU, this automated emergency calling system (eCall is short for emergency call) automatically sends information to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) using the European emergency number 112 after an accident and thus speeds up the accident rescue process.
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"Askham Hall "had us at hello", with its's unique, timeless and stylish charm and I feel that's what made the day feel so special and personal. We are so fortunate to have family and friends talented enough to produce our wedding cake, favours and even end the night with a piano rendition of coolio's gangsta's paradise! The wedding day was full of giggles, happy tears, silliness and much dancing and the photos attest to this perfectly. We managed to snatch the last official day of summer and the weather on the day was divine. Everything was just perfect!" – Amy & Jon
Askham Hall Wedding
Having originally thought they wanted to get married in Italy, where the groom had lived previously, it would take something pretty special to sway them and that's exactly what happened when they saw Askham Hall wedding venue. So, as the couples said their vows in the beautiful venue in Cumbria, 'Italia' became the running theme for the day – or should we say weekend as they made sure they had exclusive use of the venue from Friday through to the Sunday, plenty of time to enjoy with family and friends!
"The vibe was relaxed but elegant which is thankfully exactly how I felt on the day! We had originally planned to marry in Italy, which is where Jon lived for several years but as soon as we visited Askham Hall our heads were turned! We, therefore, used 'Italia' as an influence for our wedding theme incorporating lots of foliage, olive greens and sumptuous golds into our scheme. My vision was to go for something classical, timeless, natural but modern at the same time." – Amy & Jon
We love this Lake District venue, which is why you can find Askham Hall wedding venue on our handpicked supplier list along with other companies we adore!
Photography by Darina Stoda Photography
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How Karnataka government plans to keep paddy alive amid acute water shortage3 min read . Updated: 15 Jan 2018, 09:27 PM IST
Karnataka govt is trying to revive direct sowing of rice, a technique that requires about 30-40% less water as well as a faster crop cycle, in various parts of the state
Bengaluru: Frequently pulled up for continuing to expand its water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane even after nearly four drought years, the Karnataka government is trying to strike a balance between the state's acute water shortage and the aspirations of farmers by reviving old techniques of farming in paddy and sugarcane cultivation.
The state government is trying to revive direct seeded rice (DSR) or direct sowing of rice—a technique that requires about 30-40% less water, cost savings as well as a faster crop cycle—in various parts of the state.
"This year will be the breakout year for DSR," said Karnataka agriculture minister Krishna Byre Gowda. His optimism stems from the fact that DSR cultivation of rice now accounts for almost 1.5 lakh hectares when compared to around 14 lakh hectares of total paddy cultivation in the state.
According to agriculture department estimates, this year DSR cultivation could jump to three lakh hectares.
Gowda said that after some resistance, progressive farmers in the state have started adopting this method, which involves direct seeding of rice into the soil as compared to raising a seed in a nursery and then replanting it on flooded fields.
Farmers in the state had to wait till almost the end of July for water from reservoirs to be let into canals for lands coming under irrigation to start sowing paddy, as it involves flooding of fields from the beginning. In DSR technique, farmers can directly sow the paddy seeds into the soil after rains in June-July and wait at least 15-20 days before providing any irrigation. Then another gap of 20 days can be given before releasing more water. Only after about 50 days, you start flooding the fields, resulting in fewer plant moralities, faster crop cycle and lower water consumption, Gowda said.
"Initially it took us a lot of effort to convince farmers, but now they are adopting," Gowda said, adding that big farmers (who own around 50 acres) are moving towards this method and many others are following in their footsteps.
So far, the government has seen farmers in the Tungabhadra command area adopt the DSR practice far more than in other parts of the state. It is now being promoted in regions around Malnad.
To recover from nearly four years of drought, failing rains, historical river water disputes and only 25% irrigated area, Karnataka has also been experimenting with techniques like drip irrigation, millet cultivation and less water-intensive methods in the field of agriculture, but few farmers have shown interest in switching from paddy and sugarcane, mostly because these crops give higher yields and prices.
However, farmer groups in various parts of the state continue to fight for better protection against natural and market forces from the government, rather than switching from paddy and sugarcane. Paddy has a minimum support price (MSP) and is part of the public distribution system. Even though Karnataka has been offering Rs2,300 for a quintal of ragi (finger millet)—far higher than Rs1,600 for rice—many farmers have been reluctant in making the switch that has both economic and social connotations involved.
The four years of drought in Karnataka saw farmer distress reach new highs with debts, loan defaults and increase in farmer suicides.
Around 3,515 farmers in Karnataka have committed suicide between April 2013 and November 2017, according to data from the state agriculture department, Press Trust of India reported last month.
With high investments and new campaigns for millets, organic farming and drip irrigation in sugarcane, the state government now believes that DSR could be the way forward for paddy cultivation in the state, given the response.
"So far it was a evolutionary growth, next year may be multiplier," Gowda said.
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SanPark employees among 376 arrested for rhino poaching
Parliament - Environmental Affairs Minister Barbara Creecy says that a total of 376 people were arrested for rhino poaching between January 2018 and July 2019.
Creecy revealed this in a written response to a parliamentary question from DA MP Lorimer.
She said 366 people were arrested at the Kruger National Park, seven at Pilanesberg and three in other parks.
Creecy also said of those arrested, 15 were employed by the South African National Parks.
"Information on convictions should be obtained from the SAPS and National Prosecuting Authority," she said.
The minister also said 503 white rhinos were poached between April 2018 and July 2019.
A total of 472 were poached at Kruger National Park, one at Mokala National Park, two at Marakele National Park and 28 at Pilanesberg.
Creecy also said 35 black rhinos were poached during the same period with 32 at Kruger National Park and three others at Pilanesberg.
She said due to the persistent threat posed by rhino poaching, South Africa has developed and is implementing a holistic, integrated and multi-dimensional response involving various government departments and other stakeholders.
"The implementation of the 2014 integrated management plan combines the use of technology, extensive anti-poaching work as well as the management of the rhino population.
"This approach also involves collaboration across our borders to ensure that rhino pachiners are brought to book," Creeecy said.
"This approach has seen a moderate decline of 91 incidents from the same period last year," the minister said.
Political Bureau


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I was very pleased, after much prayer to hear my freshman son was attending mass the second part of the year after a brief rebellion. He doesn't go to a Catholic college but a priest does come on Sunday's for mass. He said he likes him a lot, but he noticed he only does 1 reading at mass before the Gospel and has left out the Creed. Everything else seems the same.
I know at daily masses I attend, the creed is omited but the rest of the mass seems the same.
He didn't want to say anything, but I wondered if anyone here knew. Thanks!
Ps. The priest also has to do another college and his own parish but I don't know if that figures into it.


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I started skiing when I was 2 years in my grandmother's backyard in Kitzbühel. After my 1st days on skis, when my father wanted to return the rental skis, i was lying on the floor yelling and crying to keep them. After all this years now of alpine ski racing, snowboarding and freeride skiing this same dedication is still in my heart. In 2012 I moved to Innsbruck to study and be even closer to the mountains. Since then a lot has changed.
I competed at the FWQ competitions for 5 years and could earn some very good results including the Austrian Freeride Champion in 2016. During summer I spend more and more time biking, wakeboarding, climbing and kitesurfing which keeps me busy next to my summer job as sailing coach for children and teenagers.
As main job I'm self employed in organising different events like the Freeride Nights Innsbruck or the Linehunters Movie Tour to give something back to the freeride family and ski as much as possible. For this reason you now can see this website and our new project, Pure Passion – doing it for love!
I'm really looking forward to what the future will bring and I hope to meet a lot of nice people and have some very good times with all of you!
as long as I remember traveling has always been part of my life. I love nature and being out there I love the most.
Since I'm little, Skiing is part of my life. That part got bigger since I moved to Innsbruck in 2015 for the first time. Before that I was studying Psychology in Hamburg. Living kind of close to the ocean made me starting Kitesurfing in 2012. kitesurfing became my second passion next to skiing. I'm open minded for any kind of activities that's why Yoga, Climbing, and Paragliding are part of my life as well. I'm happy the share these passions with many wonderful people.
In Innsbruck I work as a social worker with youth. Being a role model for them in many parts of live is often not that easy. But I try my best and subjects like environmental awareness and showing them how to make the best out of life, is definitely party of what I do.
To combine traveling and doing sports out in the nature feels like pure joy to me. I have lived in my old van for some summers and have traveled through Europe a lot. I dream of living all my passions and while meeting many inspiring people sharing joy and love for life.
Pure Passion – doing it for love.
The VAN
Our new home is a Ford Transit L4H3 with 4 wheel drive. It's the biggest Ford Transit on the market but for us this was just luck to get one that big. It was actually the only one with 4 wheel drive that fit in our budget 😉
Of course to move into the van full time in the future there had to be done some work, or let's better say a f***ing lot of work.
staying warm:
To stay warm we got 4centimeters Armaflex on every single wall of the car. Around the bed we made an extra layer so we have on the 2 big sidewalls even 6cm of isolation. As we don't have a electric heater we installed a 8kW woodburning stove which will keep us warm and dry in winter and we even can cook on it. The oven get's the air from outside and puts the used air outside as well so don't worry about it will take all the air from inside the car while we sleep.
Kitchen & Water:
Of course we won't cook on the woodburning stove in summer that's why we got an two spot gas stove. Also we pimped up the kitchen area with a nice 60 Liter Fridge which runs either on electricity or gas. The "summerkitchen" get's the needed gas out of two 5 kg gas bottles in the back of the car. Further we installed a sink with an manual foot pump and a 50 Liter freshwater tank. Some of you may think what are we doing with the water tank and fridge in winter? The fridge will stay turned off and also the water tank will stay empty that nothing can freeze and break. In Winter we get our fresh water straight from the river or melting snow.
The heartpiece is our little electricity room in the middle of the Van. We have 640 Watt Solar power on the roof constantly charging our 300 AH Lithium Battery. While we drive we charge the battery directly from the car with an 50A Powercharger or we just can plug in every power point and charge the battery or run the fridge etc. To avoid problems we can turn off every single electric circle or the complete in and output circle of the battery. So if the Van stays longer alone there is no chance that something will unload the battery.
With all that elctricity we charge our Computers, phones, camera gear and run all the lights and music in the van.
storage space:
We don't want to list up every storage room we got because there is 1 simple rule in building a Camper Van. There is never enough storage room! Get everything you can, it doesn't matter how small the spot is, use it somehow!
If you have any questions to our Van you are welcome to contact us and we will try our best to help you!


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