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Jordan keeps on integrating to Europe by sending 8 pharma professionals to Rome and deepening contacts for prospect collaborations

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The MICE industry helps build peace and shows to the world the true and pacific side of the Islamic societies.

The cooperation between The Platinum Services, a Rome-based event agency and DMC specializing in first class events in Italy, Europe and other selected areas, and Guarantee Travel Group, an Amman-based DMC, event organizer and travel agency, one of the biggest in the Country, having good relationships with the Jordan government, is booming and has recently hit another run.


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It happened in Rome, at the Marriott Park Hotel, where eight professionals coming from the biggest pharmaceutical companies of Jordan joined a few Italian peers from June 22-27 to discuss collaboration in research.

This could lead to very important developments, over the next few years, in the pharmacological treatment of serious diseases, and it is meaningful that such an outcome takes place thanks to an industry – the Mice one – whose aim is to gather people in spite of any cultural, religious or ethnical differences.

“One people, one world,” say together Guarantee Travel Group’s Regional Director Mr. Rami Qutishat and The Platinum Services’ owner Loredana Chiappini. “Our focus is to enhance relationships and we found in the common boilerplate of the Western and the Middle-eastern cultures a fantastic chance to sew progress and peace.”

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The Platinum Services is a Rome-based full-service agency offering the most complete range of MICE and high end personalized services to make meetings, conferences, incentive trips and events exclusive either in Italy or in Europe as much as elsewhere. The Platinum Services with its solid network – serious and efficient business partners throughout Italy and Europe – specializes in travel and MICE services. Based on a long lasting experience in the MICE industry, it organizes meetings, congresses, events and incentives considering any details and bringing the most reliable effectiveness and efficiency. The company is driven by a creative approach, proved successful with corporate clients and independent agencies all over the world.

For further information: The Platinum Service, Via degli Apuli, 54, I-00185 Rome (Italy), Tel +39 06 4460449, Mob: +39 333 9470120, info@theplatinumservices.it , www.theplatinumservices.it

Media Contact: Stefano Ferri, Mob. +39 349 5506421, press@stefanoferri.it

Cross border tourism promoted in India

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Realizing the untapped potential of cross border tourism, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) along with HAN Chitwan and HAN Siddharthanagar who led a group of 21 travel trade companies of Chitwan and Lumbini, organized a business session with their counterparts of Lucknow, Varanasi, and Patna on June 17, 19 and 21, respectively, coinciding with the forthcoming VNY 2020 and existing Visit Lumbini Year 2018/19. 

The cities were chosen considering Lucknow, the center of administrative and political power during the Mughals and British rule, to be famous for the Nawab, Kabab and Biryani and a sense of refined sensibility in terms of lifestyle in poetry, culture and affluent travel people;  Varanasi and Patna on the other hands were  because they were amongst the oldest cities of India welding considerable amount of influence in culture, history and pilgrimage activities along with the affluent traveling population.

The underlying strategy for the Sales Mission was to connect cross border tourism hub of Chitwan and Lumbini with cities of UP and Bihar, reach out to media for coverage, to make bookings, capitalize on the pleasant weather of Kathmandu and Pokhara along with the hill stations like  Palpa and Nagarkot with special packages and lucrative offers and put Nepal on advantageous footing for leisure travel to Nepal this summer.

During the Sales Mission more than 200 tour operators, not less than 60 tour operators in each of the cities were updated and apprised with special  packages ranging from 2 nights and 3 days and also Lumbini tours for visitors entering Nepal by Land. During the events, a wide range of packages ranging from – pilgrimage, adventure, leisure, shopping, casinos were also offered to Indians who comprise of single largest visitors which grew by 25 percent in 2018. 

To make the event exciting and participatory, around 10 winners in all the three cities, all comprising of travel trade, were awarded travel packages to Nepal to experience the destination and services.

Prominent local media attending the event and taking updates were Hindustan Times, Dainik Jagran, Pioneer Hindi and English, Prabhat Khabar Patna, UP Live News, Aaj Varanasi, Webzone Media, Farooqui Tanzeem Patna, Travel TV News, Amar Ujala, PTI, Hindustan Times, Travtalk, traveltv.news, UNI and others.  Regional languages press are very strong and influential in the region.

In the current scenario that the Indian market has opened up to a wide range of possibilities comprising of highly competitive airfare for Indians to  Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Dubai and the domestic packages offered by highly competitive low budget Indian domestic airlines making air travel possible to all , now Nepal is left with the challenge to offer best packages and services and also ease travel barriers by accepting not only Passport and Election ID Card but other  documents like  Aadhar Card and others issued by India government and making group travel for youths and MICE segment more easier.

The prospects of cross border tourism is very bright since the roadways are very good and vehicles are affordable in India. To add to that, we are linking the movement of Indian Travelers with railway Junction, where Lucknow is connected to Nepalgunj, Raxual is connected to Birgunj, and Gorakhpur to Bhairahawa. 

Currently the air connectivity of Buddha Air from Kathmandu to Varanasi and  Kolkatta and in the future from Kathmandu to Guwahati; of Air India from Kathmandu to Kolkatta carries immense significance to tap the market with proper marketing activities and sustainable plan. 

Ms. Heena Sheeraz, Director Sheeraj Travel, Lucknow, Mr. Pradeep K. Roy, Senior official of Varanasi Tourism Association, Dr. Hari P. Adhikari, Vice Chairman of Pashupati Temple Trust in Varanasi, Mr. Sanjay Sharma, President of Tourism Association of Bihar and Dr. Kaulesh  Kumar, Secretary General of Association of Buddhist Tour Operators also shared their experiences on Nepal’s tourism.

HAN Chitwan President Mr. Suman Ghimire and HAN Sidharthanagar President Mr. CP Shrestha and HAN Sidharthanagar General Secretary Mr. Rabindra Sharma Ghimire welcomed the guests and highlighted their packages whereas Mr. Bimal Kadel, Manager, made destination presentations. Ms. Janaki Upadhyaya and Ms. Srijana Nepali both Officers NTB also participated in the events.   

MEDIA CONTACT: Sudhan Subedi (Mr.), Sr. Officer, Phone +977-1-4256909 (Ext. 182), PR & Publicity Department, Nepal Tourism Board, P.O. 11018, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, Nepal, URL: http://www.welcomenepal.com/

Christophe Berger Named Director of Conventions Malta

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Christophe Berger, newly appointed Director of Conventions Malta, brings with him extensive experience in the Hospitality and M.I.C.E. market sectors. As Malta’s tourism has been on a tremendous growth path, especially from the North American market, it is also gaining considerable momentum as a popular M.I.C.E. market destination.

According to Berger, “Malta’s tourism industry has enjoyed great success in recent years, and Malta is now striving to boost this success even further by expanding the international appeal of its incomparable M.I.C.E. product, with spectacular settings at competitive prices.”

Malta, with its 7000 years of history and steeped in historic event venues, is a M.I.C.E. planner’s paradise. This Mediterranean archipelago offers a diverse number of magnificent castles, palazzos and forts to choose from. Other unique settings include theme parks, village squares, luxury yachts and exclusive sea-front facilities.
Malta’s multitude of conference hotels or venues can accommodate any size event. This includes the iconic 16th century building, once considered the most advanced hospital in Europe, which is now the state-of-the-art Mediterranean Conference Center.

Berger noted that what adds to the “wow” factor for the M.I.C.E market, and tourism in general, is that “Malta has become one of Europe’s most popular film and television locations – dubbed the Mediterranean’s mini-Hollywood by the London Times.” Malta, where Game of Thrones all began, is also home to many blockbuster film locations including Troy, Gladiator, World War Z, Assassin’s Creed, The Count of Monte Cristo and Murder on the Orient Express.

Born in France, Berger moved to Malta 20 years ago, where he has been working in various sectors of the hospitality and tourism industry. His professional background stems from hotel management and in Malta has held positions at the Grand Hotel Mercure Selmun Palace and at Intercontinental Malta as part of the M.I.C.E team, with responsibilities for overseas marketing the hotel and Malta as a destination. Berger also furthered his M.I.C.E experience while specializing in M.I.C.E. on behalf of a Maltese Destination Management Company (DMC).

Berger, together with Michelle Buttigieg, Malta Tourism Authority Representative in North America, will be heading a public/private sector M.I.C.E. delegation from Malta to IMEX Las Vegas September 9-12, 2019.

For more information about planning Meetings and Incentive events in Malta visit www.conventionsmalta.com

About Malta

The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere.  Valletta built by the proud Knights of St. John is one of the UNESCO sites and was the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. www.visitmalta.com

For Further Information and Photography

Malta Tourism Authority:

Michelle Buttigieg

Tel: (212) 213-0944

Fax: (212) 213-0938

E-mail: michelle-margaret.buttigieg@visitmalta.com

MTA US Editorial Contact:

The Bradford Group

Karen Hoffman/ Bianca Pappas

Tel: (212) 447-0027

Fax: (212) 725 8253

E-mail: info@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

Centara Grand & Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok to reaffirm status as Thailand’s leading MICE venue with more than 89,000 delegates expected in 2019

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is anticipating one of the strongest years to date for Centara Grand & Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok, its flagship hotel and MICE destination in Thailand’s capital city, with a series of major business events set to boost delegate numbers in 2019.

Named as Asia’s “Best Meetings and Conventions Hotel” at the 2018 TTG Travel Awards, Centara Grand & Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok provides a world-class setting for international conferences and events. In fact, the hotel is set to reaffirm its position as Thailand’s top MICE hotel in 2019, with a forecast total of 89,000 delegates.

A packed calendar of major international events is already scheduled for this year, including the Techsauce Global Summit 2019, which is expected to attract 15,000+ delegates from 18-20 June; and the 27th Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) and Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia Pacific, the double-bill travel trade expo featuring approximately 3,000 delegates from 24-26 September.

Other major events scheduled to take place at this major downtown venue include the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ Annual Scientific Congress (6-10 May), International Conference on Biodiversity (22-24 May), 33rd International Epilepsy Congress (22-26 June), Thai Dental Association Annual Meeting (12-14 June) and ASCO 2019 Breakthrough Thailand (11-13 October 2019).

Centara Grand at CentralWorld will also raise the bar for culinary events in 2019, with high-profile occasions including an Italian Wine Dinner and Master Class in collaboration with Marino Braccu, general manager and sommelier of 8½ Otto E Mezzo Bombana in Hong Kong – the only Italian restaurant outside of Italy to have achieved three Michelin stars. Hosted on 2-3 May at UNO MAS, the acclaimed 54th floor Mediterranean restaurant, these exclusive events will give diners the opportunity to experience world-class cuisine and learn from one of the world’s best sommeliers.

Wine lovers can also enjoy refined evenings at the CRU Champagne Bar at Red Sky, one of world’s best and highest Champagne bars, which is now the exclusive Thai seller of brand new Mumm No.6 Champagne. With dramatic 360-degree views of the Bangkok skyline, this spectacular 55th floor venue promises unforgettable evenings.

CRU Champagne Bar at Red Sky, Centara Grand at CentralWorld

Underpinning every event hosted by Centara is the group’s innovative “New Agenda: Meetings Redesigned” concept, which is designed to provide seamless MICE services and enhance the customer experience. This intuitive initiative is built around three main elements: a one-stop ‘Meeting Guru’ to ensure the successful execution of every event; a redefined approach to team-building in partnership with the professional experts at Asia Ability; and creative catering concepts such as ‘Dinner in the Dark.’

New Agenda is currently being rolled out at 25 Centara’s properties, including Centara Grand & Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok.

Centara Hotels & Resorts wishes to reassure all guests and event planners that Centara Grand & Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok was untouched by the recent fire at the CentralWorld lifestyle mall, which was misreported to have started in the hotel. This was not the case and operations at the hotel and convention centre were completely unaffected by the incident. The hotel adheres to the most stringent safety regulations and procedures to ensure the safety of its guests at all times.

Centara Grand & Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok commands a prime location in the heart of Bangkok’s central business district. The state-of-the-art Bangkok Convention Centre features 5,250 square metres of space for up to 7,000 delegates, including a 1,000-seat ballroom and multiple meeting rooms in flexible configurations, all supported by the services of the adjacent 505-room Centara Grand hotel, making it the country’s most complete MICE venue.

For more information about Centara Grand & Convention Centre at CentralWorld Bangkok, please CLICK HERE. Alternatively, to learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

ABOUT CENTARA
 

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 69 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, China, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands -Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, Centara Residences & Suites and COSI Hotels – ranging from 5-star city hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families.Centara’s distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.
 

Over the next five years Centara aims to double its size with additional properties in Thailand and new international markets, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company’s unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara’s global loyalty programme, Centara The1 Card, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com  

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For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)
Corporate Public Relations Manager – International, Centara Hotels & Resorts
Email: pornchanokth@chr.co.th
Tel.: +66 (0)2769 1234 Ext. 6733       

GCC hospitality must appeal to ‘free independent travelers’ to unlock China’s tourist market

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The GCC must deliver unique and tech-enabled experiences designed for free independent travelers (FITs) if it is to grow its market share among China’s outbound tourists, according to experts speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019.

The overall number of outbound tourists from China is projected to hit 224 million by 2022, according to research conducted by Colliers. United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) figures show that the GCC is on course to attract 2.9 million of these visitors.

Panellists speaking at the Arabia China Tourism Forum, which took place on the Global Stage at ATM 2019, explored how Gulf states can boost Chinese visitation further and cater to younger travellers arriving from the Far East.

Moderator Dr Adam Wu, CEO of CBN Travel & MICE and World Travel Online, said: “The trend is moving away from group travel to FITs. Approximately 51 per cent of Chinese travellers [come from this segment]. They are travelling in smaller groups but it’s also the age groups that are changing.”

Unique experiences represent a key component when it comes to convincing younger Chinese travellers to visit the GCC. In addition to comfortable accommodation and accessible amenities, panellists noted that China’s FITs are looking for attractions that are not available in other markets.

Terry von Bibra, GM Europe, Alibaba Group, said: “Smaller groups [of Chinese travellers] are going to new places to discover and have unique experiences – special experiences that they can share with friends on social media, which is very important.

“You cannot underestimate the importance of the ideas of discovery and uniqueness. In my job, I see this across all aspects of trade with China. [Customers] want to understand why things are unique and special. The more you can help them understand this, the better job you are doing.”

In addition to unique experiences, Xiuhuan Gao, Head of Asian Market – Overseas Promotions Department, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), said that small, personal touches are also helping the GCC’s hospitality sector to boost arrivals from China, such as Chinese condiments and in-room snacks.

Gulf countries are already taking steps to strengthen ties with China and appeal to the country’s international tourist base. Chinese passport holders can obtain 30-day visas on arrival in Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait, and the launch of Saudi Arabia’s tourist visa is expected to lead to further increases.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), meanwhile, has partnered with China’s Tencent to promote the emirate as a preferred destination, and to bring the company’s WeChat and WeChat Pay platforms to the UAE. Panellists agreed that GCC hotels must also do more to facilitate a seamless visitor experience.

Rami Moukarzel, Vice President of Development and Acquisitions – Middle East and North Africa, Louvre Hotels Group, said: “We are seeing an influx of Chinese travellers across all segments. As a hotel industry, we need to be ready for the influx that is coming.”

Moukarzel told attendees that in addition to establishing market-specific booking platforms and social media channels, China-owned Louvre Hotels Group has also partnered with relevant mobile payment systems to ensure that Chinese travellers enjoy a seamless experience when visiting its Middle East properties.

According to figures released by the UNWTO, Chinese visitors are the highest spending overseas travellers on the planet, shelling out USD 258 billion in 2017. Attracting more of these individuals would benefit national economies across the GCC.

As Gulf destinations account for approximately one per cent of China’s outbound tourist market at present, the panel agreed that there remains significant room for growth – as long as the hospitality professionals create China-specific offerings and content that appeal to the country’s shifting market demographics.

Designed to enable travel, tourism and hospitality professionals to explore potential opportunities, the Arabia China Tourism Forum is one of several events that will be hosted on ATM 2019’s Global Stage this week. Other topics to be placed under the microscope include the Saudi Arabian market, halal tourism and industry innovations.

Running until Wednesday, 1 May, ATM 2019 will see more than 2,500 exhibitors showcase their products and services to visitors at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Viewed by industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) tourism sector, last year’s edition of ATM welcomed 39,000 people, representing the largest exhibition in the history of the show.

MEDIA CONTACT: NATHALIE VISELE, Director, Shamal Communications, Arjaan Office Tower, Dubai Media City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tel: +971 4 365 2711 | Mobile: +971 50 457 6525, E-mail: nathalie.visele@shamalcomms.com , Website: www.shamalcomms.com