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LOW-CARBON INCENTIVE ISLAND

COMPARISON WITH THE REGION

Lošinj and Cres are the only Adriatic islands that successfully deal with sustainable tourism and are amongst the more eco-friendly islands of Kvarner. They differ from the more famous Dalmatian isles, with their nature preservation, systematic sustainable development and cultural heritage. All these activities are well managed and present a huge opportunity for sustainable meetings industry in harmony with the capabilities of the islands. The key challenge is the invisibility on the meetings industry radar, lacking the recognisable incentive brands to build the high quality boutique and intimate stories. If local suppliers can develop from these points, they will be able to benefit from the current trends in the industry. I am certain their first clients will be the existing loyal guest of Cres and Lošinj.

MTLG INDEX / 2018 EDITION

DESTINATION CAPACITY

  • The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms: 1,353
  • The number of 4* and 5* category hotels: 6
  • Banquet hall maximum capacity: 182
  • The largest hall in the city (in m2): 390 m2
  • Destination population: 8,388
  • Maximum hall capacity in theatre style: 400

MTLG CATEGORY

S – MEETING DESTINATION

Destinations that can host up to 500 attendees.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

MALI LOŠINJ INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2018 
DESTINATION MARK: 3.82
Natural and cultural factors: 4.79
General and transport infrastructure: 4.14
Tourist infrastructure: 4.55
Meeting infrastructure: 4.37
Subjective grade: 4.65
Marketing Buzz: 4.15
ICCA index: 1.02
Numbeo quality of life Index: 3.51
Numbeo Safety Index:4.48
ACI Airport Connectivity Index 2.53

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The new incentive capital of Istria

INTRO 2018

Among the tourist destinations of Croatian Istria, Poreč is known as the multiple champion regarding visitors and capacities. In the last couple of years, Poreč has successfully transformed into an all-year-round destination, becoming a vital congress and incentive destination. The city is one of the oldest in Istria, but still shamelessly shows its youthful spirit, mostly through numerous festivals that fill the city with life. After going around Poreč you soon realise that there are tons of different activities, wrapped into a lovely package. However, the historic city hasn’t lost its historical charm and possibilities for exceptional incentive programmes.

NEED TO KNOW 2018

Poreč is a city of festivals. This year, there are so many announced that one can hardly keep track of them all. The most resounding will be Rise Up, which will host the famous Rita Ora in July. The Mediterranean Summer Tango festival is also taking place in July. For beer aficionados, there is the Lanterna Beer Fest. Street theatre lovers will appreciate the Poreč Open Air Festival. Festival Giostra is an acclaimed historical festival, where 250 participants get dressed in costumes conjuring up life in baroque times. There is also a lot of sports events, with the Volley Team Open 2018 as one of the biggest.

WHAT'S HOT 2018

EHF EURO 2018 / 12 –16 January 2018
The European Men’s Handball Championship will be held from the 12th to the 28th January 2018 in four Croatian cities – Zagreb, Split, Varaždin and Poreč.

  • Venue: Žatika Sports Centre

Microsoft WinDays / 24–27 April 2018
Microsoft conference, the largest Technology & Business Conference in Croatia WinDays conference returns to Poreč for the third year in a row. The subjects of the WinDays18 Business conference are primarily focused on good business practices in the IT world.

  • Venue: Valamar Isabella Island Resort

Vinistra / 11–13 May 2018
25th International wine and wine equipment fair. The widespread reputation of the leading exhibition of the wine and other autochthonous agrarian Istrian products.

  • Venue: Žatika Sports Centre

DanceStar World Finals / 21–27 May 2018
DanceStar consists of the DanceStar World Qualifiers qualification tournaments, which take place in various countries around the world, and the DanceStar World Finals, the grand finale of the world tour which traditionally takes place in Poreč, Croatia.

  • Venue: Different venues in Poreč

Sport Fest / 12–14 October 2018
Sport Fest is a sports fair, but also much more than that. It is an event that aims to combine the passion for sports with healthy lifestyle.

  • Venue: Žatika Sports Centre

Crofish / 23–25 November 2018
CROFISH, the Fishing and Fishing Equipment Fair in Poreč is the only event of its kind held in Croatia.

  • Venue: Žatika Sports Centre

DID YOU KNOW?

A stone’s throw from Poreč lies the small island of St Nikola, home of the recently renovated Valamar Isabella Island Resort. All of its facilities boast four stars, and when the main tourist season ends, the entire island can become yours, as you can rent it privately it for events. Taking advantage of this were the people at Microsoft, who held one of their most significant events – WinDays at the Valamar resort in April. Over 2000 experts attended the event, for which a special tent had to be built. The participants responses were extremely positive, and the organisation of such a challenging project is a proof that Poreč is capable of carrying out highly demanding congress productions.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA

Istria Inspirit is one of the most innovative agencies in the region, bringing Istrian myths to life and presenting them to congress groups in an interactive way. You can experience the famous Iustitia, a story that took place in 1699, when a local bandit by the name of Domenico Furlan robbed the famous Poreč basilica. You will find out how justice was served in a 2–3 hour program, where you will also get to know more about local monuments like the Euphrasius basilica, one of the best preserved early-Christian cathedrals, which was put on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1997.

Read more at www.istrainspirit.hr

PERFECT GIFT

Despite tourism being the main economic sector, farming is also very well developed, as regional plant cultures thrive in the mild climate conditions. The main branches are winegrowing and olive production, which is why a bottle of excellent Istrian wine or some authentic olive oil is the perfect gifts to take home. We also recommend local spirits like “travarica” or “biska”, which are said to heal all stomach aches and remind you of Istria with their strong aromas.

BEST KEPT SECRETS

The aristocratic Polesini family that originates from Istria has left a significant mark on the history of Poreč. Among the family’s legacy is also the former Polesini villa, positioned at the perfect location on Poreč peninsula. Today, the villa is in the hands of the Valamar group, which thoroughly renovated it in 2010. Especially impressive is the luscious garden, which offers remarkable views and can host up to 250 participants. The entire complex quickly became a favorite spot with wedding organisers. The conference halls are on three floors; the larger Cardo and Decumanus can host up to 100 participants. For the most exclusive experience, 6–8 guests can visit the Polesini wine cellar and try some exceptional wines, while Valamar’s catering service takes care of the food.

WHO TO CONTACT

Valamar Riviera d.d.
Stancija Kaligari 1
52440 Poreč
Croatia
T: 385 (52) 408 205
W: www.valamar.com

RESULTS OF MTLG 2018
We visited Poreč in May 2018. Poreč is part of the MTLG 2018 destination evaluation. The results of this year’s competition have just been published.

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No city can bear a million people as well as Catania can and is, therefore, rightly so, a perfect place for organising any kind of events or meetings.

INTRO 2018

Catania, with its 320,000 residents (and more than 1 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area), is the main industrial, logistical and commercial centre of Sicily and the second largest Sicilian city. Located on the east coast of the Italian island, Catania is more known for its volcano than for its meetings industry. However, Catania’s recognition on the congress map has been rapidly growing. Conference delegates can expect to find tasty Mediterranean delights such as sun-ripened fruits and vegetables, almond pastries, chiosci (kiosks) offering several types of aniseed beverages, and its diverse range of seafood served in numerous places spanning from simple local eateries to high-end modern restaurants. Then there’s the city’s sandy beaches that stretch for kilometres, and its incredible architecture, which has earned Catania a place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as one of the Late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily), and Mount Etna, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which silently and protectively rises above the city’s horizons. Catania’s kind and welcoming spirit, range of cuisine, landscape, cultural and historical heritage, coastline and perfect Mediterranean climate make it a must see and must experience MICE destination.

NEED TO KNOW 2018

There are countless special venues with extremely rich history and beautiful settings. The Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò, protected by UNESCO and today home to part of the University of Catania, holds events in its many rooms. The Teatro Massimo Bellini opera house is famous for having a river running beneath it, which makes it one of the best acoustic venues in the world. Pallazzo Biscari, dating back to the 17th century, is where the Prince of Biscari still lives with his family. And last but not least, a prestigious building dating from the last century, that has been restored according to local traditions and Sicilan style – UNA Hotel Palace 4*.

WHAT'S HOT 2018

Catania hosts annually between 800 to 900 congresses and corporate events. However, when including the local CME (Continuing Education in Medicine) courses that are compulsory for all the health professionals in Italy, the number gets much higher. When accounting for all these professional courses (for example, one hotel in Catania confirmed 1.100 events during 2017 from which 50-60% were represented by CME meetings), then there are between 3300 and 3500 events held in Catania per year.

ARE Energy Access Investment Forum / 13-15 March 2018

The annual ARE Forum has become the key milestone event in spring where the clean energy off-grid sector gathers together. Participants from all over the world identify and get introduced to the most interesting actors to present their own business proposals.

  • Venue: Grand Hotel Villy Itria 4* / 265 delegates

The 3rd EUSAIR Forum / 24-25 May 2018

The 3rd Forum of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) focuses on the Connectivitiy issues, especially on challenges and opportunities for Transport and Energey networks in the EUSAIR Region.

  • Venue: Benedictine Monastery, Catania / 700 delegates

“Geosciences for the environment, natural hazard and cultural heritage” / 12-14 September 2018

The joint Congress is organised by the Italian GEological Society /SGI) and the Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrology /SIMP) and is the privileged place for the meeting of the different actors operating in the world of Geosciences.

  • Venue: Benedictine Monastery, Catania / 200 delegates

XXXIV Congresso Nazionale Forense / 4-6 October 2018

The National Forensic Council (Coonsiglio Nazionale Forense – CNF) organizes the National Congress of Forensics (Congresso Nazionale Forense) as a moment of analysis, reflection and proposition on the condition of the justice system and on the constitutional and juridical law.

  • Venue: Benedictine Monastery, Catania / 1500 delegates

The 5th European Airway Management Congress / 4-7 December 2018

EAC 2018, the Congress of EAMS – the pan-European medical Society focusing on improving the management of the patient’s airway by anesthetists and critical care personnel.

  • Venue: Four Points by Sheraton Catania 4* / 300 delegates

DID YOU KNOW?
No city can bear a million people as well as Catania can and is, therefore, rightly so, a perfect place for organising any kind of events or meetings. A proof for this claim is Catania’s annual festival St.Agata, also one of the biggest celebrations in the world. As a mark of respect to its Saint, Catania holds three days of solemnity every year from 3-5 February, when the reliquary statue of St. Agatha is on a fercolo (a silver carriage) brought from her spot in the Cathedral out onto the streets among people. Every year, more than one million people gather on Catania streets. The event is surprisingly well organised, everyone is very composed, and a day after the festivities it is barely noticable that a million people had been through the city in the past few days.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA

The Myda cooking school is where the acclaimed chef Loredana Crisafi teaches cooking classes in a modernly equipped kitchen. Another great chance to find out about Catanian food and its hidden treasures is the Streaty Tour that takes participants on a tasting tour of Catanian food. And, of course, a necessary visit to ‘Mama Etna’. In winter it is possible to ski on its slopes, while all-year-round 4×4 jeeps with experienced guides from Etna Finder take participants on an off-road adventure to see the hidden corners of Etna and its lava valleys. Particularly sought-for are the spectacular and famous evening trekking tours to see Etna’s eruptions (what, opposite to what one might think, rarely happens).

PERFECT GIFT

On the way down, it is possible to stop at one of the cellars, scattered around Etna’s slopes, that stretch from dense green forests to dark volcanic caves, from fertile fields and vineyards to the Star Wars-like lava desert, and get some Etna Rosso or Etna Bianco – wines from vineyards that grow in the fertile black volcanic soil that gives them a distinctive taste. A truly rare delight.

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Etna serves its residents so well that one of the villages on its slopes is known for having one of the longest life expectancy rates in the world – the average age in the village is 95! This is thought to be connected to its Mediterranean climate, nutritious food, good wine and siestas. Etna, though, not only provides good soil, but its unique biodiversity also provides a home to many hundreds of animal species, as well as the locals who live in its shadow.

VOICES

VOICES OF CATANIA
Daniela Marino, Sicilia Convention Bureau

WHO TO CONTACT

Sicilia Convention Bureau SCARL
Via GIacomo Leopardi, 28
95127 Catania (CT)
Italy
T: +39 095 227 64 20
E: info@siciliaconvention.com
W: www.siciliaconvention.com

RESULTS OF MTLG 2018
We visited Catania in April 2018. Catania participates in the MTLG 2018 destination evaluation. The results of this year’s competition have just been published.

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Cities are not only smart due to smart technology, but also due to numerous solutions which improve the lives of its citizens and therefore also participants of congresses and events.

INTRO 2018

I often find myself wondering what is Vienna’s recipe for success. The city ranks in first place on almost all ranking lists. Usually the answer is related to the accessibility of homes and transport, the abundance of green spaces and its planning for a sustainable future. Only rarely, however, do we talk about the relationship between the city and visiting congress guests. There are cities in the world which can prove quite stressful for congress participants, and then there is Vienna. From first-hand experience I can confirm that the city is easy to get around, pleasant and enjoyable and already belongs among the so-called ‘smart’ cities of today. Vienna’s city authorities are convinced that the ‘smart’ city can grow whilst at the same time reducing the use of natural resources. One of the crucial initiatives is the intensive inclusion of the city’s residents, since there is a desire that innovations help improve living standards for all. It is all this that places Vienna among the smart cities of the future and makes it an excellent meeting destination.

NEED TO KNOW 2018

With the ambitious project ‘Smart City Wien’, which began in 2011, Vienna has been ranked number one among smart cities for several years. The city is aware that changes can’t take place overnight, therefore the project has very clearly-defined goals. The focal point of the project is the radical preservation of natural resources, the development and active use of innovations and new technologies, and a high and socially balanced level of living. The most visible result of the project is the new Aspern Seestadt residential neighbourhood, which is considered one of largest European urban development projects. It represents a first-class living laboratory for the development of sustainable and innovative energy saving technologies and optimal living, which is why Vienna ranks among the world’s leading meeting destinations.

WHAT'S HOT 2018

Every year over 3,700 congresses and corporate events are held in Vienna. It is difficult to choose the most important among then, however, below we have listed a few of the biggest events that have, or will, take place this year.

  • European Congress of Radiology / 28 February – 4 March 2018
    The European Congress of Radiology (ECR) is the annual meeting of the European Society of Radiology (ESR). It is a trend-setting, dynamic and service-oriented congress, well-known as one of the most innovative meetings within the scientific community, embedded in a unique and inspiring ambience.
    Venue: Austria Center Vienna / 20,000 participants
  • EGU General Assembly / 8 – 13 April 2018
    The annual EGU General Assembly is the largest and most prominent European geosciences event. It attracts over 14,000 scientists from all over the world, of which more than half are early career scientists.
    Venue: Austria Center Vienna / 15,000 participants
  • European Heart Failure Congress / 26 – 29 May 2018
    The European Heart Failure Congress is the world’s leading congress where experts in cardiology discuss strategies for a universal approach towards the prevention and treatment of heart failure.
    Venue: Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center / 6,000 participants
  • 36th Congress of the ESCRS / 22 – 26 September 2018
    The 36th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) offers a unique forum for discussion and learning, which ensures that international ophthalmological know-how is shared all over Europe.
    Venue: Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center / 9,000 participants
  • UEG Week 2018 / 20 – 24 October 2018
    UEG Week is the largest and most prestigious GI meeting in Europe and is now a global congress. UEG Week attracts around 14,000 participants each year from around the world.
    Venue: Austria Center Vienna / 9,000 participants

DID YOU KNOW?
Vienna is also a centre of innovation in the meetings industry. The start-up scene in the city is growing and developing rapidly. The first breakthrough was achieved by the company Superevent, which has developed one of the best mobile applications for events. Last year the company Waytation attracted a lot of attention in the congress market, as the only company in the world that enables an understanding of participants’ user experience. By tracking participants movements after an event, it enables an understanding of interests and better planning and optimisation of events. The company Lineapp triggered a real revolution, which allows sound to be broadcast via wi-fi directly to mobile devices. The system represents a real revolution in simultaneous translation and also offers numerous other options for users such as ‘silent disco’ and ‘keynote talks’.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA

There is always something happening in the creative city. Every year around 15,000 events are held in its 120 concert halls. Events can be held in any of the 27 palaces, over 100 museums and 110 galleries. The list of incentive programmes is comprehensive and diverse and includes everything from traditional programmes to culinary adventures.

Based on the city’s characteristics, we consider that some of the most attractive and authentic programmes are those that are truly Viennese, such as waltzing lessons led by one of the capital’s best-known dance schools, or a chance to get acquainted with Lipizzaner stallions at the Spanish Riding School – one of the oldest in the world. The list is practically never-ending. For more details take a look at the list of incentive ideas and social events programmes here:

Vienna Convention

PERFECT GIFT

Sachertorte is a wonderful Viennese classic cake with a moist, light texture, sweet apricot jam and a thick layer of icing made from dark chocolate, which will certainly remind you of a visit to Vienna. The recipe is still one of the best preserved of secrets in the patisserie world, even though it is copied in numerous forms throughout the world.

Today in Vienna there are two types of Sachertorte available, which differ only slightly from each other. In the Sacher Hotel version there are two layers of jam, whilst at the famous Demel patisserie there is only jam on the top and the sides.

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Vienna is regarded as the culinary capital of Central Europe. According to the latest data, it is in 10th place based on its number of Michelin stars. Real foodies will be impressed by original specialties, which are bound to also impress congress participants. The Kolbl family estate has been in existence for over 100 years. It sells its traditional products at the city’s Naschmarkt market. Kolbl is best known for its chillies which are grown over an area of 4,400m2. Believe it or not, in Vienna’s surroundings Ursual Kujal and Harald Thiesz cultivate over 50 different types of figs, which they turn into various culinary delights. Organic farming is the motto of the young farmer Oliver Kaminek, who, in addition to top-quality wines, also breeds rare Mangalica pigs, also known as ‘wool pigs’.

VOICES

VOICES OF VIENNA
Claudia Reis, Austria Center Vienna

VOICES OF VIENNA
Monika Scheinost, Hofburg Vienna

VOICES OF VIENNA
Roland Eggenhofer, 25hours Hotel Vienna

WHO TO CONTACT

Vienna Convention Bureau
Vienna Tourist Board
Invalidenstraße 6
1030 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43-1-211 14-555
E: convention@vienna.info

RESULTS OF MTLG 2018
We visited Vienna in April 2018. Vienna participates in the MTLG 2018 destination evaluation. The results of this year’s competition have just been published.

More information can be found on the website https://kongres-meetologue.eu/

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Podgorica – the jewel of Balkan, a developing city with an old soul, situated just an hour of drive away from the sea and the mountains.

INTRO 2018

It is a common belief that Podgorica is a boring city that lacks the architectural consistency and the common facilities that are found in the majority of European capitals. Whilst this may be true at first glance, the hidden secret of Montenegro’s capital is its embracing and friendly soul.

When visiting Podgorica, you get the feeling that time has stopped. Sitting in one of the city’s restaurants or bars, you feel as if you are in a time capsule, and the view that accompanies your cup of morning coffee is like looking at a brief history that has been written through centuries.

Podgorica reached international stardom over 50 years ago when the movie The Trojan Horse – starring John Drew Barrymore and Steve Reeves – was filmed in the city’s Ćemovsko park in 1961. In the 90s, Podgorica, along with Banja Luka, was proclaimed the greenest city in the former Yugoslavia. However, in the past decade or so, much of the greenery has been replaced by residential and commercial buildings.

Podgorica is ideally positioned to develop MICE tourism. The dominant profile of visitors to the city is business tourists who stay two days on average. This is why it is necessary to extend their stay by offering additional programmes – mini trip programmes/active holidays in nature, getting to know the city’s culture, gastronomy, and wine – all of which also provide the best reflection of the city’s spirit. From Podgorica, it only takes around an hour to reach the beautiful beaches in the south of the country or to reach the mountains where you can hike in summer and ski in winter.

Podgorica is known for its number of great cafes, pubs, wineries, nightclubs, and bars. The center of nightlife is found in the Hercegovačka, Njegoseva, and Bokeska streets, the Roman market and the Atlas Capital Centre. It is also the only city in the Balkans that has a Hard Rock Cafe. The city is a welcoming, hospitable and friendly destination, with an old Balkan soul, where a fusion of modern demands and old tradition are present all around.

WHAT'S HOT 2018

Montenegro carefully protects its traditions and this is reflected in the numerous popular events that bring together the country’s cultural, gastronomic, sporting and historical aspects.

Market events are very popular in Podgorica. The ’Market Caravan’ event is held at the Green Market and focuses on promoting traditional local food. With the aim of promoting the Skadar region, the traditional event ’Day of Crab’ will be organized in June. There will be a wide range of crab dishes accompanied by a comprehensive musical and cultural programme. ’Ajmo na Moraću’ is a special sports and tourism event held on the bank of the river Moraća, under the footbridge, every weekend in July and August. A nice way to meet the locals!

DID YOU KNOW?

Within Podgorica there is an extensive green space making Podgorica one of the “most green” European cities. The Park of Njegoš and the Park of Karađorđe are the oldest parks in the city. Located near the city center, Brdo Gorica is a popular walking spot and a paradise for people who enjoy recreation. At the peak of the mountain there are magnificent panoramic views of the city and in the heart of the forest, sports-recreation courts can be found. Montenegrins love long talks over drinks (usually coffee or beer). There are many, many cafes that you can choose to sit, relax and take the opportunity to grab your own beverage of choice! Don’t forget to try rakija…but be careful because it contains quite a high rate of alcohol.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA

The best incentive ideas in Podgorica incorporate traditional and modern elements with gastronomy, outdoor activities and cultural events. The city and its nearby surroundings are suitable for many active incentives – hiking, biking, free climbing, birdwatching, skiing, sailing, fishing etc. The Lake Skadar National Park, just a 15-minute drive from the capital, is a land of opportunities for incentives for all nature lovers. The rich flora and fauna, the phenomenon of the crypto-depression, the settlement for rare and endangered species of birds, make it unique in the region and beyond. The park offers numerous attractions and opportunities for recreation: hiking and biking trails, boat and ship cruises, churches and monasteries with fantastic views etc. And Montenegro’s beaches in the south of the country are just around an hour’s drive from the city centre.

PERFECT GIFT

A bottle of Montenegrin wine from the Šipčanik wine cellar would make a perfect local gift for just about everyone. A visit to this astonishing wine cellar is also a good idea for a culinary incentive. the wine cellar is also a The 13. Jul Plantaže grows the uniqueMontenegrin Vranac wine. The wine is an intense ruby color with purple hues. Its aroma and taste are reminiscent of ripe sour cherries, dark forest fruit and prunes with sweet, spicy tones, leaving a pleasant feeling in the mouth and a warm aftertaste. Vranac wine is full in taste, rich in alcohol and extracts and has balanced acids and an extraordinary tannic structure, meaning it is suitable for aging. So, a bottle of Vranac is a ’must take home’ piece of Montenegro.

BEST KEPT SECRET

The Doclea archeological site, also known as the ’Montenegrin Pompei’, originates from the Illyrian Docleati tribe that populated the area of western Podgorica up to the area of Nikšić. Doclea was surrounded by the Morača, Siralia and Zeta rivers. In addition to providing natural protection, Doclea had powerful city walls, towers, and bastions that surrounded the town’s plateau. It is considered that the greatest economic and cultural revival of Doclea happened in the 4th century, during the rule of Diocletian. And at the beginning of the 5th century, it lost its power, especially after the earthquake in 518 that caused a lot of damage. Doclea is only 4km from the city center and is a protected cultural heritage site.

VOICES OF PODGORICA

VOICES OF PODGORICA

Tatjana Popović, Turist organisation Podgorica

VOICES OF PODGORICA

Dušica Čarapić, CentreVille Hotel

VOICES OF PODGORICA

Jelena Burić, Hilton Hotel

WHO TO CONTACT

Tourist organization Podgorica
Ulica Slobode 47
Phone: +382 20 667 535
E: info@podgorica.travel
W: www.podgorica.travel

RESULTS OF MTLG 2018
We visited Podgorica in March 2018. Podgorica participates in the MTLG 2018 destination evaluation. The results of this year’s competition have just been published.

More information can be found on the website https://kongres-meetologue.eu/

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Salzburg – the most inspiring city in Austria. Salzburg was even ranked the seventh most inspiring city to visit globally by TravelBird.nl

INTRO 2018

Salzburg’s alpine scenery has long been attracting film makers. One of the legendary films that celebrated the beauty of the mountains of Austria, and particularly Salzburg, is the romantic musical ‘The Sound of Music’. In addition to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Summer Festival and the Christmas Market, the film, made in 1965 with the majority of the scenes filmed in the city and its surroundings, is one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions. It is impossible to dispute that the city is photogenic. However, there is significantly more to Salzburg than just the stereotype picturesque film set. The city is a centre of hi-tech companies, a development hub for the automotive industry and, in all likelihood, a city with one of the highest qualities of life in Europe. Red Bull, which has long been more than just an energy drink, undoubtedly personifies the new spirit of Salzburg. The company could be ranked amongst the world’s best event organisers and media houses, rather than among drinks producers. However, this is far from the only such story in the city, and we are pleased to confirm that we can also include in this the Salzburg congress industry, which is in excellent shape.

Salzburg

NEED TO KNOW 2018

Salzburg is one of the most important cultural metropolises in Europe. The musical virtuoso Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart left an indelible and lasting effect on the city. Directly after the Vatican, Salzburg was one of the most important religious metropolises. Baroque squares, small passages and an abundance of churches and monasteries, which will certainly make an impression on you, testify to the rich heritage of princes and bishops – in architecture as well as in art and culture. This is why Salzburg is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Hiring venues for events is simple since all the main castles are managed by the Salzburg’s Castles & Palaces Management company, owned by the Salzburg State Government, which since 1993 has been managing Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Salzburg Residence, Hohenwerfen Fortress and Mauterndorf.

Salzburg

WHAT'S HOT 2018

This year Salzburg is hosting some major corporate and association events. The first big Corporate Automotive event was the Audi A8 Central Launch Training, held on weekdays from September 2017 to February 2018, attended by around 10.000 visitors. In April 2018 a corporate event Juice Plus + LIVE! with over 5000 participants. Juice PLUS+ is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of superior quality food supplements. Coming up in June 2018 at the nearby Zell am See – Kaprun is the IONICA e-mobility congress with the expected 15.000 visitors at exhibitions and shows from the whole region and 400 field experts and speakers at the congress. In June 2019 the 30th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care ESPNIC 2019, with 1000 attendants expected. In Novenber 2019 a large scale conference (2000 participants) and exhibition for search engine optimization and online marketing for the German speaking markets SEOkomm & OMX. In January 2019 Salzburg is hosting the annual congress on electronic and recycling, The 17th International Electronic Recycling Congress.

DID YOU KNOW?
The founder of Red Bull, Dietrich Mateschitz, is a big fan of various aircraft. This is what led him to build one of the most unusual and special venues in Europe – Hangar-7.  This unique building was designed by the architect Volkmar Burgstaller, who created a space that offers visitors a three-dimensional experience whereby, in its interior, one feels as if there is a wide sky above them. It is built from 1,200 tonnes of steel and 380 tonnes of glass, which form 1,754 glass panels of which no two are entirely the same. The space is a meeting place of art, entertainment and first-class cuisine. Hanger-7 can be hired for events, under the condition that the owner himself agrees. Red Bull takes co-branding very seriously.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA

Salzburg offers two faces. For those who would like a more traditional incentive programme, we recommend a workshop making the famous Mozartkugel chocolates.

About 90 million of these chocolates are produced every year. By attending a workshop, visitors can learn all about the chocolates and have a go at making them . The great thing is that it is possible to arrange workshops for anywhere from 10 to 500 people as they can be held in any location as an eventstation and also be included as part of a dessert buffet.

For adrenaline junkies, the surroundings of the city offer an abundance of options for fun and speed – speed race tracks, ice cart races and snowmobiles as well as off-road courses. The World Mountain Bike Championship has been held in Salzburger Land several times, and mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes can be used on its numerous downhill tracks.

PERFECT GIFT

Real Mozartkugle chocolates are wrapped in silver-blue foil and are only sold in four of Salzburg’s Fürst confectionery shops and on its website. All the other versions, according to the opinions of colleagues from Salzburg, are just imitations. The first nougat balls, filled with marzipan and covered with chocolate, were made in 1890 by the Salzburg confectioner Paul Fürst, who named them after the city’s most famous fellow, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The chocolates achieved lightning-quick success. Today, the silver-blue wrapped chocolates are still made by hand and to the same method as that used by Paul Fürst. The busiest season for the production of Mozartkugel is from May on, because of the famous Salzburg Festival taking place in July and August.  The chocolates are produced all year, but they are in summer months not dispatched anywhere due to the higher temperatures.

However, they are only produced from the end of September to the middle of May, when temperatures are not so high that the quality of the chocolates would be affected during transportation.

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Salzburg is also certainly a town of beer. Traditionalists swear by the Augustiner-Bräustübl-Mülln brewery, which has been brewing various types of lager since 1621. The huge garden can accommodate 1,400 visitors and is one of the city’s most special venues. The most important of the city’s beer brand names is Stiegl, which produces a whole range of beers, from lagers to wheat beers and dark Dunkel beers. It has been brewing beer since 1492 and still today remains independent from the large breweries. Congress guests can get acquainted with the brewery by visiting the Stiegl Keller beer cellar, which is literally ‘buried’ in castle hill and offers various spaces for receptions and events. Even more interesting is the Stiegl Brauwelt Museum, which shows the brewery’s five-hundred-year-old history and, at the same time, is an exceptionally unique venue.

OFF THE BEATEN MICE TRACK

A venue which has no match in Europe is situated at Salzburg airport. Amadeus Terminal 2 is an exemplary example of how to fill an empty airport terminal which is otherwise only operational occasionally during the winter tourist season. The venue was immediately exploited by the largest car makers, who linked the possibility of accessing the terminal by plane with the promotion of new cars. The terminal is among the largest of the unique venues in the city, and can accommodate up to 1,700 guests, or 840 in a banquet arrangement. The vast car park is a great advantage and can be part of the experience with the possibility of branding.

VOICES

VOICES OF SALZBURG

Gregor Gritzky, Messezentrum Salzburg

VOICES OF SALZBURG

Monika Steinberger, Sheraton Grand Salzburg

VOICES OF SALZBURG

Nina S. Gerharter, Wyndham Grand

WHO TO CONTACT

Salzburg Convention Bureau 
Auerspergstrasse 6
5020 Salzburg, Austria
Phone: ++43 (0)662 / 88987
E: g.marx@salzburgcb.com
W: www.salzburgcb.com

RESULTS OF MTLG 2018
We visited Salzburg in April 2018. Salzburg participates in the MTLG 2018 destination evaluation. The results of this year’s competition have just been published.

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GOOD WILL IS THE BEST

COMPARISON WITH THE REGION

The most important winter sports centre in Slovenia has among the Slovenian ski resorts the strongest brand, which is known worldwide mainly due to the Cup Vitranc. Slowly and steadily it has also developed a summer tourist offer, which enables the development of congress tourism. Both seasons are now virtually in balance. With the latest changes in the field of hospitality it will surely strengthen its position as an important centre for the implementation of incentive programmes and small conferences. Due to the recognition of the ski jumps in Planica and Vitranc Cup it has a high priority over other rivals in the region. It is an important boutique congress destination for quality mid-size corporate events up to 350 participants.

MTLG INDEX / 2018 EDITION

DESTINATION CAPACITY

  • The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms: 858
  • The number of 4* and 5* category hotels: 8
  • Banquet hall maximum capacity: 300
  • The largest hall in the city (in m2): 1,200 m2
  • Destination population: 1,452
  • Maximum hall capacity in theatre style: 360

MTLG CATEGORY

S – MEETING DESTINATION

Destinations that can host up to 500 attendees.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

KRANJSKA GORA INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2018 
DESTINATION MARK: 3.84
Natural and cultural factors: 4.75
General and transport infrastructure: 4.58
Tourist infrastructure: 4.51
Meeting infrastructure: 4.15
Subjective grade: 4.63
Marketing Buzz: 3.96
ICCA index: 1.02
Numbeo quality of life Index: 3.55
Numbeo Safety Index:4.49
ACI Airport Connectivity Index 2.77

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ROOM WITH A VIEW

COMPARISON WITH THE REGION

None of the more than 1,000 Croatian islands has such karma and recognition as Hvar. Definitely a “must” Croatian destination, right behind Dubrovnik. Distance from the mainland gives it a touch of boutique smallness. On the beauty of the island, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, there is no point in wasting words, since there is no shortage of various urban legends and superlatives. Among other things, it used to be called Austrian Madeira. In Hvar, the urban has been coexisting with the rural for centuries.

MTLG INDEX / 2018 EDITION

DESTINATION CAPACITY

  • The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms: 1,500
  • The number of 4* and 5* category hotels: 10
  • Banquet hall maximum capacity: 220
  • The largest hall in the city (in m2): 370 m2
  • Destination population: 11,103
  • Maximum hall capacity in theatre style: 370

MTLG CATEGORY

S – MEETING DESTINATION

Destinations that can host up to 500 attendees.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

HVAR INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2018 
DESTINATION MARK: 3.85
Natural and cultural factors: 4.88
General and transport infrastructure: 4.20
Tourist infrastructure: 4.63
Meeting infrastructure: 4.46
Subjective grade: 4.69
Marketing Buzz: 4.24
ICCA index: 1.02
Numbeo quality of life Index: 3.65
Numbeo Safety Index:4.18
ACI Airport Connectivity Index 2.52

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FERTILE CROSSROADS OF CULTURES

COMPARISON WITH THE REGION

A number of the features of Brda make it special and unique in the wider area. In the first place is its openness to the sea, creating a pleasant Mediterranean climate, followed up by its natural beauty with rich cultural heritage and eco-preserved countryside with exceptional culinary and wine offer, unrivalled in the region. A panorama of hills with a cluster of agglomerations and subdivided farmland and countless terraced vineyards is certainly one of the most beautiful Italian-Slovenian landscape-aesthetic experiences. In the field of tourism-convention offer, Brda is perhaps the future formula of tourism development: “less is more”. The convention fate of Brda and Collio is in co-operation and joint promotion.

MTLG INDEX / 2018 EDITION

DESTINATION CAPACITY

  • The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms: 88
  • The number of 4* and 5* category hotels: 5
  • Banquet hall maximum capacity: 130
  • The largest hall in the city (in m2): 330 m2
  • Destination population: 5,757
  • Maximum hall capacity in theatre style: 200

MTLG CATEGORY

S – MEETING DESTINATION

Destinations that can host up to 500 attendees.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

GORIŠKA BRDA INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2018 
DESTINATION MARK: 3.87
Natural and cultural factors: 4.74
General and transport infrastructure: 4.18
Tourist infrastructure: 4.36
Meeting infrastructure: 4.25
Subjective grade: 4.64
Marketing Buzz: 4.29
ICCA index: 1.02
Numbeo quality of life Index: 3.93
Numbeo Safety Index:4.49
ACI Airport Connectivity Index 2.84

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COMPACT INCENTIVE EXPERIENCE

COMPARISON WITH THE REGION

Bad Kleinkirchheim is known across the world for its skiing heritage, as the town is a long-time host of women world-cup ski races. Some might even recognize it for its thermal resort built in the 17th century. Less known is the fact that Bad Kleinkirchheim is an excellent incentive destination sprouting with diverse and exciting offer, which spreads across both the winter and summer season. There’s also no shortage of great accommodations. The incentive programmes range from active sports activities to historical and culinary experiences. A native of the region is also the legendary Franz Klammer with whom you can even go skiing on an exciting winter incentive. What separates the town from the regional competition is a top-notch culinary offer, developed in a different way in every hotel. All of this makes Bad Kleinkirchheim suitable for more demanding incentive groups.

MTLG INDEX / 2018 EDITION

DESTINATION CAPACITY

  • The number of 4* and 5* category hotel rooms: 600
  • The number of 4* and 5* category hotels: 8
  • Banquet hall maximum capacity: 150
  • The largest hall in the city (in m2): 280 m2
  • Destination population: 1,687
  • Maximum hall capacity in theatre style: 270

MTLG CATEGORY

S – MEETING DESTINATION

Destinations that can host up to 500 attendees.

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

BAD KLEINKIRCHHEIM INDIVIDUAL GRADES 2018 
DESTINATION MARK: 4.02
Natural and cultural factors: 4.71
General and transport infrastructure: 4.57
Tourist infrastructure: 4.45
Meeting infrastructure: 4.35
Subjective grade: 4.64
Marketing Buzz: 4.14
ICCA index: 1.02
Numbeo quality of life Index: 4.68
Numbeo Safety Index:4.91
ACI Airport Connectivity Index 2.72
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