Life’s a beach

How does a resort with no meeting rooms become a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events) specialist? The five-star Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa rises to this creative challenge with the launch of its new ‘barefoot’ MICE programme that incorporates a host of different options, none of which take place in a conventional meeting room.

“Traditionally, the Maldives is not seen as a typical MICE destination,” says General Manager Jean Sebastien Kling, “At Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi we intend to change that with our ‘barefoot’ MICE programme. We pride ourselves on being the specialists in creative and innovative meetings and we promise organisers that no event will take place in a dull, stuffy room. Instead, all meeting activities can be done barefoot in various locations around the resort.” Possibilities that bookers can consider include the exclusive use of a private island where their guests can enjoy their own Robinson Crusoe experience that includes beach barbecues, watersports, spa treatments on the beach, drinks reception in the ocean and of course outstanding creative menus, wonderful accommodation and dining options at the resort.

Other ‘barefoot meeting space’ options at Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi include private use of the resort’s many open-air restaurants as well as meetings on the beach held in marquees or open sided tents. It’s even possible to set up cocktails and receptions with delegates’ feet in the ocean. The Spa – which is the largest in the country – offers a treasure trove of relaxing possibilities, while the resort’s six restaurants ensure an abundance of dining options.

“We are seeing increased interest in bringing MICE business to the Maldives because it’s a truly spectacular location that can’t be found elsewhere. Event organisers love the flexibility we offer in terms of individualisation and customisation of their event,” says Kling. “Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa is an extraordinary tropical resort with the space and flexibility to hold memorable meetings and events in an incredible environment. We offer ‘meeting rooms’ in the sand with ocean views in the heart of paradise”.

As if these options are not enticing enough, bookers can also benefit from the Hilton HHonors Event Bonus whereby they can earn Points & Miles with meetings and conferences held at the resort.

Covering all angles

Hotel Panorama by Rhombus – Your Personal View of Hong Kong
Superbly located in one of Hong Kong’s most popular shopping and business hubs, Hotel Panorama by Rhombus, with its distinctive triangular architecture, is the tallest deluxe business hotel overlooking Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Awarded as one of the ‘Best Business Hotels in China’ at the China Hotel Forum for the third consecutive year running from 2008 to 2011, Hotel Panorama by Rhombus is quintessentially located near the trendiest shopping areas such as K11 Art Mall, iSQUARE, DFS Galleria and IMAX Theatre. It is also just a two-minute walk from MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, only a stop to MTR Hung Hom Station and a five-minute drive to Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal which has convenient access to Macau and mainland China.

The contemporary designed guestrooms, including spacious suites, range in Silver to Gold and Club HarbourView to Executive Club HarbourView themes featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour or the city. Club HarbourView Rooms, Executive Club HarbourView Rooms and Executive Club HarbourView Suites are fully endowed with personalised services tailored for business travellers, with all rooms offering breathtaking panoramic harbour views. All Club Floor guests can enjoy special privileges and access to the Rhombus Club Executive Lounge located on the 39th floor. Other facilities include Sky Garden, Business Centre, Fitness Centre and Café Express.

Located on the 38th floor, with stunning 270° Victoria Harbour views, is the new AVA Restaurant Slash Bar. Experience AVA’s impressive modern international cuisine, created by a talented young culinary team and savour the international wine list, champagnes and creative cocktails. Kick back as the evening springs into high gear with beats from Hong Kong’s coveted DJs. It is the ultimate venue to enjoy exciting new flavours, stylish private events, socialising, networking and partying into the late hours of the night.

With modern amenities and highly personalised service, Hotel Panorama by Rhombus is committed to excellence and exceeding guests’ expectations every time during their stay.

Hotel LKF by Rhombus – Sparkling Vibrance, Immaculate Style
With its dramatic décor and luxury design, Hotel LKF by Rhombus, a deluxe boutique hotel TRULY located in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, Central has been delighting international jetsetters with its five-star personalised service and ultra-comfortable guestrooms.

A recipient of the ‘5 Stars Best Hotel Hong Kong’ award at the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards 2011, in addition to the ‘Best Boutique Hotel in Asia Pacific’ by Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific) Awards 2009 and ‘Best Boutique Hotel’ by the 20th TTG Asia Travel Awards 2009, Hotel LKF by Rhombus allows you to access all parts of Hong Kong via Mass Transit Railway (MTR), Airport Express, buses, taxis, trams and ferries, where Hong Kong’s trendiest area is abuzz with restaurants, bars, fashion boutiques, art galleries and antique shops.

Hotel LKF by Rhombus presents its Fitness Centre and Business Centre on the lobby level. The Fitness Centre features state-of-the-art equipment including shower facilities and the Business Centre is equipped with a comprehensive range of business services for the discerning business travellers, both providing 24-hour service to guests.

Located on the 29th and 30th floors of the hotel, with a sweeping view of the vibrant city skyline, and the sizzling energy of Hong Kong’s premier nightspots at your feet, is Azure Restaurant Slash Bar, acclaimed as one of the ‘Best Restaurants in HK’ by Asia Tatler 2008-2011 and ranked No. 7 in ‘The World’s 20 Best Sky Bars 2008’ by The Sunday Times, UK.

For more information, please contact
(852) 3550 0388
panorama@hotelpanorama.com.hk
www.hotelpanorama.com.hk
(852) 3518 9688
LKF@hotel-LKF.com.hk
www.hotel-LKF.com.hk

Taking care of business

We met Manfred Hörger, one of the most successful hotel directors in Zurich, in the recently renovated lobby of the Savoy Baur en Ville. For over 25 years, he and his wife Christina have devoted themselves to running the luxury hotel founded in 1838 on the city’s well-healed Paradeplatz.

The meeting place is no coincidence. Hörger never lets the hotel out of his sight, personally greeting every ‘regular’ and always on hand with words of welcome for newcomers to the Savoy. You won’t find his management strategy in the Harvard Business Review, but it works. “Managing by wandering around”, he calls it. And indeed, Hörger is everywhere. One minute you run into him checking the kitchen, the next he can be found scanning the list of scheduled arrivals on the reservations computer. And the next he is doing the rounds again, inspecting the new rooms and suites that have just been completed. Almost incidentally, a number of smaller rooms have now been merged into spacious junior suites. The total number of rooms has thus been reduced to 104. Hörger knows what he is doing, though, as he knows what his guests expect. He and, above all, his wife, oversaw every last detail of room conversion and fitting. The Savoy has an exclusive style all of its own; nothing is allowed to interfere with its harmonious distinctiveness. So the Hörgers reviewed the patterns of the carpeting, checked the quality of the weaving, had the last say on the choice of marble for the bathrooms and, by no means least, tested the luxurious comfort of the mattresses. While we were still taking in the noble elegance of the rooms, Hörger gently indicated the need for us to press on.

Getting a date for an interview was a minor miracle in the first place. Though he likens his hotel to a theatre, Manfred Hörger has never been one to hog the limelight. The guests, he says, not the director, play the lead role.

Mr. Hörger, how do you define luxury?
MH: We all define luxury in our own way. It has a lot to do with cultural and ethical standards, and with the social standing of the person passing judgment. In the Baroque era, luxury was associated with opulence and a life of leisure – a lavishness far beyond what was perceived to be normality. In the present day and age, luxury has become a very different concept.

Looking at the state of the financial markets, can there still be a case for defending luxury?
MH: Since people regrettably equate luxury with money, it will always be difficult to find common ground. Money should really just safeguard a measure of personal freedom. It shouldn’t be a provocation, which we sadly see happening today.

Would you say that, in the hospitality industry, luxury is more about the respect with which guests are treated?
MH: Hotels are run either by a married couple, which is what my wife and I do, or subject to a management agreement – as is the case with Hilton or the Four Seasons, say. Small luxury hotels such as the Savoy can still be managed the traditional way. In light of the number of rooms alone, however, the big hotel chains often have to offer special cut-price deals. So they have to save money somewhere – usually on staffing costs, which naturally limits what you can do for the guest.

That gives you at the comparatively small Savoy an obvious advantage…
MH: A small luxury hotel with no more than 150 rooms is effectively a private villa that you can use for a fee. No more and no less. As in any private household, you split the work between the people you have. My wife is in charge of the housekeeping and I handle the finances. We live here in the hotel, which makes it so much easier to look after our guests. We employ more than 200 people to cater to our 104 rooms. 60 percent of the staff have been with us for 20 years; 30 percent for between ten and 15 years. That too helps ensure that guests receive personal attention in every area. Privacy and discretion are further powerful arguments for guests who stay with us.

What advice would you give to young people today to help them succeed in the hotel business?
MH: I think many of them attach too much importance to university degrees, back-office processes and bottom lines. They forget that the guest is the focal point of everything we do. If you don’t look after them, you won’t have any bottom line to worry about! I advise anyone going into the hotel business to do an apprenticeship. Two or three years will show you whether this is for you. If it is and you work hard, you can always specialise in this or that and do your degree later on.

You said you have 200 staff for 104 rooms. Not a few of your peers would turn green with envy!
MH: Our prices are undoubtedly at the higher end, and we don’t do special deals. We know that our guests associate our name with luxury and prestige. I don’t strive for 100 percent room occupancy at all costs. I’d rather have 50 percent occupancy but all those rooms paid for 100 percent. Less, as they say, is often more. If you want good staff, you have to pay them a decent wage. But a genuine luxury hotel cannot target profit maximisation. When I serve as a consultant for investors, I always advise them to plan in enough room for private accommodation, offices and shops. Running a hotel alone is never going to give you above-average returns. It is a commitment to a certain lifestyle. But we have the backing of a board who are very understanding.

Aren’t a lot of corners being cut in precisely this lifestyle at the moment? Guests turn up without a tie or even in training shoes. How do you regard this development?
MH: We just smile and insist on our dress code! Our guests used to know how to behave – we could learn a lot from them. Lately, however, this has increasingly been reversed, and that can quickly get you into an awkward situation. Take the dress code issue. We should be able to take it for granted: the information is laid out in every room. Yet we repeatedly have guests who are shocked to be barred from eating at the Restaurant Baur in shorts and T-shirts. When that happens, I give the guests a private salon in which to take their meal. There is nothing personal about it. The issue is simply maintaining the high standards of our hotel and showing respect to other guests.

Your success certainly lends weight to your arguments. On some days, the list of events in the lobby reads like a who’s who in the Fortune 500. Mr. Hörger, thank you for talking to us.

The road to success

The next few years heralds a period of unlimited opportunity for Glasgow; the arrival of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, has seen dramatic changes to the business landscape of the city, and with the new Hydro Arena on schedule at the SECC, there has never been a better time for business travel in the city.

It’s easy to see why the city is the ideal place to host anything from top-level management meetings to large conferences with more than 20,000 delegates. With ready access not only to world-class facilities but also to the right people to make outstanding conferences happen, Glasgow has built a reputation as a top business destination and, since it first opened its doors, the Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre (SECC) has been integral in putting Glasgow on the business destination map.

Sales Director, SECC, Ben Goedegebuure explains: “Glasgow needed a venue to accommodate large international conferences while at the same time being flexible enough to cater to local businesses’ needs; and that’s something we can deliver. However, the venue is not the only consideration when it comes to attracting conferences: international organisers especially tend to look beyond it and choose a truly exciting destination. It is important to them to find a venue capable of delivering a flawless event set in a location that offers delegates plenty of activities for their spare time making Glasgow a perfect choice.”

The city’s ‘Team Glasgow’ approach, pulling together expertise from Glasgow City Marketing Bureau’s convention bureau, local hotels and restaurants, as well as transport providers has helped the SECC attract high- profile and high-value conferences despite the challenging economic environment. Welcoming conference delegates has been hugely beneficial to Glasgow, with the SECC contributing approximately £342m to the city’s economy in 2009 alone.

Generating repeat business for Glasgow has become a specialty of the venue’s sales and marketing teams and a number of events are returning to the SECC this year. The city’s increased profile has been recognised internationally too, allowing the SECC and its partners to attract events from countries including the USA, Belgium and Italy.

Ben Goedegebuure: “As business is getting tougher, it’s never been more important to have face-to-face meetings and build close relationships with partners across all industries. Nothing beats a personal conversation when it comes to business, even in this age of technology and digital communication. At the same time, buyers are looking for exceptional value and keeping a meeting within the city of Glasgow could allow a local company to save on accommodation and transport.”

Buyers won’t have to compromise on delivering a flawless, professionally organised event with both facilities and expertise available in the city in general and within the SECC in particular.

Ben Goedegebuure adds, “state-of-the-art facilities and technical capabilities are more important than ever before to host a successful meeting and we are able to offer them under one roof. More importantly, though, we have an exceptional team here that is well versed in organising any size of event and always willing to go the extra mile to turn an annual conference into a memorable event.

There really is no reason for local businesses to travel further to organise successful events. Instead, they could play a crucial role in attracting new people to Glasgow, thus becoming true ambassadors of this fantastic city.”

For more information on the secc, please contact:
SECC
Exhibition Way
Glasgow, G3 8YW
Tel: +44 (0)141 248 3000
Email: info@secc.co.uk
Website: www.secc.co.uk

Going places

Budget was founded in 1958 with just ten cars and set out to offer better value than the established airport car hire companies. They have a few more than ten cars now, but their focus on value and good, honest service hasn’t changed. Over those 50-odd years Budget has learned a lot about what customers want from a car rental company and has developed services for customers of all types, which has helped secure its place as one of the top three global car rental companies. Budget now has a network of more than 3,400 locations, including over 800 airport locations in 128 countries. It offers a wide range of cars, trucks and vans, so whatever your reason for renting and wherever your travels take you, Budget can help.

Dedicated products & services
As part of its flexible approach focus on service, Budget now operates several programmes which suit the different needs of its customers, whether booking as an individual, a small-to-medium sized business or large corporate business. These include:

Budget CorpRate:
A tailor-made service for larger companies renting cars regularly. The offering is simple – value for money with flexible rates, dedicated account managers and detailed management information. All designed to help you stay in control of your travel budget and get the best value for money.

Budget business connections:
BusinessConnections is a free, no contract, car rental loyalty scheme aimed exclusively at the UK’s small-to-medium-sized companies. It offers an attractive discount with no contract to sign and no minimum volume of rentals. Members of the scheme can also benefit from a discount on every rental in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, plus regular offers such as free car upgrade vouchers.

Budget knows that the last thing you want to do is wait in a queue after a long flight. That’s where the Fastbreak service makes a difference. It’s a priority service designed with frequent renters in mind and is available at all of our major international airport locations. Customers simply sign up for the service online and create a customer profile. Budget then securely store this information in our reservation system and use it to reduce the paperwork required at the rental counter.

Customer satisfaction
Budget understands that you have many choices when organising your travel plans and they are committed to increasing the number of customers who choose Budget time and again.

Budget’s Happy Customer programme has gathered feedback from over 60,000 customers and influenced the development of new products and website enhancements. For example the Budget website is now clearer about protection and insurance options. New processes have also been put in place to make the return of a vehicle simpler and faster. Customer feedback is used by senior management to identify trends and areas for improvement and this information is also sent to rental locations so that local managers and rental agents understand what their customers want.

Clear and simple
The world of car hire can be confusing, with a range of jargon which sometimes seems designed to make sure the customer doesn’t understand what they are buying. Do you know the difference between CDW and TP? Don’t worry if you don’t, why should you? The Budget website or staff at your pick-up location can explain what it means so that you know exactly what is included in your rental.

Modern vehicles
Budget offers a wide range of car and van models, with a choice of sizes and styles to suit your requirements and chosen destination. All of Budget’s vehicles are safety checked and cleaned before every rental, and its fleet is constantly renewed and updated, so you can rest assured that you will be driving away in a quality vehicle with the latest technology. Additional services available include child car seats, GPS satellite navigation, luggage racks and a range of other special equipment to make your journey easier and more enjoyable.

And it’s not just the cars with the latest technology; Budget has improved its car rental booking technology with the recent launch of its new mobile website and iPhone app. The website and the app are designed to be used on small screens but are big on features.
You can:
• Get a quote
• Book a car
• View or cancel an existing booking
• Send us a message
• View the terms and conditions for your chosen rental location

The mobile website is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and Android devices (using Android 2.3 or later) and the app is available at the app store for iPhone and iPod Touch.

With consumers increasingly wishing to book travel arrangements on the move, the mobile website and app allows you to make a new booking as well as manage an existing one wherever you might be and at any time of your chosing. It couldn’t be easier to book to your car hire with Budget.

For further information on Budget’s products and services, or to book a car for your next trip please visit www.budget-international.com or call our sales team directly on 01344 668 770

A hole lot more

Doha Golf Club, located in the exclusive West Bay area of Doha, boasts two immaculate golf courses, one of which is home to the annual European Tour Commercialbank Qatar Masters and the other is a fully floodlit nine-hole course. Designed by Peter Harradine, one of the world’s leading golf course architects, and unveiled in 1997, the 7,374-yard 18-hole Championship Course and floodlit nine-hole Academy Course provide a variety of challenges that will appeal to both the novice golfer and the seasoned professional.

As soon as one enters the Arabian-style clubhouse, with its marble interiors and outdoor terraces, one can feel the luxurious comfort of home. It features handmade gypsum, traditional artifacts and solid teak doors imported from Thailand and hand-engraved in Doha. Beautifully crafted marble, internal waterfalls and a central fountain create a cool and welcoming atmosphere.

Join the club
The clubhouse of Doha Golf Club is home to some of the town’s most popular dining venues. The unique atmosphere makes Doha Golf Club an absolute must for residents, business people and tourists visiting Qatar. Each restaurant reflects an ambience of its own which is quite evident in the thoughtfully designed decor, the specially prepared menus and the friendly and attentive staff.

The food and beverage team prides itself on culinary excellence and the highest standard of service to compliment the world- class Championship Course and facilities available at the Club. The clubhouse’s first floor houses the Oasis Lounge, where members and their golfing guests can relax after their game and enjoy a snack or light meal in a friendly and comfortable surroundings, overlooking the stunning views of the 18-hole Championship Course.

Spikes Lounge is legendary for its upbeat yet relaxing atmosphere. Idyllically located on the Clubhouse’s ground floor, this fusion between bar and club portrays modern as well as chic interiors and an outdoor terrace overlooking the magnificent vista of the 9th and 18th greens, creating a perfect setting to grab a bite to eat or socialise with friends.

Up your game
The award winning Golf Academy offers professional coaching, a simulator lounge, coaching studio and a SAM putting lab. The Academy brings together a team of dedicated PGA teaching professionals with a wealth of golfing knowledge and experience from some of the world’s most exclusive golf clubs. The Academy aims to help golfers by using this professional knowledge, hi-tech equipment, good communication skills and the simplest and most effective teaching methods making it easy and fun to learn the game.

The lush turf of the Driving Range covers a large area; it is 375 yards long and over 200 yards wide. The teaching area is reserved for private lessons with our PGA Professionals and the range is open to visitors and members alike.

The other facilities include:
• Chipping Green with Greenside Bunker
• Pitching Green with two Greenside Bunkers and various slopes
• Fully automated range ball dispenser
• Golf Academy Building comprising Shop, Custom Fit and Repair Centre, Lounge Area with TV viewing and Food and Beverage outlet
• High Definition Golf Simulator
• Swing Analysis Studio with GASP Systems software
• SAM Putting Lab
The Club’s Golf Academy also features a well-equipped gymnasium boasting a range of equipment and professional instructors to offer one-to-one personal training, if required.

Taking care of all the details
With its picturesque and tranquil landscape and state-of-the-art conference and banqueting facilities, Doha Golf Club is a unique venue for business meetings, product launches, corporate dinners and social functions like weddings and parties. The Al Majlis Suite offers extensive facilities for organisations wishing to host small corporate functions, meetings, product launches and seminars. This stylish meeting room offers comfortable seating for up to 50 people, with an array of audio-visual tools to satisfy any group’s requirements.

The Gallery is a multifunctional room which can host from 50 to 350 people for any function requirement. Only here can you experience the possibility of holding an event that offers views of a superbly landscaped golf course and the glistening water of the lake on the 18th hole.

During the cooler months Doha Golf Club is equipped for outdoor dining. The Greens, a grass area adjacent to the clubhouse, can accommodate up to 1,500 people. There is no better way to celebrate than under the stars.

The Chalet is another multifunctional, first floor venue overlooking the majestic lake situated between the ninth and 18th holes of the Championship Course. The Chalet can accommodate up to 180 people for a variety of functions from business meetings to small wedding parties.

Let the banqueting team provide you with a function to remember in this luxurious ground floor venue overlooking the green of the 18th hole. The VIP Majlis can comfortably host up to 120 people for an array of different gatherings and functions. Fairways also offers a superb venue for business meetings, lunches and dinners, all in privacy and intimacy.

Doha Golf Club has the experience and expertise to organise golf events and tournaments on your behalf. You’ll also be assisted in the management of every detail of your tournament from pre-event planning and invitations to catering, branding and the award ceremony itself.

Contact Details:
West Bay, PO Box 13530, Doha, Qatar
Tel: 00974 44960777
Fax: 00974 44834790
Email: info@dohagolfclub.com
Website: www.dohagolfclub.com

A bit of an exhibitionist

Boasting multiple industry awards and regularly visited by international associations and the world’s leading brands, the International Convention Centre (ICC) is located in the heart of Birmingham, one of the most vibrant cities in the UK.

Birmingham sits at the heart of the UK’s transportation network, with 60 percent of the population living within a 2.5-hour drive. Based on Broad Street, the ICC is a 20-minute drive from Birmingham International Airport and a 15-minute walk from New Street Station. New Street is the UK’s busiest interchange railway station, and is currently undergoing a £550 million redevelopment project, which incorporates the neighbouring Pallasades Shopping Centre.

The ICC’s city centre location also ensures that more that 5,000 hotel rooms are within a five-minute walk, including the five-star Hyatt Regency hotel that connects to the ICC via a bridge above Broad Street, allowing the venue to operate as an ‘island site’ when VIPs are scheduled to attend.

A vibrant city
Birmingham houses more than 500,000 works of art within one city centre square mile, and is home to the worldrenowned Birmingham Royal Ballet and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, both of whom perform regularly at the Symphony Hall; part of the ICC estate.

International cricket continues to play an important role in the city’s local leisure offering with the newly refurbished Edgbaston Stadium being a regular venue for the England team during the season. Additionally, there are two football clubs and international athletics meetings and other sporting spectacles are staged frequently at the ICC’s sister venue, the NIA. The city’s exciting shopping offer is located just a short-walk from the ICC, which includes many of the UK’s most popular brands at its famous Bullring shopping centre as well as some of the world’s most famous designer labels at the Mailbox.

Capable of hosting any event
The ICC prides itself on being one of the most flexible venues in the industry, capable of hosting events from eight to 8,000 people.

Its flagship Hall One auditorium can accommodate up to 1,500 delegates and regularly hosts the headline speeches of major events – as well as being capable of theatre productions – whilst Hall Three has capacity for more than 3,000 guests or providing 3,050sq m of exhibition space.

In addition, larger events can be catered for by incorporating the facilities available at the nearby NIA, which offers 5,500sq m of additional exhibition space or can hold up to 13,000 delegates for an opening ceremony.

Food for thought
As well as winning plaudits from across the UK for its banqueting offering, the ICC’s team of chefs are constantly creating new innovative concepts to ensure that food is a conversation piece that adds excitement and entertainment to any dining experience.

From offering bread baked freshly inside the halls, to cocktail mixology and the ICC’s Pudding Society experience – which sees a chef bring three large classic deserts to a table before explaining and serving – the new food concepts give customers the chance to be part of the whole sensory experience.

Added value
Despite great food, facilities and location, the ICC sees clients return year after year because of the way in which staff constantly go the extra mile for customers, particularly the client associates whose job could vary from an airport collection to sourcing 1,500 ‘Blues Brothers’ hats and glasses for a dinner reception.

All ICC staff nurture a close relationship with the city centre partners to ensure that all conferencing, entertainment, transportation and accommodation needs are fulfilled to create an unsurpassed visitor experience.

For more information about staging your meeting or event at the ICC Birmingham, please visit www.theicc.co.uk or call +44 (0)121 644 5025

The toast of Christmas present

Every year it’s the same. One minute you’re on your summer holidays and then, almost as quick as you can say “’Tis the season to be jolly”, Christmas is coming and you’re scouring the shops for that special present that sends compliments of the season to your nearest and dearest. Well, have no fear (to paraphrase the family motto), Jameson are here with some timely advice on gifts that are guaranteed to knock the stuffing out of bubble bath and socks.

The fact is, Jameson are no strangers to spreading a little festive cheer. In the 231 Christmases that have passed since John Jameson first distilled the Irish whiskey that bears his name, it’s likely there’s been a bottle or two under quite a few Christmas trees and in a fair few stockings. And why not? It is, after all, the gift that goes on giving with every sip savoured over the weeks and months ahead.

All of which would have delighted ‘Glorious’ John. Dedicated to the task of distilling his whiskey to perfection, he was also a very sociable fellow who liked nothing more than a get-together with family and friends and to share, no doubt, a glass of his own creation. So, what would Glorious John recommend you put on your Christmas shopping list as the perfect yuletide present?

Jameson Signature Reserve
A bottle of Jameson isn’t a bottle of Jameson without John’s family signature on the label. Since 1780 it has been a guarantee of authenticity and quality. And our aptly- named Signature Reserve celebrates that guarantee in some style. Triple distilled, it is matured in the finest Sherry casks as well as in American oak barrels for an unmistakable heather honey sweetness. Adding to its exclusivity, Jameson Signature Reserve is only available at travel retail outlets – just the thing to pick up on your way home for Christmas.

Jameson Gold Reserve
Gold by name and opulent by nature, Jameson Gold Reserve brings real meaning to the Jameson family motto ‘Sine Metu’. Without fear, our master distillers have blended whiskeys of advanced years that have been matured in three different types of casks – bourbon barrels, sherry butts and, for a maturation like no other, whiskey uniquely aged in virgin oak. The result is as complex as it is satisfying. And helping to make Gold Reserve the gift anyone would love to receive is stylish, new packaging (seems a shame to wrap it up).

Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve
When you’re as serious about whiskey as Jameson, ‘rarest’ is not a word you use lightly. So when you see a label that says Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve you can be sure it’s something exceptional. In fact it features a rare pot still whiskey aged to a sublime mellow sweetness in specially selected port pipes, along with hand-picked casks of our oldest whiskeys. Winner of Double Gold at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits competition and twice named ‘Irish Whiskey Of The Year’, this is the tipple you may very well be tempted to give yourself this Christmas.

The queen of Victoria

Voted the world’s most liveable city again in 2011, Melbourne is also renowned as the leading destination in Australia for major international sporting and cultural events, interesting cafés, bars and nightlife, impressive theatre, world-class dining, stand-out shopping, and incredible regional experiences within 90 minutes of the city, making Melbourne the perfect destination to combine both business and pleasure.

Business and research capital
Fortune magazine recently named Melbourne as one of the 15 best new cities to do business – the only Australian city on the list and one of only five cities in the Asia-Pacific region to be included. As an elite centre for business, Melbourne is the headquarters for some of the world’s largest corporations, and prides itself on being a world leader in science and medicine with 139 biotech companies, 13 major medical research institutes, seven teaching hospitals and nine universities.

The State of Victoria is Australia’s most diverse economy, with strengths across financial services, information technology, life sciences, resource management and advanced manufacturing, and in 2010 was ranked as the most business-friendly state in Australia by the Business Events Council of Australia.

Accessible
Melbourne’s accessibility is a major drawcard for global business, with Melbourne International Airport open 24 hours, curfew free and operating over 580 international flights and 3,200 domestic flights per week.

The city boasts an extensive public transport network of trams, trains and buses, designed to easily accommodate large groups and ensure that the transportation needs of delegates and visitors is both efficient and easy. Melbourne is also an exceptional city for walking and its low cost bike-share scheme makes it even more convenient to get around.

Outstanding venues
Melbourne is a premier destination to hold a business event, boasting Australia’s highest concentration of convention facilities located in a central business district. Now in its third year of operation, the award-winning Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is the world’s first and only ‘Six Star Green Star’ environmentally rated convention centre and offers the largest range of meeting options under one roof, including a 5,500+ seat plenary hall, 52 meeting rooms, a grand banquet room, and a magnificent entry level foyer for up to 8,400 guests. The Centre has won a number of prestigious awards for a range of successes, from architecture to catering, and has set an environmental benchmark for the industry, becoming the only convention and exhibition venue in Australia with both Green Globe and Waste Wise accreditation.

Attracting major international business events to Melbourne
The city’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, accessibility and advances in science, medicine and technology, have seen Melbourne recognised globally as one of the world’s leading business destinations, with the city set to host a number of prestigious international meetings over the next few years, including the World Chinese Economic Forum 2012, The World Congress of Cardiology 2014, The 23rd World Cancer Congress 2014, as well as Amway India, bringing a group of 4,000 incentive delegates to the city in 2012.

Offering world-class accommodation
With more than 16,250 rooms in the city centre alone, Melbourne’s wide range of accommodation options caters to all requirements – from luxury five-star hotels to more budget-conscious options, many of which are within walking distance to the Convention Centre and major city attractions.
For easy access to the MCEC, delegates can choose to stay at the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, which adjoins the Centre, or one of three hotels located in the Crown Entertainment Complex, located on Southbank, just minutes away by foot; Crown Towers, Crown Promenade and Crown Metropol.

Creating memorable experiences
From award-winning vineyards to world-celebrated golf courses and surf beaches to luxurious day spas, few places can offer the diversity of Melbourne and regional Victoria. Stroll through the intriguing laneways which meander through the city, enjoy one of over 3,000 cafés, restaurants and bars or take a trip down the Great Ocean Road and breathe in the sea air.

Melbourne is undoubtedly Australia’s sporting capital boasting five major events each year, including the Australian Football League Grand Final, the Spring Racing Carnival featuring ‘The Race that Stops a Nation’ the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open Tennis Championships, the Boxing Day Cricket Test and the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix. The city also comes alive with a vast array of annual festivals and shows such as the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and The Melbourne International Arts Festival.

Sample just a few of Melbourne’s unforgettable experiences and you will see why Australians and the rest of the world fall in love with Melbourne and Victoria:

• Savour international cuisine and the freshest regional produce at the Queen Victoria Market
• Enjoy aerial views of scenic Melbourne or the famous Twelve Apostles by helicopter
• Ride Puffing Billy, Australia’s oldest surviving steam railway
• Relax in style with a stay at Lake House in Daylesford, Victoria’s spa country
• Dine in the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
• Meet the local wildlife; from little penguins on Phillip Island, to kangaroos and koalas at Healesville Sanctuary
• Indulge in world-class wines on the Mornington Peninsula
• Cheer with the crowd at an Aussie Rules Football game or a cricket match at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Working with MCVB
The Melbourne Convention +Visitors Bureau (MCVB) works to attract national and international conferences, incentive groups and meetings to Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The organisation is a partnership between the Victorian State Government, the City of Melbourne and private enterprise, offering an award-winning team with specialist skills in marketing and communications, sales, bid development, government partnerships, incentive travel programmes and corporate services.

MCVB provides free and comprehensive support for meeting and event planners, from the initial bidding stage for the event through to delivering and driving delegate numbers and has built a network of strong relationships with Federal, State and Local Government bodies, strategic industry partners and more than 270 MCVB members to provide an unrivalled service for conference and incentive organisers.

MCVB also provides international event hosts with a high level of knowledge and expertise in planning and compiling bid documents and support packages to win business events, tailoring its services to assist in every aspect of bidding, planning, marketing and delegate boosting to ensure the event is seamless and integrated.

MCVB staff can also provide extensive support to clients to ensure a successful business event, assisting with: location of suitable venues and accommodation within Melbourne or regional Victoria that meet specified criteria; provision of site inspection support; marketing tools such as visitor guides, maps and promotional material; and customised implementation of MCVB’s free Business Events Marketing e-kit, including a Smartphone app, Tablet app, Melbourne widget, online delegate boosting tool and electronic direct mail template.

For more information, contact;
Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau
Head Office
Tel: +613 9693 3333
Email: mcvb@mcvb.com.au

The art of the state

Oman is a country blessed with a fantastic wealth of natural beauty, a fascinating and vibrant culture, magnificent landscapes and warm hospitality. However these are just a few of the reasons why the country is emerging as an increasingly popular destination for UK tourists, who, arriving in their droves are relishing Oman’s pristine waters, epic mountain ranges, sweeping deserts and spell-binding souks. Indeed, it could be said that Oman’s largest attraction is its contrasting and diverse landscapes; from the south to the north, travellers can expect one of the most varied and pristine landscapes on earth.
All of this provides the perfect backdrop on which to mix business, conference and incentive travel and tourism; but what can visitors expect from a visit to Oman? In order to service its fantastic wealth of natural beauty, the country has established state-of-the-art conference facilities soon to be joined by an ultra-modern convention complex along with the first-class air, road and telecommunications networks to ensure that any business trip is carried out with seamless professionalism.

With sustainable development at the heart of these facilities, Oman has managed to maintain its firm roots in tradition, affording visitors the true Arabian way of life, while looking steadfastly to the future to provide visitors with a truly 21st-century and beyond experience.

Visiting Oman
Known formally as the Sultanate of Oman and ruled by HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Oman is divided into nine main regions – Muscat, the administrative and commercial capital, Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah, Al Dakhiliyah, Al Sharqiyah, Al Buraymi, Al Wusta, Dhofar and Musandam. Each of the regions is then divided into smaller wilayats to help in the administration process.

Its rich cultural and archaeological heritage reflects thousands of years of international trade and foreign influences, evidence of which is spread all over the country, home to more than 500 forts, castles, watchtowers, four UNESCO heritage sights and rock paintings.

It has never been easier for tourists from all over the world to enjoy Oman’s heritage and natural beauty as visa-on-arrival services are available to citizens from more than 50 countries, including the UK. As a result of the country’s drive to become a non-oil based economy to one based on manufacturing and trading, Oman now welcomes 2.5 million visitors per year, with an average of 100,000 of these coming from Britain.

Investing in tourism
So successful has the tourism industry been that the Ministry of Oman has identified it as a critical growth sector and as having a direct impact on the country’s economy. Tourism already accounts for 2.9 percent of the country’s GDP and the ministry aims to increase this figure to five percent by 2050.

The opening of a record number of attractions, leisure properties and services during 2011 has allowed Oman to build significant momentum for its tourism and hospitality sectors. Last month alone has witnessed the opening of 1,400 new hotel rooms, the completion of the Royal Opera House Muscat and extended Muscat-Khasab routes from the National Ferry Company – all of which will prove pivotal in putting Oman on the map as a business and tourist destination.

Building for the future
Having world-class venues from which to conduct business and leisure has been key to Oman’s emergence as a major player in the business and tourism industries according to Salem Al Mamari, Director General of Tourism Promotions, Sultanate of Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, who also identified the need for Oman to continue with its development: “The launch of new resorts and hotels will be welcome developments as demand can be very overwhelming during peak seasons. We also need to broaden the base of mid-range and budget hotels as this segment is attracting more patrons. There are beautiful niche properties such as the Sahab Hotel in Jebel Akhdar and the Sifawy Boutique Hotel at Jebel Sifah which opened in June 2011 which have high-quality four-star appeal. Regional projects such as these and the Millennium Hotel at Mussanah are at the heart of our tourism strategy to spread the benefits of tourism to all of Oman.”

Evidence of this wave of new development can be seen throughout Oman, and there are certainly some striking examples to be seen. The first of the five hotels planned for the resort of Muriya Jebel Sifah, close to Muscat, is the Sifaway Hotel. This superb venue for business and pleasure offers a water link directly from the front door using an Ocean Blue International’s 75’ catamaran Azzura for the ultimate experience in making an entrance. Also on Oman’s business radar the Sahab Hotel and The View eco retreat is located in the breathtaking surroundings of the Hajar Mountains and just two hour’s drive from Muscat.

Oman’s capital, Muscat has seen the most accommodation growth in recent times and is fast becoming a most venerable place to do business. Notable openings for 2011 include the unveiling of the City Seasons Muscat, which features 268 four-star rooms, three restaurants and three conference rooms, and the Park Inn in Al Khuwair, conveniently located near many ministry buildings. The city will also welcome several mid-range and budget hotels throughout the year to make the city perfectly suited for a whole range of business activities from the modest to the grandiose.

Cultural connoisseurs will be pleased to note the opening of the Royal Opera House in October 2011; a stunning marble structure that is set to become an iconic building in Oman and world-class venue for performing arts.

Ferry services between the city and Khasab also became fully operational in April of this year to provide the city with a fast, clean and efficient transport service capable of carrying up to 200 passenger and 56 cars at speeds of up to 80km per hour.

Doing business in Oman
On track for its scheduled opening in late 2015 is Oman’s Convention and Exhibition Centre. This project is being facilitated under the supervision of leading firm OMRAN and includes a 3,000 seat plenary, 25,000sq m of exhibition space and a total of 1,000 rooms over four hotels.

Located just four kilometers from Muscat airport, the development will be the jewel in the crown of Oman’s business meeting infrastructure as well as complimenting the country’s already impressive facilities. Its landmark design will be sympathetic to Oman’s cultural heritage whilst incorporating state-of-the-art facilities and utilising the natural beauty of its surroundings.

State-of-the-art conference and exhibition facilities will be complemented by four hotels, including a five-star flagship property, two four-star hotels and a boutique three-star accommodation.

When asked about the significance of this new development, Al Mamari concluded: “The centre will give Oman the clout to bid for regional and international events as never before, and lure more tourists to Oman through pre- and post-event tours. The project is a good example of a coordinated strategy of providing infrastructure that takes advantage of Oman Air’s growing network of non-stop services to the western and eastern hemispheres.”

For more information on Oman visit
www.omantourism.gov.om
or contact the Oman Ministry of Tourism
UK & Ireland Representative Office:
Tel: 020 8877 4524
E-mail: oman@representationplus.co.uk

Check out Slovakia

Opened in 2010, the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel is the new hub in the heart of Slovakia’s capital – Bratislava. Located just a stone’s throw away from the Old Town and directly opposite the Slovak National Theatre, the hotel is a trendy get together for business travellers and an ideal point of departure for city tourists.

The hotel offers its guests a welcoming and warm environment, replenished by delicious French brasserie, two vibrant bars, as well as a large spa and fitness centre. All 209 guestrooms are tastefully decorated in warm and natural tones, representing the handwriting of the Sheraton brand.

An inseparable part of the guest rooms are Sheraton proprietary Sweet Sleeper beds, guaranteeing the highest levels of comfort for a good night’s sleep. General Manager of the hotel, Simone Dulies commented: “I am very happy that the Sheraton brand is now represented in Bratislava as the first Starwood property in Slovakia. I think it is the perfect place for business and leisure travellers and to connect with colleagues and friends, because life is better when shared.”

Feel rejuvenated
Shine Spa for Sheraton covers more than 800sq m and features heated swimming pool, saunas and seven treatment rooms. It’s well-equipped fitness centre operates through an exclusive partnership with Core Performance, an organisation that trains elite athletes and Olympic competitors.

Meeting with style
The Sheraton Bratislava Hotel offers large congress and event premises, including one of the largest ballrooms in Bratislava. Based on more than 700sq m, all meeting rooms feature natural daylight and the most modern audio and visual technology.

Guests at the Sheraton Bratislava can relax in the hotel library lounge with a fireplace or in the interactive business centre – Link@Sheraton, which is equipped with Microsoft facilities throughout. This unique communications centre offers modern technologies which guests can use to stay in touch with their loved ones, as well as share experiences with their family and friends while being far from their homes.

A taste of France
If you feel like fresh baguettes, grilled fish or genuine French cuisine, then you need look no further than a visit to Brasserie Anjou – Sheraton Bratislava’s genuine French Brasserie. From the very entrance you will be dazzled by the aroma of fresh herbs and enchanted by the relaxed atmosphere that is so typical of French brasseries all over the world. Savour delicious meals prepared from the freshest seasonal products, watch the chefs live in action thanks to the open kitchen concept and enjoy the daily changing Plat du Jour at the large summer terrace located on the lively Eurovea Central Square.

Pre-theatre dinner and jazzbrunch
A special offer that will appeal mainly to theatre fans is the ‘Pre-Theatre Dinner’. Before each performance at the Slovak National Theatre you can enjoy a delicious three-course menu, including two-glasses of wine. It’s up to you if you decide to enjoy the dessert after the performance. The ‘icing’ on the cake is the regular Sunday Jazzbrunch, which combines exquisite buffet and live jazz performed by Miloš Železnák and friends.

Royal chef
The original culinary art at the Sheraton Bratislava is the creation of its experienced Executive Chef Burc Tuncel. Born in the UK, cooking for Burc is not only a job, but his passion. New combinations of tastes coupled with innovative ideas is what makes the cuisine so unique. Burc specialises in classical cooking alongside modern contemporary cuisine. Besides establishing a cooking school focusing on innovative molecular cuisine, Burc also leads the Master Chef London Culinary Art Team, and he’s also been recognised by the World Master Chefs Society as a Master Chef since 2006.

A place full of life
Amber’s Bar is a lively place for all kinds of celebrations and the real centre of social life in Bratislava. No matter if you are celebrating your birthday, the end of a working week or whether you’re just out with your friends for a glass of wine, Amber’s Bar is always the right place to go. Featuring a unique and interactive bar lighting system, which reacts to movement, the modern design and colourful lights in Amber’s will please everyone.

Approachable luxury
The popular Port Wilson Lobby Lounge is a favourite place not only for business meetings. A governing element of the lobby lounge is a six-metre-tall wine tower presenting the wide selection of wines available through the Wines of the World programme.

Link@Sheraton Café is a great place for those who lack time. This “To Go” café serves only 100 percent Arabica coffee, fresh sandwiches, healthy seasonal food, fruit salads, yoghurts and a wide variety of delicious cakes prepared everyday by the Chef Patissier. Take a break and choose from the rich offer of drinks and meals and we will pack everything that your heart desires to go.

In addition to the hotel’s stunning facilities, guests can earn Starpoints for all of their stays at the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel, as well as more than 1,000 hotels and resorts in 97 countries. Stay at any participating Starwood hotel and then redeem your points for Free Night Awards with no blackout dates. More information can be obtained by visiting SPG.com.

CONTACT
Sheraton Bratislava Hotel
Pribinova 12
811 09 Bratislava
Slovak Republic
Tel: 421 (0)2 3535 0000
Fax: 421 (0)2 3535 0009
Website: sheratonbratislava.com
facebook.com/sheratonbratislava

Exotic flare

The Marmara Taksim, an Istanbul landmark, has re-opened its doors after a dazzling renovation. It carries the signature of world-renowned designer and interior decorator Dan Kwan and gives a modern flare to traditional Turkish art and culture.

Dan Kwan – on the impressive roster at the world-renowned architecture firm Wilson Associates – was the creative maestro behind the design of the restaurant and hotel. He brings forth the important role of The Marmara Taksim as a landmark through a strong emphasis on local Turkish motifs and culture. Kwan incorporates the vibrant colours of Ottoman Kaftans (robes) into every aspect of the hotel. While the red ambience of the Lobby evokes warm feelings of passion, love and desire, it also highlights its formal sleek and chic black look. The blue tones used in the conference rooms evoke an air of wisdom and dignity. Synonymous with the Taksim district, music is the main décor theme that is reflected in each local artist’s work of art. One of the most prominent examples of this local art is the whirling-dervish-inspired revolving glass object that greets guests at the entrance of the hotel. The stone, wood and other materials used in the décor give it an unrivalled natural and fresh feel. Serene Bosphorus blues can be found in the conference rooms, and the energetic shades of the city come together in the Lobby, while the cosy tones of Turkish coffee dominate Tuti Restaurant and the warm colours of sunset come to life on the Tuti Terrace.

Inspired by the harvest and autumn seasons, with the use of blue and brown tones, Dan Kwan gives guests the feeling that they are in the comfort of their own homes. Tuti Restaurant is brought to life with colours that include masculine browns, prestigious golds, fresh blues and mysterious blacks. With its five-star “street food” concept, the Tuti Restaurant’s Turkish motif partition and natural wood furniture treats guests to a completely authentic dining experience. Poetry and prose are also served up through The Marmara Taksim’s renewed kitchen and dishes.

Guests who want to experience a stylish blend of international standards with a rooted modern Turkish identity will be welcome at The Marmara Taksim. With its 376 rooms and suites and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, Golden Horn and the cityscape, The Marmara Taksim is proud to continue to welcome its guests in the heart of the city. Organising business meetings is always a pleasure at The Marmara Taksim, and the hotel offers the luxury and comfort of a deluxe five -star hotel combined with the latest in conference and meeting technologies.

The Marmara Taksim + 90 212 334 83 00
www.themarmaracollection.com