For your next event, consider Vienna in the spring months of April and May when the capital city comes alive with colour and cultural activity.  Leading Destination Management Company, INVENT, can showcase the best of Vienna with gala balls at royal palaces, walking tours through the old town and wine-tasting in historic monasteries.

Spring highlights include the world famous annual Vienna Festival from 11 May  – 17 June, offering artistic variety with over 200 different events including operas, concerts, theatre, dance and exhibitions. In early spring, the city is host to a number of other events including the Vienna City Marathon attracting over 25,000 runners and the Vienna City Party where the old city centre is transformed into a giant open-air stage featuring cabaret, theatre and concerts.

For further information on how INVENT can assist you in planning your next program to the Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic,  Germany, Hungary and Slovenia, please click here.

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Rev it up at the Belgian Grand Prix, Spa - Francorchamps – 16 September 2007
Enjoy special treatment with a VIP Belgian Grand Prix Package from Pepper & Salt Events Ltd.  Opposite the F1 pits, the VIP village invites your group to experience its new premises – three lounge floors each 60 metres long, with the capacity to hold 60 people, equipped with plasma screens and an open bar.  Each lounge has a balcony, to ensure guests can follow every moment of the race including the minute details of re-fuelling and tyre changing. Giant screens opposite the lounges provide a good general view of the track.  Included in your itinerary is a day breakfast, a seated lunch and brunch on the Sunday. 

Pepper & Salt Events automotive expertise doesn’t stop there and the company even has their own driving school!  If you wish to hold a driving activity during or prior to the Grand Prix, a range of classes can be organised with a choice of F1, F3000, classic cars (including Jaguar E, Porsche 356, MG B, MG TD, Austin LE, Lotus Elan, Alpine A310, and Mini Cooper S) and four-wheel drive vehicles.  Quad and motorbike lessons are also available with Jobe - a five-time motocross world and European champion. 

To add to your exciting day on the track, other activities such as clay-pigeon shooting and falcon hunting can be organised followed by dinner in an 18^th century castle.

If you have automotive clients or clients who have an interest in motor sports, consider Belgium for your next program with Pepper & Salt Events Ltd.  For further information on how they can assist you in planning your next program to Belgium and Luxembourg, please click here.

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This summer, Prague’s new underground corridors will be unveiled to the public.  Visitors will be able to explore the tens of kilometres of intriguing passageways throughout the historic city, a complex network of underground corridors unique in the world. Armed with a helmet and waterproof jacket, visitors can explore an underground wonderland on several routes:
Route 1 – Under Senovazne Square and the Central Bank with a visit to the main control centre and a ride in a pit car up to I.P. Pavlov Square.
Route 2 - From the historical arches of the U Rotta building and concluding at Karvlova Street.
Route 3 – Under Na Prikope Street to exit on Slovansky dum.
Route 4

For further information on how INVENT can assist you in planning your next program to the Czech Republic, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary and Slovenia, please click here.

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Cook up a French storm
LSO International has put together an exciting incentive program on the French Riviera. The program includes a variety of activities, such as cooking classes at renowned French chef Alain Llorca’s cooking school in the medieval village of Mougins.   Each session lasts approximately two hours and is held in a private room of Michelin rated restaurant, Moulin de Mougins.  Eric Houard, who worked for eight years with Roger Vergé and is now second chef to Alain Llorca, hosts the lesson and shares with your participants the secrets of how to be a great chef. Each gourmet dish created is taste tested with guests able to use their new found cooking knowledge to make the dish at home. 

Create your own perfume in Grasse
Touted as the perfume capital of the world, Grasse’s fame grew in the 16^th century due to its manufacture of perfumed leather gloves and aromatic plants. Grasse, only 15km from Cannes, is the perfect place to create your own scent.  LSO International can incorporate this unique activity into your group itinerary. 

Upon arrival, guests are led into a private classroom and given an array of different perfume essences to choose from.  With the help of an experienced “Nez” (perfume specialist), participants blend the essences to create their own perfume. If desired, each guest has the option to re-order their perfume. The group will also be given a guided visit of the factory to increase their knowledge of the art of perfume making.

Please click here to read the full program overview of what LSO International can do for you.

For further information on how LSO International can assist you in planning your next program to France and Monaco, please click here.

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Incentive groups can explore Athens with a three or five-night deluxe package
Horizon Travel has put together a three or five-night incentive program valid from April 2007 to March 2009. The program includes accommodation at the deluxe and historic Grande Bretagne Hotel located in the centre of Athens.

Some highlights of the program include a half-day Athens city tour (including the Acropolis) by private deluxe transportation and professional guides. Delegates can also enjoy an authentic Greek dinner in a local tavern in the Plaka area.

The five-night program also includes a cruise to the Saronic Gulf islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra with lunch on board and dinner in a seaside, upscale restaurant at the picturesque harbour of Mikromlimano.

For further information on how Horizon Travel can assist you in planning your next program to Greece, please click here.

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Dublin’s fascinating and beautiful landscape is not to be missed.  Odyssey International can add a unique element to your program and arrange for your group to join The Viking Splash – a land and water tour where guests travel in reconditioned World War II vintage amphibious military vehicles called “Ducks”.

The tour is hosted by costumed and colourful Viking tour captains who are experts on the exciting sights of Dublin.  Guests can experience a real thrill as the tour captain drives the “Duck” into the water of the historic Grand Canal Basin.

For further information on how Odyssey International can assist you in planning your next program to Ireland, please click here.

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With wartime Russia long gone and memories slowly disappearing, the resurgence of USSR historical activities adds an interesting element to any incentive program to Russia.

The ‘Tea with Lenin’ program is held in The Museum of Political History of Russia and offers guests the opportunity to learn about the political history of the country from 1917 until present day. An actor, dressed like Lenin, addresses guests from the window of the 19^th century mansion where the museum is located. Guests are invited into the mansion where they participate in a tea with ‘Lenin’ in the original cabinet and drink from traditional Russian glasses.

An interesting attraction to visit is the Aurora Cruiser – a 6,700 tonne historical ship docked in St Petersburg.  In 1917, it fired the shot which started the October revolution that split the world into two – capitalism and socialism. The Aurora is an armour-plated cruiser equipped with long range guns, torpedo tubes and eight 37mm guns.  For that special touch, Travel Russia can organise a military choir to welcome your guests at the entrance.

For further information on how Travel Russia can assist you in planning your next program to Russia, please click here.

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Experience the cultural delights of Scandinavia with First United A/S.   Discover why Hans Christian Andersen marvelled at Denmark, hot air balloon in Sweden, river raft in Norway and revel in Iceland’s exotic scenery.

Denmark: Copenhagen City and Waterways Tour (three hours)
Hans Christian Andersen described Copenhagen as “Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen, friendly old queen of the sea” and this tour is the best way to understand his fascination. During the tour, participants view the city’s attractions - City Hall Square, the Glyptotek, Tivoli Gardens and the National Museum.  There is time to visit the ‘Latin Quarter’ which houses the university and academic centre of old Copenhagen, including the Round Tower and the Old Fish Market.

Take the opportunity to board one of the specially built canal launches and cruise through the canals and harbour. Pass under the incredibly low bridges to view some of the important, historic buildings that all have access to the waterways including Christian IV’s Stock Exchange, Christiansborg Palace and Holmens Church (the Naval church in Copenhagen).

Sweden:  Stockholm is one of the few cities in Europe which permits hot air balloon flying - a great activity to incorporate into your program.

The starting point is specially chosen to allow floating time over the central area of the city. Interested guests can help unpack and fill the balloon before the burner is lit and the balloon starts to ascend. The balloon ride lasts for an hour and provides the best bird’s eye view of the city.

Norway: Voss is situated between Norway’s most famous fjords - the majestic and breathtaking Hardanger and Sogn fjords - and is a natural starting point for exploring Fjord Norway.  With its surrounding snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes and fast flowing white water rivers, Voss is the perfect place for adventure activities such as rafting and First United A/S can organise your group to do so.

As the Voss River is one of the most powerful rivers in Norway with its high water flow, the group will be given a demonstration session in rafting techniques and equipment.  Rest assured however, as the local rafting experts know the conditions and have successfully operated rafting excursions for the past 10 years. Prepare for an unforgettable, three hour high adrenaline experience amongst exhilarating Norwegian nature!

Iceland: Super Jeep Safari through the Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a collection of natural wonders located in the southern area of Iceland.  First United A/S can organise a jeep ride to visit each landmark starting at Pingvellir National Park - a remarkable geological site situated near Iceland’s biggest lake Pingvallavatn.  The beautiful canyon that runs through the park is the actual meeting point of two of the earth’s tectonic plates.  The area is a combination of natural phenomena and historical significance and is inseparable from the fabric of Icelandic national life. Stop for lunch and then continue your wilderness ride to the Geysir hot spring area. From there, travel to the impressive waterfall called Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall).

For further information on how First United A/S can assist you in planning your next program to Scandinavia, please click here.

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Get your group into the Spanish spirit of dance by arranging an exclusive evening at Seville’s recently inaugurated Museum of Flamenco Dance.  The museum is housed in a restored Sevillian House in the city’s historic centre and was a project undertaken by the great Spanish Flamenco dancer, Cristina Hoyos of Carmen fame.   

Under the guidance of IBEROservice Incentives, your group can experience an unforgettable night including a welcome reception on arrival, a private visit to the museum, a first class flamenco show in the magnificent courtyard; and a gala dinner set up in the historical caves of the building. Background music is provided by a duo of guitar players performing typical flamenco and classical Spanish pieces.

Recently, IBERO

As guests entered the farmhouse upon sunset, they were greeted with trays of traditional drinks.  During this time, they were briefed on the unique learning activities they were going to participate in. 

Split into two teams, one group was given the task of exploring the farmhouse from the inside and took their time in visiting the silversmith, blacksmith, candle maker and natural perfumery.  Special cultural guides led the teams through the property, giving guests the opportunity to ask about the Majorcan traditions.

Meanwhile, the other group was testing their senses and sense of humour in the outside area. Guests embarked on activities of smell, taste and touch and even had time to become artists for awhile. The groups then switched activities for a total experience.

Dinner followed and as the traditional dishes were served, it gave guests the opportunity to share their activity experiences. After dinner, the moment came to award prizes to the most creative and witty teams. Towards the end of the evening, a final surprise lay in wait for the guests. A cheerful group of Majorcan folk dancers suddenly appeared, asking guests to join them while they were escorted out of the property.

For further information on how IBEROservice Incentives can assist you in planning your next program to Spain, please click here.

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Program highlights in Istanbul
TekSer Tourism & Travel Co Inc. can organise day trips or overnight stays so that your group sees the best of Turkey without having to spend too much time packing and unpacking.  Some options to consider include:

(i)         Gallipoli – This destination is a major highlight and can be visited in one day (approximately 14 hours) by coach or there is the choice to stay overnight. Recently, flights to the city were introduced but due to the schedule, staying one to two nights in the area is recommended.

Atlasjet Airlines is now flying from Istanbul to Canakkale (the closest town to Gallipoli) enabling guests a much more comfortable trip.

(ii)        Cappadocia’s Kaymakli Underground City Lunar Landscape for early morning ballooning.

(iii)       Ephesus and Izmir to view some of the best ancient ruins.

For further information on how TekSer Tourism & Travel Co Inc. can assist you in planning your next program to Turkey, please click here.

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London venues shine
SPECTRA recently held a four-day event which showcased the best of London.  Starting with the largest ever private commercial garden party in London’s Kensington Palace, SPECTRA collaborated closely with Historic Royal Palaces to obtain permission for the group to enter through the iconic golden gates - normally reserved for royalty.

Other historic venues used as part of the program included Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum and Lincoln’s Inn. The farewell event was staged on a delightful summer’s evening at Somerset House – a Neoclassical palace designed by leading British architect Sir William Chambers. The Fountain Court was transformed with hexagonal clear PVC structures allowing the surrounding building to feature. A soprano and tenor singing opera from the balcony welcomed guests as they arrived.

For more information on how SPECTRA can assist you in planning your next trip to the United Kingdom, please click here.

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Be dazzled by Jumana – a light, laser, sound and pyrotechnics extravaganza!
Set in 40 million square feet of undulating sand dunes and just 30 minutes from the heart of Dubai, Al Sahra is a unique eco-tourism venue offering visitors an experience of a lifetime – a light, laser, sound and pyrotechnics extravaganza called Jumana.  Staged in an imposing amphitheatre built in the style of an ancient Arabic settlement, it has a seating capacity for 1,200 spectators.

The amphitheatre facade encompasses a number of unique attributes including – a traditional craft souk surrounded by indigenous regional flora and fauna, a Bedouin-style working farm with live animals, a date plantation, a camel farm and stables which house fine Arabic horses.

This world-class imagistic show is narrated by Academy Award nominated Egyptian actor Omar Sharif (famous for his role in Lawrence of Arabia) and celebrates the Arabian region’s rich history and culture.  It weaves a magical tale, translating fable and folkloric themes from Persia, the Maghreb, the Levant, and the Gulf region, Oman and Yemen.  Live performances and trained horses, pyrotechnics and the latest laser, water and light effects combine to tantalise the viewer’s senses.

Testimonials from Australia and New Zealand clients:
Carol Howard, Incentive House Travel, Australia
Carol recently returned from Dubai with an incentive group, operated by Gulf Dunes. The group had a fabulous time and Carol had the following to say about Gulf Dunes’ performance:

"I just wanted to say how impressed (as always), I was with the on-site handling of the group.  Gulf Dunes were total professionals and extremely pro-active with all aspects of the group. Gulf Dunes is, without a doubt, one of the most professional DMCs I have had the pleasure of working with, and of course, Gamal always seems to employ not only great staff, but really nice people on a personal level.

Thanks once again to you and your team for making the event such a success.  Needless to say, I will keep pushing Dubai with my clients, and of course it goes without saying, that Gulf Dunes will always be my first preference of DMC".

Andy Patten, Extra Mile Company, New Zealand
Andy Patten accompanied his incentive group to Dubai and he had the following comments to make about Gulf Dunes:

“I would like to acknowledge what I believe was an outstanding service delivery from your company.  In May last year, I made a big move to transfer ground operators and place my faith in Gulf Dunes to run the incentive group. This program has not been without its challenges, but I believe the flexibility your team showed, and their sound destination knowledge played a key part in its success”.

For further information on how Gulf Dunes LLC can assist you in planning your next program to Dubai and Oman, please click here.

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Emeco to launch latest floating hotel
Emeco’s latest floating hotel named Tuya will soon set sail on the River Nile.  The hotel provides luxury accommodation with 60 deluxe five-star rooms and three royal suites.  Following its sister cruiser Tiyi, Tuya will provide guests with panoramic views of the passing picturesque riverbanks and the option of on-board activities.

Team building pyramid
With more than 30 years in the incentive business, Emeco Travel recently organised a leading petroleum company’s outdoor team building activity with an Egyptian challenge  – to build a pyramid.  Requiring concentration, stamina and above all trust, the task comprised of an action-packed team building mission aptly named The Great Bedouin Hunt.

The participants were transferred by a deluxe air-conditioned coach from Sharm El Sheikh Ritz Carlton Hotel to a quad bike station. Upon arrival, a team leader was elected and they were given basic information to start their expedition. It took about 30 minutes of navigation through the desert before the team reached the Bedouin camp to proceed with their next task.

Armed with further instructions, the team had to find 40 acrylic pieces which when assembled, formed a pyramid. To add to the challenge, the pieces were buried under 100 coloured flags scattered within a 1km radius.  After 20 minutes of hard team work, 39 pieces had been collected. In search of the last missing piece which was the tip of the pyramid, it was later discovered that it was in the possession of the company’s chief executive. 

Totally uplifted by the experience of completing the challenge, team members enjoyed taking pictures of their assembled one-metre high pyramid before relaxing under a the Bedouin tent, smoking shisha and sipping traditional Bedouin tea.  As the sun set on the desert horizon, the team enjoyed a leisurely return ride on their quad bikes.

For further information on how Emeco Travel can assist you in planning your next program to Egypt, please click here.

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Since Connections Tourism Management Ltd appointed DMS as its Australia/New Zealand representative in September 2006, the company has noticed an interest in Mauritius by Australian incentive organisers.  The first quarter of 2007 has seen 15% more Australians to Mauritius than in the previous years. This is boosted by the fact that Air Mauritius currently operates flights from three Australian cities – Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Connections have just increased their groups and incentives department to seven team members under Managing Director, Karl Braunecker, and Groups & Incentive Manager, Davina Naiken. A top priority is to create new incentive activities and events to broaden their choice of programs. One activity includes traditional sailing in a fisherman’s pirogue (a Mauritian flat-bottomed boat) in a turquoise lagoon off the east coast. Groups can also abseil down Tamarin Falls or mountain bike down the Andrea cliffs to observe the spectacular views.

For further information on how Connections Tourism Management Ltd can assist you in planning your next program to Mauritius, please click here.

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Airport upgrades, Johannesburg
South Africa's airports have embarked on a number of multi-billion rand projects to increase their capacity and efficiency ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

O.R. Tambo International Airport (formerly Johannesburg International Airport) is the busiest airport on the continent and the air transport hub of southern Africa. Each year, the airport caters for over 13 million passengers and employs some 18, 000 people to keep its modern infrastructure and services for local and international travellers running smoothly.

Key projects at the airport include a new 1.8 billion rand central terminal expected to be completed by 2009. The facility will be equipped with infrastructure for baggage handling for the Airbus A380 and will be connected to the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link for easy access.

Outdoor activities in Cape Town
Take advantage of the outdoors and abseil off Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town and the world’s highest natural and commercial abseil.  With no experience needed and only courage required, take the challenge to step off an amazing 1000 metres into a 112 metre abseil.

For a sight-seeing expedition, join a leisurely one-hour paddle and explore the hidden coves and outcrops of Boulders Beach - home to the famous African Penguin Colony.  This activity has been specifically designed to give visitors a peaceful experience of seeing penguins in the wild - instead of fighting for space on the crowded boardwalks.  Using stable two-man inflatable kayaks, everyone is able to participate in this fun activity at a leisurely pace. 

Testimonial from Mary Kay
The following is a testimonial from K.K. Chua, President of Mary Kay, following the company’s incentive trip to Livingstone, Sun City and Cape Town.

“The Green Route team must be commended for their patience, efforts and warmth to our group.  It was a pleasure to have them on board with our people.  Much can be said about South Africa as a great destination but much more can be said when her people are from Green Route.

You have given us a memorable stay!”

For further information on how Green Route can assist you in planning your next program to Southern Africa, please click here.

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Ireland
Currently VAT reclaim in Ireland is limited to venue rental and A/V etc. However, a change in the law is postponed from July 1st 2007 and from that date it will be possible to obtain a refund of the VAT on hotel accommodation also. VAT on hotel accommodation is at 13.5%, so if you can receive your VAT back at the end of the program - it makes the enchanting Emerald Isle even more appealing.

If you have a program travelling to Ireland, we can provide assistance in the following ways:

• through our wonderful Irish DMC, Kevin Shannon of Odyssey International.
• VAT Reclaim assistance with Clark Eide and his team of experts at CEI.

France and United Kingdom - Rugby World Cup is not far away!
If you are taking a program to France or the UK for Rugby World Cup and have not yet looked into the possibilities for reclaiming with VAT then contact us to find out if your group is eligible. Many groups travelling to France and Wales have already been set up so that once the World Cup is finished, they can immediately proceed with reclaiming the VAT. Invoiced need to be set up in a special way BEFORE the group travels....So don't just leave it until after the group returns - it may be too late!

To find out more about which destinations allow you to reclaim VAT on your meeting and incentive programs contact DMS, please contact here.

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