Affordable, Thriving Poland
Poland is often overlooked by both leisure and business travelers, which is really quite a shame. It continues to be one of the most affordable countries in Europe and offers many of the same types of attractions other European nations provide, such as castles, monasteries, beautiful beaches, medieval churches and monuments, old-world markets and amazing architecture.
The capital and biggest city in the country is Warsaw (Warszawa), which is an important European business center and offers an enticing blend of old-world charm and modern buildings and services. If you are looking for an ideal location for corporate events or meetings, one of the many venues in Warsaw will likely be your best bet; however, there are also options in Krakow, which is the historical capital of the country and continues to be the country’s cultural center.
When opting for venues in Warsaw or Krakow, you will be providing your attendees with an excellent location from which to explore the country during off days. They can travel to Gdansk to shop for beautiful, inexpensive amber jewelry, Sopot to climb the giant sand dunes, Czestochowa to view the Black Madonna or Lodz to shop for Polish tapestries. Krakow is also home to Europe’s largest medieval marketplace where visitors will find local handicrafts and traditional souvenirs to take home to their family.
Sofia, Bulgaria Offers Affordable Venues and Old-World Charm
Bulgaria is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination drawing families, couples, groups of friends and professionals from around the world. With world-class skiing in Bansko and Borovets, as well as a growing resort atmosphere along the Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria offers a good blend of vacation options and activities for both mountain adventures and relaxing seaside breaks. Aside from the beautiful coastline and snow-covered mountains, Bulgaria also is home to numerous old-world villages that have every bit of the charm and the everyday lifestyle of European villages 150 years ago. Because Bulgaria is still in the middle stages of becoming a hot tourist destination, the cities, mountains and beaches are not yet as crowded as other destinations and the prices are still affordable.
The capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia, offers a delightful blend of traditional charm and modern convenience and is an ideal setting for corporate events. Throughout the city, attendees will enjoy exceptional architecture, wonderful regional cuisine, great shopping and numerous attractions and entertainment options. The Grand Hotel Sofia, Radisson Blu Grand Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Zografski Sofia, Best Western Expo Hotel Sofia and the Hilton Hotel Sofia are just a few examples of the many properties offering ballrooms, meetings facilities, business centers and exhibition space set amongst the many historical and cultural attractions in and around the city.
Experience the Cost Savings of an All-Inclusive Cruise Event
Many companies have been hit by the recession and are looking for ways to cut costs. In some cases, businesses have even considered doing away with incentive travel programs and opting for meetings and corporate events that are close to home in an effort to save money. Unfortunately, companies that are cutting incentive travel programs often do not recognize that this morale boosting tool is actually much more cost-effective than salary increases and bonuses, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on participants that will foster increased productivity and employee satisfaction. Rather than cut these programs, businesses should take a look at incentive travel options that offer significant cost savings.
At the same time, companies that are focused on staying close to home for meetings and corporate events may be overlooking another option that is far more enticing and offers a cost-effective option that will allow them to save money and stay within their budget without giving off the impression that their company needs to cut costs, which can lead to the perception that the company is not doing well.
One option that should be considered for both incentive travel packages and corporate meetings or events is an all-inclusive cruise. Companies who opt for an all-inclusive cruise event or meeting can save up to 40% when compared to a land-based hotel venue, particularly when they take into account that almost everything is included in the cost, including venue, meeting facilities and equipment.
Normandy: Off the Beaten Path and Perfect for a Unique Meeting Venue
The Normandy region of France has long been a destination of choice for families in search of a beachside location with historical and cultural attractions, as well as couples in search of a romantic getaway. However, meeting planners should not overlook this more pastoral region of France when seeking out European destinations for corporate events. There are a number of hotel venues appropriate for meetings and events, including various options that are close to the sea and sites of historical importance.
One example is the Normandy Barriere, which is located in Deauville and is connected to the Casino Barrier de Deauville. With the intriguing look of an Anglo-Norman manor and upscale boutiques and French designer shops in close proximity, this hotel overlooking the sea is an ideal location for corporate events. There are 290 guestrooms, each decorated with traditional fabrics and antiques, as well as a fitness center, sauna and an indoor pool. Writing desks and modem connections allow professionals to stay connected and prepare for presentations in the comfort of their rooms, while a business center and business services allow your attendees to conduct business with ease.
The Normandy Barriere features exhibit space, conference rooms, meeting rooms and banquet facilities, as well as audio-visual equipment and event catering. The hotel is just two hours from Paris, one hour from the historic landing beaches of World War II, one hour from the famous Mont St. Michel and just a few minutes from Honfleur, the inspiration for many world-famous 19th century paintings.
The Majority of Planners Agree that Cost is the Top Priority in Destination Selection
Over half (56%) of corporate meeting planners and event planners agree that the most important factor when selecting a venue is the cost. This single factor has become even more important in recent years as companies face budgetary challenges brought on by the ongoing economic crisis. When cost is the number one factor in venue selection, it creates a situation where choice venues and destinations are often bypassed in order to opt for less expensive options. This sometimes works out well and the corporate meeting or event is a huge success, regardless of location; however, this is not always the case. When planners must place cost above all other factors, it is much more likely that a less-than-ideal location may be chosen and the venue selected may not offer the same amenities, facilities and prestige as more desirable options.
When cost is a factor, a much better option is choosing to hold the event or meeting on a cruise ship. Cruise meetings are the perfect choice for companies that need to save money but do not want to lose quality or mar their reputation. Opting for all-inclusive cruise events can result in cost savings of up to 40% over land-based events, with the quoted price including meeting facilities, accommodations, most food and drink, meeting equipment and other necessities. Cruise ship events also continue to hold a high status, even when costing far less than other options, making them an ideal option for companies concerned about the cost of the venue for their next meeting or event.
Cancun Never Disappoints and Should not be Overlooked
Cancun, Mexico may seem like an overused option that will not set your incentive travel package or corporate event apart from others, but it is an old standby for good reason. No matter how many events are held in Cancun or how many vacations someone takes there, visitors are always eager to return to experience the white, sandy beaches, unending sunshine, vibrant nightlife, exceptional shopping and dining, water sports and cultural activities. Cancun has always been and continues to be popular with every type of traveler, including couples on a romantic honeymoon, families in search of a seaside vacation, college students on spring break, groups of friends and solo travelers. The fact that there are numerous all-inclusive options in Cancun only increases its popularity and ensures that tourists will continue to flock to its pristine beaches for years to come.
When it comes to corporate travel, meetings and events, Cancun offers excellent venues at all-inclusive resorts, an enticing destination and plenty of entertainment options that will please participants. With numerous museums, Mayan ruins, thrilling water sports and cultural events and attractions, there is a virtually endless supply of options to entertain participants when not in meetings or when enjoying incentive travel. The variety of attractions available makes Cancun appropriate for couples, professionals traveling with colleagues and families, making this an appropriate option for all types of corporate travel.
Plan an All-Inclusive Group Cruise to Affordable Turkey
Turkey is a fabulously unique country with over 5,000 miles of coastline, historic sites and treasures that span over 10,000 years, exquisite regional cuisine and a delightful blend of Asian and European influences. Over the years, Turkey has become popular as both a winter and summer destination, and is an excellent choice for those who prefer wiling away an afternoon at a coastal resort, as well as those who prefer exploring open air markets and experiencing urban Turkish life in Istanbul.
Bordered on three sides by expansive bodies of water – the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea – Turkey offers numerous coastal resort towns that become more popular each year. Some of the most popular seaside and inland resorts include Marmaris, Altinkum, Bodrum, Calis, Hisaronu, Kas, Kalkan, Side and Turunc.
While Turkey continues to grow as a popular destination for vacations, incentive travel and corporate meetings, it remains rather affordable, making it an ideal option for group travel. This makes planning an all-inclusive group cruise to Turkey a particularly appealing option, which will allow you to plan an exceptional, memorable experience without going over your travel budget. Whether you are planning group travel for a corporate event, incentive travel winners or a family reunion, an all-inclusive cruise to Turkey is an affordable, unique option that is sure to please the participants.
Mexico Offers Great Travel Deals
Mexico has recently faced a number of challenges, including the effects of the global recession and highly publicized H1N1 scares, which have pushed prices down for meeting planners and travelers. In an attempt to bring folks back to this beautiful, fun, diverse destination, many venues and vendors are offering exceptional deals for planners to take advantage of. As if this was not enough to make meeting and travel planners take notice, there are also numerous all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and all-inclusive cruises to Mexico that can be arranged at great prices.
Whether you are looking for an inland venue that is in close proximity to historical and cultural sites, or a coastal resort where participants can bask in the sun on pristine beaches, sip cocktails as they watch the sunset and partake in some truly fabulous shopping, Mexico should be at the top of your list for potential meeting and incentive travel destinations in the near future. Now is the time to take advantage of these exceptional deals and wow your employer or client with the cost savings they will see. And, as an added bonus, your participants will be absolutely delighted with your choice of destination and are sure to fully enjoy the rich history and culture that abounds, as well as the beautiful coastline and welcoming ocean waters.
All-Inclusive Cruise Ship Weddings
Many people dream of getting married on a luxury cruise as the ship makes its way across the sea to exotic ports. They imagine standing at the railing with their betrothed and taking in a beautiful sunset the night before their nuptials, participating in fun onboard activities and stepping off of the ship to enjoy a day ashore as newlyweds. Many also daydream about their closest friends and family members joining them on the cruise for the wedding and their honeymoon; however, there is a common misconception that these dreams are out of reach and that cruise ship weddings are expensive and extravagant.
Nothing could be farther from the truth. Cruise ship weddings can actually cost significantly less than their counterparts on land, particularly once a couple factors in the rentals, catering, accommodations for out of town guests and decorations that must be arranged for a wedding on land. Planning a group cruise for a wedding can be quite cost-effective, and allows friends and family members to share not only the couple’s special day, but an extended period of celebration throughout the cruise. Additionally, the all-inclusive nature of cruises makes them particularly appealing for couples who are interested in planning a fabulous, memorable wedding on a budget.
Top 5 Reasons Travel Buyers Use Seasite.com
Miami, FL (Jan. 28, 2010) – Planning a meeting at sea requires searching for detailed ship information and not always finding what you need. Now, with Seasite.com, the first cruise portal for meetings and events, incentive cruise and group travel buyers will find all the ship data they need in one place – at no cost.
“Everyone who procures group travel should bookmark Seasite.com to simplify cruise sourcing and planning” said Jo Kling, CEO Seasite.com.
Seasite.com provides 24/7 access to all cruise brands, so that you can:
1- Search and compare cruise options; then create an online RFP and submit it to multiple cruise lines.
(Seasite’s group pricing is the same as booking direct.)
2- Find ship data never before offered online or in print, such as:
- Meeting/function room capacities
- Details about private group dining
3- Identify the cruise lines most committed to groups, and search their mini-sites (all laid out the same —
when you’re familiar with one, you’re familiar with all.)
4- Search for a cruise anywhere in the world by any date range. Sort your results by meetings-specific
criteria.
5- Refer to the Knowledge Center to answer all your questions, e.g.
- What will your group travel budget buy?
- What’s a typical budget for an Association cruise?
- How do Cruise vs. hotel costs compare, including tax deductibility?
For cruise sourcing, visit www.seasite.com