Normandy Tourism, with the support of the Normandy Region, is proud to announce the launch of the “Explore Normandy Pass,” dedicated this year to Remembrance Tourism to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings. This innovative digital solution offers an enriched exploration of the cultural and historical wealth of Normandy. Michael Dodds, Director of the Normandy Regional Tourist Board, emphasizes the importance of these remembrance sites: “These places of remembrance, which welcome visitors throughout the year, are still the best way to understand the historic events that shaped our present. This Web App is part of our desire to contribute to remembrance and transmission. We hope that these visits will be an opportunity to celebrate, reflect and remember, as well as a special moment that visitors can share with their families and the younger generation.”
Cvent announces Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels in Europe for 2024
22.05.2024 - 12:03 / traveldailynews.com / Vicky Karantzavelou
The industry-acclaimed annual rankings recognise the top-performing hotels for MICE business, as well as the world’s most coveted meeting destinations
LONDON & FRANKFURT, GERMANY – Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, released its lists of the Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels for Europe. These lists – which also include regional rankings for North America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa – were compiled based on sourcing activity through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world’s largest venue-sourcing platforms. More than $16B of MICE business was sourced through Cvent’s online platforms in 2023.
While the Top 10 cities remained consistent year-over-year with London retaining its #1 ranking from 2023, Madrid (#3) moved up after a strong year in which the city hosted 20 conferences with over 1,000 participants, driving an economic impact of 88 million euros. Berlin (#4) moved up two spots, reflecting the city’s continued prioritisation of the MICE industry such as hosting ITB Berlin, and curating events and programmes that support event organisers’ needs such as BESTIVAL and Sustainable Meetings Berlin.
Top 10 Meeting Destinations
“We’re delighted to once again lead the Cvent Top Meeting Destinations in Europe list. London saw significant growth last year with 30 new hotels. This year, we’re on track to nearly double that number. We’re particularly excited about the upcoming transformation of ExCeL London, with a £200 million investment breathing new life into the venue. Cvent has been instrumental in showcasing what London has to offer and bringing us great new clients. We truly value the partnership,” said Fiona Plumpton, Head of London Convention Bureau Services.
“We’re delighted to have retained our position on Cvent’s Top Meeting Destinations, reaffirming Barcelona’s status as a premier choice for corporate and incentive gatherings in Europe,” says Christoph Tessmar, Director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau. “A big highlight is the collaborative spirit of the Barcelona and Catalan community that naturally extends to our MICE industry, fostering innovation and teamwork in event planning. Moreover, Barcelona’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly venue options and carbon-neutral initiatives, ensuring that events are both memorable and environmentally responsible.”
Meliá Castilla moved up three places to take the number one spot this year. The hotel made significant improvements to its meetings and events offerings including state-of-the-art LED screens and Wi-Fi speed and continues to prioritise a zero-carbon footprint. These enhancements reflect planners’ focus on technology and environmental
Paradores and Civitatis renew agreement
Alliance between the two companies – Spain’s public hotel chain with historic buildings and the leading online seller of Spanish language tours & activities – focused on boosting Spanish tourism in less populated areas.
Airbus takes superconductivity research for hydrogen-powered aircraft
Confirmed interest in the potential of superconducting technologies for hydrogen-powered aircraft.
Travel & Tourism in Germany is still trailing European neighbours
Sector’s Recovery Led by Domestic Tourism. Return of international visitor spend and job numbers yet to recover.
Demand for Summer travel in Europe recovers, says ForwardKeys
ForwardKeys and ETOA predict a robust summer 2024 for European travel, with a shift in preferences toward urban and nature destinations, highlighting London’s popularity due to the Paris Olympics.
Fraport AGM 2024: Shareholders approve all agenda items
Fraport AG’s 23rd AGM saw shareholders ratify board actions and approve agenda items, with the CEO highlighting a successful yet challenging 2023.
10 of the UK’s best new and revamped seaside hotels
The Albion hotel, which can lay claim to some of the best sea views on the island, has been welcoming guests to Freshwater Bay since Victorian times. It is about to reopen under new ownership after a multimillion-pound refurbishment. The new-look Albion will have 40 rooms, 36 of them sea-facing, including two suites, seven dog-friendly rooms and two accessible rooms. Some have roll-top baths and balconies or terraces. The Rock is its new 100-seater restaurant, which sources more than 90% of ingredients from the island, including garlic, tomatoes, fish, lobster and meat. A free shuttle bus drops off and picks up guests from local bars and restaurants. The hotel is about a 10-minute drive from Yarmouth ferry port.Opens in June, taking bookings for 19 June, doubles from £99 B&B (two‑night minimum), albionhotel.co.uk
Hilton and Huttopia are playing major roles in the growing US camping travel sector
No two camping adventures are alike, especially in the booming business of U.S. outdoor travel.
World Spa Awards opens voting for 2024 programme
World Spa Awards – the global initiative to recognise and reward excellence in the spa and wellness sector – has opened voting for its landmark 10th annual programme. A wealth of new entries feature this year, reflecting the momentum of the global spa and wellness sector. Voting runs for 12 weeks and closes 13 August. Industry professionals, the media and spa consumers are eligible to vote for the brands they consider the very best in spa and wellness.
Prague remains among world’s most sought-after meeting destinations
Czech capital sees 25% increase in the number of meetings and conferences compared to 2022. Record-breaking number of meeting delegates from 2019 was almost matched last year.
Mews acquires HS3 Hotelsoftware to bolster German expansion
Mews now serves 15% of available rooms in German hotels, apartments and hostels.
Fraport Group continues growth in First Quarter of 2024
Revenue and EBITDA grow at double-digit rates. Net profit increases to 12.7 million euros; Full-year outlook confirmed.