„We have to withstand the current pressure and adjust to a shift in the international situation. That is where the main challenge lies today“, said Rolf Freitag at the conclusion to this year’s IPK World Travel Monitor Forums, which took place on 6 and 7 November in San Giuliano Terme near Pisa, Italy. „Nobody knows exactly when the end to the global economic crisis will be reached, and when the recovery will begin“, warned Freitag. But the IPK International Chairman and CEO is certain: „We can count on the elasticity of the tourism markets“.

The education program for the 17thAsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME 09), in Melbourne, Australia next February, has been announced by Reed Travel Exhibitions and Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau.

The popular Business Events Forum will focus on Corporate Social Responsibility, looking at what leading edge organisations are doing to make a difference. Featuring an international panel facilitated by Elizabeth Rich, Executive Director, Business Events Council of Australia, the Forum will provide information on how organisations can adapt business practices to operate in a way that meets or exceeds the ethical, social and environmental expectations of today’s society.

Only 14 percent of restaurateurs expect more banquets – average transaction sinking; CHD Expert study about company christmas parties:
The saving trend in economy is starting to show in gastronomy: almost half of the restaurants in Germany are facing a decrease in company christmas parties this year. Merely 14 percent of restaurateurs have increased bookings for festive events. In the boom of 2007, around a third of professional hosts had anticipated additional revenue through christmas parties. Now, consolidation is being observed in banquet and event business. For nearly 40 percent of catering establishments, the number of company parties remains constant towards the end of the year. This is indicated by a study of the international market research institute CHD Expert, Scheeßel near Hamburg.

Rome, Italy / Madrid, Spain. – The World Committee on Tourism Ethics inaugurated its Permanent Secretariat on the occasion of its seventh meeting (Rome, 14-15 November). The Secretariat will provide technical and expert support to the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, in particular, promoting and disseminating UNWTO’s Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

from tophotel.de

(Stralsund, 24. November 2008) The confusion over the hotel marketing firm Suite No. 3 is getting increasingly bigger. According to the insolvency court in Stralsund, no application for the initiation of insolvency proceedings has been filed yet. Director Sebastian Tacke, on the other hand, had announced just this in an e-mail to his hotel partners.

Siam Niramit is situated on a site of 10 acres and, in addition to the theater, comprises a quaint Thai Village set on a canal. Not only the traditional ways of life of the Kingdom of Thailand’s four regions, but also traditional craftsmanship come to life here.