MIME ventures to Britain, home of the 2012 Olympic Games, to uncover the jewels in its meetings and incentives crown.
Two cities in one
As one of the UK's newest business-travel destinations, North East England is emerging as a meetings and conference hub.
Conference interest in the region was boosted last year with the launch of a daily direct Emirates flight from Dubai to Newcastle, which exceeded passenger number predictions.
The twin cities of Newcastle, located on the north bank of the River Tyne and Gateshead, on the south bank, together form NewcastleGateshead.
NewcastleGateshead has an established infrastructure and a fantastic range of conference venues, including The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, The Sage Gateshead and The National Glass Centre.
The city is also home to Hadrian's Wall and the Angel of the North, Britain's largest sculpture.
With excellent transport links and outstanding value for money, Newcastle Gateshead should be on every planner's hot list for 2009.
| Advertisement |
A wee Northern treasure
Scotland is set to be a memorable New Year incentive and event destination, with more than 100 festivals and events planned for 2009.
The Scottish Homecoming centres on the 250th birthday of national poet Robert Burns and embraces Scottish music, culture, innovation, golf and whisky.
A good time to visit is designated Whisky Month; May. Why not book a three-day whisky course in Fife or a trip further north to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, where you can visit the largest concentration of distilleries in Scotland.
In addition to the sell-out Islay annual Malt and Music Festival; Taste the Dram(a), located in the grounds of Inverary Castle, is a weekend-long celebration of culture and heritage. The celebrations include a tour of the distilleries that dominate the rugged West Coast of Scotland. A Whisky Galore Festival in September concludes the drink-related events.
Golf is a favourite corporate incentive and Scotland provides a host of activities. The Open Golf Championship is scheduled for July, to be held in Turnberry (www.opengolf.com) and Rozelle House hosts ‘A Whole in One' golf exhibition from June 1 to August 31.
There's also the opportunity for delegates to try out one of Scotland's 500 golf courses during the Drive it Home initiative, which has been devised to encourage international tourists onto the golf course and will offer a free four-ball at courses throughout the year. If there's room left on the itinerary discover the origins of the game at the British Golf Museum.
For a full list of events and activities and to register for programme updates visit www.homecomingscotland2009.com
Search our database of more than 2,700 industry companies
