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Panama sits between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, snuggled between Columbia and Costa Rica, and possibly best known for the Panama Canal which is an 82 km artificial waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean.

Panama City is a safe, culturally diverse modern capital with an impressive skyline, lengthy coastal promenade, trendy shopping malls, international hotel chains, theatres, and excellent restaurants.

Panama offers a plethora of opportunities to enjoy cultural, outdoors and adventurous activities, from scuba diving with whale sharks in the Pacific to snorkelling the reefs of Bocas del Toro; swimming with sea turtles, or zipping through rain-forest canopies; trekking through cloud-forest vistas to canoeing deep into indigenous territories, and back in time to attend an avant-garde performance at one of Panama City’s theatres in the evening.

Panama City offers meetings and events participants the opportunity to enjoy an endless array of unique experiences, thanks to the venues of high historical value that are found within its limits. Some of these include:

THE PANAMA CANAL

Why not hold your meeting or event on board one of the ships, or at the Miraflores Locks Visitors’ Center, featuring three meeting halls and an outdoor terrace.

THE OLD PANAMA RUINS

The ruins of the first European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas are a venue for high-quality events, especially at the Cathedral Plaza, La Concepción Convent; the Convent of the Jesuits, and the Main Square.

BIOMUSEO

Also known as the Museum of Biodiversity, the venue is home to the country’s natural history and several permanent exhibits, such as the “Bridge of Life”. The museum encompasses eight galleries designed by Canadian Bruce Mau, founder of Institute Without Boundaries, which are complemented by the eight “artefacts of amazement,” that provide information on the Isthmus of Panama.

Biomuseo is a tourist attraction in its own right as it was designed by the Canadian architect, Frank Gehry.

Of note for 2020, Panama and Costa Rica will be the joint organisers and hosts of the 2020 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled for August 2020.   A total of 16 national teams will take part in the event, and it will be only the second time in FIFA’s history that the organisation declares two countries as joint hosts of one of its major tournaments (the previous one was the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup).

Think Mice is your DMC Panama, focused on inbound group and incentive travel from around the world.  Part of the Aventuras 2000 group, one of the largest destination management companies in Panama, with more than 20 years’ experience and over 4 million tours sold.

Contact World of DMCs for details and further information.  Email: info@world-of-dmcs.com 

The need for meetings and event planners to keep up to date with ever changing rules and regulations governing international travel has never been more important than it is today.  Working with a professional destination management company is one of the ways to mitigate the risk of falling foul of local laws and regulations.

Travel to Europe will require an additional layer of authorisations from January 2021, under the guise of ETIAS.

This new system is being introduced to ensure the security of European citizens and visitors.

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a completely electronic system which allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. In a way, it resembles the U.S Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose. The legal procedures to pass the ETIAS started in 2016, and the system is expected to be in place by January 2021.

The cost will be minimal (but there is a cost) and if no issues are detected, granting of the authorisation will be electronic, and concluded within minutes.

It is important to note that ETIAS targets citizens of countries who CAN enter the EU zone without applying for a visa (currently 62 nationalities) …… So those NOT currently requiring a Schengen visa WILL need to apply through ETIAS for authorisation to travel to Europe from 2021.  If you need a Schengen Visa, you will NOT need to apply for the ETIAS.

In summary, to enter Europe after 2021 you will need either a Schengen Visa, or if visiting from a visa-exempt country, an ETIAS authorisation.

Ensuring that the travel documents, visas and authorisations of each of your group, MICE or incentive trip participants is paramount to a successful trip and a positive experience for your entire group.

#askadmc #eventprofs #dmcprofs #worldofdmcs #travelnews #MICETravel #Grouptravel

For further information visit

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/etias/

The earthy colours of Northwest Argentina

Argentina

·    We possess an extensive knowledge of the vast range of local facilities and services on offer and are well-placed to advise you as to business protocol and etiquette.  This means that we are able to make all the recommendations required to maximise your experience as well as meet your budgetary requirements and group specifications.

·    Our executives are specialised in handling conference and incentive group travel and are permanently on hand to liaise with  event planners while our local staff work closely with the  planning team before, during and after the event to ensure that it runs smoothly.

·     We handle all the negotiations and contracts with the hotels, conference centres and other venues, transport and all the on-the-ground personnel involved.

·     We ensure that the venues selected are equipped with the latest communications and presentation technology.

·     We are qualified to advise as to choice of audio/video systems, other equipment and provide technical assistance, including setting up exhibitions.  We also have an entertainment and event-advisers.

·    In addition, we are able to offer a broad choice of unique venues, such as estancias, wineries, private mansions and palaces for receptions, meals and meetings.

Expo 2020 is a World Expo, or World Fair, to be hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, opening on October 20, 2020 and lasting for six months. The Bureau International des Expositions general assembly in Paris awarded Dubai as the host for the Expo 2020 on November 27, 2013.

This will be the first Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, which is one of the many reasons why it will be counted as one of the most important in exposition history.

Set to welcome more than 200 participating countries, each with their own pavilion, and millions of visitors from around the world, the theme for Expo 2020 Dubai is

Connecting Minds, Creating the Future

Each of the participating countries will have its own pavilion for visitors to explore.  These are currently under construction, and will introduce visitors to scientific innovations, cultural experiences, futuristic ideas and a wealth of other exciting themes.

Dubai and the UAE are gearing up to welcome visitors from around the world to this historical world fair, with efficient infrastructure, smooth transportation opportunities and well-trained guides and hosts of all nationalities.   The opportunities for individuals and groups to visit the Expo, and explore the United Arab Emirates at the same time are immense.

Gulf Circle Tours, DMC UAE, has been appointed as an official, authorised Ticket Reseller for Expo 2020, and is working with international partners to provide visitors from all corners of the world with a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience including all ground handling, hotels, and of course entry tickets for Expo 2020.

Gulf Circle Tours will be attending IBTM Barcelona (Stand N68) ready to answer any questions about the UAE and Expo 2020 for groups and incentives – so don’t miss out!  Make your appointment via the IBTM website today, or contact Gulf Circle Tours with any direct enquiries.

World of DMCs welcomes new member for Thailand

Path DMC Thailand has joined the network of more than 40 destination management companies that make up World of DMCs.

World of DMCs is a global network of DMCs & destination management companies focused on inbound group travel, meetings & conferences, & incentive travel.

Path Destination management has over 10 years’ experience in development, design and management of in-country experiences, based in Thailand.  The experienced professional team creates high value, authentic group travel and incentive experiences through commitment, sustainability and responsibility for customers from partners around the world. The group is managed by a team of experienced travel and development professionals who work alongside local communities to ensure that all programmes not only match the product needs and requirements of partners and customers, but also focus on long-term sustainable development.

Path is one of Thailand’s largest responsible travel operators managing around 2,000 trips each year in Thailand and beyond.

Dan Moore, Managing Director Path DMC Destination Management summarises his approach to the business of travel management in the following statement:

“Path’s commitment to great customer service means that I can regularly be found out in the field on reconnaissance trips, connecting with local communities.  My passion for travel means that I love researching new opportunities, and I want to have 100% confidence in the product, location or activity before promoting it to partners.  Moreover I feel compelled to go through every detail with a prospective new supplier. I always like to ask tons of questions and this first-hand knowledge is invaluable when promoting it later to partners or potential partners, but just as importantly it may lead to improvements or new opportunities.  This hand-on approach pays dividends and adds an incredible amount of value to what we do.”

For more information on Path DMC Thailand, visit www.pathdmc.com

World of DMCs, and World of DMCs members are using several hashtags (#) consistently across all social media platforms, making it easy to find any information that has been posted on member destinations and companies.

Hashtags are used extensively on Instagram, but did you know that they also work on other platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn?

When used correctly and consistently, hashtags enable your information to be located quickly and easily.  Of course, the hashtags should be relevant to your business or the information posted, but using a variety of different ones can also increase the reach of your messaging.

A word of warning, though:  do not use too many, or irrelevant hashtags, or you will quickly become known as a ‘spam’ marketeer, and we do not want that particular label!

For easy reference, World of DMCs unique hashtags are #worldofdmcs and #AskaDmc.

We also frequently use #eventprofs #dmcprofs and #incentivetravel.

For country-specific searches, use (for example) #DMCarmenia (#DMC*country*).

We hope this helps you to locate the information we share on social media platforms, as well as that shared by our member DMCs.

Note: World of DMCs is an international network of destination management companies specialising in in-bound group and incentive travel.  Our members will not be the cheapest choice – but when professionalism and expertise really count, you can absolutely count on them.  A DMC will make the successful execution of a group or incentive trip overseas so much easier, and will act as your eyes and ears on the ground as well as your problem solver, should problems arise.

World of DMCs is a regular exhibitor at IBTM World, Barcelona.  Member DMCs will once again be participating in IBTM 2019 from 19-21 November on Stand N68.

IBTM World brings together buyers and sellers of international group and incentive travel from around the world.  World of DMCs members attending in 2019 include Armenia, Finland, Iceland, Morocco, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

For appointments with any of the World of DMCs members attending, please visit https://www.ibtmworld.com/en/Exhibitors/6323590/World-of-DMCs

You can also make an appointment with World of DMCs for general information, or enquiries about joining the World of DMCs network.  Or email us on info@world-of-dmcs.com for a directory of members, or membership information.

Après plusieurs années au Carrousel du Louvre, les salons du Groupe Réunir vont retrouver leurs premières amours en réinvestissant le prestigieux Palais Brongniart !

Changement de lieu, changement de look et changement de formule pour le 25e Salon Réunir et le 10e Salon Activ’Assistante : ils se dérouleront sur une journée, le jeudi 19 septembre 2019, et adopteront une toute nouvelle organisation.

Les Salons du Groupe Réunir gardent le meilleur et vous proposeront un événement plus fort, plus efficace et encore plus utile pour préparer vos manifestations professionnelles 2019-2020 !

World of DMCs will be present at Reunir September 19, 2019 in Paris, with members from Finland (Arctic Incentives); Germany (MR Congress); Poland (DMC Poland); United Kingdom (Interopa) and Vietnam (Refine Asia).  Appointments Diary open soon.

See you there!

In an ever-growing world of digital communications, deadlines and rising cost of business travel, justifying attendance at trade shows to the ‘money man’ can be challenging.  Explaining how much value you gain from attending, apart from simple sales leads, can be incomprehensible to someone who sees the world in simple ROI and dollars and cents.

Of course, everyone expects to see a return on investment for money spent on marketing and promotion, and every dollar needs to be justified and accounted for.  However, the ROI of attending a trade show should be calculated in far more than the money out/money in model.

Face to Face Meetings

The management of group and incentive travel is still a very personal affair.  Whereas holidays and individual trips can be booked online through a myriad of booking sites, the bespoke requirements of an incentive trip make this a virtual impossibility.  Trusting a group, no matter how small or large, to an unknown person or company is a risk, so recommendations and personal knowledge of those providing on-the-ground services are key.  Trade shows still provide the means to meet decision makers face-to-face, on both sides of the industry.  That is a great reason to send your best people to trade shows, not simply order takers or PR executives.

Stimulating Creativity

Attendance at trade shows introduces you to new ideas and perspectives.  Allowing time in your busy schedule to walk around and see what others are doing is key, even if you don’t have time to sit in on presentations and briefings.  Pick up marketing material, look at the different stands, see what is popular and which stands are attracting the most attention – it’s all contributing to your knowledge and understanding of the market and current business climate.

Ask Questions

Talk to the show organisers and your peers, find out what the business trends are; the newcomers and the no-shows.  Again, this all contributes to market knowledge. Simply being amongst your peers, your clients and your competition can give you a boost, stimulate creative juices and re-energise you, particularly if you often work remotely or in an isolated location.

The Network Advantage

Participating in a trade show with a network or professional association gives you access to the vast wealth of knowledge shared by your fellow members, their experiences and their networks.  Make the most of this time and get to know your colleagues, talk about industry challenges, operational ideas and the state of markets and business.  Broaden your knowledge of the world, the people and the industry.  Participating with a network also alleviates those potentially lonely evenings after the show, giving you like-minded people to meet with after the day’s activities, even if only for a drink.

You Get What You Give

The old adage ‘you only get out what you put in’ holds true with trade shows, and your pre-show preparation is as important as your post-show follow up.  Make sure your appointment diary is full with verified meetings; be prepared for those meetings; follow up as soon as possible after the show – but that is all part of trade show attendance.  The additional benefits you receive come from the effort you make during the trade show to learn as much as you can, talk to as many different people as possible, and gather new ideas and intelligence to help you move forward successfully in business.

Trade shows should be energising and invigorating, and not a chore to be endured.

Footnote

World of DMCs participates in IMEX Frankfurt and IBTM Barcelona every year, with between 12 and 20 members joining the stand each time.  Many more members exhibit on their country stands, or with other networks, but find the time to join our members dinners and meetings.  To be part of this network, reach out to info@world-of-dmcs.com and register your interest in joining.

May 2019:  World of DMCs members recently welcomed a new President and Board of Directors for a 2-year term, commencing 01 June 2019.

World of DMCs is a not-for-profit network of global destination management companies, whose activities are overseen by a President and Board of Directors appointed every 2 years.  World of DMCs members are established destination management companies representing 36 countries worldwide.

At the Annual General Meeting, held 20 May 2019 immediately before IMEX 2019 in Frankfurt, the outgoing President Johan Dorssemont, DMC Cuba – Cuba for Travel, welcomed the newly elected President Gaby Seikaly, DMC UAE- Gulf Circle Tours and two new Board Members.

(L-R:  Olivier Didonna; Chakib Bouzid, Amalia Stepanyan, Johan Dorssemont; kneeling: President Gaby Seikaly) 

On accepting the appointment, incoming President, Gaby Seikaly, said:

“World of DMCs has allowed Gulf Circle Tours, DMC UAE, to forge a new network of global partnership alliances as well as introducing multiple new business opportunities.  I am delighted to have been invited to become President of this prestigious network and look forward to further extending our services and connections to new DMC members as well as new business partners for the benefit of all our members”

The World of DMCs Board for 2019-2021 consists of :

President

Gaby Seikaly                      Gulf Circle Tours                          DMC UAE

Board Members

Amalia Stepanyan               Event Solutions Incentives           DMC Armenia

Johanna Schmikal               Imperial Connection                     DMC Austria

Johan Dorssemont              Cuba For Travel                           DMC Cuba

Olivier Didonna                   Boutique DMC                              DMC Iceland

Chakib Bouzid                    Across Morocco                             DMC Morocco

Retiring Board Member, Ola Pietras, DMC Poland, was thanked for her support and extensive activities during her lengthy term in office.

Board Members can be contacted via the network email address info@world-of-dmcs.com or via their respective destination management companies, available on the website.