1、TABLEOFCONTENTINTRODUCTION5TOP TRENDS IMPACTING MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL IN 20244WHATS NEW IN EUROPE20WHATS NEW IN NORTH AMERICA54WHATS NEW IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA76WHATS NEW IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA81WHATS NEW IN ASIA PACIFIC92WHATS NEW ON WATER116ABOUTSKIFTMEETINGSSkift Meetings is

2、defining the future of events.As a Skiftbrand,Skift Meetings delivers insights into how businessevents,technology,andtravelplayleadingrolesincreating and instilling organizational and indeed industry culture.We believe meetings and events are the catalystfor new ideas,cultivating values and building

3、 professionalrelationships.Skift Meetings is defining the way forward,and helping ourglobal audience of business event professionals to thriveby delivering up-to-date guidance,inspiration and newsanalysisthroughourmulti-platformdigitalcontent,research,and live events.ABOUTIMEXGROUPIMEX is where the

4、global meetings,events,and incentivetravel industry comes together annually in Frankfurt andAmerica.At IMEX,thousands of global meeting plannersconnect with more than 2,500 suppliers from across theworld,building powerful working relationships to createbetter events,meetings,and experiences.WHATS NE

5、W IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-2INTRODUCTIONWelcome to Skift Meetings Whats New in Meetings andIncentive Travel 2024.This all-new guide was created toprovide event professionals with a quick and currentoverview of new initiatives,products,and services atdestinations around the world.It is i

6、ntended to serve as asnapshot of the latest offerings suitable for meetings andincentive travel with links to all relevant sites.It is alsomeant to be used as a guide to navigate the upcomingIMEX Frankfurt 2024,where event professionals are abletomeetrepresentativesaboutthevastmajorityofinitiatives,

7、products,and services included.This guide has been compiled with input from a widerangeofdestinationmarketingorganizations,complemented by detailed research.It focuses on thelatestdestinationmarketingcampaigns,sustainabilitypractices,aswellasdiversity,equity,andinclusioninitiatives.It also reveals s

8、ome of the latest venue andhotel openings and planned unveilings,and it includes newand relevant airline routes to the destinations.In addition,itcoverssomeofthelatestofferingsfromcruisecompanies focused on meetings and incentives.This guide is not intended to be an introductory guide todestinations

9、,nor is it meant to offer a complete listing ofproducts and services.We highly recommend contactingthe appropriate regional or national convention bureau ordestination marketing organization for gathering moreinformation.We hope you find the guide useful to help you in yoursearch for new products an

10、d services to support yourmeetings and incentive travel experiences in 2024 andbeyond.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-3TOPTRENDSIMPACTINGMEETINGSANDINCENTIVETRAVELIN2024DispersedWorkforcesRemote work has emerged as a significant,seeminglypermanent,fixture in the workplace,with a proj

11、ected 32.6million Americans expected to work remotely by 2025,according to the Upwork Research Institute.Dispersedworkforces have led to a decline in traditional office usage.Corporations must get their teams together and as aresult,meetingsarebeingheldmorefrequently.Inaddition,incentive travel is g

12、aining strategic importance asa tool for fostering collaboration,enhancing companyculture,andhelpingachievebusinessobjectives.Byinvesting in unique and meaningful experiences that alignwith company values,organizations can boost employeesatisfaction,motivation,and overall performance.AIThe integrati

13、on of artificial intelligence?AI?in the eventsindustryhassparkedintensediscussionsaboutitspotential and applications in reshaping event marketingpractices.AI tools offer professionals the opportunity toenhanceproductivity,simplifytasks,andpersonalizeexperiences,revolutionizing the way events are pla

14、nnedand executed.Balancing AI tools with human creativity isessential to maintain the authenticity and effectiveness ofevents,as overreliance on AI-generated content can leadto audience disengagement and credibility issues.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-4SustainabilityClimate change

15、 is forcing many in the events industry toreevaluatepracticesandprioritizesustainability.Contingency strategies are essential to navigate theimpacts of the climate crisis on event planning andexecution.Smaller-scale events,regional meetings,andnon-traditional meeting spaces are gaining traction fort

16、heiragilityinsafeguardingagainstenvironmentaldisruptions and reducing financial risks.Organizations arefacingincreasingpressuretoenhancesustainabilityreportingandmetrics,withagrowingfocusonresponsible practices and compliance with sustainablestandards.The need for standardized reporting thatencompas

17、ses diversity,equity,and inclusion aspects,highlights the industrys shift towards more conscientiousand sustainable event planning practices.PoliticsandEventsIn a world marked by polarization and contentious politics,meeting professionals are challenged to create inclusiveeventspacesthatfosterpositi

18、veengagementanddialogue.While some choose to boycott,others advocatefor constructive engagement,navigating discriminatorylegislationandpromotinginclusivityin meetings andevents.BypartneringwithlocalDEIorganizations,collaboratingwithpoliticalrepresentatives,andimplementing DEI pledges,meeting profess

19、ionals can drivepositivechangeandcreateenvironmentswhereallparticipantsarerespected.Severalorganizations,including destination marketing organizations,are helpingplanners connect with socially conscious alternatives toboycotts that support local economies and charities,whilepromoting inclusivity and

20、 diversity.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-5TightBudgetsEconomic challenges have impacted the events industry,leading to budget constraints and reduced attendance atevents.Event planners are tasked with meeting clientexpectations amid rising costs and logistical challenges.Shortages

21、of venues and hotels have driven up prices,impacting event budgets that require creative solutions.Hybrid and online events have emerged as cost-effectivealternatives that offer wider reach and increased flexibility.By blending virtual and live events,businesses can adaptto the changing landscape an

22、d maximize the impact andreturnoninvestmentoftheirevents.Strategicdecision-making and an understanding of market trendsare essential for delivering successful and engaging eventexperiences that meet the evolving needs of attendees.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-6Created in partnersh

23、ip withTourismIreland,TourismNorthernIreland,partnersofMeetinIrelandNorthernIreland:SustainabilityandAuthenticityDriveInnovationsNIKKIPATERSONBusiness Solutions Manager,Tourism Northern IrelandNikki Paterson worked in Titanic Belfast since itsopeningin2012,specificallyfocusingon sales,marketing,and

24、events to ensure the museum andevent spaces became internationally recognized as aworld-leadingattraction.NikkinowworksasBusiness Solutions Manager at Tourism NorthernIrelandandleadsateamwhicharethemaininterfacebetweenNIIndustryandinternationalbuyers.Nikkimanagesbothtraveltradeandbusinesstourismsect

25、orsinNorthernIreland,developing fam opportunities,sales and marketing,and B2B platforms.To learn how Northern Ireland is innovating to create a moresustainable and authentic future for meetings and incentives,SkiftMeetingssatdownwithNikkiPaterson,BusinessSolutionsManager at Tourism Northern Ireland,

26、a partner of Meet in Ireland.Innovation and InvestmentWhiledigitaltechnologiesarecreatingnewchannelsforcollaborationand enhancing efficiency,the power of humaningenuity is behind many of todays most exciting innovations inmeetings and incentives.An increasing number of delegates nowexpect more than

27、an Instagrammable moment:They are lookingto be immersed and actively engaged in the experience.In thisera,creativity and authenticity are essential.At the same time,the industry is adapting too,both throughgreener practices and via strategic partnerships.Resourcefulnesswill be increasingly essential

28、 in the years to come.Tourism Northern Ireland has supported its trade partners to pushforprogress,offeringaseries of workshops that focus oninnovation,sustainability,inclusivity,attractiveness,andcollaboration.Adding to this support are recent investments thatWHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRA

29、VEL 2024-7include1.2billion(approximately$1.5 billion USD?towardsphysical infrastructure projects over the next 15 years.TheseproactivestepshelpensurethatNorthernIreland?NI?iscompeting with some of the top destinations in the world.Evolving Approaches to Sustainable MeetingsThe topic of sustainabili

30、ty is continually evolving in the eventsindustry.To address this,the International Convention Center?ICC?Belfast has taken the lead on educational presentations forclients,both in person and digitally.For Belfast in particular,a sustainable events framework has beendeveloped and can be downloaded he

31、re,as well as a Legacy andImpact guide which can be downloaded here.Visit Belfast alsooffers a Sustainability&Impact Manager who will work as anextension of the organizers team.The citys sustainability efforts have not gone unnoticed.Belfastnow ranks 11thin the Global Destination Sustainability Inde

32、x,theworldsleadingsustainabilityperformanceimprovementandbenchmarking assessment for destinations.The current ranking isbased on the citys sustainability performance across 75 criteria inenvironmental,social,industry,anddestinationmanagementcategories.Seventy-six percent of hotel bedrooms in Belfast

33、 holda sustainable accreditation,and a variety of local sustainabilityinitiatives help to support planners.Innovating Solutions to Sustainable F&BNorthern Irelands largest convention bureau,Visit Belfast,leads asustainability initiative called“Changing The Menu.For Good”apioneeringprojecttoraisefund

34、sandsuppliesforthoseexperiencing food poverty while also delivering more responsibleand sustainable events.Since its launch 18 months ago,business events in Belfast haveraised more than 29,000?$37,000 USD?for food banks andhomeless charities.A variety of donation options are in place,including:Donat

35、ing the financial equivalent of a fourth course at agala dinner.Passing on one unnecessary element of catering at theirevent this is usually an area of high food waste,such asdessertatlunchtimeandinsteaddonatingtheequivalent value to a local food bank.Encouraging delegates,sponsors,and exhibitors to

36、 donatethrough a QR code at their event.Working to reduce food waste,such as through donationfriendly catering solutions.This initiative is part of Tourism NIs long-term commitment todelivermoresustainableevents,driveregenerativetourismgrowth,and leave a positive legacy through the power of events.W

37、HATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-8Helping Associations Join ForcesMoving beyond sustainability in the strictly environmental sense,the industry is looking to streamline and consolidate in ways thatensure a thriving future for all not least in the associationsector.For example,British a

38、nd Irish associations traditionally hosttheir own annual meetings and have separate memberships.ICCBelfastdevisedastrategytounitethetwoassociationgeographies:Beyond Borders|ICC Belfast.This initiative bringsBritish and Irish equivalents together with a package designed tobenefit both.In leveraging N

39、orthern Irelands unique geographicalposition as part of the UK located on the island of Ireland,eventorganizers have an ideal destination for meeting halfway.TOP TRENDS FOR INCENTIVESThe incentive market is evolving just as quickly as the larger eventindustry.Driven largely by changing priorities an

40、d emerging trendsin travel,incentive buyers are now looking to explore more ofNorthern Ireland regionally not just the major cities which areBelfast and Derry-Londonderry.Within this larger movement thereare a series of smaller trends,each speaking to a desire for a moreauthentic,immersive,and perso

41、nal connection to the destination:Experiential Travel Is the New LuxuryThere is a growing emphasis on experiential travel rather thantraditional luxury accommodations or activities.Participants arenow seeking unique experiences that provide cultural immersion,adventure,or opportunities for personal

42、growth.For Tourism NI,this means connecting visitors to the values that underpin itsdestination experience brand “Embrace a Giant Spirit.”Thebrandpromisesvisitorsanauthenticexperiencebasedonstorytelling through four concepts:big heartedness,legends andstories,originality and land,and water and sea.C

43、ustomization&PersonalizationParticipants are now looking for more personalized experiencestailored to their interests and preferences.Tourism NI works with awiderangeoftourismandhospitalityprovidersunderthe“Embrace a Giant Spirit:Experience Portfolio”to raise the bar,stimulating innovative and authe

44、ntic products.Tourism NI can alsooffer exclusive buyouts of world-class resort properties providingluxuriousaccommodations,upscaleamenities,andbespoketailored services.Wellness&Work-Life Balance Take PriorityThere is a growing awareness around the importance of wellnessandwork-lifebalance,withmanyin

45、centiveprogramsnowincorporatingyogaretreats,spatreatments,ormindfulnessworkshops.And Northern Ireland boasts the ideal backdrop:thestunning landscapes that made it a top filming location forGameofThrones.AreassuchastheGiantsCauseway,MourneMountains,and Fermanagh Lakelands are world-famous for theirb

46、reathtaking beauty and unique geological formations.Within thisnatural splendor,Finn Lough Resort,Galgorm Resort,and manymore offer tailored spa,culinary,and wellness programs.Authenticity&CultureClients and participants now want a unique,authentic destinationexperience which truly gives them a sens

47、e of place.NorthernIrelandhas a rich cultural heritage and a diverse range ofexperiences available.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-9Visitors increasingly want to connect with Northern Irelandstraditionalmusic,dance,crafts,andaward-winningcuisine.ThroughitsEmbrace a Giant Spirit Exper

48、ience developmentprogram,Tourism NI has focused on three core thematic areas:Culture&Heritage,Landscapes&Outdoor Activities,and Food&Drink.Popular activities often combine elements of storytelling and aunique setting.For example,a Titanic-themed event might behostedattheTitanicBelfastmuseumoron-boar

49、d the SSNomadic.The itinerary might start with an interactive museumtour followed by an on-site Titanic-themed gala dinner,withdishes inspired by those served on-board the ship.Guests couldthen retire to the Titanic Hotel,located just beside the museumand on the exact site where RMS Titanic was desi

50、gned.Through its unique“Embrace a Giant Spirit:Experience Portfolio,”Tourism NI makes it easy for planners to deliver the authentic,one-of-a-kind experiences that incentive qualifiers now crave.Thedestination also realizes that Tourism in Northern Ireland plays asignificant role as an emerging econo

51、mic sector that contributespositively to various aspects of society,including culture,civicpride,and heritage preservation.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-10ADhttps:/ NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-11Created in partnership withPhiladelphiaCVBPhiladelphia:GoingBeyondtheEsse

52、ntialsWithMeetingServicesMARIAGRASSOSenior Vice President,Convention Division,Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau?PHLCVB?In her current role,Maria Grasso leads the PHLCVBsconventionsalesandservicesteamingrowingconvention bookings,while positioning Philadelphiaas a premier destination for mee

53、tings,conventions,andevents.ActivelyinvolvedinPhiladelphiashosting of the FIFA World Cup 2026,Maria servesas the hotel accommodations expert,representingthe PHLCVB in direct contact with FIFA and U.S.Soccer.A more than 20-year veteran of the organization,Maria joined the PHLCVB in 1999 as senior dir

54、ectorof national accounts,quickly establishing herself asthe organizations top-producing sales director.In-person meetings and events are vital to industries of all kinds,but in order to be as effective as possible,they need to bemanaged with care.To meet these high standards,event plannersneed a ro

55、bust on-the-ground support system.Key elements tosuccessincludeastate-of-the-artvenue,specializedCVBservices,and a destination that sparks the imagination.Through its culture and history of innovation,Philadelphia isdelivering in all three categories.Here are some of its tophighlights,as shared by M

56、aria Grasso,Senior Vice President,Convention Division,Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.CONVENTION CENTER UPGRADESMEAN BETTER,GREENER MEETINGSBuilding for the future of meetings means directing funds wherethey count:toward the infrastructure that keeps events runningsmoothly,with a citys c

57、onvention center being one of its mostimportant resources.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-12The Pennsylvania Convention Center has invested$78.8 million inits facilities over the last four years,leading to a series ofimprovements that include more advanced health and sanitizationmeas

58、ures,next-generation Wi-Fi infrastructure,and enhancedconcessionstandsandfoodofferings.Overall,the Centersongoing commitment to sustainabilityhas increased the buildingsefficiency,for which the venue has been awarded Gold LevelCertificationunder the Events Industry Council Sustainable EventsStandard

59、 and LEED Goldstatus.CVB SPECIALIZATION DELIVERSSECTOR EXPERTISE&DEIA GUIDANCEAs industry priorities shift,so too must the services that powermeetings and events.The Philadelphia Convention and VisitorsBureau?PHLCVB?is to providing specialized services to supportthe evolving needs of meeting and eve

60、nt planners.In addition toits team of destination experts,the PHLCVB has three specializedbusiness divisions PHL Life Sciences,PHL Diversity,and PHLSports.Respectively,these divisions provide exclusive access toPhiladelphias life sciences industry leaders,to the citys diversebusinesses and thought l

61、eaders,and to its robust infrastructureand services for sporting events.Dedicated Support for Life SciencesAs the first and only CVB division dedicated to life sciencesmeetings,PHLLifeSciencesfacilitatesconnectionstoPhiladelphiassubstantialhealthcareandhighereducationcommunity.As its reputation as a

62、 hub for life sciences grows,Philadelphia has been affectionately dubbed“Cellicon Valley”inrecognition of the groundbreaking work that local researchershave contributed to cell and gene therapies.PHL Life Sciences issupported by a robust advisory board made up of thought leadersfrom top organization

63、s,including the University of Pennsylvania,BioLabs Philadelphia,GlaxoSmithKline,and many more.Building a Foundation for DEIAWhile some may view it as a recent trend,PHLCVB shares astrong,longstanding commitment to diversity,equity,inclusion,and accessibility?DEIA?.The first of its kind,PHL Diversity

64、 hasbeenconnectingmeetingandconvention planners with theregions multicultural businesses and community leaders for overthree decades.With a broad and diverse representation,the PHLDiversity advisory board is comprised of executives and leadersfrom across the citys business community including Divers

65、e ArtsSolutions;TempleUniversitysSchoolof Sport,Tourism andHospitality Managements;Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamberof Commerce;and many more.Beyondfacilitatingpartnerships with diverse businesses andsuppliers,PHL Diversity can introduce planners to local communityleaders,who can in turn help fa

66、cilitate community engagementprograms or serve as speakers.PHL Diversity also supportsplanners in their development of inclusive meeting strategies.Frompracticalconsiderationsforindividualswithphysicaldisabilitiestotheintegrationoftechnologyforheightenedparticipation,planning an accessible conventio

67、n can help bolsterattendance opportunities and audience satisfaction.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-13HISTORY&PURPOSE SUPERCHARGEATTENDEE ENGAGEMENTThere are many interlocking elements that contribute to an eventssuccess from the promise of meeting high-powered industrycontactstosup

68、porting world-leading sustainability and DEIAefforts but there is no replacement for effective storytelling.Historical milestones can provide the lynchpin to a compellingevent theme.What better way to engage attendees than to makethem feel a personal connection to a larger narrative and a senseof pu

69、rpose?In 2026,all eyes will be on Philadelphia!The year marks the 250thanniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence inthe birthplace of the nation:Philadelphia.The city plans tocelebrate all year,and major event organizers are signing up to bepart of the occasion.Philadelphia will b

70、e the proud host of PCMAConvening Leaders,the Major League Baseball All-Star Game,opening rounds of the NCAA mens basketball tournament,and the108thPGA Championship.Philadelphia will also host six games ofthe FIFA World Cup 2026.In keeping with this high calling,Philadelphia is working to providethe

71、 best destination experience possible.This year the city wasthrilled to welcome its first female mayor,Cherelle Parker,and hercommitment to making Philadelphia the most welcoming,cleanestand greenest big city in the nation.The city and its partnerscontinue to invest in infrastructure and improvement

72、s to bring hervision to life in advance of 2026 and beyond.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-14ADhttps:/ NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-15Created in partnership with BrandUSAWhatsNew:LasVegas,Texas,D.C.&BostonIn the run-up to IMEX Frankfurt 2024,Skift Meetings and BrandUSA t

73、eamed up on a special podcast episode featuring interviewswith executives from four leading U.S.destinations:Las Vegas;Texas;Washington,D.C.;and Boston.In the excerpts below,learn about the latest updates from theseleading U.S.locales,including recent updates to their meetingsinfrastructure,alongwit

74、hthoughtson some of the biggestmisconceptionsabouttheirregions.Foramorein-depthexploration of the topics below,make sure to check out the fullpodcast episode.TEXASTOMMYWOODSEconomic Development and Tourism Marketing Specialist,Travel TexasWhilemanyarefamiliarwiththeideathat“everything is bigger in T

75、exas,”it may be news to some that itsequally diverse.Covering an area larger than France,Texasencompassesmultiplecitycentersandsevengeographicalregions with only about 9 percent being desert.“There aremany things to do in Texas besides embracing our cowboyculture,”addedTommyWoods,EconomicDevelopment

76、andTourism Marketing Specialist for Travel Texas.The major cities offer something for everyone:state-of-the-artamenities in major cosmopolitan centers like Houston and Dallas,aworld-famous music scene in Austin,or the wealth of historicalattractions in San Antonio.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE

77、 TRAVEL 2024-16Hosting Events in TexasTexas is bracing for an influx of visitors to its 2026 World Cupgames slated for Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth,just as it doesannually for the event that needs no introduction:Austins Southby Southwest.According to Woods,the Texan“supersized”spirit extends toeve

78、nts.“We like to do things big.For meeting planners,thatsgoing the extra mile to make sure your clients have a wonderfultime and experience everything Texas has to offer.”When the U.S.Travel Associations IPW the largest internationaltrade show in the country was held in San Antonio last year,thedesti

79、nation put out all the stops.The city closed down AlamoPlaza to host three stages for live music and a finale drone showover the UNESCO World Heritage site,a true spectacle for the6,000 delegates from over 85 countries.Expanding on this spirit of hospitality,Woods noted that“Texas”isan indigenous Ka

80、to word meaning“friend”or“friendly.”“We have asaying in Texas:When you visit for the first time,youre a friend.When you come back,youre family,”he added.Traveltoandfrom the state is also becoming increasinglyconvenient,most recently with Condor launching a direct flightfrom Frankfurt to San Antonio.

81、LASVEGASJIM MCMICHAELSpecialty Markets Manager,Las Vegas Convention andVisitors AuthorityThe mention of Las Vegas may first bring to mindcultural and sporting events,such as the 2024 Super Bowl andFormula One but the city is also a major destination forbusiness gatherings.“The meetings industry is j

82、ust as strong,”said Jim McMichael,National Sales Manager for the Las VegasConvention and Visitor Authority?LCVA?.Withvenuespoppingupregularly,McMichaelrecommendsreaching out to the LCVA team:“Use us as a resource to learnwhats new about the destination and find some hidden gems.”Venue Renovations an

83、d Openings at a GlanceRecent major developments include the expansion of the LasVegas Convention Center and renovations to the Mandalay Bay(near complete)and the Venetian Expo(underway).Last yearsopening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas with over 3,000 rooms and500,000 sq.ft.of meeting space was another w

84、in for themeetings industry.Its not just about adding more rooms,either.“Whether its withnatural lighting,green initiatives,or the latest in technology,LasVegas continues to evolve to ensure that were current witheverything that planners need,”said McMichael.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVE

85、L 2024-17One of the most innovative venues in Las Vegas has grabbed theworlds imagination:The Sphere.The worlds largest sphericalstructure,it features high-definition LED screens on the interiorand exterior and immersive add-ons such as interior weatherandprogrammableseatmovements.MorethanjustanInst

86、agram-famous concert venue,The Sphere is available forgeneral sessions or private functions for business groups.Mediocrity Is“Not Invited”In recognition of the outside-the-box opportunities that Vegasoffersbusinessevents,theLCVArecentlylaunched a newcampaign called“Not Invited.”Scratched from the in

87、vitee list are“the status quo and mediocrity,”explained McMichael.The idea isthat Vegas can generate a sense of excitement that leaves noroom for bland,uninspired events.And the results are in thenumbers.“When a trade show cycles through Las Vegas,theytypically will see an 8 to 9 percent jump in att

88、endance,”he said.WASHINGTON,D.C.TARAMILLERDirector of Global Sales,Destination DCWashington,D.C.,is another major urban centerwith its share of hotel renovations and new flights,but its just astrue that theres always something new to do.“We receive somany testimonials from clients and visitors who e

89、xperience thecity for the first time about how surprised they are,”explained TaraMiller,Director of Global Sales for Destination DC.Gesturing towards all the exceptional experiences that the citycan provide as the nations capital,Destination DCs three maincampaigns are“Connected Capital,“Connected C

90、ampus,”and“Theres Only One DC.”In addition to key industry and researchconnections,thecity offers multiple free attractions,annualfestivals,seventeen Smithsonian museums,a wealth of historicallandmarks,and a thriving local cultural scene.“What makes D.C.unique is that surprise element combined witht

91、he value of being an intellectual hub,”said Miller.“Industrysectors,private academic institutions,and association nonprofitcommunities we are where everybody is at the table naturally.”Destination-Led Sustainability InitiativesBeyond helping planners discover all the upcoming experiences onoffer,Des

92、tinationDCischartingnewterritorywithits“Sustainability District”initiative.This program aims to bring thedestinations member communities together in a joint effort tobuild a greener city,one business at a time.Participants shareresources and best practices while also committing to their ownsustainab

93、ility goals.Further,the program helps planners identifybusinesses and other partners that will help them minimize theirfootprint.Hotel Openings and Renovations“There are always new hotels,whether brand new or recentlyrenovated,”said Miller.Sitting just across from the conventioncenterandboastingitso

94、wnmeetingspace,theWestinWashingtonD.C.recentlyunderwentacompleterenovation.AnotherstandoutistheNewRoyalSonestawithitsownpenthouse conference center notably the first new build onCapitol Hill.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-18The 182-room St.Regis Washington,D.C.unveiled an extensiver

95、edesign and renovation of its guestrooms,suites,and selectpublic spaces.The hotel also debuted the restoration of the iconicAstor Ballroom and the adjacent Astor Terrace.As part of thehotels larger renovation plan,the next phase of construction willsee a new outdoor terrace at the hotels onsite rest

96、aurant as wellas updates to the famed St.Regis Bar,with plans to revive thesefood and beverage venues starting in 2025.BOSTONMARTHAJ.SHERIDANPresident&CEO,Meet BostonLike other prominent U.S.destinations,Boston hasseenitsglobalimageshift in recent years.“Boston has areputation as a wonderful histori

97、c U.S.city,but whats makingBoston extremely appealing right now is the way we combineinnovation with history,”said Martha Sheridan,President and CEOof Meet Boston.Its a spirit reflected in the destinations current slogan:Founded,but never settled.Boston never gets old.Historical attractionscontinue

98、to be a top draw,but according to Sheridan,“Youre alsogoingtoexperiencethenewBoston:modern,thoughtfullydesigned,and developed areas and spaces.”To help share this message with the world,Meet Boston hasdeveloped a new funding strategy over the last five years,enabling the DMO to offer best-in-class s

99、ervices.Beyond helpingwith venue sourcing and RFP dissemination,Meet Boston providesdedicated support.“Once youve selected Boston,youre going tobe working with someone from that moment until the last delegateleaves,”said Sheridan.TheMeetBostonteamcanalsohelpplannersdiscoverup-and-coming event locati

100、ons,like The View,a new observationdeck that sits atop Prudential Tower.Another favorite is SeaportDistrict,which features several new hotels and a variety of leisureactivities,from mini golf to ax throwing.Special OffersBoston is also setting itself apart with its winter Incentive program.When plan

101、ners book a meeting in Boston between late Novemberand the beginning of April,they are eligible to receive a 10 percentdiscount from their master bill.“If you have a million-dollarprogram in a hotel,you can technically get$100,000 off that bill,”explained Sheridan.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE

102、 TRAVEL 2024-19WHATS NEW INEUROPEWHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-20AUSTRIAViennaAustria Center Vienna,Austrias largest congress center,unveiled its polySTAGE,what it calls worlds first kineticdisplaysystem,inSeptember2023.Itfeatures52individually controllable and moveable LED element

103、s andcan be used to rapidly transform the entrance hall from anexhibition area to a walk-in art exhibition or interactivestage.New venues include the Ballonhalle,previously a storagefacility for military balloons now transformed into an eventvenue with 11,000 sq.ft.of event space;and the KELSENim Pa

104、rlament a newly renovated rooftop event locationsittingabovetheAustrianParliamentwithspaciousterraces and a fantastic view of the city center.Hotels opened recently:Moxy Vienna City East,the Marriott Group openedin September of 2023 with 203 rooms,adding tothe 43 long-stay apartments at the connecte

105、dResidence Inn by Marriott Vienna City East.Thehotel is located in NeuHotels coming soon:ImperialRidingSchoolwillopensoonasa342-room hotel with ample meeting space,in abuildingthathas evolved from a 19th-centurymilitaryequestrianschoolto the citys largestcinema.The Hoxton Viennawith200 rooms,meeting

106、rooms and a dedicated event space.Hotel Schani UNO?City is a 202-room hotel acrossfrom Viennas UNO?City and near Austria CenterVienna.Home carrier Austrian Airlines will fly non-stop fromVienna?VIE?to Boston?BOS?starting in July 2024.Elsewhere in AustriaSignificantopeningsoutsideViennaincludetheRose

107、wood Schloss Fuschl,a fairytale castle featuring 98guest rooms,including 46 suites and lakefront chalets seton the banks of Lake Fuschl near Salzburg;and the HELIXMarriott Tribute Hotel,a 120 room-hotel in a mixed-usebuilding in central Salzburg.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-21BELG

108、IUMBrusselsNew venues in Brussels include what is said to be thebiggest rooftop in Europe,Rooftop 58,offering a 360panorama of the city for up to 480 guests and BelgianBeer World,the former stock exchange building that gotrenovated and reopened for public offering almost 130,000sq.ft.of event space.

109、The city also offers The AssociationPlace,a small venue and community for internationalassociations.Hotels recently opened:The Mix with 180 rooms and 16,146 sq.ft.of meetingspace across 15 rooms including an auditorium.The Hoxton,Brussels with 198 rooms and 3 smallmeeting rooms.voco Brussels City No

110、rth in 2023 with 92 roomsacross nine meeting rooms including an auditorium.Hotels coming soon:Cardo Brussels Hotel with 486 rooms,46 suites,15meeting rooms-opening this Summer.Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Airport with 250 rooms,opening in December.Corinthia Brussels,formerly the Hotel Astoria,with126

111、rooms.Brussels offers great train connectivity to the UK,France,Netherlands and Germany via the Eurostar network,andnight trains to Berlin,Prague and Vienna.New airlineroutes from Brussels Airport?BRU)include Singapore?SIN?,Shanghai?PVG?,and Nairobi?NBO?.Elsewhere in BelgiumThe Aparthotel Adagio Ant

112、werp City Center opened inAntwerp recently with 70 rooms,and in Bruges,HotelAragon refurbished its 40 rooms.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-22CZECHREPUBLICThe City of Prague has been renovating the IndustrialPalace built in 1891,including the construction of its leftwing,which comple

113、tely burned down in 2008.When itopens,the Industrial Palace will offer one of the largestindoor spaces for congresses and other events in CentralEurope.Soon to open,W Prague will offer 161 rooms when it opensits doors at the site of the former Grand Hotel Europa,an artnouveau-style property original

114、ly opened in 1905.CloudOne Prague is also opening soon,a newly built hoteloffering382guest rooms and a rooftop bar with anattractive view overlooking the Prague Old Town.Also inPrague,theFairmont Golden Prague is undergoing acomplete renovation and is set to open in the second half of2024 with 297 r

115、ooms,a spa with indoor and outdoor pool,and a grand ballroom for 400 guests.PragueAirport?PRG?willbeundergoingamajordevelopment.The airports 2030 development plans willbring 200 direct connections,37 long-haul routes,and theairport will be carbon neutral.Recent new routes includeBilbao?BIO?and start

116、ing this summer Astana?NQZ?,Florence?FLR?,Tallinn?TLL?,and Verona?VRN?.Rendering of Prague Airports Terminal 1 building?Credit:MVRDV?WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-23DENMARKCopenhagenhasbeennamedTheWorldsMostSustainable Destination in Tripadvisors Travelers ChoiceAwards.This year,a

117、key focus area for Copenhagensofficialtourismboard,Wonderful Copenhagen,is todevelop and promote the traditional off-season to groupsandtransformtheDanishCapitalintoayear-rounddestination.AsofJanuary2024,Copenhagenslargest congressvenue,Bella Center Copenhagenisprovidingeventorganizers with comprehe

118、nsive climate impact reportsfor all large events.By offering climate impact reports freeof charge not as a paid add-on but as a given standardforalllargeevents-thevenueaimstopioneersustainability efforts within the global venue scene.Recently opened are the Residence Inn CopenhagenNordhavn with 89 r

119、ooms and the Grand Joanne offering162 rooms and a rooftop bar,and three meeting rooms.With location right next to Copenhagen central station andTivoli.New hotel openings in Copenhagen include the 25hoursHotel Paper Island,just a few steps away from Nyhavn.Anew build with 128 rooms,and a rooftop bar

120、is situated inthe city center on the island of Christiansholm,also knownas Paper Island.SJ Trains also operates fast and regular train servicesfromCopenhagentomajorSwedishcitiesincludingStockholm and Gothenburg.Copenhagen Airport?CPH?has new intercontinental routes to Tokyo?HND?,NewDelhi?DEL?,and Mo

121、ntral?YUL?,with direct flights toPhiladelphia?PHL?and Atlanta?ATL?starting soon.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-24FRANCEParisParis will be on the world stage this summer as it hosts theParis 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in July andAugust.Most of the competition will take place i

122、n what iscalled the main Grand Paris Zone,an area that includesthe national stadium,Stade de France,which will host theclosing ceremonies.Paris 2024 is breaking new ground by,for the first time,not holding the opening ceremony in astadium;it will be held throughout the city,along theSeine.With the G

123、ames main using existing venues,the only newsports venue in Paris that will be used during the 2024Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games is the Adidas Arenawhich opened in February.With a capacity of 9,000people,it will be the headquarters of the Paris BasketballClub after the Olympics and will also be

124、 available forevents.The Grand Palais,located in the Champ-de-Mars park,opposite the Eiffel Tower,is currently being refurbished toopen in time for Paris 2024,hosting the fencing andtaekwondo events.While it is closed,a temporary venue,the Grand Palais phmre,has opened to the publicoffering more tha

125、n 100,000 sq.ft.of event space.Theiconicbuildingfeaturesa wooden frame and strongenvironmental credentials and will remain in place until theendoftheGames,hostingthejudoandwrestlingcompetitions.Rendering of GrandPalais phmre?Credit:Wilmotte&AssocisWHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-25Ho

126、tels recently opened:Okko Rosa Park has 129 rooms and four meetingrooms.Htel Dame des Arts with 109 rooms,360-degreeviews from its rooftop bar and setting in theQuartier Latin,and almost no single-use plastic onproperty.vocoParis-PortedeClichy,locatedinClichy-Batignolles,offers 264 guest rooms,11mee

127、ting rooms,a conservatory with a large terraceand a co-working space.Hotels coming soon:H4 Hotel Wyndham Paris Pleyel,a 697-room hotelfeaturing approximately 15,000 sq.ft.of meetingspace across 16 event spaces set between theOlympic Village and the Stade de France.LHtel des Grands voyageurs with 138

128、 rooms aswell as a restaurant and a bar.NH Paris Gare de lEst with 207-rooms and fivemeeting rooms;Paris is very well connected across the citys two airports,Charles de Gaulle Airport?CDG?and Orly Airport?ORY?,both of which offer a Train+Air service connecting theFrench capital with 21 cities across

129、 France and Brussels.New flights from Paris?CDG?include direct connections toPhoenix?PHX?,Mumbai?BOM?.NiceThe Nice Cte dAzur Metropolitain Convention&VisitorsBureaurecentlyjoinedtheFrenchassociationofSustainableTourismPlayers?ActeursduTourismeDurable-ATD?,abodythatbrings together tourismprofessional

130、s from all sectors,and promotes sustainabletourism initiatives.A new congress center is planned for the port city of Niceto be ready for hosting the UN One Ocean Summit in2025.The citys old congress center,Palais Acropolis,iscurrently being demolished.Hotels recently opened:Nice Pam Hotel,a Californ

131、ia-inspired 102-room inthe city center.B&B HOTEL Nice Stade Riviera with 127 rooms inthe airport and Arenas district.Residhome Nice Aroport featuring 137 studios.Hotels coming soon:MaisonAlbarsLeVictoriawith132artdeco-inspired rooms,sitting above a prestigiousshopping gallery.Mama Shelter Nice with

132、102 rooms and a rooftoppool and restaurant.Htel du Couvent,a Luxury Collection Hoteloffering 88 rooms and a spa withRoman baths.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-26The Nice Cte dAzur Airport,Frances second busiestairport,offers flights to 121 destinations in 45 countries.New routes inc

133、lude Philadelphia?PHL?,Atlanta?ATL?andAbu Dhabi?AUH?.Elsewhere in FranceBordeaux:Hotel Indigo Bordeaux Centre Chartronsopened in October 2023 with 100 rooms and a rooftoprestaurant.Cannes:Two iconic properties reopened,the historic andluxurious Carlton Cannes with 332 rooms and over 20,000sq.ft.of m

134、eeting and event space,and the MondrianCannes,the former Grand Hotel,with 75 rooms and anexclusivegardenanddirectaccesstotheAntibesshopping street.Lyon saw the 97-room TRIBE Lyon Croix Rousse hotelopen late last year.The InterContinental Lyon HtelDieu opens in June featuring 144 rooms,and more than1

135、6,000 sq.ft.of meeting space across 12 meeting spaces.Carlton Cannes,A Regent Hotel?Credit:InterContinental Hotels Group)WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-27GERMANYBerlinIn support of hosting sustainable meetings and events,theState of Berlin launched the Congress Fund for SustainableM

136、eetings initiative with the goal of Berlin reaching carbonneutrality by 2050.The fund only supports events with aproventrackrecordofproducingsustainableevents.Funding is available for business events and training forvolunteers with 50 or more attendees,German governmentorganizations,events held at a

137、 venue in Berlin that is subjectto a fee,or events that last more than four hours per dayexcluding break periods.Basic funding includes$27.00 perevery in-person attendee per day.Estrel Tower in Berlin is scheduled to open by the end of2024 and will combine a hotel,event space,coworkingspace,restaura

138、nts,andbarswithinthecitystallestskyscraper.The new venue will feature 525 guest roomsand an over 10,700 sq.ft.event space at the base of thetower.The property will also have an additional 8,611 sq.ft.of breakout space located on the first and second floors aswell as private meeting rooms on the 43rd

139、 and 44th floors.The Gasometer Schenberg at EUREF?Campus is slated forcompletion by June of this year.The new event space willbe quartered within the telescopic structure that was onceused as a low-pressure gas tank and will feature over301,000 sq.ft.of event space.The redesign of the spacebegan in

140、August of 2021 for$216.6 million.CologneTwohotelopeningsrecentlyaroundCologneaddedcapacity to the citys outskirts.The MEININGER HotelCologneWestadded209roomsintheBraunsfeldneighborhood,and the Leonardo Royal Hotel Cologne BonnAirport offers 250 rooms and almost 6,000 sq.ft.ofmeeting space at the cit

141、ys airport.DsseldorfThe RheinRiff is said to be the worlds largest indoor surfinghall includes 6.000 square meters of indoor space,a 2.000square meter outdoor conference area for up to 150,and aspeaker area for up to 500.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-28TheMerkurSpiel-Arenafeaturesi

142、nnovativemeetingspaces including two caves and a glass-enclosed playertunnel have been added.In the area where Fortuna starsusually enter the pitch,and where performers present theirhits,the caves provide space for meetings and conferences.EUREF?CampusDsseldorf,aEuropeanenergyforumfocused on mobilit

143、y and the shift to renewable energy is thebrainchild ofReinhard Mller,architect and CEO of EUREFAG.The construction of two buildings with approximately80,000 square meters of rentable space is planned.Inaddition,the EUREF?Dome previously in the Gasometer inBerlin has been relocated to the EUREF?Camp

144、us Dsseldorfand will be available for events starting next spring.FrankfurtMesse Frankfurt has passed the audit for the internationallyrecognizedenvironmentalmanagementsystemEco-Management and Audit Scheme?EMAS?developed bytheEuropean Union.Messe Frankfurts goal is to beclimate-neutral by 2040 at th

145、e latest.The company plans toattain greenhouse gas neutrality and establish a sustainablewater management system.The NH Hotel Frankfurt City is now the Avani Frankfurt CityHotel,a hotel spread over seven floors and featuring 256guest rooms.A new VIP Terminal at Frankfurt Airport located in Terminal1

146、 is a two-level facility mainly used to welcome arriving anddeparting VIP passengers.In addition,it can host up to 100guests for exclusive events,even if the guests have notbooked flights.There are also three private suites here along with twoconference rooms.A gaming lounge,cigar lounge,greeterssui

147、te,and chauffeurs area are other highlights.Frankfurts airport?FRA?is one of best connected in theworld connecting to 283 destinations in 90 countries.Newroutes include Raleigh-Durham?RDU?and San Antonio?SAT?.HamburgREVERB Hamburg is slated to open in early April of 2024andwillbehousedwithinHamburgs

148、flacktowerinHeiligengeistfeld a former military installation constructedduring World War II.The hotel,which is the first REVERBhotel in Europe,a brand of Hard Rock Hotels,and will have134 guest rooms,meeting space,a concert hall,restaurants,and a garden area housed within a facility that blendsmoder

149、n luxury with a minimalist aesthetic.Villa Viva is a hotel built and run by“Viva con Agua de SanktPauli,“a non-profit company known to many by the mineralwater of the same name.Behind it is a project campaigningfor clean drinking water,sanitation,and hygiene around theworld.The Villa Viva is a“house

150、 that builds wells,”one offourVivaconAguaecosystemsocialbusinesses.Aguesthouse with 12 floors and 140 beds is being built in theWHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-29center of Hamburg.Every guest who stays there supportsViva con Aguas WASH projects with a share of their roomrate.Hamburg

151、Airport?HAM?has new routes to Erbil?EBL?,andflights to Doha?DOH?start in July.MunichA Bavarian Congress Fund has been instituted with afunding volume of approximately$27 million?25 million)thatwillrunforfiveyears.ItwasinitiatedwithTourismusinitative Mnchen e.V.?TIM?and Munich Tourism,Events,and Hosp

152、itality of the City of Munich.The fund isintendedtosupportthecommongoalofBavariandestinations and their partners to position Bavaria as alocation for congresses and conferences.Located in the center of Munichs old town,RosewoodMunichopeneditsdoorsto guests in October 2023becoming the first Rosewood

153、Hotel&Resorts property inGermany.The hotel is quartered in the former headquartersof the Bavarian State Bank,which spans two buildings andincludes six event venues consisting of 6,500 sq,ft.with 73guestrooms and 59 suites.Also recently opened in Munichs Westen is the MunichMarriott Hotel City West f

154、eaturing 398 rooms and 18 eventspacesspanningover17,000sq.ft.,with the largestballroom boasting 9,687 sq.ft.Munich Airport?MUC?is Germanys second largest airportwith flights to 160 destinations globally.New routes includeSeattle?SEA?Johannesburg?JNB?,Hanoi?HAN?and HoChi Minh City?SG?.Elsewhere in Ge

155、rmanyDresden:Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresdenreopened in February 2024 after a year of renovation.The18th-century building offers 180 rooms and 31 suites alongwith 16,146 sq.ft.of meeting space across ten roomsincluding a private chapel.Ingolstad:Maritim Hotel and Congress Centre Ingolstadt

156、opened in June 2023 offering 223 rooms.The hotel isconnected to the the newly-built congress center with44,800 sq.ft.of meeting space.Stuttgart:Leonardo Hotel Esslingen opened in January2024 offering 150 guest rooms and 3,500 sq.ft.of meetingspace across five rooms.The hotel is in close proximity to

157、the“Neckar Forum,a conference and events center whichcanaccommodateover1,000.Radisson Blu Hotel atPorsche Design Tower Stuttgart opened in November 2023featuring 168 guest rooms and seven meeting rooms andtwo boardrooms,each named after iconic Porsche modelstotaling 5,921 sq.ft.of meeting space for

158、up to 250participants.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-30GREECEAthensThe former Hilton Athens is currently closed andbeing transformed into a 280-room Conrad hotel,which is expected to welcome its first guests in 2024,alongside approximately 50 private residences underthe Conrad and W

159、aldorf Astoria brands.The Ellinikon,in the Athens Riviera is said to be thelargest urban regeneration project in Europe.Thefuture smart and green city is to be located on thehistoric grounds of the former Ellinikon InternationalAirport in Athens.It will feature at least two hotels,one of which is Ma

160、ndarin Oriental property with 200guest rooms and 49 residences opening in 2027.Hard Rock Hotel&Casino Athens will be the firstintegrated resort of its kind in continental Europe.Expected to open in 2027,it will offer 1,100 guestrooms and 15 dining options.Additionally,the projectincludes a 3,000-sea

161、t Hard Rock Live theater,a spa,a fitness complex and high-end retail.AthensInternationalAirport?ATH?hasanewseasonal connection to Shanghai?PVG?Rendering of Marina Tower at The Ellinikon?Credit:The Ellinikon)WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-31CreteInterContinental Crete is opening in J

162、une 2024featuring199guestroomsandinfinitypoolsoverlooking Mirabello Bay.JW Marriott Crete Resort&Spa is set to open in2025 on 100 acres of coastal beauty featuring 160luxury guest rooms with all suites and villas featuringa private pool or jacuzzi along with five restaurantsand multiple wellness spa

163、ces.HalkidikiAjul Luxury Hotel&Spa Resort opened in June2023.This 5-star resort is located in Halkidiki,features 171 luxury accommodations including 26private villas and 92 bungalows,most with privatepools and all with breathtaking sea-views.Zotry Halkidiki Resort&Spa opens soon in theKassandra peni

164、nsula in Halkidiki.It features 105guest rooms and suites overlooking the shore of theAegean Sea,culinary options,with focus on local andfresh cuisine,as well as holistic experiences.Elsewhere in GreeceMandarinOriental,CostaNavarino,thefirstMandarin Oriental hotel in Greece opened in August2023 featu

165、ring 99 suites and villas,five restaurantsand bars,a spa and an 18-hole golf course thatsurrounds the property.Patmos Aktis Suites&Spa and its 56 guest roomsare being extensively renovated and due to open thissummer on the island of Patmos,with additionalguest rooms to be added next year.Six Senses

166、Porto Heli is set to open in 2026 and willoffer around 60 guest rooms and suites,most withprivate plunge pools and private terraces or gardens,along with a three-bedroom retreat villa.A 17,200 sq.ft.Six Senses Spa will house a Biohacking Lounge,boutique and concept store,outdoor fitness andwellness

167、circuit,and spa herbal garden.Mandarin Oriental,Costa Navarino?Credit:Mandarin Oriental)WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-32HungaryTheBudapestConventionBureauhasreleasedsustainability guidelines and the release of a completereportfeaturingpracticalsustainabilitytipsanda fullroadmap for

168、 the Hungarian meetings industry.Hotels recently opened:W Budapest housed inside a palace,opened in July2023 featuring 151 guest rooms,including 45 suitesand ten meeting and event spaces.Dorothea Hotel,Budapestopened in November2023 has 216 guest rooms and suites.RadissonHotelBudapestBudaPartopenedi

169、nNovember 2023 and offers 198 guest rooms andsuites,andfiveflexiblemeetingspaces with acapacity of up to 228 attendees.Hotels coming soon:Holiday Inn&Suites Budapest Centrale is set toopen in late 2026 at the Puskas Ferenc Stadionfeaturing 170 guest rooms.Kimpton BEM Budapest is opening in September

170、2024 featuring 127 guest rooms in a transformed19th century building offering seven unique meetingspaces including and a 1,575 sq.ft.ballroom.W Budapest-Courtyard?Credit:Marriott Bonvoy)WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-33IRELAND(including Northern Ireland)Filte Ireland is focused on p

171、romoting sustainable practicesin the tourism sector,a commitment that is also shared byMeetinIrelanditsbusinesseventsbrand,whichisdedicatedtohelpingconferenceorganizersadoptsustainablepractices,promote social responsibility andassess the impact of their events through its Impact andLegacy program.Be

172、lfastvoco Belfast,located in central Belfast,is 120-roomhotel is set to open its doors in summer 2024Staybridge Suites Belfast offering 132 rooms isexpected to open its doors towards the end of 2027.CorkCastlemartyr Resort has undergone an extensiverefurbishment to its 108 guest rooms.Its Capel Suit

173、eballroom can accommodate up to 220 guests anddelegates for a gala dinner.DublinDublin has been awarded the 2024 European Capitalof Smart Tourism.This is in recognition of its effortsto implement a more sustainable tourism model.The Dublin Royal Convention Centre opened lastSummer.This venue caters

174、for up to 1,100 delegatesfeaturing almost 22,000 sq.ft.across 20 eventspaces.The adjacent Radisson Blu Royal Hoteloffers233guestroomsandadditional meetingspace.The Leinster,opened in January 2024,is a luxury55-roomhotellocatedontheedge of MerrionSquare.Highlights include a fine-dining restaurant ont

175、he rooftop,and a luxury boutique gym.The ODwyerSuite can hold up to 160 guests.NYX Hotel Dublin is a new hotel aimed at a youngerclientele featuring 175 guest rooms in Portobello.The Killashee Hotel in Kildare reopened last yearwith fully refurbished meeting spaces that can holdup to 600.Set on a 55

176、-acre estate,the propertyfeatures 141 guest rooms with great golf coursesnearby.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-34ITALYOrient Express will introduce Orient Express La Dolce Vitatrain,a slow travel experience along the Italian rails inpartnership with Arsenale Group.MilanThe Palazzo C

177、ordusio Gran Meli,recently opened as arenovation and internal rebuild of the Palazzo Venezia,previously the Milan headquarters of Assicurazioni Generalifor over a century,offers 84 rooms and a rooftop restaurantwith views of the Duomo.The TRIBE Milano Malpensaopenedrecently,offering 240 rooms at Ita

178、lys busiestairport.Future openings include the W Milan-Duomo opening soonwith 204 rooms,a rooftop pool,and a restaurant offeringspectacular views of the Duomo;the The Carlton,Milan,aRocco Forte with 70 refurbished rooms opening in 2025NaplesW Naples will soon open at the historical Piazza delMunicip

179、io square,offering 78 rooms.On the nearby islandof Capri,the Hotel La Palma,formerly known as LocandaPagano,reopened with a reduced capacity of 50 rooms,juststeps from the famous“Piazzetta.In Sorrento theAra MarisSorrento just launched just steps away from Piazza Tasso,featuring 49 guest rooms,each

180、with a private balcony,andmany with panoramic ocean views.RomeHotels recently opened:BulgariHotelRomaonthePiazzaAugustoImperatorefeaturing114roomsandalibrarydedicated to the history of jewelry.InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace with160 rooms and the citys only year-round rooftop bar.Rome EDIT

181、ION features 91 rooms and a garden thatis both a piazza and dining space.Six Senses Rome,a wellness-focused property with96 rooms across 12 different types of rooms.Palazzo Roma is a luxury palace hotel with 39 roomsembellished with original frescoes.Hotels coming soon:Orient Express La Minerva in R

182、ome,which will beOrient Express first hotel,is set to open in 2024.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-35Romeo Roma,a Zaha Hadid-designed,74-room hotelfeaturing a restaurant led by Alain Ducasse and acourtyard with archaeological ruins.Thompson Rome,a 70-room luxury lifestyle hotelbuilt

183、on the site of the former headquarters of theItalian Communist Party.Corinthia Rome,a 60-room hotel built in what waspreviously the Central Bank of Italy.RomeLeonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport?FCO?has a new direct flight to Rio de Janeiro?GIG?.VeniceVenice recently saw the opening of

184、several luxury boutiquehotels,including the Nolinski Venezia,a luxury hotel fromFrench brand EVOK with 43 rooms in a building that waspreviously the citys stock exchange;the palatial 32-roomViolino DOro;and the 45-room avant-garde Venice VeniceHotel.The Langham,Venice,initially set to open in 2023bu

185、t delayed until 2026,is a regeneration of the historicformer Casino Mocenigo building and Murano glass factoryinto a luxury 133-room hotel.Orient Express Palazzo DonGiovannelli is set to open in Venice in 2025.Avani Rio NovoVenice opened in September 2023 offering 144 guestrooms and four small meeti

186、ng rooms.Elsewhere in ItalyFlorence:Hotel Indigo Florence reopened recently with160rooms and 6,458 sq.ft.of meeting space and the AngloAmerican Hotel Florence with 118 rooms and 1,508 sq.ft.ofmeeting space.LakeComo:ThepreviouslyabandonedHotel GrandeBretagne in Bellagio is undergoing a complete conse

187、rvativerestoration and reimagining of the property to become theRitz-Carlton in Bellagio,set to open in 2026 featuring 107rooms across a four-acre estate.Lake Garda:The Grand Hotel at Gardone Riviera is beingrenovated and will reopen as the Grand Hotel Gardone LakeGarda,LXR Hotels&Resorts,in 2026.It

188、 will have 160 roomsand almost 9,000 sq.ft.of meeting space,including amajestic ballroom with an expansive terrace overlooking thelake.Sardinia:The recently reopened Abi dOru Hotel&Spa is a50-room resort hotel that was the first in the region.Meanwhile,Rocco Forte Hotels is opening a two-acreseafron

189、t resort in Porto Cervo in 2025 with 64 rooms andmeeting space.Also on Sardinia,the Mandarin Oriental,Porto Cervo will open in 2026 with 83 rooms overlookingthe Gulf of Pevero and a private beach accessible by a1,148-foot-long trail.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-36Sicily:Kimpton Ho

190、tels will unveil a boutique 59-room hotelat the end of 2025,nestled in the hilltop town of Taorminaon the islands east coast.Trieste:Opening in late 2025 the Hotel Indigo Trieste-Palazzo Kalister is a conversion of a historical palace into a107-roomhotel,complementingtherecentlyopenedGenerali Conven

191、tion Center Trieste,which boasts more than100,000 sq.ft.of meeting space.”Turin:The Turin Convention Bureau?Turismo Torino eProvincia Convention Bureau)offers a financial incentive ofup to 12,000 for new association and corporate eventsconfirmed for the city between 2024 and 2030,and the50-room Hote

192、l Indigo Turin is opening soon.Grand Hotel Gardone Lake Garda?Credit:Hilton Hotels&Resorts)WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-37LUXEMBOURGIn 2023,the Green Business Events project was launchedaimingtofostereco-friendlybusinesseventsinLuxembourg.Event organizers can apply to obtain the G

193、reenBusiness Events logo which certifies that a business eventrespects specific eco-friendly and inclusive criteria.Financial aid up to a maximum of$27,000 is offered in theformofa subsidy program.It is available to privateassociations,public establishments,as well as internationalorganizationsorins

194、titutionsorganizingeventsinLuxembourg.To qualify,events must be held within thecountry and include a minimum of 75 participants,with 75overnight stays booked in Luxembourg hotels.Hotels coming soon:Moxy Hotel Luxembourg Airport at the SkyparkBusiness Center with 130 rooms.GridX in Wickrange will hav

195、e a 140-room hotel at theautomotive-inspired event space.B&B HOTELS is set to open a 150-room hotel inCloche dOr with 150 rooms,and Kaempff-Kohler isexpected to open its boutique hotel in the city center.The Htel des Postes at Hamilius is set to open soonat the site of the central Luxembourg post of

196、ficefeaturing 85 guest rooms.Marriott Hotel Alfa is set to open in the fall of 2024featuring154guestroomsandsuitesand fivemeeting rooms.Luxembourg Airport?LUX?recently opened direct flights toZhengzhou?CGO?and Ljubljana?LJU?.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-38MALTAMaltawill open Malta

197、 International Contemporary ArtSpace?MICAS?,its first contemporary art museum inOctober.The 488-room Dolmen Hotel is being transformed into theDoubletree by Hilton,scheduled to open in April with 16meeting rooms,with the Oracle Conference Centre beingable to accommodate 800.Also opening soon is the

198、Hyatt Centric Malta in the heart ofSt Julians,featuring 160 rooms and 4,300 sq.ft.of flexiblemeeting space.A fivestar hideaway resort on Maltas sister island Gozoopened in March.The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz GozoMalta hotel includes 141 rooms,suites,and apartments,arange of dining venues,and an au

199、thentic Ayurveda Centreoffering a variety of therapies and wellness treatments.Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Gozo Malta?Credit:Kempinski Hotels)WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-39NETHERLANDSThis year,the Netherlands Board of Tourism&Conventionsis continuing its“Bring Yourself”campaign,w

200、hich aims toshowcase that in the Netherlands,you can be yourself andbecomewhoyou want to become.A commitment tosustainability,innovation,and infrastructure are just a fewreasons why this diverse and progressive country is apopular meeting and incentive destination.A new websitesupports this theme,ww

201、w.newdutch.nl,to highlight theDutch drive,vision,and ideas that are indispensable inaccelerating positive change.AmsterdamRAI Amsterdam has become the first convention center inEurope to be equipped with its own private 5G networkwhich promises to be the fastest and most reliable andsecure mobile ne

202、twork currently available.It was used forthe first time from February 5 to 9 during Cisco Live,one ofthe worlds largest IT events.Known as the Overhoeks district,the lively quarter inAmsterdams north will soon be home to the citys largesthotel,the Maritim Amsterdam.Towering 34 stories intoAmsterdams

203、skyline,theiconicbuildingsettoopenmid-year will include 579 hotel rooms and suites,as well asfive different gastronomic establishments within the hotel.Maritim Hotel Amsterdam offers two event halls for up to2,142 people,16 additional rooms for celebrations of allkinds,and seven multifunctional priv

204、ate business offices.Rendering of Maritim Amsterdam(Credit:Maritim Hotels)Opened in August 2023,The Hoxton,Lloyd Amsterdam has136 bedrooms,a cocktail bar,a European brasserie,and anoriginal Dutch windmill for a neighbor.The hotel is theWHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-40Housed in a bu

205、ilding that was originally commissioned bythe Royal Holland Lloyd Shipping Company in 1921.Also opening soon is Rosewood Amsterdam,housed in theformer Palace of Justice and overlooking the Prinsengracht(the Princes Canal)in the UNESCO World Heritage listedAmsterdamCanalDistrict.The property will off

206、er 134guestrooms and suites,three restaurants and bars,a spa,and multiple event spaces and meeting rooms,including a3,000 sq.ft.ballroom.Amsterdam Airport Schiphol?AMS?offers flights to 272destinations globally and KLM restarted direct flights toOsaka?KIX?.Elsewhere in the NetherlandsRotterdam:Inter

207、cityHotelinRotterdam-Schiedamisexpected to open by the end of 2025 directly at the TrafficHub Schiedam featuring 283 guest rooms and a spaciousconference area.Maastricht:The city has launched a study exploring theextenttowhichsustainabilitypracticeshavebeenembraced by local entrepreneurs within the

208、events sectorwith a focus on four of the Sustainable Development Goals?SDGs)which are particularly relevant for the city.The Hoxton,Lloyd Amsterdam(Credit:Ennismore)WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-41POLAND“Know-How,City,Business”is the new brand positioningand communication strategy

209、for the Krakow ConventionBureau?KCB?.KCBpromotesKrakownotonlyasapicturesque city with a rich historical heritage but also as adynamic hub for idea exchange.Wroclaw has released a Green Events guide promotingenvironmentally friendly practices for all those interested increating sustainable events in

210、the city.It includes casestudies featuring many of the citys top venues.Additionally,Krakw and Gdansk are included in the latest GlobalDestination Sustainability Index.Hotels recently opened:Royal Tulip Warsaw Apartments opened in 2023,adding 312 rooms to the capital city.Barcel Warsaw Powile opened

211、 in June 2023 with151 rooms and six meeting rooms with a total of4,090 sq.ft.of meeting space.Hotels coming soon:Mvenpick Wroclaw,previously the Hotel du Nord,isbeing renovated and expanded to feature 180 guestrooms scheduled to open in mid 2024.TRIBE Krakw Stare Miasto will have 168 roomswhen it op

212、ens in 2025.Canopy by Hilton Warsaw is set to open in 2025 with179 guest rooms,an expansive roof terrace boastingviews across the city,and meetings and eventsspaces.Polands capital Warsaw is now directly connected toTashkent?TAS?,and soon also Riyadh?RUH?.Pozna?POZ?now has flights to and from Dubai?

213、DXB?.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-42PORTUGALTurismo de Portugal has launched Portugal Events,anincentive system to financially support certain types ofevents aiming to revitalize local economies,particularly inlow-densityareas,focusingalso on criteria related toeconomic/social/env

214、ironmentalsustainabilityandaccessibility practices.LisbonHotels recently opened:Locke de Santa Joana is a new hotel property thathas transformed a 17th century convent in the centerof Lisbon offering 370 rooms,including 48 suites aswell as small meeting facilities.ConventSquareLisbonisatransformed13

215、thcentury Dominican convent in the heart of Lisbon,now offering 121 rooms.Pestana Rua Augusta Lisbon is a downtown historichotel that is practically built-into one of Lisbons mosticonic monuments offering 89 rooms.Hotels coming soon:ME Lisbon,which will open this year near thehistorical center of Li

216、sbon with 213 rooms,a rooftopbar,and 6,400 sq.ft.of event space.DUO Hotel Lisbon,a 75-room hotel,is opening inJuly.Hampton by Hilton Lisbon Baixa,a 157-room hotel isset to open in 2025.Canopy by Hilton Lisbon Praa Sao Paulo offering84 rooms is coming in 2026.PortoHotels recently opened:Renaissance P

217、orto Lapa Hotel opened recently with163 rooms and 5,850 sq.ft.of meeting space.Thehotel is located in Lapa and offers panoramic viewsof the city skyline.Casa da Companhia is a luxury boutique propertywith 40 rooms.Lince Santa Clara is located north of Porto in Vila doConde.This new hotel has taken o

218、ver the historicMonastery of Santa Clara dating back to 1318.ItWHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-43offers 87 rooms,including 11 suites,a small meetingspace and an exclusive wine cellar.Elsewhere in PortugalAlgarve:Kimpton will have its first property in Portugal withthe Kimpton Algarve

219、 So Rafael Atlntico,expected toopen in 2025 offering 149 guest rooms,more than 14,300sq.ft.of meeting space.Azores Islands:The DoubleTree by Hilton Lagoa Azores isopening soon featuring 101 rooms and 2,260 sq.ft.meetingspace.Madeira:,the Dreams Madeira Resort,Spa&Marina isreopeningsoonwith366refurbi

220、shedrooms,sevenrestaurants and seven bars and a fully-featured spa.Kimpton Algarve So Rafael Atlntico?Credit:InterContinental HotelsGroup)WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-44SPAINBarcelonaBarcelona is hosting the Louis Vuitton 37th Americas Cupfrom August to October.The official Exhibi

221、tion Center ofthe 37th Americas Cup Barcelona 2024 will be a newvenue for events with an auditorium for up to 425 people.The Palau de Congressos de Catalunya was refurbishedand reopened in October 2023.Managed by Meli HotelsInternational,the complex offers two auditoriums,a largeexhibition hall,43 m

222、eeting rooms,and is suitable for groupsof 10 to over 2,000.Hotels recently opened:Torre Meina a Gran Meli is open after undergoing acomprehensiverenovationfeaturing391guestrooms.The former Rey Juan Carlos I Hotel and itsexpansive six-acre gardens have been reimaginedwith direct access to the Palau d

223、e Congressos deCatalunya,thegardensofTorreMelina,andgastronomy.Tembo Barcelona opened on March 1,just steps fromthe CCIB convention center featuring 280 roomsincluding suites,studios,and apartments,all withfully equipped kitchens and private terraces.Grand Hyatt Barcelona,previously the Hotel Sofia,

224、isopen following a renovation and rebrand,offering465 guest rooms,73,000 sq.ft.of event space in 22meeting rooms,including a conference hall seatingmore than 1,200 attendees.Hotels coming soon:SLS Barcelona scheduled to open in 2024willfeature 471 guest rooms,an 8,000-sq.-ft.ballroomand an additiona

225、l eight additional breakout rooms.The hotel will also feature three pools and exclusivebeach access and a full-service spa.MoxyBarcelonaisopeningsoonintheSantsneighborhood,adjacenttothehigh-speedtrainstation,and featuring 414 guest rooms and nineevent rooms.NewconnectionsbetweenBarcelona?BCN?andSanF

226、rancisco?SFO?and Dallas-Fort Worth?DFW?are bridgingthe city closer to U.S.-based travelers.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-45MadridHotels recently opened:Crowne Plaza Madrid Centre Retiro reopened lastyear after a refurbishment and offers 157 guestrooms along with 29,536 sq.ft.of mee

227、ting spaceacross 17 rooms.Hotel Montera Madrid opened in May 2023 in thecity center offering 93 rooms and two restaurants.vocoMadridRetiroopenedinOctober2023,situated less than half-a-mile to the beautiful RetiroPark it offers 197 guest rooms,hybrid meeting rooms,a tapas bar,and the private rooftop.

228、Hotels coming soon:Casa de las Artes,Member of Meli Collection,previously Madrid Atocha,is opening soon located inthe Las Letras district of Madrid,offering 137 guestrooms,a library,a private cinema room,and alandscaped inner courtyard.A direct flight service between Madrid?MAD?and Tokyo?NRT?starts

229、in October.Elsewhere in SpainIbiza:BLESS Hotel Ibiza is a new luxury beachfront hotelthatoffers151rooms,a Michelin-star restaurant,andfabulous views.It also has around 4,500 sq.ft.of meetingspaceacrossthreemeetingroomscomplementedbyoutside event spaces.Mallorca:Palace de Muro,is 184-room resort on M

230、uro Beachset to re-open in 2024 as Destination by Hyatt property.Seville:Thompson Seville is anticipated to open in 2026 as a101-room luxury lifestyle property.Tenerife:AluaSoul Costa Adeje,a 226-room resort in theSouth of Tenerife,is slated to open in the last quarter of 2024following an extensive

231、renovation.The Inclusive Collectionproperty is located on the beaches of the Adeje coast,and isideal for guests seeking a fun-filled getaway.Tivoli La CaletaTenerife Resort reopened in January 2024 following extensiverenovations.It offers 284 rooms including 20 suites in 200,000sq.ft.of subtropical

232、gardens,a large indoor-outdoor spa and9,580 sq.ft.of flexible meeting space.Valencia:Novotel Valencia,formerly the Expo Hotel Valencia,is set to open in late 2024 located in the Turia Garden,between the historic center and the Palacio de Congresos,offering 370 rooms and a large meeting and coworking

233、 area.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-46SWITZERLANDSwitzerland promoted a sustainable way of traveling.Morethan 2000 service providers are committed to theSwisstainable Program including 241 venues and hotelsdirectly related to the meetings industry and 95 groupexperiences.The new In

234、tercityHotel Geneva offers 270 rooms and aconference area in Quartier de ltang is a newly developeddistrict,closetoGeneva Airport.The fully renovatedMandarin Oriental Savoy,Zurich,reopened in Decemberwith 80 rooms and 7,500 sq.ft.of opulent meeting space.Opening soon are the Mama Shelter Zurich,set

235、to open inNovember 2024,the brands first hotel in Switzerland with178 rooms located close to the Messe Zrich exhibitioncenter;and the Revier Hotel,Neuhausen with 140 roomsand meeting space,enjoying direct view of the Rhine Falls,Europes largest waterfall.Bern will have a new Festhalle in 2025 at BER

236、NEXPO whichreplaces the old Festhalle,and will offer 506,000 sq.ft.ofevent space.Rendering of Neue Festhalle at BERNEXPO?Credit:Messepark Bern AG?WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-47TRKIYEHiltonrecentlyannouncedtheextensionof its GreenRamadan initiative,which started in 2023 at six of

237、its hotelsacross Trkiye.This innovative program,a collaboration withWinnow and the United Nations Environment Programme?UNEP?as part of the UNEP West Asia Office Recipe ofChangeSustainableRamadancampaign,seekstosignificantly reduce food waste during Ramadan.Hotels recently opened:The Sanasaryan Han,

238、set in the heart of Istanbulshistorical peninsula and originally constructed in 1895has undergone a major restoration and now includes63 guestrooms,including six suites.The Bo Vue Hotel Bodrum provides three-quarters ofamileofprivatewhitesandybeachand102roomsnearly all with sea views,just a short dr

239、iveaway from the popular town of Yalikavak.Hotels coming soon:Hilton Istanbul Airport,will offer 491 rooms fromearly 2025 at Trkiyes main transport hub with 8,300sq.ft.of meeting space.Les Temps Istanbul Karakoy is planned to open inearly2025inIstanbulshistoricKarakyneighborhood,featuring 93 rooms a

240、nd a rooftop bar.DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Suites IstanbulAltunizade,expected to open in summer 2024 with240 guest rooms and 4,600 sq.ft.of meeting space.Ritus Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet is set to open inIstanbul in the Spring of 2025 featuring 51 guestrooms.Thehotelsuniquestoryandvibrantperson

241、ality will come to life by converting two smalleradjacent hotels across from Sultanahmet Square intoone larger hotelWHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-48UNITEDKINGDOMEnglandVisitBritain has launched a new Impactful Framework tohelp business event professionals maximize the positiveimpac

242、t of meetings and events for delegates,suppliers,andlocal communities.Developed in partnership with non-profitorganization#MEET4IMPACTandGDS?Movement,theImpactful Framework outlines eight capitals around which toframepositiveimpact objectives:Natural,Built,Social,Human,Intellectual,Cultural,Financia

243、l,and Political.It hasbeen developed as part of VisitBritains ongoing work to“Shape the Future of Events,”looking to embed practices forgreater responsibility and inclusivity in event design.Hotels recently opened:The Halyard Liverpool,opened recently in Liverpool,a modern building with 133 guest ro

244、oms.Hotel Indigo Coventry opened in January 2024 andoffers 101 guest rooms in Coventrys city center.Aparthotel Birmingham opened in January 2024 andoffers161apartmentsinacentralBirminghamlocation.Hotels coming soon:TheMunicipalHotelLiverpool,MGallery,aconversion of part of Liverpools Municipal Build

245、ings,which boasts 179 rooms,seven meeting rooms.Treehouse Manchester will soon offer 224 quirkyandfunrooms,followinga$250?millionredevelopment of a former Deansgate hotel.Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly,adjacent toManchesters Piccadilly Train Station is reopeningsoon after a$42 million refurbis

246、hment,offering 338rooms and almost 12,000 sq.ft.of meeting space.LondonLondon&Partners is an active member of the GlasgowDeclaration,aimedatacceleratingclimateaction.Itsupports the Mayor of London with his plans for the capitalto be a net zero carbon,zero pollution city by 2030,as wellas a zero-wast

247、e city by 2050.It is a big year for two of Londons convention venues.Following a$325 million investment ExCeL London is set toWHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-49become the largest integrated conference and exhibitioncenter in Europe expanding by 269,000 sq.ft.to a total of1.3 million

248、sq.ft.This iconic venue is.Olympia London isundergoing a 1.3bn regeneration and will become part of alarger cultural destination,launching in 2025.Hotels recently opened:Raffles London at the OWO(the Old War Officebuilding)with 200 rooms of contemporary eleganceand beauty,uniquely enhanced by their

249、historicalfeatures.1HotelMayfair,aluxuriousandsustainability-conscious 181-room hotel.ThePeninsulaLondonisanewly-builthotelfeaturing 190 rooms and 20,419 sq.ft.of meetingspace between Hyde Park Corner and WellingtonArch.Hotels coming soon:artotel London Hoxton is a hip 357-room opening inApril.Manda

250、rin Oriental Mayfair set on Mayfairs HanoverSquarewith50guestroomsand77privateresidences opening in Spring.Six Senses London is set to open in 2025 with 109guest rooms and suites and 14 branded residences atthe former art deco Whiteleys Department Store with3,500 sq.ft.dedicated to fitness.London He

251、athrow?LHR?connects to over 200 destinationswith new routes including Izmir?ABD?,and Riga?RIX?.ScotlandVisitScotlands Journey to Change program has becomeintegral to CSR programs.It offers the opportunity toincorporatecommunity-basedactivitiesandmeaningfulwaystogivebacktothelocalcommunitythroughvolu

252、nteering,charitypartnerships,andsustainableinitiatives,fostering positive social impact.EdinburghThrough a collaborative effort,the city has introduced theBusiness Events Shaping Tomorrow?BEST?with the aim ofstrengtheningthecitysbusinesseventssectorbyrecognising and enhancing the contributions of ev

253、ents toboth the professional community and society at large.Edinburgh International Conference Centre has introducedevent impact reports which provide an overview of anevents positive and negative impacts,covering carbonfootprint,economic impact,and social contributions,thusenabling clients to set d

254、ata-based targets.Hotels recently opened:W Edinburgh opened last year in the heart of St.James Quarter featuring 244 guest rooms,a rooftopdeck,and a Sound Suite recording studio.Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood Hotel,a rebrand of theHolyrood Hotel,has 160 guest rooms and two smallmeeting rooms for up to

255、100.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-50Gleneagles Townhouse is a new boutique luxuryhotel in Edinburghs Old Town with 33 guest roomsand a rooftop bar.Hotels coming soon:The Hoxton,Edinburgh on Grosvenor Street offers212 guest rooms and an innovative meeting conceptcalled The Apartment

256、,with space for up to 200.100 Princes Street Red Carnations first hotel inScotland which is set to open in the spring will offer30 rooms with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle.Edinburgh?EDI?has new direct connections to Calgary?YYC?starting in May and Halifax?YHZ?starting in June,and a restored se

257、asonal connection with Beijing?PEK?.GlasgowHotels recently opened:TheAddressGlasgowopenedinMarch2024centrally located and offering 95 guest rooms.AC Marriott,Glasgow opened in November 2023next to George Square offering 245 guest rooms.SandmanSignatureGlasgowHotelopenedinNovember 2023 near Glasgows

258、West End with 179guest rooms and two meeting rooms.Hotels coming soon:Soho House Glasgow is opening soon in the formerParish Halls offering 22 exclusive suites.The hotel isbenefiting from the 100 million in funding from theLove Loan urban regeneration project.Elsewhere in ScotlandDornoch Station Hot

259、el opened in September 2023 followinga year of renovations that increased room size and broughtdowntheroom count to 89 from 120.The luxuriousgolf-focused hotel can host 200 guests in its 1616 Ballroom.WalesThe T Newport hotel opens its doors on May 31,2024,offering 146 rooms and is part of the Celti

260、c Collection,theparent company of the iconic Celtic Manor Resort.Thehotel is a short walk from the resort and the adjacentInternationalConventionCentreWales,Walesmainconvention facility,so it is set to provide a welcomeadditional accommodation for events taking place there.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND

261、INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-51ELSEWHEREINEUROPEAzerbaijan:The Mercure Baku City opened recently closeto the Old City?Icheri Sheher),the historic and oldestresidential quarter of Baku with 140 rooms,an on-site Fuegorestaurant,and versatile meeting rooms.Croatia:The Isolano is opening in June 2024 as a bout

262、iquehotel nestled amidst the serene beauty of the island of Cresfeaturing 49 guest rooms and suites and a large spa.KeightHotel Opatija is opening this July in Opatija with 54 guestrooms and a rooftop sundeck with a swimming pool and bar.Opatija Marriott Hotel to open soon with 187 guest roomsand 7

263、villas,and 5,000 sq.ft.of meeting space.HyattRegency Zadar Maraska is opening soon in Zadar with 133guest rooms,a spa and meeting space.Pullman ZagrebHotel is set to open later in 2024 in Zagreb featuring 193guest rooms and meeting space.Hotel Marjan in Split isexpected to open in early 2026 with 28

264、5 guest rooms,twolarge restaurants and meeting space for 500.AutographCollection is set to unveil a new property in Komia on theisland of Vis in 2026 featuring 133 guest rooms and 28residences.Finland:Finland was once again revealed as the happiestcountry in the world,according to the annual United

265、NationsWorld Happiness Report.The country has held the top spotsince 2018.The newly opened NH Collection Grand Hansais a luxury hotel with 224 rooms.The hotel is located withintwo historic buildings that link to Helsinkis past.The HotelMaria opened in December 2023 offering 117 rooms and 38suites an

266、d a spa with a separate fitness center just stepsaway from Helsinkis historic Kruununhaka district.GardenHelsinki,anewurbandevelopmentprojectwithtwoScandichotels,the232-roomScandic Gohoteland227-room Scandic hotel.Radisson RED Helsinki opened inOctober 2023 in a modernist new building,featuring 195g

267、uest rooms and suites across the buildings eight floors.Georgia:Paragraph Freedom Square,a Luxury CollectionHotel,Tbilisi opened in November 2023 at one of Tbilisismost iconic addresses.The newly-built hotel offers 220guest rooms and suites,and 15,000 sq.ft.of meeting spaceincluding two ballrooms ac

268、commodating up to 700 guests.Swisstel Tbilisi opened in March 2024 is located close tothe renowned Rustaveli Avenue featuring 130 rooms and thebrands signature Provel Spa&Sport spa.A Mercure hotelis set to open in 2026 in Batumi featuring 308 rooms,threewellness-inspired restaurants,a spa center and

269、 conferencespace.Radisson RED Tbilisi opened in August 2023 housedin a 100-year-old former post office building on DavitWHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-52Agmashenebeli Avenue offering 111 guest rooms and threemeeting rooms.Swisstel Tbilisi?Credit:Accor)Monaco:To help event planners a

270、dopt a more sustainableapproach,the Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority hasproduced an online guide titled“The Sustainable EventManagers Guide,”available in French and English.Theguide helps event professionals identify which aspects ofevents are responsible for the highest greenhouse gasemissio

271、ns and find solutions to limit an events footprint.Norway:Moxy Troms opened in September 2023 in thearcticcityofTroms,famedforitsbeautifulwinterlandscapes and mesmerizing Northern Light displays.Itfeatures 208 guest rooms and the Sky Bar Moxy on the11th-floor rooftop terrace.Romania:Kempinski Poiana

272、 Brasov is set to be a chic skiresort in Romanias Carpathian Mountains.The opening datehas not been revealed,but it will have 120 rooms and suites,extensive spa and wellness facilities,three dining outletsand a conference center and events space.Slovenia:The Occidental Ljubljana opened in September2

273、023 by the Barcel Hotel Group adding 148 guest roomsandthreemeetingroomsto the center of Ljubljana.Ljubljana Airport?LJU?has new flights to Amsterdam?AMS?,Copenhagen?CPH?andHelsinki?HEL?.TheDispersed Hotel Jeruzalem,innovative concept providestourists with the opportunity to stay in 14 different hou

274、ses,rooms,or cottages scattered across Jeruzalem,Slovenia.Sweden:Villa Dahlia is launching in September 2024 inStockholm as the sister property to Villa Dagmar and HotelDiplomat.The 103-room hotel is located in the heart of thecity and places a huge focus on sustainability with thebuilding itself be

275、ing BREEAM certified.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-53WHATSNEWINNORTHAMERICAWHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-54CANADAThe newly announced International Convention AttractionFund will provide financial commitments for bids on majorinternationalconventions.Overthenextthr

276、eeyears,Canadian cities that are making bids on conventions fromthe U.S.and elsewhere can tap into a new$36.75 millionfundtoenhancetheirdestinationsappealtoeventdecision-makers.This fund is a major part of an overall$50million investment from the 2023 Canadian Federal Budgetand is a key priority of

277、the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy?FTGS?.DestinationCanada,inconjunctionwithitsCanadianBusiness Events Sustainability Plan,has commissioned anew legacy&impact study that will evaluate the economic,social and environmental impacts of up to 16 conferencesheld in Canada between 2018 and 2024.MontralTh

278、e Palais des congrs de Montral and Indigenous TourismQubecrecentlyunveiledQUBECAUTOCHTONE?Indigenous Qubec),an engaging networking space todiscoverQubecs11IndigenousNations.InspiredbyIndigenous Tourism Qubecs theme,“All memorable storiesstart with an encounter,”QUBEC AUTOCHTONE capturesthePalaisdesc

279、ongrsdesiretotransformtheconvention-goers visit into a moment of sharing.The provincial government of Quebec has launched its ownfund,“Fondspourstimulerletourismedaffairesinternational?FSTAI?”,to support business events takingplace in the province.A maximum subsidy of$100 perparticipant is available

280、 with up to$200,000 potentially onoffer per event.Events taking place outside Montral andQuebec City have access to extra funding.Hotels recently opened:Hyatt Centric Montreal in old Montral featuring 177guest rooms.CourtyardMontralMidtown/ResidenceInnMontreal Midtown a dual branded hotel with 274ro

281、oms.Warwick Le Crystal Montreal sits centrally in theGolden Square Mile with 131 rooms and 7,345 sq.ft.of event space.Hotels coming soon:WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-55Casino de Montral Hotel,opening in 2025,is a$150-million luxury hotel project on the iconic ParcJean-Drapeau site

282、 featuring 200 rooms that will haveoutstanding views of the Formula 1 track duringGrand Prix.Royalmount Hotel will be the hospitality hub of theupcoming Royalmount,set to open in 2026 in thetownofMountRoyal.This1.8acre,$7-billion,carbon-neutral real estate project will feature an18,000 sq.ft.event g

283、arden and theater adjacent toan 8,000 sq.ft.covered pavilion.StarCit Hotel is set to open at the Olympic Stadiumin 2027.This hotel complex will offer 200 guestrooms,event space to welcome 1,000 people and areinvention of the StarCit cinema.AnewdirectflightbetweenMontral?YUL?andCopenhagen?CPH?opened

284、recently.TorontoEncouraging more sustainability in the events,meetings,and conference sector is crucial,and Toronto aims to set thestandard.Hotels recently opened:W Toronto is an art-inspired“urban oasis”in theneighborhood of Yorkville featuring 254 guest rooms-including 30 suites and a W Sound Suit

285、e,thebrands signature recording studio experience.Hotels coming soon:Nobu Hotel Toronto will be situated 45-stories abovethehistoricPilkingtonGlassFactorywithtwodramatic residential towers housing 660 units withthehotellocatedatopthe west tower offeringdazzling,panoramic views of Lake Ontario and th

286、ecity skyline.The 36-suite urban resort features aprivatehotellounge,wellnessfacilitywithstate-of-the-art fitness equipment,and the highlyanticipated 15,000 sq.ft.two-level Nobu restaurantwith separate bar&lounge,two private dining rooms,sushi bar and outdoor terrace.A summer flight service between

287、Toronto?YYZ?and Osaka?KIX?starts in June 2024.Elsewhere in CanadaBanff:Moxy Banff is opening soon offering 109 rooms at thesite of The Voyageur Inn.Calgary:Calgarys BMO Centre is expanding and will beWesternCanadaslargestconventionspaceafteritsopening on June 5.The 565,000 sq.-ft.expansion to thecur

288、rentfacilitywillfeature38meetingrooms,twoworld-classballrooms,meetingspacewithaprivate11,000-sq.ft.balcony,and Canadas largest indoor fireplace,and over one million sq.ft.of exhibition space.CalgaryInternational Airport?YYC?has a new direct seasonalconnection to Seoul?ICN?starting in May 2024.WHATS

289、NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-56Rendering of the BMO Centre expansion?Credit:Calgary Stampede)Edmonton:Explore Edmonton helps planners contribute tothe social and environmental benefit of the local communitybyprovidingmanywaystogivebackthroughitsResponsible Events Program.It has also par

290、tnered withOstromClimate,aproviderofcarbonmanagementsolutions,tomeasureandoffsetyoureventscarbonfootprint through a Carbon Neutral Events program.Halifax:Moxy Halifax Downtown opened in February 2024with 160 guest rooms and 1,520 sq.ft.of meeting space.Westjet is connecting Halifax?YHZ?to Dublin?DUB

291、?duringthe summer season starting in June 2024.Ottawa:Moxy Ottawa will be a 222-room hotel located indowntown Ottawas Byward Market.Air France is making itsOttawa?YOW?to Paris?CDG?flight a year-round service.St.Johns:Westjet is connecting St.Johns?YYT?toLondon?LGW?during the summer season starting i

292、n May2024.Vancouver:AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel,part of theLeading Hotels of the World?LHW?portfolio,opened inSeptember2023.Itislocatedin the downtown corefeaturing104artdeco-inspiredroomsandarooftoprestaurant.Vancouver International Airport?YVR?has newdirect flights to Dubai?DXB?,Singapore?SIN?and

293、 Charlotte?CLT?during the summer from this June onward.Victoria:Hyatt Centric Victoria Old Town is set to open in2026 centrally located in Old Town Victoria and offering 135rooms.Winnipeg:Hyatt Centric Winnipeg Downtownis set to openin 2025in the heart of downtown Winnipeg,offering 140guest rooms an

294、d approximately 1,200 sq.ft.of meetingspace.Winnipeg Richardson International Airport?YWG?will have direct flights to Chicago?ORD?and Denver?DEN?for the summer season starting in May 2024.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-57MEXICOTren Maya began operations in December 2023 and is setto

295、changemobilityoftravelersinMexicosYucatnPeninsula.It currently operates from Cancn to Campeche,300 miles to the West and when fully operational it willfeature34stopsacrossthestatesof Quintana Roo,Yucatn,Campeche,Tabasco,and Chiapas.While the trainhas raised some controversy it is undoubtedly a gamec

296、hanger.Baja CaliforniaKimpton Mas Olas in Baja California,Mexico,is anadult-only hotel that boasts 103 tranquil guest rooms,including22oceanfrontvillasandpenthouses,spreadacross27buildings,a25,000-sq.ft.destination spa.Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos,and adults-onlycoastal property featuring 79 suite

297、s,many boastingprivate terraces and plunge pools,and several onsiteall-inclusive culinary options offer bothcasual andfine dining restaurants,tequila and mezcal tastings,and a sophisticated mixology program.GrandHyattLosCabosissituatedwithintheOLEADAPacificLiving&Golfprivateresortcommunityfeaturing1

298、,200acresofluxury,a300-room hotel,a 18-hole golf course and multiplerestaurants and bars is set to open in 2026.JaliscoHotel Indigo Guadalajara Expo,a hotel originally builtfor the 1970 World Cup,reopened in August 2023.Located in Guadalajaras historic district,Chapalita,itoffers 162 rooms.Breathles

299、s Puerto Vallarta Resort&Spais set toopen in 2025 as part of the Inclusive Collection.Theadults-only resort will feature impressive amenities,including four swimming pools,a scenic rooftop withpicturesque views,and a variety of culinary optionscomprising seven la carte gourmet restaurants,twocafs an

300、d two snack areas.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-58Mexico CityGrand Hyatt Mexico Santa Fe is a 287-room hotel withmore than 10,000 sq.ft.of meeting and event spaceand will be an integral part of the mixed-use projectDistrito Santa Fe,slated to open in 2025.NayaritPendry Punta Mita i

301、s set to open in 2026 perched on alush,30-acre landscape steps from one of the best surfbreaks in Riviera Nayarit.It will feature 115 guest rooms,six signature dining concepts,a spa and 30 privateresidences.Montage Punta Mita will feature 140 guest rooms,asports center offering pickleball,tennis and

302、 a varietyof outdoor activities,as well as flexible meeting andevent spaces situated among 63-acres,all set toopen in 2026.Quintana RooThe Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai opened recentlysituated within a 620-acre nature reserve with twomiles of white-sand beachfront.The property wasdesignedwithaminima

303、lconstructionandenvironmental footprint to protect and preserve thearea.There are 182 guest rooms,including 30 suites,with numerous rooms featuring plunge pools andterracesandaballroomnestledamidstthemangroves,that can accommodate up to 450.Hyatt Vivid Grand Island is a 400-suite adults-onlyall-suit

304、e resort resort in Cancun situated between theNichupt Lagoon and the Caribbean Ocean.Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres,now open,is a507-room,adults-only resort.Its a short ferry ride tothe nearby island of Isla Mujeres or Isla ContoyNationalPark,oneofMexicos protected parks,offering one of the most

305、 enchanting experiences inthe Mexico Caribbean,including reef snorkelingSecrets Tulum Resort&Beach Club,a 301-suiteadults-onlyresortissituatedintheheartofdowntown Tulum.HiltonCancunMarCaribe All-Inclusive Resortreopened recently with 540 rooms in the heart ofCancuns vibrant Hotel Zone,nestled along

306、600 feetof private pristine beachfront.Park Hyatt Cancun,a beachfront resort access,morethan3,000sq.ft.ofmeetingspace including a2,000-sq.ft.ballroom is set to open in 2025.Tulum now has its own airport.The Felipe Carrillo PuertoInternational Airport?TQO?is open,with the number ofdomestic flights an

307、d international routes growing rapidly.The current schedule includes flights to New York?JFK?&?EWD?,Chicago?ORD?,Charlotte?CLT?,Atlanta?ATL?,Miami?MIA?,Dallas?DFW?,Houston?IAH?andLosAngeles?LAX?in the U.S.,Toronto?YYZ?and Montral?YUL?in Canada starting in May and Panama City?PTY?starting in June.Fra

308、nkfurt?FRA?will have a direct seasonalconnection starting in December 2024.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-59SinaloaDreams Estrella del Mar Mazatln Golf&Spa Resortjust opened in the seaside destination of Mazatlnfeaturing 358 suites and 11,386 sq.ft.of meetingspace,spread over nine r

309、ooms,the largest being8,202 sq.ft.The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai?Credit:Marriott International)WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-60THECARIBBEANAruba:The St.Regis Aruba is opening soon with 220luxurious guest rooms,top-class dining,spa and pool.TheIberostar Grand Aruba will open in O

310、ctober 2024 with 240suitesonEagleBeachfeaturingarooftopbar,threerestaurants and a spa.Embassy Suites by Hilton ArubaResort opened recently featuring 330 suites and almost4,000 sq.ft.of meeting space.Guests enjoy direct accessto beach palapas via a private tunnel.Bahamas:British Colonial Hilton Nassa

311、u,located in thehistoric Old Fort of Nassau,has reopened following a$50million refurbishment and offers 288 guest rooms and18,000 sq.ft.of indoor and outdoor meeting space forgroups of up to 800 guests.Barbados:Pendry Barbados is set to debut in 2026 in St.Peter,on the countrys coveted west coast fe

312、aturing 74newly designed beachfront guest rooms,a private marina,multiple signature dining concepts,all alongside the debutof Pendry Residences Barbados.Curaao:The Rif at Mangrove Beach Corendon CuraaoAll-Inclusiveopened in December 2023 featuring 385rooms,including some swim-up rooms,and is connect

313、ed totheadjacentMangroveBeachCorendonCuracaoAll-Inclusive Resort.Dominican Republic:SantoDomingoMarriott Hotel Piantini recentlyopened in the center of Santo Domingo,207 guestrooms and suites with city skyline views.The hotelhouses the citys largest ballroom with nearly 10,000sq.ft.of flexible meeti

314、ng space as well as fivebreakout rooms.InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort&Spa isopeningsoonlocatedalongDouglasBay.Aconversion and revamp of a Kempinski resort,it willopen with 151 guest rooms as well as four pools,aspa,a fitness center and 8,500 sq.ft.of indoor andoutdoor meeting space.The St.

315、Regis Cap Cana Resort&Residences isopening soon offering 200 guest rooms and suiteswith ocean views,the iconic St.Regis Butler Service,and a world-class golf course designed by JackNicklaus.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-61Kimpton Las Mercedes is opening in July 2024.It isset within

316、 a 16th century structure and will feature130 guest rooms,including eight expansive rooftopsuites,and three meeting rooms that can hold up to300 people.Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort is a brand-new502-room all-inclusive resort located on a half-milestretch of pristine beachfront in Dominican Repub

317、lic,expected to open later this year.W Punta Cana,All-Inclusive is set to open in 2025 inUvero Alto.This all-inclusive,adults-only propertywillfeature349guestrooms(includingmultiplesuites)with balconies and private plunge pools.Thehotelplansto offer adult-oriented programming,including a spa with 11

318、 treatment rooms,a retail area,three pools with pool bars,and 11 F&B outlets.Grenada:Six Senses La Sagesse is opening soon betweenthe ocean and a protected cove on the southern part of theisland,known for its spice and relaxed lifestyle.56 two-levelpool suites and 15 villas extend across 38 acres th

319、atincludes Earth Lab,a center for engagement and innovation,where guests can learn about the natural world first hand.Sint Marteen:JW Marriott St.Maarten Beach Resort&Spaopened recently on Dawn Beach in St.Maarten on the siteof the former Westin Dawn Beach,heavily damaged by2017s Hurricane Irma.It o

320、ffers 200 guest rooms and 30,000sq.ft.of indoor and outdoor event space,along with fivedining options.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-62U.S.Austin,TXThe Austin Convention Center will begin its$1.6 billionexpansion and redevelopment project in 2025 with thelarger,more efficient facili

321、ty scheduled to open in 2029 withthe total meeting space available set to nearly double fromthe current 376,000 sq.ft.Hotels recently opened:citizenMAustinDowntownisanew17-story,344-room property thats less than a mile from theAustin Convention Center,opened in January 2024.Cambria Hotel Austin Down

322、town opened in October2023 in the Rainey Street entertainment district,within walking distance to the Austin ConventionCenter featuring 212 guest rooms and 6,000 sq.ft.offlexible meeting space in six rooms.EVENHotelAustinUptownNearTheDomainopened recently with 129 rooms with a focus onfitness and we

323、llness.Wellness-savvy staff that offersbest-in-classfitnessexperiences,healthierfoodchoices and relaxing spaces.Hotels opening soon:Green Pastures Hotel will be a 63-room boutiquehotel being built on 5.6 acres just south of thepopular Matties at Green Pastures restaurant andevent venue historic farm

324、house property,which isrecognized as a city,state and national landmark.The three-story hotel will feature event space and aswimming pool1 Hotel Austin will offer 251 guest rooms in themixed-usedevelopment,whichalsowillincludeoffice space and apartments at what is set to beAustins tallest building,s

325、et to open in 2026.Chicago,ILHotels recently opened:The St.Regis Chicago opened in May 2023 featuring159 luxurious guest rooms and 33 exquisite suitesacross 11 floors of a new 101-story tower.The hotelhas 11,533 sq.ft.of event space including the4,721-sq.ft.Astor Ballroom.Hotels opening soon:AnewRes

326、idence Inn Chicago Downtown/RiverNorth is set to open April 30 in the River NorthWHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-63building,in Chicago,Illinois,previously occupied bythe Conrad Hotel.The 289-room hotel will featuretwo restaurants and a rooftop bar.Hyatt Regency Chicago,an upscale hot

327、el in theheart of the city,is unveiling a$102 million renovationsoon that encompasses its 2,032 guest rooms andsuites along with the Regency and Crystal Ballrooms.L7 HOTEL by South Koreas Lotte Hotels and ResortsisopeninginApril2024indowntown Chicagofeaturing191guest rooms(including 22 suites),uniqu

328、e wellness-focused amenities,and a curatedcontemporary art program.Dallas,TXVisit Dallas has a new unified destination brand,which in itssimplest form is a maverick,can-do spirit based on itspowerful energy,pride,welcoming personality,and attitude.The city will host nine games of the FIFA World Cup

329、2026,the most of any host city,including one semi-final.The citys main convention facility,the Kay Bailey HutchisonConvention Center,will expand and relaunch in 2029 with800,000 sq.ft.of exhibit space,430,000 sq.ft.of breakoutspace,and a 105,000 sq.ft.ballroom.Hotels recently opened:Loews Arlington

330、Hotel and Convention Center a888-room in nearby Arlington,which has 200,000 sq,ft.of indoor meeting space and 66,000 sq.ft.ofoutdoor meeting space.JW Marriott Dallas Arts District featuring 267 roomsand 20,000 sq.ft.of meeting space.Hotel Swexan which blends Swiss hospitality withTexan charm in 134

331、rooms and 12,000 sq.ft.ofmeeting space.Hotels coming soon:Intercontinental Dallas soon to offer 220 guestrooms and 21,000 sq.ft.of meeting and event spaceThe Knox,Auberge Resorts to provide140 hotelrooms and suites,as well as 48 private residences,along with expansive event spaces,a vibrant outdoorp

332、ool bar,fitness center,spa and movement studioFour Seasons Turtle Creek with 240 hotel rooms,upto 118 residences.Dallas is served by two airports,the largest of which is theDallas Fort Worth International Airport?DFW?,recentlynamed the best large airport in North America.The airport isbuilding a new

333、 terminal for$1.63 billion,adding 15 additionalgates.Newroutesinclude Barcelona?BCN?,Brisbane?BNE?,Rio de Janeiro?GIG?and Veracruz?VER?.WHATS NEW IN MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL 2024-64Fort Lauderdale,FLVisit Lauderdales award-winning“Everyone Under theSun”campaign is transforming to“Come Be You.”The newcampaign emphasizes the values of inclusion,diversity,andpersonal freedom.Greater Fort Lauderd