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Barcelona, the top-3 ‘MICE’ tourism destination of the world

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Corporative tourism —also known as ‘MICE’ tourism mobilized around 18,000 million euros in 2016 in Spain. According to the Spanish Convention Bureau, the number of events, conventions and meetings in Spain has increased by 16%, while the MICE sector worldwide will grow by more than 5% in the next years. The country ranks 13th worldwide in a market led by China and the US, but Barcelona and Madrid are in the Top 10 of the favorite European cities to organize congresses and events.

What is MICE tourism?

The acronym MICE stands for meetings, incentives, conferencing & exhibitions. It is a niche area of tourism that is focused around the planning and booking of groups for large events, conferences or seminar. A top class MICE event organised to showcase your products, build new client relationships, host a company event or to reward your employees for their hard work is an investment and usually it’s one to remember.

The players in the MICE field include corporate meeting planners, meetings and convention departments of hotels, conference centers or cruise ships, food and beverage managers, logistics firms, private tour operators and transfer companies, incentive houses, professional trade organizations, tourism boards, tourism trade associations, and travel-selling professionals. Destinations often market themselves as MICE locations and bid for events through their convention and visitor bureaus. They might be able to offer subsidies to attract large events because of the increased revenue the visitors provide through their economic impact on the host location.

Barcelona, ​​the best city in Spain to celebrate events and conferences

The good position of Barcelona as a destination of congresses and meetings is increasingly more evident and, recently, the Catalan capital has been placed in third position in the prestigious world ranking drawn up by the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) to establish which are the most relevant cities and states in MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), and it is placed ahead of other very important destinations in the sector such as Vienna or London. The Catalan city was hot on the heels of the first two in the ranking —Berlin and Paris — and acts as a pole of attraction to boost the organisation of events all over Catalonia.

The offering to organize events and congresses in the city is wide thanks to the presence of companies such as Eventos Barcelona, an event management agency in Barcelona specializing in artistic and technical production of events for companies, meetings, incentive travels, conventions or gala dinners.

During 2017, Barcelona hosted 2,134 congresses and conventions —10.5% more than in 2016. More than 675,000 delegates participated in these events, and their economic impact in the city is estimated at 1,850€. Throughout 2017, Barcelona obtained the best results since it entered in the MICE tourism industry, increasing its benefits 21% more than the previous year, as reported by the Turisme de Barcelona consortium. The last six months were a little weaker due to the effects of the attack of August 17th and the independence mobilizations of October 1st, but thanks to the entrance of the summer season the city has returned againt to the highest level.

‘Bleisure’and gastronomy, the key to success in MICE tourism

‘Bleisure’ is the buzzword in corporate tourism. Its name mixes the B of business with the word pleasure —that is, combining business trips with pleasure tourism. Therefore, many events are organized in local destinations and non-conventional spaces. The salons and conventional spaces lose importance against of unusual spaces, which are also more profitable because visitors can enjoy a wider leisure offer (such as spas, cursos de coctelería, showcookings) and team building activities, combining both work and fun in an entertaining and relevant way.

Nowadays, congresses and events want to offer a more friendly, funnier face than the pompous and rigid meetings of yesteryear. The idea is to personalize the experience of a congress with the emotional connection of each assistant thanks to the flexible and dynamic spaces. This emotional connection is achieved by taking care of the details, which is valued above all in the younger generations. Interactive and collaborative activities, non-traditional speakers and sessions with a spirit of commitment rather than instructive are the booming formats.

Gastronomy is another distinguishing factor for MICE events’ success. The youngest attendants to these events –mostly workers under 40 appreciate that the culinary proposals of the events include healthy alternatives, fresh food, fruits and foods that provide energy, instead of unnecessary huge meals full of empty calories. Also, mixing the gastronomic experiences and technology is very helpful. Incorporating innovative cuisine techniques and exotic foods with creative, very ‘instagramable’ preparations, are all a synonym of success. Once again, new technologies provide another guideline on how to succeed in these events.

Student @ Advanced Digital Sciences Center, Singapore. Travelled to 30+ countries, passion for basketball.

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Discover the finest tours across Morocco: an adventure oasis

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Morocco is a North African country renowned for its contrasts and many wonders. Its territory stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Moreover, it boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years and a culture that intertwines Berber people, Arab heritage, and French influence. 

If you’re in search of Morocco desert tours that allow you to explore and experience unforgettable adventures in the country, the options are as diverse as its landscapes. You can immerse yourself in the impressive urban landscape of Fez, savour the exquisite cuisine of Marrakech, relax on the coasts of Essaouira, and, of course, journey through the Sahara Desert via various tours, which will also invite you to explore numerous cities and towns of Morocco, and indulge in unique activities. If you’re keen to discover more about the desert tours that Morocco has to offer, this article will introduce you to some of the finest.

Tours from Marrakech to the desert

From the vibrant city of Marrakech, you can find numerous tours departing towards the desert, promising to offer you a unique and unforgettable experience. One of the most popular Marrakech desert tours is the trip to the Zagora desert, which over two days allows you to explore the High Atlas. 

Here, you can admire landscapes of breathtaking beauty and visit Berber villages that reflect their culture and origins to the teeth. Upon arriving in Zagora, you’ll have the opportunity to ride camels at sunset, followed by a cosy night under the stars in a traditional camp. 

If you’re seeking an even deeper and comprehensive experience, you can also undertake three-day tours from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, which give you the chance to explore the popular Erg Chebbi dunes, as well as including visits to historic kasbahs, fertile valleys, and allowing you to observe the interesting local life in the oases.

Camel Trekking in Merzouga

Merzouga is also the perfect starting point for a Camel trekking Morocco, thanks to its spectacular sand dunes. Through this activity, you can experience nomadic life, trekking through the Erg Chebbi dunes, known to be the highest in Morocco. 

At the same time, you can opt for a one-night camel excursion, where you’ll enjoy the sunset in the desert, a traditional dinner around a campfire, and a night in a Berber tent. Then, upon awakening, you’ll witness the tranquillity and beauty that can only be offered by the sunrise in the desert. 

For those more adventurous individuals, there are also options for multi-day trekking, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit numerous nomadic communities and explore the unique geography of the desert. Ultimately, camel trekking tours are an ideal way to immerse yourself in the beauty and simplicity of the Sahara Desert.

Tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert

Fez, the impressive imperial city steeped in history and culture, is another starting point for embarking on a Sahara desert tour. It’s a typical two-day tour that takes you from the antiquity of Fez through the Middle Atlas mountains to the entrance of the desert

Along the way, you can see cedar forests with wild monkeys and the dazzling Ziz Valley. Then, once you’ve reached Merzouga, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a camel ride to the desert camp, where you’ll spend the night. 

On the other hand, tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert also often offer the possibility of visiting local villages and markets, providing you with an authentic insight into desert life. Finally, you’ll have the unforgettable experience of sleeping surrounded by the immensity of the dunes and under the stars of the desert sky.

Whether it’s exploring ancient Berber villages, trekking across towering sand dunes, or experiencing the tranquillity of a desert night under the stars, these tours promise an adventure like no other. Book your Moroccan adventure today and create memories to last a lifetime.

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Discovering Valencia and the Valencian Community: an unforgettable holiday experience

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Valencia, with its Mediterranean charm and a rich history seamlessly intertwined with modernity, stands out as a unique tourist destination in the Valencian Community and one of the main attractions on the entire Iberian Peninsula. Explore everything you can do in this wonderful region, where magic, natural beauty, and culture offer a wide range of options for enjoyment.

Spain is one of the most tourist-oriented countries in the world. Its extraordinary natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, excellent tourist services, and a wide range of entertainment options make it one of the most visited destinations in the European continent. Among the regions and cities that contribute to Spain’s international tourist significance, Valencia, and the entire Valencian Community undoubtedly take the top positions, always preferred by both national and international visitors.

Transport: Essential for your adventure

The first thing to organise before travelling to Valencia is the transportation within the city. Fortunately, there are excellent options to meet all types of needs, preferences, and budgets. A good idea is to use Uber Valencia services, with a broad network of vehicles available from any part of the city, at any time, without restrictions and at quite reasonable prices. It is an efficient, practical, and modern means of transportation accessible through their corresponding mobile application. Who doesn’t know about this extraordinary transportation service in these times?

However, if you enjoy immersing yourself in the daily lives of the city’s residents, you can purchase Valencia bus tickets and explore the city using this comfortable and cheap form of transportation.

The Municipal Transport Company (EMT) Valencia is responsible for providing public transportation services in the city, with high-quality buses perfectly equipped to ensure maximum comfort. Their routes cover not only Valencia but also reach nearby towns such as Alboraya, Alfara del Patriarca, Sueca, Burjassot, Tavernes Blanques, Moncada, Vinalesa, and Sedaví.

Drinking water from the taps

An interesting and significant feature is that Valencia tap water is entirely suitable for human consumption; in other words, it can be consumed directly from the tap without any sanitary risks. Tap water in Valencia undergoes strict quality controls to ensure its potability. Competent authorities constantly supervise the water supply to ensure compliance with the highest standards set by the European Union. Controls include periodic tests to determine the presence of possible contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, harmful residues, and heavy metals. Being in Valencia, you can be confident that tap water is well treated and will not pose any problems.

Shopping: Exploring the best stores

In addition to its fascinating beaches, beautiful tourist sites, modern architecture, historic centres, stunning landscapes, nature, gastronomy, festivals, traditions, and exciting nightlife, Valencia shopping tours are another interesting attraction to explore in this wonderful city.

The majority of shops and shopping centres throughout the Valencian Community are open every day, including Sundays and holidays, ensuring that you can shop whenever your heart desires. Shopping is a relaxing activity that also provides the opportunity to find items and products that may not be available in your hometown.

Valencia boasts stores of the finest trendy brands, modern shopping centres, and complementary services, making any shopping spree an unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, Valencia and the Valencian Community offer a truly enchanting experience, seamlessly blending the allure of its Mediterranean charm with a rich historical tapestry and modern vibrancy. From efficient transportation options like Uber Valencia to the exploration of the city’s daily life through bus rides, the journey is as convenient as it is immersive. Moreover, the assurance of safe tap water underscores the city’s commitment to quality living. In addition, the vibrant shopping scene, coupled with Valencia’s myriad attractions, ensures that every visit becomes an unforgettable adventure. So, embark on this unique odyssey, where history, culture, and contemporary life converge to create memories that linger long after you’ve bid farewell to this captivating corner of Spain, you won’t regret it. 

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Cheapest place to buy a house abroad

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Buying a house or making investments in development projects was always a great way to access a better life. This can be seen in foreign lands, where families and investors find great opportunities to live or invest —and profit of—. The dominican republic real estate is one of the best ways to do so.

Buying property oversea

Nowadays, many people find that the best way to invest in the real estate business is to look oversea; there are incredible countries and opportunities to get our money’s worth. Between the best places, we can mention the Caribbean shore and, in Europe, the Spanish peninsula —between many others—. These places are beautiful and the respective real estate markets are strong.

Nevertheless, the people who have most success in this area recommend getting a great assessor in property law & investment from the country in which we want to make our investment. The cost of doing so is marginal, but it can help us to avoid any inconvenient or delay in the process.

Which are the best options to buy abroad?

Spain

According to the specialists, Spain can be one of the most attractive places to live and invest. There, the opportunities are bigger and more lucrative, as this country contains some of the most exclusive cultural and historical sites in the world, and is one of the most selected destinations because of his great landscapes and beaches.

The real estate law is especially hard, and requires the listing of a professional that can resolve the different aspects of the purchase. Even more, if we want to invest in an urban project, they bring comfort and security to the process —they are guaranties of the success of our investment—.

Even though the spain real estate business can be complex and overwhelming for someone who doesn’t know the law —many taxes must be pay and there’s an abundance of documentation that must be presented to avoid any inconvenient—, it remains one of the best options to buy abroad.

The Caribbean shores and Dominican Republic

Across the Atlantic, one of the most lucrative and safer investments out there remain in the Caribbean shores; in the Dominican Republic real estate business. If we want to buy a house to live in or if we want to put our savings in a safe and profitable financial instrument, there’s no better place.

Effectively, this country is much cheaper than Spain. This is one of the most important reasons why so many people choose to live there. In the Caribbean, we can find many affordable properties and developments of ever-growing performance in a market of great demand.

There, we can find many properties close to the most incredible shores in the whole continent; even more, the prospect of growth in this market, over the years, will give us a profit over our investment that can’t be match.

Many specialists recommend investing in the Dominican Republic real estate. Then also indicate the benefits of hiring a property law advisor that can provide knowledge and experience in the matter. The cost of doing so is relatively low, and it betters our chances to buy a cheap house abroad.

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