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ECB Newsletter December 2011 |
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Two Major Attractions to Open in 2012 |
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Next year Tallinn will see the opening of two exciting, new institutions that will not only add to the list of worthy places for visitors to Estonia's capital go, but will serve as unique meeting venues as well.
The famous Tallinn TV Tower, originally inaugurated in 1980, will open its doors in April after an extensive renovation. In addition to breathtaking views of the city and the Baltic Sea, its observation deck at the 175-metre level will present interactive exhibitions on Estonia's claims to world fame, sci-fi-inspired interiors, a restaurant and café. An intriguing presentation on the tower's history will be offered on the second floor, which is decorated in a retro, 1980s style.
From October to April, the tower can be rented for special events. Its cinema hall and 'cloud-level' meeting area can each accommodate up to 100 people, and catering is available.
The new Maritime Museum opening in May 11th in the city's historic Seaplane Hangars will no doubt be just as big a draw. The vast, 6,500m2 space will be a treasure chest of marine history, presenting over 200 large-scale exhibitions. Among the attractions will be the 1936-era Lembit submarine, multimedia presentations on everything from water craft to naval weapons, and even a flight simulator.
Areas of the hangars that not used for exhibitions will be made available for receptions and special events for up to 500 persons.
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Estonian Air to Expand Network with €30 Million Investment |
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The Estonian government agreed in November to invest 30 million euros in the nation's flagship airline, Estonian Air, over the next two years to implement a new business strategy that involves vastly expanding its network and boosting flight frequencies.
In addition to adding five new Bombardier CRJ aircraft to its fleet in the 2012-2013 period, the company's management plan to transform Estonian Air from a regional carrier into a much larger and busier hub-and-spoke network airline.
The strategy is already paying off: In October the airline posted a 32 percent growth in passenger numbers compared to the year prior, thanks largely to better flight availability.
“We added flight frequencies on Oslo, Brussels, Moscow, Kiev, Amsterdam and Vilnius routes and changed our pricing structure with more attractive fares which all have stimulated the demand,” said Rauno Parras, Estonian Air Commercial Vice President. “This will give us confidence to roll out our new strategy and give even more positive news in coming weeks.”
In March, the airline will reopen its Helsinki and Riga routes with 18 and 17 weekly flights, respectively, as well as increase flight frequencies to Stockholm, St. Petersburg and Vilnius. More new connections to European hubs are expected to be announced by then as well.
The airline has recently boosted interest with other innovations. In October it launched a one-of-a-kind social media loyalty programme, AirScore, where online supporters can earn rewards without even having to fly. The project resulted in more than million wall impressions in its first ten days.
This autumn Estonian Air also began offering special 'restaurant flights' each month were meals are prepared by chefs from the country's top restaurants.
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The Entrepreneurship Award Tourism Project 2011 to Sokos Hotel Viru |
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Sokos Hotel Viru was awarded Tourism Project 2011 for creating the first hotel museum in
Estonia - Hotel Viru and the KGB. The winning argument included the statement that the
museum has become one of the most fascinating new attractions for foreign tourists in
Estonia. The jury also called it a true innovation in the tourism sector.
The museum tour is a popular and unique service also for our conference clients. The
museum can only be visited with a local guide. The tours take place 7 days a week 6 times a
day. Since the opening on Jan 13 more than 30'000 people have visited the museum.
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Strand Hosts EUHOFA's 50th Anniversary Congress |
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This September, the Strand SPA & Conference Hotel in Pärnu had the honour of hosting the golden jubilee congress for EUHOFA, an organisation that unites the world’s leading hotel and tourism schools.
As many as 118 delegates from 20 countries attended the 50th anniversary event, including a 20-strong management team and a large number of students.
Congress President Heli Tooman noted that delegates' expectations were high, both for the academic programme and for the conference hotel itself, including its accommodation, catering and service level, but she said the Strand came through with flying colours.
“In previous years the congress has been held in 5-star hotels, hence, it was a pleasure to receive such positive and thankful feedback about the conference venue. We are sincerely grateful and are already planning new events in the Strand SPA & Conference Hotel. On behalf of Pärnu College, I would recommend Strand SPA & Conference Hotel as cooperative, conscious and quality-oriented partner and service provider,” Tooman said.
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Swissôtel Makes Condé Nast History |
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Swissôtel Tallinn made travel industry history in October by becoming the first hotel in Estonia to make it into Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards.
The downtown establishment made a very respectable debut in the list, coming in at fourth place among hotels in Northern Europe, and tying for 64th place worldwide.
The annual Readers' Choice Awards, conducted by the prestigious American travel magazine, tallied over 8 million votes cast by 28,876 readers, who selected their favourites amongst the cities, islands and hotels they visited over the past year, as well as the airlines and cruise ships they travelled with.
Swissôtel Tallinn offers 238 guest rooms and luxury suites, breathtaking views of Tallinn, spa facilities and the largest ballroom in Estonia.
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Tartu University Rated World's Top 1% for Engineering |
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The University of Tartu has been ranked among the world's top 1 percent in a number of engineering fields by the respected Essential Science Indicators (ESI) database.
The database, which uses articles and references to rate each institution's influence, put the university in best 1 percent in chemistry, clinical medicine, biology, botany, animal science, environmental science, ecology, social science, materials science, life sciences, biochemistry and Earth sciences.
Dr. Peeter Burk, dean of of the university's Faculty of Science and Technology, said that the University of Tartu has been systematically investing in the technology field over the past decade and the effort is now paying off.
“Considering UT's continuous interest in engineering and our very good results in doctoral studies in that area, I do believe that the rise in technology field will last," he said in a release.
The ranking further boosts Tartu's growing prowess as a conference destination.
The city, an ECB member since 2008, already hosts the majority of scientific, research, medical conferences in Estonia, approximately 400 per year.
Last year it jumped in the International Congress and Convention Association's rankings of top meeting destinations, climbing to 120th place from 171st place the year prior.
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Tallinn University to Expand, Hold More International Events |
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The number of international conferences held at Tallinn University is growing, the institution's officials say, and the trend is expected to be boosted even further by the opening of two new buildings in autumn 2012.
The addition of the 12,000 square meter Research Building and the Creative Activities Building will bring the total number of available buildings to six. The development project also foresees the creation of a student courtyard that will be the heart of the campus.
Some of the larger events held in 2011 were the international conference of the European Association for Japanese Studies, the internet voting conference VoteID 2011, the International Auto/Biography Association's European conference, the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe General Assembly and the data security congress Eurocrypt 2011.
Next year's list includes the International Association for Philosophy and Literature Conference, the International Council for Children's Play conference, the EARLI SIG 4 Higher Education Conference and Baltic Piling Days 2012.
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Ryanair to Open Tallinn-Frankfurt Route |
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Budget airline Ryanair has announced that it will begin operating a Tallinn-Frankfurt Hahn route on March 27 of next year, with three return flights scheduled per week.
Tickets for new service, which went on sale in early December, start at 27.99 euros.
The addition of the new route brings the total number of destinations served by Ryanair from Tallinn to 12.
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Estonian Convention Bureau Christmas Greetings! |
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Dear friends!
It has been a pleasure to be your partner through this busy year of conferences and events.
ECB wishes you wonderful Christmas Holidays together with your family and friends. We are looking forward to meet you again, wishing you all the success and fruitful cooperation in 2012!
Beautiful Christmas to all of you!
Ilusaid jõule!
Kadri, Külli, Liis
Estonian Convention Bureau
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For additional information, please contact the Estonian Convention Bureau at
+ 372 6 450 086, info@ecb.ee, or visit us at www.ecb.ee.
The Estonian Convention Bureau is a non-profit organisation established jointly by public and private sector bodies in order to attract international conventions to Estonia. The ECB's 24 members include the cities of Tallinn and Tartu, the national carrier Estonian Air, and a number of DMCs, PCOs, conference hotels and conference venues.
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