Why Estonia?
It's a new destination
Been there? Done that? Why not surprise your delegates with a novel destination that will show them a side of Europe they've never seen? It will keep them talking for months. Estonia is still a relatively undiscovered country. That means you'll be giving conference goers their first glimpse of an exotic, new destination that's chock full of surprises, from the historic, fairytale charm of Tallinn's Old Town to the natural beauty of the country's primeval forests and rugged seacoast.
Medieval and Modern - A blend of old and new
First-time visitors are amazed by Estonia's historic ambience. Imagine strolling past Medieval walls and gates, Gothic churches, curious little lanes lit with old-fashioned lamps and a man in 16th-century merchant's garb selling his wares from a cart. At the same time Estonia's cities are surprisingly modern, with the latest high-tech conveniences always at hand. It's this combination of old and new, Medieval and modern, that gives Estonia its unique flavour.
Tallinn – European Capital of Culture in 2011
The capital, Tallinn, is best known for its unforgettable, UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town, a fairytale neighborhood of cobblestone streets, gabled houses, picturesque lanes and Gothic churches that was built up from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Here culturally-minded visitors can explore a vast range of museums, churches and handicraft workshops, or visit the KUMU art museum, named Europe's best museum in 2008. Next year Tallinn will be packed with events as it takes on the title of European Capital of Culture. In 2011, Europe's best stories will be told in Tallinn.
Compact - Everything within walking distance
Size matters, and when it comes to hosting events for large groups, smaller is definitely better. Distances in Estonia are conveniently short. After landing at any of the international airports, delegates can be in their respective city centres in ten just minutes. The cities themselves are built on a very human scale, with major hotels, event venues, sights, restaurants and shopping concentrated the same central area, all within easy walking distance. That means there's no need for delegates to waste time waiting for transfers, figuring out public transportation or sitting in traffic.
Unique event venues
For conferences, gala dinners and receptions, Estonia offers the kind of venues that aren't available in most places. Imagine holding your event in a spectacular, Renaissance-style guild hall, a Medieval manor house or in the mysterious ruins of a 15th-century monastery. Other choices include a 1950s-era airport, a cutting-edge art museum, an opera house, theatres, historic university buildings and libraries. Some locations are also used as backdrops to one-of-a-kind incentive programmes, everything from nighttime treasure hunts through the national art museum to breaking out of a Soviet-era prison.
Brand new hotel facilities, low rates
Estonia's major hotels are all either newly built or newly renovated, so they're as modern and high-quality as they come. Nowadays it's hard to find a guest room or conference room that's more than five years old. Better still, prices are reasonable and rates for 4- and 5-star hotels are easily among the lowest on the continent. In the centres of Tallin and Tartu you'll find a good mix of hotels all within walking distance from each other, providing excellent access to the larger, downtown conference venues.
Free wireless internet is a human right
Free wireless internet is available in nearly all hotel rooms, not to mention at the airport and in restaurants, pubs and cafés throughout the cities. Delegates can check e-mail and stay in touch wherever they are. Estonia is one of the most wired-up – and wireless – places on the planet. This is, after all, where Skype was invented. Not only will delegates have an easy time staying connected, conference organisers can rest assured that top quality online registration systems are in place and that essentials like AV and interpretation equipment are state-of-the-art.
Quick getaways
50% of Estonia's territory is covered by forests and 20% by bogs. That means nature areas in Estonia are never far away, no matter where you are. If you want to escape civilization and hold an incentive program in the middle of the forest, you can be there in as little as ten minutes.
Top Baltic country in ICCA listings
The word about Estonia is definitely out: Event organisers have discovered what this fascinating, little country has to offer, and its newfound stardom has made it one of Europe's fastest growing conference destinations.
Closer than you think
Getting to Estonia is easy. Most major European cities are less than two hours away by air. Tallinn is only 1 hour from Stockholm and Copenhagen and 2 hours from Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin and Frankfurt.
Other pluses:
Hassle-free borders
Estonia is an EU member and part of the Schengen visa zone, so most delegates won't have to bother with customs or passport checks when arriving and departing.
English widely spoken
English-speaking visitors will have no trouble communicating in Estonia. As residents of one of the smallest EU nations, Estonians have embraced the international language and proficiency levels are quite high.
Credit/debit cards accepted
Thanks to the Estonians' love for high-tech conveniences, payment by card is extremely popular here. Visa and Mastercard accepted in all shops and cafés.
Estonian Convention Bureau at your service
Anyone planning an event in Estonia will have the added bonus of assistance from the Estonian Convention Bureau. Established in 2008, the ECB is a non-profit organisation made up of the top players in the industry and is your partner for putting together any conference, meeting or other corporate function in the country.
Estonia as a holiday destination For more information on Estonia as a holiday destination, please visit Estonian Tourist Board´s web site www.visitestonia.com
