ecb.ee

50% Growth Helps Estonia Rocket to 41st Place in ICCA Rankings

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Estonia has gained an impressive amount of ground in the newly-released 2011 International Congress and Convention Association rankings list, moving up five slots from the previous year's position to reach 41st place.
The number of association conferences held in the country jumped from 43 to 61 between the two years, an increase of nearly 50%.

The nation's capital, Tallinn, also scored big in the list, going from 65th place to 43rd. The city hosted 49 ICCA conferences last year compared to 28 in 2010.

According to the ECB, the improvements can be attributed to its close cooperation with Enterprise Estonia and the cities of Tallinn and Tartu, introduction of a Conference Ambassador Programme, increased flight connections and improvements made to venues. It also credited Enterprise Estonia's Conference Support Scheme for attracting more international events to the country.

ECB statistics show that there were 565 international conferences held in Estonia last year, their total number of delegates reaching 68,122. The average number of delegates per conference was 120.

For further details, contact:

Mrs. Kadri Karu
Acting Managing Director
tel. +372 645 0029
kadri.karu@ecb.ee
www.ecb.ee

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Maritime Museum Seaplane Hangars now open

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The new Maritime Museum opening in May 11th in the city's historic Seaplane Hangars was no doubt a grandiose event.

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 for up to 1000 persons and special events for up to 500 persons.

For further information:

Mrs. Kadri Karu
Acting Managing Director
Estonian Convention Bureau
Tel. +372 645 0029
kadri.karu@ecb.ee

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Cutting-Edge 'Skype Station' introduced at Estonia stand during IMEX

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Cutting-Edge 'Skype Station' to Offer Free Video Calls will be introduced at IMEX at Estonia stand F270

Visitors to the Meet Estonia stand (F270) at this year's IMEX fair can be among the first in the world to try out Skype Station, an ultramodern communication booth that lets users make free video calls via the internet.

Developed by the Estonian company AdTech, the stylishly-designed station not only works as a phone booth for the digital age, it has the capability of doubling as an eye-catching conference communication device and an online shopping portal.

Skype Station is the latest innovation to come out of E-Estonia, the country that gave birth to the Skype VoIP service and leads Europe in the availability of free Wi-Fi – an asset that has made this novel, affordable travel destination all the more attractive to event organisers.

More information about the Skype Station, the E-Estonia tech boom and other factors that make Estonia such an excellent conference choice will be available at the Meet Estonia stand.

To book a meeting, contact Kadri Karu, Estonian Convention Bureau kadri.karu@ecb.ee.
Drop-ins are also welcome!

Further information:

Mrs. Kadri Karu
Managing Director
Estonian Convention Bureau
Tel. +372 645 0029
kadri.karu@ecb.ee

43 travel professionals to take part in Meet Estonia 2012 fam-trip

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

From 18 to 20 April, Estonia will host the “Meet Estonia 2012” fam-trip, attracting participants from 11 countries across Europe.

Organised jointly by Enterprise Estonia, Estonian Tourist Board and Estonian Convention Bureau, the event will give 43 professional event planners and association representatives a taste of what Estonia has to offer as a meeting destination.
In addition to visiting the main conference and event venues, modern conference hotels and unique historical sites, the visitors will have a chance to experience an active incentive programme that includes a night-time tour of Tallinn’s Old Town and a traditional Estonian-style party. The opening event will be held at historical Tallinn Town Hall, where the guests will be greeted by Mr Arvo Sarapuu, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn.

This is the third time that the Meet Estonia fam-trip is taking place. The Marketing Director of Estonian Tourist Board (Enterprise Estonia), Mr Tarmo Mutso, says that the number of meeting planners interested in participating in the Meet Estonia fam-trip has continued to grow every year. It is also rewarding to recognise that the previous trips have already resulted in actual cooperation and more events choosing Estonia as their next meeting destination.

“Estonia is a new and exciting destination, where conference infrastructure is fully up-to-date, and which offers good value for money. We are also a compact destination, where free Wi-Fi is available nearly everywhere. Therefore, we believe that Estonia has a lot to offer for international meeting and event organisers” added Kadri Karu, Managing Director of the Estonian Convention Bureau.

During the trip, international meeting planners will also have a chance to attend a workshop with local suppliers, and a large number of them will take part in post-tour visits to the university town of Tartu or the seaside resort town of Pärnu.

The programme “Promoting Estonia as a Tourism Destination” is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

For further information please contact:

Kadri Karu
Estonian Convention Bureau
Managing Director
Phone: +372 6450 029
kadri.karu@ecb.ee
www.ecb.ee

Tarmo Mutso
Enterprise Estonia, Estonian Tourist Board
Marketing Director
Phone +372 6279 770
tarmo.mutso@eas.ee
visitestonia.com

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Ethical Leadership And Corporate Responsibility: SwissÃ´tel Tallinn Received the Melissa Wells Corporate Citizenship Award 2012

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

To acknowledge the outstanding community service and charitable contributions throughout 2011, Swissôtel Tallinn has received the "Melissa Wells Corporate Citizenship Award 2012" presented by the American Chamber of Commerce Estonia (AmCham Estonia). The prestigious award was handed over at AmCham Estonia’s 15th Anniversary Gala Dinner held in Swissôtel Tallinn’s Ballroom on Thursday, April 5th.

The annual “Melissa Wells Corporate Citizenship Award”, now in its 11th year, rewards companies who are members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Estonia for demonstrating ethical leadership and corporate responsibility and for making a positive difference in the community. The award is based on the company’s involvement in educational programs, corporate philanthropy, including service and product donations to the local community or volunteers and raises awareness and interest in charity and social accountability within business circles.

Swissôtel Tallinn was recognized for its long term contributions to the SOS Children Villages, Christmas Luncheon for the homeless and people living in poverty and continual co-operation with the organizations for physically disabled people by offering their members the opportunity for employment in different positions within the hotel. In addition, Swissôtel Tallinn has a partnership with Pelgulinna Maternity Hospital in Tallinn, sponsored a youth football team and is co-operating with local and international hotel schools through management projects, lectures, site-inspections and offering to students opportunities for their internships, trainings and career opportunities.

“We are very pleased to receive the Melissa Well’s Corporate Citizenship Award 2012, this truly reflects our commitment to the ethical leadership and making a positive difference in the local society”, says Bart Westerhout, General Manager of the outstanding property. “Our
effort on the employment of physically disabled people at Swissôtel Tallinn was especially recognized by the Board of AmCham Estonia.”

Further information:

Liina Lõpp, PR & Marketing Executive, Swissôtel Tallinn Tel +372 624 2447 Email liina.lopp@swissotel.com

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Estonian Air to Start Daily Tallinn-Vienna Service

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

National carrier Estonia Air has announced that it will be offering daily flights between Tallinn and Vienna starting May 5.
The flights will depart Vienna at 09:35 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and at 19:50 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The flight time is 2 hours and 10 minutes.
For more detailed information and bookings, visit http://www.estonian-air.ee/. For bookings in Austria, contact Aviareps Airline Management: estonian.austria@aviareps.com. [...]

Radisson Blu Hotel, Tallinn to Join Earth Hour Movement

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Radisson Blu Hotel, Tallinn will join the Earth Hour worldwide movement on 31 March, 2012 at 8:30 pm and will switch off the hotel's lights and illumination as well as serving all diners at the hotel by candlelight. With this action, the hotel joins the efforts of many other organizations around the world to draw attention to the worldwide issue of global warming. This year will be the 4th time that Radisson Blu Hotel, Tallinn has participated in this event.

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take their stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The CN Tower in Toronto, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

Earth Hour 2012 takes place on Saturday 31st of March at 8.30pm. This Earth Hour we want you to go beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on think about what else you can do to make a difference. Together our actions add up. Radisson Blu Hotel, Tallinn has committed to Earth Hour and we would appreciate your support to demonstrate our commitment by turning off your lights.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Tallinn has 280 well-appointed guest rooms and the most flexible and largest conference facilities in Tallinn. In addition the hotel has restaurant Seasons, that can seat up to 160 people, a grill restaurant Madissoni Grill & Bar and a roof top bar Lounge24 with a stunning view to the city and sea.

Radisson Blu Hotels are part of The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world. The group features a portfolio of more than 415 hotels in operation and under development with 90,000 rooms in over 60 countries. One of the priorities in its operation is Responsible Business program that includes responsibility for the safety and health of guests and employees, social and ecological responsibilities

For further information:

Mr Brian Gleeson
Radisson Blu Hotel, Tallinn General Manager
Ph: +372 6823000
E-mail: Brian.Gleeson@radissonblu.com

Ms Girli Nurk
Radisson Blu Hotel, Tallinn Director of Sales
Ph: +372 682 3023
E-mail: Girli.Nurk@radissonblu.com

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SwissÃ´tel Tallinn Starts Vitality Programme

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Swissôtel Tallinn’s’ new activity programme stays true to its belief in vitality. Following the launch of the new Pürovel Spa & Sport brand last year, a greater focus is being placed on the natural vitality and healthy lifestyles of Swissôtel guests. This includes a whole range of activities that guests can do either in their room, in the gym, or outdoors, and whenever it is convenient for them. The Vitality Programme is being implemented in several stages over the course of 2012.

A particular highlight gives guests the opportunity to order gym equipment to be set up in their room. Provided with instructions, guests can use a Swiss ball, Aero Step, yoga mats, Thera-Bands, or Pilates rings to aid balance & coordination, increase flexibility, and strengthen muscles. Equally, anyone who prefers outdoor training can get their money’s worth out of special jogging maps which show planned routes of various distances for different levels of fitness. The weekly activity programme offered by every Swissôtel in the world will also include the activities and expertise whether the clients prefer to stay Vital physically or mentally.

Starting this summer, the hotel chain’s cuisine will become even healthier. At breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as on the room service menu, there will be a larger selection of healthy and light dishes supplemented by fresh fruit, low-fat and organically-grown products. This will also be reflected in the planning of conferences and meetings, with stimulating breaks for participants including light and fresh food and beverage options.

“As we all know, a healthy mind needs a healthy body, so we have not forgotten mental fitness in our Vitality Programme,” says Lilian Roten, Vice President Operations at Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. “Chess contests, Scrabble tournaments, Monopoly games and backgammon evenings will offer guests an opportunity to interact and relax in their spare time.”

The first big launch of the Vitality Programme will be on the 21st March 2012 starting from 12:00 when Swissôtel Tallinn invites everyone from the local community with their friends and families to take part in a wide range of activities. From running on the treadmill and Nintendo Wii games in the hotel lobby to training classes and relaxation at Pürovel Spa & Sport centre. Also the hotel will hold a “Vertical Marathon by stairs” up to its 30th floor and have board games available to play with different department heads and the hotel’s General Manager.

Further information:
Liina Lõpp
PR & Marketing Executive
Swissôtel Tallinn
Phone: +372 624 2447
E-mail: liina.lopp@swissotel.com

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Tallinn is the Capital of European Law in 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The City of Tallinn and the Estonian Lawyers Association signed a co-operation agreement to sponsor “Tallinn – Capital of European Law 2012” events.

Tallinn City Government approved the cooperation agreement between the Estonian Lawyers Association and the City of Tallinn that was signed by Priidu Pärna, President of the Estonian Lawyers Association and Tallinn City Secretary Toomas Sepp.

The non-profit organisation Estonian Lawyers Association holds currently the presidency of the International Association for European Law FIDE (in French Féderation internationale pour le droit européen) and has the honour to organize one of the most important European law conferences of the year.

The XXV FIDE Congress will be held from 30 May – 2 June in the Swissôtel conference centre in Tallinn. The Congress will attract around 500 participants from European Union member states and other countries. The Congress is being introduced under the slogan “Tallinn – Capital of European Law 2012”. It will be preceded by a youth congress where local university students will have a unique opportunity to hear lectures by some of the worlds leading professors of European law. As a lead-in to the Congress, a seminar “From Lübeck Law to the Capital of European Law” will be organized together with the Tallinn City Archives in March 2012.

FIDE, founded in 1961, unites legal scholars and practitioners of European law from EU member states and EU candidate countries. The Association for European Law of the Estonian Lawyers Association is led by dr. iur. Julia Laffranque, judge at the European Court of Human Rights, and has been a member of FIDE since 2004.

Estonia is the first Central and Eastern European country to organize the FIDE Congress, which therefore promises to be a great event for Estonia’s legal community, the participants and sponsors alike, and will surely attract the attention of local and international press. The main topics of the Congress reflect issues of current interest for Estonia and Tallinn, while discussions will contribute to the shaping of European law and allow Estonia to introduce its jurisprudence to a global audience.

According to the signed agreement, the City of Tallinn will contribute 10 000 euros to the organization of the Congress, and will promote Tallinn as the Capital of European Law and the Congress through its media channels. In return, the Estonian Lawyers Association will provide Tallinn with the opportunity to promote the city as a tourist destination during the Congress.

For mor information please see the Congress homepage http://www.fide2012.eu/eng/

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Tallinn Conference Promotes a Greener, Cleaner World

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Let's Do It!, the famously successful, grassroots, trash cleanup initiative that Estonians have taken global, held its latest worldwide conference in Tallinn on January 13 – 15 with the aim of preparing for this year's projects.

Organizers from 45 countries gathered at the Let's Do It World conference, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel Olümpia, to share ideas and experiences in the run-up to World Cleanup 2012, a series of local, national and regional cleanup events due to take place from March 24 until September 15.

In addition to the workshops and networking activities in Tallinn, participants were given the chance to visit the village of Jäneda, 60 kilometres outside of the city, to get a glimpse of the Estonian countryside.

The Let's Do It movement started in May 2008 when as many as 50,000 Estonians mobilized to remove illegal garbage from roadsides, forests and towns. Over the course of the five-hour event, the volunteers managed to collect 10,000 tons of waste.

The Estonian-born concept has since spread to 85 countries on five continents.

More information about Let's Do It! and World Cleanup 2012 can be found at www.letsdoitworld.org.

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