C&MW Turkey MICE Supplement The Izmir M.I.C.E. Feature The Pearl of Aegean Izmir, one of the top five fastest growing metropolitan economies of the world and oldest cities in Mediterranean, is an ideal, boutique destination for international meetings, incentives, congresses, and events. Its 8,500-year-old historical and cultural background, extraordinary natural beauty, 300 days of summer, Aegean climate, friendly and warm citizens, broad accommodation and meeting room options and relatively low-cost advantage have boosted its M.I.C.E potential in hosting international events. The city, which author Victor Hugo called "a princess with a beautiful necklace on her neck, has hosted more than 3 million cruiser passengers in the last decade and received the award The Leader Cruiser Destination of Europe consequently in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
The Chairman of both Izmir Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the Izmir Convention and Visitors (ICVB) Bureau Mr. Ekrem Demirtas, said that according to International Congress and Convention Association s 2013 statistics, Izmir caused the number of international meetings get through to 22 from 11, came to 106-th from 207-th in the world ranking according to the previous year. Demirtas said: Even the number of international association meetings has been increased by 11, that makes this much bounce. If the great M.I.C.E. potential of Izmir is thoroughly assessed and the convention tourism in the city is much more supported, Izmir would rank higher.
With its more than 20 foremost 5-star and 4-star hotels, Izmir has modern and high-quality accomodation facilities with superior service quality. By the year 2014, the city has a total bed capacity of 35,151 and room capacity of 15,168 with 169 accomodation facilities having an operation licence; in addition, there are 373 travel agencies in the city and the total capacity of the meeting venues in the city is about 55.000 seats. As of the end of April 2014, Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport provides both scheduled and non-scheduled, direct flights to 86 destinations in 36 countries via 55 airlines. Izmir is only three hours flying time away from 48 countries on three different continents. Lufthansa, Pegasus, SunExpress and Turkish Airlines offer daily non-stop international flights from many cities including Munich, Amsterdam, Athens, Basel, Dusseldorf, London, Stuttgart, Zurich, and Nurnberg.
Founded by the Izmir Tourism Promotion Foundation as a private, not-for-profit destination marketing organization, Izmir Convention & Visitors Bureau (Izmir CVB) is the one-stop-shop for meeting planners and organizers, who are seeking unbiased and neutral advice on all aspects of hosting and organizing conventions, trade shows, incentives, and events in the inspiring metropolis of Izmir. Acting as an information and communication coordination office, Izmir CVB is a strong and reliable link between meeting planners and the city s tourism industry; some of the foremost services of ICVB are: Make tentative bookings of hotel rooms and meeting venues, Organize educational trips and site inspections, Produce promotional materials for the use of meeting planners and event organizers, and more.
The Izmir CVB suggests some various tour options for meeting planners; half-day tours provide our guests with a tranquil, historic, and entertaining immersion into our culture. Izmir CVB offers visiting delegates the chance to choose their own adventure with four different tours to choose from. The city has a wonderful culinary experience that is both tasty and educational. Taking place in the Izmir University of Economics, could be treated to classes where they will learn the secrets of cooking authentic Turkish, especially, Aegean cuisine. Also, they will be able to taste the best locally-grown foods, and enjoy our world-famous Turkish coffee. A beautiful city tour highlights the best in historic and modern-day Izmir for international visitors. Wide-scale tours offers its visitors a chance to visit and experience the historical and cultural attractions in Izmir, including Seven Churches of Revelation (the first Christian church mentioned in the Bible), The City of Ephesus, The Acropolis of Pergamum, The House of Virgin Mary, Kadifekale (Velvet Castle), Smyrna, Poseidon, Kizlaragasi Han, Clocktower and many more. Another tour option provides luxury with a true hammam experience. Also known as a Turkish Bath, a hammam is a delicate sauna experience in a historic and highly decorated building. It is the height of luxury and pleasure, and it will leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed for days to come.
IZMIR CVB s Partner Accommodations Cesme Altin Yunus Resort & Thermal Hotel In a congress or a symposium or a business meeting... We are at your service with our totaly 8 meeting rooms which have different sizes up to 600 pax with indoor and outdor options according to your choices. You could hold your meetings in a silent, quiet and away from chaos of the city ambiance in our spectacular view meeting rooms and you could host to perfect organizations with nature, health and entertainment. Hilton Izmir Set in the picturesque bay and within easy reach of the scenic Old Town, Hilton Izmir offers panoramic views from its contemporary guest rooms and restaurants. Whether here for business or leisure, enjoy the wide array of facilities, warm hospitality and professional service throughout your stay. Mövenpick Hotel Izmir Voted Turkey s Leading Business Hotel by World Travel Awards in 2011 and 2014, Mövenpick Hotel Izmir is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance to business and shopping districts and trade fair grounds. The 185 modern rooms, including 36 executive rooms and 17 suites, extend the highest levels of comfort for business travellers. Double Tree by Hilton, Alsancak DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Izmir-Alsancak boasts an ideal location in the center of Izmir, Turkey, close to the old town, the business district and many shops, restaurants and Izmir attractions. This modern Izmir hotel is ideal for a successful meeting with 118 guest rooms and 4 spacious meeting halls, offering a wealth of business facilities, a complimentary 24-hour business center, and a dedicated team of catering and events staff. Izmir Palas Hotel The Izmir Palas is located on the Kordon, the heart of the city, with spectacular views of Izmir bay. A prestigious family owned establishment with cozy and friendly atmosphere, Izmir Palas Hotel is one of the perfect venues for business meetings and conferences with 118 rooms having splendid city or sea view, and 2 meeting rooms providing both 50 sqm and 200 sqm of reception area. Swisssôtel Büyük Efes, Izmir Set in 12000 m2 of landscaped gardens, located in the heart of the city, Swissôtel Büyük Efes features 402 luxurious guest rooms including 55 special suites and a legendary pool. Also, Büyük Efes Convention Center offers advanced conference facilities with 19 meeting and conference rooms. Ege Palas Business Hotel Located in Alsancak, the hearth of Izmir, Ege Palas Business Hotel welcomes you to enjoy a panoramic view of The Bay that will take your breath away; the hotel provides accommodation and various meeting and congress hall options to its visitors with 230 rooms, 2 suites, 5 meeting rooms and 840 sqm of total meeting area. Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention Centre A popular option for incentive groups is the Kaya Izmir Thermal and Convention Centre that is also in Balcova. Kaya is the largest hotel chain in Turkey, and the property s Izmir ballroom is the biggest in the city, with room for up to 1,500 guests for a sitdown dinner. The hotel is also renowned for its wellness centre, where there are hammams, outdoor and indoor thermal pools and more. Whyndham Grand Izmir Özdilek Whyndham Grand Izmir Özdilek Wyndham Grand Izmir Özdilek is about 10 kilometers away from downtown, in the Balcova district. Hotel offers 219 guest rooms, an impressive Agamemnon Spa Centre. Hotel provides free scheduled shuttle, internet and parking. This elegant property provides 10 meeting rooms with different capacities (up to 400 pax) and chic outdoor venues.