How to sell Europe four ways
Every year thousands of Aussies flock to the European summer to escape dreary winter in the southern hemisphere. And that time is just around the corner.
Europe is a continent that has endless diverse and unique experiences on offer. There really is something for everyone, which is why Europe is such an easy destination to sell to customers.
Here is a guide to selling Europe four different ways. Four different ways, because every traveller is different.
This will ensure every customer gets the most out of their holiday for their unique individual interests and passions.
FOR THE CULTURE HOUND…
- In Ireland, Belmond recently unveiled its first curated art collection aboard Belmond Grand Hibernian. Permanently displayed throughout the train’s public spaces, the collection showcases contemporary Irish artists across various media.
- Belmond Hotel Cipriani is hosting an underwater art installation timed to the Venice Art Biennale (May 13-November 26). Throughout the year, photographs from Marco Rizzo will be on display at the bottom of the hotel’s Olympic-sized swimming pool and guests will be provided with goggles so they can dive beneath the water and admire the works up close.
- This year’s Evian Musical Encounters (July 1-9) will celebrate former director and legendary cellist and composer Mstislav Rostropovich’s 90th birthday with performances by Evgeny Kissin, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Martin Helmchen, and more. The chamber music festival takes place in a 1,200-seat auditorium made entirely of local wood to provide perfect acoustics.
- In partnership with Christie’s, PONANT will offer the Masterpieces in the Adriatic cruise (June 20-27), sailing from Venice to Athens. Dedicated to exploring the world of art, the experience will feature special speakers from Christie’s Americas, including Brook Hazelton, President, and Stephen Lash, Chairman emeritus. Guests will discover Palazzo Grassi, an art museum that houses one of the largest collections of contemporary art in the world, and experience the 57th annual Venice Biennale.
FOR THE FOODIE…
- Adding two new barges to their fleet of ships sailing through Burgundy, Belmond Afloat in France will introduce Lilas and Pivoine. Belmond Lilas (Lilac) and Belmond Pivoine (Peony) will cruise the canals and rivers throughout Alsace and Champagne. Six-night itineraries feature private visits to family-owned vineyards, breweries and Châteaux.
- Aboard a trio of cuisine and oenology-focused sailings in 2017 and 2018, PONANT travels to one of the oldest vineyards in Medoc, dating back to the 14th century and to Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world capital of wine. Guest chefs will also be a part of the programming.
- La Reserve Geneva recently brought on Chef Virginie Basselot, the second female ever to receive France’s coveted Meilleur Ouvrier de France title, to oversee the hotel’s five restaurants. Le Tse Fung, the property’s gourmet Chinese restaurant, this year received its first star from the Michelin Guide 2017, marking the first time a Chinese restaurant in Switzerland has ever been bestowed this accolade.
- Chocolatier La Maison du Chocolat in Paris is celebrating the brand’s 40th anniversary with new partnerships including a collaboration with local Parisian street artist, Nasty. LMDC commissioned Nasty to design the limited-edition gift box for the ‘Choc is Chic’ collection, launching in June.
FOR THE DESIGN AFICIONADO…
- The Westbury in Dublin will soon relaunch, following the redesign of the entire main floor and The Gallery where the city’s most famous afternoon tea is served. The hotel will also welcome a new restaurant, WILDE, and new bar, Sidecar. The last phase of the redesign will begin in June with the renovation of the rooms and suites.
- PONANT will reveal an underwater lounge aboard the four new ships launching in 2018 and 2019. The concept is designed by Jacques Rougerie, a French architect-oceanographer who specialises in underwater habitats.
- Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona has unveiled the Royal Penthouse Suite – now the largest suite in Barcelona. Exclusively offering views of both Paseo de Gracia and La Sagrada Familia, the suite also features a custom Maxi Bar and Perfume Bar stocked with Atelier Cologne fragrances.
- La Reserve Ramatuelle, nestled in a Mediterranean garden 15-minutes from St. Tropez, recently reopened for the season with two new villas. Services include a personal chef, butler, and a housekeeper, coupled with private indulgences such as a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi.
FOR THE GOLFER…
- Golf with Ryder Cup champion Sam Torrance, host of Belmond Royal Scotsman’s ‘Scottish Golf Tour’ launching June 26-30. The journey includes rounds at three of Scotland’s top courses, along with ample time onboard where Torrance will share stories of his Ryder Cup days and his top tips.
- Located in the Alpilles National Park in Provence is Domaine de Manville’s 18-hole golf course. Designer Thierry Sprecher set out to build a course that was technically challenging while respecting the area’s eco-friendly philosophy. As a result, the course blends into the surrounding pastoral landscape.
- The Evian Resort Golf Club is host of the Evian Championship (September 14-17), the only Major tournament in continental Europe. The resort is also home to a state-of-the-art golf academy containing four holes and eight training modules and the latest technology to analyze your game. They have short- and long-term programs for individuals and groups led by former professional players. Fun fact: Evian water flows under the course during its 15-year journey from the Alps to the source.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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