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Are you guilty of thinking you know a destination?

For clients prepared to address their preconceptions about a City or destination, the possibilities are endless!

Some Common Preconceptions

Ibiza is just a party town
Budapest is full of stag do’s
Stockholm is always cold
People only play golf in the Algarve
You have to be a skier to enjoy the Alps.
Tenerife is only for package holidays.

We are all victims of our own past experiences and preconceptions. Such was the case with Malaga, one of our recent events. Seeking a venue for their European Study Weekend, our client wanted a destination with “culture, history and style”.

An eyebrow was raised when we included Malaga on the short list, The lingering perception of Malaga as the gateway to the Costa del Sol, with its associated packed beaches and lines of high rise, low rent holiday apartments even led them to question our judgement! Hence, it was rejected without further consideration.

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It took us a year of persuading to get them on a plane to have a look at the cultural capital of Andalucia and to assess it against their criteria. It ticked all the boxes and passed on all counts.

In terms of culture, the birthplace of Picasso features the Picasso Museum, with 300 of the artist’s works situated in a grandiose 16th century palace, the first Pompidou Gallery space outside of France, a new outpost of the St Petersburg State Museum and a new Carmen Thyssen art museum, which features Spanish painting.

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The city’s Moorish history is reflected in a rich architectural heritage with the 10th Century Gibralfaro Castle overlooking the city and the soaring marble towers of the 11th century Alcazaba Palace rivalling the better known Alhambra for majesty.

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However, what helped to clinch it for our discerning doctors though was the luxury and style offered by the dramatically-appointed 5 star Gran Hotel Miramar, an opulent and historic beachfront hotel, originally opened in 1926 and recently restored to its former glory.

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The site visit convinced our client. Malaga was booked and the resulting event was oversubscribed and considered a huge success.

Our clients often retain us as an events management company because of their expectation that we can suggest venues and activities that are new, different and will deliver lasting memories for their delegates. Yet when we suggest a short list of venues, preconceptions about cities and venues can often lead to rejection, preferring a ‘safe’ choice.

So if you are willing to challenge your preconceptions of cities as suitable venues for your event, we would love to open your eyes to the possibilities. Do give us a call.

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