Uniglobe member CT Group Travel in partnership with the European Atlantic Trade and Investment Missions will be taking a trade mission to Panama on 20 – 25 March 2012.

The mission will be led by an MP and has the full support of the British Embassy, UKTI in Panama and the Embassy of Panama in the UK.

In recent years Panama has experienced an economic boom with an average growth rate of 8%, which has been primarily fuelled by the expansion of the Panama Canal and extensive infrastructure projects. Panama is also fortunate to be largely unaffected by the current global economic crises, and it is forecast it will continue to do so.

Panama is the logistics hub and global financial center in the Latin American region. It is a hot destination for foreign investment and the UK is the second largest investor in the country. UK exports to Panama were worth £149 million and imports were worth £12 million in 2008.

There are business opportunities in:

• Marine services (ship repair and maintenance, servicing of vessels, container and cargo services).
• Financial services, telecommunications, e-commerce, insurance and real estate.
• Procurement related to the Panama Canal (provisions, equipment, material construction and consulting).
• Provision of concessionary services to the ports (power, water, fuel, materials, food, banking services, telecommunications, repair and dredging).
• Logistics, cargo services, security consulting, education and training.

A recent high profile conference held in London called Panama Invest 2011 provided investors and decision makers from the main capitals of the world information regarding business opportunities in Panama.

CT Group Travel’s Missions Manager Lyndsay Snowden who attended the event commented, “The high numbers of delegates attending this event was a pleasant surprise, there were far more attendees than other similar events I’ve attended in the past. This confirmed just how much opportunity and interest there currently is in Panama and we’re confident our mission should attract a good number of participants”.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Panama trade mission should contact Lyndsay Snowden at CT Group Travel on 01892 673 435.

Based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Uniglobe member CT Group Travel not only specialise in operating overseas trade missions, but are also expert conference organisers, as well as providing many businesses with corporate rewards schemes that are incentive travel based.

Property Events, in conjunction with CT Group Travel, operate Property Shuttle, the only UK travel agency dedicated to servicing attendees of the MIPIM property market. This week see’s the launch of their new chartered flights to the MIPIM 2012 property conference, which takes place next year in Cannes, from 06 to 09 March 2012.

The MIPIM property market brings together the most influential players from all the major international property markets, offering attendees unrivalled access to the greatest number of high-calibre development projects worldwide. MIPIM is more than just an exhibition; the MIPIM property market provides a robust platform for business growth through partnerships, project assessment and market intelligence.

The MIPIM property market is ideally suited to those businesses involved in property development, building and construction, finance and investment, hotel, tourism and leisure sectors, plus the logistics and infrastructure industries.

Property Shuttle has chartered its own aircraft to transport those attending the event from the UK to France. The flights are departing from London Luton taking passengers to Nice (specific details below). Currently Property Shuttle has a special introductory offer of £499 per person, reduced from £549, which includes flights and return coach transfers from Nice to the passenger’s chosen hotel accommodation. However, attendees also have the option to pay extra for either helicopter or private car transfers to their chosen hotel should they wish.

Outbound flight: Depart London Luton 06 March 2012, 09:30, arrive Nice 12:30

Inbound flight: Depart Nice 09 March 2012, 10:30, arrive London Luton 11.40

Property Shuttle also offers a good selection of hotels suiting all budgets and tastes, attendees should contact Property Shuttle for further details, call 01892 673 426.

Based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Uniglobe member CT Group Travel who part operate Property Shuttle not only specialise in chartering aircraft but are also expert conference organisers, as well as providing many businesses with corporate rewards schemes that are incentive travel based, as travel incentives for employees are proving to be a very popular way to motivate staff to hit company targets.

CT Group Travel in partnership with The Middle East Association has more experience in organising trade missions to the Middle East and North Africa than any other organisation.

The trade mission to Mauritania, which is situated in West Africa, will be the first delegation from the UK to visit the country. The trade mission will be led by an experienced Middle East Association mission leader, and subject to commitments; the mission will also be accompanied by Tim Morris, British Ambassador to Mauritania, based in Rabat, Morocco.

Mauritania is undergoing an extraction-driven economic recovery; subsequently the government has prioritised the attraction of foreign private investment and the privatisation of the economy. Mauritania exports an estimated 12 million tons of iron ore per annum, it is also has vast reserves of copper, phosphates and gypsum, as well as significant oil & gold deposits. In addition to extraction, Mauritania also holds great potential in power generation, water desalination, fishing, urban planning and other infrastructure projects.

The Middle East Association believes the trade mission will be of particular interest to those businesses involved in the following sectors: mining & extraction, construction & infrastructure, water & waste management, energy & environment, oil & gas, logistics and fishing.

The exact dates of the trade mission are being finalised, but is expected to be in the first quarter of 2012 and will be for 5 days.

Mission managers CT Group Travel recommend businesses who are interested in trading in overseas markets book themselves onto the official travel packages that they offer. This ensures not only a competitive price for the trip, but also means that the logistical arrangements of travelling to and within these countries are managed effectively. A further factor is of course that there is a clear purpose to the mission with the business meetings pre-arranged to ensure that delegates have the opportunity to discuss potential new business ventures.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Mauritania trade mission should contact Lyndsay Snowden at CT Group Travel on 01892 673 435.

Based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Uniglobe member CT Group Travel not only specialise in operating overseas trade missions, but are also expert conference organisers, as well as providing many businesses with corporate rewards schemes that are incentive travel based, as travel incentives for employees are proving to be a very popular way to motivate staff to hit company targets.

Trade missions and incentive travel specialist CT Group Travel has published the next series of trade missions it will operate between now and the end of May 2012.

Out of 35 trade missions, the majority will still operate to CT Group Travel’s core regions of the Middle East and Asia. However, the company has identified four new high growth emerging markets which it will send four new dedicated trade missions to.

The new trade mission destinations will be Crimea, Nigeria, Angola and a joint mission to Argentina and Peru.

The new missions will operate on the following dates:

• Crimea – 03 to 09 October 2011
• Nigeria – 16 to 20 October 2011
• Argentina/Peru – 28 January to 04 February 2012
• Angola – 11 to 17 May 2012

Trade Missions are a fantastic way for businesses to research and meet potential trading partners in new geographic areas they have not operated in before, and travelling as part of an organised CT Group Travel trade mission certainly helps businesses cut to the chase in receiving good quality introductions to the local business community.

Each mission is meticulously researched and planned. Through working with various mission sponsors both in the UK and in the country to be visited, a brief is created of the mission’s purpose, which is then circulated to the marketplace so meetings are secured with relevant companies who have expressed an interest in meeting those companies attending.

Every trade mission has a mission leader who is both fluent in the local language and has an in-depth knowledge of the region being visited and its local customs, and they are available to assist mission members throughout the trip. In addition to the mission leader, many trade missions are often accompanied by a VIP or Parliamentarian figure that has direct involvement in the country or region being visited. This adds huge credibility to the trips and can open many doors, opportunities that would not be available to businesses travelling independently.

UNIGLOBE member CT Group Travel are also specialist conference organisers, providing conference management services worldwide. In addition the company operates many successful corporate rewards schemes; travel incentives for employees are proving to be a very popular way to motivate staff to hit company targets, especially when there are free flight tickets or paid overseas holidays being offered.

For more information concerning CT Group Travel’s services please call +44 (0) 1892 673 427.

The practice of businesses rewarding their staff with all expenses paid incentive trips is showing a healthy recovery according to CT Group Travel.

In the last few months CT Group Travel has observed a steady increase in both the level of enquiries and bookings for trips that serve as corporate rewards. These types of trips are arranged by businesses wishing to reward their staff for successful performance.

Mark Kempster, CT Group Travel Managing Director commented, “Our recent upturn in incentive trip bookings is more proof that some industry sectors are experiencing better trading conditions, and we certainly hope this positive trend continues”.

Overseas reward trips are typically organised by businesses such as recruitment companies and financial institutions that operate incentives for employees in an effort to help a business hit its all important sales goals.

Obviously each incentive booking is unique, but usually these types of trips are organised over a weekend for 2 to 3 nights, with groups ranging from 15 passengers upwards. The most popular destinations tend to be in the Mediterranean due to the relatively short flying time; places such as Barcelona, Ibiza and Marbella. The businesses who arrange the incentive trips normally opt for a fully inclusive programme which reduces the need for staff to pay for anything whilst away, so a trip would include flights, hotel accommodation, transportation and food. In some instances and as per CT Group Travel’s recent enquiries, it is quite common for companies to organise an exclusive boat charter for a morning or afternoon as part of the package.

These types of trips are not only a fantastic way for businesses to show their appreciation for all the hard efforts its staff have applied, but as senior management also take part in the trips they serve as a great way to further build team spirit. In addition, it is not unusual for CT Group Travel to escort a trip to ensure everything runs smoothly and relieve management from acting as party leaders whilst overseas.

UNIGLOBE member CT Group Travel are also specialist conference organisers, providing conference management services worldwide. For more information concerning CT Group Travel’s services please call +44 (0) 1892 673 427.

CT Group Travel is the UK’s leading organiser of overseas trade missions, organising and managing up to 2 trade missions every week of the year.

Whilst trade missions can be organised to any destination worldwide, the vast majority are to the Middle East, Africa, South America and the Far East, with Mongolia being added to CT Group Travel’s portfolio for the very first time in May 2011.

Trade missions provide an excellent opportunity for companies to identify potential business opportunities in overseas countries. The advantage of taking part in a CT Group Travel mission is having everything arranged for you – flights, accommodation, transportation and pre-arranged meetings with relevant local companies, all of which have expressed a specific interest in meeting the mission’s participants.

Being part of an organised trade mission provides companies a fast track route to meeting suitable companies to trade with overseas, generating high quality opportunities that often lead to the development of long and prosperous partnerships.

What made the trade mission to Mongolia such a success is their keenness to identify international partners beyond the many historic relationships they have with businesses in neighbouring China and Russia.

The potential to trade with Mongolian businesses for UK companies is huge; especially for businesses involved in industries such as agriculture and mining, as Mongolia has several rich mineral resources.

There were 17 participants in total, ranging from Multi Nationals to SME’s. Managing Director Mark Kempster commented, “Due to the success of the first trade mission we are already organising two more missions to Mongolia that will take place within the next 8 months”.

As well as organising trade missions UNIGLOBE member CT Group Travel also specialise in providing conference management, and operate successful and popular corporate rewards travel schemes for many businesses throughout the UK. Travel incentives for employees prove to be a very popular way to motivate employees to hit targets set by businesses, especially when there are free flight tickets or paid overseas holidays up for grabs.

Exclusive Journeys arrange small group cultural tours to off the beaten track locations in various long haul destinations around the world. The trips are researched and compiled by Lesley Robin who also accompanies the trips personally.

Exclusive Journeys travel with Lesley tours provide an opportunity for cross-cultural exchanges, where tours take a behind the scenes route to discover how people live and work, focussing on the traditional way of life unique to each country. Tour group sizes range from approximately 10-18, with companions joining from different parts of the world.

Lesley first began operating specialist interest tours in the 1980’s to India where she lived for 20 years. Her in-depth knowledge of eastern culture, Hinduism and Buddhism and her interest in the people, their culture and the rich textile heritage of the Indian sub-continent is a result of her extensive travels throughout the region.

Later Lesley’s travels took her further afield culminating in her arranging special-interest tours for groups and organisations to countries as diverse as India, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Mexico and South Africa.  Her tours provide inspiring and carefree journeys around the world focusing on traditional village life, customs, culture, textiles and crafts.

New tours for 2011 (all organised by Exclusive Journeys travel with Lesley Robin)

• Southern India, departing 17th February 2011, duration – 17 days
• India: An Artist’s Journey, departing 05th March 2011, duration – 18 days
• China, departing 08th May 2011, duration – 17 days
• Uzbekistan, departing 13th September 2011, duration – 18 days
• Bhutan, departing 30th November 2011, duration – 17 days
• Mexico, departing 13th January 2012, duration – 17 days

Through Exclusive Journeys’ collaboration with CT Group Travel, all tours booked are protected through CT Group Travel’s licensing and bonding, which means all tours operated by Exclusive Journeys are ATOL protected, giving their customers security and peace of mind that their monies are safe.

CT Group Travel have a number of partnerships with businesses such as Exclusive Journeys, whereby CT Group Travel provide licensing and bonding protection for smaller organisations to use rather than them having to become members of the organisations themselves, which can be very costly.

As the name suggests, CT Group Travel are specialists in providing travel management services for groups as well as providing event management and conference management services.

For more information concerning the services CT Group Travel provide such as conference organisers and corporate team building events please call +44 (0) 1892 673 427.

Property Shuttle launches a new chartered flight for those wishing to attend the MIPIM Property event, which this year is taking place from 8th to 11th of March 2011.

Previous years have seen flights operate from Luton, but on receiving customer feedback Property Shuttle have been able to secure a new service departing from London Heathrow to Nice, France.

The annual MIPIM Property Conference takes place in Cannes. The event attracts senior high level decision makers from across the globe, all looking to develop their business. MIPIM 2011 takes place at Palais des Festivals in central Cannes. The MIPIM Property event is stretched over three days with many different exhibits.

The MIPIM Property event attracts around 2,000 property exhibitors, in 2004 MIPIM attracted over 15,000 business men and women from the property market. This year the MIPIM Property Conference is set to attract approximately 29,000 people.

Property Shuttle is the only travel agency servicing MIPIM attendees exclusively. CT Group Travel, a specialist in event management and a member of UNIGLOBE has been working alongside Property Events for many years to ensure its clients get the best possible service and value for money. The teaming up of CT Group Travel with Property Events means the two organisations can pool together their resources using experts in each of their fields to produce outstanding conference management services to all those taking part in the MIPIM event.

Mark Kempster, CT Group Travel Managing Director commented, “After listening to our customers’ feedback we took the decision to charter a new flight to depart from London Heathrow as opposed to Luton, which is more convenient to many of those wanting to attend. So far bookings for the event are very positive with three quarters of the plane already sold, and should the demand continue, we have the option to charter a second aircraft”.

For more information concerning the services CT Group Travel provide such as conference organisers and corporate team building events please call +44 (0) 1892 673 427.

Incentive trips and corporate jollies have been regarded as a thing of the past but that is not true according to CT Group Travel, which is now experiencing a considerable upturn in the amount of enquiries and bookings from businesses who are incentivising their staff by offering all expenses paid trips overseas.

CT Group Travel’s Managing Director Mark Kempster commented, “The decline in group bookings, where businesses reward staff for hitting targets and take them on all expenses paid trips, pre the start of the 2008 recession was instantly recognisable. At times we’ve wondered whether these types of bookings would ever return. Considering Britain is still in the grasp of tough times, it’s incredibly encouraging to not only be receiving these types of enquiries again, but bookings too, such as the recent group booking, where a client rewarded 60 staff and flew them to Las Vegas for a long weekend”.

According to CT Group Travel, the enquiry levels in the pipeline are significant and are providing the business with a huge amount of optimism, especially considering some of the enquiries have already turned into paying customers.

CT Group Travel, based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent has been trading for 21 years and is a leading UK travel management specialist. However, not only do they specialise in travel, but it is through their core business that they can also provide outstanding conference management services, organising and managing every imaginable aspect of a conference, whether in the UK or overseas.

Whilst the number of businesses operating in the corporate events and conferences sector is substantial, CT Group Travel certainly feel its tour operating backbone gives it a major USP over its competitors. It means it is able to secure the best rates for suitable venues given it has access to and has personal working relationships with all major hotels and airlines throughout the world. So whether a business wants to organise a corporate team building event or simply wishes to secure the services of a group travel specialist then CT Group Travel have the knowledge and experience to handle all types of enquiries.

For more information concerning the services CT Group Travel provide such as conference organisers and event management please call +44 (0) 1892 673 427.

Creating and hosting events whether they’re small or large can be incredibly complex and hugely challenging. Many business who have a need to arrange an event turn to professional organisations who have the experience, knowledge and contacts to manage an event from start to finish.

CT Group Travel, based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent has been trading for 21 years and is a leading UK travel management specialist. Event Management is not entirely new to CT Group Travel as they have been organising trade mission events and providing conference management services for many years. This has given them a wealth of expertise and understanding in how to run successful events, large and small for parties in different locations around the world.

Mark Kempster, Managing Director of CT Group Travel commented, “A key USP that separates us from the many other UK businesses who specialise in organising events such as conferences and corporate team building events, is the fact that the backbone of our business is being a tour operator, we therefore have partnerships with many airlines and hotels worldwide. Arranging transportation and accommodation for any number of people is an area where we excel, and obviously we can do this at very competitive prices, given we have access to the best industry rates worldwide”.

Kempster continued, “It’s also through our extensive supplier partnerships that we have a huge database to tap into to locate and recommend suitable venues for clients to choose from”.

Whilst CT Group Travel has the ability to organise any event, it is most commonly targeting the following:

• Annual Sales Meetings
• Corporate Hospitality
• Product Launches
• Christmas or Annual Parties
• Conferences
• Team Building Events
• Reward & Incentive Trip Events

Overall CT Group Travel has a firm belief it has the resources to be creative, present clients with outstanding venues that meet agreed budgets and provide a professional service from start to finish.

For more information concerning the services CT Group Travel provide such as conference organisers and event management please call +44 (0) 1892 673 427.