Gardens, jazz and the Reeperbahn lure MICE organizers to Hamburg
Hamburg, perhaps best known internationally as the town that launched the Beatles onto the public stage, has annouced a year-long program of multiple music and performance festivals that will make the city a lively choice for MICE travelers in 2013.
Some of the highlights include:
40 Year Anniversary of Hamburg Ballet
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the internationally acclaimed Hamburg Ballet and its director and chief choreographer John Neumeier present a special jubilee program. The 2013 season will include four revivals, one premiere, as well as two guest companies. www.hamburgballett.de
80 Gardens Around The World: The International Garden Show Hamburg
April 26 until October 2013
Hamburg will be showcasing "80 Gardens around the World" on 100 acres on the Elbe river island of Williamsburg, during the International Garden Show 2013. Seven horticultural themed sections will present unique eco-systems as well as cultures from around the world. The show is complemented by a full program of open-air activities, concerts, plays, and gastronomic events. www.igs-hamburg.de.
824th Harbor Birthday
May 9-12, 2013
The Harbor Birthday celebration (Hafengeburtstag) is reputed to be the world’s biggest harbor festival. The tradition goes back to 1189, when Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa granted the people of Hamburg exemption from customs duties for ships on the Elbe river. Centered on and around the Landungsbrücken (landing docks), Hamburg’s 824th Harbor Birthday is expected to draw some 1.5 million visitors, for four days of food, music and public entertainment as well as exhibitions of nautical prowess.
Elbjazz Festival
May 24/25, 2013
The fourth annual Elbjazz Festival is again expected to draw fans from all over Europe to groove on some 50 performances on ten stages at and around Hamburg’s harbor and the Elbe river. Unique venues range from open-air stages, to hidden ship yards, a freight ship and a local bar.
And speaking of bars…
The Reeperbahn Festival
September 26 – 28, 2013
The site of the clubs where the Beatles debuted in Europe, the Reeperbahn is a notorious red-light district. But during this urban club festival it turns into a live music venue. For three nights, over 200 bands heat up the clubs, bars, theaters and churches in this legendary neighborhood. Look out for young versions of Messrs Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Starr. www.reeperbahnfestival.com.
Gretchen Kelly
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports