Welcome to our e-newsletter for travel trade, meetings & incentives January 2006  



WIN A BOX OF BELGIAN CHOCOLATE!: Exquisite in flavor and rich in texture, there’s nothing quite like it. Belgian chocolate shops and museums such as Planete Chocolat and Musee du Cacao et du Chocolat offer demonstrations and tastings for incentives and groups, where Belgian chocolate trade secrets are given away with reckless abandon. Want to win a box of your very own? MORE


HOTEL NEWS: With less business activity on weekends and in the summer, hotels in Brussels offer 50% discounted rates. 2006 sees the opening of two new hotels, the Radisson SAS EU Hotel and the Sofitel Brussels Europe. Perennial favorites, the Conrad and the Hotel Amigo, receive accolades from Conde Nast Traveler on their 140 Gold List. Check out Hot Deals for discounted rates and packages. MORE

BREWERY VISITS: Tasting authentic Belgian beer in its natural environment was recently named a 'European travel must' on Lonely Planet’s 2005 Blue List. With over 400 beers available, that’s no small task! Brewery visits are an ideal way to sample the real deal while taking in a bit of Belgian culture as many breweries are also monasteries and abbeys. Great for groups and even better as a venue for an event, Belgian breweries are worth the visit. MORE

SPA SPECIALS: There is no better form of relaxation than a spa getaway and there is no better place to enjoy this than in the town of Spa - where all spas get their name from. Two spa facilities of note are the Chaudfontaine Spa Center housed in an 18th century castle, and Thermes de Spa which is newly renovated and frequented by royalty since 1868. Combined with special offers from the new Radisson SAS Palace Hotel, your clients are in for the royal treatment. MORE


UNIQUE VENUES: This month the Atomium has reopened after 18 months of renovation. The futuristic monument is ideal for a special event, including the panoramic restaurant in the top sphere. The brand new Brussels Casino offers three extravagant floors in avant-garde crystal and glass design. Belgium is brimming with interesting venues such as art museums, medieval castles, breweries, a comic strip museum, art nouveau architecture and ornate theaters. MORE

JAZZ FESTIVAL: In the land where the saxophone was invented it's no wonder jazz music is a daily part of Belgian life. This year's Brussels Jazz Marathon Weekend takes place in bars, clubs and other venues all over the city from May 19 - 21, 2006. Over 350 jazz acts are expected to perform. No matter where you are in Belgium, there’s a party going on – and you’re invited! MORE

BARGING ALONG BELGIUM'S WATERWAYS: Cruising Belgium's waterways offers the pleasure of enjoying a boat trip while exploring places rarely seen by most travelers, beyond the obvious tourist spots. Your clients can discover a vast array of cultural treasures, from the arts to nature, in picturesque villages nestled along storied shores. Many interesting itineraries are offered by US outfitters such as European Barging, Viking, Tauck, Intrav, Avalon and Grand Circle Travel. MORE

VILLAGES AND FLAVORS OF BELGIUM: The charming villages of Southern Belgium offer travelers a world of fairytale landscapes, welcoming locals, colorful carnivals and enchanting castles. Historic towns are brimming with pretty squares, outdoor markets, museums and restaurants serving regional specialties such as country ham and Trappist beer brewed locally. Ask for our special brochure with suggestions for itineraries, local gastronomy and accommodations. MORE

Check out our Special Interests section to learn about: Barging, Castles, Architecture, Belgian Cuisine, Jewish Heritage, Family Fun, WWI & WWII, Brewery Visits, Gay Travel, Suggested Itineraries and more.

For more information view our Travel Trade and Meetings pages.

www.visitbelgium.com

To unsubscribe click here.