Turku… A Spring Meeting in White
From 24th to 27th February 2010, European Cities Marketing had the honour of being hosted by the city of Turku, Finland, on the occasion of the ECM Spring Meeting. The seminar topic “Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Cities: Does It Really Matter?” was the focus for a lot of interesting presentations, numerous case studies and various workshops on the theme of sustainability.
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Moreover, the rich content was accompanied by the wonderful settings of a charming city. Turku literally enchanted the participants with its snow-covered streets, illuminated by the winter sunshine and by the warmest welcome in the freezing cold from the team of Turku Touring – the hosting organisation of the ECM meeting.
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Today, Anne-Marget Niemi, Tourism Director of Turku Touring shares her impressions of the event with us.
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In your opinion, in general, what is the biggest benefit of ECM meetings for their participants?
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Listening to colleagues´ experiences and learning from them and getting to know their way of working in tourism and of course the seminar programmes and discussions about the subjects afterwards.
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What part of the seminar “Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Cities – Does It Really Matter?” was the most interesting for you and why?
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I enjoyed the ideas presented by Professor Alf Rehn, because of his fresh and inspiring visions.
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In what way was it an interesting experience to host an ECM meeting?
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Being responsible for hosting the entire program was an honour, but the most enjoyable aspect was planning the social programme!
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For you, what was the best moment of the meeting in Turku and why?
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The best moment was at the end of the conference when we were able to reflect on the successful outcomes in the relaxed atmosphere of the smoke sauna deep in the heart of the archipelago.
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It was also touching to listen to André Vrydagh´s retirement
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speech during the Renaissance party in Turku Castle. He will be greatly missed!
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Anne-Marget Niemi and Sirke Niemelä
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To view the press release on ECM Spring Meeting in Turku, click here.
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