Tourism Flanders Brussels Mice

www.visitflanders.co.uk/mice

http://www.visitflanders.co.uk/mice�

FlandersFlanders lies tucked away in the northern part of Belgium between France,Germany and the Netherlands. The region offers an assortment ofcosmopolitan, easy to reach towns and cities offering visitors far more thanjust traditional main squares and conventional architecture. Situated inNorthwest Europe, this Dutch-speaking region of Belgium, surprises visitorswith locations that are filled with historic attractions and architecture as wellas offering world-renowned cuisine, chocolate and good quality beer.

If travelling by train, Brussels, the capital cityof Flanders, is less than two hours away fromLondon and just under three hours awayfrom other major European cities such asAmsterdam, Paris and Cologne.Undoubtedly, Flanders makes the perfectdestination for business or pleasure.

In times like these when it is becomingincreasingly important for businesses toreduce environmental impact, Flanders canoffer you the tools to organise a truly greenmeeting with great rail links, compact citiesand quiet countryside. Public transportthroughout Flanders is fast and efficient.Local people are extremely friendly and arealways happy to help guests and English iswidely spoken throughout.

One unique feature of Flanders is its array ofvenues available to meeting planners. With awide variety of museums as well as countless

special venues on offer, your choice oflocation for your perfect meeting,conference or event is endless.

Every city is distinctive in its own way.Unquestionably, each one captivates itsvisitors with endless opportunities forculture, gastronomy, nightlife, shopping, artand architecture. Antwerp, Ghent, Brussels,and Bruges are the largest cities in theFlemish region.

With meeting venues for every occasion, fromsimple conference facilities, luxury 5-starhotels to grand historical buildings, whateverthe size of your meeting or the complexity ofyour requirements, Flanders can certainly meetyour needs and exceed your expectations.

visitflanders.co.uk/mice fabulous flandersMeetings, Incentives and Conferences

Flanders

fabulous flandersMeetings, Incentives and Conferences

Flanders hosts picture perfect cities, sumptuous art and cutting edge fashionall less than two hours away by train from London. Flanders is also centrallypositioned with frequent flights to Brussels from most UK airports.

Image Copyright: Jasper James, Carl Pendle, The Dominican, BELvue Museum, Toerisme Antwerpen, Stadsfeestzaal, Lux, N Matsumoto, Hotel Bloom, D. de Kievith, Ghent Tourist Office,Hotel Harmony, Marriott Ghent, Belga Queen Ghent, Meeting In Brugge, Patrick Devos, Kempinski Duke’s Palace and Tourism Flanders-Brussels

Good to KnowImpartial Advice

• With our in-depthknowledge andexperience we’llsearch for themost suitablevenue/locationsfor your event.

• We keep youinformed of the latestdevelopments andtrends in Flanders.

• Our services aretotally free of charge.

Getting ThereLess than 2 hours away from the UK by train.Over 200 flights per week from numerous airports in the UK.

Practical input

• We can help youobtain proposals ina prompt fashion.

• Put you in contact withthe key people tofacilitate your event.

• Coordinate yoursite inspections.

Our Support

• Organise regularfamiliarisation trips.

• Providing freepromotional materialincluding brochures,visitor guidesand maps.

• Dedicated WelcomeDesk at BrusselsAirport to welcomeyour delegates.

Partners Support

• Brussels AirlinesOfficial CarrierProgramme.

• Eurostar GroupTravel tickets formeeting planners.

Fabulous Flanders: a captivating destination.

visitflanders.co.uk/mice

• There are more castles per square mile inBelgium than anywhere else in the world.

• Belgium produces 172,000 tons of chocolateper year in over 2,130 chocolate shops.

• There are over 400 different types of beer inBelgium running the gamut from white toraspberry beer.

• Christmas comes early in Belgium; St NicolasDay, 6th December, is the first day of gift giving

We’re here to help.....

ContactSarah MathewsMeetings, Incentives & Conferences Manager

Flanders-Brussels Convention Bureau

Tourism Flanders-Brussels

Flanders House

1a Cavendish Square

London, W1G 0LD

Tel: 0207 307 7734

Fax: 0207 307 7731

Email:[email protected]


AntwerpAppreciated by fashionistas, art lovers and diamond dealers, Belgium’scapital of cool, and the country’s second-largest city, revels in fame andfortune. The whole city is something of an architectural masterpiece andmost distinctive is its Gothic and Flemish baroque architecture. During thesixteenth and seventeenth centuries, it was the home of Pieter-Paul Rubens,northern Europe’s most notable baroque artist.

Antwerp displays a list of endlesspossibilities that starts with its manageableand timeless quality. The old city centre,built around the country’s most impressivecathedral, is as beautiful and intimate as itwas centuries ago. Tucked away in cobbledlanes are countless restaurants and bars,antique shops, art galleries, exclusivechocolate outlets and designer boutiques.

Antwerp’s role as a celebrated fashion hubmeans it is a magnet for shoppers. For a cityof its size, it boasts an astonishing number ofworld-acclaimed fashion designers andbrands: Dries Van Noten, Kipling and DirkBikkembergs to name but a few, and manyhave set up boutiques on theNationalestraat and surrounds.

On the backbone of the fashion scene,Antwerp’s club culture has expanded greatlyin recent years and the city runs on partytime. Party extravaganzas burst out in summeras well as Het Eilandje, the regenerateddocklands and to the north and south of thecity all beat to the coolest city vibes.

Besides the large international hotels withgreat conference facilities, there are alsostunning boutique properties in Antwerp.These are exclusive locations in their ownright and have already gained a hugeinternational following. Housed in beautifulold buildings, but decorated in acontemporary style, these hotels are perfectfor small meetings that wish to take overentire properties.

The city is also very easily accessible forEnglish visitors, not only by train but also byplane as Antwerp has its own airport just a15 minute taxi ride from the centre of town.From here there are regular direct flights toboth London City Airport and Manchester.


Antwerp


This metropolis of Antwerp is a haven for all meetings and has long provideda reason for every conference organiser to visit this beautiful city.

Congress & meeting venues • 45 conference centres and special venues • 235+ meeting rooms • 54 hotels with 4175 rooms

What appeals to meabout Antwerp is thatit's a place of highfashion and designsavvy but remainsunpretentious andfriendly. I get excitedabout cities that havea thriving modern artscene.... And Antwerpis one of those placesthat really has it.”Laura Dixon,Grazia Magazine

Good to KnowArt & Architecture

• Take a trip toPieter- Paul Rubens’house and journeyback in time withthis AntwerpenGreat Master.

• Head to the heart ofthe city and see theCathedral of OurLady. Constructionbegan in 1325 and wascompleted in 1521.Standing at 123 metresin height, it is thelargest Gothic churchin the Low Countries.

Getting ThereAntwerp has direct flights from London and Manchester.Antwerp is less than three hours from London by train.

Attractions

• Antwerp is widelyacclaimed as thediamond capital ofthe world so be sureto make a journey tothe diamond districtof the city.

• Head to MoMu, thefashion museum anddiscover Antwerp’sfashion scene.

• Take a leisurelyboat cruise along theriver Scheldt anddiscover Antwerp’smaritime metropolis.

Cool Antwerp

• Ever since the mid-1980s fashion hasplayed a central part tothe city. Wander alongNationalestraat to seeAntwerp’s Internationalfashion designers anddiscover the crop ofnew talent setting uptheir shops in thesurrounding area.

• Sip champagneat the stunningStadsfeestzaal,Antwerp’s hippestshopping arcade.

Gastronomy

• Whilst in Antwerp,why not sampletraditional Antwerpendelicacies; frietjesmet stoofvlees with aglass of Antwerp’sown De Koninckbeer, brewed by onefamily since 1827.

• Wander aroundAntwerp and popinto one of the manybakeries to sampleAntwerpse handjes,a delicate biscuitin the shape of ahand, which is asymbol of Antwerp.

Cosmoplitan, confident and full of contrasts...an essential meeting destination for your Belgian itinerary


• Antwerp was named as one of the top 10cities in the world to visit in 2009 accordingto experts at Lonely Planet

• Is the second largest city after Brussels

• Antwerp has been the world diamond centresince the 15th century.

• Is a hub for designers

• Antwerp is the fourth largest port in the world

• Is home to Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldestin Europe

“

BrugesSuspended in time centuries ago, Bruges is now one of Western Europe’smost-visited medieval cities. Picturesque market squares, dreamy canalsand whitewashed almshouses all evoke a world long since past.

The heart of Bruges, surrounded by analmost continuous ring of canals, is the bestpreserved example of medieval Flanders.The city centre is picture perfect and isoften referred to as “the Venice of theNorth”, where it is virtually impossible totake a bad photograph.

Jules Destrooper, the Belgian biscuit maker,has paid the city the ultimate complimentand placed the city’s Beguinage on one ofhis delightful biscuit tins. Not surprisingly,Bruges is the most popular touristdestination in Belgium.

It is fair to say that the theme of chocolateand Bruges go hand in hand, and there arenumerous traditional chocolate shopsdotted all over the city. In many parts ofBruges, and as a speciality of the city, youcan dine at restaurants where entire menusare focused on dishes made exclusivelyfrom chocolate.

Because of the nature of the city, hotels inBruges tend to be small, charming andfamily-run. There are of course largerboutique hotels as well as internationalproperties with great conference facilitiesavailable to all.

The range of activities on offer in Bruges isendless. From guided city walks to boattrips along the canals, to a tour of the city byhorse tram or activities exclusive toindividual groups, there are everlasting waysto discover Bruges’ enchanting city centre. Itis even possible to spend an evening in thehome of a local inhabitant. More commonlyknown as hobby chefs, small groups areoffered the opportunity to experiencetraditional Flemish cuisine prepared byresidents who not only share their love forcooking but will also regale their guests withfascinating stories of their city.


Bruges


Bruges, the Beautiful is recognised as the most prolific city in Belgium for art and attractions.Within the surrounds of the city, are instantly recognisable ancient fortifications, meanderingcanal ways and medieval buildings.

Congress & meeting venues • 12 conference spaces and historical venues • 22 conference hotels • Over 3100 hotel rooms in and around Bruges

Visitors expect greatthings of Brugesbecause of itsreputation, and itdoesn’t disappoint.The architecture,atmosphere, cuisineand people allcombine to form avery memorabledestination ideal formeetings andincentives. And, ofcourse, it couldn’t beeasier to get to fromthe UK and the restof Europe. I wasreally impressed.”Sally Trelford Associateeditor M&IT magazine

Good to Know

Art & Architecture

• See Michaelangelo’sMadonna & Child at theChurch of Our Lady.

• Enjoy eveningentertainmentat Bruges’Concertgebouw,featuring internationalconcerts and localperformances.

• Wander along toStoofstraat tot'Verwennerietje,which is one of thefew places whereyou can still seeauthentic Belgian lacebeing made.

Getting ThereBruges is just one hour from Brussels by car or train.

Attractions

• Visit De Halve Maan,the only breweryoperating in the heartof Bruges.

• A great way forgroups to see Brugesis to jump on a bikeor get a hold of an “InBruges” movie mapand follow thefootsteps of ColinFarrell and BrendonGleason to theBasilica of the HolyBlood and theGroeninge Museum.

Cool Bruges

• Learn everything youneed to know aboutthe famous Belgian“Friet” (chips) at thewonderfully uniqueFriet Museum.

• Follow it upwith a visitto Choco-Story, Bruges’fun Chocolatemuseum.

• Head toGruuthusestraat andDijver and wanderabout the art galleriesand antiques stores.On summer weekendsby the side of the canalDijver, there is also abrocante (flea market).

Gastronomy

• When in Bruges,sample the traditionalBruges chocolateSwaentje (Swan).The Swaentje, asymbol of the city ofBruges, representseverlasting love.

• Head to famouschocolatier DominiquePersoone’s shop andsample uniquechocolate creationslike the deliciousCabernet Sauvignonvinegar caramelchocolate or whitechocolate ganachewith fresh peas.

Outstanding architecture and chocolate shops – in Belgium’s picture postcard perfect city


• The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Bruges was Cultural Capital of Europe in 2002

• Voted one of TripAdvisor’s top 10 WorldDestinations in 2008

• Has 16 renowned museums offering privateevening viewings for groups

• Bruges is pedestrian friendly with everythingwithin walking distance to the city centre

“

BrusselsHistoric versus hip, Brussels is full of contrasts, contradictions and intrigue.However, this multicultural equation goes much deeper than justEurocrats. Besides being home to the European Commission, Brussels isalso headquarters to over two thousand international associations. In anage where so much is already discovered, Belgium’s capital seduces asone of Western Europe’s great surprises.

Brussels is a city of fine food, café andculture, Art Nouveau, architecture and thesurreal. It is easily accessible from every partof the UK and offers plenty of attractions tokeep delegates amused for days!

Pull up a chair and join locals who treasurethe city’s casual atmosphere. Watch asvisitors saunter down swish Avenue Louiseor Rue Antoine Dansaert, where many ofBelgium’s trendy designers have theirboutiques. Some of the world’s mostenduring images of surrealist art werecreated in the northern suburb of Jette andthe architecture ranges from monumentaledifices to intricate Art Nouveau façades.A perfect example of this is the Museum ofMusical Instruments. Take the elaborateglass elevator to the top and see the EU’sreal-life Gotham City.

Constant throughout the city is the quality ofeveryday life; the shopping is great, therestaurants are stunning, the chocolateshops sublime and the bar sceneextraordinary. The centre of cool in Brussels

has long been the adjoining areas ofSt Catherine and St Géry where comenightfall, the young arrive to party. There aremany trendy bars that line Place St Gérybut it is also great for quiet dining or sittingin a café and watching the world go by.

For a long time Brussels seemed content toremain in the shadows but its stint asCultural Capital of Europe in 2000 saw thecity dusted and polished in a flurry thatbrought renewed life to historic buildingsand sleepy streets. A new spirit emergedfanning outside interest and inner-cityregeneration. Nearly a decade on, Brusselsis looking better than ever.

Undoubtedly, Brussels is an awe-inspiringconference destination. The city itself isranked fourth in the world by UIA forInternational Meeting Cities in 2007 andoffers meeting planners all of the necessarytools to organise a successful event. Withnearly one hundred museums to choosefrom, and over sixty extraordinary venues,organisers will be spoilt for choice.


Brussels


As the Belgian capital, Brussels has nearly 100 museums, a cornucopia of Michelin starredrestaurants, bars and bistros on practically every street corner. It’s quite simply a meltingpot in terms of culture, heritage, arts and entertainment.

Congress & meeting venues • 60 special venues • 165 hotels • Over 30,000 rooms • Over 2,000 restaurants

Don’t forget to usethe Brussels MICECard giving youaccess to 30 freemuseums, freetransport and 27exclusive offers

Good to Know

Art & Architecture

• For cultural immersionvisit Place Royale.This central location isthe museum hub ofBrussels. Learn aboutthe history of Belgiumat the BELvue andwhile you are there,discover the formerCoudenberg palace,a vast archaeologicalsite submergedbeneath the PlaceRoyale. Also, see 200works by renownedsurrealist artist RenéMagritte at theMagritte Museum.

Getting ThereBrussels is only 1hr 52 minutes away by train from London.Less than 20 minutes away from Brussels international airport.

Attractions

• Visit the Grand’Place, consideredone of the mostbeautiful squares inEurope. Pick a café,order a Belgian beerand simply sit backand enjoy the view.

• Head towards Placedu Grand Sablonwhich is packed withantique shops, elegantrestaurants, art galleriesand gourmetchocolatiers. Pick up abox of designerchocolates from PierreMarcolini or Wittamer.

Cool Brussels

• Wander around theBelgian Comic StripMuseum andunderstand whyBrussels is known as thecapital of the comicstrip. Not only will yousee many familiarcomic strip characterssuch as Tin Tin and theSmurfs, but alsoadmire the buildingwhich was designedby famous Art Nouveauarchitect, Victor Horta.

• In the evening, head toPlace St Géry and trya beer or two andwatch the beautifulpeople go by.

Gastronomy

• With more Michelinstars per head ofpopulation thananywhere else in theworld, Brussels is agreat place to setaside all diet plansand indulge.

• No visit to Belgiumwould be completewithout tasting thenational dish ofMoules Friet. Fordessert, order atraditional Brusselswaffle made with aspecial waffle irononly found in Belgium.

Quick and easy to get to, the capital has couture, culture, cuisine and much more!


• Brussels is ranked 4th in Union of InternationalAssociations International Meeting Cities in 2007.

• Brussels has 138 restaurants per square mile

• Home to more than 1,000 international associations

• Brussels is home to over 2,000 foreign companies

• Actress Audrey Hepburn was born Edda vanHeemstra Hepburn- Ruston in Brussels.

• Brussels sprouts have been grown in the Brusselsarea for over four hundred years.

GhentGhent is Flanders’ hidden gem, sandwiched between Brussels, Bruges andAntwerp. This attractive medieval canal city has long been overlooked byvisitors on the traditional art-town hop between Belgium’s big three. Its 900-plus listed buildings are testament to the fact that not only did the city survivethe World Wars, but also that it was very wealthy in medieval times. Duringthe fifteenth century, Ghent was Europe’s largest cloth producer importingwool from England, and was also the continent’s largest city outside Paris.

Known as Gent in Flemish and Gand in French,the city sits on the junction of the Leie andScheldt Rivers and was the seat of the Countsof Flanders who built a fearsome castle that isstill visible today. These days, Ghent is thecapital of the province of Oost-Vlaanderenand has a large university population.

This compact medieval city is ideal formeetings, incentives and conferences. Thereis a range of stylish international hotels onoffer in addition to many trendy smallerboutique hotels.

The locals, while intensely proud of their city,are very modest about its merits. There aretwo sides to Ghent; the historic and thequirky, with the latter offering visitors a hipand trendy location.

If you wander down Vlaanderenstraat, youwill find all sorts of one-off boutiques in thisup and coming part of town. Or, for a quirkytake on a museum, head to Patershol andvisit the house of Alijn, otherwise known asThe Museum of Things That Never Pass andyou will be lead through displays ofcuriosities from popular culture and everydaylife. In the evening, for something completelydifferent, go to De Dulle Griet where thespeciality ale is “Max of the House” served in aglass so unique that you have to hand over ashoe as collateral. It may seem strange to youand I, but it is just another night in Ghent!


Ghent


For a quick jaunt across the centuries, make a trip to Ghentand immerse yourself in its successful fusion of old and new.

Congress & meeting venues • 3 congress centres • 28 hotels • More than 1750 rooms

Ghent was a stunningcity with an excitingmix of historicbuildings and new,modern and cuttingedge hotels andrestaurants. It is also acity that offers thebusiness, corporateand incentivetraveller everythingthey could wish”Colin Gibson,Director of Communications,English Cricket Board

Good to Know

Art & Architecture

• Ghent has severalmuseums of note,with SMAK(Municipal Museumof ContemporaryArt) being the bestknown and the mostfamous for its boldand originalexhibitions of bothBelgian andinternational artists.

• No visit to Ghentwould be completewithout going to SaintBavo’s Cathedral tosee the famed“Adoration of theMystic Lamb” by thevan Eyck brothers.

Getting ThereGhent is 45 minutes away from Brussels airport.Less than 30 minutes by train from Brussels.Less than 2 and half hours by train from London.Attractions

• Cruise along Ghent’scanals whilstsampling a Jenever, atype of gin found inthe Low Countries.You’ll be surprised bythe number ofdifferent flavourswhich range fromsweet vanilla andapple to chocolateand hazelnut.

• Experience Ghent bytaste. Try the manydifferent types ofgastronomy walks thatare available to visitors.

Cool Ghent

• Stroll down JanBreydelstraat, andvisit shops like FallenAngels, an authenticcurio shop or in thesummer taste one ofthe delicious flowerscented ice-creamsfrom Papavers.

• Sip Flemish beersand sample localdelicacies along theatmospheric Graslei.With imposing 13thto 16th centuryfacades, theserestaurants havemerged medievalstructures withstylish interiors.

Gastronomy

• Be sure to try waterzooiwhen in Ghent. This dishis a speciality of the city.

• Head to the Patershol,one of the oldest districtsof Ghent which is famedfor its narrow alleywaysand cobbled streets. Tryany of the many intimaterestaurants located here.

• Visit Het GrootVleeshuis, the 15thcentury former meatmarket. Now a café andrestaurant that servesproduce from the EastFlemish region, includingthe famous Ghent hamthat can be seen hangingin the rafters above.

This medieval beauty is a melting pot of art and history


• In 2008, National Geographic TravellerMagazine listed Ghent as the third mostauthentic historical destination in the world

• Ghent has more listed buildings than anyother city in Belgium

• Ghent is the birthplace to: Charles V (HolyRoman Emperor), Jacques Rogge (head ofInternational Olympic Committee), BradleyWiggins (British Olympic Gold medallist)

“

Getting There

Flanders is one of the most easily accessible regions to get from the UK. By train, plane car or ferry, organisers are spoilt for choice.

For any queries about Group bookings on Eurostar, Brussels Airlines, VLM and other flights please contact : Tourism Flanders-Brussels 0207 307 7734 Email: [email protected] Or have a look at the Special offers at www.visitflanders.co.uk/mice/special_offers


Train Less than 2 hours away from London. Eurostar is the ideal way to travel to the region. Frequent services from St Pancras London to Brussels in under 2 hours. Eurostar tickets to Brussels are also valid for any onward and return travel to/from any Belgian station.

Plane Over 250 flights per week to Brussels from the UK. Brussels Airlines has frequent flights from a number of UK airports. VLM flies from London City airport and Manchester to Brussels & Antwerp. Brussels International Airport is eight miles north-east of the city centre. There is a shuttle by train between North, South and Central stations. There is also a direct bus to Antwerp and Brussels.

Ferry There are a number of different routes from the UK to Belgium. P&O North Sea ferries goes from Hull to Zeebrugge. Norfolk Line goes from Rosythe to Zeebrugge TransEuropa Ferries goes from Ramsgate to Ostend

Car Less than 3 and half hours drive from UK to Belgium. From the UK there are frequent services on the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais.

mailto:[email protected]�

http://www.visitflanders.co.uk/mice/special_offers�

http://www.visitflanders.co.uk/mice/special_offers�

http://www.visitflanders.co.uk/mice�

Documents

Tourism Flanders Brussels Mice