The Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives (ANTOR) orchestrated the inaugural 'ANTOR Meets MICE Agency Challenge', in partnership with Leeds Castle. Nine ANTOR members including; Cyprus, Estonia, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Korea, Miami, Oman and Trinidad and Tobago, met the Directors and CEOs from 17 leading MICE organisations, following delightful Greek wine, Trinidad and Tobago rum punch and Korean after dinner drinks, traditional gamification model including afternoon activities, gala dinner and overnight stay at Leeds Castle. Participants and guests took part in archery, presentations and a quiz followed by a 1930s style banquet and prize giving.

This is the first year ANTOR has given its members the opportunity to meet with the MICE market in this setting and the event was a resounding success. Both ANTOR participants and MICE buyers enjoyed the luxury of Leeds Castle, with sumptuous food and drinks sponsored by a selection of participating ANTOR members, in conjunction with competitive team activities and short five minute presentations from each destination.

Philippa Whitney, Director, Inneventive commented, “All of the hosts were charming and interesting, I learnt lots and feel I can now approach clients with some of these new destinations,” whilst Suzanne Melser, N.I.C.E Ltd added, “What a great afternoon and evening, fun, informative and just the right mix of business and pleasure.”

MICE guests and ANTOR hosts were invited to bring their partners to experience the dinner and overnight stay in the Castle, Maiden Tower or Stable Courtyard rooms and they enjoyed a falconry display in the castle grounds whilst trying their hand at archery in small teams of four. Winners of the archery were presented with Hungarian wine, whilst scores were accumulated after the quiz that followed the presentations, with the overall winning team taking home Champagne to celebrate.

A themed banquet in the evening saw guests put their best foot forward to come in 1930s style dress and black tie, with 1930s singer Corrine Williams entertaining the guests with a live performance. After a group breakfast the following morning, guests were presented with an engraved Links of London photo frame to mark the occasion.

All partners felt the evening was a success with Alison Cryer, ANTOR's Executive Secretary commenting, “It was a fun, informative event showcasing member destinations in the amazing venue of Leeds Castle.” Debbie Matthews, Hospitality Business Manager at Leeds Castle thanked ANTOR saying, “Thank you for all your planning and effort in making the joint sales event such a success.”

For photos from the evening, visit the ANTOR Facebook page and for more information on ANTOR's members and upcoming events, visit the ANTOR website.

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For further information contact:

Executive Secretariat, ANTOR

Email: secretariat@antor.com                                

Tel: 0870 241 9084

Web: www.antor.com

Notes to Editors

ANTOR Members and Leeds Castle Hosts Photo:  Top Left to Bottom Right – Darrin Des Vignes (Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board), Sebastian Sarrasin (Greater Miami CVB),   Panos Papadopoulos (Greek National Tourism Organisation), Anita Sipos (Hungarian Tourism Ltd.), Michael Michael (Korea Tourism Board), Alison Cryer (ANTOR), Lillian Panyani (Cyprus Tourism Organisation), Ines Lebaek (Visit Denmark) Erica Van Rooyen, (Oman Ministry of Tourism), Christina Kalogera (Greek National Tourism Organisation) Debbie Matthews (Leeds Castle), Kadri Karu (Estonian Tourist Board), Jenny George (Leeds Castle)

About ANTOR

ANTOR is the principal lobbying organisation for the world's tourist offices. Its UK membership comprises national and regional tourist offices which are represented in Britain.

ANTOR's objectives include providing a fraternal forum for its members to meet and exchange ideas, to forge close relationships with all other sectors of the travel industry; to be recognised as one of the foremost advocates of responsible tourism and to comment on a wide range of issues affecting worldwide travel and tourism.

In the current climate, ANTOR provides a unique opportunity for destinations to work together, pool their resources through joint marketing initiatives and really leverage their marketing spend. Many of our activities would be impossible for most of our destinations to undertake individually but working together we can really raise the profile of your destination.

ANTOR UK is a voluntary, non-political organisation which was established in 1952. It is run by a board of members which is elected each year at the Association's Annual General Meeting.