The
event, which took place in May of last year, was the
largest Routes Europe to date with almost 900 key industry
decision makers descending
on Tallinn to meet, do business and
shape the future of Europe’s air services.
Holding
Routes Europe in Estonia is, according to Sakkov, a great success. It
took two years of bidding and one and a half years of preparation,
but the event has paid off hugely, in fact, Tallinn Airport
were able to announce during the event that they had secured a new
air route with Turkish
Airlines who confirmed they would be
commencing a three times weekly service to theEstonian capital.
“However
unique we might consider our Old Town or singing tradition, the
reality is that looking from Europe, we are still seen like a
post-soviet country somewhere in Siberia,” commented Sakkov. “No
flyer or advertisement can disprove this prejudice, the only thing
that helps is to get all the decision makers here and show
them, how great a place Estonia is for a tourist and that it’s also
one of the most favourable places in Europe for doing business.”
Andrew
Rowe, VP Operations for Routes, organisers of the event said the
delegates were impressed with the hospitality and seamless
organisation by Tallinn Airport: “Routes Europe 2012
in Tallinn was a great success. It was a fantastic show and
the attending airlines and
airports enjoyed the city and Estonian hospitality. They
left with a very favourable impression of Tallinn and
Estonia.” Rowe continued: “To quote from one delegate’s
feedback ‘this was one of the best organised events I have ever
attended, a big thank you to Tallinn Airport.”
“Altogether,
there were 11 nominees for the award of Conference of the Year 2012,”
said Kadri Karu, CEO of theEstonian Convention
Bureau continuing: “Routes Europe 2012 definitely caught the
attention and acknowledgement of Estonia as well as abroad.” This
January, the Estonian Convention Bureau (ECB)
celebrates its 5th year. ECB serves as an association of
convention businesses and
municipalities, which aims to promote Estonia as a destination for
convention tourism and Karu promises that the Estonian Convention
Bureau will do everything to promote Estonia as a host for
events of this magnitude
