What Makes a Successful Congress Destination?

by Pádraic Gilligan, Managing Partner, SoolNua Congress Destinations In the late 80s when the iron curtain opened to reveal what used to be called Eastern Europe, Prague and Budapest were the first  actors to take to the stage and assume protagonist roles in the theatre of Congress Tourism. Initially they were unsteady and gauche, like the actor in Shakespeare’s… Read more »

The True Value of Meetings – UNWTO Report 2014

by Pádraic Gilligan, Managing Partner, SoolNua The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is just over 10 years in existence. Headquartered in Madrid, Spain it publishes a comprehensive annual report on tourism as well as occasional reports on specific segments, sectors and geographies of the broader tourism industry. It’s recent report (March 2014) on The… Read more »

An ICCA Virgin in Shanghai

by Padraic Gilligan, Vice President, Ovation Global DMC and Vice President, Industry Relations, MCI Distant Love For over 20 years I’ve had an arms length relationship with her. From afar, like a courtly lover, I could appreciate her unique appeal –  petite and svelte, friendly and smart – but I couldn’t quite find the time,… Read more »