Tag Archives: Japan

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Corporate Incentive Travel: Top 10 Christmas Markets

Top 10 Christmas Markets: A Virtual Video Voyage

by Anne Thornley-Brown, President

Executive Oasis International

If you time your sales incentive trip or foreign corporate retreat for late November or early December, you can give your team an opportunity to capture the magic and still be home long before Christmas. A Christmas market is a truly memorable experience to build into your company’s incentive travel itinerary. Your team will talk about it for years. To ensure that you get the best hotel rates and airfares, begin your planning well in advance.

If you need help in selecting your destination, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll start with a visit to some German Christmas markets followed by more stops around the world in search of the top 10 places to find Christmas markets. It’s the time of year when everyone is tired and winding down for Christmas so, our approach this time will be light on text and heavy on video.

 

What is a Christmas market?

The tradition started in Germany in the 15th century and its spreading place all over the world. In the weeks before Christmas, the markets are transformed into colourful places of light, colour, music, and excitement.

Germany

The Christmas Market tradition continues throughout Germany. This videoclip will show you what German Christmas Markets look like today.

Ludwigsburg Barock – Weihnachtsmarkt/Baroque Christmas Market


France (Historically Germany)

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Opened in 1540, Strasbourg Christmas market is reputed to be one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets. It’s in the famous Alsace Region that has gone back and forth between France and Germany over the centuries. It sits right on the border of France and Germany and has flavours of both cultures. The Christmas market is a distinctly German tradition that was started when Strasbourg was part of Germany.

 

France

Paris Christmas Market

The lights are incredible:

 

Austria

Vienna Rathaus Christkindlmarkt


 

The Czech Republic

Prague Christmas Market

 

Japan

Yokohama German Christmas Market

Tokyo – Strasbourg Christmas Market

When you’re in Japan, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the seasonal illuminations that are becoming popular in cities all over Japan.

 

Estonia

Tallinn Medieval Christmas Market

 

UK

Lincoln German-Style Christmas Market

 

Canada

Toronto Christmas Market NEW

Brand new for 2010, Toronto Christmas Market is taking place during the first 2 weeks of December at The Distillery District, a historical complex. It features a massive Christmas tree, beer gardens, Santa’s Lane, a feriss wheel, and a variety of festive music including carolers, classical organ concerts, and Bavarian brass bands.

While you’re in Toronto, be sure to spend an at Black Creek Pioneer Village for the mesmerizing Christmas by Lamplight. As carolers stroll through the village, you’ll get a glimpse of a traditional Canadian Christmas of the 19th Century as you visit perfectly preserved and festively decorated homes from that era. You can also sample Christmas goodies and savour the delights of a traditional Christmas turkey dinner complete with all the trimmings.

 

Jamaica

Brawta: Christmas Grand Market – Down Memory Lane

“Brawta” means a special extra give in Jamaican patois. This bonus Christmas market is my Christmas gift to you. I didn’t include this in the top 10 for 2 reasons. This note is more historical than current. Also, many companies don’t have the budget to provide incentive trips for the whole family. Definitely, if an incentive trip is held over Christmas, it has to be a family affair.

Christmas Market or Grand Market, is no longer celebrated throughout the island. However, it has left a cultural imprint on modern Jamaican Christmas celebrations so I thought it would be interesting to include it. A few communities have introduced Grand Market Night celebrations on Christmas Eve in honour of this tradition. If you ever are in a position to offer this or to pay for employees and give them the option to upgrade and bring the entire family, why not try Christmas in Jamaica one year. Special church services take place throughout the island. You’ll enjoy traditional black cake, sorrel (a delectable Chrismas drink), chocolate tea, carols, and, of course reggae. Grand Market, a uniquely Jamaican tradition, dates back to slavery days 2 centuries ago. Some of the traditions live on but others are dying out.

If you’re lucky you may even catch Jonkonnu. As recently as the early 1970s, Jonkonnu bands could be found all over the island and they would have performances and parades after Christmas. Now only a few communities keep this tradition alive with it’s colourful cast of characters.

I’ve heard my parents talk about them and, as other parts of the world are transplating the Christmas Market to their own shores, I do hope that Jamaica will revive this centuries old tradition.

 

Here is where you can find more Christmas Markets:

Other Corporate Christmas Event Planning Blogs:

 

 

Photo Credit: Batislava Christmas Market, -12°C

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Corporate Incentive Travel in Japan

Japan Incentive Travel (Winter & Spring)

Last time, we focused on summer and fall incentive travel in Japan. Winter and Spring are two of the most colourful seasons in Japan with a host of interesting festivals and activities. If you want your team to experience the snow festival (Yuki Matsuri) the cherry blossom festival (Sakura Matsuri from March to May), remember to book your trip WELL in advance.

Winter

Chubu – Mountains:

Sapporo:

Sapporo is most well known for its annual snow festival (Yuki Matsuri) at Odori Park in February featuring huge snow replicas of world landmarks (buildings and attractions). Your group can compete in a scaled down version snow sculpture competition organized especially for you.

Sapporo also has a German Christmas market that takes place every December. You’ll also want to explore the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum.

Yokote City, Akita prefecture:

A 400 year old annual snow festival on February 15 – 16 at Doro Koen Park features small candle-lit rooms called Kamakura carved out of snow during .

Nagano:

World attention was focused on Nagano during the 1998 Winter Olympics. It’s high altitude makes it perfect for skiing, trekking and a host of other winter activities.

Shirakawa:

This is a winter view of the UNESCO World Heritage site featured in our most recent blog entry under “Summer”.

Shirakawa & Gokayama:

Spring

Festivals:

  • On March 3rd., the Hina Matsuri (doll festival) is celebrated throughout Japan.

Nara:

You can get a good view of the sakura and explore Nara Park, known for the tame deer that roam there. Be sure to also take in the Nara National Museum.

World Heritage Site: Todaiji Temple with the world’s largest wooden structure, the Daibutsuden, that houses the Great Buddha of Nara.

Kamakura:

Kamakura was the ancient samurai capital, during the Kamakura shogunate era. It has Kamakura has a famous cherry blossom path that forms a ceiling of flowers. Hōkokuji, the bamboo forest, There is no need to worry about charters. It is accessible by the JR rail system and this would give your team a chance to see another side of Japan.

World Heritage Site: Todaiji Temple with the world’s largest wooden structure, the Daibutsuden, that houses the Great Buddha of Nara.

For help in planning your sales incentive trip in Japan, please visit our website. Then, contact us to let us know your requirements. For the best choice of options and to allow ample time for logistics, it is best to
book your retreat at least 4 – 6 months before you intend to travel:

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Japan: Incentive Travel for all Seasons

Incentive Travel & Corporate Events in Japan
(Summer & Fall)

In Japan, the changing seasons and festivals provide a tantalizing backdrop for your team’s incentive trip. In addition to modern conference facilities, your team can spend some time at a traditional ryokan or a resort with an onsen. Venues for corporate events include gardens, famous samurai movie sets, and feudal mansions. However, it’s important to make your plans and book well in advance. During the summer, well-heeled Tokyo residents escape to the mountain areas to beat the heat. If you want to experience a popular mountain retreat during the summer or Kyoto’s fall colours, your planning can’t be left until the last minute.

We had an excellent response to our light on text virtual tour of Malaysia’s hills so, we’re using the same approach to this virtual tour of some of Japan’s mountain and countryside areas. Come explore the possibilities.

Summer

Due to the humidity, some locals describe Tokyo as a “blast furnace” during the summer. To find relief from the heat, head to the Japan Alps, Hakone, Toyama, or Sapporo.

Festivals: During the summer, there are a variety of summer festivals (Natsu Matsuri) throughout Japan. Almost every night, various communities throughout Japan feature stunning fireworks displays.

  • Bon Odori Matsuri is celebrated throughout the country from Jul 13 – 15.

Hakone: Temperature – 24°C – 30°C (74° – 87°F)

1 1/2 hours southwest of Tokyo by train, explore Japanese culture and add variety to your incentive travel itinerary by staying at a traditional Ryokan (Japanese Inn) or a resort with an onsen (hot spring bath).

Hakone is a stunning mountain retreat that has a number of resorts and ryokans with onsens. Give your team a break from your meetings with a vist to nearby Fujisan (Mount Fuji) and a cruise on Lake Ashi followed by a cable car ride at Mount Komagatake. The panoramic view is absolutely spectacular and on a clear day you will be able to see Mount Fuji. You’ll be able to see the lake below and even the golf course where your team can enjoy a round or two.

Chubu – Mountains : Temperature – 21°C – 30°C (70°F – 87°F)

Every time I watch this video of a journey to the Japanese Alps in the summer, I get goosebumps. I wish I could jump right into the video.

Toyama: Temperature – 22°C – 30°C (72°F – 87°F)

Offering a panoramic view of the 3,000-meter Tateyama Mountains, Toyama is comfortable to visit all year. It has 4 mineral baths including the Unazuki-onsen. Attractions include Zuiryu-ji Temple and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route where you can enjoy river rafting, cable car rides, and view from the Kurobe Dam observatory.

World Heritage Sites: Gokayama Village with ‘gassho-zukuri’ style dwellings

Sapporo : Temperature – 18°C – 29°C (65°F – 84°F)

Sapporo has a number of unique museums and attractions. Start with a tour of the Historical Museum of Hokkaido. Then visit the Bread Museum of Hokuo to learn about the Japanese art of bread making and sample freshly baked bread. There is also a chocolate factory that your team can tour.

If you’re looking for a few hours to unwind between meetings, you can let off steam at Teine Olympia, an amusement park within a forest. If you time your trip well, at any time of year, your team can take in a concert one evening at the Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara .

Shirakawa: For an interesting excursion, travel back in time this UNESCO World Heritage site, a 500 year old, traditional village with thatched roof huts.

Tohoku

It’s always cool and comfortable in this part of Japan that has numerous onsens, the ancient 4,000 – 5,550 year old ruins of Sannai-Maruyama.

Festivals:

  • Every year in August, you can enjoy the Nebuta Festival.

World Heritage Sites: Shirakami-Sanchi Mountains

Fall

Kyoto:

Festivals:

  • October 22 – the Yuki Shrine Fire Festival

Suzuka:

  • October – F1 Formula One

Hakone:

Festivals:

  • November 3 Daimyo Gyorestsu, a re-enactment of a feudal lord’s procession

One trip to Japan is not enough to see it all. So, to create a memorable incentive trip, pick your time of year and one or two areas to explore.

Once again. I have way too much material for one blog entry so I have actually had to split it into 3. The other two parts will go live soon. Next time, we’ll continue next time with incentive travel in Japan during the Fall and Winter.

For help in planning incentive travel in Japan, please visit our website. Then, contact us to let us know your requirements. For the best choice of options and to allow ample time for logistics, it is best to book your retreat at least 4 – 6 months before you intend to travel:

Anne Thornley-Brown has toured Asia 16 times and facilitated workshops and team building sessions for over 2000 executives, managers, and professionals.

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Luxury Car Events to Reward Corporate Teams

Luxury Cars: A World of Possibilities for Sales Incentives & Corporate Events

by Anne Thornley-Brown, M.B.A., President

Executive Oasis International

 

 

In 2008 & 2009, many companies put their incentive travel programmes on hold due to “optics” or a decline in corporate performance. Some companies are not ready to re-instate their foreign incentive travel programmes. Instead, they are on the lookout for memorable and unique experiences closer to home to reward their team and build customer loyalty.

Inspired by the day I spent with BMW Canada at their Toronto Advanced Driver Training Programme and my recent visit to Montreal during the Formula 1 (F1) Montreal Grand Prix in June, I decided to showcase luxury driving experiences around the world. Luxury driving incentives offer great possibilities as an alternative to foreign incentive travel.

Remember, if you do want to offer any of these incentives for your team, it’s important to make your plans early as all of these experiences sell out quickly.

This blog entry is light on text and heavy on incredible, fast action videos. Pick a location close to you:

Sit back, relax, and explore.

 

 

Canada

Toronto

BMW Advanced Driver Training

This experience was great fun and a sure-fire strategy for improving the driving skills of your sales teams and the other members of your team who are on the road.

 

 

It’s a combination of classroom instruction and exercises in a BMW training vehicle on their closed track.

When? July

  • Full Day: 20 People
  • Half Day: Two Groups of 16

This is the video of the oversteering exercise that I shot during the day I spent with BMW Canada. I learned a lot . The instructors were very supportive but I must admit that I was too much of a “fraidy cat” to make may car spinout when it was my turn to try it. Oh well, next time.

 

 

Honda Indy

 

 

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series

  • When? July

Mosport International Raceway

When? All Year

 

 

Montreal

BMW Winter Driving School

When? Late January – Early February


  • Full Day: 16 People


F1 Montreal Grand Prix

When? June

 

 

USA

Winter Driving School

 

 

South Carolina

 

 

United Arab Emirates

Dubai

BMW Advanced Driver Training

Abu Dhabi

Formula 1 – F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

When? November 12 – 14, 2010

 

 

Ferrari World

When? Year Round (Opening November, 2010)

 

 


Bahrain

BMW Driving School

 

 

Formula 1 (F1) – Bahrain Grand Prix

When? March

 

 


Japan

Suzuka

Formula 1 (F1) – Japanese Grand Prix

When? October 8 – 10, 2010

 

 

Singapore

Formula 1 (F1) – Singtel Singapore Grand Prix

When? October 8 – 10, 2010

BMW Advanced Driver Training

 

 

Malaysia

Bukit Tinggi Downhill

Every October, adrenaline junkies get to experience the thrill of racing like stunt drivers down one of Malaysia’s tallest hills. Take a peek at what happens.


Sepang International Circuit

BMW Advanced Driver Training

 

 

 

Kuala Lumpur

Formula 1 (F1) – Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix

When? April

 

 

Other Destinations

BMW Advanced Driver Training

Also Available in Japan, Sweden, Singapore, Malaysia, South Carolina

 

 

 

When You’re Ready to Go

Whether you decide to stay home in 2010 and 2011 or you’re ready to venture further afield, we’ll take you there. Executive Oasis International would be pleased to arrange:

  • a day excursion to a local adventure with time for your business meeting
  • a full package bundling a luxury driving experience with transfers, hotel, transportation to and from the track, meeting facilities, business facilitation, tours, excursions, gala awards dinner

Contact Executive Oasis International for more information about any of these luxury driving exeriences for corporate events and incentives:

 

Luxury Corporate Events