Anne Oosterbaan
Manager Meetings, Events and Incentives.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS?
The Netherlands are a cultural extravaganza, showcasing more art and culture per square mile than any other country on earth.
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE A TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL WHO IS PLANNING A MEETING IN YOUR DESTINATION?
Take a look at cities besides Amsterdam. The Netherlands is a small country and most parts are very easy to reach. Prices are more interesting outside the big cities, and even Rotterdam or The Hague have a lot to offer, not to mention the coastal area. If possible, try to avoid the high season as prices rise immensely.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN YOUR COUNTRY?
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and coastal area.
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND YOUR DESTINATION FOR MEETINGS & INCENTIVES?
Everything is possible here! The Netherlands are centrally located within Europe, very easy to reach with a large international airport, good infrastructure throughout the whole country and full of cosmopolitan cities. Almost all inhabitants speak at least Dutch, English and German and many other languages are spoken as well. State-of-the-art hotels and conference facilities can be found all over the country, and those looking for culture, art, nature, history and much more will be satisfied as well, since the country offers a great variety.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR MEETINGS & INCENTIVES BACKGROUND.
In 2000, I started as a trainee in the Group & Convention department of the Sheraton Amsterdam Hotels. After my 5-month traineeship, I was offered a job as Group & Convention coordinator and during the next 2,5 years I organised meetings & incentives groups ranging from small board meetings to large conferences for hundreds of participants. From 2002 to 2004, I was employed by the Westin Regina Resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico as Group & Convention Manager. This luxury beach resort handled groups of up to 1,000 people, offering a large conference centre and all kinds of outdoors facilities. In 2004, I started with Kuoni as Sales Manager for Greece, Turkey and Portugal, mainly dealing with meetings & incentives requests for the Benelux region. In 2007, I took on the position of Meetings & Incentives Manager, being responsible for all meetings and incentives-related business within Benelux.
CAN YOU GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF A RECENT SUCCESS STORY?
Last year, one of the largest projects we dealt with was the official inauguration of the newest ship of the Holland America Line in the port of Rotterdam. During 4 days, over 11,000 international guests came to admire this beautiful deluxe ship. Holland America Line contracted us to organise logistics and the social programme. This included countless transfers between Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, Rotterdam Airport and the Cruise Terminal Rotterdam; staff members coordinating arrivals & departures at both airports and the central railway station of Rotterdam; as well as stak at the passengers' terminal to welcome all guests, check them in, arrange luggage etc. The highlight of course was the official naming of the ship by Her Majesty the Queen!