Inspiration

5 UNMISSABLE BUSINESS TOURISM ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS

Designed to inspire your programme development, these five must-do business tourism activities highlight the key experiences. Easy to integrate into your itineraries, they add value to your stays and respond to your clients’ expectations in the business tourism sector.

©Agence du tourisme landais

Table of contents

1. BORDEAUX, A GLOBAL BUSINESS TOURISM CAPITAL

Bordeaux is just a 2 hour train ride from Paris and has made its mark as a top trade destination in Europe. Its impressive exhibition centres – Palais des Congrès, Parc des Expositions, Cité Mondiale – host international conferences, trade fairs and conventions with equally impressive facilities.

It also sets the stage for more original events at iconic venues such as the Cité du Vin, Bassins des Lumières and MECA (Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s Creative and Cultural Economy Centre).

With over 200 hotels including several 4 and 5* establishments, plus a top-tier events ecosystem, the Gironde capital is the perfect blend of professionalism, French chic and art de vivre. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and world capital of wine, Bordeaux is just as popular for its heritage as its laidback lifestyle. It’s a sustainable destination (6th in the GDS Index and recognised by the French Innovative Sustainable Destination label), it strikes the right balance between the city and nature, it takes care of its environment, it supports and involves its local communities.

2. WELCOMING TOWNS FOR EVENTS WITH PERSONALITY AT THE
SEASIDE, IN THE FOOTHILLS OR DEEP IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

Aside from Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine has a network of friendly towns that are easy to get to, have a real sense of hospitality and really set the scene.

La Rochelle, Biarritz and Arcachon capture the region’s ocean spirit on the Atlantic coast. Espace Encan in La Rochelle and Bellevue in Biarritz host conferences and conventions in premium modern venues with sea views. The bay’s light and seaside villas create the perfect setting for events that blend style with relaxation in Arcachon. All 3 destinations have the ISO 20121 accreditation and Arcachon has been recognised by the French Innovative Sustainable Destination label.
Poitiers, Niort and Angoulême provide impressive modular solutions within a 2 hour train ride from Paris. The past meets the future in Poitiers at the Palais des Congrès, Arena Futuroscope and Futuroscope; Niort blends modern flair with the great outdoors at L’Acclameur and the nearby Marais Poitevin; the comic book capital of Angoulême is of course home to creative spaces such as the Cité de la BD and Espace Franquin.
Venture inland for a slice of the real France and great hospitality in Rochefort, Pau, Limoges, Périgueux, Mont-de-Marsan, Dax and Agen. Drink in views of the Pyrenees at Palais Beaumont in Pau; embrace iconic craftsmanship and modern infrastructures in Limoges; soak up the local heritage and culinary delights in Périgueux. South Western France’s social vibes create a warm and friendly atmosphere in the spa towns of Mont-de-Marsan and Dax whilst you get the best of hospitality and convenience in Agen, between Bordeaux and Toulouse.

The towns all have the same values: real hospitality, professional yet friendly and fantastic quality of life.

These destinations help you stage sustainable events: they provide approved eco-friendly accommodation, support SFSCs and local solutions, encourage accessibility and sustainable transport, manage waste appropriately and more. They help expand your business network and host major events with a positive impact on the local area.

3. UNIQUE VENUES AND PASSIONATE EXPERTS : THE SOUTH WESTERN ART DE VIVRE

When you host an event in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, you get passionate experts and outstanding venues fuelled by the South Western culture for hospitality.
Wineries, charming hotels, country piles and heritage sites provide a whole host of vibes blending prestige, nature and the joy of being together.
Make a statement and stage your event somewhere unforgettable, like a prehistoric cave, world-famous winery in the Bordeaux vineyard or a hotel with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The region’s tour operators and tourist boards provide tailormade support, from planning to logistics, with the friendly service you’d expect from Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Our warm and professional hospitality makes every event unique and memorable.

4. LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN
WILD AND GET THE TEAM TOGETHER FOR EXPERIENCES THEY’LL NEVER FORGET
(WINE, FOOD & DRINK,
NATURE, CULTURE, SPORT, WELLNESS ETC.).

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the perfect playground for team building activities, no matter your profile or what you’re looking for.
When it comes to wine, Bordeaux, Cognac, Bergerac, Jurançon and Irouléguy run private tours, blending workshops and sensory experiences.
The region’s food & drink scene brings people together with truffle or walnut workshops, seaside oyster tastings, foodie outings to experience Basque, Landes, Périgord and Poitevin specialities etc.
Think outside the box: surfing or yoga on the beach, hiking in the Pyrenees, canoeing on the Dordogne, history escape games and digital scavenger hunts with Térra Aventura.
Boost your team spirit with rewarding, enjoyable and cultural experiences that showcase the area’s assets and creativity.

5. HOST ECO-FRIENDLY EVENTS WITH THE HELP OF ONE OF THE MOST SUSTAINABLE EVENTS ECOSYSTEMS IN FRANCE

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is a paving the way for green tourism and sustainability is key to its business tourism. Countless sites are approved by the EU Ecolabel, Green Key and ISO 20121. Local businesses are coming up with practical solutions: more plant-based catering, SFSCs, ecodesign furniture, sustainable transport and waste management.
The Palais des Congrès in Bordeaux, Centre de Congrès in Pau and MECA epitomise our collective commitment to the environment with the support of regional campaigns such as Trajectoire Durable. When you host your event in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, your business joins forces with a pioneering destination fuelling business performance, environmental sustainability and social values.
A land where innovation and responsibility come together to create the event of the future.

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