Del Sol Packaged (DSP)

The Spanish companies show of strength at the Golf and Luxury Property Show held in Moscow last week was a clear sign that the Russian community as part of the local economy is becoming increasingly important to the Costa del Sol. Despite the chaos in Europe caused by the Icelandic volcano, more than 10 Spanish companies were represented amongst the 90 exhibitors all focused on the Golf and Real Estate sectors, both very important industries for the coast and Andalucia.

Over the past year a number of Russian focused businesses have opened as well as the launch of three new Russian language magazines to cater for the demand for Russian language publications. The number of Russian registered residents in Spain now tops over 190,000, with some 30,000 in Andalucia and it is a community that is set to continue to grow. The Russian Federation has a tiger economy and wealthy young Russian families have started to look to Europe as a place to settle and bring up their children. Schools, Colleges and the Real Estate companies have all seen a surge in enquires and registration from the growing numbers within Russian speaking community looking at Spain as the place to settle.

The Golf and Luxury Property Show is Moscow’s leading trade show within these sectors, although this is the first year in which the organizers in Russia have merged the previously separate shows. “The synergy for Real Estate and Golf Tourism makes it ideal for a number of Spanish businesses” said the organizer and Moscow based ExPat Kim Waddoup “We are very pleased that so many Spanish businesses see the opportunity in the Russian market and want to promote Spain as a destination market for the Russian community”.  Marina Robertson, a Russian National and Director of Del Sol Packaged, braved the ash cloud to attend the show for the first time. Marina said “ The opportunity to meet the Golf Associations, Golf tour operators, Real Estate promoters and to feel the positive attitudes towards Spain has been very encouraging. There are so many opportunities to promote the Costa del Sol to the growing golfing community here. Golf tourism in Spain and the Real Estate sectors will undoubtedly benefit from attending this years show”

There is no doubt that the Russians are catching the golf bug. There are brand new courses popping up all over and according to some data, the number of players is expected to grow from 5,000 to 25,000 over the next few years. Whilst it still may be a niche market, the number of courses being built in Moscow and St Petersburg and the number of players joining the Russian golfing federation every year speak for themselves.  The cost barrier to join a Russian club for most means that it is less expensive to book through a tour operator and travel to abroad to play. Due to the lack of promotion of Spain in Russia until now, the destination of choice is Belek in Turkey. However, it is the view of many that Spain is of much higher quality and is much more desirable as a destination to most Russian golfers.

During the summer Del Sol Packaged will be hosting a number of delegations from Moscow as a result of the show, which will include media, golf course designers, golf club owners, players and a number of tour operators. A famous movie once coined the phrase “The Russians are coming, the Russians are coming!” The Russians are indeed coming to the Costa del Sol.

For more information contact Simon Robertson at the DSP press office on +34 951 89 40 26, or email to pressoffice@delsolpackaged.com

The Russians are catching the golf bug. There are brand new courses popping up all over and according to some data, the number of players is expected to grow from 5,000 to 25,000 over the next few years.  Del Sol Packaged (DSP) is heading for Moscow in April to attend the first Moscow Golf & Luxury Property Show to promote the Costa del Sol and Golf tourism to high net worth Russian clients.

Teeing Off at the Moscow Golf Club

As we know only too well, the Costa del Sol is one of the world’s premier destinations for golf tourism and has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in Europe! The Costa del Sol also has some of the best golfing resources in Europe, from the professional coaches and training facilities to accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes. However, there are no Russian speaking golf professionals the length of the coast and Russians like any other nationality wants to seek out its own group and get support, help and advise in its own language.

The Moscow Golf & Luxury Property Show is Russia’s first 2 day event starting April 23^rd. More than 5,000 guests are expected to attend and the show is uniting the Golf show with the Luxury Property show. “The show is evidence that Golf in Russia is a growing sport. It is the perfect opportunity for the Costa del Sol to introduce itself onto the Russian golfing scene, to network with the Russian golfing community and to meet Russian golf tour operators”  says Marina Robertson, Managing Director of DSP-Spain. “Whilst it still may be a niche market, the number of courses being built in Moscow and St Petersburg and the number of players joining the Russian golfing federation every year speak for themselves” Marina continued “It’s a trend that the Costa del Sol cannot afford to ignore”.

DSP–Spain, is a Relocation and Corporate Event Management Company that has a significant Russian speaking client base. DSP-Spain has the marketing expertise, linguistic ability and connectivity to the Russian community throughout Spain. It can also support other organisations based in Spain or abroad that wish to penetrate the Russian speaking expatriate community.

For more information, please contact Marina Robertson at info@delsolpackaged.com, call +34 951 89 40 26 or go online to www.delsolpackaged.com

The “Think Tank Advisory Group” comprises representatives and foreign business groups in the area, among which are the Center for Tourist Initiatives (CIT), the British Chambers of Commerce and German-American Club and Dutch Business Club

The City Council, through the municipal delegation of Tourism, has launched an advisory group, called “Think Tank Advisory Group”, with the aim of bringing together the international business sector about an integration project in cooperation with the Center Tourist Initiative (ILC) in Marbella. The project seeks to advance economic development in the town and its surroundings.

“The group will develop joint actions to achieve integration between the business community and foreigners resident in Marbella in the first phase and then address Spanish business in the second phase”, stressed the Councilor for Tourism, José Luis Hernandez.

He recalled that 137 nationalities living in Marbella for that “must be integrated to become a rich resource, not an element of division”.

Mr Hernandez explained that the initiative comprises representatives and business groups in the area among which are the British Chambers of Commerce and German-American Club, Dutch Business Club, in addition to individual entrepreneurs.

The “Think Tank Advisory Group” has already become operational and the first event will take place on April 14 at 16.30 at the Trade Fair and Congress. The first of the Annual International Business Association of Marbella, which will address draft issues such as the new General Urban Plan (General Plan), the project of the Consortium of Tourism and the presentation of the participating groups themselves.

The advisory group also works on other actions and activities to achieve its objectives. Among them are the proposal to hold a trade show in Spanish and foreign entrepreneurs through the ILC or the “Buddy Program” that will look for companies with a complementary profile to develop joint business projects.

It will also develop networking initiatives, such as golf tournaments, “which will allow the City Council set the stage for the business has a permanent and direct contact.

It is also expected to carry out specialized language classes, which are highly demanded by foreign businessmen, and an advisory service on public grants and applicable to businesses that develop this business group.

Finally, the councilor for Tourism was accompanied at the presentation  by Laura Stanbridge, representing the British Chambers of Commerce and the American Club, Jose V. Rehnelt, the German Chamber of Commerce and entrepreneurs Simon and Marina Robertson, Michael R. Foltinger and Louise Cook.

El Ayuntamiento pone en marcha un grupo de asesores con el objetivo de facilitar la integración a los empresarios internacionales

El “Think Tank Advisory Group” integra a representantes y colectivos empresariales extranjeros presentes en la zona entre los que se encuentran el Centro de Iniciativas Turísticas (CIT), las Cámaras de Comercio Británica y Alemana, American Club y Dutch Business Club

El Ayuntamiento, a través de la delegación municipal de Turismo, ha puesto en marcha un grupo de asesores, denominado “Think Tank Advisory Group”, con el objetivo de aglutinar al sector empresarial internacional en torno a un proyecto de integración en cooperación con el Centro de Iniciativas Turísticas (CIT) de Marbella. El proyecto busca avanzar en el desarrollo económico del municipio y de su entorno.

“El grupo desarrollará acciones conjuntas para alcanzar la máxima integración entre la propia comunidad empresarial extranjera residente en nuestro municipio en una primera etapa para, posteriormente, avanzar también en la misma línea con los empresarios españoles”, ha subrayado el concejal de Turismo, José Luis Hernández.

Ha recordado que en Marbella conviven 137 nacionalidades a las que “hay que integrar para que se conviertan en un factor de riqueza y no en un elemento de fraccionamiento”.

El edil ha explicado que la iniciativa integra a representantes y colectivos empresariales de la zona entre los que se encuentran las Cámaras de Comercio Británica y Alemana, American Club, Dutch Business Club, además de contar con emprendedores a título individual.

El “Think Tank Advisory Group” ya ha comenzado a funcionar y la primera cita tendrá lugar el próximo 14 de abril en el Palacio de Ferias y Congresos con la convocatoria de la I Asamblea Anual de Asociaciones Empresariales Internacionales de Marbella y en la que se abordaran cuestiones de calado como el nuevo Plan General de Ordenación Urbana (PGOU), el proyecto del Consorcio de Turismo y la presentación de los propios colectivos participantes.

El grupo de asesores también trabaja en otras acciones y actividades para alcanzar sus objetivos. Entre ellos, destacan la propuesta para celebrar una feria profesional de empresarios españoles y extranjeros a través del CIT o el “Buddy Program” que buscará empresas con un perfil complementario para que desarrollen proyectos de negocios conjuntos.

Asimismo, se desarrollarán iniciativas de networking, de socialización como torneos de golf “que permitirá que el Ayuntamiento ponga el escenario para que el tejido empresarial tenga un contacto permanente y directo”.

También está previsto que se lleven a cabo clases de idiomas especializadas, que son muy demandadas por los empresarios foráneos, y un servicio de asesoramiento sobre subvenciones y ayudas públicas aplicables a los negocios que desarrollan este colectivo empresarial.

Por último, el concejal de Turismo ha estado acompañado en la presentación de hoy por Laura Stanbridge, representante de la Cámara de Comercio Británica y del American Club; José V. Rehnelt, de la Cámara de Comercio Alemana; y los empresarios Simon y Marina Robertson, Michael R. Foltinger y Louis Cook.

Members of the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir perform at the 100 Day Banquet in Durban

(CNN) — With only 100 days before the kick-off of the first World Cup to be staged in Africa, the host country’s officials are confident that the footballing showpiece will be a success.

South Africa’s Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe told guests at a 100 Day Banquet in Durban to begin the countdown that his nation is ready to welcome the 32 competing teams and their supporters.

Sepp Blatter, the president of world soccer’s ruling body FIFA, was also present at the gala dinner.

“As we mark 100 days to the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, we do so with immense pride,” Motlanthe said in a speech quoted on FIFA’s Web site on Tuesday.

“We are proud because, in many respects, we are able to pronounce ourselves ready to welcome the world three months ahead of schedule.

“We have gathered here to begin a countdown to the greatest football tournament on earth.

“On behalf of the Republic of South Africa, I wish to extend our gratitude to all the men and women who have worked on the World Cup project and those who are still working on the last phase of our preparations.”

When the tournament was handed to South Africa in 2004, many critics expressed doubts that sufficient infrastructure would be put in place to make such a huge undertaking possible.

FIFA was quick to deny rumors that there was a back-up plan should South Africa not be ready for 2010, but a strike by construction workers in 2009 over pay led to more fears that the stadia would not be completed in time for this year’s June 11 kick-off.

However, the chairman of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee South Africa, Dr Irvin Khoza, said that the tournament was now almost a reality.

“When the countdown started there were 2,218 days — we did not count in years and months. But when you arrive at 100 days it is the last three-digit number on the countdown,” he said on FIFA’s Web site.

“It is within this time period when people start applying for their leave, plan for their travel and even pay. People no longer say they are going to South Africa. They say ‘I am flying to Durban, on this airline and staying in this hotel.’

“I would like to thank our people. Together, as South Africans and Africans, we have faced doubters and skeptics, we have faced critics and opponents.

“We have heard people say we cannot finish stadiums. We have heard people say we cannot provide safety and security. We have heard people say we cannot host the FIFA World Cup.

“Today, 100 days before the opening match, I ask you to recall the words of US President, Barack Obama. Can we stage an outstanding World Cup in Africa? Yes we can, we are waiting and we are ready.”

Del Sol Packaged (DSP), Andalucia’s leading Relocation & Corporate Event Management Company was celebrating at the Alanda Club, Marbella on Wednesday evening after winning the 4Business International “Business of the Year” award 2009/10.

Presenting the award to the DSP team was Maurice Boland of Talk Radio Europe who is well known along the Costa del Sol for his morning show on TRE as well as his tireless involvement in numerous charities including Cudeca, as the creator and founder of the WOW factor talent contest on the Costa del Sol and Gibraltar. The proceeds of the raffle drawn during the awards were also donated to Mr. Boland’s Haiti appeal. Entertainment for the evening was provided by the talented singer and runner up in the 2009 WOW factor contest, Rebecca Tate and 4Business International member and entertainer, Trevor Hamlett.

The DSP Team with Dave and Sue from 4Business

Del Sol Packaged were up against some tough competition which included the UK specialist postal delivery service company, Offex Marbella and the very popular Key to Media, the Costa del Sol’s Premier Information magazine & restaurant guide. Marina Robertson, Director of DSP was thrilled to have received the award and said ” We were flattered to have been nominated, but to have w

on the Business of the Year award is a fantastic achievement in our first year of trading, I would like to thank all the members of 4Business International for voting for us and for recognising the standards of service we have been striving to achieve”

4Business International is one of the leading Business Networking Associations in the South of Spain and has in excess of 70 members from many different business sectors, from Relocation and corporate events, to banks, financial institutions and media. Formerly B2B Espana, 4 Business International has recently rebranded and re-launched with a new look website and the leading Business magazine for the Costa del Sol and beyond. The awards also had representation from the British Chamber of Commerce, BNI and local officials.

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For more information visit www.delsolpackaged.com/news/ or contact Del Sol Packaged team at info@delsolpackaged.com or +34 951 894 026

If you’ve been considering a Costa del Sol golf holiday or have been itching to play in a pro style 4 day competitive golf tournament, here’s as good an excuse as you need to play in the spring sunshine  in southern Spain.

The Costa del Golf Challenge 2010 is the coast’s Premier Amateur Golf Tournament for 2010. Taking place between the 9^th and 14^th March 2010, the tournament will challenge golfers of all standards over 4 days on 4 great courses.  The golf will start at Los Flamingos on the first day (10^th March) and will then move onto Alferini, San Roque New Course and conclude at La Quinta Golf and Country Club. There are prizes for best score of each day, longest drive and nearest the pin and well as prizes for overall winners of the 4 day event.

With 5 nights accommodation at the H10 Andalucia Plaza Hotel in superior rooms (Double Occupancy) half board, golf transfers, on course snacks, a welcome cocktail, Gala prize giving dinner and free access to the Andalucia Plaza Casino for an all inclusive price of only €649 p.p. , The Costa del Golf Challenge 2010 is also great value for money.

The other good news is that just around the middle of March is when the weather gets perfect for golf, mid to low 20’s temperatures and a lot of sunshine, but significantly and importantly before the summer crowds head for Marbella, the traffic gets heavy and the hotels switch their high season summer rates.

For the non-golfer or those who simply would like to get some spring sunshine and enjoy the vibrant Marbella Town and Puerto Banus, there is also an accommodation only option from € 295. For the Costa del Sol resident golfer there is a Golf only package for € 316 which also includes the welcome drinks and the Gala dinner.

The tournament will consist of Fourball Betterball, ¾ handicap stableford format and the playing days are the 10^th, 11^th, 12^th & 13 March 2010.

The tournament is designed for 160 golfers of all nationalities, bookings have been taken from the USA, UK and Scandinavia and it is also being promoted throughout Russia. The tournament has a number of sponsorship opportunities:-

The Birdie Package (€ 1,900)

-         Exclusive hole sponsorship on all 4 golf courses
-         1 page brochure advert
-         Company branding on all literature
-         Invitation for a table of 10 at the Gala Dinner

The Eagle Package (€ 4,900)

-         All features of the Birdie Package plus;
-         Page editorial in event brochure
-         Sponsorship of Longest Drive, nearest the pin and best score of the day

The Albatross Package (€ 6,800)

-         All features of the Birdie Package plus;
-         Four page editorial/advert in event brochure
-         Golf towels & caps with Company logo
-         Sponsorship of the Costa del Golf Challenge Trophy
-         Company awareness desk in the H10 Hotel Lobby
-         Priority featuring of company at the Gala Dinner

For more information and to make a reservation, please call +34 951 89 40 26