Maria Meira Mayoress of Setubal

Located approximately 40 km south of Lisbon, Setúbal is an industrial city at the mouth of the River Sado.  The port’s significance dates back to Roman times and Setúbal’s influence grew on trade and fishing. 

However, its fortunes dwindled at the back end of the 20th Century, and now it’s at an economic crossroads.  But a city with cheap property and its own beach in close proximity to the capital…  Well, is it any wonder Setúbal is being touted as the most attractive frontline investment locations in Western Europe?

Maria Das Dores Meira the Mayor of Setúbal Municipality gives us a frank rundown of why this part of the world is worthy of your money.

India has long been a travel destination for the free and adventurous. Its rich culture & tradition, copious natural beauty, exotic wildlife, and fantastic beaches and temples have attracted visitors in their millions. Despite its popularity visitor numbers have been hit by the global downturn and last year the country's Ministry for Tourism launched its award winning 'Visit India Year'. The campaign aims to attract 10 million foreign tourists by 2011. 

The Minister of State for Tourism, Sultan Ahmed, said that it was undertaking a series of promotional activities, including advertising, travel fairs, exhibitions and road shows through its Indian tourism offices overseas.

Depending on your outlook, mixing business with pleasure is either a no-no or the ultimate aim.  In Brazil, however, things are viewed a little differently; pleasure is business and vice versa – it’s a national obsession. 

From the all-conquering national football team to the rapturous Samba, Caipirinha – national cocktail, the national dish Feijoada – a joyful, slow-cooked concoction of beans with beef and pork; every facet of the Brazilian psyche oozes enjoyment. 

It will take more than the indiscretions of a few greedy bankers to remove Berlin’s air of achievement and self-assurance.  Germany’s largest city has faced greater adversity in the past than a credit drought.  More than that, Berlin will shine as a beacon of trust and cooperation through the gloom of recession. You could pick any of the city’s socio-political triumphs that have elevated it since the Wall came tumbling down in 1989, but the one that cements it reputation in the business firmament is the city’s congress industry.

What makes Berlin Europe's number one congress location?

Berlin is one of Europe´s most exciting cities and is widely acknowledged as an international trend-setting metropolis. The vibrant lifestyle in the German capital embraces art and culture, history, architecture, academia and science, entertainment and a unique club scene. For growing numbers of event organizers, Berlin is also a key conference hub between Western and Eastern Europe. Berlin offers excellent "Value for Money". Its outstanding range of accommodation facilities, especially tailored to conferences, constitutes one of the largest and most modern hotel landscapes in Europe. The international trendsetting metropolis boasts an exceptional range of special event locations and a congress center. The International Congress Centre - ICC Berlin - won for the fifth consecutive year one of the world´s most coveted awards for congress venues, the World Travel Award in 2008.