Amsterdam for business travellers

Welcome to a city bursting with innovation and character, welcome to Amsterdam. Whether it is for business or leisure, Amsterdam is a city that inspires the visitor. Architecture, design, culture and history, you will find it all in the Netherlands capital city. For centuries people have travelled to foreign lands to join together and exchange information. Amsterdam is often chosen as the host destination, and here are the top ten reasons to meet in Amsterdam:

Amsterdam is a central hub in Europe, easily accessible by plane, car and train. Most points of interest are within waling distance of each other in this compact city. Amsterdam boosts an extensive public transport network as well as unique travel possibilities along the intersecting, scenic canals.

Every year over 100,000 business visitors come to Amsterdam to participate in one of the 300 international conferences, with a total of 120,000 participants. The city is home to many exceptional conference venues, offering high standards of service with a creative, individual and original approach. Business travellers can choose from nearly 350 hotels with over 17,000 rooms and 43,000 beds.

Amsterdam’s meeting and incentive market is a thriving industry, and continues to develop. The price/quality ratio successfully passed international comparisons in the Europoll 2005 survey. Amsterdam is a destination, which caters to all types of events and budgets.

Amsterdam is home to two highly respected universities and progressive academic medical centres. The city has established itself as a centre of knowledge for the sciences, as well as an attractive meeting place for those involved in science and research, particularly in the fields of life sciences, ICT and new media.

Amsterdam is internationally reputed as a centre of art and culture. Many buildings in the historic city centre date back to the Dutch Golden Age of the 16th and 17th century. The city hosts several international productions and prestigious art collections, and is home to countless theatres, museums and galleries.

Amsterdam is the headquarters for many multinational organizations and companies. The city’s serious business side combined with its cosmopolitan energy, traditional character and romantic charm makes for one of Europe’s top centres of commerce.

With a plethora of cafes, terraces, lounges, bars, restaurants and clubs, there is something to suit every taste in the Netherlands capital city. From trendy design bars to traditional Dutch brown cafés, form to classic cuisine to contemporary fusion: every pallet is sure to be satisfied.

There are a variety of options to make your delegates welcome and fun, creative and memorable one. From boat tours along the canals, bike tours through the city or a visit to the famous Vondelpark, the possibilities are endless.

Shopping in Amsterdam is a joy. Shopping areas in the city offer everything form contemporary design to antiques and collectables. Designer labels grace the P.C. Hooftstraat, trendy vintage resides along the Negen Straatjes and the famous Kalverstraat is home to every shop a city should have. The best bargains can be hunted down at over twenty year-round markets in the city.

There are some 150 nationalities living and working in Amsterdam. ‘Amsterdammers’ are known to be outspoken, multilingual, hospitable, innovative and entrepreneurial. All of which contributes to an atmosphere of high-level, international business with a smile.