On inspection in breathtaking Andalusia: Málaga & Seville
No Paris and Madrid, This time, Málaga and Seville were next up for an inspection. It's now been 1.5 years, and it was time to visit our suppliers here too and catch up, discuss new concepts, and discover new gems. After all, a lot can happen in 1.5 years. Suppliers might have disappeared, which we certainly hope not, but new locations may have emerged that could be of interest for our group and incentive trips. Fortunately, in the preparation, it turned out that all our suppliers had survived the difficult period. With a well-planned, busy, and full itinerary, I was ready to get stuck in again. Are you curious to know how my inspection trip to these two magnificent cities went? Then be sure to read on!
Moors Málaga
We often offer a combined incentive trip! For example, with a flight to Málaga, where you'll stay for one night before continuing your journey to Seville, where you'll typically stay for two nights. Initially, you might not immediately think of Málaga as an incentive destination, but this city (and its surroundings – if a multi-day trip to Málaga is chosen) truly has a lot to offer.
This way, we can put together a very varied programme in Málaga itself, with numerous activities and wonderful restaurants serving delicious Spanish dishes. You will find these restaurant gems both in the centre and by the sea at our favourite chiringuito. Furthermore, our favourite hotel is located by the sea: a stunning building with a beautiful appearance. Outside of Málaga, fun group activities can be organised. Think of a spectacular gorge hike, a visit to the chic Marbella, or even a trip to Gibraltar.
Travel Responsibly
I flew into Málaga early in the morning, which gave me two days in and around Málaga, allowing me to visit all our suppliers here. At goMICE, we place great importance on discovering and offering sustainable transport options and travel programme components. Therefore, this time I chose to continue my journey to Seville by high-speed train. Within 2 hours, I was in the heart of Seville: an ideal solution to reduce your travel time, as well as your CO2 emissions, which you would normally have with a flight.
Splendid Seville
I arrived in Seville around 5 PM and I have to admit: every time I take my first step into this city, my heart beats a little faster and I drift away for a moment. The atmosphere, the indescribably beautiful city, the weather, but especially the Sevillians themselves have won me over. These people are as polite, friendly, and sincere as can be. I am always impressed by this. Furthermore, once a promise is made, it's kept, and you truly never hear “mañana, mañana”. All in all, it's incredibly great to be able to use Sevillian suppliers for fantastic group and incentive trips to this city. But anyway, time to stop dreaming and get on with it!
Quickly checked in at one of our hotel partners: the 5-star Alfonso XIII hotel.
Source: Hotel Alfonso XIII – A Luxury Collection Hotel.[Image caption]
Warm welcome from Sevillian suppliers
After a refreshing drink on the hotel's beautiful patio, we quickly set off again to visit various hotels and enjoy a delicious tasting at one of our favourite restaurants for groups. Seeing the owner and the staff again, who were all thankfully still there, touched us all. It was so nice to reconnect!
Of course, I had to accept an alcoholic drink to toast each other. We did that wholeheartedly and then I was treated to all sorts of delicious things! You can become intensely happy with such a reception. It’s so nice to experience again that we are so incredibly valued as partners, not just because we bring groups, but above all because we always do business honestly and sincerely, as the owner indicated. That is always nice to hear, of course, and that’s what we do it for. And so, that evening I visited a few more regular suppliers and, in fact, we were given a particularly warm welcome everywhere again. Even though I always tell myself to only eat small snacks, the Sevillanos don't accept that and always want you to eat everything that is served. It's no hardship, but after a few restaurants in a row, you just explode, haha. Fortunately, during an inspection trip, I walk an average of 20,000 steps a day, so those calories are gone again quickly.
RESTAURANT TIP: MARIATRIFULCA
We are always delighted when we discover new gems with which we can surprise our clients. This time, I discovered a gem of a restaurant: Mariatrifulca. This restaurant is located on one of Seville's bridges and boasts an incredible view over the city. A welcome addition to our extensive list of suppliers in Seville.
Tired but content, I returned to the hotel. This time it was the Alfonso XIII, which certainly couldn't be called a punishment. This oasis in the heart of Seville has a lovely inner courtyard/patio and a refreshing swimming pool. For our clients who really want to splash out, this is always a sure-fire success. But we also have very nice and comfortable hotels for those with lower budgets that we can use in Seville.
A personal favourite: Colette Pâtisserie & Boulangerie
The next day I visited a few more suppliers before heading back to the Netherlands. BUT not before I’d been to my favourite bakery: Colette Pâtisserie & Boulangerie. Located in Plaza Nueva, you'll find Colette, a beautiful patisserie and bakery where you can truly eat the tastiest pastries and most delicious bread rolls. Colette is by the way the owners' grandmother; she brought typical French flavours to Seville. These flavours have since been adapted with a Spanish twist. You can sit back and relax either inside or outside on the pleasant terrace with your purchased treat. A real recommendation for a short break or a refreshment on the go.
Source: Colette Pâtisserie & Boulangerie Seville[Image caption]
Make your trip to Andalusia even more complete!
Naturally, you'll want your group or incentive trip to Andalusia to have maximum impact on the participants. With our Stretch-method We ensure that we start informing, enthusing, or activating your employees or clients at an early stage. This could involve announcing the trip in a fun way, or stimulating sales targets through the goMICE activation app or connecting the target audience on the way to this unforgettable LIVE moment.
Are you also interested in a Southern Spanish experience together with your colleagues or business associates? Or a group experience to another fantastic city destination in Europe, such as Bilbao, Paris, Athena, MilanPlease contact us. We would be happy to help you explore the infinite possibilities!