Why Spain? » Valencia

With two international airports – El Altet in Alicante and that of Manises in Valencia – and motorway and rail links with the country's chief cities, the Community of Valencia is well-connected both internally and with Europe's main capitals. The region also boasts new, state-of-the art congress centres in Valencia, Castellon and Alicante, in addition to Benidorm's modern, large-capacity meeting and convention hotels, and a choice selection of spa and golf hotels on the Costa Blanca (Alicante) and Costa Azahar (Castellon), all conveniently linked by the Mediterranean Motorway.

The Community of Valencia is an eminently maritime region, with 518km of coastline, the sandy expanses of Alicante and Castellon contrasting with the watchtower studded cliffs of Cabo de la Nao located in the municipality of Javea. Many are the marinas dotting its coast, making it the ideal destination for water sports, sailing, fishing, and scuba diving enthusiasts. In addition, the region's 22 protected areas, such as the Albufera and Hoces del Cabriel Natural Parks, and the Palm Grove of Elche, a World Heritage Site, offer ideal conditions for team building and outdoor training programmes.

The region hosts many important events throughout the year, although the city of Valencia deserves a special mention due to the Americas Cup and the Formula 1 Grand Prix held in 2008. The region's capital also has many attractions, such as the City of Arts and Sciences, with its amazing oceanographic centre, the Calatrava Bridge, the Spanish Gothic Silk Market, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral and its bell tower the Miguelete, and the "Barrio del Carmen", a charming quarter of the old town, new blending in perfectly with the old.

Whether travelling for business or pleasure, visitors to the region should not miss the opportunity to witness some of its festivals. The Fallas of Valencia are know the world over, as are the midsummer night bonfires in Alicante, the Mystery of Elche, the Tomatina of Buñol, and Alcoy's Moors and Christians celebration, although there are others, like the grape harvest festival in Requena and Utiel, just waiting to be discovered. Then there are a number of towns and villages that should not be missed, including the Sagunto to the north of the region, with its Roman theatre dating from the 2nd century and Jewish Quarter, Oliva, also to the north, which boasts a fabulous beach, Sueca to the south, on the Bahia de los Naranjos, and the beautiful localities of Xativa, Alzira, and Chelva, whose immense cultural and historical heritage will not fail to impress the most discerning visitors.

Last but not least, the region is also justly famous for its cuisine - especially the amazing variety of rice and seafood dishes - and wines, featuring those of the Utiel-Requena Appellation d’Origine, whose wineries organize tours and related activities, and its amazing nightlife.