Macdonald Aviemore Resort Hosts International Ski Instructors Conference

PRESS RELEASE 7th MAY 2010 The Macdonald Aviemore Resort is set to host the International Ski Instructors Association Conference from the 11th to the 14th May 2010 for the first time in over 20 years. The British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) which represents UK snowsport instructors, successfully bid to host the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) conference in Aviemore, beating strong competition from other nations including South America and the Czech Republic. Andrew Lockerbie, Chairman of the British Association of Snowsport Instructors, said: “This is a very prestigious international event which we are thrilled to be hosting in Scotland at The Macdonald Aviemore Resort. Skiing in the UK was pioneered in the early days on Cairngorm Mountain and as the oldest ski resort in the UK, Aviemore remains close to the traditional roots of BASI. It is therefore very relevant to hold the ISIA conference in the Spey Valley and we look forward to welcoming delegates from all over the world to enjoy the resources and luxury facilities provided at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort.” Delegates will descend on the Spey Valley for discussions with fellow nations as well as sampling some of the traditional delights of visiting Scotland which will include the opportunity to play golf, tour some of the local whisky distilleries and take a trip up to the top of Cairngorm Mountain. A Civil Dinner will be held on Thursday 13th with invited guests and local dignitaries including MSP Fergus Ewing and local Winter Olympic athletes Alain Baxter and Lesley McKenna.” Gerry McGee, chief executive at Macdonald Aviemore Resort, said: “Winning the bid to host the ISIA conference in Scotland is a fantastic achievement. We are thrilled that The Macdonald Aviemore Resort has been chosen to host such a prestigious event and look forward to welcoming over 130 international guests to the resort during the duration of the conference. The resort was chosen because of its extensive conference facilities coupled with overnight accommodation and our unique location at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.” The conference facilities at Macdonald Aviemore Resort include a specialist event management team, a 650 seater auditorium, flexible 1,000m² Osprey Arena, the Perigrine Suite which can sit over 300 for Lunch or Dinner, 8 individual meeting rooms for up to 100 delegates and catering for up to 850 which is always delivered to the highest standard. Facilities also include a private bar, free onsite car parking for up to 600 cars, PA system and microphones, multi-channel mixing desk, staging, wireless internet access and 420 ensuite twin/double bedrooms. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/aviemore www.isiaski.org www.basi.org.uk Notes to Editors: Macdonald Hotels & Resorts: First established in 1990 by Donald Macdonald and colleagues, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts operates over 40 hotels across the UK and 10 resorts throughout the UK and Spain. Macdonald Hotels employs over 4,400 staff and operates in excess of 4,500 hotel rooms. Its focus is on developing its strong portfolio of four and five star hotels, with each offering its own character and individuality underpinned with the quality and attention to detail expected of the Macdonald brand. In particular, the company prides itself on the seasonality and provenance of its food within the hotels, from breakfast through to dinner, as well as its wide range of specially selected wines. As testament to the excellent level of service the Group provides, it has on numerous occasions won several prestigious accolades, most notably the AA Hotel Group of the Year 2007-08 and the National Customer Service Awards for Leisure and Tourism. British Association Ski Instructors: BASI currently has over 5,000 members who are actively involved in delivering instruction to recreational ski and snowboard enthusiasts at snowsport centres and dry ski slopes in the UK as well as at ski resorts in 24 countries world-wide. International Ski Instructors Association: The International Ski Instructors Association, known better by the acronym ISIA, is the worldwide body for professional ski instructors. The ISIA was formed in 1971 and there are currently 38 member nations representing the very best in ski instruction from around the world. The ISIA promotes collaboration in respect of Ski Technique, methodology, didactics and the question of safety ensuring the highest standards of professional practice. This information and further details from Jane Maher at Denvir T : 01786 448 160 / 07789 225 171 E : jane@denvirmarketing.com

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