Skift Take
Add these destinations to the top of your event bucket list as they are disappearing fast and soon you may not be able to have an event there!
Whether environmental or man-made problems, overwhelming factors are leading to the decline of some of the most beautiful and iconic places in the world which means there are limited opportunities to see them. With some of these places vanishing within our lifetime it creates a sense of urgency and can also add to the exclusivity of an event that you can use to your advantage. Some of these places might be familiar to you. Whether you have been there or not, get in there quick to plan your event or it might be too late as they will be gone before you know it.
Venice, Italy
Why is it disappearing?
It has been naturally sinking for years but when combined with recent severe flooding it may soon become uninhabitable.
Things to see and do:
- Tours and sightseeing of historical interest such as the Grand Canal, Saint Mark’s Basilica and Rialto Bridge
- Gondola rides along the network of city canals
- Wine tours, including several underground cellars known only to the locals
- Incorporate the Carnevale which is a yearly masked party that has been established since the 18th century
Event Venue Options:
Venice Convention – With many meeting rooms and larger stage areas, this venue can cater from 150 to 1,400 attendees and it is also connected via tunnels to the Palazzo del Cinema and the Casino, meaning you could extend the guest count to 3,000.
Fondazione Querini Stampalia – This cultural institution is perfect for something a little smaller and is a sight of architectural beauty which has paintings on display by various artists. It includes a library and museum for use in your event and can house 50-200 guests.
Suitable for these type of events:
Venice would be excellent for romantic city weddings, historical or cultural events, fundraisers or corporate event and meetings.
The Dead Sea, Jordan and Israel
Why is it disappearing?
The overuse of the River Jordan, which is its only feeder and water source, has meant the Dead Sea has sunk around 80 ft. and shrunk by over a third, meaning it could be gone in as little as 50 years.
Things to see and do:
- The dead sea has notorious spa healing properties and many tourists bath and use the mineral-rich salts and mud
- En Gedi Nature Reserve
- Ein Gedi Botanical Garden
- Explore the ancient ruins of the Qumran Caves
- Visit the museum in the Qumran National Park
Event Venue Options:
Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa – This large event venue has a capacity of over 1,200 with 7 event rooms, 9 meeting rooms and a two tier terrace that overlooks the dead sea.
Movenpick Resort & Spa – 2 ballrooms, auditorium and 1 conference room that has capacity up to 1,500. It also has a beach lounge with a capacity of 350 specifically suited for weddings.
Suitable for these type of events:
Conferences, corporate meetings and retreats, weddings.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Why is it disappearing?
Environmental uncertainties such as pollution and the rising ocean temperatures are bleaching, eroding and killing the coral, with experts believing it will be gone in 100 years.
Things to see and do:
- Underwater helmet walk
- Scuba diving and snorkelling
- Speedboat tours
- Seaplane over heart reef
- Beaches
- Hiking and bushwalks
- Skydive above the islands
- Liveaboard and night dives
- Turtle hatching on Heron Island
Event Venue Options:
Cairns Convention Centre – This large popular venue hosts many events throughout the year and has 22 meeting rooms and areas that can accommodate up to 2,500 attendees for larger events.
Fitzroy Island Resort – A unique venue for meetings or corporate retreats as it has the great barrier reef on its doorstep. It can seat up to 200 in a theater format or a seated buffet for up to 90 guests.
Suitable for these type of events:
Festivals are particularly popular and often tie in the with agricultural heritage of the area such as the Festival Cairns, Burdekin Water Festival and the Towers Country Music Festival. It would also suit fundraisers or conservation or environmental events.
The Alps, Europe
Why is it disappearing?
Due to climate change and melting glacial ice it has lost over 3% and it is suggested that it will have totally disappeared by 2050.
Things to see and do:
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Winter sports
- Spas
Event Venue Options:
The Alps cover a large territory in Switzerland, Italy, Austria and France, meaning there is a large area to play with when it comes to cost and venue. Two options include:
Alpexpo – An exhibition centre that houses many culture and sports fairs and other large events. It has great travel links and has halls, an auditorium and reception rooms that can accommodate 500 plus attendees.
Chateau Montrottier – This medieval chateau in the foothills is an historical setting that can house up to 40 guests and has meeting or seminar capabilities.
Suitable for these type of events:
Winter themed or sports events, team building, corporate retreats, seminars, weddings.
Maldives, Asia
Why is it disappearing?
Rising sea levels in this low-lying country have meant that even its citizens may have to relocate soon.
Things to see and do:
- Natural and man-made beaches
- Scuba diving and visiting Banana or HP reefs
- Shark diving or visiting manta point
- Walking, cultural, fishing or boat tours
- National Museum
- Parasailing, paragliding and other water sports
Event Venue Options:
Four Seasons Resort – Accommodating up to 80 guests with accommodation, function rooms, catering, outdoor banquet space and conferencing capability it can handle a variety of event types. For corporate retreats or getaways, they also offer specific team building activities and excursions.
The Residence Maldives By Cenizaro – With a private bar, outdoor spaces, boardrooms, catering and meeting or seminar spaces this venue can cater up to 50 guests.
Suitable for these type of events:
Smaller events/weddings, corporate or team building events
Seychelles, Africa
Why is it disappearing?
Experts believe the Seychelles could be gone in as little as 50-100 years due to rising sea levels and beach erosion. These collections of islands have already lost the coral that surrounds it due to environmental factors and soon it is expected to be lost underwater.
Things to see and do:
- Plenty of beaches
- Island tours
- Hiking
- Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve for wildlife forest and nature viewing
Event Venue Options:
Kempinki Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare – With indoor and outdoor venue options, 2 meeting rooms and boasting a large ballroom which can seat up to 300 it is a diverse venue that also has outdoor pool areas for wedding settings.
Savoy Resort & Spa – This conference hotel has 163 sleeping rooms, 3 meeting rooms and conference capabilities for 300-360 attendees. It also houses boardrooms for meetings or smaller event and has WiFi capabilities.
Suitable for these type of events:
Conferences, corporate retreats and team building, weddings, meetings, smaller events
Alaska, North America
Why is it disappearing?
Due to climate change the ice is melting which damages the ecosystem and alters the infrastructure making it more unstable.
Things to see and do:
- Mendenhall Glacier
- Denali National Park
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Anchorage Museum
- Whale watching
- Northern Lights
- Flightsee over the mountain range
Event Venue Options:
Hilton Anchorage – A 10-minute drive from the airport and close to local tour companies and amenities, this hotel also boasts two private dining areas, 24 meeting rooms and the Alaska ballroom which can cater for up to 900 guests. They also have smaller, more intimate rooms catering for 14 attendees upwards.
The Lakefront Anchorage – Specializing in corporate meetings and functions, this venue can organise its own excursions and has their own floatplane dock. It also has complimentary internet, 6 meeting rooms and a ballroom which can cater to events from 24-250 attendees.
Suitable for these type of events:
Corporate events, adventure, sports or winter themed events, team building.
Kiribati
Why is it disappearing?
Quickly rising sea levels have meant that a lot of the republic of Kiribati could soon be underwater with many of its inhabitants already relocating to New Zealand.
Things to see and do:
- Surfing
- Scuba Diving
- Coral Islands
- Birdwatching
- Beaches
- Kiribati National Library and Archives
Event Venue Options:
Otinaai Hotel – Government owned and one of the few meeting spaces or venues in Kiribati it has 40 guest rooms, an outdoor event space and 2 meeting areas which are perfect for weddings, receptions, workshops, corporate events and small gatherings up to 100 attendees.
Suitable for these type of events:
Corporate retreats, small events, weddings
In Conclusion
Don’t have any travelling or event destination regrets and ensure you start planning your events in these destinations before they are gone and you are no longer able to visit. Many of them are already starting to degrade as some of their natural features are being eroded as we speak so start planning and get there before they disappear.
