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Twenty-one teams from the business travel sector battled it out on the River Thames last weekend at the annual Dragon Boat Racing & Family Fun Day hosted by The Business Travel Magazine and the Institute of Travel & Meetings.

Held at The Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor, the fun competition saw many tight and exciting races on the river and the eventual winners were a team from Concur which narrowly beat the two teams from Omega World Travel and SilverDoor in a closely fought final.

Whilst paddlers rowed their hearts out on the river, families and friends enjoyed numerous landside activities including bouncy castles, rodeo bull riding, a roundabout, face painting, an assault course, a demolition ball game and gladiator jousting.  For those wanting to get on the river, a boat offered 15 minute cruises up and down the Thames.

A raffle and balloon race raised £942 to be split between The Business Travel Magazine’s chosen charity, the Rainbow Trust, and the Institute of Travel & Meetings charity called Meetings Industry, Meeting Needs.

The event’s headline sponsor was Concur, whilst Avis sponsored the balloon race.

The Oakley Court Hotel once again provided a stunning venue for the event and kept everyone one fed and watered with the BBQ and bar on the riverbank. The event was managed by TAG Events which is based on site at The Oakley Court.

David Clare, the publisher of The Business Travel Magazine said: “The day is all about bringing the industry together in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. We set out to make the day a fun event and those who attended certainly seemed to have a fun time. Raising over £900 for the two chosen charities was a bonus that made the day even more worthwhile.”

Paul Tilstone, Chief Executive Office of the Institute of Travel & Meetings, added: “The TBTM/ITM Dragon Boat Day is one of those events greater than the sum of its parts.  There’s nothing else like it on our calendar and the positive responses from those who join us at this event are amazing. It’s great to recognise all the hard work we do in this industry with a fun day, centred around families and our colleagues. From the team spirit of the dragon boat racing to the exquisite grounds of the Oakley Court, from the kids’ entertainment to the great BBQ and bar, the whole event is just one great big day of fun and enjoyment. Bring on 2012!”

For further information please contact:
David Clare, Publisher, The Business Travel Magazine
Tel: +44 (0)20 8649 7233
Mobile: 07808168192
Email David.Clare@bmipublishing.co.uk
Or Julie.Baxter@bmipublishing.co.uk

Issued July 14 2011