Loop Beyond Borders – The Impressions
Baku – a first for many Loop participants. Azerbaijan's capital proved itself a worthy host for the second edition of Loop Beyond Borders. LuxuryWise was there to capture the highlights.
Ready for Loop Beyond Borders! Loop Boss Astrid Oberhummer and Sales Manager Kristina Sterkel were all set to welcome participants arriving from near and far.
So good to see you! Astrid Oberhummer made it a point to personally welcome both new and familiar Loopers at The Ritz-Carlton, Baku in Azerbaijan.
Step right in, there’s room for everyone! Even in far-off Azerbaijan, the Loop team made sure the buses came fully dressed in signature Loop style. We like it a lot!
Sounds good! The grand piano in the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Baku was crafted from the body of a Formula 1 race car.
Sounds good! The grand piano in the lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Baku was crafted from the body of a Formula 1 race car.
The welcome night took place at the JW Marriott Baku Absheron. All the Loopers gathered in the outdoor area of Fireworks Restaurant – with a nice warm evening setting the scene!
A cool backdrop that definitely begs for a photo stop: Radu Rezeanu (Paralela 45 Turism) and Ruxandra Radu (Perfect Tour) from Romania raising a toast.
Azerbaijan is known as the Land of Fire. So it’s only fitting that Fireworks Restaurant, with its massive outdoor fire bowls, made for a spectacular party location.
Long time no see: The first night at Loop is always perfect for reunions –and for making new connections. Word has it, this is where business friends for life are made…
After a delicious spread of local specialties, the drinks tasted even better – while the DJ’s upbeat sounds kept the vibe high. The perfect mood to kick off the show!
9:30 sharp, the Loop meetings kicked off. Fifteen minutes back-to-back – intense yet exciting. Ketan Hazareesingh (The Chedi Muscat) sets the tone with enthusiasm.
Knows Azerbaijan inside out: Nigar Ilgar, CEO of DMC Premium Travel and MICE, who organized the Loop excursions on the ground.
Knows Azerbaijan inside out: Nigar Ilgar, CEO of DMC Premium Travel and MICE, who organized the Loop excursions on the ground.
Meetings at Loop are rarely boring – fun is usually part of the agenda. Just ask Juliano Jakymiu (pictured left) from DMC Masarra Destination Management.
But daily business doesn’t stop: some luxury travel advisors used the show's short breaks to stay on top of client requests. Good thing Loop gives you plenty of new ideas...
Serving up a touch of alpine inspiration: Ralph Alexander Schmid, representing The Chedi Andermatt, answers buyers’ questions with genuine passion.
Bus 4, this way! On Tuesday, it was time for the Destination Insights. Split into groups, the Loopers headed off to Old Town, the historic heart of Baku.
Carpets play a huge role in Azerbaijani culture. You’ll even spot affordable versions being sold right on the roadside. Fun fact: Baku is home to an entire Carpet Museum!
A warm welcome! Natalia Herb from the Loop team greeted participants in the majestic ruins of the Shirvanshah Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Time to refuel: In the outdoor area of the Shirvanshah Palace, the Loop team laid out plenty of fresh fruit and drinks – and even stocked up on sunscreen.
Cool setting – it's definitely selfie time! Among the ruins of the Shirvanshah Palace, there were plenty of cultural highlights to discover – arranged exclusively for the Loopers.
Right at the start, participants discovered the skill and patience it takes to weave a traditional Azerbaijani carpet – one of the country’s true cultural treasures.
Those who made their way through an archway were rewarded with culinary highlights. Here, guests learned how to make Green Qutab – with lots and lots of fresh herbs!
Always do the Loop in style! Johann Petrow and Andreas Wiehn from the Loop team tried on traditional headgear – a pretty smart idea at 30 degrees Celsius…
Always do the Loop in style! Johann Petrow and Andreas Wiehn from the Loop team tried on traditional headgear – a pretty smart idea at 30 degrees Celsius…
No matter your painting skills – here it’s all about creativity and fun. Some went bold with colors, others kept it simple. Loopers, grab your brushes: ready – set – go!
Or how about a personal tea glass? At the Armudu Glass Workshop, participants got to design their own – with special paints and, of course, the obligatory pomegranate.
Yes, drums play a big role in Azerbaijan – and at Loop, participants got a taste of how to play them the right way!
The Şirvanşah Museum Restaurant took Loopers back in time, serving up traditional Azerbaijani dishes in a truly historic setting.
And drums again – but this time, they lit up! Between dinner courses, guests were treated to dazzling drum and dance performances. Wow!
Almost time to say goodbye – but not before the ultra-stylish White Glam Night. All dressed in white, and off we go! Party time!
A men’s group in front of the Loop sign – this still life is pretty stylish. And of course, the ladies were just as eager to pose with big smiles.
Plenty for the ears too – with a mix of live music from Azerbaijan and around the world. Anyone up for dancing the night away?
By the time the dance troupe hit the stage, hardly anyone could stay in their seat. With their moves, the dancers had feet tapping and hands clapping all around.
It’s a wrap! The closing party of Loop Beyond Borders was a resounding success – and one the participants are sure to remember for a long time to come.