GI Travel’s Marijke Vink, a Dutch MICE-icon, retires (photos)

Colleagues, family, friends and other relations festively waved goodbye to the fresh retiree Marijke Vink from GI Travel at a well-attended farewell reception. Many gathered in the Marriott Hotel in The Hague (for a drink that was somewhat delayed due to Covid) for the ‘Grande Dame’ of the Dutch MICE sector.  She will still remain involved with GI Travel as an ambassador, as well as MICE Benelux.

Her successor Annemieke Stuurman addressed her in a speech and praised her professionalism and certainly her friendliness and described her as a true ‘Mater Familias’ of the company. Together with colleagues they offered Marijke Vink her own magazine: ‘Marijke’

Of course, René Klawer, CEO of De Reisspecialisten Groep – to which GI Travel belongs – was there as well, who expressed his deep appreciation for Marijke Vink in beautiful words:

Some stanzas from his speech:

‘After a year and a half delay, we are still together today to celebrate your retirement as director of GI Travel and Holland Destination Management here in your own city, The Hague. Actually, no departure because as an ‘Ambassador’ you remain fortunately connected to our activities.

The fact that you were the first to receive the honorable title MICE Personality of the Year in 2011 and last year an even more honorable ‘Lifetime achievement as MICE personality from the trade magazine MICE Benelux (then still MICE Travel, ed.) and the travel industry means.

For me, the quarter century of collaboration and friendship with you has always been a joy. I could rely and rely on you, dear Marijke. You have always supported me unconditionally in all circumstances and I am immensely grateful to you for that.’

Some photos of the reception: