The Routes event formula has been successfully developed through a mix of formal face-to-face meetings, a strong content offering and the ever popular networking opportunities provided to delegates.

At this year’s Routes Europe event in Kraków, Poland this was highlighted better than ever when a new air link was tentatively agreed during the short coach journey from the EXPO Kraków International Exhibition and Convention Centre and last night’s Welcome Reception at the Stara Zajezdnia Kraków by DeSilva.

Built upon a relationship from previous Routes events and the chance encounter while about to board the coach transfer the tentative agreement was reached by the two parties during the journey and revealed to Routesonline later that evening.

The route had been discussed by the destination and airline in previous years but aircraft availability had meant the operator did not have the capacity to introduce the flight. It now appears that this will take place in summer 2017, subject to a final formal agreement being reached.

Despite last night’s outstanding hospitality from our host, we were unable to persuade the parties to allow us to reveal the information. The Stara Zajezdnia Kraków by DeSilva is a converted former tram depot and home to the longest bar in Poland. Dating back to 1913 it was converted to a bus depot from the 1960s, before housing a go-kart track up until the mid-2000s. It was converted to its current function offering and restaurant in 2012 and now also houses a microbrewery.