AIRLINE FLIGHT CONFIRMATION
Prior to departure, you should reconfirm your round-trip flight reservations with your originating carrier. Since airline schedules are subject to periodic change, we suggest you leave your home phone number with the airline when reconfirming, enabling you to be contacted quickly in the event of any change of flight numbers or times.

AIRLINE TRANSPORTATION
After reservations have been ticketed, any changes or cancellations will probably result in penalties and/or fare increases. If you have made your reservations through HRG North America and if you must change your flights, please call the Group Department at HRG North America at: (800) 635-8100 in the United States or (203) 965-0310 outside the United States, or email us at wtca.us@hrgworldwide.com. Any unused tickets should be returned for credit to: HRG North America, 595 Summer Street, 4th Floor, Stamford, CT 06901 USA, Attn: Events and Meetings Management.
    Airport Check-In: Security has increased at most airports worldwide. Passengers are advised to allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in and security. For further information, contact HRG North America. Please have the ticket agent check your luggage through to your destination, Dubai International Airport. Your luggage claim ticket should indicate the airport code for your FINAL destination "BCN".
    Travel Documentation: Only ticketed passengers will be allowed past airport security into the gate area. Passengers must show a valid photo ID and one of these documents: an electronic ticket receipt, a print out of your HRG North America generated itinerary or a paper ticket. International travelers need to have their passport, and visa if applicable. Policies vary between airlines and specific airports. If you have any questions about the requirements, check with HRG North America.
    Luggage Restrictions: To ensure the safety and security of passengers as well as to expedite the airport check-in process, the Transportation Security Administration has prepared a list of items banned from the aircraft in both carry-on and checked baggage. Please be advised that lighters have been added to the list of these banned items. For more information, visit www.tsa.gov.
    Carry-On Baggage Restrictions: Passengers should expect a higher level of security and enforcement of carry-on luggage policies. One carry-on bag and one personal article, such as a purse or briefcase are allowed on board the aircraft. Airline regulations do not permit carry-on luggage that cannot be placed beneath the passenger's seat or in the overhead compartment. Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3oz or 100ml or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE (20cmx20cm), clear plastic, zip-top bag. At the checkpoint, travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.
    Checked Baggage: For most carriers, maximum weight of checked baggage is limited to two pieces, 50 - 70 lbs. (23-32 kilos) each, plus one carryon bag as described above. If you feel you may exceed this allowance, please contact HRG North America for specific policies and fees. Airlines are strictly enforcing their policies.

    Baggage Claim Restrictions: Hold onto your baggage claim check. Individual airports may elect to provide more security in the baggage claim area.

IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT
To avoid inconvenience, we strongly suggest you be at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled flight time. If you arrive too late to make your flight, go to the appropriate ticket counter for rescheduling. Or, if you made your flight reservations through HRG North America, call HRG North America immediately during regular work hours at (800) 635-8100 or (203) 965-0310 or after 17:30 Eastern Time at 1-800-345-8070 for prompt information and assistance.

Should you reschedule directly with the airline, HRG North America should be advised of your new flight schedule. If you miss or change your flight, you may be charged a fee for changing or rescheduling. Any penalties or surcharges under these circumstances are at your personal expense.

PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP
Citizens from the other EU member states must carry a valid passport to enter Spain. These are the United kingdom, Ireland and all the new EU member states who joined in 2004 Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia as well as Romania and Bulgaria who joined in 2007.

    Spain visas for non-Europeans: Citizens of the following non-European countries do not need a visa to enter Spain and stay for for less than 90 days, only a valid passport is required., Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.

If you are from any of these countries and wish to stay for longer than three months you must get the correct visa.

BAGGAGE TAGS
All airlines require a form of identification on luggage. Please print your name and address clearly on baggage tags provided in your ticket packet and secure them on each piece of your luggage, both carryon and checked. These baggage tags are necessary for airport and hotel identification. We also suggest that you include identification inside your luggage in case exterior tags become detached. If you should need additional or replacement tags during your stay, see your HRG North America representative at the World Trade Centers Association Hospitality Desk.

Should you arrive in Barcelona and discover that your luggage has been lost by the airline, FILE A LOST CLAIM IMMEDIATELY with the carrier. Notify the HRG North America staff once you have arrived at the hotel. An HRG North America representative will make every effort to recover it within the limits of the carrier's normal liability.

VALUABLES
We suggest you carry all travel documents, identification and medicines on board the aircraft with you for your safety and accessibility. Do not pack them in your luggage, which will be placed in the aircraft cargo area.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Transportation between the airport and the hotel has NOT been arranged. From the Barcelona International Airport, taxis are available to take you directly to the Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona hotel. The journey normally takes around 25 minutes from the airport to the hotel and costs between 40 - 60€ per trip.

CHECK-IN
Upon arrival at the Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona proceed to the front desk for check-in. You will be required to present a major credit card to cover your incidental charges i.e., mini bar, in-room movies, phone calls and room service. All major credit cards are accepted in the hotel. Personal cheques are not accepted. After check-in, please visit the World Trade Centers Association Hospitality Desk to pick up your information packet and to confirm your schedule of events.

Official check-in time at the Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona is 1400. Should you arrive at the hotel prior to these times, your room may not be ready. However, the bellmen can store your luggage while you enjoy lunch or explore your new surroundings.

PERSONAL EXPENSES
Incidental charges incurred at the Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona will be at your own personal expense. Please be sure to settle your incidental account with the hotel cashier upon check-out. The hotel will accept traveler's checks and major credit cards for payment.

TRAVEL STAFF / HOSPITALITY DESK
World Trade Centers Association and HRG North America representatives will be on hand to assist you at the Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona. They will be available at the World Trade Centers Association Hospitality Desk throughout your entire stay. Please check with the desk upon arrival and occasionally during your stay to note times, function rooms, bulletins and any special announcements regarding the program agenda. The location of the Hospitality Desk will be announced closer to the program dates.

NAME BADGES
Name badges will be distributed upon arrival at the hotel. Please wear your name badge to all group activities so that your fellow delegates, as well as hotel and travel staff, may easily identify you as a member of the World Trade Centers Association General Assembly Meeting.

DRESS CODE
Standard business attire for the World Trade Centers meetings and sessions is recommended. Casual clothing and comfortable shoes are suggested for the Spouse/Guest Programs. Summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but something slightly warmer clothing may be needed during winter evenings (or air conditioned areas). During the day, protect yourself from sun with hats, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

CLIMATE
Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with cool winters and hot summers. Rainfall is highest in autumn and winter. The average temperature in Barcelona in late October is 88°F/21°C during the day and 72°F/13°C in the evening.

TIME ZONE
Barcelona, Spain is on Central European Time (+1 GMT). When it’s 6:00pm in Barcelona, it’s 12:00pm in New York, 5:00pm in London, 8:00pm in Moscow, 12:00am the next day in Hong Kong and 2:00am the next day in Sydney.

LANGUAGE
The official language of the Barcelona is Spanish, although English is widely spoken. All road and shop signs, restaurant menus and tourist information leaflets are in both Spanish and English.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity supply is 220 volts throughout Spain with 2 pin wall sockets. For any European countries that utilise 240 volts e.g. UK and Ireland most electrical equipment will function adequately.

If you intend to use the UK electrical plugs then you will need an electricity plug adapter that will convert the standard 3 pin socket into a two pin socket. In the US where the electricity supply is 110 volts a transformer would be required to step down the voltage to 110 volts. Damage to the electrical appliance can occur if you attempt to use a 110 volt rated electrical appliance with a 220 volt supply.

MONEY EXCHANGE PLACES
You can change cash or travellers’ cheques in most major currencies without problems at virtually any bank or bureau de change (usually indicated by the word canvi/cambio). Barcelona abounds with banks, many with ATMs, including several around Plaça de Catalunya and more on La Rambla and Plaça de Sant Jaume in the Barri Gòtic. The foreign-exchange offices that you see along La Rambla and elsewhere are open for longer hours than banks, but they generally offer poorer rates. Also, keep a sharp eye open for commissions at bureaux de change.
Interchange (93 342 73 11; Rambla dels Caputxins 74; 9am-10.30pm; Liceu) represents American Express and will cash Amex travellers’ cheques, replace lost cheques and provide cash advances on Amex cards.

CURRENCY
Please note that currency is in Euros (€).

CREDIT CARDS
The safest and easiest form of money are traveler's checks and credit cards. The cards most used are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. There are globally linked ATMs in Barclona, at banks, shopping malls and at the upmarket hotels. It is recommended to have a small amount of cash on hand upon arrival in Barcelona for immediate expenses, i.e. taxies, city transportation etc.

CHECK-OUT AND DEPARTURE
Check-out time at the Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona is 1200 on the last day of the WTCA 40th General Assembly, unless you have made prior arrangements to extend your stay. You must pay any incidental expenses you have charged to your room at check-out time. Everyone must check-out, even if you have not made any charges.

Transportation will be provided to Barcelona International Airport according to your flight schedule. Exact times of departure will be included in your Welcome Packet.

DEPARTURE TAX
If you made your flight reservations through HRG North America, the airport departure tax has been included in the cost of your airline ticket.

MEDICAL INFORMATION
While in a foreign city it can be overwhelming to deal with health issues particularly in regards to understanding your options regarding care and treatment. Deciding on where to go, with whom you can communicate, how much you should expect to be charged are all issues that many people living in Barcelona will have to face at some point. It is very important to educate yourself about your options and rights. In order to help you do this, we’ve put together some basic information about health in Barcelona.

Spain provides all of its citizens with universal health care. If you are a citizen of the European Union, you are automatically eligible for free basic health care, but you need to make sure you have the proper documentation supplied in your home country. If you are not an EU citizen, Spain’s policy requires all health care providers, both public and private, to treat patients in an emergency situation.

Below are some useful phone numbers and contact information for doctors and resources that may be useful. WTCA does not endorse nor accept liability for any of the listings below. We have not had direct contact with all of them and have listed them below only to supply you with some initial options.

Ambulance Services
For general emergencies in Spain, call 112.
For ambulance services, call the following numbers:
   • Samur 092
   • Uvimovil 061
   • Ambulances Cruz Roja 915 222 222
   • Ambulancias Sasu 913 551 039
   • Creu Roja 933 002 020
   • Lazaro 934 566 666 / 934 551 000
   • SAM 932 016 464
   • Blanco 932 661 212 / 932 661 266

Hospitals
Click Here for: List of Clinics and Hospitals in Barcelona

Health Insurance
It is very important to know whether or not your medical insurance policy is accepted or covers you if you are in Barcelona. Many insurance companies offer special travel health insurance, as do many study abroad organizations in Barcelona. It is also important to determine how much your provider will reimburse you for if you see a doctor or purchase a prescription. Private health care is also an opiton which is available to everyone in Spain starting at around 50€ per month depending on age and gender.

Pharmacies
Pharmacies or "farmacias" in Barcelona can provide you with basic health information and advice, as well as treatments. You may consult a pharmacist for basic health questions since they have some higher level of training, but it is important to consult a doctor for more serious ailments.

Some farmacias in Barcelona are open 24 hours (including Sundays) but many rotate after hours duty. Local papers and farmacia windows will have information about where to find open facilities. You may find the distribution of medicine to be more lax in Barcelona as it is possible to get many prescription drugs over the counter and they are generally priced lower than in other countries due to government price caps.

Healthcare Information for Americans
(Reproduced from the U.S. State Dept. Consular Information Sheet)
Good medical care is available in both Spain and Andorra. The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance companies prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have found it to be life saving when a medical emergency has occurred. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please make certain whether payment will be made to the overseas health care provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Click Here for: List of First Aid Points and Specialized Clinics

CONTACT INFORMATION
Should you need to be reached by family or associates:

Hilton Diagonal Mar, Barcelona
Passeig del Taulat, 262-264
Barcelona, Spain
Tel: +34 93 507 0707
Fax: +34 93 507 0700

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
HRG North America Group Desk
+ 800 635 8100 or +203 965 0310 outside the US
Monday Friday: 8:30am - 5:30pm EST

HRG North America After Hours Help Desk
Within the US: + 800 345 8070 and Membership Code: C8G0
Outside of the US: + 402 398 3000 and Membership Code: C8G0