The Hague International Spirit (THIS)

THIS is a public sector - private sector partnership between the Medium and Small Sized Business Organisation of The Hague (MKB Den Haag), INHOLLAND University, Mondriaan University, Hotelschool The Hague, Shell, ING and KPMG.

What is THIS?

THIS was founded as there seemed to be an ever-increasing gulf between the residents and business community of The Hague on the one hand and the more than 40,000 members of the international community on the other. This division is not only unwelcome in terms of the loss of rewarding personal interaction, but the business sector is clearly missing a trick given the potential business opportunities available with such a financially strong consumer group.

Through THIS, The Hague is taking a proactive lead in reaching out towards the large group of international public and private employers, their employees and accompanying family members in the region. Other cities in the Netherlands have already shown their interest in this initiative.

Mission

THIS is helping to make Greater The Hague an (even more) attractive international region by stimulating the local economy towards better interaction with, and higher hospitality levels towards, the international community.

Aims

The aims of THIS are:

• To create awareness amongst local businessmen, women and entrepreneurs of the business opportunities in the regional "international market" and the power of interaction and hospitality in converting those opportunities into revenues.

• To offer a framework whereby the business interactions between the local and the international community intensify in a professional and structured manner.

THIS Business Club

Four times a year the THIS Business Club organises meetings for 100-120 attendees from the local and international community as well as public and private sector. They are held at an embassy or (international) agency. A guest speaker from the theme country offers a better approach to social, economic, legal or other aspect of affairs of doing business in The Hague region.

For more information, visit the website of THIS.