Manchester has been ranked the world’s 49th most successful conference destination in a comprehensive survey carried out by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), taking the City over ten spots higher than its previous ranking.
The 2005 results signify that Manchester has firmly established a reputation as a world-class urban destination for conferences and meetings, with an exceptional business tourism product on offer. The City boasts a sophisticated infrastructure that can fully support major UK and International conferences and meetings.
ICCA rankings are based on a strict criteria. Each City that is included within the listings must comply with specific conditions, which state that meetings must be held on a regular basis, regularly rotate between at least three countries and each meeting must attract a minimum of 50 delegates.
In 2003, Manchester ranked outside ICCA’s top 100, with a huge jump to the 60th spot in 2004. The continued rise through the rankings reflects the City’s dedication to providing a complete business tourism package, from world class venues to accessibility and extended services. Visitor figures over the same period reflect a similar rise with just over 80 million visitors per year in 2000 to over 90 million in 2004. Manchester hopes to continue this trend in 2006 and beyond.
Marketing Manchester houses the Northwest Conference Bidding Unit (NWCBU), which was set up by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) in 2004 to deliver a three year marketing and sales strategy to attract National, European and International conferences to England’s Northwest.
Business visits and events account for 28% of all inbound visits to the UK and 29% of all expenditure. Although business visitors have shorter visits than most other travellers, they spend more than twice as much per day and even more for conference delegates and visitors to trade shows and exhibitions. (All figures according to IPS).
Andrew Stokes, chief executive at Marketing Manchester said:
“Manchester’s results are a great achievement, considering the City appeared outside the top 100 in 2003. The 49th spot is testament to the City’s continued growth and glowing reputation as a serious competitor within the international convention and meeting arena. Delegates are attracted by the City’s strong transport links, excellent range of accommodation and mix of traditional and unusual meeting areas.”
Peter Mearns, director of marketing at the NWDA said:
“This is great news for both Manchester and England’s Northwest. It demonstrates the fantastic business tourism product that Manchester offers and strengthens the growing international perception that Manchester and the Northwest are world-class destinations.”
“Our aim is to make England’s Northwest the premier English region for business tourism outside London, and it is great to see Manchester leading by example.”
Marketing Manchester, the Tourist Board for Greater Manchester will issue a report that monitors the economic impact of Business Tourism within the city-region. This report is due to be published in June 2006.
For further information visit www.nwcbu.org.uk or www.manchesterconferences.co.uk
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