Scottish business tourism sector prepares for economic turnaround
Scotland’s business tourism sector will gather in Glasgow this November to gear up to secure a bigger slice of the global conferencing market in the wake of the global economic downturn.
More than 200 business tourism professionals are expected to attend Scottish Enterprise’s annual Business Tourism Conference at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Glasgow on Wednesday 18th November to hear from some of the most powerful personalities in the world’s business tourism and conference sector.
The event, which is delivered in partnership with VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit and sponsored by the Glasgow Marketing Bureau, has become a highlight in Scotland’s business tourism calendar attracting some of the most experienced and ambitious events and conferencing professionals from across Scotland and from overseas.
Under a central theme of ‘Practical tips for thriving in the current economic climate’ the one day conference, is devised to help equip the industry with the latest trends and to help businesses see where the opportunities are and how to capitalise on them.
The event will once again be chaired by Martin Lewis, managing editor of Meetings and Incentive Travel Magazine, a highly regarded and professional member of the business tourism industry, Martin is certain that more than ever, attending this year’s Business Tourism Conference is vital for the industry in Scotland.
Martin said: “It has been my pleasure to be part of the Scottish Enterprise Business Tourism Conference in recent years. In my view it is the best event of its kind in the UK - pure and simple.”
Lynne Pringle, senior project manager at Scottish Enterprise, commented: “Scotland has been tremendously successful as a business tourism destination in recent years, however, in this challenging economic climate it is more pressing that ever that we ensure Scotland’s business tourism sector is primed to focus on maintaining and growing current levels of business and identifying opportunities so it can thrive in the future.
“It is a fast changing and highly competitive market place and we hope this event offers an insight into how the market leaders and some of the biggest industry players see the future shape of the sector.”
Caroline Packman, head of business tourism at VisitScotland, added: “VisitScotland is delighted to be associated with this flagship conference. By enabling businesses to learn from best practice in the industry it ultimately strengthens Scotland’s positioning as a high-quality, customer-focussed destination which delivers excellent value-for-money and outstanding customer satisfaction.”
Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, (GCMB), is pleased to sponsor the Business Tourism Conference for a further year. Glasgow has the greatest demand for conferences in Scotland and consequently the highest level of industry suppliers in the metropolitan region to meet the demand, and it is therefore fitting that the conference be held here.
“The retention and development of this business sector is critical for the economic prosperity of Scotland, thereby providing high yield business opportunities for firms and their employees to benefit from.”
Worth around £750m to Scotland’s economy, business tourism accounts for almost 20% of the total tourism expenditure in Scotland. The country’s two main cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, remain second only to London in the UK in terms of numbers of international association meetings hosted, and Scotland’s now hosts an impressive 29% of all such conferences held in the UK, up from 25% in 2007, proving Scotland’s enduring appeal as a conferencing destination.
Places cost just £50 including VAT. To book places contact the booking line on 0141 357 2235.