The Business Tourism Partnership launched its report, “Better Business Tourism in Britain”. The publication contains examples of initiatives and best practice from across all aspects of business tourism in Britain and is set to encourage a more competitive, higher quality and more profitable business tourism sector.

The sector is estimated to be worth annually £18 billion in tourism and over £100 billion in trade receipts. Up-to-date characteristics and data covering the sector are included in the report.

Case studies are used to highlight the potential of business events to drive trade and generate significant local economic impact in destinations like Harrogate, Telford, Llandudno, Aberdeen & Glasgow. Indications of how more international events might be attracted to Britain are provided through activities being undertaken by VisitBritain, National and Regional Tourist and Development agencies.

Best practice to win new business is illustrated through the Team Wales approach adopted by the Wales Tourist Board, VisitScotland’s partnership with Scottish Development International and the Northern Ireland conference support programme.

There are examples of how international conferences have been attracted to individual destinations like Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Several illustrations are given of how the sector is raising standards and competitiveness through professional development training and conferences, benchmarking, database management, tendering guidelines and exhibition waste management programmes. The report also looks at plans for future growth, identifying research projects, new technology and investment.

Among new, improved and potential facilities listed are London’s International Convention Centre, ExCeL and the QEII Conference Centre, Stoneleigh, Bournemouth, Doncaster, Coventry and Gateshead, the £350 million development at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre and developments in Perth, Aviemore and Llandudno.

Launching the publication, Michael Hirst, Chairman of the Business Tourism Partnership, said, “This report shows how much activity is already being undertaken by Britain’s business tourism to win more business and become more competitive and offer higher quality”.

He added, “Everyone in the conference, exhibition, outdoor events, incentive travel and corporate hospitality sectors can learn from these excellent examples of good practice”.

Jeremy Brinkworth, Head of Business Tourism at VisitBritain, speaking at the launch, said, “Britain needs to maintain and improve on its international reputation and its position as 3rd most popular country for international meetings and initiatives such as “Better Business Tourism in Britain” are really valuable ways of working towards this end.”

"Better Business Tourism in Britain" can be downloaded from the Partnership website at: www.businesstourismpartnership.com. Alternatively, if you would like to receive a hard copy, please forward your address details to btp@visitbritain.org