Glasgow has unveiled a unique Five Star Promise to conference organisers encompassing hotels, transport, convention facilities, an accommodation booking service and marketing support that is tailored to assist organisers in an unprecedented way.

Glasgow’s hoteliers, the city’s principal public transport provider, the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (GCMB) have joined forces to offer a comprehensive pledge to meetings organisers that sets the city apart from the competition.

As part of the Five Star Promise, Greater Glasgow Hotels Association (GGHA) pledges that prices will not be artificially inflated when major events and conferences are in the metropolitan area.

Scotland’s largest city offers the UK’s only conference travel ticket, which allows delegates unlimited travel on buses, trains, the underground and ferries throughout the metropolitan Glasgow area.

The SECC is the UK’s largest integrated conference and convention centre, and it offers all-inclusive pricing where AV and technical support, cleaning and security come as standard.

GCMB offers marketing support to organisers of city-wide conferences to help to build delegate numbers, including marketing of Glasgow and the event at previous conferences. And once the city-wide meeting comes to Glasgow, GCMB will promote, support and publicise the event.

Finally, GCMB offers a free room booking service that can block-book rooms, retain and administer allocations until the convention, or hand them over to the conference organiser after they are reserved.

Last year, GCMB block-booked a remarkable 300,000 room nights for conferences and events. And GCMB will hold regular meetings with city hoteliers on behalf of conference organisers to ensure their needs are met.

Scott Taylor, the chief executive of GCMB, said: “This promise is unique and demonstrates the importance that the conference industry in Glasgow attaches to exceeding conference organisers’ needs. People buy from brands that they trust and successful cities develop strategies to deepen brand loyalty.

 “For Glasgow, our focus has gone beyond simply winning conferences; it is about retaining customer loyalty in the long-term, adding value to customers and adding depth to our reputation.”

Glasgow has a number of repeat international and UK conferences including HIV in Drug Therapy (2,000 delegates), the British Cardiovascular Society (3,000), and the British Association of Urological Surgeons (1500).

Willie Wood, general manager Glasgow Marriott Hotel and co-chair of the Greater Glasgow Hotels Association, said: “Glasgow's hoteliers recognise how vital conferences are to the city's economy, and we are committed to giving value for money to conference organisers and their delegates.

"This price pledge underscores our commitment to giving unbeatable value for money coupled with quality service and will send a clear message to the marketplace that Glasgow's hotels are playing a full part in making this city one of the top conference destinations in the world.”

Valerie Davidson, assistant chief executive of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, said:  “The Glasgow conference ticket is unique in the UK, allowing delegates unlimited travel on buses, trains, ferries and the Subway throughout the metropolitan Glasgow area and beyond into Ayrshire and Loch Lomond.

"This means some of the most outstanding scenery in Scotland and a number of the world's greatest golf courses are just a short journey away from the conference hall. Crucially, the ticket also covers Glasgow and Glasgow Prestwick Airports, which means the delegates' public transport needs are met from the moment they touch down. It is a powerful product that undoubtedly gives Glasgow a competitive edge over its rivals when it comes to attracting conferences."

Ben Goedegebuure, director of conferences at the SECC said: “The SECC offers all-inclusive pricing, which I know as a former organiser of international conferences, means no hidden costs. We are proud to offer this service which, together with the other elements of the Five Star Promise, makes Glasgow an unbeatable proposition for conference organisers.”