VisitBritain will be helping to bring millions of pounds in business tourism spending to Britain when it showcases the best of the destination at the international business tourism event, Discovery, in Wales this weekend (22 – 24 October 2004).

The event – sponsored by the Wales Tourist Board and Celtic Manor Resort, and supported by Destination Management Company, Connect Global – welcomes around 75 representatives of major global corporations who arrange exhibitions, conferences, meetings and incentive trips. 

Jeremy Brinkworth, VisitBritain’s Head of Business Tourism said:

“Destinations around the world compete to host the meetings, incentive trips, conferences and exhibitions of major global associations and organisations. Large-scale events particularly for 1,000 delegates or more can bring millions of pounds to local and regional economies. As Britain’s seven million international business visitors already spend £3.4 billion here every year, VisitBritain is determined to increase its share of this valuable tourism segment.”

Key decision-makers and buyers from international corporations – including Kimberley Clark (owners of the Kleenex brand), Citibank/Citigroup (one of the largest financial institutions in the world), American Express, Thomas Cook and Hertz – will join representatives from incentives houses, business travel agencies and journalists from Asia, Europe, North America and South Africa.

An ideal platform for key international buyers to meet and discuss business with UK suppliers, Discovery will inspire delegates to look again and rediscover the diversity of all that Britain offers business. Over 60 business tourism partners from around the UK, including unusual venues, hotels, national and regional tourist boards, convention bureaux and destination management organisations, will hold one-to-one meetings with delegates at Wales’ Celtic Manor Resort.

Pat Crimp, head of marketing and commercial operations for the Wales Tourist Board, said:

“The Wales Tourist Board is delighted that the bid to host the Discovery Workshop in Wales was successful, as the event will bring key decision makers and buyers to Wales this weekend. This will be a fantastic opportunity to see what Wales has to offer as a meetings and incentives destination. The meetings industry in Wales is currently worth £285 million a year to the Welsh economy. This lucrative sector brings the added benefit of being an all year round market and more and more venues have been developing their facilities to meet current demand. We hope the delegates will be impressed with their experience in Wales – and will return again in the future.”

During the two days, VisitBritain will unveil a new video and business website, www.visitbritain.com/business, showcasing the diversity of Britain’s business tourism products and venues and enhancing the work of VisitBritain in keeping England, Scotland and Wales among the world’s leading business tourism destinations. The video will be used at exhibitions and events, in sales calls and promotional opportunities, while the website, www.visitbritain.com/business, will be an invaluable tool for marketing Britain as a business destination.