Boston & Cambridge have been named the Top Destination in the United States for International Association Meetings by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
According to the ICCA report on City and Country Rankings for the International Association Meetings Market, in 2008, Boston & Cambridge hosted a record number of meetings, making it the number one destination for international association meetings in the United States.
"This top ranking is the result of our unique and aggressive partnership targeting the international association meetings market," said Patrick B. Moscaritolo, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB).
"The GBCVB, Cambridge Office for Tourism and the Massachusetts Port Authority's partnership to grow the international meetings market through a dedicated sales and promotional marketing campaign is clearly paying dividends. We are now expanding this unique international meetings initiative by including the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism's marketing team," Moscaritolo said.
The GBCVB's overall campaign includes attendance at tradeshows, including IMEX and EIBTM, sales missions, advertising, media promotions, educational trips for buyers and a dedicated senior staff member to head up the overall sales & marketing effort.
"Investing in the GBCVB's international sales & marketing programs affords us an outreach that we could not obtain on our own. We're looking forward to participating in the expanded program as this top ranking for Boston & Cambridge confirms that promotional partnerships work," said Robyn Bell, Executive Director, Cambridge Office for Tourism.
In order for ICCA to include an international association meeting in their analysis, specific criteria must be met, such as: the congresses must be held regularly, rotate among at least three different countries and have at least 50 participants.
"The GBCVB, Cambridge Office for Tourism, Massport and our members continue to work as a team to bring international meetings to Boston & Cambridge, and this #1 ranking demonstrates our success", said Stephanie Pappas, Director of International Meetings & Sports Business Development at the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.
In a continuing effort to educate the international meetings market on the destination, the GBCVB will be participating in IMEX with our partners. Visit us at Booth # C230 to learn why an increasing number of planners are bringing their international meetings to Boston & Cambridge.
For more information, visit Greater Boston Conveniton & Visitors Bureau
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