Government unveils plans to make UK ‘number one conference destination’

Speaking at this week’s World Travel Market in London, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport (DCMS), Sajid Jarvid, announced the government is working in partnership with the events sector to “develop a joint strategy to support growth” in the conference and events market.

The announcement follows separate meetings with industry representatives and the No 10 Policy unit and DCMS officials to identify ways in which the industry can best be supported.

"The UK is at the centre of global business. Now I want us to be a centre for global travel business too,” the secretary of state said.

“The presence of the World Travel Market here in London shows that we're already staging major conferences, however I know there is a lot more we can do. The international business event market is huge and growing, and the UK should be leading the way.”

Jarvid said the UK has some of the best event organisers in the world, with events such as G20 and NATO summits, Tour de France and the 2012 Olympics games, and believes this can be transferred into business travel.

He said the strategy will “set out in black and white what the UK needs to do to punch above its weight in the business travel market”.

As part of the preparation for the proposed strategy, the industry has been asked to identify:

    •    Events that are at risk of being lost if steps aren’t taken to retain them
    •    Events that with a little extra support could be tipped into world-class events
    •    Events that the sector feels Britain is well placed to attract
    •    Overseas events where Britain’s event companies could play a major role.

The members of industry organisations, event companies, destination management organisations, event organisers and venues are being asked to submit proposals, covering conferences/conventions, exhibitions/trade fairs, outdoor events, cultural, music, sporting events and festivals by the end of November – this can be done by completing the online survey.

Michael Hirst OBE, chairman of the business visits and events partnership, which is coordinating responses on behalf of the department of culture, media and sport, said: "This initiative by Government of the importance of the sector is due recognition of the value and contribution events make to the economic growth and to the well-being of the community. It's very welcome news and I know the industry will respond positively and enthusiastically."

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