Bristol’s booming business events market boosts economy

The latest report showing the impact of the conference and business events industry in the Bristol region has revealed that the value has soared to more than £259 million.

The report – The Impact of Business and Social Event Tourism in Bristol 2016 – was commissioned by Destination Bristol and reveals the highest impact figures since the report was introduced in 2011, citing an increase in events and a more buoyant residential event market, with longer stays and higher rates.

Kathryn Davis, Destination Bristol’s Head of Tourism said: “This is a huge result for the Bristol region and we are delighted with such an incredible performance. The conference, meetings and business events market is incredibly diverse and engages corporate and association business locally, nationally and increasingly, internationally. The Bristol city region has a good balance of residential and some truly unique venues, and organisers benefit from the wide range of activities available to delegates, whether within the city or in the surrounding countryside, which means a great balance of urban and rural experiences are close to hand. The growing reputation for dining and retail also enhance the appeal of the destination, alongside practical aspects of access.”

Destination Bristol’s conference team supports event organisers in bringing conferences, meetings and business events to Bristol and the surrounding area, as well as promoting the destination through trade shows, sales missions, hosted educational visits and a wide range of digital activity.

As well as winning the inaugural Meetings Industry Association miaList 2016 Team of the Year award, designed to recognise excellence in the conference and meetings industry, the team was instrumental in Bristol being shortlisted alongside Barcelona, Berlin and Rotterdam and the Hague in the Short Haul Destination category at the prestigious C&IT Awards.

To find out more about conferences and events in Bristol, please visit visitbristol.co.uk/conferences.