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14 February 2007

CONFERENCE BUSINESS ON THE UP

Interest in Bristol as a centre for conferences and business travel increased in 2006, with the value of enquiries for meetings and venue bookings through Destination Bristol showing a marked upturn.

Speaking shortly before Destination Bristol launches a new look for its conference marketing guides and two consumer brands, Conference Bristol and Venues West at the UK's biggest business travel fair CONFEX at Earls Court, Managing Director John Hallett said 'The business travel sector is highly competitive and it's essential that we continue to refresh the way we present the great conference venues we have in the city. We have decided to split our interests and support these new brands which we know will have a greater resonance with local businesses as well as conference organisers.'

'The type of conference business done in the heart of the city centre is quite different to that which happens on the outskirts and in the rural surrounds. We believe that by developing a new focus on these two quite distinct markets, it will provide all-round benefits'.

With business tourism in Bristol estimated to be worth in excess of £100 million annually, the importance of the sector is not being underestimated. John Hallett said '2006 showed some encouraging signs that business is continuing to grow steadily. Coupled with the increase in the value of enquires we are currently handling, the number of hotel rooms sold in the city in 2006 rose by 9% while average occupancy pickled up well to about 70%. 2007 looks to have got off to a good start and while it is very early days yet, the level of interest in advanced conference bookings into the city is up on last year and we hope to give that a further boost when we exhibit at Earls Court later this month'

Ends

Photograph:

Pictured with new conference guides from left to right are:

Helen Davies, Conference Manager Destination Bristol
Louise Davis-Lynn, Conference & Events Sales Manager for Bristol Marriott Hotels
Emily Heseltine, Senior Reservations at Thistle Hotel Bristol
Frank Maryako, Groups Co-ordinator Bristol Marriott City Centre.

Notes to Editor

1. Destination Bristol, formerly the Bristol Tourism and Conference Bureau is a not for profit partnership between Bristol City Council and Business West. Destination Bristol is the destination management partnership for Bristol and South Gloucestershire and leads the marketing of the area as a travel destination. The aim of the organisation is to work with members and partners, to increase business competitiveness, support employment and economic growth, and raise the profile of the Bristol city-region as a European-class travel destination.

2. Conference Bristol is part of Destination Bristol offering a comprehensive free venue finding service assisting event organisers in finding suitable venues for conferences, seminars and meetings within the Bristol area. Staff can also arrange site visits and provide materials for delegate packs as well as an on-line accommodation booking service. They can be contacted by telephone on 0117 946 2200 or e-mail conference@destinationbristol.co.uk

For more information please contact:

Kerrie Grist
Marketing Executive
Destination Bristol
Tel: 0117 946 2205
Email: kerrie.grist@destinationbristol.co.uk
Web: www.visitbristol.co.uk