Transcript Adding Pleasure to Business: Conventions and Tourism
International Congress and Convention Association
BUSINESS EXTENDERS: PERSUADING CONFERENCE VISITORS TO LINGER LONGER
-Rob Davidson -University of Westminster 44 th ICCA Congress & Exhibition, Monday 7 November 2005 Category D Meeting
Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism
Normally considered as separate activities:
Business tourism (conferences, exhibitions) AND Leisure tourism (holidays, day-trips, short breaks)
Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster
BUT business visitors can increase the level of
leisure
tourism activity at destinations by: Extending their trip, to enjoy the attractions of the destination Bringing guests who engage in tourism activities while at the destination Engaging in tourism or recreational activities during their trip Returning with their partners/families for holidays/short breaks, or encouraging others to do so.
Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster
The benefits of adding pleasure to business
For local businesses
For the destination as a whole
For meeting planners and hosts Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster
Understanding the market
We need a better understanding of: The factors that determine which types of
delegates
are most likely to extend their visit The types of
conferences
most likely to attract extenders and their guests The types of
destinations
that most easily attract extenders and their guests.
Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster
Delegate Characteristics
Foreign/native Self-funding/sponsored Familiar/unfamiliar with the destination Single/in a relationship Experienced/inexperienced traveller Accompanied/unaccompanied on the trip
Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster
Conference Characteristics
The type of meeting: Association/corporate Length of conference Timing: day(s) of the week – e.g. proximity to a weekend Timing: month of the year – e.g. during school holidays Timing: proximity to sporting/cultural event Degree to which excursions are already included in the official conference programme Inclusion of a guest programme
Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster
Destination Characteristics
Image, including perceived level of expensiveness and security Distance from delegates' places of residence: long-haul?
Ease and cost of transportation in and around the destination Level of tourism information provided by VCB/hotel/conference organisers
Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster
The role of tourism and conference professionals
Visitor and Convention Bureaux
• Include information on local tours, attractions and events in familiarisation trips, bid documents, and presentations to organising committees.
• Attend association conferences the year before they come to your destination and showcase the leisure opportunities offered by your own city and the surrounding area.
Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster
The role of tourism and convention professionals • Provide a Tourism Information desk at larger conferences and trade shows, during the event.
• Encourage DMCs to tailor tours, guest programmes and excursions to the interests of the particular delegate group • Set up a discount scheme for business visitors, by involving local suppliers such as restaurants, shops, car-hire companies and attractions
Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster
OUR OBJECTIVE !
Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism University of Westminster
International Congress and Convention Association
THANK YOU !
-Rob Davidson -University of Westminster [email protected]
www.eibtm.com
www.businesstourismpartnership.com
Rob Davidson Centre for Tourism