The Key Role of Corporate Tourism: The Transformative Boost for Destinations and Local Economies.

The Key Role of Convention Bureaus

There are still destinations unaware that corporate tourism is a key driver propelling the growth and transformation of the tourism and hospitality industry. Consequently, it fuels the local economy, fosters cultural exchange, and allows for a greater understanding and knowledge of the world around us. The link between these travelers and urban services is crucial to enhance the experience and maximize benefits for local businesses and host cities.

If a city aims to rank among the top destinations for corporate events, the existence of a Convention Bureau is of paramount importance. This public department of a tourist destination focuses on positioning it primarily to attract events representing these destinations. Its main function lies in promoting the destination and strategically attracting events that best fit the environment, thus ensuring the relevance and growth of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector in that specific destination.

Apart from being a driving force for the region's economic development, the Convention Bureau positions itself as the entity responsible for providing local companies with the necessary tools and opportunities to engage with event organizers. This allows the destination to consolidate itself as an attractive option to be chosen as a venue. Its primary goal is to catalyze the city's progress by fostering the MICE industry and actively collaborating with its members.

In Spain, there are clear examples of successful Convention Bureaus, such as the Madrid Convention Bureau , led by David Noack Pérez , and the Barcelona Convention Bureau , led by its director, Christoph Tessmar . Both, alongside a team of professionals, have been able to place Madrid and Barcelona at the top of cities as corporate tourist destinations in Europe and the world.

Connecting Corporate Tourism with Urban Essence.

The benefits of corporate tourism not only encompass hotels, convention centers, events, private transport, restaurants, and catering services; their impact extends to urban dynamics—everything the corporate traveler might spend money on during their stay in the city. It's crucial to understand and capitalize on this opportunity to strengthen the attraction of these travelers and their interaction with the services offered by each destination.

1. Infrastructures and Connections: Roads, accessibility, ease of transportation, international airports, modern and high-speed railway lines.
2. Communication: A digital platform allowing swift communication within and outside the destination. Remember, for event creation, it's fundamental that all digital platforms are available to both organizers and attendees.
3. Cultural richness, green spaces, and environmental responsibility: It's important to note that event attendees have free time, and although they participate in scheduled visits, the more attractive the destination, the greater the opportunity for these visitors to enjoy, learn, and explore the destination, thus spending more money in addition to their participation.
4. Rich gastronomy and an appealing lifestyle: In a globalized world with increased access to knowledge, it's undeniable that we should be responsible for offering the best version of ourselves as a destination. This is achieved by showcasing a wide variety of experiences so that the senses of all who visit can become the best memories they take away, prompting them to return, but this time as leisure tourists.
5. Security and Order: Destinations or cities must be safe and clean to ensure a perfect experience for corporate tourists and safety in the development of any event.

From marketing strategies to innovative approaches, I'm here to discuss how to empower your destination as a magnet for corporate events. Contact me for a conversation and explore how we can elevate the unique essence of your city and turn it into the next 'must-visit' for the MICE industry. Together, let's take your city to the next level of corporate tourism!