The events industry in Britain is worth almost £25 billion to the economy and employs over 530,000 people. England is globally recognised as a world leader in meetings and events with a highly skilled and creative industry.
In 2009, England welcomed 5.2 million international business visitors and the sector makes a significant contribution to infrastructure development as well as diversity in our local culture and heritage.
The economic benefit of meetings and events from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is forecast to be £1.8 billion and will help to further position England as a destination for major international events.
Additional benefits can be seen socially as meetings and events contribute significantly to health and wellbeing, education, social diversity, community spirit and civic pride.
MeetEngland
MeetEngland is the business visits and events arm of the national tourism organisation, VisitEngland. It is the official body responsible for promoting England's corporate events, incentive and large convention products.
As part of England's national Strategic Framework for Tourism 2010-2020, MeetEngland will be developing a new strategy for business visits and events to advise on the best opportunities for growth in the English events industry over the next decade. The strategy will be developed in full consultation with the industry and is due for launch in February 2011.
In the meantime, MeetEngland will continue to target its priority international sectors, namely the corporate, incentive, exhibition and association sectors in England's leading source markets of USA, Germany, France and the Benelux countries.
Campaigns in each market comprise of various activities including 'England' branded events, sales missions, exhibitions and educational visits, MeetEngland's quarterly buyer newsletter, regular destination features in leading international publications, PR activity and MeetEngland's comprehensive website, www.meetengland.com.
MeetEngland also supports English destinations, venues and other suppliers through the following:
letters of support from VisitEngland's Chief Executive or Chairman for bids for large international conventions
research and insights into the value and volume of both domestic inbound business tourism
research into leading international association conferences with potential to place their event in England
To find out how you can get involved in MeetEngland's international activity click here.