July 25, 2011 - BOSTON, MA:
For the
third consecutive year, Boston & Cambridge have been named the Top
Destination
in the United States for International Association Meetings by the
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). In
2010, Boston
& Cambridge hosted a record number of 43 international meetings (up
from 36
the previous year), making it the number one destination for
international
association meetings in the United States. The economic impact of
these
international meetings to the Boston and Cambridge economies is in
excess of
$60 million. The 43 groups primarily utilized hotels in greater
Boston,
with one using the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and
three
using the Hynes Convention Center.
“This top ranking is the result of the Bureau’s partnerships targeting
the
international association meetings market,” said Patrick B.
Moscaritolo,
President & CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors
Bureau
(GBCVB). “The GBCVB and Cambridge Office for Tourism will continue to
collaborate on programs with member hotels and venues in order to grow
our
market share.”
The GBCVB recently launched its most comprehensive international
marketing
campaign in its history with its partners, Massachusetts Office of
Travel &
Tourism, the Massachusetts Port Authority, Cambridge Office for
Tourism, Boston
and Cambridge hotels, and other GBCVB members. The integrated
international
meetings and visitor marketing program will help to drive meetings and
leisure
business from key target markets across Europe to Boston and
Cambridge.
“Clearly, as this top ranking and overall growth in 2010 once again
demonstrates,
our dedicated sales and marketing campaign is paying dividends,” said
Moscaritolo. “Since only five of these meetings took place at our
convention centers, we have the opportunity to expand this important
market
segment as well,” he added.
The overall international campaign initiative revolves around
partnerships that
have been developed in collaboration with Boston and Cambridge hotels.
Campaign
elements include attendance at international tradeshows, such as IMEX,
IMEX
America, AIBTM, EIBTM and Pow Wow, as well as sales missions with GBCVB
members, educational trips and dedicated staff to head up the overall
sales
& marketing effort.
“Partnering with the GBCVB in these international sales and marketing
programs
has a proven return on investment over the past five years. These
joint
initiatives benefit our hotels and the entire hospitality industry in
Cambridge,” said Robyn Culbertson, Executive Director, Cambridge Office
for
Tourism.