Vancouver Gears Up For Busy 2018

It’s going to be a busy year for Vancouver as the city prepares to host 33 citywide conventions and events – that’s the highest number the city has ever hosted in a single year.

Over the course of 2018, these 33 events will bring over 100,000 out-of-town delegates to Vancouver where they will inject money into the local economy through hotel stays, dining, attractions visits, shopping, transit and more.

In total, Vancouver’s meetings and conventions industry supports more than 6,000 jobs and results in over $300 million annually in director visitor spending and $500 million in economic impact for the Vancouver economy.

Vancouver companies and organizations also benefit as it gives them the opportunity to connect with their worldwide industry peers, and puts their companies, and their fields, in a national or international arena.

The tourism industry defines a “citywide” as a convention or event that will attract 1,000 or more out-of-town attendees, uses the Vancouver Convention Centre, and at least three downtown convention hotels.

In 2017, Vancouver welcomed 28 citywides, which brought 63,000 visitors to the city. Tourism Vancouver, the Vancouver Convention Centre and other partners work together to market, and sell, Vancouver as a meeting, convention and event destination.

Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commented: “Vancouver’’s unique mix of vibrant urban culture, modern infrastructure, diverse culinary experiences and incredible natural beauty contribute to the city’s reputation as a world-class travel and meeting destination,” said.

“A busy convention year is also good news for the tourism and hospitality industries. This level of success is due to the hard work and dedication of the Vancouver Convention Centre, Tourism Vancouver and partners,” the minister continued.

Ty Speer, president and CEO, Tourism Vancouver, said that: “Vancouver’’s global reputation as a place to do business, to gather, to be inspired, and to hold major events and conferences is moving from strength to strength.”

Speer continued: “Not only has Vancouver demonstrated that we have the experience, the world-leading venues and infrastructure to execute these large, complex, and high-profile events; our city has a diverse business environment and spectacular natural setting which provide a compelling backdrop to any event.”

Vancouver is currently booking conventions as far away as 2027, and beyond.

Go to http://www.tourismvancouver.com/meetings/citywide-meetings for more.