Conference attendees are staying in Newcastle and Gateshead for longer when compared to the same time last year, according to the
latest figures.
NewcastleGateshead
Convention Bureau, part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), figures have
revealed that so far this year, those visiting the city as part of a conference
or business event are staying in the city 28 per cent longer than during the same
period in 2023.
This
follows an upwards trend which, according to the latest STEAM data published by Destination North East
England in June, has seen the number of overnight visitors to the region
(including both business and leisure travellers) grow to beyond pre-pandemic
levels.
This
year has seen the likes of the British Society of Gerontology (BSG) Conference
and the 2024 annual conference of the International Society for the Study of
Narrative take place in the city.
Caroline Reed, senior manager - business events, NGI, said: "Conferences
bring hundreds of overnight visitors to Newcastle and Gateshead who spend
around four times more than domestic leisure visitors, and this has a big
economic impact on the city.
"We
know that Newcastle and Gateshead is a destination that you need to experience
in order to fully grasp its brilliance. These figures reflect what we
increasingly are hearing from conference organisers, that once delegates come
here, they want to stay for longer, or return as a leisure visitor.
"We
work with NGI's consumer marketing team, and other regional businesses and
stakeholders to provide delegates with the tools and inspiration they need when
visiting and to extend their trip. We provide itineraries, social programmes
and special offers for conference attendees to tap into the trending ‘bleisure'
market and ensure delegates enjoy the unique experiences we have to
offer."
NGI
continues to work with regional partners and stakeholders to maximise the
region's visitor economy and convert business travellers to leisure
visitors.
Sophie Richardson, hotel manager, Motel One, said: "At
Motel One Newcastle, we are pleased to observe the significant impact that
extended and larger conferences are having on both the city and our hotel.
Feedback from delegates has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing
their admiration for Newcastle's vibrant culture, rich history, and warm
Geordie hospitality.
"To
further enhance their stay we provide guests with comprehensive city guides,
tailored offers, and curated local insights, encouraging them to explore and
fully experience the city's many attractions. By extending their time in
Newcastle, delegates are not only enriching their own visit, but also
contributing positively to the local economy."
Discover more about Newcastle and Gateshead in M&IT's Destination of the Month feature.
