The
Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has partnered with train
operator Avanti West Coast to highlight the importance of sustainable and
efficient business travel to its members.
The
partnership will provide MIA members
with regular updates and travel trips as Avanti invests in a dedicated MICE business development role to create a streamlined booking solution for
delegates when travelling to meetings and events.
As
part of the agreement, Avanti West Coast, which operates train services
connecting London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow,
will be presenting its offer at the miaSummit exhibition taking place in
Liverpool on 7 November.
The
transport company will also sponsor one of the MIA’s miaConnect agent
events while information on Avanti West Coast’s dedicated business services
will be available to members via its website and newsletters.
Kerrin
MacPhie, chief executive of the MIA, said: “Avanti West Coast services connect
key cities in England and Scotland and, with this development, will be able to
offer support to many of our member venues who welcome millions of delegates
through their doors each year, it is a logical step to partner with a provider
of sustainable travel so our members can add viable business travel solutions
to their offering.”
Anna
Doran, sales and distribution director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We are
thrilled to partner with the Meetings Industry Association. Rail travel is one
of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation, and through this partnership,
we aim to make it easier for professionals in the meetings and events industry
to reduce their carbon footprint.
“To
further support this initiative, Avanti’s business development manager, Sophie
Morton, will provide a dedicated focus on the MICE market and support event
bookers with bespoke rail packages. Together, we can transform how business
travel is approached, offering greener alternatives without compromising
convenience or comfort.”
