The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has revealed
it has generated almost £1bn to Edinburgh’s economy as it marks its 30th
anniversary.
The multi-purpose venue has hosted around 5,000 events, including
UK and international association conferences, political conferences, and
Edinburgh Festival shows, and welcomed over two million delegates through its
doors over the last 30 years, contributing significantly to the city’s wider economy.
Jane
Meagher, leader of The City of Edinburgh council said the venue ‘plays a significant role in Edinburgh’s success and world-reputation
as a visitor destination.’
"With
ongoing support from the council, it generates hundreds of millions of pounds
for the local economy, creating and sustaining hundreds of jobs for Edinburgh
residents and attracting delegates from across the world,” she said.
“Looking
ahead, I have every confidence that the next 30 years will be just as
transformative.”
The EICC,
located in The Exchange in Edinburgh, was officially
opened by Queen Elizabeth II in July 1996. In 2013, it added the Atrium and
Lennox Suite to its offering, doubling its capacity.
The venue has hosted a number of international events, including the TED Global Conference,
which has been held there three times and served as Edinburgh’s main
vaccination centre during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor
Lezley Marion Cameron, chair of the EICC Board, said: “It is both hard to
recall, and arguably harder to envisage Edinburgh without the Edinburgh
International Conference Centre, such is its importance to our city as a valued
and versatile venue of international standing with a worldwide reputation for
service excellence in an increasingly challenging global market.”
EICC CEO
Amanda Wrathall, who was appointed to the role last month, added: “As we mark 30 years of success, I
believe our future will be defined by purpose, with a clear focus on growing
responsibly, diversifying to embrace new opportunities, inspiring ideas that
matter, and delivering results that make a positive difference for our clients,
our team, and our city.”
