Vancouver is one of North America’s most sought-after destinations for international meetings, according to two recently released reports. While the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Vancouver the top city in North America for international meetings, Watkins Research Group’s Meeting and Convention Planners Survey rated the Vancouver Convention Centre the number-one venue in North America for Superior Convention Facilities.
According to the latest ICCA report, Vancouver hosted 78 international meetings in 2016 – more than any other city in North America. The city placed 29th in the world, ahead of other renowned meetings destinations like Montreal and Toronto.
Out of the 40 North American cities surveyed this year by Watkins Research Groups for its Meeting and Convention Planners Survey, Vancouver placed first in Canada and second in the continent. The city earned a number of honours, including: #1 for superior convention centre facilities (tied with Nashville), #1 for superior convention centre services, #1 for being a safe and secure destination, and #1 for superior Convention and Visitors Bureau/Destination Marketing Organization.
“We are delighted that Vancouver has been named North America’s top destination for international meetings and conventions,” said the Honorable Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible Labour. “It’s an encouraging sign that B.C.’s distinctive and diverse tourism brand is reaching visitors and in particular meeting planners across the globe. Congratulations to the Convention Centre, Tourism Vancouver and the entire hospitality community for their continued efforts to attract major international conventions that further propel Vancouver and our province on the world stage.”
“Vancouver experienced one of its biggest years for international meetings in 2015, and we are carrying that momentum into 2016,” said Dave Gazley, Vice President of Meeting & Convention Sales, Tourism Vancouver. “Both the ICCA and Watkins rankings underscore Vancouver’s strong reputation as a global meetings destination, and neither would be possible without the tireless and longstanding efforts of our local hospitality community. In addition, our Be a Host program has been instrumental in identifying and supporting many of the local industry leaders who bring their international congresses to the city. More and more planners are turning their attention to Vancouver as a meetings destination, and we are confident the city will maintain its top ranking for years to come.”
