Importance of event delegates spending

Business visitors spend almost twice as much as leisure visitors as money spreads through the supply chain

Business Tourism makes a significant contribution to the Scottish economy, representing 20% of all tourism expenditure in the country.

That puts the money spent by business representatives coming to Scotland for meetings and conferences at around £1 billion a year.

Tourism agency VisitScotland say business visitors spend almost twice that of leisure visitors, making it a highly lucrative sector, and it is also less seasonal than leisure tourism.

Attracting a major conference also reinforces Scotland’s credentials in key industries and can make Scotland a more attractive destination for inward investors.

The benefits of business events extend well beyond delegate spend.

The recent Business Tourism Scotland Conference heard that the National Conference Bid Fund, distributed by VisitScotland Business Events, helped secure 168 conferences for Scotland.

No fewer than 167,119 business delegates are expected between 2012 to 2023 with an estimated delegate spend of £283.5 million.

Business events are a driver of economic growth, particularly in service oriented economies that are seeking international trade and intellectual engagement.

The spending impact of business tourism also extends beyond hospitality and tourism businesses.

After their events end business delegates might extend a visit for leisure purposes, may visit out of season, recommend a visit to a friend or return themselves.

Business tourism also has a wider supply chain than leisure tourism.

It can involving event caterers, production and audio/visual technology firms and a whole range of other businesses.

Conference delegates in Dundee often go on to visit and spend money in places like St Andrews.