Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, has once again been named North America’s top destination for international meetings by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). The city has been previously awarded the title in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
Amsterdam-based ICCA releases an annual report ranking cities according to the number of international meetings hosted in the previous year. Vancouver hosted 55 international meetings in 2011, placing first in North America and 35th overall.
The distinction reflects Vancouver’s attractiveness to planners and delegates both in North America and internationally, with the city outranking major meetings destinations like Washington, Tokyo and Mexico City. ICCA’s report is distributed to more than 6,000 meeting planners and suppliers worldwide, assisting them in identifying destinations for future events.
“The distinction speaks to the strength of Vancouver’s reputation as a leading destination for North American and international meetings,” said the Hon. Pat Bell, minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. “Conventions generate significant economic spinoffs for the city and province, and the efforts by the Vancouver Convention Center, Tourism Vancouver and their hospitality partners to attract these major events should be commended.”
ICCA’s ranking showcases the strength of Vancouver’s conference and travel services, along with the tourism industry’s collective
efforts to promote the city as a global meetings destination.
“With an expanded, world-class facility coupled with the awareness generated by the 2010 Olympic Games, Vancouver’s appeal as a convention destination is stronger than ever,” said Claire Smith, vice president of sales and marketing, Vancouver Convention Center.
“Over the past year, we have hosted an unprecedented number of meetings and conventions representing an array of industries. Along with our partners, we are focused on delivering exceptional experiences, ensuring we are able to capitalize on future opportunities to bring these conventions back to Vancouver.”
“We are extremely pleased that Vancouver has once again been recognized as one of the world’s leading meetings destinations,” said Richard Yore, director of sales, meetings and conventions, Canada and international, Tourism Vancouver. “We like to say the city sells itself, but in reality there’s a lot of work that goes into researching, attracting and planning national and international conferences. It’s gratifying to know the efforts of our tourism partners and local hosts are being recognized by organizations, meeting planners and delegates.”
