Pound’s decline means great savings in England this summer
England’s business events industry is pulling out all the stops this year to encourage meeting planners and key corporate decision makers to think England for their next conference, meeting or corporate event.
MeetEngland, VisitEngland’s business events arm, will be focusing on the favourable exchange rate and recession busting offers, as well as a new revamped website and unique new products at this year’s IMEX.
The new website www.MeetEngland.com which will be live on May 26th, not only gives users increased functionality; an enhanced venue finder and new sections on corporate hospitality and incentive information – but also introduces a new section for unique ideas and special value offers.
Simon Gidman, who joined VisitEngland in December 2008 after positions at both Visit London and VisitBritain, said that he is definitely seeing a shift in focus since the credit crunch resulting in some great value offers across the country.
‘The pound’s value against the Euro has fallen by about 20 per cent in the past year, with a similar decline against the US dollar. This in addition to some extremely tempting offers and discounts means that there really has never been a better time to book England.=
‘In England there's a venue to suit every requirement - no matter how large or small your business event is. Dynamic, historic, cosmopolitan - take a look around our towns and cities and discover the rich variety on offer,’ finished Simon.
Simon’s top five recession busting tips for 2009:
1. Liverpool Convention Bureau’s recession busting offers include 20% off audio visual as well as many prices held at 2008 levels See www.visitliverpool.com/conferences/recession-busters
2. Credit crunching daily delegate rates reduced up to half price at venues around Leeds. See www.conference-leeds.com/specialoffers
3. Check out Yorkshire Tourist Board’s ‘Cost Effective Conference Guide’ jam-packed with handy hints to keep costs to a minimum. See www.venueyorkshire.com
4. As Manchester United gear up to defend their Champions League title, book any conference or event at the Theatre of Dreams to be held between 1st May – 30th June 2009 and get a DDP from £42.00 per person and 20% off room hire rates. See www.manutd.com/
5. Celebrate 500 years of Henry VIII’s ascension to the throne with an event at Hampton Court Palace. The venue has announced 15% reduction on venue hire until December 2009 for events held Friday to Monday. See www.hrp.org.uk/Hireavenue/
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About VisitEngland and MeetEngland
• VisitEngland is the official tourism body for England. Its role is to work in partnership with government and industry creating a national tourism strategy, optimising marketing investment, and developing the visitor experience across England. MeetEngland, is the business events arm representing the meetings, incentive and corporate events industry in both international and domestic markets. Visit www.visitengland.com and, www.meetengland.com
