And during the course of 2008/2009, the bureau estimates a further £5.5m of delegate expenditure.

High-profile conferences in the area last year included Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, the Royal College of Nursing International Research Conference and the British Society for Dermatology Surgery Annual Workshop.

They attracted over 244,000 delegates both from the UK and abroad, resulting in a direct expenditure of almost £10m.

Karen Tocher, business tourism manager at Dundee & Angus Convention Bureau, revealed the value of business tourism to the area has increased by 400% in the last decade.

“Dundee and Angus are growing in stature as the overall volume and value of business tourism continues to steadily increase,” she said.

“Over 34,000 bed nights were booked in Dundee & Angus as a result of business tourists visiting the area to attend conferences and meetings.

“Dramatic increases in visitor expenditure were recorded in April, May and June 2007, with those three months alone generating over £16 million for the area and attracting over 14,000 delegates, compared to £12 million and over 12,000 delegates for the same period the previous year.”

She added that the bureau aimed to increase the value of business tourism market for Dundee & Angus by at least 10% per year for the next five years.

“Positioning the city as a leading conference destination within the UK and as an established destination within the International Academic and Association sector will be integral to fulfilling this objective,” she said.

Convener of Dundee City Council's economic development committee Joe Morrow also welcomed the new figures.

“The money that is injected into the city and its hinterland by business tourists is a key part of the economy,” he said.

“The increased provision of hotel accommodation over the next few years will make Dundee an even more attractive place to bring larger conferences and help to boost our offering to decision-makers in the business tourism market.

“Dundee City Council will continue to work closely with the bureau to help it cement the future of the area as a leading conference destination.”