In the last 10 years, the direct value of business tourism has increased by 400% from £2.5 million in 1998 to almost £10 million in 2007.

Business tourism is crucially important to the local economy of the Dundee and Angus area.

Forthcoming events include the Scottish Labour Party conference at the Caird Hall between March 6 and 8. It is estimated that conference delegates spend on average three times more than leisure tourists during their stay, factoring in costs including transport, accommodation and food and drink.

Karen Tocher, business tourism manager at Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau, said, “During 2007, conferences and events held in the area generated over £48 million for the local economy.

“This figure represents an increase of over £2 million compared to 2006. During 2008/2009, Dundee & Angus Convention Bureau aims to attract a further £5.5 million (a total of over £53.5 million) of estimated future delegate expenditure to the area.

“Whilst the economic forecast for 2009 looks gloomy, business tourism is set to remain secure due to the nature of forward planning for events and many companies will still look to have a presence at conferences and exhibitions, as this is essential to their core business.

“However, conference planners may have to think more innovatively and to adapt their events to meet increasingly restricted budgets.

“This year is set to be another successful one with major conferences in the area, such as the British Accounting Association Conference held in April at the the University of Dundee, with around 250 delegates.

“Also in April is the Association of Speakers Clubs, at the Hilton, which will welcome 350 delegates. The Palliative Care Conference will also return this year, bringing around 200 delegates to the area.

“During the latter part of 2009 we have the UNESCO Conference, the Scottish Accident Prevention Council Conference and the 17th Eucarpia International Congress. These events expect to attract a further 500 delegates to the area.

“During the next five years we aim to increase the value of the business tourism market for Dundee and Angus by at least 10% per year.

“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.”

The Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau provides conference organisers with information on the area and can assist with all aspects of conference planning.

To provide essential support to individuals and organisations looking to host conferences and events throughout the area, the Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau set up an Ambassador Programme in 2000, which assists those at the top of their profession, who can represent the region at conferences around the globe with a view to hosting the next national or international conference on ‘home ground’.

The Ambassador Programme can help at any stage of event planning.

Karen added, “Although we can help from the earliest stages, right from the initial bid proposal, many of our ambassadors do superb work in bringing conferences to the area.

“The key element of organising a successful conference is planning in advance to ensure there is sufficient time to secure sponsorship and book key speakers.

“Our Ambassador Programme recruits leading professionals to work alongside us to secure conferences in their respective fields for the area, as well as providing support in securing and organising conferences.

“We realise that organising a conference reaches beyond an ambassador’s normal remit. That’s why we have a dedicated conference planning team to assist with the organisation, support and promotion of an event at several stages, from accompanying hosts to site visits when choosing a venue, through to providing an online booking system for accommodation needs.”

Dundee and Angus is growing in stature as the overall volume and value of business tourism continues to steadily increase.

Convener of the economic development committee, Lord Provost John Letford, said, “The importance of the business tourism market to Dundee’s economy has been growing in recent years as the number of conferences and seminars coming to the city increases.

“These kinds of things put Dundee on the map as a destination not just for future conferences, but also for delegates to return under their own steam with partners and families to spend even more money in the city.”