The conference industry is a global business by now, Italy finally is acknowledged thanks to the National Convention Bureau

Mr. Resca “The conference industry is a global business by now, Italy finally is acknowledged thanks to the National Convention Bureau”

So stated Mario Resca, President of the Convention Bureau Italia, at IMEX Frankfurt which is the largest international showcase for conference tourism. He also added that “despite the economic trend, Italy managed to maintain its ranking of last year and the number of meetings increased by 6% compared to 2010 (363 of 2011 against 341 in 2010). By now the meeting industry is a global business in which all countries are investing and we finally have a single recognized entity promoting the brand Italia in the world.” *Source: ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association)
A major goal was to develop international relationships in order to compete with the other domestic companies dealing with incoming tourism. “Important – continues Mr. Resca – was the meeting with Gloria Guevara Manzo, Mexico’s Tourism Minister at the Politicians Forum” the event that brings together during the exhibition the most authoritative representatives of the world institutions that are committed to the development of conference tourism.
Mr. Resca added that “Especially in this economic trend, we need to focus on those assets that can be a source of business and allied activities. Recent studies show that tourism for business generates a turnover of 6,321 billion euros, representing 20.5% of international tourism expenditure in Italy *. This sector is to be considered as a priority for Italy’s future since it is a strategic tool for the growth and the competitiveness of our country.” *Source: Bank of Italy – 2011 data
Today, thanks to the activity of the new Convention Bureau Italia, which is becoming a point of reference for foreign markets buyers and is establishing itself as the coordinator of the domestic supply, Italy can really compete at an international level and focus on this great opportunity.
As for the top five Italian cities in the international ranking, according to ICCA recent data, Rome confirms its first place with a +27.7% in the number of meetings compared to 2010. This is the highest value achieved over the last ten years.
At the press conference organized by Convention Bureau Italia during the exhibition, spoke Hon. Antonio Gazzelone Special delegate for tourism of the Rome Mayor “At Imex 2012 Roma Capitale presents itself to the international public for the first time, in partnership with the conference businesses of the city – concluded Gazzellone – in order to highlight the strong desire to work together in this field and to ensure efficiency and reliability for each conference event. ”
Among those who took part in the press conference there were: Riccardo Strano, ENIT Manager for German-speaking countries, Benelux and Central Europe, Patrick Hoffnung, CBI General Manager, Donatella Papetta, Special Project and International Promotion MiCo – Milano Congressi, Leonardo Volpicella, Fiera del Levante Secretary General. Among those present there was Cristiano Cottafavi, Consul of Italy in Frankfurt.
“Even from Germany – declares in the end CBI General Manager, Patrick Hoffnung – we get good news as to business travel to Italy: this year the German market confirms an increase of 75% compared to 2011 *. ” Therefore, the promotional and marketing activities of Convention Bureau Italia include the participation in the major trade fairs and the organization of workshops. This confirms the synergy between CBI and the network of overseas Enit offices with the aim of promoting, also through targeted initiatives, Italy as a conference destination in foreign markets.”