Press release -
Scotland hosts inaugural China event
Scotland will host VisitBritain’s inaugural ‘MeetGB China’ event, showcasing to the Chinese business events market why it should be its destination of choice for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).
MeetGB China, held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh tomorrow (Friday 28 September), is bringing together 27 meeting and incentives suppliers from across the UK with Chinese buyers to do business.
More than 600 one-to-one business meetings are set to take place during the event, with delegates also attending networking events, boosting their knowledge of Scotland and the UK as a business events destination.
Ahead of the main event, Chinese buyers have been taking part in educational visits across Scotland, including Ayrshire, Argyll, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Neil Brownlee, Head of Business Events at VisitScotland, said: “The decision to host this inaugural MeetGB China event in Edinburgh is a testament to the exciting work being done in Scotland to develop the Chinese market, reflected this year by the launch of the first-ever direct air route to the capital from Beijing. This event, coupled with educational visits to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the surrounding areas, is a great opportunity for Scottish suppliers to engage with influential MICE buyers.
“Scotland’s importance as a destination for business events from China continues to grow thanks to its special mix of warm and friendly people, innovation, history, culture, beautiful landscapes and world class venues. With new research finding that Chinese business event strategists are seeking culturally rich destinations with programmes tailored for the market, including Chinese-speaking personnel, there is potential for further growth in Scotland.
“Relationships are already developing with the Chinese market to strengthen trade, cultural and business links while providing unforgettable experiences during their time in Scotland.”
Amanda Ferguson, Head of Convention Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted that Scotland’s capital has been selected as host city for this important visit. China is one of the world’s fastest growing emerging markets and at Marketing Edinburgh, we’ve been working hard to ensure the city is a China friendly destination – both for tourists and the global business community.
“With a diverse array of first-rate events facilities and amenities on offer, alongside our new direct air route to China, we look forward to building stronger links with this hugely important market for the city, driving investment and economic influence.”
As part of the MeetGB China event, Chinese delegates are also set to attend events across the Edinburgh including evening receptions at The Balmoral Hotel, the Royal Yacht Britannia, Victor and Carina Contini Restaurant as well as Edinburgh Castle and the Scotch Whisky Experience.
For more on MeetGB China see the VisitBritain media release here: https://www.visitbritain.org/best-uks-business-events-industry-show-chinese-meeting-and-incentive-planners
END
Topics
- Tourism
Categories
- meetgb china
- business events
- corporate communications
Regions
- Scotland
Notes to Editors
- Follow us on twitter: @visitscotnews
- VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to maximise the economic benefit of tourism to Scotland.
- The organisation’s core objective is to contribute to the Tourism 2020 Strategy ambition of growing tourism revenues by £1 billion by 2020.
- This will be supported by five overarching strategies: Marketing, Events, Quality and Sustainability, Inclusive Tourism, International Engagement.
- The organisation employs 700 people and has offices and VisitScotland Information Centres across Scotland.
- Spending by tourists in Scotland generates around £12 billion of economic activity in the wider Scottish supply chain and contributes around £6 billion to Scottish GDP (in basic prices). This represents about 5% of total Scottish GDP
- For VisitScotland’s press releases go to http://www.visitscotland.org/media_centre.aspx, tourism statistics and frequently asked questions go to http://www.visitscotland.org/
- Where possible, a Gaelic speaker will be made available for broadcast interviews on request (Far an tèid iarraidh, agus far am bheil sin nar comas, bruidhinnidh neach le Gàidhlig aig agallamh)
- For holiday information on Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com
- For information about business tourism in Scotland go to www.conventionscotland.com
2018 Year of Young People
- The Year of Young People (YoYP 2018) will inspire Scotland through its young people aged 8 to 26, celebrating their achievements, valuing their contributions to communities and creating new opportunities for them to shine locally, nationally and globally
- Central to YoYP 2018 will be a celebratory events programme that puts young people at the heart of its development and delivery, creating new and valuable experiences for young Scots and the wider public, with links to the inaugural 2018 European Championships.
- Over 200 young people throughout Scotland are currently being recruited to become YoYP 2018 Ambassadors. Ambassadors will ensure that people and organisations in their communities know about what’s happening and will lead on projects and activities to create events and opportunities to celebrate young people.
- The Year of Young People will have six themes which were developed in co-production with young people themselves:
- Participation – looking at how young people can influence public services and decisions which affect their lives
- Education – creating a stronger role for young people in shaping their learning
- Health and Wellbeing – supporting young people to lead healthier, active lives and have opportunities to learn about and improve their mental health and resilience
- Equality and Discrimination – broadcasting the value of young Scots, challenging negative perceptions of young people, and supporting young people to take leading roles in challenging discrimination in all its forms.
- Enterprise and regeneration – celebrating young people’s role in innovation, entrepreneurship and the Scottish economy as well as making Scotland a greener and more pleasant place to live
- Culture – celebrating young people’s talent and contribution to Scottish culture and arts.
- Further information on what’s happening and how people can get involved can be found on the new website www.yoyp2018.scot or @YOYP2018 on Twitter.
