New DMO launches in Coventry and Warwickshire
A new destination management organisation (DMO) has been launched for business and leisure tourism across Coventry and Warwickshire as it seeks to capitalise on the legacy of its 2021 UK City of Culture title.
Destination Coventry has been launched to manage the city’s tourism offer and further develop its reputation as a compelling visitor destination.
Conference Coventry and Warwickshire sits with the newly former DMO and is working to further establish the region as a major destination for business events and will be showcasing the region’s strengths and its portfolio of venues.
The region has received a major boost in recent months with the ongoing programme of UK City of Culture events and is gearing up to play host to the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Coventry and Warwickshire sits at the heart of the country and has built an enviable international reputation as a leader in innovation and technology.
On any one day, the region can hold meetings for up to 35,000 delegates across its range of diverse and unique venues, with facilities ranging from a meeting room for 10 to an exhibition hall for 7,000 at Coventry Building Society Arena.
From the idyllic surroundings of Stratford-upon-Avon, to the fast-paced hustle and bustle of Coventry city centre, Coventry and Warwickshire has a vast range of venues to meet the needs and requirements of organisers.
The region boasts more than 6,200 hotel rooms for those looking to stay the night, but also benefits from great connectivity with 75 per cent of England within a two-hour drive time of Coventry and central London less than one hour away by rail.
Conference Coventry & Warwickshire is a one-stop organisation for advice and guidance on planning and booking an event in the region – and gives organisers the opportunity to tap into local expertise and industry knowledge.
The service is free of charge and can help with everything from finding a venue and booking accommodation, to putting organisers in touch with local suppliers to make events a success.
Paul Jones, Managing Director at Conference Coventry and Warwickshire, said: “The conference and exhibition sector in our region has emerged strongly from the pandemic and many of our venues are already reporting that business has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
“In 2019, Coventry alone saw 10 million visitors and its visitor economy was worth £594 million – that figure is only set to grow with the impact of UK City of Culture and the Commonwealth Games.
“The location of our region not only means it’s easy for delegates and visitors to reach us, but we also benefit from a range of impressive and diverse venues – be that in our vibrant city or out in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside.
“We have large capacity arenas and showgrounds, varied residential venues, stunning rural locations and then some unique settings that offer that something special, ranging from the likes of Coventry Cathedral to the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company.
“Coventry and Warwickshire’s reputation continues to grow, attracting national and international conferences, exhibition and business events. Our new DMO will make the process even easier to find a venue and organise an event in the region at the heart of the UK.”
Destination Coventry is a partnership collaboration between Coventry City Council and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.
To find out more about Coventry and Warwickshire visit www.conferencecoventryandwarwickshire.co.uk or contact the team on 02476 975526 or cwconference@coventry.gov.uk
PICTURE CAPTION: Paul Jones (centre) with the Conference Coventry and Warwickshire team.
