The international travel trade descended on Brighton for two days, spending an estimated £1 million as buyers and suppliers found out what the area has to offer.
Many arrived on Wednesday 1 March for the two-day Explore GB event on Thursday and yesterday (Friday 3 March). Explore GB is the flagship annual showcase of British tourism organised by Visit Britain, the national tourist board.
The event – hosted by the Brighton Centre – is now in its third year with more than 400 international buyers from 40 countries aiming to do business with 430 travel industry suppliers.
The suppliers came from across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Various destinations and individual venues were represented along with local attractions such as the British Airways i360 taking part in the main event as well as hosting delegations.
Teams from Brighton and Hove City Council’s marketing and conference arm Visit Brighton worked together to secure the event for the Brighton Centre.
They saw off stiff competition from other British destinations where civic leaders were also keen to host the valuable event.
The council said: “Explore GB offers tourism destinations and businesses the opportunity to meet and do business with key inbound tourism markets from across the globe.”
It said that buyers came from Britain’s largest and most valuable inbound visitor markets including America, Germany, France, Canada and Australia.
The council added: “Important growth markets including China, the world’s most valuable outbound market, India, Italy and the Gulf countries are also represented.
“The two-day programme includes one-to-one appointments, seminars and workshops hosted by industry experts in the Brighton Centre and a gala dinner at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel.
“Delegates will also take part in three to five-day familiarisation trips at a range of UK destinations, including Brighton where groups will visit a number of Visit Brighton partner restaurants and attractions including Terre a Terre, Riddle and Finns, Silo, the Royal Pavilion and the British Airways i360.”
Councillor Alan Robins, who chairs the council’s Economic Development and Culture Committee, said: “Explore GB is a prominent event in the tourism business calendar, offering an opportunity for UK businesses to meet and boost trade with a significant number of key markets all under one roof.
“This is a great example of what goes on behind the scenes at the council day in day out to support and promote business in the city.
“In this case, the Visit Brighton teams have worked hard to secure this event, knowing what great benefits it will bring both economically and as an opportunity to showcase our city offer on an international stage.”
Visit Britain chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “With its vibrant arts and music scene, heritage buildings, boutique shopping and the draw of its lively seaside and famous pier, Brighton is a fantastic destination to showcase the diversity of our tourism offer.
Perhaps it might be of interest to know how many there were and where the £500,000 per day was spent?