15 December 2006
Political Leaders vote Manchester
Manchester is delighted to announce the Labour Party Annual Conference will once again take place at Manchester Central in 2008 and 2010, generating over £35 million of economic benefit for the city-region and testament to the resounding success of the 2006 Annual Conference.
As Europe's largest political conference, the Labour Party Annual Conference attracts over 17,000 delegates, together with global leaders and the world's press. This will further increase the city's international perception as a conference destination, highlighting the solid infrastructure and skills necessary to support an event of this scale.
Both the 2008 and 2010 events will take place within the re-named Manchester Central, formerly known as the G-Mex/MICC.
Manchester is now widely recognised as one of Europe's leading destinations, attracting international business tourism and investment. The 2008 and 2010 Annual Conferences will lead to further recognition of the City's existing facilities and evidence of future investments.
Andrew Stokes, chief executive, Marketing Manchester said:
"To be chosen as the host city for the Labour Party Annual Conference for a second and third time is terrific news. Manchester has developed world class capabilities, together with a universal reputation for delivering great results. Recent figures show the tourism industry is annually worth some £4 billion to the local economy, employing almost 60,000 local people.
Today's announcement will ensure the continued success of the tourism and hospitality industry within Greater Manchester, highlighting the city's distinctive tourism products and ever-growing status for excellence."
Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said:
"This is fantastic news for both Manchester and for England's Northwest. It demonstrates the fantastic business tourism product that Manchester offers and strengthens the growing perception that Manchester and the Northwest are world-class destinations. The region has a great track record for hosting successful major events, as this year's Labour Party Conference proved. Such events play an important role in improving the image of the region as well as making a significant contribution to our economy. We are delighted to be welcoming back the Labour Party Conference in 2008 and 2010."
Lesley Tomlinson, chief executive Manchester Central (formerly G-MEX/MICC) said:
"Manchester Central recognises the significance of political conferences to the local economy and are pleased at this recent announcement. The re-naming of the venue will further signify the changes taking places with Manchester's city centre and will encourage further national and international events within the city. As One of Europe"s leading convention and exhibition centres, Manchester Central has a proven track record and is proud to be the venue of choice for such a prestigious event."
Leader of Manchester City Council Sir Richard Leese said:
"This is great news for our city. Manchester received a huge boost to its international reputation thanks to the world-class way we hosted the 2006 LPAC.
The incredible facilities around our conference quarter will be even better by 2008 and 2010, and we will keep building on our success to attract even more major conferences, which bring more jobs and investment for our city.
We have an outstanding range of national and international events due to take place in the next 24 months, and we will be pushing those successes to bring real benefits to communities across the city."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For further information, contact the Marketing Manchester Communications Team on +44 (0) 161 237 1010 or email press@marketing-manchester.co.uk
For further information from the NWDA contact Helen Batte on +44 (0) 1925 400 235 or email Helen.Batte@nwda.co.uk
For further information from Manchester City Council, or for further information Richard Leese, contact:
Janine Watson
Head of Press, Manchester City Council
E-mail: j.watson@manchester.gov.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 234 3337
www.visitmanchester.com www.marketingmanchester.com www.manchesterconferences.com
Marketing Manchester is The Tourist Board for Greater Manchester. It is the agency charged with promoting Greater Manchester on a national and international scale.