Cologne growing as convention location

EUROPE – The German city of Cologne is growing as a convention location, according to a new study, Cologne Conference Barometer 2011. Data also appears to vindicate the decision to build a new conference centre in the city.
 
The barometer found 42,923 events took place in the city in 2011, which were visited by 3.4m participants. This marked an increase of 0.4 per cent in the number of events and 3.3 per cent in the participant figures on 2010.
 
The total turnover generated by overnight accommodation for participants at conventions and events also rose to €166m (US$201m), which was an increase of €6m.
 
“Cologne has succeeded in building on its position as one of Germany’s most popular conference and convention destinations. Its central location, diverse range of venues and wide variety of cultural offerings, as well as its cosmopolitan and friendly image, help make Cologne a strong location,” Josef Sommer, Managing Director of Cologne Tourist Board, said.
 
“The objective of the partnership between Cologne Convention Bureau and Cologne’s event industry is to establish Cologne as one of the leading convention, conference and incentive metropolises in Europe for the long term.”
 
More than two-thirds (68%) of the conference and convention organisers in Cologne stem from the commercial sector, primarily finance and, secondly, medicine. The IT sector was again a climber in 2011, and the leisure industry is also growing.
 
In the non-profit sector (32%), trade associations predominate, followed by private event organisers and social institutions. Culture and science both saw an increase in importance.
 
The UK remains one of the most important international source markets; the Netherlands and France have also developed into strong growth markets. The most important markets outside of Europe are the USA and China.
 
Stephanie Franke, Manager of Cologne Convention Bureau, sees a need for action in the long term, in order to effectively capitalise on this potential from international markets: “Besides growth in the number of events and participant figures, international focus is another reason why the decision to build a new conference centre in Cologne is gaining importance – especially considering the fact that other destinations, such as Berlin and Frankfurt am Main, are expanding their convention capacities by building new conference centres.”
 
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