From Tea Party to FIFA World Cup host

Boston is one of the 16 cities selected to host FIFA World Cup 26TM (the largest to date) and research from the Boston Consulting Group estimates the tournament will generate 450,000 global visitors, with a net economic impact of $50m for the city. “Boston is truly the world’s gateway to the United States and New England. The FIFA World Cup is another tremendous opportunity to show many thousands of visitors, and millions more watching from home, why Boston is one of the world’s premier destinations to visit,” says Martha J. Sheridan, president and CEO of Meet Boston, who says the new ‘We Are Boston’ host city brand embodies the city’s 400 years of history, innovation, and passion for sports. CVB expands with new partners Meet Boston recently shifted from a membership model to a partnership one, explains Sheridan, and 75 new partners hare able to take part in upcoming workshops on How to Win Business; How to Leverage Your Social Media and on New Partner Onboarding and Orientation. The CVB has introduced an inclusive pricing strategy for non- lodging partners and now collaborates with over 900 companies in the greater Boston region and across New England. Water, water everywhere… Since its foundation in 1630, Boston has always been strongly linked to the sea. Whale watches, harbour cruises, tours of the Boston Tea Party Ship, and sailing on the Charles River all allow visitors to discover the nautical history.  So, what else is there in Boston to add to the experience of your next big event here? Sports: A town of champions, Boston has a three-mile trail along the Charles River. Canoe and paddleboard rentals are all available along the Charles River. Professional sports teams at home in the area include the Red Sox (2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018 World Series Champions), the Celtics (2008 World Champions), the Bruins (2011 Stanley Cup Champions), and six-time Super Bowl Champions since 2001, New England Patriots. Major annual events include the Boston Marathon and the Head of the Charles Regatta in October, the largest rowing regatta in the world. Accessibility: Boston’s Logan International Airport features service to 53 global destinations. The airport is three miles from the city which visitors can access by subway, taxi, bus or water taxi. Amtrak Rail connects the city to Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York City. The “T”, Boston’s public transportation system offers great connections it a city considered America’s Walking City. Hotels and convention facilities: There are 35,000 hotel rooms in the Greater Boston area and the city is home to the Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt brands, all of which have multiple properties. Luxury accommodations can be found at the five diamond Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, or Ritz Carlton. Boston is home to The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), opened in 2004 on the South Boston Waterfront and just two public transportation stops from the airport. Close by are the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center and in the heart of Boston’s historic Back Bay is the Hynes Convention Center. Attractions/historical sites/venues: From the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has a special venue suited for every group. Enjoy a private performance from the Boston Ballet, Boston Symphony Orchestra, or buy out Cheers for a fun night on the town. Plan an event at the Museum of Science or LEGOLAND, or you can follow the red brick road of the Freedom Trail, with landmarks significant to the American Revolution. The city boasts America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, the Union Oyster House, while the new Boston Public Market offers fresh food from local producers. Universities and business: Boston’s metropolitan area has 35 hospitals and universities include MIT, Harvard, Boston University and Northeastern University. Companies making the area home include GE, Novartis and Pfizer, and Bank of America and Fidelity Investments have a large presence.