Tourism

Business Visitors

Business tourism is one of the most important sectors of London's tourism economy, stimulating inward investment, opening new opportunites for regeneration and employment, and enhancing the reputation of London as a leading commercial and cultural centre. 

Business visitors to London account for approximately one quarter of all overnight visits.  The 6 million business visitors received in 2003, spent £3billion - a third of all visitor expenditure in the capital, and demand for major facilities such as conference centres and exhibition halls, is high. 

Westminster Destination Guide

Westminster City Council, Visit London, and The Westminster Collection have produced the Westminster Destination Guide to planning business events in Westminster.  This provides invaluable information on unique and unusual venues, 'me time' activities for business clients, and case studies showcasing how other businesses have successfully unlocked their potential when holding their event in Westminster.

Conference  and Convention Facilities

Central London has the largest choice of conference and convention venues in Britain.  This range and choice is crucial in underpinning London's attractiveness to business visitors.  As well as the 16 convention hotels and 22 conference venues, each with room capacities for over 300 people, there are nearly 60 other varied venues in Westminster that are capable of holding smaller conferences and business functions.

Many key conference and convention centres in Westminster are associated with hotels and are located in the central area of the City, or near Paddington locations (see below for a list and map).  These have excellent national and international public transport connections and have a range of attractions nearby for delegates.

• View a list of large conference and convention centres in Westminster (1.5MB)

The Westminster Collection

Westminster is both an iconic brand, and an important location for people to do business in.  The Westminster Collection (TWC) aims to capitalise on that premise and provide business visitors with a "one-stop-shop" of venues, accommodation, attractions and related services within it.  By forming a marketing collective that pro-actively promotes its members and services, the TWC enables the overall brand of Westminster, and each one of its members, to become stronger.

The 3rd Westminster Collection B2B Showcase took place on Thursday 15 February in the Lindley Hall at the Royal Horticultural Halls and Conference Centre, SW1P.  This exclusive event also launched the new Westminster Destination Guide aimed at meeting and events planners.   

This Showcase provided a unique opportunity for visitors to meet and talk to the very best that Westminster as a business tourism destination can offer them.  

Please also visit the Westminster Collection Website to see a full list of TWC members and associate members.