M.I.C.E.
| July 03, 2010 Holland Maintains Sixth Non-Corporate Congress Ranking | |
| The number of international non-corporate congresses in Holland went up from 393 to 423 in 2009. This places Holland, just like the previous two years, in sixth position on the Union of International Associations (UIA) ranking, as analysed by the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC). UIA monitors the number of international non-corporate (association and government) congresses. The recently published UIA report shows that the United States maintains its number one position. Singapore hosted 116 more congresses in 2009 than it did in 2008, and moved up from third to second place. France was second for many years, and is now third on the list. Germany's 479 congresses ensures this country's fourth place, while Belgium is the newcomer to the top 5, with 454 congresses. "Our position remained the same, however, we see that our neighbouring countries Belgium and Germany have realised a relatively large increase in the number of conventions. For this reason, it is essential that we remain very active in this market," says Eric Bakermans, NBTC's Marketing Manager Meetings & Conventions. NBTC's marketing activities for the international convention market are aimed at the Dutch initiators who wish to bring congresses to Holland, and at the managers of the international federations who ultimately decide on the congress destination. Last week it was announced that the congress of the International Association for Hydraulic Research will take place in the World Forum Convention Centre in The Hague in 2015. Professional Congress Organizer Congrex and The Hague Marketing worked together to produce the successful bid book. The presentation by Prof. Dr. Arthur Mynett of Deltares at the previous congress in Athens was the deciding factor for granting the 2015 congress to Holland. | |
