Checkout

Lure of Eastbourne pulls in Extra Delegates

8 April 2009

Two conferences taking place in Eastbourne for the first time later this month have attracted higher than expected delegate numbers as the lure of the seaside resort and competitive accommodation prices attracts new visitors.

 

Both the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Royal British Legion Women's Section conferences are new to Eastbourne in 2009 and will be held at the resort's main conference venue, the Devonshire Park Centre at the end of April. Predicting 2,000 delegates initially, conference organisers have had to increase spaces as more than 1,300 additional delegates sign up for these south coast events with Eastbourne the most popular destination ever for CAMRA delegates.

 

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Susan Morris said "These delegate numbers are a significant boost for Eastbourne and testament to the town's growing reputation as a premier business destination. The Conference Bureau is already enjoying a very busy year in 2009 and the high numbers of delegates opting to attend these events in Eastbourne is brilliant news for the town and for our accommodation providers who offer competitive delegate rates. With the Devonshire Park Centre just minutes from the seafront and town centre, and being the official sunniest place in the country, it's easy to see why delegates want to enjoy an event in Eastbourne."

 

The town's conference season is well underway with back to back events being held over the next couple of months. CAMRA takes place from 14-19 April, followed by the Royal British Legion Women's Section on 21-23 April.

 

With conferences between now and the end of May booking over 32,000 bednights, the busy schedule is good news for Eastbourne's hotels and guesthouses in a difficult economic climate.

 

With accommodation providers offering good rates for delegates that book using the Accommodation Booking Service in Eastbourne, it means that the town is seen as an attractive and affordable conference destination for those signing up to attend the events.

 

Offering significant savings on the rack rates means that delegates can still enjoy a break on the south coast despite the credit crunch.

 

The heightened delegate interest comes as Eastbourne Conference Bureau begins its second year under the Conference Membership Scheme, funded through a group of accommodation and businesses that benefit from the town's conference industry.

 

With the resort enjoying its most successful year ever for conferences, members can look forward to thousands of delegates staying with them, and the next few years are already looking just as promising.

 

Between 2010 and 2013 there are 18 confirmed conference bookings, with an additional 22 events pencilled into the diary.

 

Offering a completely free venue finding service and with Eastbourne's brand new art gallery, Towner, now open and providing additional exhibition space for future events, the resort has a number of stand out features to attract new business to the town.

 

For more information on conferences in Eastbourne visit www.conferenceeastbourne.com or telephone 01323 415437.