The upward trend reported in many visitor-related experiences since COVID continues with near-record bookings for the Victoria Conference Centre to kick off 2025.
In 2024, Greater VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 largest conference facility hosted 147 events, including 65 large-scale conferences, with 20 city-wide events, according to a news release.
Owned and operated by the City of Victoria, the VCC is the second largest facility of its kind in the province, with a mandate to generate economic benefit for the city. The centre is beginning 2025 with a near-record number of city-wide conferences booked for the year, following a strong performance in 2024.
According to Business Events Victoria, the division of Destination Greater Victoria contracted to manage sales and marketing for the venue, it helped generate 94,200 delegate days, an increase of 12 per cent over 2023; 25,300 room nights, up 10 per cent; and $31.1 million in business sales, supporting more than 10,000 jobs.
B次元官网网址淭he accomplishments in 2024 are more than numbers, they represent a thriving network of influence that benefits small and medium-sized businesses across Greater Victoria,B次元官网网址� Destination Greater Victoria CEO Paul Nursey said. B次元官网网址淢eetings and conferences serve as a vital economic engine, driving vibrancy within our community.B次元官网网址�
With 77,000 square feet of meeting space, 21 multi-purpose meeting rooms, a large exhibit hall and 400-seat lecture theatre, the VCC can host 2,000 delegates or small, intimate gatherings.
The coming year looks promising, with more than 100 events of all sizes already scheduled and more expected. That includes 30 city-wide conferences, the most for any year since the pandemic.
The economic impact of the 30 city-wide conferences secured so far is estimated at $37.5 million and expected to contribute almost $7 million in taxes, while directly or indirectly supporting 9,000 jobs. On average, each city-wide conference generates $1.25 million in business sales. City-wide conferences are larger meetings, conventions, trade shows, or special events with 400-plus delegates that require simultaneous use of the conference centre, hotels, restaurants, and other venues.
B次元官网网址淭he foundation of a strong visitor economy is its business events sector,B次元官网网址� Nursey said. B次元官网网址淐onference and meeting delegates tend to stay longer, spend more than leisure travellers, use more services, are more likely to extend their stay or return for leisure purposes. They generate valuable revenue during off-peak seasons. In addition, attendees book in advance, which adds certainty.B次元官网网址�
