London has this week been labelled as one of the globe’s most affordable destinations. The finding is great news for overseas business visitors and will be one of the main topics of conversation at this year’s EIBTM trade show which takes place from the 01-03 December in Barcelona (Visit London’s stand is G110).
The new findings, which was published by Lonely Planet this week, show that London’s accommodation and restaurant prices are frequently between one third and one half cheaper than a few years ago. However it isn’t just the favourable exchange rates that are making London an affordable destination. Fantastic deals at museums, hotels and business venues mean business visitors can enjoy great value meetings and events with the added bonus of excellent value in their down-time activities, such as eating out and theatre trips.
Tracy Halliwell, Director of Business Tourism at Visit London said: “London’s always been a great value city where you can do amazing things for little or no cost. Our major museums and galleries are free and the recent growth in budget hotels throughout the capital has been phenomenal. It’s crucial that we now communicate that affordability not only to the leisure visitors but also to the business community too.
Many of London’s business hotels are offering competitive prices on both room rates and day delegate rates. Examples of some of the offers in the capital include:
-Novotel London West has a special winter day delegate rate of £58 (inc. VAT), with complimentary wireless.
-The Jumeirah Carlton Tower Group has day delegate rates starting from £79 (inc. VAT) and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel Group has rates from £55 (inc. VAT).
-Millennium & Copthorne Hotels At Chelsea Football Club have a new offer entitled ‘Sleep with us’ with room-only rates from £99 (plus VAT).
London also has a huge range of unique event venues, such as One Great George Street where room hire and catering prices for 2010 are being pegged at this year’s level, with 20% off these rates from December to February. The Royal Horticultural Halls have extended their special delegate day rate of £39 (plus VAT) on a Monday or Friday until 31 January 2010. And the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC), London’s most prestigious purpose-built centre for professional meetings and events, offers a day delegate rate of £79 (plus VAT). This rate offers clients a fully-inclusive package that has been targeted at the mid-market price point and reflects terrific value for money in the current economic climate.
Kick start your meetings
London has more professional football clubs than any other city in the world. These luxury sports venues make ideal locations for meetings and events. For example, Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea Football Club, is a perfect venue for monthly reviews, client presentations, or team catch-ups. Delegate packages start from £39.50 (plus VAT) per person. And Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, able to cater for 550 delegates, has a special offer entitled ‘Eleventh Man Goes Free’. Book a meeting or conference and for every 10 delegates an 11th will be free.
Destination marketing company offers
Mango Events has a new one-stop football shop for official low-cost match day ticket and hospitality packages, team building, incentives, meetings and events. Premier League Hospitality packages start from £95 per person (pp). Packages are also available which include flights, accommodation and transfers.
Destination marketing company Brook Green has a special ‘James Bond Corporate Challenge by Black Taxi’ at a rate of £85pp, reduced from £105pp (with a minimum of 60 people). It now also includes a pub lunch and a prize for the winning team. Quote ‘EIBTM/Visit London’ when booking.
Meetings fit for a King
The Tower of London offers fantastic value for money with a historical feel. Day delegate packages start from £80pp. Packages include entry to all public areas of this famous fortress and an opportunity to witness the opening ceremony at 08.45 and watch the military guard open the Tower. An upgrade of the package will allow business customers to wow their guests with a private viewing of the Crown Jewels – a unique opportunity to see the most amazing jewels in the world.
More value for money
London also boasts the world-famous Natural History Museum. The kind of place that sees people return time after time, the museum recently welcomed its 25 millionth visitor since becoming one of London’s 17 free national museums and galleries. A recent poll revealed that just 45% of Brits know that these museums had dropped entrance charges (despite this taking place almost eight years ago). So if it’s news to you too, now is a great time to enjoy some of the world’s best museums without spending a penny. The capital also has a wealth of attractions where kids go free. For more information, visit www.visitlondon.com/people/budget/kids-go-free .
This time of the year is also an ideal time to head to the theatre. There are around 40 in London’s ‘Theatreland’. You can choose from a wide range of shows, from musicals such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Wicked, Billy Elliot, Hairspray and Mamma Mia!, to plays including War Horse, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Mousetrap. For details on cheap tickets, go to www.visitlondon.com/people/budget/cheap-tickets.
With Christmas approaching, London’s shopping scene really begins to come into its own too. From Westfield London shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush (Europe’s largest indoor shopping centre in an urban area) to the big high-street names and designer boutiques of the West End and Covent Garden, there’s something for every budget.
For those people keen to brave the elements, the Royal Parks are there to be enjoyed throughout the year, with Hyde Park hosting the magical Winter Wonderland once again this Christmas.
