Center Parcs, a respected UK destination for the business event market, has asked its corporate events clients about the impact of summer 2012’s high profile events.
The results are based on responses from 110 event organisers. Amongst these were representatives from organisations such as Vodafone, HSBC and the NHS.
85% of the respondents to the survey who have in the past hosted summer events in the capital will be moving their events outside of London.
Of the overall respondents, 42% regularly host events in London; with a further 40% of these London events taking place during the summer months.
The research goes on to highlight that 15% of those who plan meetings, conferences and events in the capital will postpone any activity to later in the year.
58% cited an increase in costs as their reason for hosting events outside of London and 17% indicated the transport issues as their reason for migrating their meetings and events.
Center Parcs’ research on the business events market is also underpinned with research carried out by the European Tour Operators Association who predict an average 90% downturn in bookings in London during summer 2012.
Center Parcs is recognised as being a unique choice for corporate events and team building, with four across the UK and a prestigious client list including Innocent, Sainsbury’s and Gap.
Ian Linley, head of corporate sales for Center Parcs commented “Some months ago we noted an increase in demand for summer events. Subsequently we carried out the research which clearly underlines the huge opportunity for venues outside the capital’s perimeter to benefit from the displacement of business events from London.”