The Visit Wales is stepping up its campaign to attract a greater share of the business tourism market with the launch of a DVD and conference planner at this year's Meetings and Incentive Travel Show in London on 19 and 20 June.

Wales: Where the World Meets is the theme and title of the new DVD which is designed to inspire event organisers to use Wales as their first choice for conferences, meetings, corporate hospitality and incentives.

The four minute promotional film showcases the very best that Wales has to offer, highlighting its diversity in terms of conference venues, accommodation and activities.

Commenting on the strategy behind the DVD, Pat Crimp, WTB's Head of Marketing and Commercial Operations, said: "Business tourism is the most lucrative, highest growing and greatest yielding component of overall tourism - yet it only accounts for about eight per cent of all tourist trips to Wales and 11 per cent of spending. There is a huge potential for growth within this sector and we are eager to grasp the opportunity.

"The DVD is packed full of contemporary and striking images which will make people stop and think about Wales in a fresh light. It highlights our accessibility and our flexibility in terms of hosting events. If organisers want five star accommodation - we can give it to them. If they want to combine hosting a meeting in an historic castle with exciting adrenaline raising activities, we can facilitate them.

"Everything is right here on our doorstep and the only limit to creating a world class, memorable event really is imagination."

The DVDs will be used by Visit Wales and partner organisations when pitching for events and will also be available to conference and event organisers free of charge on request.

The DVD will be supported by a brand new edition of Visit Wales' Conference Planner, which contains the latest information from venues around Wales. The planner is full of ideas and essential information including hire rates, bedroom numbers, types and capacities of meeting rooms and availability of exhibition space, AV equipment and video conferencing facilities. It also contains tour itineraries together with a list of major events and support services contact details.

A total of 9,000 of the conference planners will be mailed directly to event organisers while 32,000 request cards are being produced ready for distribution among the trade.

Pat Crimp concludes: "This year's conference planner is bigger and better with more advertisers than ever coming on board. The combined approach of the DVD with the planner will help us get our message across that Wales is where world class meets business class."

The first showing of Visit Wales' new business tourism DVD will be at Stand B12 at the Meetings and Incentive Travel Show in ExCel on 19 and 20 June. Also at the stand will be some of the WTB's partner organisations including the Newport Conference Bureau, the Vale Hotel Golf and Country Club and the North Wales Conference Centre.

Notes to Editor

North Wales Conferences will be launching a revamped version of its destination brochure at M&IT, which will also be available on CD-Rom for the first time. The brochure gives a flavour of what North Wales can offer event organisers as a conference destination, focusing on its beauty and tranquillity. George Brookes, manager of North Wales Conferences, said: "The brochure is a door opener, a little taster to show people what they can expect if they hold their conference in North Wales - and we believe it will leave them speechless!" For further information on North Wales Conferences visit www.northwales-conferences.co.uk

South East Wales is gaining a strong reputation for itself as a top destination to hold international events. Forthcoming events include The International Porsche Club Parade 2002 (15-17 August 2002) and Metalbulletin International (27/28 May). Newport is playing host to The Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open in August and the International Speedway in June 2002. The whole destination is gearing up for the Ryder Cup in 2010. In August 2002, the area is running a familiarisation trip for conference and event organisers featuring the Wye Valley, Roman Caerleon and Celtic Manor. For further information please contact lynne.richards@newport.gov.uk on tel 01633 233 327.

The Vale Hotel, Golf & Country Club has quickly established a reputation as one of the premier hotels in Wales, with its unique combination of luxury accommodation, golf and leisure facilities, and the largest Spa in Wales. Set in 400 acres of beautiful countryside, the hotel enjoys an enviable location, just two minutes from junction 34 of the M4, 15 minutes from Cardiff city centre, and 15 minutes from Cardiff International Airport.

Since it opened its doors a little over two years ago, the resort hotel has added many extra features to its portfolio, including a second 18 hole championship golf course (opens Sept 2002), an additional conservatory restaurant sitting 100 people with fabulous countryside views, a private healthcare clinic manned by some of the top orthopaedic surgeons in the country and a 3,000 square metre indoor training facility, which has been used by international football and rugby teams.