For the second consecutive year, Boston and Cambridge have been named the Top Destination in the United States for International Association Meetings by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).  In 2009, Boston & Cambridge hosted a record number 36 international meetings, making it the number one destination for international association meetings in the United States.

“This top ranking is the result of the Bureau’s partnerships targeting the international association meetings market”, said Patrick B. Moscaritolo, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB). “The GBCVB and Cambridge Office for Tourism continue to collaborate on programs to grow our international market share.  Clearly, as this top ranking and overall growth in 2009 once again demonstrates, our dedicated sales and marketing campaign is paying dividends.”

The GBCVB’s overall international meetings campaign initiative revolves around partnerships that have been developed with the Cambridge Office for Tourism, Boston & Cambridge hotel members, Massport, the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. Campaign elements include attendance at international tradeshows, such as IMEX and EIBTM, sales missions with GBCVB members, educational trips and dedicated staff to head up the overall sales & marketing effort.

“The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cambridge Office for Tourism and our members have all worked as a team to bring international meetings to Boston & Cambridge, and this #1 ranking demonstrates our success”, Moscaritolo added.

“Partnering with the GBCVB in these international sales and marketing programs affords us an outreach that we could not obtain on our own. This top ranking for Boston & Cambridge confirms that the partnership has worked well for our cities,” said Robyn Culbertson, Executive Director, Cambridge Office for Tourism.