Seven years on from the previous report, the updated findings offer valuable insights into expenditure patterns across different types of business event, the growing trend of international delegates extending their trips, travel preferences, intention to return and sustainability perceptions of their host destination.
Delegate expenditure increased
One of the key findings from the new report reveals a significant rise in average delegate spend for business events in Britain, driven largely by increased overnight stays and international delegates staying longer, alongside year-on-year inflationary increases.
Total trip expenditure per delegate has risen by 75% since 2017—from £359 to £629 in 2024 (excluding registration fees).
International delegates
Other key findings show that International delegates have a much higher average spend per delegate than their domestic equivalents (4:1) due to length of stay, with average spend reaching £1,824 for non-European visitors, compared to £872 for Europeans and £328 for UK attendees.
Looking at differences among event types, the average trip spend for association events (£854) is significantly higher than for corporate events (£651), and both types are higher than exhibitions (£326) while incentive trip spend in the UK averages £2,113 per delegate.
Extended stays boost visitor spend by 150%
Among those who extend their trip for leisure, the average spend is £1,760. Without the extension, the same delegates would have spent £714 on average.
Business events drive repeat visits, data shows
62% of event delegates say they ‘definitely’ hope to return to the city / region for leisure, 60% say ‘definitely’ to attend another business event and 47% say ‘definitely’ to invest or grow business relationships
The main motive to attend an eventis networking/collaboration (64%), followed by learning (53%) and career development (33%).
These findings, specifically when evaluating delegate spend, underline the high value of securing and hosting business events, the promotional opportunity they provide to encourage repeat visitors and extended stays particularly for international delegates, generally outside peak leisure periods.
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