ABSTRACT
Most seminal works on urban tourism identify business tourism as one of the components of tourism in cities. Running in parallel with the development of demand for meetings and conferences, came the materialisation of what would eventually become the exhibitions and trade fairs component of business tourism. The supply of facilities specifically built by cities for the hosting of business tourism-related events is a relatively modern phenomenon. Nevertheless, given the ongoing business tourism boosterism demonstrated by a growing number of cities worldwide, it is reasonable to suggest that the actual returns on the investment of public funds in conference and exhibition centres should be more systematically scrutinised and that externalities arising from these developments should also be taken into account. The role of convention bureaux in marketing cities as business tourism destinations is examined, with reference to the expanding range of techniques and tools that may be employed to attract conferences, exhibitions and incentive trips.
