L'EICC (Edinburgh International Conference Centre) will soon be celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, in 2025. By then, will Scotland's leading conference venue have returned to its pre-pandemic business levels? It certainly seems to be on the right track, according to the results published on Monday by its management. " Our figures for 2022 show a post-pandemic rebound and, combined with the bookings for 2023 and the pipeline for 2024 and beyond, we are confident that the industry is returning to pre-pandemic levels. "says Marshall Dallas, CEO of the EICC.
Last year, the EICC welcomed some 72,000 visitors and its sales logically jumped (+45 %) compared with the previous financial year, from £7.4 million to £11.8 million (€13.38 million). All of which, of course, benefits the destination as a whole. Last year, the EICC estimated direct benefits for Edinburgh and the surrounding region at £51.9 million. And the conference centre is determined to shoulder its responsibilities and contribute to the destination's development on the MICE scene, as demonstrated by its takeover of the Convention Bureau during the crisis. The EICC will soon be helped in its mission by the arrival of a new hotel. Expected to open in 2025, the Hyatt Centric will add 350 rooms to the accommodation capacity of HaymarketFoster + Partners.
" The hotel, which is due to open in 2025will strengthen the EICC's position as a destination for international eventsIn addition, a hotel school will help to address recruitment issues facing the Scottish hospitality industry. The hotel will also be one of the most sustainable in Scotland, with zero fossil fuel consumption. "says the EICC management.
