"Marseille is now the second most important city in France after Paris": Maxime Tissot, Marseille Convention Bureau

What effect has the publication of the ICCA world rankings had?

Maxime Tissot - The effect of a bomb! We moved up from 142nd place to 74th. Marseille hosted 33 international congresses and is now the second French city after Paris, but ahead of Lyon and Nice! With all our teams, we have made enormous efforts and convinced the Marseilles authorities to follow our lead. The "European Capital of Culture 2013" effect has enabled the city to attract more events, 457 in 2013 compared with 331 in 2012. We are now recognised as a conference city and are competing with the traditional major European destinations.

How are you positioning yourself in this market?

M.T. - We're relying on our competitive clusters, such as health and biotechnology, digital technology, transport, logistics and shipping. We'll be looking for local ambassadors to help us put forward bids. In terms of the size of events, we are well positioned to host conferences with around 4,000 participants.

Marseille is teeming with projects. Can you give us a few examples?

M.T. - At the end of the year, we will be inaugurating the new facilities at the Stade Vélodrome. We are also looking into the possibility of building the Arena, a 1,500 to 2,000-seat venue dedicated to entertainment and events. In addition, in the port area, near the MuCem, a call for tenders has been launched for the development of various buildings, while new hotel establishments are opening all over the place.