Interview: Mirjam van de Kamp, Account Manager, Associations, Rotterdam Partners

WE TRY TO BE BOLD

Where does Rotterdam's business heart beat?

Mirjam van de Kamp - The headquarters of the main companies are located around the station, as well as near the port, which remains essential to Rotterdam's economic activity. The cruise terminal area also attracts businesses and residents. It's a neighbourhood in the making, as is the area around the Ahoy convention centre. The municipality is aware that building towers is not enough to make a city evolve: it's the people who live there who contribute. The aim is therefore to offer residents a different environment in which to adopt a new mindset.

How do you explain Rotterdam's new-found popularity?

M. v d K. - We have had to reinvent ourselves constantly since the Second World War. But in recent years, we've become more creative and innovative. The construction of the Markthal is a perfect example: we're trying to be different, to be bold. The authorities have also realised that business travel and the meetings and conventions market are crucial for a destination.

What does business tourism represent?

M. v d K. - Overall, it is estimated that 65 % of visitors come to Rotterdam for business, compared with 35 % for leisure. One of the major trends in travel today is the desire to live like the locals. This is very easy to do in Rotterdam, where there is not really a dedicated area for business travellers. So they mingle with the locals, on Witte de Withstraat for example.

Also in this dossier: Rotterdam: Archi-Design home port.