Conference Leeds has welcomed the return of #ExploreLeeds, as research from the conference bureau has revealed that more professionals in the UK are looking to combine business with pleasure as online searches for ‘workcation’ have increased 186% over the last 30 days1.
In response to demand from business visitors that have visited the city, of which nine in 10 said they would visit Leeds again with their family or friends for a short trip2, Conference Leeds has welcomed the return of the #ExploreLeeds campaign; a film series designed to illustrate the unrivalled delegate experiences on offer in Leeds, to encourage delegates to extend their stay or return as a leisure visitor to explore everything the city has to offer.
Business tourism contributes £138 million to Leeds’ economy, with 93% of business visitors confirming they would recommend Leeds as both a leisure and business trip destination, and #ExploreLeeds highlights the fantastic delegate experiences that business visitors can experience during their time in the city.
The four films in the series showcase standout destinations and things to do in the city, including the Grade-I listed Leeds Corn Exchange, home to independent stores and eateries, Leeds Kirkgate Market, the biggest indoor market in Europe, walking tours to view the fantastic array of street art and the stunning architecture of the Victorian Arcades. Delegates can also enjoy days out that are easily accessible from the city, to take in the beauty of the rolling Yorkshire Dales National Park, visit the Victorian spa town of Harrogate or Haworth home of the Bronte sisters, to encourage visitors to journey further whilst in the heart of the North. The films also showcase a selection of Leeds’ award-winning dining destinations which earned Leeds its reputation as ‘Foodie Capital of the North’.
#ExploreLeeds follows Leeds being named as one of the top UK Conference Destinations and securing its place on Rough Guide’s best travel destinations in 202313. The city is also currently immersed in Leeds 2023, a year-long celebration of culture with an exciting programme of curated events designed to let culture loose in the city.
This film series is the second iteration of #ExploreLeeds, a campaign which was launched in 2021 to highlight the city’s exceptional conference and events offering and features venues with historic architecture, diverse meeting, dining and reception spaces, hybrid technology solutions and luxury accommodation.
On the return of #ExploreLeeds, Claire Heap, Head of Conference Leeds, commented: “We are delighted to launch this campaign to showcase the city and the wealth of delegate experiences available to business visitors who are attending a conference or event. Leeds boasts an outstanding conferencing proposition, and now we want delegates to experience exceptional outside of our world class conference facilities and encourage them to stay longer or return to experience the city with their family and friends.
“Leeds doesn’t do off-the-shelf conferences. Each visitor discovers something new each time they visit the city, and this series of films allows visitors to browse the range of unique and personalised experiences they can expect on their next trip here.”
#ExploreLeeds is now available to view at: https://www.conferenceleeds.co.uk/exploreleeds/
Conference Leeds, the conferencing bureau for the city of Leeds, offers a free and impartial service to assist delegates in experiencing the exceptional. To explore your options ahead of your next conference, visit: www.conferenceleeds.co.uk/enquire/