Drenthe is getting its own Congress Bureau. The Executive Board of the Province of Drenthe is providing a one-time subsidy of €40,000 to enable the launch of the new bureau. This gives Drenthe a professional point of contact to help companies and organizations discover the province as a valuable location for conferences and business events, with suitable facilities in a beautiful environment.
There are still many opportunities for the business market in Drenthe, as the existing possibilities are currently only limitedly utilized. In 2024, 4% of multi-day domestic business trips and 2% of single-day domestic business trips had Drenthe as their destination. This can be improved, as Drenthe offers excellent conference venues and unique qualities such as space, tranquility, and nature. The Congress Bureau aims to better showcase these strengths so that Drenthe can better compete with other conference regions.
The new bureau can provide an important boost to the sector. Deputy Willemien Meeuwissen said: “Business visitors bring activity and inspiration. They often come for a conference but return later with family or friends. This way, we strengthen not only the economy but also tourism and the recognition of Drenthe.”
Initiative from the industry The initiative comes from the industry. Two Drenthe companies, together with partners, have developed a plan to promote locations, suppliers, and organizers under one flag. The Congress Bureau will represent Drenthe at trade fairs, ensure joint promotion, and build a strong network within the event sector. It will closely align with the profiling of Marketing Drenthe.
“The financial support helps us to make a first start in making Drenthe visible as a province with plenty of opportunities for business events. Additionally, it is a good way to seek mutual cooperation within the business event sector,” said Monique Huizenga and Anita ter Veld, the initiators of Congress Bureau Drenthe.
With the establishment of Congress Bureau Drenthe, the province takes a new step in strengthening the leisure economy. It fits within the course to position Drenthe as an attractive and future-proof region for tourists and the business market. Furthermore, it is expected that with the arrival of the Congress Bureau, the accommodation sector can benefit from extra overnight stays outside the recreational season.
More information will soon appear on www.congresbureaudrenthe.nl (refers to another website).
