Conference bookings at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Bristol City Centre hotel have risen by 30 per cent year on year as increasing number of businesses look for quality meeting facilities in the city.

General Manager John Dowling believes Bristol’s growing importance as a centre of excellence for tech, media and telecom businesses as well as its burgeoning TV and film sector has convinced people the capital of the South West is an ideal place to do business.

The double-digit improvement has been attributed to the four-star hotel’s impressive conference and meeting centre and its clear focus on guests’ needs.

John Dowling said proximity to Temple Meads train station, which allows those visiting from further afield easy access to the Redcliffe Way-based hotel has also helped the upswing in bookings.

He said:

“The growing number of business people visiting the city as well as the increase in home-grown, organic talent is really placing Bristol on the map.

“With a decision finally taken on the location of The Arena, the possibility of a Convention Centre at Temple Island and further exciting developments at Ashton Gate, Bristol’s reputation as a fantastic place to do business has been further strengthened.

“Rail improvements means London is much closer and that is good news for venues like ours, especially as we’re literally over the road from Temple Meads.”

John Dowling said attention to detail and investment in new facilities had paid off in terms of positive response from customers demanding top-end facilities.

He concluded:

“The conference and meetings sector is critically important to the success of Bristol’s hospitality industry and our venue has helped the city establish itself as a major destination for business events.

“The reputation of the venue as well as the professionalism of the team has definitely made a difference and bookings are strong for the rest of the year.”