Mayor Backs Londons First ICC at ExCeL London

2009-10-24

The debate for a London International Convention Centre (ICC) was finally put to bed today with the launch of ICC London ExCeL, the official identity of the venue’s £165 million Phase II investment, with endorsement from Visit London, the GLA and Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

The launch coincided with a new commitment from the city to attract more large scale conference and events with ICC London ExCeL representing the first purpose built large scale convention venue in London. ICC London ExCeL is set to open in May 2010, on time and on budget.

“London ICC ExCeL has been developed following intensive consultation with clients, buyers and industry experts and meets every requirement of an ICC,” commented Kevin Murphy, CEO ExCeL London. “What’s more it is completely privately funded without strain on the public purse but with a projected economic benefit of £1.6bn by the end of 2011.”

“London's fighting back - we want to attract more international events and overseas companies to the capital, building on the seven million business travellers that come each year,” commented Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

“This £165m investment in the capital's first International Convention Centre at ExCeL London underlines our commitment to offer top quality facilities for business. Add to that a superb range of hotels, a comprehensive transport network and an unrivalled range of attractions for business travellers, London is the place to be if you want to create a successful event.”

The launch represents a new era for business tourism in London with the establishment of a Business Tourism Working Group in the capital also with the full support and backing of the Mayor of London.

“Visit London is delighted to support the launch of London’s first International Convention Centre venue - ExCeL London. This is a significant and historic moment for the city and marks a new chapter in London’s offer as a global events and business destination.” Adds Sally Chatterjee, Interim CEO for Visit London.

“ExCeL London has already proved to be of outstanding benefit to London’s business tourism offer and with its new status as the capital’s first ICC it will help towards bidding and winning more large conferences and association events in the future.”

ICC London ExCeL also represents the first Olympic venue to be completed, some two years ahead of the Olympics and completely privately funded.

About ExCeL London
ExCeL London is the UK's premier events, exhibitions and conference venue, located in London on a 100-acre site alongside Royal Victoria Dock in London's Docklands, between Canary Wharf and London City airport. Since opening in November 2000, ExCeL London has hosted over 2,500 events including: trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences, sales meetings, product launches, annual general meetings, award ceremonies, sporting events and religious festivals. More than five million people from almost 200 different countries have visited ExCeL London.

ExCeL London
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Royal Victoria Dock
E16 1XL
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