Imagine you’re planning a big family reunion in a city you’ve never visited. You want everyone to have a great time, stay at nice places, and enjoy what the city has to offer, but there’s one problem—you don’t know where to start. That’s where a CVB, or Convention and Visitors Bureau, comes in. Think of a CVB as the city’s welcoming committee and event planner, rolled into one.

Just like that one relative who knows all the best spots and can organize a great outing, CVBs are experts in guiding visitors, planning events, and connecting you with all the local businesses that make an event successful. With years of experience helping people just like you, they’re the go-to resource for making any trip or gathering in a new city as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

In this article, I’ll break down exactly what a CVB is, how it works, and why it’s such a powerful ally when planning events and visits.

What is a Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)?

A Convention and Visitors Bureau, or CVB, is an organization that promotes a city or destination as a place to visit, host events, or attend conventions. CVBs work with local businesses, hotels, and other attractions to encourage tourism and business travel. By bringing people to the area, CVBs help boost the local economy and support various businesses, from hotels to restaurants and local shops.

How Does a Convention and Visitor Bureau Work?

A CVB is funded mostly by a combination of local taxes, membership dues from businesses, and sometimes grants. They don’t directly charge visitors; instead, they use these funds to market the destination, promote events, and provide services to travelers and event planners. The CVB team typically has experts in marketing, events, and tourism who focus on highlighting what makes their destination unique. They offer resources like guides, maps, and local information to make planning and visiting easier for tourists and event organizers.

Difference Between a CVB, DMO, and DMC

While CVBs, DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations), and DMCs (Destination Management Companies) might seem similar, they have unique roles:

• CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau): Primarily focused on promoting a city or area as a tourist and event destination. Their job is to attract visitors and boost the local economy.
• DMO (Destination Marketing Organization): A DMO is very similar to a CVB, with a broader focus on marketing the destination to a wider audience, sometimes including international visitors. DMOs often oversee all tourism marketing, including that of CVBs.
• DMC (Destination Management Company): A DMC is a private business that helps event planners with local services like accommodations, transportation, and activities. They work with planners directly to make sure events run smoothly.

In summary, CVBs and DMOs work more on promoting the area, while DMCs focus on the logistics of individual events and tours.

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Why CVBs are Important for Hotels

CVBs play a vital role in helping hotels attract guests. By marketing the destination as a whole, they indirectly help hotels increase bookings, especially during events, conventions, and busy travel seasons.

CVBs work hard to make the location more appealing, which leads to higher occupancy rates at nearby hotels. They provide hotels with essential data, trends, and forecasts about tourism in the area, helping hotel managers make better decisions about pricing, services, and promotions.

Benefits of Working with a CVB

In my experience, here are the most powerful benefits from working with local CVBs:

1. Local Expertise: CVBs have in-depth knowledge of the area, from hidden gems to popular spots, helping you make the most of the destination.
2. Event Planning Support: They offer free assistance for event planning, from venue recommendations to supplier contacts, simplifying logistics.
3. Access to Local Networks: CVBs connect you with local vendors, venues, and services, saving you time on finding reliable partners.
4. Promotional Assistance: Many CVBs provide marketing materials, visitor guides, and online promotions to boost event attendance and visibility.
5. Cost Savings: CVBs often offer free or discounted services, which can help reduce planning and operational expenses.
6. Destination Marketing: CVBs actively market their city, drawing more tourists and attendees, which benefits your event or business indirectly.
7. Customized Recommendations: They provide tailored suggestions based on your group’s preferences, ensuring a more engaging experience.
8. Group Discounts: Through their partnerships, CVBs can secure group rates and special offers, lowering costs for accommodations and activities.
9. On-Site Support: Many CVBs offer on-site assistance during events, ensuring everything runs smoothly and addressing last-minute needs.
10. Visitor Services: CVBs supply resources like maps, brochures, and local insights, helping attendees have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Working with a CVB is like having a personal guide and event assistant, making the process smoother and more successful from start to finish.

How Hotels Can Work with CVBs

Hotels can benefit from close partnerships with CVBs by sharing information and collaborating on promotions. CVBs often hold events and initiatives that hotels can join, such as city-wide conventions or holiday events.

By participating, hotels can gain visibility among potential visitors and earn more bookings. Hotels can also share details about their facilities, upcoming promotions, and special offers with CVBs to help them promote those options to incoming travelers.

This kind of partnership ensures both the hotel and the CVB are aligned in attracting guests. A CVB can:

1. Promote your hotel to potential visitors by including it in destination marketing materials.
2. Provide tourism data on visitor trends, helping hotels adjust their offerings.
3. Facilitate partnerships with local businesses, which can lead to packages or promotions that appeal to tourists.
4. Help during events and conventions by sharing information about your hotel as an accommodation option for large groups.
5. Offer training and support to hotel staff on customer service and destination knowledge, ensuring guests have a positive experience.

CVBs are a powerful resource for hotels looking to attract more visitors and improve their guest experience.

10 Tips for Working with a Convention and Visitors Bureau

1. Introduce Your Hotel’s Unique Qualities: Make sure the CVB knows what sets your hotel apart, from amenities to location benefits.
2. Participate in Destination Promotions: Join any promotional activities that the CVB offers, like seasonal campaigns or visitor guides.
3. Share Visitor Data and Insights: If possible, share data with the CVB to help them better understand the type of guests you attract and what they look for.
4. Attend CVB Meetings and Events: Staying active with the CVB helps you stay informed on trends and make valuable connections.
5. Collaborate on Packages and Offers: Work with the CVB and local businesses to create packages that attract more visitors.
6. Update the CVB on Hotel Renovations or Changes: If you upgrade facilities or add new amenities, let the CVB know so they can promote these updates.
7. Provide Content for CVB Marketing: Offer photos, videos, or special details to the CVB to feature your hotel in their materials.
8. Host CVB-Sponsored Events: If the CVB needs a venue for an event, offer your space to increase exposure and get more involved in the community.
9. Offer Guest Services Support: Ensure your staff is familiar with the local area and CVB resources to assist guests with information.
10. Keep Communication Open: Regularly check in with the CVB to discuss ways to improve your partnership and attract more guests.

Working effectively with a CVB can give your hotel a competitive edge by increasing visibility and bringing in more guests year-round. By partnering with a CVB, you can make the most of the opportunities your destination has to offer.

CVB & Hospitality FAQ

Here are some additional questions and answers relevant to the topic at hand. 

What makes a destination appealing to leisure travelers?

Destinations that offer unique local attractions, vibrant local communities, and a well-supported tourism industry often draw leisure travelers. A tourism bureau often plays a key role in promoting these attractions and providing information on cultural events, landmarks, dining, and other experiences that appeal to visitors. Strong connections with the local community also help create authentic experiences that enhance the appeal for leisure travelers seeking memorable vacations.

How can meeting planners find the best space and services for group business events?

Meeting planners can assess suitable meeting spaces based on the event’s scale and unique needs, such as capacity for tradeshows, breakout areas, and tech requirements. Engaging in familiarization (fam) tours of venues helps planners get a first-hand look at options. Sending a Request for Proposal (RFP) enables planners to gather specific details about pricing, amenities, and logistics, making it easier to evaluate the best fit. Effective collaborations between planners and venue managers are crucial, with a dedicated point of contact at the venue to ensure smooth communication and support throughout the planning process.

How can marketing campaigns boost visibility and engagement for businesses in tourism and hospitality?

Marketing campaigns in tourism and hospitality should be crafted to highlight key selling points, such as attractions and amenities, while catering to the target audience’s preferences. Investing in coordinated marketing efforts that use digital channels, social media, and traditional advertising enhances reach. Offering incentives, like special discounts or loyalty perks, can further encourage bookings and drive engagement, making the campaigns more effective. Such efforts not only raise visibility but also build stronger connections with potential customers.

What role do nonprofit organizations play in supporting local tourism initiatives?

Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations play a significant role in bolstering tourism by promoting sustainable practices, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering partnerships within the local community. Often working closely with providers and local governments, these organizations can help coordinate resources and expertise to support tourism development. They may also organize and fund projects that attract visitors, support businesses, and stimulate local economies, strengthening the overall structure that supports tourism in the area.

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