About Us
Introduction
As the first convention bureau alliance, BestCities is considered both innovative and revolutionary in today's meetings industry.
Not only do BestCities bureaux have unparalleled destination knowledge, we work alongside the meeting planner from the event's inception through to completion to ensure exceptional service and guaranteed success.
BestCities global network allows us to conduct and share detailed event research to aid planners in creating innovative bid proposals. We work with local industry suppliers, public sectors, and other organizations to see that our client's planning needs are met. We also provide on-site event servicing such as complimentary visitor guides for delegates, and information on local services and amenities.
Because we understand that a conference's success hinges on turnout, we help meeting planners recruit delegates and build attendance. BestCities bureaux also provide access to promotional collateral such as videos, slides and brochures, often at no cost.
But we don't stop there. To save meeting planners valuable time, our eight award-winning BestCities partners engage in a unique data exchange process. Staffs from accross five continents share information to ensure that conference planning never starts from scratch when visiting any one of the BestCities bureaux. And because we know each other so well, we can provide planning assistance for the meeting planner's next BestCities destination.
BestCities destinations have international caché, rich in historical and cultural depth, as well as a high standard of living. All of these friendly, English-speaking cities are known for comfort, cleanliness and safety. They are vibrant destinations that feature great natural beauty, striking waterfronts, major tourist attractions, lively arts scenes, first-rate hotels, fine dining, and world-class shopping. All have state-of-the-art convention facilities, many of which are surrounded by at least 10,000 hotel rooms. Every city's amenities are within walking distance complemented by quick, and safe public transportation systems. Delegates have easy access to all BestCities destinations from major international airports.
Profile
BestCities: Delivering the World's Best Convention Bureau Practices
"We, the Partners of BestCities Global Alliance, are completely committed to meeting the needs of our clients by ensuring that we deliver a consistent level of service across all Partner organisations, cultures and countries."
-BestCities Quality Policy Statement-
BestCities Global Alliance is a unique and innovative partnership among eight top convention cities - Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Melbourne, San Juan, Singapore and Vancouver. The Alliance was officially launched in Melbourne in February 2000 and since then, it has attracted and shared hundreds of client referrals and developed its own set of Client Service Standards that have been praised by international meeting clients. In 2008, the partners of BestCities became the first and only Destination Marketing Organizations to have service standards certified by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance (LRQA). This is the first world-wide certification programme for convention bureau organisations. Certification by LRQA guarantees to clients that the partners live up to these standards. This system enhances competitiveness both as a global alliance and as individual DMOs.
The Alliance will continue to undergo an internal and external audit process of its service standards every year to ensure that the Alliance brand will always stand for for delivery of exceptional service. LRQA certificate renewal is dependent on all eight Partners being successful hence meeting planners can be assured of impeccable service from any BestCities bureau.
Not only are the 33 BestCities service standards unparalleled, each BestCities destination is compatible to the other and complements the Alliance's cultural diversity and geographic balance. Its destination appeal includes a safety reputation, positive environment, cultural sensitivity and the facilities, attractions and infrastructure to ensure a successful convention.
Today, BestCities Global Alliance stands for a promise of quality, expertise and professionalism and is recognised for the cooperative spirit that enhances each Partner's contribution and investment. Through resource pooling and leveraging on the exceptional reputation of its Partners, the Alliance continues to build sustainable advantage. The vibrant sharing of best practices, intelligence and knowledge among partners has sharpened each one's competitive edge. The commitment to uphold the standards under its Quality Management System underscores the spirit of excellence in the delivery of services to all clients.
For more information about BestCities Global Alliance:
Team 2010
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Board Chair
Ana Maria Viscasillas
President & CEO, Puerto Rico Convention Bureau |
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Management Committee Chair
Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo
Convention Bureau Manager, Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau |
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Sales Group Chair
Anne Dissing
Project Manager, Wonderful Copenhagen |
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Alliance Public Relations
Natasha-Tome Zwarts, Head of Marketing and Communications
Dubai Convention Bureau |
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Managing Director
Jane Vong Holmes
Alliance Head Office |
Testimonials
“I gained considerable insights into the various ways that organisations such as my own select venues and manage their major conferences and have much food for thought to take back to my fellow officers in the WFP. BestCities seems to have a very good grip on the arrangement and management of major meetings and selected venues. I found Cape Town to be a superb venue for future conferences and the local hospitality was excellent and greatly appreciated.”
- Dr Les Chappell, Executive Secretary, World Federation of Parasitologists
Our Mission:
Through a commitment to a Quality Management System, BestCities Global Alliance delivers the world's best service experience for the meetings industry.
Our Vision:
BestCities Global Alliance will be recognized globally for being innovative and setting and delivering the world's best convention bureau practices for the meetings industry.