Perth’s reputation as a venue for major events will be enhanced this month as two major political parties hold their spring conferences in the town.
The Scottish Liberal Democrat and Conservative conferences will bring significant economic benefits to the area, with each event estimated to be worth more than £100,000 to local businesses.
Hundreds of delegates will pour into Perth for the conferences, which take place at Perth Concert Hall and the Dewars Centre respectively, booking local hotel rooms and using local shops, taxi firms, restaurants and cafes.
The Concert Hall in particular has proved a huge financial boon for the town since it opened for business in 2005, with the economic impact of events at the venue now estimated to be in excess of £9 million a year.
Provost Dr John Hulbert said the facilities on offer in Perth make it an ideal venue for events such as major conferences.
“Perth has several large venues suitable for conferences and similar events, which is unusual for a city of our size,” he said.Compact”The compact nature of the city centre makes it easy for delegates to get from hotels to the conference venues, and to use local city centre cafes, restaurants and shops.
“We are seeing more and more of this type of event coming to Perth for example last year’s conference on Global Change and the World’s Mountains at the Concert Hall attracted scientists and academics from all over the world.
“The city has a growing reputation as a picturesque and vibrant place to visit, which has excellent facilities for all kinds of events,” he added.
Horsecross Arts chief executive Jane Spiers is delighted Perth Concert Hall, described by First Minister Alex Salmond as the jewel in the crown of Perthshire following an SNP conference, continues to attract a wealth of high-profile acts and visitors.
“We are delighted to welcome the Scottish Liberal Democrats to Perth in fact we enjoy cross-party support, with regular visits from the Scottish Conservative Party and Scottish Nationalists, too,” said Ms Speirs.
“The hall has been a fantastic investment for the city, and our conference visitors tell us this success is in part due to fantastic modern facilities, but in the main down to extraordinary, dedicated, professional staff who always go the extra mile to deliver beyond expectations,” she added.