What is a Convention & Visitors Bureau?

A convention and visitors bureau, often referred to as a CVB (or VCB), is a non-profit destination marketing organization that is usually found within medium-to-large sized cities around the world.

Providing information about a specific location is what a CVB does best. From providing visitors with tourism guides, maps, images, brochures and discounts to luring convention attendees and delegations to their towns, CVBs’ are great resources for business or pleasure travelers.

The challenge that CVBs’ have faced over the years is with identity recognition. Most of the general public is not familiar with the “CVB” acronym, however it is widely recognized in tourism and meeting planner industries.

Some CVBs’ are membership based, just like a chamber of commerce, and several are actually divisions within their local chamber. However other CVBs’ are separate, private entities that solely focus on leisure & professional tourism to a destination.

Typical services include:
– Visitor Information
– Convention & Leisure Sales
– Membership
– Housing / Convention Services
– Marketing & Promotions

Many CVBs’ have their own, branded websites; however, there is one location on-line that provides links to several of these sites, and that is the OfficialTravelGuide.com sponsored by Destination Marketing Association International.

CVBs’ are typically funded by local government organizations, such as a tourist development council. They may also supplement their funding through grants, membership, special events (golf tournaments, fashion shows, annual luncheons, etc.) and corporate sponsorships.

One of the most recognized advertising campaigns launched by a CVB (CVA in this case, which substitutes “association” for “bureau”) came from Las Vegas. Their edgy subject matter, though unpopular with some, was very memorable to most viewers, “Las VegasâÂ?¦What happens here, stays here.” Other bureaus have tried to achieve that level of success with their advertising, but few have come close.

As an individual, I highly recommend turning to CVBs’ for support as you travel. Some can even help you plan events such as weddings, family reunions, volunteer or group outings and more. Aside from providing information on their websites, most CVBs’ have toll-free numbers that you can call and speak to a live person during business hours.

A valuable resource for any traveler, you should get familiar with the CVBs’ in your own area or anticipated vacation destination. Contact them and request a visitor information packet, they’re great to keep on hand for family visits or whenever you travel. Using the rich data and visual materials that they send, you can easily plan your next great getaway!

Once you’ve traveled with the assistance of the CVB, you’ll never go anywhere without their assistance!