Planners Rate London Tops for Global Meetings

London has been rated the most favorable location for international meetings, according to a recent survey of 187 North American meeting professionals with global responsibilities.

The survey was conducted by Development Counsellors International, a New York City marketing firm. Other top international destinations included Barcelona, Spain;  and Paris, each cited by 10 percent of those polled; Italy (8 percent), Singapore and all of Spain (7 percent each).

Asked for the most helpful international convention bureaus, planners again chose London (15 percent), followed by Singapore (10 percent) and Barcelona, Amsterdam and Vienna (6 percent each).

When asked to name their top meeting destinations in North America, respondents chose Chicago (21 percent), followed by San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New York City. Planners ranked San Diego's convention and visitors bureau as the most helpful such organization in North America (14 percent). In addition:

• Fifty-eight percent said meeting with destination representatives influenced their perception of the area.

• Seventy-two percent consider fam trips important.