Role and Mission

It may be too simple to say that a convention and visitors bureau sell cities, but in reality, that is their primary mission. Bureaus are charged with the task of development an image that will position their cities in the marketplace as a viable destination for meetings and visitors. They then have to coordinate those constituent elements in order to attain that desired image.

Bureaus have another important role, working with meeting planners and group planners. The bureau is the key resource for planners who need assistance in a a number areas -- contact names, location information, locating necessary facilities, and acting as a convention management consultant. The bureau acts as the broker or liaison between the planner and the host destination and its resources.

Bureaus also serve as a city's information center and by responding to visitor inquiries. This information can be anything from hotels, restaurants, attractions, shopping, recreation, and entertainment opportunities. The CVB is essentially a visitor's one stop shopping center for ideas and information.

Source: Destination Marketing for Convention & Visitors Bureaus by Richard Gartell