The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has announced a £2m investment to help strengthen the region’s appeal as a business tourism destination.

The funding will support actions including the introduction and adoption of a quality accreditation scheme tailored specifically for the conference and meetings industry.

Channelled through the region’s five tourist boards, the investment will also be used to identify new business opportunities and bid for major international conferences, as well as improving current marketing and monitoring the region’s performance in this sector.

Nick Brooks-Sykes, head of tourism marketing at the NWDA, said: “The visitor economy in the northwest relies heavily on the performance of the business tourism sector, so it is vital that we continue to invest in its success. England’s northwest already has a good reputation for business tourism, but we need to continue to drive up quality if we are to remain competitive.

“As well as the substantial direct and indirect revenue gained from hosting meetings, exhibitions and incentives, business tourism has knock-on benefits including the promotion of future leisure travel and inward investment opportunities in the region.”

The news follows the NWDA’s announcement last month that it would be investing £20m into leisure tourism.