London DMC’s Insights

Tired of unimaginative, “off the shelf” programmes coming back from DMC’s? We invest original creativity into every proposal – getting under the skin of the brief to propose unusual event ideas for unique experiences.

Looking for a fantastic destination for your group this year? Something vibrant with millions of options for hotels, activities, dining and more? London leaves you spoiled for choice.

We love the UK and London is our heartbeat. We are passionate about hosting and operating here – in one of the best meetings and incentives destinations in the world. But don’t just take our word for it – here are our top 5 reasons why London is the hottest MICE destination in the world right now:

London DMC’s offering fantastic rates

VisitBritain anticipates a staggering 38.8 million overseas visitors travelling to the UK this year. That’s one of the busiest years on record and a 1.3 million visitor increase on 2018. Spending by overseas visitors is also forecast to be up this year by £1.8 billion, to a staggering total of £24.9 billion. https://www.visitbritain.org/2019-inbound-tourism-forecast. With the value of the Pound remaining much lower than pre-referendum rates, many leisure, business and corporate group travellers are finding their budgets go farther in the UK than ever before. As one of London’s top DMC’s we help our clients maximise those budgets and show them the very best of what London and the UK has to offer corporate groups.

Event design London and world-class event production London

A key focus of our destination management is providing class leading technical and creative production. The UK events industry is world leading and the quality of production available, via the right partner, can ensure your event has a flawless finish. Whether it’s a full conference set design or creative production for a spectacular gala dinner, our team provide the very best solutions with the highest health and safety standards.

UK accessibility for international MICE groups

London is well served by several major airports and a myriad of national and low cost airlines offering highly competitive group rates from origins all over the world. As a UK wide DMC we operate all over the country and with more flights than ever before arriving into the UK’s regional airports such as Birmingham, Manchester and East Midlands, the whole country is open for business. Why not consider exploring some of the UK’s historic regional towns or world class golf resorts outside of the London area, during your programme? Get in touch to find out more about what the UK has to offer from one of the country’s top DMC’s.

London DMC’s top hotels picks

London is a melting pot of cultures and one of the most historically rich cities in the world, juxtaposed by being one of the most advanced and developed. The London skyline boasts space-age looking skyscrapers alongside some of the world’s most splendid gothic architecture. The venue and hotel options for group events, meetings and incentives in the city is equally diverse – let’s take a look at some of our top pics for hotel accommodation and group/gala dinners:

Rosewood London, High Holborn

When they opened their splendidly refurbished doors in 2013, Rosewood wowed the capital with the new life they had breathed into the magnificent old Pearl Assurance building. With their brand focus on a ‘sense of place’ the Rosewood combined classic British grandeur with Asian décor influences to create opulent bedrooms and suites all within walking distance of Covent Garden. The hotel also features some impressive in-house meeting and dining space for groups.

Great for: Covent garden access, impressive décor, luxurious bedrooms, classic with a contemporary edge, meeting space, suites.

Read more here.

The Savoy, Strand

The Savoy is so steeped in history that it’s the only hotel in Europe to boast its own in-house archivist. Many of the hotel’s historic claims to fame are on display at the property – Coco Chanel’s original hand signed key card, photographs of Marilyn Monroe gracing its halls, plus patronage from every conceivable monarch and world leader over the past century. Bedrooms have been designed with comfortable luxury in mind, in keeping with the period of the hotel’s design with a classic feel. There is also extensive meeting and dining space for groups within the property.

Great for: History and heritage, Soho access, theatre access, classic décor, famous faces, traditional style.

Read more here.

Citizen M Tower of London, Trinity Square

A relative newcomer to the London scene, Citizen M Tower of London celebrates its 3^rd birthday this summer. Offering more bijou bedrooms and stripped back service than some of the city’s 5 star contenders, Citizen M Tower of London boasts some of the best views in London from its location right beside Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Ultra contemporary in style with some great, quirky British touches, this hotel is a fantastic option for groups wishing to be close to the City and financial centre. There are some small meeting facilities onsite.

Great for: City access, landmark views, contemporary style, compact bedrooms, young incentive groups, value for money.

Read more here.

Other London hotel suggestions for groups from one of London’s top DMC’s

The Ritz, Piccadilly

The epitome of opulence in walking distance of Buckingham Palace and London’s finest shopping areas.

Read more here.

Ace Hotel, Shoreditch High Street

Edgy, cool and cost effective. A vibey hub in London’s trendy Shoreditch area.

Read more here.

Hotel Café Royal, Regent Street

Oscar Wilde’s old stomping ground with a dramatic contemporary facelift and some of the most distinctive bedroom designs in London.

Read more here.

ME London, Strand

It’s all about the rooftop at this trendy, buzzy hotspot in the centre of theatre land and a stone’s throw from the river.

Read more here.

Event agency London’s top Gala Dinner Venues

The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington

Because who doesn’t want to have dinner underneath a colossal t-rex skeleton? An absolutely stunning venue which never fails to provide a wow factor for gala dinner events.

Read more here. 

Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, South Bank

Stunning views across the river to St Paul’s Cathedral and delectable fine dining, privatisation options available.

Read more here.

Hogwarts Great Hall, The Making of Harry Potter, Warner Bros Studio, Leavesden

A fully immersive experience and one of the most unusual venues London has to offer – dining on the set of Harry Potter in the Great Hall at Hogwarts! Themed characters and incredible scenes make this a magical group experience.

Read more here.

Start planning your London event with us

Looking for a trusted local partner in the UK? We have expert local knowledge and relationships in London and throughout the UK. Our global client base gives us an excellent understanding of different cultures and diverse groups. Our pillars of discretion and compliance ensure we host inbound business on behalf of our global clients with the utmost efficiency and appropriateness.

Let us show you what London has to offer your group – enquire now for a bespoke DMC proposal liz.axten@thektsgroup.com
+44(0)7880 545 811