UKinbound is to hold its annual convention next year in Manchester.
The winning bid was submitted by Marketing Manchester, with the event to take place on February 25-26, 2026.
Then convention has taken place in September for the past four years but will revert back to February from next year.
The event historically took place each February until 2021, when Covid restrictions put a pause on all events.
The event has grown in size from 250 delegates attending in 2021 to more than 400 expected next year.
As the convention will be taking place during the UK’s low season, delegates will also have the opportunity to see attractions and product that is available to international visitors all year round, giving them the insight to sell visitation to the city at all times of the year, according to the trade body.
A range of fam trips for delegates will enable delegates to experience the city and surrounding region.
UKinbound chief executive Joss Croft said: “We are really excited that Greater Manchester will be the host destination for our annual convention in 2026.
“The city presented an impressive bid, that not only highlighted their exceptional track record of hosting events, but also a real passion for collaborating with the travel trade and desire to further grow international visitor numbers.
“I am confident that this partnership will result in an exceptional and valuable event, and we look forward to showcasing what Greater Manchester has to offer, to our delegates.”
Victoria Braddock, managing director of Marketing Manchester, added: “It is such an exciting time to hold an event in Greater Manchester and there has never been a better time for inbound international visitors to come here, so I am delighted that UKinbound will be hosting their 2026 annual convention in the city, giving us an opportunity to showcase the destination – and lots of fantastic new developments – to influential buyers and suppliers who support the UK’s inbound tourism sector.
“We have recently launched a new strategy for the visitor economy, identifying an increase in inbound international visitors via Manchester airport as one of five key targets to achieve.
“I look forward to sharing more detail on the vision and thinking behind the strategy, as well as the steps that we, as a sector, will be taking to meet our targets.”