Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau is the primary destination marketing organization for the city of Boston and the surrounding Greater Boston region. Established in the early 20th century, it promotes the area as a premier destination for leisure travel, conventions, and meetings. The bureau works collaboratively with local businesses, cultural institutions, and government entities to drive visitation and economic growth. Its efforts are central to sustaining the region's vibrant tourism and hospitality sector.

History

The organization was founded in 1920 as the **Boston Convention & Tourist Bureau**, initially focusing on attracting visitors to the city's historic sites and growing infrastructure. Early promotional efforts capitalized on Boston's role in the American Revolution and its literary heritage associated with figures like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Throughout the mid-20th century, it expanded its mission to include attracting major conventions, particularly after the opening of the original Hynes Convention Center in the Back Bay. Key milestones include its instrumental role in supporting the development of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in South Boston and its rebranding to reflect the broader metropolitan area. The bureau has consistently adapted to market changes, promoting major events like the Boston Marathon and the Head of the Charles Regatta.

Organization and structure

The bureau operates as a private, non-profit organization funded through a combination of member dues, contracts with government entities like the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, and destination marketing fees. Its governance is overseen by a **Board of Directors** comprising leaders from the region's hospitality industry, including major hotel groups, attractions like the New England Aquarium, and cultural institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Internal divisions include dedicated teams for convention sales, leisure marketing, and international tourism, with a particular focus on key markets like the United Kingdom and China. It maintains strategic partnerships with organizations including **Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism** and **Meet Boston**.

Services and programs

Core services include comprehensive convention and meeting planning support for groups utilizing venues like the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and the Hynes Convention Center. The bureau operates a visitor services team that manages information centers and provides resources through its **BostonUSA.com** website and mobile platforms. Key marketing programs promote seasonal attractions, from winter holidays at Faneuil Hall Marketplace to summer visits to the Boston Harbor Islands. It also develops cooperative marketing campaigns with partners such as the TD Garden and the Boston Symphony Orchestra and provides robust services for international travel trade and media familiarization tours.

Economic impact

The bureau's activities are a significant driver for the regional economy, directly supporting tens of thousands of jobs in the hospitality, retail, and transportation sectors. In a typical pre-pandemic year, the **Greater Boston** tourism economy generated billions in direct visitor spending, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues from Cambridge to Quincy. Major conventions secured by the bureau's sales team contribute substantial room-night bookings for properties across the city, from the Seaport District to Downtown Boston. The influx of leisure and business travelers also generates critical tax revenue for the **City of Boston** and the **Commonwealth of Massachusetts**.

Leadership and governance

The organization is led by President and Chief Executive Officer **Martha J. Sheridan**, who previously held leadership roles at **Meet Boston** and the **Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau**. The executive team includes vice presidents overseeing areas such as sales, marketing, and finance. The **Board of Directors** is chaired by senior executives from major regional entities, which have included leaders from **The Liberty Hotel**, **Massport**, and **Boston University**. This governance structure ensures alignment with the strategic interests of key stakeholders across the **Greater Boston** business community, including aviation, academia, and the arts.

Category:Tourist attractions in Boston Category:Organizations based in Boston Category:Convention and visitor bureaus in the United States