Liverpool's hospitality sector teams up to showcase the city

Staff from some of Liverpool’s most popular hotels have given visitors the perfect taste of the city with a weekend filled with experiences.

Friday 24th February 2023 saw the 3rd year of the Liverpool Agency FAB FAM Trip specifically focussed on UK MICE agents.

The Fam trip was the creation of the Sales and Revenue Subdivision of Liverpool Hospitality the cities Hospitality Association in conjunction with Marketing Liverpool where Sales and Revenue members teamed together to create an unforgettable experience to showcase the city of Liverpool and much of what it has to offer.

With 13 of the city’s most popular hotel venues taking part, the teams put their rivalries aside for 48 hours to host one agent each all coming together at key stages of the weekend for activities.

Arriving on Friday evening, the agents had the chance to check in early and enjoy their host venue before meeting with their chaperone to escort them to Spaces at the Spine a new destination for events in Liverpool. The Spine offers world-class dynamic spaces for conferences, workshops and dining, as well as event production services to accommodate virtual and hybrid events for a welcome reception.

Later the group took a short walk to one of the cities new kids on the block the Novotel Paddington Village where they were welcomed by an exclusive drinks reception of Liverpool Gin sponsored Halewood International. Standing a proud 16 floors tall the Novotel has stunning views of the vibrant City Centre of Liverpool and is nestled in the bustling Knowledge Quarter. Perfectly located close to University Campuses and opposite the new Royal Hospital the hotel boasts access to the best of Liverpool. There the hotels and agents had a chance to meet one to one for a short time where each venues showcased their individual properties to the wider group. Followed by a big prize draw the rest of the evening was free to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Liverpool City Centre or choose to have a relaxing evening at their host venue.

After a hearty breakfast on Saturday morning, the group met at the iconic statue of the Fab Four. The Beatles Statue arrived on Liverpool’s Waterfront in December 2015. Donated by the famous Cavern Club, the placement of the statue coincides with the 50 year anniversary of the band’s last gig played in Liverpool, at the Liverpool Empire Theatre. It’s the city’s most popular selfie spot and is defined as one of the most beautiful skylines in the world. Also located on the Pier Head are the wonders of the The Three Graces building, the Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.

These majestic buildings were conceived and constructed as visible symbols of Liverpool’s international prestige, proud emblems of its commercial prowess.

The Royal Liver Building the jewel in the crown, adorned by two Liver Birds, is the city’s signature landmark. The Liver birds are the city’s emblem and you will find them dotted across Liverpool’s precious architecture.

Being picked up by exclusive coach hire and chauffeur company INTX and guided by Livertours Liverpool the group made a quick stop at Penny Lane for a picture opportunity before arriving at Anfield Stadium the home of the Liverpool FC. There they were treated to a full stadium tour and a look behind the scenes at some of the best football hospitality lounges in the industry. With full access to the dugout, changing rooms and even going pitch side to stand in Jurgen Klopps shoes the group were then served an exquisite 2-course lunch in the renowned Legends Lounge where they were greeted by 2 of Liverpool Legends Jim Case and Steve Staunton. With a chance to ask questions and gain in insight of what it’s like to be connected to one of the most successful sports clubs in the world it was enough for anyone to fall in love with LFC, fan or foe.

Concluding the afternoon at the Liverpool Cathedral the group were left for free time once again where they had the chance to climb the tower, see the vibrancy of this iconic building and its breath-taking experiences and to see the inspiration to some of the western world’s greatest music and visual art.

Meeting later, Liverpool’s guests were treated to a city dine around where they visited three hotel venues for an evening of great food and even more fun.

Sumptuous starters were served at the modern and vibrant Holiday Inn Lime Street. The hotel is located just a short walk from Liverpools main Lime Street Station, the Empire Theatre, St Georges Hall and the Philharmonic Hall and only minutes from the centre of Liverpool.

Shortly after the group where coached to the Pullman Hotel situated on the Kings Dock on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. The hotel combines lifestyle and design, for business and leisure and plays neighbour to The M&S Bank Arena, ACC Liverpool and Exhibition Centre Liverpool. While the Royal Albert Dock is five minutes away. Liverpool One, the Cavern Club and many museums, galleries and venues are also within walking distance.

Deserts were served at the Hilton Liverpool City Centre. This riverside hotel is built on the site of the Old Customs House. Within a minutes walk of the The Beatles Story, and Liverpool ONE, World Museum, and Liverpool Central Station the hotel is an excellent location for all visitors. With large events space the hotel regularly hosts exclusive events with the most sought after tickets and proudly sits overlooking the River Mersey and The Royal Albert Dock.

Bringing an end to a fun filled day the group visited the famous Liverpool Cains Brewery for a nightcap. The area is steeped in history and is now one of Liverpool most popular tourism attractions for Food and Beverage for individuals and groups.

With only a 2^nd nights stay and late check out remaining, for some it was time to wind down although for others there was one last opportunity to experience the vibrant Liverpool nightlife which is for many far too tempting not to immerse in.

The Liverpool FAB FAM is widely being recognised as a key date in the diary for UK FAM trips and with no shortage of volunteers to attend, 2024 dates are already being discussed.

Tom Cobden, Chair of Liverpool Hospitality Sales and Revenue said:

“There are many great things about this event, not only because it showcases the great city of Liverpool to key buyers but it also demonstrates how connected our city is and that our collective drive makes Liverpool Hospitality a hugely powerful energy within Liverpool.

Liverpool has always been a great place to visit for business or pleasure and those who sell the city know that we needs to shout louder about it. Effectively this event is competitors working together and with clear vision and understanding, determination and respect the Hospitality Sales and Revenue community in Liverpool are a leading examples of how collaboration creates big things of which the benefits are available for everyone.”

Jennifer Jensen, Head of Business Tourism for Marketing Liverpool said:

“This fam trip is a perfect example of what ‘Team Liverpool’ really means. Hotels and hospitality partners working together to create fabulous guest experiences which showcase the very best of what Liverpool can offer for business events and tourism.”

Contributing venues and business involved in the Liverpool FAB FAM were. Aloft Liverpool, Cains Brewery, Delta by Marriott, Fazenda Rodizio Bar & Grill, Hard Days Night Liverpool, Hilton Liverpool City Centre, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre, Hotel Indigo, Innside by Melia, INTX Coach Hire, Bus Hire, Chauffeur and VIP Services, Liverpool Convention Bureau, Liverpool FC, Liverpool Gin, Livertours Liverpool, Malmaison Liverpool, Novotel Paddington Village, Pullman Liverpool Hospitality, Liverpool, Quest Apartments, Radisson RED, Spaces at The Spine, Staycity Liverpool