Exeter Racecourse experiences phenomenal growth
Exeter Racecourse has recorded its best ever results for conference and events bookings since it first significantly started to build this side of the business in 2005.
The period from 1 January until 30 June saw a 30 per cent increase in revenue compared to the same period in 2012 and the highest following the opening of its £2.2million extension, in 2009, which doubled the size of the facilities available.
From January until the end of June, the racecourse hosted 300 separate events, with an average of 500 visitors per week and just under 12,000 delegates in total.
General Manager Tim Darby said the astonishing results were due to two major factors “the customer experience at Exeter Racecourse is second to none and as a result we get a lot of repeat bookings and there is an increase in consumer confidence with general economic improvement.”
He added: “It is also due to having a hard working and dedicated team at Exeter who are extremely professional in their approach and who pay an immense amount of attention to the tiniest of details which enhances the customer experience.”
The results coincide with Exeter winning the Best Experience category in the Jockey Club Racecourses Core Value Awards decided by a panel of four judges who voted conferences and events at Exeter to be the best experience out of its 14 racecourses that include Cheltenham, Newmarket, Sandown and Kempton.
Regional Business Development Executive Michelle Thomas said: “This figure is largely due to repeat business and recommendation following positive experiences from existing clients. We are renowned for our excellent service and attention to detail and that has to be the best form of advertising there is. We find our existing customer base remain very loyal to us and they re-book year after year as they can be assured of a consistently excellent level of service.”
As well as the thriving conference and events business, 16 horse racing fixtures take place at Exeter from October until May each year.
Tim Darby said: “The two businesses are extremely compatible, attracting a vast audience and showcasing each other to potential new business very effectively. On the racing front we had an increase of attendance of some 6% despite us losing three fixtures due to the bad weather. The volume of visitors we get to Exeter on a daily basis is quite astounding, and as such, we are finding very positive signs of growth in all aspects of our business. The signs are all very good as we look forward to our new race season starting in October.”
