More than ever before, the Midlands’ hospitality and tourism industry is critical to the Region’s success. Awareness of the Region nationally and internationally, as a thriving business centre, as an unmatched location for tourism and with an unrivalled selection of locations for events – is at its highest ever level.

marche is committed to promoting and protecting the interests of the industry. With a membership drawn from independents or part of a chain, large or small, supplier or service provider - marche provides a unique focus for organisations of all sizes from every relevant section of the industry.

What are our over-riding objectives? They’re the same as our members: to raise standards and improve customer satisfaction, to create the most positive image possible, and – most of all - to maximise on the business opportunity.

marche continues to play a pivotal role in the development of the region’s hospitality and leisure industry. It works with partners on bids for significant business opportunities and has been instrumental in bringing some of the largest events to the region in recent times.

marche liaises closely with many key organisations amongst them airlines and airports, Chambers of Commerce, Councils and media groups across the region, to provide an industry voice in the promotion of the region nationally and internationally.

Importantly it is not a new organisation but one which has worked with and for the sector for many years and thereby is at the heart of the sector. Historically, together with Birmingham City Council it founded one of the foremost convention bureau - the Birmingham Convention and Visitor Bureau (now Birmingham Convention Bureau). It was a founder member of Birmingham Marketing Partnership now Marketing Birmingham and numbers amongst the Executive, colleagues who have considerable experience of regional and national destination organisations.

It represents its members in the region’s most significant forums, including:

> Business Voice WM
> Regional Sector Skills Partnership
> British Hospitality Association
> Meeting Industries Association

> City Centre Partnership
> West Midlands Business Transport Group
> Marketing Birmingham
> Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry
> Employers Coalition
> Birmingham Hotel & Catering Academy
> Tourism for All UK
> Bank of England Birmingham Panel

and until recently the West Midlands Regional Assembly.

And in times of adversity marche, as an over-arching organistion acts as a focus to tackle the challenge.

Membership of marche is drawn from all aspects of the hospitality and events sector – from the largest international chains to privately owned and run independent hotels. The major conferencing and banqueting centres and allied organisations, as well as bars and restaurants. We also welcome as Associate members, many companies and organisations that support the industry – both from the professional sector and from key suppliers to the industry.