Destination Bristol, the tourism partnership for Bristol & South Gloucestershire hosted on Friday, April 27, host its largest membership conference since the set up of the organisation in 1998. The event will take place in Explore-At-Bristol, one of the city’s major attractions.
The yearly meeting is attended by local tourism establishments and this year there will be representation from over 150 industry professionals, made up of local accommodation providers, attractions, restaurants and other tourism services to include event organisers, retail outlets and transport operators.
The key speaker at this years event is Tom Buncle, Managing Director of Yellow Railroad International Destination Consultancy, who will deliver a speech on Global Travel Trends, entitled ‘Will we still want tomorrow what we want today?’. Tom has over 25 years experience in tourism development and marketing on four continents (UK/Europe, North America, Asia and Africa) and previously spent four years as Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourist Board.
Additional presentations will be delivered by Rob Graham from the Bristol Alliance on Cabot Circus and the transformation of the city centre, Simon Birch, West of England Strategic Partnership on The West of England Tourism Development Plan and Julie Finch, Bristol City Council on the development of Bristol’s museums.
The conference will conclude with two optional workshops; one to encourage increased awareness and participation of ‘The Green Tourism Business Scheme’ and the other to generate discussion among accommodation providers on ‘Extending weekend stays’.
John Hallett, Managing Director Destination Bristol said “We are delighted at the turn out to this year’s conference, which is testament to the value of the industry to the city and a measure of the commitment of our tourism industry providers”
Report by Chitra Mogul
