Tourism and Olympics in region given boost at convention
A CONVENTION aiming to prepare the region’s tourism sector for the economic upturn and the 2012 Olympic Games is being held in Yorkshire.
UKinbound, the trade association that represents the UK’s export tourism businesses, and tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire have launched details of the 2010 event, which will be held in Yorkshire.
The UKinbound Convention 2010 will take place in York between February 3 to 5.
Speakers will include Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham, former director general of the CBI, Margaret Hodge MP, Donna Taylor, head of accommodation for the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and Patrick Hoffstetter, managing director, Lastminute.com UK and Ireland.
Mary Rance, chief executive of UKinbound, said: “We are delighted to be working with Welcome to Yorkshire to bring our members to York. This Convention will be an important chance for the travel trade to begin its negotiating with those responsible for the Olympic Games.
“With many questions still to be answered around ticketing, accommodation and transport, this phase of communication between the trade and those delivering the Games cannot be missed.”
Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Welcome to Yorkshire is working to elevate Yorkshire’s profile as an internationally recognised destination and we welcome the opportunity afforded us by UKinbound to do just that.
“By showcasing our region to tourism operators attending the 2010 Convention we can actively inspire and encourage them to sell our destination worldwide; the impact of which cannot be underestimated in the lead up to 2012.”
Gillian Cruddas chief executive of Visit York, added: “We are delighted UKinbound has chosen York for its annual conference. This event offers a unique opportunity to showcase York and Yorkshire to over 200 of the UK’s top tour operators.”
The event includes seminars, a business-to-business workshop – enabling tour operators and suppliers to pre-book short meetings – and familiarisation trips to enable tour operators to experience itineraries of the region.
