Bristol welcomes tourism management conference to city

The Tourism Management Institute has been working closely with Destination Bristol, the city’s destination management organization to bring its annual convention to Bristol.

The Tourism Management Institute has been working closely with Destination Bristol, the city’s destination management organization to bring its annual convention to Bristol.

The conference entitled ‘Destination Management, Cutting Edge Skills for Changing Markets,’ will take place from today, Tuesday, October 7 through to Thursday, October 9, 2008 at the Mercure Holland House Hotel.

The conference which attracts destination managers and tourism marketing professionals from all over the UK is focused firmly upon developing the skills travel destinations required to successfully serve the changing market place and is the most directly productive event in the destination management calendar.

Designed to meet the specific needs of tourism professionals, the event combines a variety of practical sessions and expert advice with leading keynote plenaries and lively debates, including a special fringe event sponsored by the South West Regional Development Agency, which will discuss the benefits to the tourism economy of the 2012 Olympics. A program of study tours also features in the program.

John Hallett, managing director of Destination Bristol said, “We are delighted to be working with the Tourism Management Institute to bring the annual convention to Bristol and deliver what is going to be an excellent and informative conference for tourism managers and destination leaders all across the country. The conference will also expose delegates to the many excellent tourist attractions and experiences that Bristol and the South West have to offer as working case studies.

So much that goes on in Bristol is watched with great interest by the tourism sector, whether it is the development of innovative new visitor attractions, how the city’s thriving partnerships deliver real benefits or how its cutting-edge creative industries are developing exciting new experimental products that will enhance the experience of tourists over many years to come.”

Study tours being hosted by Destination Bristol featured in the conference program include Bristol’s newly-opened Cabot Circus, where Richard Belt, Cabot Circus director and Pamela Harrison representing West at Work, will both deliver presentations and a show around of the newly-launched shopping destination. A trip to Thermae Bath Spa will also take place, touching upon the role of health tourism and growing need for luxury and indulgent visitor experiences. A harborside, focused tour will include a visit to Brunel’s ss Great Britain, a Bristol Ferry Boat trip and a walking tour of Bristol’s popular re-developed harborside led by harbour master Richard Smith. Delegates will also receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and talk from the project manager of Tyntesfield Estate, a National Trust conservation project on the outskirts of the city.

A Gala Dinner will be held onboard Brunel’s magnificent ss Great Britain on Wednesday evening.

Keynote speaker Jonathon Porritt from Forum for the Future and Sustainable Development Commission is appearing courtesy of South West Tourism and Tom Wright, chief executive of Visit Britain will present plans for the restructuring of the national tourism body on the final day of the conference.

The Pervasive Media Studio, a local Bristol company will also deliver a seminar, drawing upon the considerations and opportunities pervasive media presents with examples from around the world including the Tower of London and Yosimite National Park. Delegates will also have the opportunity to step back in time with a special audio play which recreates the 1831 Bristol Riot in Queen Square.

Kairen Kellard, Kennet District Council’s Tourism manager and director of the Tourism Management Institute and head of the Events Group said, “Skills and training play an integral part in producing a quality tourism product, and the South West is the ideal destination to be hosting this event.”

The event is being supported by tourism organizations in the South West – Destination Bristol, South West Tourism Skills Network, the South West Development Agency and Carrier Direct Marketing.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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