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Bristol Welcomes Tourism Management Conference to city

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

The conference entitled 'Destination Management, Cutting Edge Skills for Changing Markets', will take place from today, Tuesday 7th October through to Thursday 9th October 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 require 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 programme of study tours also feature in the programme.

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 programme 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 harbourside 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 harbourside 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 organisations in the South West - Destination Bristol, South West Tourism Skills Network, the South West Development Agency and Carrier Direct Marketing.

Further details about the conference can be found at www.emmm.co.uk/tmibristol

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Notes to Editor

Destination Bristol, formerly the Bristol Tourism and Conference Bureau is a not for profit partnership between Bristol City Council and Business West. Destination Bristol is the destination management partnership for Bristol and South Gloucestershire and leads the marketing of the area as a travel destination. The aim of the organisation is to work with members and partners, to increase business competitiveness, support employment and economic growth, and raise the profile of the Bristol city-region as a European-class travel destination.

Details of the full TMI conference programme, including study tours and delegate registration can be found at www.emmm.co.uk/tmibristol

Kairen Kellard, Kennet District Council's Tourism Manager and Director of the Tourism Management Institute and Head of the Events Group is contactable on 01380 734653

For more information please contact:

Kerrie Grist

Marketing Executive

Destination Bristol

Tel: 0117 946 2205

Email: kerrie.grist@destinationbristol.co.uk