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Destination Bristol hosts record numbers at annual members conference

26.04.2007

Destination Bristol, the tourism partnership for Bristol & South Gloucestershire will tomorrow, Friday 27th April, 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.

Other highlights of the conference include the opportunity for members to give a one minute presentation on businesses developments taking place at their own organisations. Kathryn Davies, Membership Manager of Destination Bristol said "Members consider the conference a good networking opportunity and consequently we have received a very strong uptake on the offer to deliver an update on individual tourism businesses. One-minute speakers include representatives from Berkeley Castle, Bristol Balloons, John Wesley Chapel, Carefree Cycling Tours, Bristol Old Vic, Novotel Hotel and National Trust.

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"

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Notes to Editor

For more information please contact:

Kerrie Grist
Marketing Executive
Destination Bristol
Tel: 0117 946 2205
Email: kerrie.grist@destinationbristol.co.uk
Web: www.visitbristol.co.uk

1. 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.