The Tourism Society - People in all the right places

Minister for Tourism and Heritage John Penrose MP presented to a capacity crowd at the Tourism Society’s Ministers Question Time which opened the Best of Britain and Ireland (BoBI) Travel Trade Forum during BTW. In his keynote speech to the travel trade audience Penrose stated that ‘the new Tourism Policy aims to put the industry in the driving seat’. The new policy will allow the industry to have more control over Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and how they are run. Ultimately DMOs will be run by the industry, with government, local and national, taking a supportive role. Penrose also stated that the Royal Wedding, Queen’s Golden Jubilee and the Olympics were just the ‘hors d’oeuvre’, suggesting that the UK will have some of the largest global TV audiences the world has ever seen, bringing with them an excellent opportunity for the industry for 2013 and beyond.

Penrose was joined on the panel by James Berresford Chief Executive, VisitEngland, Simon Gregory Director of Markets, Tourism Ireland, Riddell Graham Director of Partnerships, VisitScotland and Allan Bell MHK, Minister for Economic Development, Isle of Man. The event was chaired by Ken Robinson CBE FTS, Policy and Advocacy Task Group Chairman, The Tourism Society.

Questions from the audience focused on daylight saving, the Hotel Rating Scheme and visas amongst other things.

On the question of daylight savings Riddell Graham mentioned that in Scotland the industry has mixed views, although the government is against it. The industry-led Scottish Tourism Forum is discussing it with its members and will report the findings to VisitScotland. In response to this Penrose said that the Prime Minister is set on the idea of one time zone for the whole of the UK, so he would only introduce the change if Scotland wanted it.

On the future of Star Rating scheme Penrose stated that the government wasn’t planning on abandoning them; however, he wants the industry to take them on and change and update them as they see fit. James Berresford mentioned that VisitEngland will review the system with the industry, modernise it and integrate socially generated reviews and will reinvigorate the system that will be beneficial to consumers. It will however have to have some commonality with Scotland, Wales and Ireland to avoid confusion for consumers.

Penrose’s final request to the industry was for help with his ‘Red Tape Task Force’. He would like to be sent detailed examples of where red tape has acted as a barrier to business, in order for government to remove it and make business easier.
 
If you could not attend the event but want to hear what was said it has been recorded by the Society’s webinar service. To request a copy of it please email daniel@tourismsociety.org

-ENDS-

This press release is also available on TravMedia.com

For further information, please contact:
Daniel Moriss-Jeffery Tel: 020 8661 4636 daniel@tourismsociety.org or www.tourismsociety.org 

Note to editors:
The Tourism Society (est.1977) is the leading network of professionals in the industry. All sectors are represented: hotels, attractions, destinations, operators, travel companies, writers, academics, students and consultants.
British Tourism Week is co-chaired by Tourism Society and VisitBritian
•    Best of Britain & Ireland Travel Trade Forum (BoBI) 2011 took place at the NEC 16 & 17 March. It is the official travel trade event of the year.
•    BoBI is a strictly trade-only two-day event.
•    BoBI is the centrepiece of British Tourism Week www.britishtourismweek.com
•    BoBI is organised by BoB Events in partnership with VisitBritain and in consultation with the BoBI Steering Group.
•    The event has comprehensive industry backing and the support of the national and regional tourist boards.
 
For further information, please contact:
Contact BoBI - Angie Watson - angie@bobevents.co.uk