TOURISM QUESTION TIME AT BTTF
Tourism Society puts leading tourism figures under the spotlight

The Tourism Society has secured top tourism politicians and leading figures for a Tourism Question Time event at British Travel Trade Fair (BTTF) on Tuesday 11 March 2008 as part of British Tourism Week.

The following panellists will be put under the spotlight for an unprecedented industry debate chaired by VisitBritain Head of Government & Public Affairs, Bernard Donoghue: Margaret Hodge MP , Minister for Culture, Media & Sport, Don Foster MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Tobias Ellwood MP, Conservative Shadow Minister for Culture, Media & Sport, Tom Wright FTS, CEO of VisitBritain, Alan Clark, CEO of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Julian Burrell FTS, Chairman of the Wales Tourism Alliance, Eddie Byers, Director of Industry Engagement for VisitScotland and Lawrence Bate, Director Great Britain for Tourism Ireland.

This high-profile meeting has been held successfully for many years and is one of the few occasions on which tourism policy is discussed in an open forum by actual decision-makers and members of the industry.

Topics such as the 2012 Olympics, Air Passenger Duty Tax, devolution and Britain 's ability to compete internationally are likely to be aired and debated.

Questions for the panel are being sought from tourism industry professionals via the Tourism Society website; click here for more details.

Pictured above: the Question Time event in 2007

ENDS

  This press release can also be viewed at www.travmedia.com

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. Further information on the Tourism Society can be viewed at www.tourismsociety.org

The British Travel Trade Fair (11 and 12 March 2008) is organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions on behalf of VisitBritain in co-operation with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, VisitScotland, the Wales Tourist Board and England 's regions. The UK's premier annual business-to-business travel and tourism event, it attracts 300 exhibitors and 3000 domestic and international travel trade professionals over two days at Birmingham's NEC. Further information on BTTF can be viewed at www.britishtraveltradefair.com

British Tourism Week (10 to 18 March 2008) The second annual British Tourism Week (BTW) takes place from 10 - 18 March 2008. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has confirmed that he will once again be the Patron for this series of inter-related events, which will raise national and international awareness of the size, value and importance of Britain 's £85 billion visitor economy. www.britishtourismweek.com