11 November 2009

Olympics theme for UKinbound convention

Government and opposition tourism representatives are lined up for a London Olympics-themed 2010 UKinbound convention.

Tourism minister Margaret Hodge and her Conservative shadow minister Tobias Ellwood are due to speak at the event to be held in York on February 3-5.

The convention will focus on preparing tourism business for the upturn and for the 2012 Olympic Games.

It will include political and industry panel debates focusing on visas and the Olympics.

Other speakers include former CBI director general Lord Digby Jones; Walter Dobrowolski, managing director of SportsMark; Donna Taylor, head of accommodation for London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games; lastminute.com UK and Ireland managing director Patrick Hoffstetter and Barcelo Hotels UK CEO Charles Prew.

Accommodation will be at the Marriott York Hotel and the Holiday Inn York.

Delegates will also be taken on a dine-around at local restaurants. A gala dinner and the UKinbound annual awards will be held at the Carlton Towers.

The first 50 tour operators to book the event will also be entered into a draw to win a room upgrade for the gothic-style house dating back to the 17th Century.

UKinbound chief executive Mary Rance said: "This convention will be an important chance for the travel trade to begin its negotiating with those responsible for the Olympic Games.

"With many questions still to be answered around ticketing, accommodation and transport, this phase of communication between the trade and those delivery the Games cannot be missed."

Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity added: "By showcasing our region to tourism operators attending the 2010 convention we can actively inspire and encourage them to sell our destination worldwide; the impact of which cannot be underestimated in the lead up to 2012."

*See further details on TravelMole.TV.

by Phil Davies