On Wednesday 5 December 2007, we held our annual stakeholder event. Approximately 200 industry leaders attended, from attractions, hotels, industry associations, business venues, destinations and tour operators/destination management companies. The event gave an insight into the opportunities and challenges for tourism in 2008, our plans for the coming year and the opportunities around Britain from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

To allow as much of the industry as possible to express their views and concerns, there was an interactive text facility. There were a number of questions for the Government regarding the value they place on tourism, as well as concern over the recent comprehensive spending review settlement for VisitBritain. A number of recurring themes came through.  To view these themes and our responses please use the menu on the right-hand side to navigate to the relevant section. 

Chief Executive, Tom Wright's presentation is available to download.  

Building the value of tourism to Britain is an A5 booklet which was given out at the event.  

Our Chairman, Christopher Rodrigues, concluded the event by announcing the objectives and governance for the Tourism Strategy Review, announced by James Purnell, Secretary of State. The review will focus on how VisitBritain can best deliver our four core strategic objectives for the years 2008/9 to 2010/11. 

Also available is a summary of his closing speech. 

We are always keen to hear from the industry. For a list of who to contact, click here.

To keep up-to-date with VisitBritain’s plans, make sure that you are signed up to our monthly newsletter.