18 November 2008
Tourism tackles the credit crunch
Managing business through the credit crunch was the focus of
today’s (Tuesday 18th November) fifth annual Regional Tourism
Conference for England’s Northwest.
The conference, hosted by the Northwest Regional Development
Agency (NWDA) took place at the recently extended Southport Theatre
and Convention Centre. A range of tourism professionals from across
the region gathered at the event, which is the only conference for
the region’s £11½ billion visitor economy.
Keynote speaker David Edwards from VisitBritain discussed the
challenges of managing a business during demanding economic times
and provided an insight into future trends and opportunities for
the tourism industry in England’s Northwest.
Other guest speakers included Stuart Gillis, Director of
Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, Stephen Miles, General Manager of the
Radisson Edwardian in Manchester and Bob Prattey, Chief Executive
of Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre.
Delegates also heard about innovative new research into the
habits of day visitors, staying visitors and the growing business
tourism sector, which will help inform investment decisions and
developments in the future.
The annual regional conference enables key professionals from
across the Northwest to share experiences and explore opportunities
for working together more effectively.
Speaking at the conference, Felicity Goodey, Chair of Tourism
England’s Northwest said:
“The tourism industry in England’s Northwest has displayed a
quiet confidence over the past year, despite some of the toughest
economic conditions in a long time.
“But we are all increasingly aware of the economic downturn and
the potential effect it could have on the visitor economy. This
industry is getting even more competitive, which makes it even more
important for us to continue to deliver exceptional visitor
experiences. Quality, distinctiveness and value for money must be
our guiding principles, whether operating in the public or private
sector. We must continue to invest in our buildings, environment
and people – public and private sector alike.”
-ends-
For further information please contact Helen Batte, Tourism
Press Officer on 01925 400235 or 07764 239856 or Helen.Batte@nwda.co.uk
For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925
400259.
For further information and to view all press releases visit us
at www.nwda.co.uk/press
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic
development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is
responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging
investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life