Bristol will next week host the UK’s first major post-Brexit trade tourism conference, with more than 300 key industry players spending two days in the city for the event.
The conference, organiser UKinbound’s largest-ever annual convention, will bring together delegates from the travel and tourism trade to hear the latest trends in the sector. 
Last held in Bristol in 2000, this time the convention will take place on Wednesday and Thursday at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel with the theme of ‘Innovation and Collaboration’.
Delegates, representing travel trade buyers and tour operators from Bristol’s key international visitor markets, will hear about key trends and forecasts for the future of the UK’s £22bn inbound tourism industry, and have the opportunity to attend a range of seminars to help build their businesses.
The agenda includes a keynote address from Twitter’s former EMEA Vice President Bruce Daisley and two activities chaired by the convention’s media partner TTG Media; a topical panel debate featuring representatives from Tiqets, the Short Term Accommodation Association, South West Tourism Alliance and the Roman Baths Foundation, and an onstage interview with VisitBritain/VisitEngland’s CEO Sally Balcombe.
Alongside the association’s annual general meeting, there will be appointment led business workshops, networking events and UKinbound’s black tie dinner and Awards for Excellence ceremony held at the iconic Aerospace Bristol.
Convention partners Destination Bristol have worked closely with UKinbound to ensure that all those attending can experience the quality and diversity of tourism product in both Bristol and the surrounding areas.
Familiarisation trips will be held primarily for tour operator delegates after the convention who will have the opportunity to explore key attractions including Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol Cathedral, Bristol Zoo Gardens and a street art tour and experience in Bristol, as well as the Roman Baths, No 1 Royal Crescent and the Royal Crescent hotel in Bath.
UKinbound chief executive officer Joss Croft said: “Inbound tourism is already worth over £11bn to the South West economy but the industry has to keep innovating and growing to attract visitors. Our annual convention is a great opportunity for Bristol to showcase what it has to offer now and going forward for international tourists.
“The convention is also a chance for the majority of our members to come together to discuss key topical issues and any challenges they are facing such as the virus outbreak in China and the looming prospect of the end of free movement.”
Kathryn Davis, head of tourism at Destination Bristol and CEO of Visit Bath added: “We are thrilled that Bristol is the host destination for such a prestigious convention at such a pivotal time.
“We have been proud members of UKinbound for a number of years and delighted to be able to welcome our fellow members to the West of England, and a chance to show off the city and surrounds. We have had incredible support from businesses in the area to help make this happen, and would like to thank UKinbound for being great partners to work with.
“Bristol receives the highest number of overseas visitors in the South West and so the continued development of the visitor economy is important to the success of the city region.
UKinbound is a leading travel trade association and the only one that focuses solely on the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector.
It has more than 400 members from across the travel trade. UKinbound addresses and engages with government, the media, travel trade and the general public to raise awareness of the importance of inbound tourism to the UK economy.
