Tourism teamwork for post-Olympic economic success in UK

Speaking at a special keynote session at the Hotel & Catering Show, held at Bournemouth BIC on 5 & 6 March 2013, Wells delivered an inspiring presentation, assuring the local audience that protecting and nurturing tourism growth in the South was a key priority for the Secretary of State and DCMS.

Highlighting the achievements of London 2012 and the Visit England 'GREAT' campaign, Wells spoke of the substantial investment government had contributed to promoting the country to both UK and overseas audiences, and the encouraging results which have been achieved.

Through the use of extensive televised footage of England, showcasing some of the country's most iconic landmarks and glorious scenery, the 'GREAT' campaign has done much to enhance a positive image of England to a global audience, whilst reminding and urging the domestic market to rediscover and reconnect with the national delights on their own doorstep and embrace the great British holiday. Early forecasts show that current investment into the GREAT campaign is projected to help generate around a quarter of a billion pounds for the British economy over the next two years.

Wells' session at the Hotel & Catering Show, now in its 57th year, brought together an audience that included hospitality owners and tourism providers, as well as key figures from the region including Jeremy Pope, Dorset's High Sheriff and Vice Chairman of the Dorset Olympic Board, and professor Adam Blake, Deputy Director of the International Centre for Tourism and Hospitality at Bournemouth University. All were united in recognising the importance of tourism to the economic recovery of the region, and the ongoing work needed to ensure its survival.

Commenting on the session and the Hotel & Catering Show in general, Jeremy Pope said; "It was great to see the Hotel & Catering Show revived so successfully this year and a fitting tribute to the event that Deirdre Wells OBE gave the keynote address regarding our regions tourism industry and Olympic and Paralympic legacy opportunities.

Tourism is a major contributor to the economy of Dorset, including the conurbation, and so to have direct links with such a senior member of our sponsoring Ministry was a great bonus.  We were so proud to have hosted the sailing events in Weymouth & Portland and it is critical we exploit the wonderful shots of Dorset's coast and countryside, which were beamed to billions of viewers worldwide during the Games and Torch Relay."

A number of key issues highlighted during Wells' session were also topics for discussion and debate across other sessions running throughout the two day seminar programme at the Hotel & Catering Show, designed to empower, advise and give insight to local hospitality business owners.

The importance of partnership working between hotel and restaurant owners with local tourist attractions and tourism bodies was further discussed in a session focusing on the importance of marketing consortia, chaired by tourism business consultant David Curtis-Brignell, plus a free customer service and loyalty session was delivered by national provider, Welcome to Excellence.

The Hotel & Catering Show 2014 will be taking place at Bournemouth BIC from March 11-12, 2014.