Bookings are now open for the Tourism Policy Conference which will take place on Tuesday 19th September 2023.
Book now for a range of interesting speakers, presentations, and panels on a range of live and future tourism policy issues.
Conference Programme
0915-0945 Registration
0945-1000 Welcome and introductions
1000-1045 The Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP, Minister of State for Tourism, and Laura Backhouse – Head of Tourism, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Ministerial Keynote and DCMS Q&A
1045-1115 Cllr Adam Hug – Leader of Westminster City Council
The UK’s Tourism Nerve Centre – The visitor economy’s importance and challenges for Westminster City Council
1115-1130 Coffee
1130-1230 Panel – Delivering England’s DMO Review
Peter Hampson – British Destinations (Chair)
Andrew Stokes – England Director, VisitEngland
Ian Thomas – Destination Director, Newcastle-Gateshead Initiative / North East DDP
Deirdre Wells – Chief Executive, Go To Places
1230-1315 Lunch
1315-1345 Craig Belsham – Assistant Director, Partnerships and International Consumer Policy, Department for Business and Trade
Package Travel Regulations – Update from the Department for Business and Trade
1345-1415 Philippa Rouse – Director, Migration & Citizenship, Home Office
FBIS Delivery Update: What’s next for the UK’s borders, visas and ETAs?
1415-1445 Stephen Ryan, Minister Counsellor, EU Delegation to the UK
Travelling to the EU – An update on EES and ETIAS
1445-1500 Coffee
1500-1600 The Big Tourism Tax Debate
Tom Jenkins – Chair, Tourism Alliance, CEO of ETOA (Chair)
Andrew McPhillips – Chief Economist, Northern Powerhouse Partnership
Deborah Heather – CEO, Visit Isle of Man and Chair, Tourism Society
Dan Harrison – Board Director, Professional Association of Self-Caterers (PASC UK)
Chris White – Local Government Association
Joanna Kurowska – Managing Director, UK&I, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Kate Nicholls – CEO, UKHospitality
1600-1645 Challenges and Opportunities for tourism under Labour – A public affairs panel
Richard Toomer – Executive Director, The Tourism Alliance (Chair)
Emily Wallace – Managing Director, Inflect Partners & CEO Trade Association Forum
Peter Campbell – Head of Public Affairs, Airport Operators Association
Chris Heley – Senior Account Director, Tendo Consulting
William Hall – Head of London Public Policy & Strategic Communications, Pinsent Mason
1645-1700 Closing remarks