Tourism Policy Conference 2026

Tuesday 17 November 2026

Tickets ∘ Speakers ∘ Agenda ∘ Sponsors ∘

  • 9.30 – 16.30

  • Six Park Place, St James’s, London, SW1A 1LR

About the conference

Hosted by the Tourism Alliance, the conference brings together senior industry leaders, policymakers and expert voices to examine the strategic policy issues shaping the future of UK tourism.

Under the theme Tourism 2030: Growth, Access, and Competitiveness, the conference will focus on the key structural challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including competitiveness, international access, workforce resilience, and the role of tourism within wider UK growth policy.

Through a programme of keynote addresses, thematic sessions and panel discussions, the event will provide a platform for informed debate on the policy choices that will define the next chapter of tourism growth.

The conference offers delegates the opportunity to engage directly with senior stakeholders from across government, industry and policy institutions, and to contribute to the development of a coordinated, long-term policy agenda for the visitor economy.

Further details on speakers, sessions and programme content will be announced in the coming weeks.

General Admission

  • £205 + VAT  Tourism Alliance members

  • £295 + VAT Non-members

What To Expect

  • Keynote presentations and policy-led panels examining the strategic issues shaping the future of UK tourism, including competitiveness, international access, workforce, and long-term growth.

  • Discussion on how government policy, regulation, and investment decisions are influencing the visitor economy, and what a more pro-growth framework for tourism could look like over the next decade.

  • Opportunities to engage with senior policymakers, industry leaders and expert voices, contributing to high-level debate on the priorities required to support tourism as a key driver of national economic growth.

Ready To Join?

Join senior industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders for a focused examination of the strategic issues shaping the future of UK tourism, from competitiveness and access to workforce and long-term growth.

Hear from expert speakers and panel discussions exploring the key policy challenges and opportunities influencing the sector, and contribute to high-level debate on national priorities for tourism.

Connect with colleagues across government, business, and tourism organisations, and take part in meaningful discussions that help shape a shared agenda for the visitor economy over the next decade.

Our Speakers

More speakers will be announced soon

Ben Butler

Senior Policy Manager

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

Supporting Small Businesses Across the Tourism Economy

Ben leads policy work across tourism, high streets, local government and supply chains. He has played a key role in FSB’s response to the proposed visitor levy in England and co-authored FSB’s 2024 Future of the High Street report. With a background spanning policy development, advocacy, research and local government, Ben brings a broad perspective on the issues affecting small businesses, including those in the tourism and visitor economy.

Ben will offer a policy perspective on the issues affecting small businesses across tourism and the wider visitor economy. Drawing on the FSB’s work with small businesses and policymakers, his session will explore key issues including the proposed visitor levy in England, the future of high streets, local government and the resilience of supply chains.

Chris Webb MP

Chair

APPG for Hospitality and Tourism

The APPG’s Role in Supporting Tourism Businesses

As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism, Chris Webb MP plays a key role in ensuring the concerns and priorities of tourism and hospitality businesses are heard in Westminster.

He will share insight into how the APPG works with businesses and industry leaders, builds cross-party support and engages with Government on the policy issues affecting the sector.

Representing Blackpool South, one of the UK’s best-known seaside destinations, Chris also brings valuable first-hand experience of the importance of tourism to local economies and the wider visitor economy.

Debbie Woodcock

Group Director, Strategic Relationship Team

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Recruiting with DWP

Debbie Woodcock will explore how tourism businesses can work with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to access talent, tackle recruitment challenges and connect with potential employees across the visitor economy.

As Group Director for DWP’s Strategic Relationship Team, Debbie oversees relationships with national and strategic employers, partners and trade bodies, as well as DWP’s employer and partnership activity.

Having worked in the Civil Service since 1999, with senior operational leadership roles across HMRC and DWP, Debbie brings extensive experience of employers, the labour market and supporting businesses to recruit the people they need. She will share valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the tourism workforce.

Tourism Policy Conference Agenda

  • Six Park Place, St James’s, London, SW1A 1LR

  • Agenda coming soon

09.30-09.50
Registration
09.50-10.00
Welcome: Joss Croft OBE, Chair of the Tourism Alliance

Hosted By

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Charity Partner

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship packages are available for the Tourism Policy Conference 2026.

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