Tourism set to take centre stage

The annual Exmoor Tourism Conference takes place on the 3 March 2016 at the Beach Hotel Minehead, with an impressive line-up of speakers covering a range of important topics.
The conference provides an ideal opportunity for everyone involved with tourism whether an attraction, accommodation business, retailer, activity provider, service industry – large or small. The invitation is equally extended to supporting organisations and community groups, to come together in preparation for the new visitor season. In addition to the conference, this year’s event incorporates the popular ‘Exmoor Exchange’ with over 25 trade stands booked (to date) to share information, gather literature and network with colleagues.

The conference starts at 11.15 am and will cover a range of important and exciting topics including:

Reviews and updates of the work of Exmoor Tourism to promote Exmoor, featuring newly appointed agency Greentraveller who will outline PR and marketing plans for the year and Elke Winzer, ET’s new Development Manager who will share thoughts on future opportunities.

Details of new and exciting ventures such as the Watchet Boat Museum, Lynton to Barnstaple Railway extension and the Steam Coast Trail.

Insights into a range of successful Exmoor businesses such as the West Somerset Railway and its 40th anniversary plans, the award-winning Cross Lane House boutique hotel, and South West Lakes Trust who’ve retained their Gold Green Tourism Business Award at iconic visitor attraction, Wimbleball Lake.

Partner updates from Exmoor National Park, Hinkley Tourism Action Partnership and Visit Somerset 

Entry to the conference, and exchange, including buffet lunch and refreshments is only £15 for Exmoor Tourism members and £25 for non-members. Advanced booking is essential, and can be made online at http://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/trade/conference2016.

The Annual General Meeting takes place immediately before the conference at 10.30am and is open to all members of Exmoor Tourism.

Looking ahead to the day, Evelyn Stacey, Chairman of Exmoor Tourism, said “This promises to be an informative and useful day for everyone involved in Exmoor’s tourism industry which contributed a staggering £253m to the local economy in 2014. I hope that as many people as possible will join us as we share plans for the future – the whole community stands to benefit from the development of sustainable tourism.”

“Exmoor Tourism was formed a year ago by bringing together the former Exmoor Tourism Partnership and Exmoor Tourist Association into a single body. Since then we’ve achieved a huge amount. With new contractors joining us, including the appointment of Greentraveller as our marketing agency for the next 12 months, we’re confident that we will be able to deliver more for our members in the coming months and years.”

A limited number of trade stands are still available to be booked on a first come first served basis. A stand costs £35, to include one entrance to the conference and lunch. For further details contact Teresa Lovering at secretary@exmoor.com.