VisitEngland, the national tourist board, invites industry stakeholders to attend the first English Visitor Economy Forum in London on 1 December 2011. The event is aimed at the entire domestic travel industry, and is an opportunity to debate some of the big issues affecting the growth of the visitor economy with a broad mix of industry interests.

Delegates will have the chance to discuss future plans to drive growth and attend dedicated sessions on sector trends, transport issues, prospects for 2012, and opportunities on the horizon such as Tourism Business Improvement Districts (TBIDs).

James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive will provide a national overview, reporting on industry performance and collective progress in implementing England’s Tourism Strategy launched in 2010.

Programme highlights include:

- The first definitive debate on the development of Tourism Business Improvement Districts in England. Industry will hear from John Lambeth from CIVITAS - a consultancy in the United States leading on TBIDs development in the US and destinations leading on TBID development plus leading destinations pursuing the TBID model (Bristol, Birmingham and Cornwall).
-  A panel debate on how industry can ensure the events of 2012 deliver long term impact. Expert speakers include Amanda Farnsworth, 2012 Project Executive at the BBC and Lisa Thomas, Chief Executive of M&C Saatchi Group.
- Shaping priorities for growth for transport and the visitor economy. Denis Wormwell, CEO of Shearings Holidays will chair a panel of high profile experts involving the Duke of Devonshire, KCVO, CBE, DL, Elaine Holt, Chairman of East Coast Main Line Ltd, David Quarmby, Chairman of the RAC Foundation and Patricia Hayes, Director of Roads at Department for Transport.
- The latest visitor economy trends and how they can help industry plan for the future. STR Global will present on trends in the hotel sector and Olive Insight on the impact of social trends on domestic holiday taking.

James Berresford, Chief Executive at VisitEngland, said: “We have established the Visitor Economy Forum to provide a platform for the industry to come together and discuss the key factors affecting tourism growth in England.  The quality and breadth of speakers mean this is an opportunity not to be missed, and a great chance for stakeholders to hear all the latest updates and developments affecting their business.”