Major tourism conference comes to Durham

A major national tourism conference is coming to Durham this month, attracting delegates from across the UK.

The Tourism Management Institute’s annual conference is taking place at the Radisson Hotel in Durham City.

Visit County Durham (VCD) fought off competition to secure the conference.

Melanie Sensicle, VCD’s chief executive and Craig Wilson, destination development manager will be giving presentations on how the county plans tourism development and delivers information through a county-wide visitor information network.

There will also be sessions from Keith Bartlett, programme director for the sell-out Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition on how to deliver a successful heritage event, and event producer Dave Bilton on Lumiere Durham.

Delegates will also be treated to an evening gala event in Durham Cathedral and will be able to choose from Beamish Museum and The Bowes Museum for a study visit.

Melanie said, “We are looking forward to hosting the Institute and showing off Durham to people who really know a good visitor destination when they see one. We are doing some innovative things in Durham, finding ways to continue to deliver a range of tourism services despite falling budgets, and this has been recognised by Visit England and others in the world of tourism.

“2013 has been a great year for the county with accommodation occupancy and attraction footfall up and business confidence growing. The Tourism Management Institute’s visit has come just at the right time and we are excited to welcome them here.”

Robin Barker, chair of events for the Tourism Management Institute added: “Durham put in the best bid for hosting the convention, combining a great venue with local support, and importantly, local stories to tell about the evolution of the county as a major destination.”

The conference begins on Wednesday 16th October and runs until the 18th. For more information go towww.tmi-events.org.uk