2023 Tourism Policy Conference

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