Celebrating the best of British (and Ireland)

March 9 2011 , Written by thediversetraveller Published on #Best of British, #Birmingham NEC, #Britain, #British, #British Tourism Week, #Ireland, #Minister of Tourism & Heritage, #Ola Fagbohun, #Tourism, #Trade Show, #travel, #Travel Beyond the UK

Picture: 'Party on the Pier'. Source: http://www.britishtourismweek.com

Hands up who knew that British Tourism Week kicks off this weekend,12-20 March 2011?

I thought so, not many of you. Well it does, and the aim is to "demonstrate the critical value of tourism to the economy of the United Kingdom."

Britain’s fifth largest industry – worth £115 billion, 8.9% of Britain’s GDP

Supports 2.6 million jobs and over 200,000 Small and medium-sized enterprises – more jobs than construction or transport

Overseas visitors contribute round £16 billion a year to the economy.

Source: British Tourism Week 2011

One of the many events that will take place during British Tourism Week is the Best of Britain and Ireland travel (BoBI) trade forum at Birmingham’s NEC from 16-17 March. BoBI sells the best of Britain and Ireland to British and international markets in a strictly trade-only business environment.

So, over two days, this essential industry event offers "unrivalled business opportunities for exhibitors, trade visitors and VIP Hosted Buyers from overseas and the domestic market."

And that's where I shall be on Wednesday, March 16th, as I was lucky enough to snag a press pass along with a first Class seat in an exclusive carriage in a Virgin train from Euston to Birmingham International.

Exclusive not only due to my lovely presence, but because I shall be travelling with honourables, such as The Minister for Tourism & Heritage John Penrose MP, Sandie Dawe, Chief Executive of VisitBritain, and Lady Cobham, Chairman of VisitEngland, Ooh la la! I shall be on my best behaviour.

As this is a trade show, I shall have the opportunity to meet representatives from national and regional tourist boards, destinations, hoteliers and attractions, hopefully coming away with lots of travel tips, writing ideas, and the inside track on the latest travel, tourism and holiday news for 2011 and 2012. All of which I promise to share with you, while at the event (via twitter and facebook) and afterwards by way of blog posts here and features on DiverseTraveller.com.

For more about the Best of Britain and Ireland trade show visit: http://www.britainandirelandevent.co.uk

As I shall be in such esteemed company, it's occurred to me that I should have a few thought-provoking questions up my sleeve, just in case I get the opportunity to have a chat with the honorables. So, over to you, what should I ask, and please keep it clean?

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Ola Fagbohun

03/31/2011 14:16

WoW! I can't believe that BoB&L ignored my numerous phone calls and emails re where to send my tickets for the event. Long story short, I travelled down from Sheffield for nothing as I didn't go. I won't be so easy to fool next year.<br />