Jacqui Allum, director of The Big Hospitality Conversation said: “Hospitality is a growing industry, which is consistently resilient to economic fluctuations and Bristol is ideally placed for attracting domestic and overseas tourists.
“We’re delighted with the response and pledges made by prosperous local hospitality and tourism businesses who are seeking to attract young people.”
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) in partnership with Springboard, Barclays et al, leads the nationwide campaign. Over 36,000 job opportunities have been created so far, just over half of the 60,000 pledges wanted by 2016.
Ufi Ibrahim, CEO of the BHA, said: “Conversations can change a life. At each and every Big Hospitality Conversation, each person in the room has the potential to change their life or someone else’s life for the better, and each and every person attending a Big Conversation event is an ambassador for the hospitality industry.
“The BHA wants politicians to understand how important the hospitality industry is and to help Government understand that this industry starts conversations which can transform people’s lives.”
Hospitality and tourism accounts for over 10% of the UK’s workforce and is the fourth largest employing industry in the UK. The next Hospitality Conversation will take place in London at White Hart Lane, Tottenham Hotspur FC on the 10th February.