BHA organises first-ever tourism, hospitality summit

The event will bring together leaders of the industry, investors and high-level government officials for discussions. "In a year when the UK will play host to visitors from all over world, the summit provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate the breadth and vitality of the tourism and hospitality industry as well as providing a platform to showcase its importance to the UK economy," says the BHA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim. "All too often we focus merely on expansion and more specifically on increasing volume within existing structures. "What if we focused on new partnerships, reaching across conventional boundaries between hospitality, tourism, sport, media, arts and culture? What would we stand to gain? "This summit, under the theme 'Ready, Set, Go …' focuses on all aspects of growth and explores the potential for improved links in one of the world's most diverse industries – hospitality and tourism." She emphasised that tourism and hospitality was the UK's fifth biggest industry. "It is hugely important in economic terms, but it also impacts on the country's culture, its heritage and its social life. The summit will look to inspire change, partnership and collaboration between industry and government in all these areas." The gathering – expected to comprise some 400 delegates – will focus on powering links between major events, sports, tourism and hospitality "The aim will be to drive economic growth and the creation of jobs in the United Kingdom," said Ibrahim.