TOURISM NEWS

A team of leading hospitality industry experts has been assembled to help England’s pubs, restaurants and cafes to thrive.

The Hospitality Sector Council is made up of experts who represent a crosssection of the sector, support the delivery of the Government’s Hospitality Strategy. The council will identify and oversee actions related to the 22 commitments in the strategy, “create sensible solutions” using their expert knowledge and assess the strength of the sector. The Council is co-chaired by Business Minister Paul Scully and includes among its members UK Hospitality CEO Kate Nicholls, Emma McClarkin of the British Beer and Pub Association, Nando’s UK & Ireland chief executive Colin Hill, Greene King chief executive Nick MacKenzie, Starbucks UK general manager Alex Rayner and Mowgli’s Nisha Katona. Scully said: “The hospitality industry has shown incredible creativity and resourcefulness through the pandemic, pivoting to new ways of doing business like al fresco dining and takeaway pints to stay safe, meet changing consumer demands and protect livelihoods. “With the launch of this council, we’re taking the next step in the journey to build back better from the pandemic by unveiling the experts who’ll be driving the reopening, recovery and resilience of the sector.

“It’s a real ‘Avengers Assemble’ moment for the industry.”

Registration is now open for VisitBritain’s free flagship business event, MeetGB Virtual 2022. Taking place from February 15-17, the online tradeshow for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions/ events (MICE) will showcase the very best of business events in the UK on a virtual stage. MeetGB Virtual will welcome international buyers to connect online in real time with UK destinations, venues and suppliers. VisitBritain CEO Sally Balcombe said: “We are delighted to once again offer a virtual platform where international event planners can connect with the UK business events industry. “The new format will offer both buyers and suppliers flexibility that suits their own schedule, helping to create crucial business opportunities and supporting the MICE industry build back demand for live events as it reopens and begins to rebuild.”

www.eventsaregreat.com

Meet Devon is a free venue finding service for all business visits and events for Devon and the south west. It is the first point of contact for anyone considering the region for a meeting, conference, incentive group, corporate golf event, team build or a group celebration. It saves meeting planners, conference bookers and PCOs valuable time, by working alongside the knowledgeable Meet Devon team for unbiased and professional advice.

VisitEngland has announced the latest winners of its Visitor Attraction Accolades for 2020 and 2021 recognising the outstanding visitor experiences on offer across the country. The winners have been awarded Accolades based on the scores they gained in their annual Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment by VisitEngland. With many attractions closed during the pandemic, the usual announcement in February 2021 was postponed until the autumn, with attractions assessed in 2020 and 2021 included.

“I’m so pleased to see our visitor attractions back in the spotlight with these accolades that recognise the amazing experiences available across the country,” said VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes.

In total, 76 attractions were recognised for the exceptional experiences they provide visitors from Welcome Accolade, Hidden Gem, Best Told Story, Quality Food and Drink and the Gold Accolade for all-round top-scoring attractions. Among the winners from the south west were the Bodmin Jail attraction (Best Told Story), Seaton Tramway (welcome), and Plymouth Gin (Food and Drink).

A new training company has been launched to help businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector. The team at Saffron Academy boast more than 150 years sector experience between them. The overall aim of Saffron Academy Limited is to increase the skills of those who are working in the sector to help businesses deliver a “world class service locally”. “We are delighted to be able to be up and running and being able to offer training to Cornwall and Isles of Scilly businesses,” said director Claire Hall.

“Our years of experience means that we understand the front and back house of businesses and the challenges that they occur.”

FREE VENUE FINDING SERVICE • A completely free service providing a choice of suitable venues and itineraries to fit the brief to make the decision making that little bit easier

CORPORATE AND INCENTIVES • From golfing groups to sailing groups, from coasteering to hawking on horseback, from sloe gin making to a Michelin star feast

TEAM BUILDING IDEAS • From high wires to treasure hunts, from escape rooms to paddle boarding, duck herding to rock climbing, never a shortage of ideas for a team-build in Devon From quirky venues, coastal venues, secret venues, specialist groups, film locations and much more, Devon has it all and can accommodate most briefs however diverse and unusual. Fresh Air for Fresh Thinking is the Meet Devon motto and welcomes all enquiries. For more details contact Sally Everton sally@meetdevon.org or Nicky Harding nicky@meetdevon.org