SWTA 2018 CONFERENCE
Kate Nicholl
Dierdre Wells
Patricia Yates
Carolyn Custerson
Sally Everton
Robin Barker
Kurt Janson
Liz Waugh
Stephen Darke
Alistair Handyside
David Ralph
Amanda Lumley
Graham Wason
Deborah Heather
Clare Bushby
Patricia Yates has been with VisitBritain/VisitEngland since 2005, becoming Strategy & Communications Director in 2007. She is responsible for research, tourism affairs and communications. Patricia will present an update from VisitBritain/VisitEngland, update us on the Discover England Fund and her wide experience will help steer many of the panel discussions.
UKH is the result of a merger between two large lobbying associations, the BHA and ALMR. Kate is a first-class speaker and an accomplished lobbyist. We will be asking Kate to lead the conference debate on Tourism Taxes.
Stephen has worked in Whitehall for over a decade. His previous roles include Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Culture (2014-17), Ministerial Speechwriter at HM Treasury (2012-14), and Senior Arts Policy Advisor (2008-12). Stephan has a unique and refreshing presentational style and will update us all on how various pressure points on tourism are perceived by Government.
Date: 13th November 2018
Venue: Tiverton Hotel, Tiverton, Devon
The conference will cover the key issues facing the visitor economy in the South West:
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The need for a level playing field
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Discover England Fund, successful bids from the South West
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Business Rates reform
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Discussion on possible Registration Schemes for Tourism Businesses
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Tourism Tax, good or bad?
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Update on road and rail improvements
The following key speakers are confirmed for the Conference (mouse over photographs for panellist details):
Patricia Yates
Strategy & Communications Director, Visit England
Kate Nicholl
CEO
UKHospitality
Stephen Darke
Head of Tourism
Dept of Culture, Media & Sport
Kurt Janson
Director
Tourism Alliance
David became Chief Executive of Heart of South West LEP in June 2018. Previously, he had spent 5 years as CEO of the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP from 2013 where he oversaw the development of the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan and sector strategies and 3 Growth Deals with HM Government to deliver a £1 billion capital investment programme

Carolyn has 30+ years working in the UK tourism industry and is known for her infectious enthusiasm and passion for progressive tourism. Previously Director of UK holidays for SAGA, Specialist Tourism Advisor for Business Link Devon & Cornwall and Senior Tourism lecturer at Plymouth CFE. She ran Close Focus Tourism Consultancy and managed the set up of ERTC.
Alistair Handyside
Chairman
South West Tourism Alliance
David Ralph, Chief Executive
Heart of the SW Local Enterprise Partnership
Dierdre Wells OBE
Chair
Tourism Alliance
Carolyn Custerson
Chief Executive
English Riviera Tourism
Alistair Handyside
Chairman
South West Tourism Alliance
Alistair Handyside
Chairman
South West Tourism Alliance
Alistair Handyside
Chairman
South West Tourism Alliance
Alistair Handyside
Chairman
South West Tourism Alliance
Alistair Handyside
Chairman
South West Tourism Alliance
Alistair Handyside
Chairman
South West Tourism Alliance
Alistair Handyside
Chairman
South West Tourism Alliance
Alistair Handyside
Chairman
South West Tourism Alliance