“ There is only a finite pool of existing talent , which everyone is tussling over . To ensure our sector ’ s full recovery , we urgently need to widen that talent pool by tackling the issue at grass roots level .”
Essa director Andrew Harrison
£ 99m
Value or prearranged Curated Meetings at Hyve ’ s Spring Fair .
£ 10m marketing campaign to attract visitors
Prime minister Boris Johnson has called on international tourists to visit the UK for events this year , ahead of a £ 10m marketing VisitBritain campaign .
The prime minister said the UK is safe and open for visitors with no testing for fully vaccinated tourists – declaring it as “ one of the most open countries in Europe ”.
VisitBritain ’ s campaign will spotlight cities including London , Edinburgh and Cardiff that have been hit hard by the lack of international visitors during the pandemic .
The campaign will build on the government ’ s Tourism Recovery Plan published in June 2021 which aims to get domestic and international tourism back to pre-pandemic levels a year faster than independent forecasts predict .
Landmark events highlighted by the government to encourage international visitors include the Queen ’ s Platinum Jubilee and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games .
Also highlighted is the large-scale creativity and innovation expo , Unboxed : Creativity in the UK – previously known as Festival UK * 2022 and known colloquially as the Festival of Brexit .
Culture secretary Nadine Dorries said : “ There is huge pent up demand from international tourists to visit the UK and my message is clear : our brilliant tourism , hospitality and leisure businesses are ready and waiting to welcome people back .”
VisitBritain CEO Sally Balcombe said : “ As well as messages of welcome and reassurance , we ’ re shining the spotlight on our vibrant and diverse cities .
“ This year ’ s landmark events , set to be global tourism draws , also present exciting and timely opportunities to highlight once-in-a-lifetime experiences that visitors can only have here , and to promote our welcome and creativity to the world .”
11
New shows at the NEC in 2022 , including the Battery Cells & Systems Expo .
100
Events organisations now members of sustainability body isla .
20,000
Visitors to the National Running Show in January .
12,500
Capacity of the planned Sage arena in Newcastle ’ s Gateshead Quays .
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