UKEVENTS gets ministerial meeting and advocates Tourism Growth Plan

UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation for the UK events industry, recently met with Sir John Whittingdale (pictured) OBE, MP, the interim minister for tourism. The meeting, initiated by the minister, provided an opportunity to discuss specific areas in which the events sector could contribute to the UK’s economy and growth prospects. Representing UKEVENTS were its chair Chris Skeith OBE, and Michael Hirst OBE, advocacy and government relations lead. UKEVENTS underlined the importance of the government harnessing the potential of the events industry as a catalyst for the recovery of the visitor economy and wider economic growth. UKEVENTS also highlighted the importance of winning more international business and creating new events aligned with government priorities. “The events industry can serve as a cornerstone in positioning the UK as a global hub for business and leisure events,” said UKEVENTS. The organisation then explored strategies to maximise ministerial advocacy and soft power in support of the events industry. UKEVENTS also brought to the forefront the significant challenges posed by frictional costs and complexities encountered by international businesses when choosing the UK as their preferred destination. These obstacles were highlighted as impediments to progress. The minister emphasised the importance of providing evidence to influence Treasury thinking regarding the allocation of additional funding for any prospective new body. UKEVENTS stressed the need for a more coordinated approach across various government directorates, especially those responsible for culture, creative industries, and tourism. UKEVENTS proposed moving beyond the Tourism Recovery Plan and concentrating efforts on developing a comprehensive Tourism Growth Plan. This new plan would prioritise events, both in the realm of business and leisure, across the UK, thereby strengthening the nation’s status as “the world’s premier meeting place.”