The conference will be aimed at developing the skills base of what is recognised as one of the UK’s biggest growth industries via a strategy which will be agreed by key players from the private and public sector.

The conference will be opened by Tourism Minister Richard Caborn, who will be examining the importance of tourism to the UK economy.

The event is being jointly organised by the Tourism Skills Networks for the North West and South West with support from their respective Regional Development Agencies and tourist boards as well as other public sector partners.

Michael Preece, chair of the South West Tourism Skills Network, said: “At the conference, we will be calling on relevant bodies to ensure that the funding of skills development in this sector is adequate to support increased growth and demand.”Details: www.southwestrda.org.uk